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The Forensic Genealogist #3
The Orange Lilies
Morton Farrier has spent his entire career as a forensic genealogist solving other people’s family history secrets, all the while knowing so little of his very own family’s mysterious past. However, this poignant Christmastime novella sees Morton’s skills put to use much closer to home, as he must confront his own past, present and future through events both present-day and one hundred years ago. It seems that not every soldier saw a truce on the Western Front that 1914 Christmas…
This is the third book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
This is the third book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
Audiobook
First published December 1, 2014
634 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
36 books631 followersAuthor of the acclaimed genre-bestselling Forensic Genealogist series, featuring Morton Farrier.
Born in the famed battle town of Hastings, England, Nathan Dylan Goodwin has always had a passion for writing in one form or another. Having gained a degree in Radio, Film and Television Studies, Nathan went on to gain a Masters degree in Creative Writing, from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Nathan started his writing career with non-fiction, his first book 'Hastings at War' being published in May 2005. This was followed by three further local history books pertaining to the area around his home town of Hastings.
His first forays into fiction writing culminated in the publication in 2013 of 'Hiding the Past' - a genealogical crime mystery novel. This was followed in 2014 by book two in the series - 'The Lost Ancestor'. Also released in 2014 was the the third, a Morton Farrier novella - 'The Orange Lilies'. The fourth book in the series, 'The America Ground' was published in September 2015, followed in September 2016 by 'The Spyglass File'. The sixth in the series, 'The Missing Man' was another Morton Farrier novella and was followed by 'The Suffragette's Secret', a short-story. 'The Wicked Trade' was the ninth instalment of the series and is a full-length novel, as is the 2020 follow-on, 'The Sterling Affair.' 'The Foundlings' followed on and 2023 saw Nathan's return to Morton's world once more in 'The Deserter's Tale'. 2025 was the chosen moment for the long-awaited 'The Hop-Picker Murders'.
The 11th November 2018 saw Nathan release the first of a second series, called Ghost Swifts, Blue Poppies and the Red Star - Mrs McDougall Investigates Book 1. This features a distant relative of Nathan's in the starring role and is set in the aftermath of the First World War.
In December 2018, Nathan created a prequel to the whole Forensic Genealogist series, in the form of a short story, The Asylum, which is available for FREE via his official website.
Nathan designed a special online choose-your-own-story for Morton Farrier fans and wrote about the protagonist's activities during the English 2020 Coronavirus lockdown. The story is currently free and is hosted on the author's website.
January 2021 saw Nathan launch a third series, Venator Cold Case Series book 1 - 'The Chester Creek Murders.' This series is a US-based spin-off from his UK-based stories and features Madison Scott-Barnhart as the lead character. October 2022 brought us the next installment of the series, 'The Sawtooth Slayer.'
In his forties, Nathan enjoys running, skiing, reading, genealogy, writing and time with his husband, son, dog and chickens.
That about sums it up!
Born in the famed battle town of Hastings, England, Nathan Dylan Goodwin has always had a passion for writing in one form or another. Having gained a degree in Radio, Film and Television Studies, Nathan went on to gain a Masters degree in Creative Writing, from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Nathan started his writing career with non-fiction, his first book 'Hastings at War' being published in May 2005. This was followed by three further local history books pertaining to the area around his home town of Hastings.
His first forays into fiction writing culminated in the publication in 2013 of 'Hiding the Past' - a genealogical crime mystery novel. This was followed in 2014 by book two in the series - 'The Lost Ancestor'. Also released in 2014 was the the third, a Morton Farrier novella - 'The Orange Lilies'. The fourth book in the series, 'The America Ground' was published in September 2015, followed in September 2016 by 'The Spyglass File'. The sixth in the series, 'The Missing Man' was another Morton Farrier novella and was followed by 'The Suffragette's Secret', a short-story. 'The Wicked Trade' was the ninth instalment of the series and is a full-length novel, as is the 2020 follow-on, 'The Sterling Affair.' 'The Foundlings' followed on and 2023 saw Nathan's return to Morton's world once more in 'The Deserter's Tale'. 2025 was the chosen moment for the long-awaited 'The Hop-Picker Murders'.
The 11th November 2018 saw Nathan release the first of a second series, called Ghost Swifts, Blue Poppies and the Red Star - Mrs McDougall Investigates Book 1. This features a distant relative of Nathan's in the starring role and is set in the aftermath of the First World War.
In December 2018, Nathan created a prequel to the whole Forensic Genealogist series, in the form of a short story, The Asylum, which is available for FREE via his official website.
Nathan designed a special online choose-your-own-story for Morton Farrier fans and wrote about the protagonist's activities during the English 2020 Coronavirus lockdown. The story is currently free and is hosted on the author's website.
January 2021 saw Nathan launch a third series, Venator Cold Case Series book 1 - 'The Chester Creek Murders.' This series is a US-based spin-off from his UK-based stories and features Madison Scott-Barnhart as the lead character. October 2022 brought us the next installment of the series, 'The Sawtooth Slayer.'
In his forties, Nathan enjoys running, skiing, reading, genealogy, writing and time with his husband, son, dog and chickens.
That about sums it up!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 23, 2022
Familial mysteries
On we go with the adventures in history of our hero forensic genealogist, as imagined by author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. I find this series to be entertaining as well as educational for much information on conducting genealogical research is included. It is great fun to follow along as our hero learns about his own heritage. I will definitely continue reading this series.
On we go with the adventures in history of our hero forensic genealogist, as imagined by author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. I find this series to be entertaining as well as educational for much information on conducting genealogical research is included. It is great fun to follow along as our hero learns about his own heritage. I will definitely continue reading this series.
December 25, 2020
Morton Farrier finally begins researching his own family after learning his aunt was his biological mother. When he goes to visit her, she brings out boxes of family treasures that tell an unexpected story. While I enjoyed this short story, one thing really bugged me. When he opened an Ancestry DNA kit received as a gift, he pulled out a swab. Ancestry kits contain a vial into which one spits and not a swab. Other than this error, Goodwin seemed to know a bit more about professional genealogy sleuthing than many who write the genre. I plan to read more of this series in the coming year. (3.5 stars)
August 7, 2015
Oh, I am SO stupid! I was half way through "The Orange Lilies" when I realized it was NOT the one that comes after "Hiding the Past"! Never mind, it did well as a stand alone novella, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I can recommend this to my friend Claude, who doesn't particularly like genealogy, but thrives on World War I stories ;-) Don't be put off by the word "novella" - it's about 120 condensed pages long.
There are two interrelated stories skillfully crafted, one set in the trenches of Northern France and Belgium in 1914, and the other in Cornwall in the present day. During Morton's online search for information about his ancestor, I felt the same thrill as I felt when I was hunting for my own grandfathers' WWI military records, using the same genealogy sites. The excitement of finding and exploring century-old documents about one's loved ones is indescribably titillating! I loved this little book and hope there will be many more to come!
There are two interrelated stories skillfully crafted, one set in the trenches of Northern France and Belgium in 1914, and the other in Cornwall in the present day. During Morton's online search for information about his ancestor, I felt the same thrill as I felt when I was hunting for my own grandfathers' WWI military records, using the same genealogy sites. The excitement of finding and exploring century-old documents about one's loved ones is indescribably titillating! I loved this little book and hope there will be many more to come!
July 1, 2015
My only complaint is the story wasn't long enough!
I hope there is a sequel on the way.
I wanted to keep reading about Morton Farrier's own personal genealogical mystery and the twists and turns in the story he unraveled.
Intertwining the story through three different eras, 2014, where Morton is finally able to confront the emotive issue of his own biological parents. 1974, his birth and adoption through the narrative of his biological mother and grandmother. 1914 gives emotive insights into the horror and desperation of war faced by both the soldiers and their loved ones at home.
I hope there is a sequel on the way.
I wanted to keep reading about Morton Farrier's own personal genealogical mystery and the twists and turns in the story he unraveled.
Intertwining the story through three different eras, 2014, where Morton is finally able to confront the emotive issue of his own biological parents. 1974, his birth and adoption through the narrative of his biological mother and grandmother. 1914 gives emotive insights into the horror and desperation of war faced by both the soldiers and their loved ones at home.
March 6, 2020
This is the third in the Morton Farrier series and I was surprised to find it completely different from the first two. Set at Christmas, the novel is perfect to read on a cold, wintery, dark, wet day. Whereas the previous books were action-packed, this was more sedate.
As usual for a Goodwin’s novels, there are plenty of useful genealogical tips and interesting historical titbits. Without spoiling the plot, I though the themes and ideas explored in the First World War part of the story were wonderfully thought-provoking. There was so much for anyone with an interest in family history to consider regarding WWI soldiers in their own tree.
The personal family history of main character, Morton Farrier, is taken to another level here. There was a more satisfying conclusion regarding that part, I felt. However, there is yet more to discover and I look forward to reading book four.
As usual for a Goodwin’s novels, there are plenty of useful genealogical tips and interesting historical titbits. Without spoiling the plot, I though the themes and ideas explored in the First World War part of the story were wonderfully thought-provoking. There was so much for anyone with an interest in family history to consider regarding WWI soldiers in their own tree.
The personal family history of main character, Morton Farrier, is taken to another level here. There was a more satisfying conclusion regarding that part, I felt. However, there is yet more to discover and I look forward to reading book four.
May 2, 2015
Loved this short novella, Morton having learned who his biological mother is, his aunty Margaret, along with his girlfriend Juliette, they travel down to Cornwall to spend Christmas with her and his uncle Jim, after a awkward start Margaret and Morton get talking and start delving into the Farrier family history. There needs to be a sequel to this book regarding Morton's father Jack.
June 10, 2019
The writing is clunky, awkward, and full of cliches, but the plot was interesting and the genealogy research described was realistic and accurate (not always the case in genealogical mysteries).
October 31, 2025
Not sure how I missed this one as I’ve read through the Morton Farrier series. It filled in some interesting holes in the story. Not much conflict, but I like to see how genealogical problems are solved
September 15, 2017
This is a novella, a short book which I wanted to be longer. Set at Christmas 2014 it revisits Christmas 100 years earlier, the first year of the Great War, and follows the story of one man in the trenches with the Royal Sussex Regiment. Third in the series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin about his forensic genealogist Morton Farrier, it is a little different from its predecessors in that it focusses on Morton’s own story rather than that of a client.
Morton knows he is adopted but has recently discovered a complicated family secret. So in an effort to build bridges and learn more about his ancestors, he and girlfriend Juliette travel to Cornwall to visit his Aunty Margaret and Uncle Jim. Over the festive break, Morton and Margaret trace official documents telling the story of Morton’s great-grandfather Charles Farrier, who fought with the Second Battalion, the Royal Sussex Regiment. However as records are uncovered, more questions appear. At the same time we are told Charles’s story in 1914, with its own mysteries, contradictions and secrets. Unknown to Morton, old and modern mysteries are inter-linked.
I love the formula of the Morton Farrier books, the combination of present and past, secrets and lies, the hunt for truth and puzzles solved. This book is a little different, I think for two reasons. First, I longed in the first half for more dynamic detail of Charles’s story rather than dry factual reporting. At the front of the book, the author explains that two of his own relatives fought with this regiment. At the end of the book, the author explains that the movements of the Second Battalion are recorded as faithfully and accurately as possible. It feels as if the history bound the creative hands of the author. The second difference is that Morton is researching his own family and so the emotional attachment is different. Unlike when he is searching for clients, there is no immediate danger to his life, property or loved ones.
I raced through this book, intrigued by the mystery of Charles and his young wife Nellie. If you are new to the Morton Farrier books, you will appreciate this novella better if you have already read the first two in the series.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Morton knows he is adopted but has recently discovered a complicated family secret. So in an effort to build bridges and learn more about his ancestors, he and girlfriend Juliette travel to Cornwall to visit his Aunty Margaret and Uncle Jim. Over the festive break, Morton and Margaret trace official documents telling the story of Morton’s great-grandfather Charles Farrier, who fought with the Second Battalion, the Royal Sussex Regiment. However as records are uncovered, more questions appear. At the same time we are told Charles’s story in 1914, with its own mysteries, contradictions and secrets. Unknown to Morton, old and modern mysteries are inter-linked.
I love the formula of the Morton Farrier books, the combination of present and past, secrets and lies, the hunt for truth and puzzles solved. This book is a little different, I think for two reasons. First, I longed in the first half for more dynamic detail of Charles’s story rather than dry factual reporting. At the front of the book, the author explains that two of his own relatives fought with this regiment. At the end of the book, the author explains that the movements of the Second Battalion are recorded as faithfully and accurately as possible. It feels as if the history bound the creative hands of the author. The second difference is that Morton is researching his own family and so the emotional attachment is different. Unlike when he is searching for clients, there is no immediate danger to his life, property or loved ones.
I raced through this book, intrigued by the mystery of Charles and his young wife Nellie. If you are new to the Morton Farrier books, you will appreciate this novella better if you have already read the first two in the series.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
July 27, 2016
I have reviewed some of Nathan Goodwin’s Forensic Genealogist books. The protagonist, Morton Farrier, is a forensic genealogist who is renowned for solving other people’s family histories, but he knows very little of his own ancestry. It is set at Christmas time. Morton and his girlfriend are staying with his “Aunty Margaret” and uncle for the holiday on the coast of Cornwall. Goodwin’s description of Cornwall in the winter is very good. I won’t write much more on the plot, as if you haven’t read the earlier books, I would be putting in a spoiler. This is Goodwin’s best work for me. It is not a murder mystery, but Morton does solve some family mysteries with an almost Agatha Christie denouement. I recommend it for its genealogical appeal, mystery, and for anyone interested in World War I.
May 24, 2015
Morton Farrier and his girlfriend Juliette visit his Aunty Margaret and her husband during the Christmas holidays. Morton's father recently told him that Aunty Margaret was his birth mother, and naturally he's worried this will affect their relationship.
But instead Aunty Margaret becomes very interested in delving into the Farrier family history, something Morton has not done before, since he didn't know he was truly a Farrier.
But instead Aunty Margaret becomes very interested in delving into the Farrier family history, something Morton has not done before, since he didn't know he was truly a Farrier.
April 22, 2015
Morton certainly has more skeletons in his closet than most people, lucky his interests lie in genealogy! Fantastic story and lovely recreated war extracts. Absolutely loved the final twist at the end. Where does this lead Morton to now? I suspect America unless the DNA results provide us with yet another family mystery!
July 13, 2015
I am a big fan of World War I fiction and how it deals with the conflict, the challenges the soldiers faced, and how that impacted people at home. This is a great addition to the genre. We learn more about Morton Farrier's past and history--with some good resolution about heritage questions that have plagued him. I thought the plot twist in the novella was great and plausible.
December 28, 2015
Great story
Right at first, it was a little confusing to me with jumping back and forth between the two pasts and the present but it was intriguing. I love a good mystery and recently have gotten into genealogy, so am loving the genealogical mysteries. Will recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Right at first, it was a little confusing to me with jumping back and forth between the two pasts and the present but it was intriguing. I love a good mystery and recently have gotten into genealogy, so am loving the genealogical mysteries. Will recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
December 22, 2014
A really exceptional read. Loved the juxtaposition between the 1914 story and todays genealogical mystery. A gorgeous description of the Cornish coast at Christmas too. I could't put it down. truly 5 stars.
February 17, 2015
I enjoyed Nathan Dylan Goodwin's previous Morton Farrier books and this one was no exception. The horrors of the First World War are evident as Morton finally gets to grips with his own past. Well-written and I look forward to the next book.
March 27, 2015
Great read
This book finally brings together Morton's past. However, towards the end it is shown that there may still be some loose ends. This is a short story that keeps your interest from beginning to end.
This book finally brings together Morton's past. However, towards the end it is shown that there may still be some loose ends. This is a short story that keeps your interest from beginning to end.
April 25, 2015
Christmas, World War I, genealogy, and the engaging character of Morton Ferrier, forensic genealogist, with some resolution to his own family struggles -- what's not to like about this book? I hope there will be more of this series.
March 7, 2019
This was a quick read that was great for an afternoon when I wanted something light. I think I'd have enjoyed it less had I not read the first one - this one had little room for character development and backstory.
December 15, 2014
great book
March 31, 2015
Nathan Dylan Goodwin has done it again. This is the third in a series of Morton Farrier novels that I have read and I have really enjoyed every one of them. Can't wait to read more from this author.
June 15, 2015
Excellent book (and series)! Very well-written, great content: clean, historical, genealogical, suspenseful. Looking forward to more.
December 30, 2024
Another good offering from Nathan Dylan Goodwin! I enjoyed Morton's investigation of his own ancestry; it's given me some ideas of places to look for information as well!
December 19, 2015
Great continuation of book ones story
Loved how there were multiple stories in this book all going on at the same time. Great weave of past and future. Must read.
Loved how there were multiple stories in this book all going on at the same time. Great weave of past and future. Must read.
Read
January 20, 2016I really like the stories that Nathan Goodwin creates, especially the twists and turns. Not only are they a good read but they help me in my own search for my family's history.
March 20, 2018
Enjoyed discovering more about Morton's ancestors. I need to make a chart of his relations.
January 24, 2021
This novella was way too short. Morton Ferrier is off to Cornwall to spend the Christmas holidays with his Aunt Margaret, who is really his mother. (One will know this if you have read the series in order, if not you have some catching up to do). In going over the family history, questions start coming up about his great grandmother and her husband who was a friend of her husband during WWI. The family history is that Charles Ernest Ferrier had died in WWI or did he? Nathan Goodwin as per usual does an excellent job of giving the reader background by taking you through his research online and mixing with the events that happened in WWI. As always he gives you all the genealogy clues with vivid descriptions of pictures and documents. As an aside he gives you great descriptions of WWI trench experiences and events. At the same time he is reintroducing his own story of his Aunt/Mother situation and why she did what she did by giving him to her brother and his wife to raise him. At the same he is building a bond with his mother through genealogy and she becomes a new addict. This book gives us two surprises one from the past and what really happened between Charles Ernest Ferrier and his friend Leonard Sageman, who married Nellie his great grandmother and who was his birth father? So with the help new research avenues and DNA we will see in another book. You can't go wrong with this series of books they are excellent.
July 24, 2018
The story is a bridge between two Morton Farrier full length novels, The Lost Ancestor and The America Ground - a short diversion for Morton to discover a little more about his own family history, which runs parallel with his professional investigations.
The identity of Morton’s birth mother and the circumstances of his conception revealed in The Lost Ancestor, leaves Morton reeling. He’s torn between wanting to know more and being afraid of what he might learn. In The Orange Lilies he confronts this dilemma in the delightful setting of a favourite coastal village of mine, Cadgwith in Cornwall.
The novella also addresses the horrific WW1 experiences of Morton’s great-grandfather, Charles Farrier, who served in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and from where the title of the book comes - the regiment’s nickname.
The story of Charles Farrier’s death in the trenches of WW1, told partly from Morton’s research as he relays his discoveries to his Aunty Margaret and partly from Charles’s POV when we slip back to 1914, is very poignant. And the shocking truth about Charles’s fate which Morton uncovers gives a wonderful twist to the tale.
A short but enjoyable read, setting me up nicely to move on to the next book in the series, The America Ground... which I just happen to have lined up beside me...
The identity of Morton’s birth mother and the circumstances of his conception revealed in The Lost Ancestor, leaves Morton reeling. He’s torn between wanting to know more and being afraid of what he might learn. In The Orange Lilies he confronts this dilemma in the delightful setting of a favourite coastal village of mine, Cadgwith in Cornwall.
The novella also addresses the horrific WW1 experiences of Morton’s great-grandfather, Charles Farrier, who served in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and from where the title of the book comes - the regiment’s nickname.
The story of Charles Farrier’s death in the trenches of WW1, told partly from Morton’s research as he relays his discoveries to his Aunty Margaret and partly from Charles’s POV when we slip back to 1914, is very poignant. And the shocking truth about Charles’s fate which Morton uncovers gives a wonderful twist to the tale.
A short but enjoyable read, setting me up nicely to move on to the next book in the series, The America Ground... which I just happen to have lined up beside me...
November 17, 2019
Intriguing.
The third book in Goodwin’s The Forensic Genealogist series, ‘The Orange Lilies’ is a shorter story that focuses on Morton’s own history and the family secrets that have obscured it for so long.
Equally interesting and intriguing as the first two books in the series, this story is different in that it is far more intensely personal for Morton, and does not involve an exterior case that Morton is called upon to investigate. This story brings some well-crafted resolution to the questions Morton has harboured as a sub-plot that runs throughout books one and two, and returns him to a position of strength and resolve, from which he can approach the future and future investigations more confidently.
Morton’s exploration of his family history takes the story back to the opening months of World War I and his great-grandfather’s service as a soldier. While the discoveries he makes are fascinating, some questions regarding his great-grandfather and extended family still remain, giving a satisfying sense of continuity to the overall narrative of the series, and providing healthy anticipation for the next book.
This is an excellent read, and the series as a whole is brilliant. If you enjoy historical fiction and mystery, do not overlook this book and its companions in The Forensic Genealogist series.
The third book in Goodwin’s The Forensic Genealogist series, ‘The Orange Lilies’ is a shorter story that focuses on Morton’s own history and the family secrets that have obscured it for so long.
Equally interesting and intriguing as the first two books in the series, this story is different in that it is far more intensely personal for Morton, and does not involve an exterior case that Morton is called upon to investigate. This story brings some well-crafted resolution to the questions Morton has harboured as a sub-plot that runs throughout books one and two, and returns him to a position of strength and resolve, from which he can approach the future and future investigations more confidently.
Morton’s exploration of his family history takes the story back to the opening months of World War I and his great-grandfather’s service as a soldier. While the discoveries he makes are fascinating, some questions regarding his great-grandfather and extended family still remain, giving a satisfying sense of continuity to the overall narrative of the series, and providing healthy anticipation for the next book.
This is an excellent read, and the series as a whole is brilliant. If you enjoy historical fiction and mystery, do not overlook this book and its companions in The Forensic Genealogist series.
April 9, 2022
Well, another Morton Farrier book read, another favorite made. I’ve already written reviews for the previous books in this series that I’ve read. This one is better in that the links between the different characters are sweet and touching and oh so appropriate in a sentimental way.
It is nice to see Morton finally researching his own family history after reading of his inner turmoil in doing so in the previous books. For some reason, though, I suspect this sideline won’t resolve in the next book, though. The suspense in keeping me wanting more takes talent, and Goodwin definitely has that talent!
There was very little filler and the focus was on the main characters throughout , in both the past and present storylines. This is a change from Goodwin’s previous books, and I feel an improvement. The twist, while not unique, was unexpected and added much to this story and I am sure to future books as well.
Another four star read, another suggestion for others to read his works. I loved it!
It is nice to see Morton finally researching his own family history after reading of his inner turmoil in doing so in the previous books. For some reason, though, I suspect this sideline won’t resolve in the next book, though. The suspense in keeping me wanting more takes talent, and Goodwin definitely has that talent!
There was very little filler and the focus was on the main characters throughout , in both the past and present storylines. This is a change from Goodwin’s previous books, and I feel an improvement. The twist, while not unique, was unexpected and added much to this story and I am sure to future books as well.
Another four star read, another suggestion for others to read his works. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews