Read any good books lately?

-

"All work and no play make Jack a dull boy."

I don't mean the technical volumes we rely on to keep us current in our genealogical craft. I mean works of fiction that take us to another time or another world. Some may be biographical or historic fiction; others may be cleverly written mysteries. I may be generalizing too much but I think that genealogists enjoy mysteries; why else do we seek answers for our own family history?

Historical fiction and mysteries

A relatively new twist in the mystery genre is the genealogist as a main character. Several authors are writing series of books with these story lines.

Nathan Dylan Goodwin

My introduction to this genre was a few years ago when, as SKCGS newsletter editor, I was offered a complimentary copy of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's  The America Ground.  Since it was his third book, I thought it would be a good idea to read his first two books as well.  I was hooked not only on his books but similar books by other authors.




Morton Farrier

I was introduced to Morton Farrier, an English forensic genealogist who, in producing family history for a client, solves ancient mysteries as well.  Through that book and subsequent books I've learned so much about historical English life--smuggling on the southern coast of England, the suffrage movement, women code breakers during World War II and the English involvement in Suez.  

Goodwin uses dual timelines--the historic story and modern times--to develop his plots.  As we learn the historic events, Morton is researching modern repositories and connecting the dots.  The books are so well researched and so well written they are almost a text book in how to be a thorough genealogist.  And each book leaves us wanting more, anxious for the next volume.

Madison Scott-Barnhart





In his latest book, The Chester Creek Murders, he has started a new series with Madison Scott-Barnhart as a genetic genealogist whose company solves cold cases.  This book helped explain using DNA "cousin clusters" to find most recent common ancestors.  On top of more clearly understanding the techniques used, I was so wrapped up in the characters and the plot that I wanted to hop on Ancestry or FamilySearch and look for the clues myself.  I had to remind myself that this was fiction!

Latest word from Nathan is that he is 61,000+ words written on his next Morton Farrier adventure.  I can hardly wait!

And there's more! Facebook Group


This group exists for fans of genealogical crime mystery stories.  Authors Nathan Dylan Goodwin, MJ Lee, Stephen Molyneux and Wendy Percival set up the group as a place to promote the growing genre and to encourage general discussion.

Don't forget the library!

A search at kcls.org (King County Library System) for the subject "Genealogists--fiction" will give you several other authors you might enjoy.  Happy reading!





MaryLynn Strickland



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's the Question?

-
Image
We genealogists are often told by experienced researchers how important it is to begin with a research question. I resisted doing this for a long time, but now that I use a series of questions to guide my research, the search is more focused and actually finds more of the history of the family I'm investigating. I use a Google Doc as the  research proceeds, where I keep the question(s), the plan, timelines, checklist of resources to search, etc. all in one place. I've seen others use spreadsheets in the same way, perhaps splitting up things in tabs (Excel or Google Sheets). I prefer a document because I add source citations as I find them and I can begin writing up the case right there in the doc as the hypotheses are proven. Specific Questions in Previous Successes As beginners we often have no clue how much and what details we already know about a person, event or relationship, so it's hard to specify what we want to know. But when looking back at successful research, it
Read more

Looking for a Needle in a Haystack? GAME CHANGER at FamilySearch

-
Image
Generated with Bing ImageCreator (AI), March 13, 2024 Where is YOUR Needle, Your Missing Record? Genealogical Proof Standard When we use the GPS (Genealogical Proof Standard) as our guide, we all know that "exhaustive research" can be both tedious and exhausting. Is life long enough to search page by page through all the counties where all the members of a family might have lived, paid taxes, bought, leased or sold property, made a will or died intestate? It is possible that the new Full Text Search at FamilySearch will  eventually  allow us to do just that. It has been estimated that 75% or more of the records at FamilySearch were browsable but not searchable; the only indexes those found in the records themselves. Those records are certainly attainable by using those indexes and browsing to the record of interest, but the process is tedious, often frustrating, and slow. And once found, the record must be read and transcribed to be useful. This new Full Text Search tackles a
Read more

Shedding Your Genealogy "Stuff"

-
Image
AI: Bing Image Creator Generated Changing realities force many of us to consider the future of our genealogical collections. Whether a change in health, a new location or even just downsizing, it can be useful to evaluate what we have now, with an eye to the future. What we can pass along? Plan Ahead First: if you have online trees, create a plan to grant access to interested fellow researchers, even distant cousins. Depending on the website, you may need to add a codicil to your will, or just tell the site whom your successor will be.  Ancestry.com: there are two considerations: your DNA test and your tree(s). It is wise to share your DNA results with a cousin or other relative; no need to wait. Or you can  Assign a Manager .  For overall accounts and trees, there is  Ancestry® Family Plan Memberships .  FamilySearch help file:  How to Connect to a Family Member’s Tree .  B ecause it is a shared tree, a person cannot pass along their FamilySearch account. Ensure that your interested
Read more