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The Forensic Genealogist #10
The Deserter's Tale
When forensic genealogist Morton Farrier accepted an invitation to travel to Salt Lake
City, Utah, to speak at the RootsTech genealogy conference, he had been unaware that
one of his co-panellists was to be none other than his former girlfriend, Madison Scott-
Barnhart. Whilst he prepares anxiously to meet her for what will be the first time in twenty-
six years—and hopefully to discover the unresolved truth behind her abrupt ending of
their relationship—he takes on the case of researching his wife’s mysterious great-
a man who deserted his Sussex family shortly after the First World War. In
the course of his investigations and time in the States, Morton uncovers some shocking
truths, some of which are uncomfortably close to home…
City, Utah, to speak at the RootsTech genealogy conference, he had been unaware that
one of his co-panellists was to be none other than his former girlfriend, Madison Scott-
Barnhart. Whilst he prepares anxiously to meet her for what will be the first time in twenty-
six years—and hopefully to discover the unresolved truth behind her abrupt ending of
their relationship—he takes on the case of researching his wife’s mysterious great-
a man who deserted his Sussex family shortly after the First World War. In
the course of his investigations and time in the States, Morton uncovers some shocking
truths, some of which are uncomfortably close to home…
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
140 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
32 books626 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!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 15, 2023
Fabulous start to my Saturday reading Nathan’s newest book in one sitting over my morning coffee.
The reality of my life as a genetic genealogist swirls through the pages, while I read about people I admire and dream about being back again at Rootstech and walking the streets of Vegas.
The storyline was fast paced and I loved every minute chasing the life of the runaway ancestor and the constant challenge of being able to fill in the gaps of their story.
Nathan’s books always inspires me and I need to get back to work on the DNA cases I am working on but remember to allow down time to catch up on the books of Nathan’s I haven’t read
Awesome read once again Nathan!
The reality of my life as a genetic genealogist swirls through the pages, while I read about people I admire and dream about being back again at Rootstech and walking the streets of Vegas.
The storyline was fast paced and I loved every minute chasing the life of the runaway ancestor and the constant challenge of being able to fill in the gaps of their story.
Nathan’s books always inspires me and I need to get back to work on the DNA cases I am working on but remember to allow down time to catch up on the books of Nathan’s I haven’t read
Awesome read once again Nathan!
September 26, 2024
Another good installment in the Morton Farrier series, with some interesting plot development for future books! Do start at the beginning of the series, if you've not already read them, so you get the progression of Morton's life and family. They're fun, and I like how his research efforts are described, so someone could learn from his steps if they didn't know these things already, without a lecture on the topic. And I am so waiting for that archivist to get her comeuppance one day!
September 27, 2023
A fun short novel with plenty of genealogy discoveries and favorite characters from both the Morton Farrier and Venator series. Morton is a speaker at the popular Roots Tech Genealogy conference but is having trouble finding time to prepare for his presentations because his mother-in-law got him on the trail of her mysterious grandfather and Morton can’t stop searching for the answers.
December 18, 2023
Loved this book. You do need to be a bit obsessed about genealogy research to enjoy them. at least it would help as there is a lot of talk about the way he goes about hunting the person he is looking for. To make them interesting they are also mystery stories and his family is often included in the mystery
September 30, 2023
The Morton Farrier Forensic Genealogist series manages to combine three of my favourite things: reading, mysteries, and family history. I’m so glad I discovered it early on.
The Deserter’s Tale marks ten years since the beginning of the series and is a compact story with plenty going on. Morton travels to RootsTech to give two presentations. While he's there, he hopes to get the police to re-open a case involving one of his family members, and he traces the movements of his wife’s great-grandfather who disappeared following World War One. With the great-grandfather’s story being based on a real person, this is a case of truth being stranger than fiction.
As always, Nathan Dylan Goodwin does a great job of creating a plot that keeps you hooked, wanting answers and more of Morton’s adventures. In the process he manages to demonstrate important elements of research, such as having a good research question, using primary and secondary sources, and seeking genealogical proof. Some tempting clues are laid for development in future stories, along with a cliffhanger of sorts. Hopefully the next Morton book is not too far off!
The Deserter’s Tale marks ten years since the beginning of the series and is a compact story with plenty going on. Morton travels to RootsTech to give two presentations. While he's there, he hopes to get the police to re-open a case involving one of his family members, and he traces the movements of his wife’s great-grandfather who disappeared following World War One. With the great-grandfather’s story being based on a real person, this is a case of truth being stranger than fiction.
As always, Nathan Dylan Goodwin does a great job of creating a plot that keeps you hooked, wanting answers and more of Morton’s adventures. In the process he manages to demonstrate important elements of research, such as having a good research question, using primary and secondary sources, and seeking genealogical proof. Some tempting clues are laid for development in future stories, along with a cliffhanger of sorts. Hopefully the next Morton book is not too far off!
March 26, 2024
I have loved, and learned from every one of his books!
Anytime I see a new Nathan Dylan Goodwin book on Amazon Kindle I buy it. No need to read a sample because I know I will love it. But sample I do, in order to build anticipation. The Deserter’s Tale was no exception. The building of the genealogical mystery until the end is more than satisfying. Growing with Morton’s family is like being with them. The side stories glue past and present books together so well. And this one with its bombshell reveal gave instead excitement. Please keep the Forensic Genealogist Series and the Venator Series going. They are my absolute favs to read. And, I love that you show the challenges, frustrations and successes of real genealogist. Keeps me inspired and plugging ahead in my research. Haven’t met a demon archivist though… only angelic ones. :-) Bravo, Goodwin!
Anytime I see a new Nathan Dylan Goodwin book on Amazon Kindle I buy it. No need to read a sample because I know I will love it. But sample I do, in order to build anticipation. The Deserter’s Tale was no exception. The building of the genealogical mystery until the end is more than satisfying. Growing with Morton’s family is like being with them. The side stories glue past and present books together so well. And this one with its bombshell reveal gave instead excitement. Please keep the Forensic Genealogist Series and the Venator Series going. They are my absolute favs to read. And, I love that you show the challenges, frustrations and successes of real genealogist. Keeps me inspired and plugging ahead in my research. Haven’t met a demon archivist though… only angelic ones. :-) Bravo, Goodwin!
January 6, 2025
It seemed much less involved than the Venator cases and was mainly Morton on his own, doing a lot of research on-line as he went. It was nice to see his growing family but I liked seeing more of the family in previous books. There is a good mystery of Juliette's great-grandfather but the research, though involved, whizzes along quite quickly so it feels somehow less substantive. It used DNA and then meeting up with other family members and resources like newspapers and family documents, letters etc. I am left wanting another Venator story to fill in some of the gaps - what happened to Becky? will the truth ever come out about Haiti? and what is going on with Jenna?
October 16, 2023
Informative and entertaining!
I should also add 'inspiring' as I had halted my own family research after hitting the well known 'brick wall!' I now have an idea of where to continue my research. This book was of particular interest because of my own father's past...while he did not abandon us or disappear, he was very secretive, and I found, A bit devious! Sadly, there us no one left who really knew him other than myself, so I appreciate the leads and the entertaining stories by this author.
I should also add 'inspiring' as I had halted my own family research after hitting the well known 'brick wall!' I now have an idea of where to continue my research. This book was of particular interest because of my own father's past...while he did not abandon us or disappear, he was very secretive, and I found, A bit devious! Sadly, there us no one left who really knew him other than myself, so I appreciate the leads and the entertaining stories by this author.
February 15, 2024
I've been reading this series from the start, snatching each book the moment it comes out. Then I left the library where I'd worked for years, and, as soon as I was no longer surrounded by books, this one somehow slipped out without my noticing. I was, obviously, distressed to learn that I had missed it and I ordered it immediately.
I love these books. They never get stale, and I'm genuinely pleased to catch up with Morton and his family and friends in each new adventure. Following his research is almost as much fun as doing my own.
I love these books. They never get stale, and I'm genuinely pleased to catch up with Morton and his family and friends in each new adventure. Following his research is almost as much fun as doing my own.
October 16, 2023
I love the flow of this well constructed story. There is adventure as well as lots of interesting genealogical process of uncovering a strange tale about Morton’s wife’s ancestor. I’ve read all of Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s books about Morton and found this to be a very satisfying tenth anniversary tale weaving in many pieces from previous books. The conclusion leaves me anxious for answers to mysteries still unsolved! Well worth the read!
November 2, 2023
If you enjoy genealogy...
...You will enjoy the tangled web of Morton Ferrier's case. One dropped in his lap at the last moment by his mother-in-law as he flies off to Utah for a RootsTech speaking engagement he hasn't prepared for yet.
The look into Mr Goodwin's mind as he researches into the tangled clues to his case is fascinating. Well done as the author is a real genealogist.
...You will enjoy the tangled web of Morton Ferrier's case. One dropped in his lap at the last moment by his mother-in-law as he flies off to Utah for a RootsTech speaking engagement he hasn't prepared for yet.
The look into Mr Goodwin's mind as he researches into the tangled clues to his case is fascinating. Well done as the author is a real genealogist.
November 16, 2023
Morton is preparing to leave for RootsTech when his mother-in-law suddenly reveals that an ancestor had abandoned his family and fled to Las Vegas shortly after the First World War. And since Morton in stopping in Las Vegas, naturally he has to pursue this trail, unaware of the many twists and turns it will take. Novella length and impossible to put down — I stayed up far too late finishing it!
January 2, 2024
I quite enjoyed this short tale, read on my kindle app. Returning to a book that illustrates both how to research family history with it's challenges AND having it set in the present, was a relief. Too much of my late books read were long and heavy in topic. I needed a break.
Not only was the research set in the present, but having read the series it combined the ongoing saga of Morton and his wife's family WITH current well known researchers and resources. It was a delight to read - and for all of these reasons I would recommend it.
Not only was the research set in the present, but having read the series it combined the ongoing saga of Morton and his wife's family WITH current well known researchers and resources. It was a delight to read - and for all of these reasons I would recommend it.
January 7, 2024
Genealogy at it's best
It might be fiction but Nathan Goodwin attracts the reader so easily with a promise of a real mystery solved by Genealogy research. Be prepared to read it straight through non stop to find the real story behind the presented mysteries. The plus in this book is the connections to the major conference in Salt Lake and the research steps he took to solve the mystery.
It might be fiction but Nathan Goodwin attracts the reader so easily with a promise of a real mystery solved by Genealogy research. Be prepared to read it straight through non stop to find the real story behind the presented mysteries. The plus in this book is the connections to the major conference in Salt Lake and the research steps he took to solve the mystery.
September 27, 2024
Required reading for anyone interested in genealogy
I just finished the 10th book in this series. I absolutely loved all 10. But I'm terribly sad they have ended.
Every book can be read alone, but reading in order is better.
I can't wait for his next book.
Please proof read faster, these are the BEST books I've read in a long time and I leant some new genealogy search methods. Which, I also enjoy
I just finished the 10th book in this series. I absolutely loved all 10. But I'm terribly sad they have ended.
Every book can be read alone, but reading in order is better.
I can't wait for his next book.
Please proof read faster, these are the BEST books I've read in a long time and I leant some new genealogy search methods. Which, I also enjoy
January 21, 2024
Another fine episode
Huge fan of the Morton Farrier series and this latest installment is another fun read. I will say it was far too short and I do believe could have been fleshed out a bit more. I finished it far too quickly, so have to wait for the next installment!
An easy and engrossing read, I look forward to the next installment.
Huge fan of the Morton Farrier series and this latest installment is another fun read. I will say it was far too short and I do believe could have been fleshed out a bit more. I finished it far too quickly, so have to wait for the next installment!
An easy and engrossing read, I look forward to the next installment.
March 31, 2024
Genealogists dream
I love reading these books, as not only are the characters and story lines great but I really enjoy the way Morton delves into the records and pieces the past together in such an interesting way. I just wish I could find as many facts about my own family as he does.
Please write some more soon.
I love reading these books, as not only are the characters and story lines great but I really enjoy the way Morton delves into the records and pieces the past together in such an interesting way. I just wish I could find as many facts about my own family as he does.
Please write some more soon.
April 20, 2025
more please!
Nathan goodwin has done it again. Pulling together family history, research, and great story telling. His accounts of RootsTech is accurate as it lots of the details he uses in the main character’s research. It’s fun to get to read a great story weaving all of it together. Looking forward to reading more of the books.
Nathan goodwin has done it again. Pulling together family history, research, and great story telling. His accounts of RootsTech is accurate as it lots of the details he uses in the main character’s research. It’s fun to get to read a great story weaving all of it together. Looking forward to reading more of the books.
September 25, 2023
Loved the entire series
Loved the way you weave actual events and places into your stories and layout the genealogical research necessary to solve the cases. The Deserter's Tale was very well done.
Loved the way you weave actual events and places into your stories and layout the genealogical research necessary to solve the cases. The Deserter's Tale was very well done.
September 27, 2023
WOW.
Great surprise to read characters from Forensic Genealogist meeting with Venator characters and Morton has a grown up daughter.
When will we read when he tells Juliette .
Shame we didn't get to read it in this book. 😕
Loved the book though.
Great surprise to read characters from Forensic Genealogist meeting with Venator characters and Morton has a grown up daughter.
When will we read when he tells Juliette .
Shame we didn't get to read it in this book. 😕
Loved the book though.
September 30, 2023
another good one! Guy returns from WWI to his family and then just takes off one day, never to return! Whatever happened to him? DNA solves some parts and digging solves the rest.
So good, I read it in one day!
So good, I read it in one day!
October 2, 2023
Great Book/Series
These books and these characters are wonderful. Have read all these books and enjoyed them very much. Being a Genealogist they speak to me and give me ideas. Can't wait for the next one so hurry up Nathan you have opened Pandora box.
These books and these characters are wonderful. Have read all these books and enjoyed them very much. Being a Genealogist they speak to me and give me ideas. Can't wait for the next one so hurry up Nathan you have opened Pandora box.
October 5, 2023
Your life leaves footprints in the past
Nathan takes back to find the leads of one life and it’s reincarnations. It also continues with Morton’s journey through his obsession I feel pulled back into Morton’s life and his past. Can not wait for next instalment.
Nathan takes back to find the leads of one life and it’s reincarnations. It also continues with Morton’s journey through his obsession I feel pulled back into Morton’s life and his past. Can not wait for next instalment.
October 7, 2023
Always Fun
Morton always unravels complicated plots and this one is particularly gnarly! Always fun to follow along and am waiting for his next adventure -- more of his own family story.
Morton always unravels complicated plots and this one is particularly gnarly! Always fun to follow along and am waiting for his next adventure -- more of his own family story.
October 18, 2023
Fascinating
Another delightful trip through genealogical research, with a fascinating story. Thanks to Nathan for citing new research tools available. I am inspired to go back to my family tree and see if I can find a way through some road blocks.
Another delightful trip through genealogical research, with a fascinating story. Thanks to Nathan for citing new research tools available. I am inspired to go back to my family tree and see if I can find a way through some road blocks.
January 8, 2024
Stupendous!!
I was in a state of withdrawal symptoms about Nathan Dylan Goodwi's Morton Carrier series.
Finally it came!
I'm now out of the withdrawal, but it begins the countdown waiting for the next one.
THANK YOU MR. GOODWIN!!
I was in a state of withdrawal symptoms about Nathan Dylan Goodwi's Morton Carrier series.
Finally it came!
I'm now out of the withdrawal, but it begins the countdown waiting for the next one.
THANK YOU MR. GOODWIN!!
January 26, 2024
Morton goes to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City to meet with an old girlfriend and find out about Juliette's great-grandfather who deserted his wife and went to America to have another family.
Morton also gets a big surprise at the end of the book.
Morton also gets a big surprise at the end of the book.
April 26, 2024
Deserters tail!!
This book is a really enjoyable easy read that keeps you glued to your seat, not even moving to do simple things around the home. You just can't put it down until it is all done and sorted. I really enjoyed it, thank you 😍
This book is a really enjoyable easy read that keeps you glued to your seat, not even moving to do simple things around the home. You just can't put it down until it is all done and sorted. I really enjoyed it, thank you 😍
October 8, 2024
I'm really enjoying these genealogy novellas. They are a little bit of mystery, a little bit of history and a little bit of genie education on resources. This is the tenth book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, but only my 2nd to read. I'm hooked.
January 17, 2025
The only problem with this story, is that it is too short! I would have liked a lot more detail about the plot pieces, which would have made it more like the other novels on the series.
Apart from that I loved it !
Apart from that I loved it !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews