The Forensic Genealogist Books

‘At times amusing and shocking, this is a fast-moving modern crime mystery with genealogical twists. The blend of well fleshed-out characters, complete with flaws and foibles, will keep you guessing until the end’ Family Tree magazine Peter Coldrick had no past; that was the conclusion drawn by years of personal and professional research. Then he employed the services of one Morton Farrier, forensic genealogist – a stubborn, determined man who uses whatever means necessary to uncover the past. With the Coldrick Case, Morton faces his toughest and most dangerous assignment yet, where all of his investigative and genealogical skills are put to the test. However, others are also interested in the Coldrick family, people who will stop at nothing, including murder, to hide the past. As Morton's investigation leads him deeper into the Coldrick family's dark history, he is also forced to confront his own family's secrets, which have been buried for far too long. With powerful enemies lurking in the shadows, will Morton be able to uncover the truth before it's too late? This is the first book in the Forensic Genealogist series. ‘ Once I started reading Hiding the Past I had great difficulty putting it down - not only did I want to know what happened next, I actually cared’ LostCousins ‘This is a must read for all genealogy buffs and anyone who loves a good mystery with a jaw dropping ending!’ Baytown Genealogy Society ‘This is a good read and will appeal to anyone interested in family history. I can thoroughly recommend it’ Cheshire Ancestor ‘ Hiding the Past is a suspenseful, fast-paced mystery novel, in which the hero is drawn into an intrigue that spans from World War II to the present, with twists and turns along the way. The writing is smooth and the story keeps moving along so that I found it difficult to put down’ The Archivist

‘Finely paced and full of realistic genealogical terms and tricks, this is an enjoyable whodunit with engaging research twists that keep you guessing until the end. If you enjoy genealogical fiction and Ruth Rendell mysteries, you’ll find this a pleasing page-turner’ Family Tree magazine When Morton Farrier, the formidable forensic genealogist, is called upon to uncover the mysterious disappearance of a housemaid working in a large Edwardian country house in 1911, he embarks on a perilous journey into the past. Uncovering surprising secrets and facing dangerous adversaries, Morton must use his comprehensive genealogical skills to solve the case. Will he be able to put the pieces together before it's too late? This is the second book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

‘ This is Goodwin’s best work for me. I recommend it for its genealogical appeal, mystery, and for anyone interested in World War I’ McGenealogist Blog Morton Farrier's life as a forensic genealogist has kept him from his own family's secrets- until now. This Christmastime novella follows Morton as he investigates the mysterious events surrounding his family's past, as well as events from one hundred years ago. In the course of his research, it soon becomes clear that not all of the soldiers had a peaceful truce on the Western Front during that fateful 1914 Christmas... With its cleverly plotted mystery and its unique blend of past and present, this third book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series will keep you guessing until the very end. ‘ The Orange Lilies sees Morton for once investigating his own tree (and about time too!). Moving smoothly between Christmas 1914 and Christmas 2014, the author weaves an intriguing tale with more than a few twists - several times I thought I'd figured it all out, but each time there was a surprise waiting in the next chapter... Thoroughly recommended - and I can’t wait for the next novel’ LostCousins ‘Morton confronts a long-standing mystery in his own family–one that leads him just a little closer to the truth about his personal origins. This Christmas-time tale flashes back to Christmas 1914, to a turning point in his relatives’ lives. Don’t miss it!’ Lisa Louise Cooke Keep updated on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's work: Website & newsletter: www.nathandylangoodwin.com Twitter: @NathanDGoodwin Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin Instagram: www.instagram.com/NathanDylanGoodwin

‘It’s just a terrific book! It’s great stuff, I’ve read it, and you’re going to enjoy it’ Extreme Genes Morton Farrier, the renowned English forensic genealogist, had finally cleared a space in his busy schedule to track down his own elusive father. But when he is presented with a case that challenges him like no other, his own family history takes a backseat as he races to find the killer of a woman murdered more than a hundred and eighty years ago. With the threat of sinister elements determined to derail the investigation, the clock is ticking for Morton to solve the mystery. If you enjoyed the first three books in the Forensic Genealogist series, you will love this fourth installment as well. Take the journey with Morton Farrier as he unravels the secrets of the past.

‘If you like a good mystery, and the detective work of genealogy, this is another mystery novel from Nathan which will have you whizzing through the pages with time slipping by unnoticed’ Your Family History magazine Morton Farrier was no longer at the top of his game. With his career in forensic genealogy faltering and no new cases to work on, Morton decides to focus on finding his own biological father. But when a mysterious woman abandoned in the midst of the Battle of Britain begs him to uncover her past, Morton can't help but accept the challenge. What Morton discovers is a secret document with links that could expose the wrongdoings of powerful people who want its contents to remain hidden forever. This thrilling fifth book in the Forensic Genealogist series can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, but if you enjoyed Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, you'll love uncovering the secrets in The Spyglass File. Join Morton on his quest for the truth!

‘The Missing Man does not disappoint. Goodwin creates vivid scenes with solid storytelling and authentic dialogue’ GenealogyMagazine.com The secrets of the past haunt Morton Farrier. He’s determined to uncover the truth about his father, who vanished without a trace six days after a fatal fire at his Cape Cod home on Christmas Eve in 1976. Now, Morton must travel to the East Coast of America to unravel the family’s dark secrets and piece together what really happened. His search for truth leads him to a web of lies, and he must face the most important case of his career in forensic genealogy. Will Morton finally discover his father’s fate? If you enjoyed the first five books in the Forensic Genealogist series, you'll love Morton's latest adventure! ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin has delivered another page-turning mystery laden with forensic genealogical clues that will keep any family historian glued to the book until the mystery is solved’ Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin has once again written a thrilling page turner in his latest book The Missing Man ... Definitely a must read in the latest series of Morton Farrier, the Forensic Genealogist’ Baytown Genealogy Society ‘Sometimes when you read a book you just know that the story was there to be told; it was clear in the author's mind and needed to be shared. This is one of those books. It reads easily, with realistic, interesting characters and a gripping plot’ Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory

‘Everyone should read this story of courage’ Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory Morton Farrier’s life has been turned upside down by the recent addition to his household. Despite his perpetual exhaustion, he is determined to crack his latest genealogical investigation: the mystery of one Grace Emmerson, a militant suffragette, who also happens to be his wife’s great-grandmother. Using a range of genealogical skills and resources, Morton sets out to discover Grace’s secret past. Also available in paperback with The Wicked Trade . ‘What a story!’ LostCousins ‘Goodwin’s writing brings the events and the people into interesting focus. Fascinating background for readers who might be unfamiliar with this history’ Queensland Family History Society ‘Genealogists, mystery-lovers and fans of historical fiction will find a well-written tale’ The Family Curator

‘ Once again the author has carefully built the story around real places, real people, and historical facts - and whilst the tale itself is fictional, it’s so well written that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was true’ LostCousins When Morton Farrier is presented with a case revolving around a mysterious letter written by a disreputable criminal, he finds himself delving into a murky Georgian underworld of smuggling and murder on the Kent and Sussex border. With his skills as a forensic genealogist, Morton must untangle the mysterious Ann Fothergill's association with the notorious Aldington Gang and the brutal killing of Quartermaster Richard Morgan. As Morton's research deepens, he begins to suspect that his client's family might have more troublesome and dangerous expectations of his findings. Fans of the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series will love this seventh installment, although it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. ‘ I can thoroughly recommend this book, which is a superior example of its genre. It is an ideal purchase for anyone with an interest in reading thrillers and in family history studies. I look forward to the next instalment of Morton Farrier’s quest!’ Waltham Forest FHS ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin has the uncanny ability to take an historical story and skilfully weave it into the modern setting of a genealogical mystery. This story has suspense, intrigue, and lots of solid research…’ Napa Valley Genealogical Society ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin's latest book, The Wicked Trade , is a fast-paced read of genealogical intrigue with a basis of actual and true historical facts laced with mystery and suspense. The authentic historical basis of the book simply engulfs you in a time warp. A must read not to be missed’ The Baytown Genealogical Society, Inc

‘Goodwin’s genealogy crime mysteries will keep you in suspense as the stories weave back and forth in time’ Utah Genealogical Association The job presented to forensic genealogist, Morton Farrier, ought to have been simple and easy. But the surprise discovery of an additional marriage to his client’s father leads Morton on an enquiry, revolving around a mysterious death in the county asylum. Requiring his various investigative genealogical skills, Morton must work to unravel this complex eighty-year-old secret and finally reveal the truth to his client. This is a short prequel story to the acclaimed Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series. There are a further eleven stories in this series: Hiding the Past, The Lost Ancestor, The Orange Lilies, The America Ground, The Spyglass File, The Missing Man, The Suffragette’s Secret, The Wicked Trade, The Sterling Affair, The Foundlings and The Deserter's Tale.

‘If you love a whodunnit, The Sterling Affair is sure to grab your curiosity, and if you enjoy family history, you’ll relish the read all the more’ Family History magazine When an unannounced stranger comes calling at Morton Farrier’s front door, he finds himself faced with the most intriguing and confounding case of his career to-date as a forensic genealogist. He agrees to accept the contract to identify a man who had been secretly living under the name of his new client’s long-deceased brother. Morton must use his range of resources and research skills to help him deconstruct this mysterious man’s life, ultimately leading him back into the murky world of 1950s international affairs of state. Meanwhile, Morton is faced with his own alarmingly close DNA match which itself comes with far-reaching implications for the Farriers. This is the eighth novel in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series of ten stories, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. ‘The events of the book are as much of a roller-coaster ride for Morton as they are for the reader. If you’re an avid reader of Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s books, you won’t need to be convinced to buy this latest instalment in the Forensic Genealogist series - but if you're not, now’s the time to start, because The Sterling Affair is a real cracker!’ LostCousins ‘If you like mystery or thriller books, enhanced by a convincing backdrop of family history research, then this one will appeal to you’ Waltham Forest FHS ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin delves into a world of intrigue, espionage and duplicity and consequently, provides the reader with a cracking book to immerse oneself in when seeking a moment of literary escapism. The author’s usual meticulous research techniques are outstanding and become evident in this story’ East Yorkshire FHS ‘ The Sterling Affair is an enthralling story with many twists and turns, which keeps one glued to the book until the very end’ Cardiganshire FHS Keep updated on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's work: Website & newsletter: www.nathandylangoodwin.com Twitter: @NathanDGoodwin Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin Instagram: www.instagram.com/NathanDylanGoodwin

‘This is a fun and engaging read that will transport you back to a memorable decade’ Family Tree magazine This thrilling mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow forensic genealogist Morton Farrier on his investigation to uncover the identity of three foundlings abandoned in shop doorways as new-born babies in the 1970s. With just one clue - the three women’s DNA, one of whom is his half-aunt - and just six days of research time, Morton's investigation soon uncovers shocking revelations and troubling links to his own grandfather. When Morton's client finds out the truth, will they be able to handle it? This is the ninth novel in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. ‘This is one of the best books in an excellent series…Highly recommended’ LostCousins ‘Absolutely riveting — the best yet in this series!’ Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society ‘A must read for anyone who loves unraveling genealogy mysteries’ Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society ‘Once again, Nathan Dylan Goodwin has given us a fabulous, fast-paced tour through investigative genetic genealogy woven through a mystery hidden in a mystery’ Boulder Genealogical Society

‘You won’t be disappointed!’ LostCousins When forensic genealogist Morton Farrier accepted an invitation to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, to speak at the RootsTech genealogy conference, he had been unaware that one of his co-panellists was to be none other than his former girlfriend, Madison Scott- Barnhart. Whilst he prepares anxiously to meet her for what will be the first time in twenty- six years—and hopefully to discover the unresolved truth behind her abrupt ending of their relationship—he takes on the case of researching his wife’s mysterious great- grandfather: a man who deserted his Sussex family shortly after the First World War. In the course of his investigations and time in the States, Morton uncovers some shocking truths, some of which are uncomfortably close to home… This is the tenth story in the Morton Farrier Forensic Genealogist series.