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 LIE: When DNA Reveals the Family Secret by Heather Dawn Gray

The Lie: When DNA Reveals the Family Secret by Heather Dawn Gray, published in 2019 by hdg Publishing. The story centers around Jahana, a college professor and Muslim woman living in Canada, married to Barid, and mother of two young daughters on a quest to discover the truth about her heritage when a small tube of saliva upends her life forever. 

Noosha never volunteered or answered questions about her people. After her death, Jahana's curiosity about her Maman and her family intensified, and her lack of knowledge only compounded the grief she felt over the loss of her mother.

To support his wife, Barid buys a DNA testing kit for Jahana, hoping it will help ease her sadness by finding long-lost relatives from the maternal side of her family and answering the mystery surrounding her beloved Maman. No good deed goes unpunished, though; when the results come in, Jahana is shocked that the test reveals that she is not...a 'descendent of Muhammed,' as she always believed based on the childhood teachings from both her parents. Instead, Jahana discovers that she is an Ashkenazi Jew. 

DNA is passed from both parents to the child. That's an undisputed fact. So which parent did Jahana inherit her Jewish ethnicity from...mother, father, or both? The revelation that she's not Arabic, as she grew up believing, is devastating news to Jahana and potentially dangerous. She must keep this information secret from those closest to her as she attempts to get to the bottom of what promises to be one of the greatest scandals in her family history. 

Where does Jahana begin? Her father would be the most logical starting point, but he's made it clear that he does not want Jahana to take the DNA test in the first place. As a matter of fact, he is adamantly opposed to it. The question is, why? Does Baba already know the secret? If not, what will he say when he finds out, and if he does know...  then why was Jahana never told? Suppose Jahana's paternal cousin Mishal would also be willing to take a DNA test. Would the results of her test complicate matters further? 

And to make matters worse, Jahana's husband, Barid, is a strict Muslim with pointed antisemitic views. What impact will Jahana's discovery have on their marriage and the lives of their children? Barid bought the DNA test as an anniversary gift for his wife. Not exactly romantic, but now that she's taken it, will this be their last anniversary as a married couple because of the results? 

How does Jahana get the answers to all the questions swirling around in her head without revealing the secret that carries a threat that could likely unravel her entire way of life?   

The Lie: When DNA Reveals the Family Secret is a tense and thought-provoking work of fiction that opens up a line of questioning that anyone that has ever taken or is contemplating taking a DNA test must ask themselves, starting with...can you accept the outcome that may alter everything that you once thought you knew about yourself and your family? Or will you turn your back on the results as though they don't exist? You'll need to read the book to find out how Jahana answered these questions.

My Personal Rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The CHESTER CREEK MURDERS by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

The Chester Creek Murders by Nathan Dylan Goodwin was independently published in 2021 and is the first book in the Venator Cold Case Series, with the story centering on the murders of three young women whose bodies were dumped in Chester Creek. 

Detective Clayton Tyler is a police officer assigned to review and solve cold cases for the local police department. The file he chose to start with is the Chester Creek Murders. The problem? The murders were committed around 40 years ago, and no new clues or information has been revealed since the original investigation. 

With justice long overdue, Detective Tyler contacts Venator, a Utah-based company specializing in cutting-edge genetic genealogy investigations. Can this small team of investigators, using their expertise in forensic genealogy assisted by 21st-century technology, analyze the DNA evidence and find the identity of the person responsible for the three murders?

Goodwin’s novel explores the lives of the three victims to determine whether there is a shared connection between them and or the killer. It also delves into the personal lives of the Venator investigators and Detective Tyler and what drives them, adding a human element to the characters and keeping the story from becoming overly science-driven and dry. 

Genealogy-buffs will appreciate and recognize the research techniques and types of records searched for by the Venator team, making this book an excellent reference manual for their own research pursuits. 

So if you enjoy a good mystery and have a passion for genealogy, this book is for you.

My Personal Rating is: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

FAMILY SECRETS: ELLIE McLELLEN GENEALOGY MYSTERY by Beth Farrar...

These days, Ellie McLellen spends most of her time researching the family histories of several clients in a small town in Quebec, Canada. Life is finally going well for her once again. 

This seasoned genealogist has spent the last few years desperately trying to regain and maintain a sense of normalcy after losing her husband and child in a tragic accident. But then, one day, Ellie rescues a small boy from a horrible fate, the incident is caught on camera, and the peaceful existence she strived for is shattered. 

Diane Cooper, an overly zealous reporter looking for a story that will make her career recognizes Ellie from the photograph taken of her and the boy; she will stop at nothing to get the scoop. Unfortunately for Diane, Ellie is just as determined to see that she doesn't get it. 

Family Secrets: Ellie McLellen Genealogy Mystery Book 1 by Beth Farrar takes the reader through all of the machinations that Ellie has confronted, thanks to the unscrupulous tabloid reporter. Ellie must use all her research skills to protect her privacy and prevent the destruction of the only family she has left once she uncovers a secret that could destroy both. 

Suppose you are looking for an intriguing mystery with a dollop of romance, a sprinkling of pathos for Ellie, and a heaping dose of disdain for the sensational headline-mongering reporter Diane. In that case, I highly recommend Family Secrets. May this be the first in a long series of books to follow!

My Personal Rating... ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The LAST QUEEN of ENGLAND by Steve Robinson...

Nullius in Verba - Latin for "take no one's word for it." Words to live by for any self-respecting Genealogist. Jefferson Tayte, known as 'JT' to his friends, is an American genealogist, and The Last Queen of England by Steve Robinson is a genealogical mystery at its best.

While in London to attend a conference, Jefferson meets up with his old friend and colleague, Marcus Brown, and Marcus' friend... History Professor Jean Summers for dinner. Marcus is working on a research project that could shake the royal family to its core. When he's killed outside the restaurant and dies in Jefferson's arms... it's up to JT to pick up where his friend's research left off and find out why and who's behind his murder.

Jefferson and Jean are embroiled in a deadly mystery that starts with Queen Anne about 300 years ago and continues in modern-day England. This story has it all...murder, mayhem, genealogical research, and what could be...a budding romance. This is the third book in the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery Series. It's fast-paced and well worth the read.  

My Personal Rating... ⭐⭐⭐⭐