Genealogy of Murder

Deb Ralston #12

by Lee Martin

When it comes to murder, mothering, and missing persons, Detective Deb Ralston is the woman for the job. In this, her twelfth case, Deb is called in to untangle a case of mistaken identity - or is it? First, an extra body is discovered among other cadavers that make up an ongoing forensics experiment. Then, Marvin Tutwiler, a local genealogist, turns up missing. Is the body his? If not, then whose is it? And where is the genealogist? Before Deb can figure out this mess, Matilda Greenwood, her close friend and researcher for the missing Marvin Tutwiler, disappears herself. Tracing Matilda and Marvin's work only confuses the issue: it seems that Marvin has racked up quite a number of unhappy ex-wives, ex-fiancees, and ex-girlfriends. Could one of them have been involved? It promises to take all of Deb's famous courage in the face of a crisis, her detecting instincts, and the help of her husband, Harry, to find her friend before it's too late.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Pseudonym of Ann Wingate

Anne Wingate, born in 1943 as Martha Anne Guice, is a mystery writer currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most of her mysteries are set somewhere within Texas. She is an adult convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this sometimes shows in her works. She grew up in the Disciples of Christ Church.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather gruesome story to read--well, anytime, I suppose, but especially at Christmastime! I was perhaps a little less grossed out than I would've been if I hadn't already been introduced to the concept of a body farm by the tv show "Bones". This story touches on several other interesting things: genealogy (but not so much that I couldn't follow & my eyes glazed over!), "society ladies", polygamy, snobbery, bigotry, body transport.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived in Fort Worth off and on for years and love it. I had tried to read a Deb Ralston mystery some time ago but didn't get far. This time, I loved the story and the characters. I decided to buy several more.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I’ve read seven of Lee Martin’s “Deb Ralston” series books - I’ve enjoyed them all, but this one was by far the best! Tense and exciting up to the very end. The crimes involved take a very personal turn for Deb, thus totally investing me in the outcome on her behalf.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Genealogy of Murder" - written by Lee Martin and first published in 1996. A decent mystery overshadowed by the author's preoccupation with women's issues and child abuse.

[Elizabeth]

Ended series here. Never read last book.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love forensics and criminal investigations, I am a genealogist. Thought this was a perfect read! One of the most boring books I ever read. Gave up.

[Arf2D2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise, easy, quick read. Unfortunately, the detective work is shoddy, largely based on assumptions. The detective even says "I assume..." throughout the book. When she obtains a search warrant, the judge asks her a number of questions that should have revealed the shakiness of her case. Instead, he accepts her half answers and murky assumptions and issues the warrant anyway. Of course, the detective is correct in her assumptions - it is a book after all. Additionally, the detective claims to be rarely cry, but does nothing but cry for the second half of the book. This book started out promising, but, deteriorated into a disappointment.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable mystery.

[Sarah A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting mystery. Not as cozy as I expected and more graphic and action packed than I had thought. I enjoyed some of it but guessed the plot early.

[Brett]

Mystery