Clamhunger Row

by M.K. Jones

In 1849, at the height of the Great Hunger in Ireland, three cousins, Ellen, Peg and Norrie have lost their families and homes. They are forced to enter the Workhouse from where they are chosen, under the notorious Earl Grey scheme, to be sent to Australia. The scheme, the brainchild of a callous British Government, aims to rid Ireland of over four thousand of its unwanted female orphans. The girls are forced to cross Ireland to Dublin and on to Liverpool. Two will reach Australia. What awaits them is unexpected and ultimately tragic.For the third girl, destiny has something else in store. Her desire for revenge against the landlord’s agent, responsible for the loss of her home and the deaths of her family, is too great.After committing a bloodthirsty murder, for which she is hunted by British soldiers, she decides to make a run for America. Can she throw off her former life to find salvation in the hostile, dangerous Manhattan of the 1850s?The Maze Investigators, tracing what seems to be a straightforward family history, find themselves embroiled in a family dynasty – treacherous people who have a great deal to win, but too much to lose.

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2023

About the author

Originally from South Wales, I now live in North Wales, close to Conwy and the sea. My passion for genealogy began when I helped out my mother with internet researching on her family and I became engrossed ( my family would say fanatical!). The Maze Investigations series has allowed me to combine my passion with my long held ambition to be a creative writer. I have recently added the first book in a new series. The series is called The Curiosity Club of St Foy and the book is 'All Gone'. My plan is to publish 2 books a year at least, one in each series. Update! I have recently published the fourth book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series. It's called "The Cult of Flowers". And I have formed a collaboration with South Wales write, John F. Wales. Together we have produced a new series called "The Cardiff Newshound Investigates". Book one, "Death on a Gravestone" is now available in all media, and book two will be available shortly. It's been ten years since the publication of "Three Times Removed", the first book in the Maze series. I'll soon be starting on book no. 10. What a journey!

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a weak 3 stars for me ---giving it the benefit of the doubt. As a genealogist who also has problems doing Irish research due to lack of extant records for the potato famine years and prior I wanted to see what Maze Investigations did with this topic.

I sort of lost faith in the research early on when the oft repeated myth that "they may have changed the name at Ellis Island or Castle Gardens" was stated not once but twice. Yes, of course many immigrants witnessed changes or evolution in the spelling of their surnames for many reasons...they couldn't read or write and others spelled the name as they heard it, the immigrant wanted to fit in and Americanize the name or hide the ethnicity. In the case of the Irish there was prejudice during the famine years and it was hard for the Irish immigrants (and Catholics in general) to gain employment with all the "no Irish need apply" signs on businesses. BUT names were not changed by the workers at Ellis Island or Castle Gardens because the names were written when the immigrant embarked on the voyage in their homeland. And in the case of the Irish the language used was English on these records and that is even noted in this book and yet the myth was still spread here.

When I read a genealogy mystery book such as this one I don't really care for the character development or family background of the researchers...I want more info about the research being done and the subjects of that research. I felt this book was too heavy on chatty researcher development and not heavy enough with more factual information as to the research. I was also never really clear on how much was fact-based and how much was fluffed up filler and fiction. There are a list of books researched for this one listed at the end of the book but there is no indication as to what facts were gleaned from each book.

It was still on the whole not a bad book...so a borderline 3 stars for me.

[Patrice Morrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not up to usual standard

I love the Maggie Stories however not so much this. This historical mistakes relating to Australia immediately spoilt it for Van Diemen’s Land was Tasmania not Australia. There were a few other glaring mistakes too which I am sure Maggie would never have made. I noticed in the Bibliography that no mention was made of any Australian sources. That’s disappointing. I think the books are becoming a little far fetched too, however it was good to revisit the characters.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent mystery in this series. This time the client is American and has discovered his ancestors were Irish rather than Scottish and needs Maze to help extend this part of his tree. Maggie travels to Ireland where she makes some incredible discoveries. Occasional chapters, set in the past, relate the stories of three Irish cousins during and after the Potato Famine.

I was enthralled by the story, so was shocked when it suddenly turned even darker and became entwined with previous Maze Investigations.

[Karen Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Good book. Held my interest. I learned much about Ireland, the potato famine, and the people. The Irish have been thru many tribulations in their history. I can't even imagine how people could be so cruel. To their credit they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and used their intelligence and ingenuity to make their race one of the finest.

[Julie A Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Read

If your into genealogy and enjoy a good read, then this is a book for you.
Although part of a series, it can be read alone?
I have read a few of her books and its always like stepping back in time. Have a box of tissues nearby - its enlightening, shocking, almost humbling and a history lesson all rolled in to one!

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

This author is a master story teller who does massive amounts of research. Have read all of the authors books except the new series that I will get to soon. Highly recommend these books!

[Beverly Bigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another corker of a story.

Lovely to meet up with Maggie and the gang again. The Maze Investigations stories never let you down . There are always the twists and turns. Great.

[Lisa Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Such a gripping book! It kept my attention throughout. I love the Maze books, looking forward to the next one.

[Judith Rainbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in learning more of the history of Irish people moving to the US and Australia and the many reasons. I wasn't disappointed. So glad Bob and Maggie got married at last.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the intricate plot. The going back and forth between the 1800’s and present was a little bit monotonous. Highly recommend this author.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is brilliant and this books shows the research she does on all her books, if you’re a family history buff you will love it !

[MARIE ARCAND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the potatoes famine

High lights in suffering and families torn apart. I'm really enjoying these historical mysteries. They are all written.i think. Good

[Maree Croxon Mapperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your family history is the good bad and all

When you start your journey it’s a lottery what story you get. Sometimes it’s hard to find but it’s always worth the effort