THE DESK FROM HOBOKEN: A GENEALOGY MYSTERY by ML Condike

 

In The Desk from Hoboken, forensic genealogist RaeJean is trying to rebuild her life after a devastating personal tragedy. Hoping for a gentle re-entry into work, she takes over a seemingly straightforward case: confirming the identity of 180-year-old human remains discovered on a Connecticut college campus. The bones are believed to belong to Mary Rogers—a woman whose mysterious 1841 death has never been solved and who is widely thought to have inspired Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Rogêt. 

What starts as a quiet historical verification quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. A mysterious client, reluctant relatives more interested in burying secrets than laying the past to rest, and the previous genealogist's abrupt disappearance (along with all of her research) pull RaeJean deeper into the mystery. As blackmail, bribery, kidnapping, and murder enter the picture, RaeJean must rely on modern forensic DNA analysis, meticulous historical research, and perhaps a touch of otherworldly guidance from a beautiful antique desk with ties to Hoboken. 

ML Condike's debut novel (the first in the A Genealogy Mystery series) cleverly blends fact and fiction. The real-life Mary Rogers case provides a rich historical backbone, while the contemporary investigation highlights the fascinating—and surprisingly suspenseful—world of forensic genealogy. I particularly enjoyed how the story weaves together cutting-edge science, old records, and family dynamics across generations. The antique desk adds an intriguing, almost supernatural layer that elevates the narrative beyond a standard procedural.

Strengths:

• Strong, relatable protagonist in RaeJean, who balances grief with determination.
• Well-researched blend of history, genealogy, and mystery.
• Pacing that builds tensions effectively, with plenty of twists to keep pages turning.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with a modern twist, strong female leads, and stories that connect past secrets to present-day danger (think a genealogical DaVinci Code lite with heart), The Desk from Hoboken is a compelling read. It's atmospheric, informative, and entertaining—perfect for fans of forensic thrillers or anyone who's ever fallen down a family tree rabbit hole.

Rating: 4.5 / 5⭐

  

THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB BY Richard Osman

Is it possible for a murder mystery to also be a delightful read without coming across as resoundingly ghoulish? It sure is, if it's The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

Picture this: a group of overly zealous octogenarians living in a retirement community in the English countryside. These folks would rather not knit, play board games, or sit around mindlessly watching bad daytime TV all day. Instead, they prefer solving crimes during their weekly club meetings. While digging into a cold case, these four savvy seniors suddenly find themselves embroiled in a murder happening right in their own backyard—so to speak. The big question? Are they savvy enough to solve the case before it’s too late?

Spoiler: they absolutely are, and it’s a total joy to watch.

Richard Osman nails that perfect balance of mystery and warmth. The core crew—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—feel like people you’d actually want to hang out with. They’ve got sharp minds, big personalities, and enough life experience to see things the police miss. One’s a former spy type, another’s a psychiatrist, and they all bring something fun and surprising to the table.

What I loved most is how the book never gets dark or grim. Yes, there’s a murder (or a few), but the story stays focused on the characters, their banter, and those quiet moments about getting older and still having adventures. The humor is dry and very British, and the retirement village setting makes everything feel cozy and charming.

If you’re looking for a mystery that’s clever but not pretentious, funny without being mean, and genuinely heartwarming, this is it. I smiled the whole way through and closed the book wanting more. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the characters and maybe even rethink what “retirement” really means.

Bottom line: The Thursday Murder Club is a fantastic read. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and start here. The whole series is addictive—I’m already hooked.

THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden completely surprised me—in the best way.

I started this one with low expectations. I love a good mystery, but psychological thrillers aren’t usually my thing. A few chapters in, though, I was hooked. McFadden’s writing is so conversational and easy to read that it feels like a friend is telling you a wild story. The short chapters and constant tension make it ridiculously hard to put down.

What begins as a seemingly straightforward “troubled young woman takes a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy, dysfunctional family” setup quickly turns into something much darker and more twisty. Just when I thought I had the characters figured out, the story zigged and zagged with jaw-dropping revelations. The final stretch is packed with “holy mackerel” moments that left me rethinking everything.

It reminded me a lot of Verity by Colleen Hoover—same unreliable-narrator, domestic-nightmare energy—but I actually preferred McFadden’s version: tighter pacing, less sex, and more of that subtle (but not overly graphic) edge. The ending is a fantastic segue into the sequel, and I’m already tempted to dive in after a cozy mystery palate cleanser.

If you’re on the fence about psychological thrillers, The Housemaid might just pull you in the same way it did me. One leg dangling off the edge, for sure. Highly recommend!

MURDER on the ÎLE SORDOU by M.L. Longworth

Murder on the Île Sordou by M. L. Longworth was published in 2014 by Penguin Books and is the 4th book of the Verlaque & Bonnet Provençal Mysteries series.

A recently renovated luxury hotel on the secluded island of Sordou off the coast of Marseille is the setting for travelers seeking a week's long rest, relaxation, and solitude. Two hotel guests are the story's main protagonists, Antoine Verlaque, a wealthy magistrate from the Aix-en-Provence, and his love interest, Marine Bonnet, a law professor. Both want to keep their professions to themselves while on this much-needed vacation. But fortunes being what they are, their secret is soon revealed. 

As the guests settle in for their week of R&R, a shot rings out during the night, which no one seems to pay much attention to until the dead body of one of the hotel guests, the well-known actor Alain Denis, is found the following day. A police investigation ensues, which includes a collaboration between Judge Verlaque, Professor Bonnet, and their police inspector friend Bruno Paulik, along with a stormy sea that prevents anyone from leaving the island; it becomes evident that the murderer is among them. 

This story is not filled with many twists and turns, although there are one or two. Yes, there is a murder, but it's not graphic or bloody, making me think of this story as more of a cozy mystery, which I enjoy. 

The many characters are vividly described, though one or two can easily be pegged as stereotypical. Although fictional, the locale's atmosphere, cultural references, and culinary delights are beautifully depicted in this story, which reminds me more of a travelogue at times than a mystery, and that's okay.  

The main characters are opposites attracted to each other. Antoine Verlaque comes from money and is stuffy but likable. Marine Bonnet is more grounded and makes a good foil for him. Their back-and-forth banter, along with that of Marine's friend Sylvie, is entertaining. Unfortunately, I have not yet read any other Verlaque & Bonnet Provençal Mysteries, of which there are 9, but I will. Regardless, Murder on the Île Sordou is a good read, especially if you are a Francophile or enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.  

My Personal Rating is ⭐⭐⭐¾

MURDER on the ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a work of fiction first published in 1934 in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club. 

The story takes place on the Orient Express, an elegant long-distance train service. When a murder occurs, the list of passengers on this particular trip is almost as long as the soon-to-be list of possible suspects. 

The plot of the book revolves around the murder of Ratchett, a passenger on the train whose real name is Cassetti, a man described as truly evil who had escaped punishment in the U.S. for the kidnapping and subsequent murder of 3-year-old Daisy Armstrong, which took place before the start of the novel. 

Hercule Poirot is a masterful detective, independently wealthy, and a highly moral man. Ratchett, now a passenger on the luxury train, approaches Poirot in the dining car and tries to engage the services of the world-renowned retired Belgian police officer and private detective to act as security for him because he has been receiving threatening letters. He believes someone is trying to kill him. Unfortunately for him, no amount of money will tempt Hercule Poirot to work for the despicable Ratchett.

As the story unfolds, Hercule Poirot has just finished up a case in Syria when he boards the Taurus Express, a train to Istanbul, for a few days of vacation. Upon reaching his hotel, a telegram is waiting for him that informs Hercule of a development in another case he is working on and that he needs to return to London as soon as possible. Poirot arranges passage on the Orient Express. However, he is informed that no first-class compartments are available, and he is relegated to second-class. While he waits for the next train for his return trip to London, Hercule runs into his old friend, M. Bouc, who happens to be the director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagon Lits and a former coworker on the Belgian police force. Bouc makes arrangements for Poirot to take the carriage of a passenger who has yet to show up for this ill-fated train trip. Still, he must share it with Hector McQueen, the personal assistant of the soon-to-be murder victim. When the train reaches Belgrade, Bouc has Poirot's luggage moved to compartment number one, previously occupied by M. Bouc, who then moves to the Athens coach. Having now moved into the first-class compartment number one. Poirot's compartment is now directly next to Mr Ratchett. It is also two doors down from Mrs. Hubbard, another passenger who will provide critical evidence in the murder.  

When the train runs into a snow bank and is stuck there for several days, it's up to Poirot, with the aid of M. Bouc and Dr. Constantine, the coroner aboard the Orient Express, who is called upon to examine Ratchett's body, determine the victim's time and place of death, and also happens to be around for most of the evidence gathering done during the investigation to solve this most brutal murder. Poirot's 'little gray cells' work overtime, but is he up to the challenge?  

Those readers who love a good whodunit will love this book. It keeps you guessing right to the end.

My Personal Rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

 

4:50 From Paddington (aka What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!) by Agatha Christie

 

4:50 From Paddington is a famous work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie. It was published in 1957 in the United Kingdom and simultaneously in the United States under the title, What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!  

Mrs. McGillicuddy is taking the train to visit her good friend, Jane Marple. While gazing out the window, she witnesses a woman being strangled on another train running in the same direction. Unfortunately, the murderer has his back to the window. Hence, the description of the killer Mrs. McGillicuddy relays to Jane is limited. Miss Marple believes her friend, but as there is no mention of the crime in the news, Jane decides to investigate and find out who the victim is, what happened to the body, and identify the murderer. 

After several train rides later and armed with a map, Miss Marple pinpoints the general location of the body on the grounds of Rutherford Hall. Jane enlists the aid of Lucy Eyelesbarrow to gain employment as a cook and housekeeper at the Hall, as well as to be Jane's eyes and ears in trying to locate the body. 

The irascible and infirmed Luther Crackenthorpe is the current primary resident of Rutherford Hall whose father made his fortune in biscuit manufacturing and who, unfortunately for Luther, left the Hall in trust for his eldest grandson, Cedric. According to the terms of the will, Luther can live in the house for his lifetime and receive the income from the capital left by his father. Upon Luther's death, that capital was to be divided equally among Luther's surviving children, increasing the share due to the living children as each sibling died before Luther and making a good motive for murder. Two of Luther's children died before the start of the novel; Edmund, the first-born son, was killed during World War II. and his younger daughter, Edith, died four years before the beginning of the story, leaving behind a son, Alexander, who will inherit Edith's share. The remaining children are Cedric, a painter; Harold, a married businessman; Alfred, who makes shady deals; and Emma. Others at the family home include Alexander's father, Bryan Eastley, and Alexander's friend, James Stoddart-West. Local physician Dr. Quimper spends much time at the Hall, too. Partly looking after Luther, but mostly because he's in love with Emma. 

As Lucy Eyelesbarrow investigates, she finds fur from a woman's coat and a cheap powder compact. She brings her discoveries to Jane, who has determined that the murderer removed the body from the railway embankment. Lucy continues her search and ultimately discovers the woman's body hidden in the stables at Rutherford Hall, currently used to store Luther Crackenthorpe's collection of antiques.

The investigation continues under the purview of the local police, specifically Inspector Craddock, who also happens to be a friend of you guessed it...Miss Jane Marple. More clues, questions, another murder or two, and a twist in the ending make this mystery a must-read for Agatha Christie fans.

My personal rating is:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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HAWAII SCANDAL by Cobey Black

Hawaii Scandal by Cobey Black was published in 2002 by Island Heritage Publishing. This is a non-fiction true-crime story set in Hawaii in 1931. 

Thalia Fortescue Massie was a Washington D.C. socialite who, in September 1931, was living in Hawaii with her husband, Navy Lieutenant Thomas Hedges Massie, who was stationed at Pearl Harbor. When the Massies attended a Saturday night party with two other couples at the Ala Wai Inn in Honolulu, Thalia decided to leave the party alone and was later found wandering along a road not far from the Inn at 1:00 the following morning by a passing car. Beaten and suffering from a broken jaw, Thalia told the driver and his passenger that she had been abducted and assaulted by a group of young men but couldn't identify them and didn't know what kind of car they had. Later, when questioned by the police, she claimed she had been raped and assaulted by 5 local Hawaiian boys and was able to provide a partial license plate number for their vehicle. As time went on, Thalia would repeatedly change her story. 

Earlier that same night, five young men, two of Hawaiian ancestry, two of Japanese ancestry, and one of half Chinese/Hawaiian ancestry... were arrested for assaulting a Hawaiian woman. Later, they were also charged with the rape of Massie, which they all denied. So, was Thalia's description of her assailants coaxed from her by the police? Was it based on bigotry or merely a convenience due to the arrest of the five young men earlier in the evening? Or... was Thalia herself covering up for a dalliance gone wrong? 

If you're not already a true-crime buff, Black's Hawaii Scandal may turn you into one. For those readers who lean toward this subgenre of non-fiction... this book may just become your version of nirvana. Murder, mayhem, and lies. Add a wealthy and beautiful socialite from a famous family, her handsome young husband, a vindictive and overbearing (some might call evil) mother, as well as a well-known attorney, and you have all the stuff that makes for a good old-fashioned murder mystery. Except...it's all true, and this book is for you.  

My Personal Rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐