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Murder has a family tree . . . especially in New Orleans! Nick Herald, professional genealogist and amateur sleuth, delves into the murder of a fellow genealogist, a curmudgeonly old friend with many enemies and perhaps too much knowledge. Who killed Woodrow Bluemantle in his posh French Quarter hotel room? Someone is willing to risk everything to hide damaging facts the killer strikes again and again! What is the mystery at the heart of the lineage society based on the passenger list of a ship that sailed into French colonial New Orleans? Nick s research acumen, unerring intuition, and affinity for danger and romance lead to deadly secrets buried deep within the history of New Orleans and Louisiana. Nick and his disabled assistant, Hawty Latimer, must discover if and how modern-day murders relate to the legendary ship. They put their lives on the line for genealogical truth as they fight to bring the culprits to justice! Also by Jimmy Deadly Pedigree, the first award-winning Nick Herald genealogical mystery.

282 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2002

53 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

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Jimmy Fox

8 books11 followers

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5 stars
82 (28%)
4 stars
121 (42%)
3 stars
62 (21%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Syed.
162 reviews170 followers
August 1, 2014
There was no way I was going to enjoy this book. When I began reading it, all I could focus on were the excessive number of adjectives that jumped off the page at me. I found myself reading them out loud to my husband and laughing. I had almost decided to give up on it after the first chapter. But I read. I read anything, and everything, so I pushed on. I am very glad I did.

Jimmy Fox has created a character who is just like you and me. He has issues and he lives on. The genealogy aspect is handled very well and I found the whole premise to be believable and entertaining. A little bit of mystery, a little more mayhem, and people you really like and dislike.

The beginning of the book is a tough read, but after a chapter or two, Fox finds his stride and gives readers a book that is quite good. In fact, I ended up enjoying it so much I had to force myself not to dive right into the next book. I have already purchased it, but I try not to read two books by the same author right in a row, Funny how writers never write fast enough for readers.

Thank you Jimmy Fox for making me glad I invested the time. Well done.
Profile Image for chowchowgrl.
68 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2021
Genealogy Is Never Boring, Especially With Nick

It started out slowly but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. Interesting characters and setting, fascinating story.
Profile Image for Rick.
336 reviews
November 1, 2025
It was a decent story. The main character was not likable and Jimmy Fox’s writing style was ponderous. I can’t recommend it.
Profile Image for E.
169 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2017
Dr. Jonathan Nicholas Herald, aka Nick, has been wronged by his academic foes leaving his teaching career and reputation in shambles. In order to make a living he now investigates family lineages. He is quite good at what he does.

A good friend of his is found dead, an apparent suicide. Nick doesn’t think so and plans to find out why his friend was murdered. As the story progresses there are four other murders. Nick discovers that all the victims have something to do with the Society of the Descendants of the Passengers of the Allégorie. What are they trying to hide?

Lineages and Lies is an entertaining mystery set in historic New Orleans. For those of you, like myself, who have dabbled in genealogy, the story provides quite a few good tips on how to go about finding your family roots and just maybe a pirate or too. Enjoy!
20 reviews
March 9, 2017
Could be possible

Really? Do people actually kill to protect a two hundred year old secret? Enough new Orleans characters to form another MardiGras crew. And nobody finds a parking spot that easily in the guarter!
3 reviews
February 24, 2017
Good read

Kept me interested. Good story line with excellent ending. I would recommend this to all of my friends. Want more like this.
Profile Image for Kay C.
335 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2014
This is the first book I've read by this author. I almost couldn't get past the beginning it was so chockablock with metaphors and descriptive words which I find cheap and tedious. For instance: "His musing brown eyes now registered the runway of floral arabesque carpet that stretched out grandly before him." It's just too much and I was greatly regretting my purchase. Thankfully, this style ended by about the second chapter. And from there, things greatly improved which is why the book earns 4 stars. As a erstwhile genealogist myself, I am quite taken with the mystery of uncovering ancestors and their stories, and the twists and turns made along the way. The premise of an entire - extremely wealthy - genealogical society that is built around the descendants of the passengers of an early ship named the Allegorie is unique. I also appreciated the lack of brutality and loose language which seems to populate the books of some of the most popular authors. The plot twists and turns as protagonist Nick Herald unravels the mystery of what is true and what is a lie.
52 reviews
July 16, 2016
Interesting book in that it covers New Orleans, various types of history - the colonies, maritime, etc., and the human frailties of pride, money, ethics, murder, and love. Quite a lot to develop in a quick read. So you need to pay attention and keep track of the characters, some of whom are only alluded to in the background. And some lessons on genealogy research along the way, as part of the mystery and it's exposure.
14 reviews
August 29, 2016
Lots of genealogical research coupled with a good mystery. This is the second book in this series that I've read and the main characters are becoming familiar, yet still interesting. I like the local colour provided in the descriptions of New Orleans, a place I know nothing of, although sometimes details are repeated too many times. I want to read more books in the series, so that's always a good sign!
Profile Image for Denise .
244 reviews
February 26, 2016
Another great book

Lineages and Lies is another wonderful read. Great return and new characters. Makes a person wonder just how much history has been improperly recorded and passed down. A lot to like in this book. Worth a read and recommendation to others.
82 reviews
January 16, 2017
Review Of Lineages and Lies

The book was interesting, but at times I thought it was too descriptive. The many characters were all believable. I would read another of Nick's adventures.
Profile Image for Kay Haden.
10 reviews1 follower
Read
January 7, 2014
Good story

Entertaining for genealogy buffs who usually like a good mystery! Nick isn't your average family researcher, however, but he is interesting.
14 reviews
August 18, 2015
Totally Enjoyable

Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will enjoy this. Fully developed characters and exciting without causing anxiety. Great weekend read.
Profile Image for Patty.
19 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2015
Great story

This book would rate 5 stars if all of the many typo type errors were corrected. Pet peeve of mine - poor proofreading.
Profile Image for Carla.
137 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2017
This was a truly wonderful book for an historian. Fabulous insight into the history of New Orleans. Exciting and adventurous genealogical mystery. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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