The Desk from Hoboken: a Genealogy Mystery Book 1 by ML Condike

 

The Desk from Hoboken by ML Condike is a work of fiction. Published by Harbor Lane Books in 2024, it centers around RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist trying to ease herself back into work after a devastating personal tragedy. RaeJean decides to takeover a case from another genealogist, which sounds simple enough...to confirm the identity of 180 year old human remains found on a college campus in Connecticut. The bones are believed to belong to Mary Rogers. A woman whose cause of death has never been determined and who it is thought to be the inspiration of  Edgar Allen Poe's The Mystery of Marie Rogêt. 

A mysterious and unidentified client, a relative or two more interested in burying the secrets surrounding the life and death of Mary Rogers than in finally laying her body to rest, and the reason behind the previous genealogist's sudden decision to abandon the case and leave no trace of her research behind. These are some of the catylists for RaeJean's fascination. Blackmail, bribery, kidnapping, and murder all add to the story's intrigue. The reader follows along on RaeJean's hunt for the answers through modern forensic DNA analysis, historical data research and maybe a little supernatural help from a beautiful antique desk from Hoboken. 

My personal rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐