Venator Cold Case Books

‘This is a novel for all family history fans. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping us guessing to the end. I thoroughly look forward to the next book…’ Family Tree magazine When Detective Clayton Tyler is tasked with reviewing the formidable archives of unsolved homicides in his police department’s vaults, he settles on one particular cold case from the 1980s: The Chester Creek Murders. Three young women were brutally murdered—their bodies dumped in Chester Creek, Delaware County—by a serial killer who has confounded a slew of detectives and evaded capture for over thirty-eight years. With no new leads or information at his disposal, the detective contacts Venator for help, a company that uses cutting-edge investigative genetic genealogy to profile perpetrators solely from DNA evidence. Taking on the case, Madison Scott-Barnhart and her small team at Venator must use their forensic genealogical expertise to attempt finally to bring the serial killer to justice. Madison, meanwhile, has to weigh professional and personal issues carefully, including the looming five-year anniversary of her husband’s disappearance. ‘Both educational and entertaining, this fast-paced glimpse into an entirely new technology is a must-read for anyone interested in genealogy, law enforcement, or mystery’ Blaine Bettinger ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin continues to deliver captivating genealogical mysteries that draw us into the latest cutting-edge investigative methods. The Chester Creek Murders will have you rooting for a new cast of characters as they solve this intriguing cold case using genetic genealogy’ Lisa Louise Cooke, Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin is the creator and master of the genealogical thriller genre. The Chester Creek Murders is his latest offering, taking us on a can’t-put-the-book down hunt for a 1980s era American killer. Informative and captivating, the reader will learn how cold cases are now solved using genetic genealogy’ Scott Fisher, host, Extreme Genes

‘Highly recommended’ Who Do You Think You Are? magazine April 2020, Twin Falls, Idaho. A serial killer is on the loose. A nameless man is kidnapping young women from their own homes, taking them out of the city to kill them before returning their bodies to random locations around the city. Detective Maria Gonzalez heads up the investigation but has very few leads to pursue. As time passes and fears rise that the killer might strike again with a fifth victim, Maria turns to Venator—an investigative genetic genealogy company—in the hope that they can identify the killer from his DNA alone before he has the chance to take yet another life. Despite her initial reticence to take on the company’s first ever live case, Madison Scott-Barnhart and her team in Salt Lake City agree to try to reveal the identity of this barbaric serial killer. In the midst of the global pandemic that has closed the Venator office and posed both personal and professional problems for Madison, time is running out on this case. This is the second novel in the Venator Cold Case series. Although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, for the best experience, begin your journey with The Chester Creek Murders . ‘Gripping to the point of being un-put-downable, the core story is fascinating to anyone who enjoys crime novels, and particularly those with an interest in the use of DNA in genealogy research’ Family Tree magazine ‘Once you start reading you won’t want to stop – though that’s what I’ve come to expect from this author. Highly recommended!’ LostCousins ‘I was sad when I finished the book and am looking forward to the next installment’ Jonny Perl, DNA Painter ‘A heck of a romp! Exceedingly well researched and well written…the best genealogy investigation writer in the world’ The Genealogy Guys ‘Goodwin’s best work yet’ GenealogyMagazine.com ‘It’s a must-read, especially if you’re interested in how DNA evidence is used in investigative genetic genealogy. Nathan’s writing is entertaining and informative and prompts readers to think about they can approach their own research’ Society of Australian Genealogists 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

The Hollywood Strangler (Venator Cold Case #3) In the glitzy, gritty underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles, a chilling series of murders left the city gripped with fear. Six small-time actors and actresses met brutal ends; their bodies grotesquely posed in scenes from the films that had given them their fleeting fame. The Hollywood Strangler evaded capture, leaving behind only a trace of DNA and a legacy of terror. Decades later, the case remains ice-cold, a favorite for true-crime aficionados but a nightmare for detectives. The LAPD Cold Case Homicide Unit, desperate for a breakthrough on this case, turns to Venator, an elite investigative genetic genealogy company headed up by Madison Scott-Barnhart. Knowing the media storm that the case will attract, Madison reluctantly agrees to take on the investigation, where she and her small team must use their forensic genetic genealogy skills to identify one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. history. But only if the remaining DNA proves sufficient to test… This is the third novel in the Venator Cold Case series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.