In the glitzy, gritty underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles, a chilling series of murders left the city gripped with fear. Six small-time actors and actresses met brutal ends; their bodies grotesquely posed in scenes from the films that had given them their fleeting fame. The Hollywood Strangler evaded capture, leaving behind only a trace of DNA and a legacy of terror. Decades later, the case remains ice-cold, a favorite for true-crime aficionados but a nightmare for detectives. The LAPD Cold Case Homicide Unit, desperate for a breakthrough on this case, turns to Venator, an elite investigative genetic genealogy company headed up by Madison Scott-Barnhart. Knowing the media storm that the case will attract, Madison reluctantly agrees to take on the investigation, where she and her small team must use their forensic genetic genealogy skills to identify one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. history. But only if the remaining DNA proves sufficient to test…
This is the third novel in the Venator Cold Case series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
Author 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.
Nathan Dylan Godwin’s books just get better with each release. The detailed procedures from the detectives, medical examiner and especially the team at Venator had me mentally brushing up on my own genetic genealogy research skills as I soaked up page after page of the investigation. As a long time reader of Nathan’s books, as well as being relatively proficient in genetic genealogy, I was able to clearly follow the story and research, eager for the conclusion but also not wanting the book to end. I love the diversity of the characters, getting to know them and their lives behind the scenes, as they work tirelessly to try and identify the killer. I also enjoy the side cases that the team are working on, reminding me of the work that many amateur and professional genetic genealogists devote their time to, to give back identities to the countless unknown “Does” and giving answers and closure to those left wondering. If you were gripped by the story of the Golden State Killer or any of the other cold cases that have since been solved using investigative genetic genealogy, or love a good “True Crime” book, vlog or podcast, then this series of (fiction) books by Nathan Dylan Goodwin should definitely be on your reading list.
This book works on so many levels. The characters are beautifully written; the action is both cerebral and adrenaline-pumping; the plot had me holding my breath until the end. I want to thank the author for also bring to my attention a very serious and real social injustice issue that needs attention and action. Read the book, follow the links at the end to learn more, then let's get busy on social media to shine a light and force some action and answers. No pressure, but when is the target date for the next book in the series?!!
I think I read these book for the genealogical research techniques and tips as the story lines. I am an amateur family history researcher so these techniques are very helpful. I enjoy interactions of the characters and the reality of the success DNA plays in solving cases that would still be unsolved workout it
I've followed Nathan Dylan Goodwin books for years. The genealogical novels are exceptional, and this collection about Venator Cold Cases is the strawberry over the cream!! Thank you Mr. Goodwin! Monica Beltrami, Montevideo, Uruguay.
As usual, I was immediately immersed in the story and the ongoing back stories of the individual characters. Another great story in the series, clearly very well researched. It’s a shame I’ve finished it already!
I've reviewed other NDG books, and it always comes down to the same thing. I would read his grocery list and still give it five stars. Nathan Dylan Goodwin is simply brilliant.
The Venator Cold Case Series revolves around an investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) company run by Madison Scott-Barnhart that is hired by police departments to solve cold cases. As the title suggests, they have been hired recently by the Los Angeles Police Department to solve the long-shelved case of the Hollywood Strangler.
Maddie's team of genealogists always do an amazing job of taking the DNA results from the crime scenes and backtracking multiple generations to finally track down the killer. As with the other two books in the Venator series, this book is highly technical - but that's half the fun!
Along the way, we learn more about the personal lives of the characters as well as get updates on the storylines that are woven through all three books, including the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Maddie's husband Michael seven years ago. It's one of the reasons why I look forward to each new NDG book because I can find out more about those throughline stories that have not yet been resolved.
Nathan Goodwin is himself an expert genealogist who often is a featured speaker at conferences around the world. He clearly shows his knowledge and understanding about this complex field, and I also have to give him kudos for being able to keep track of so many names as the family tree of the ultimate suspect is exposed. Goodwin is a spectacular storyteller.
This is a great read, but I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series before picking this one up.
In the third book of the Venator series, the team is asked to solve a notorious series of gruesome murders from Hollywood in the 1980s. Using their investigative techniques following the trails of dna matches, they are able to identify the likely killer and a somewhat shocking ending occurs as the killer is arrested. Meanwhile, the book is enlivened by continuing the stories of each of the individual researchers - Maddie's romance advances, Ross's life gets more complicated and Becky is in Haiti trying to solve the disappearance of Michael and find out what her father is hiding. A little notice to readers: the detail of the genealogical search is very intricate and complete, and might be confusing or boring to anyone not interested in that level of detail. Personally, I loved all that.
I have read all of the fiction written by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. While I have enjoyed each of his series, I can easily say that the Venator series is his best work. This book, in particular, was exceptional. His research into Investigative Genetic Genealogy is very thorough. His application of that knowledge integrated with real world cold case work and his fictional cases makes for a terrific book! Goodwin will always leave you begging for the next installment.
I've been dragging my heels before reading this book, as like all the others I can't stop reading it till I'm done. This was so good and some of the back stories were filled in. Becky's dad is an a** and she needs to come home and confront her dad. The whole story was just awesome (as always Nathan)😀. But now I have to wait until the next book.
The best so far. Nathan Dylan Goodwin has written an amazing book and I can't wait for the next one. Everyone on the Venator team has a compelling story. Learning how forensic genealogy works is fascinating. The Morton Farrier and Mrs. McDougall Investigates series are both excellent as well. I have read and enjoyed every one of these three series. Thank you Nathan Dylan Goodwin.
This third entry in the Venator series was simply incredible! The build up to the conclusion was a true nail biter. I absolutely love the authors incredible body of work
As a genealogist, I read this avidly. The details and accuracy were amazing and inspiring. The mystery was gripping and fascinating. My only disappointment was having one of the harrowing subplots left unresolved which invites a sequel, of course. But I don't want to wait!
As always with Nathan Dylan Goodwins books, which I've followed since his first novel, The Hollywood Strangler is both drama and education. This book is filled with even more education on forensic geneology and more drama about the process of tracking down criminals using DNA and the tools used. It is framed within the relationships of the Venator company and it's employees lives and work. Very facinating!
Nathan Dylan Goodwin has done it again! Venator Book 3 is fantastic! I love all his books. So pleased to have met him at RootsTech in Salt Lake City several years ago!
I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series! Character development! Plot! Knowledge presented! Mystery! Suspense! All perfect! Plus, I even learn the “how-to” of genealogical research as an aid to my own research. What could be better?
If you want to learn how to use DNA in researching family history, you would do well to read the Venator Cold Case series. The stories are set in the USA and revolve around an investigative genetic genealogist (IGG) and her small team. Each person has specific expertise valuable in helping to trace and identify people in cases that have so far proven unsolvable.
One of Venator’s primary clients is law enforcement, and in this most recent Venator story, one of the country’s biggest unsolved cold cases arrives for the Venator team to get stuck into. They’re both shocked and excited. Can they discover who was behind multiple deaths in 1980s Hollywood? An officer from the LAPD Cold Case Unit hopes so, because he’s determined to retire after this, his last case, one with which it turns out he has an historic connection.
As I’ve come to expect from Nathan Dylan Goodwin, the plot reels you in and twists and turns. The Venator team are experienced, yet fallible, and along with the central mystery, they each have other IGG projects which are slowly revealed as the series progresses. There are unexpected topics woven in, and sub-plots running through the series include issues and secrets from the personal lives of each of the characters, which sometimes complicate their work lives as well. Some themes explored may be more confronting than those of regular genealogical research, but remain realistic and make you think.
You will, if you’re anything like me, find yourself stopping to write reminders about something, or jumping straight into a new avenue for your own research.
This is only the third in this series but I am totally involved in the characters' lives and wanting to know more about how their stories will unfold. Bring on Book 4! I don't know how Nathan manages to combine such detail about the research process, geographical locations and believable back stories for his characters, but whatever he does makes me come back for more every time. The book works on so many levels that the reader can choose how much detail to absorb. It is not necessary to know anything about genealogy, but if you have done any of your own research the story resonates with familiar situations, research tips, warnings about jumping to conclusions - and that feeling of triumph when you know you have found the correct ancestor. I love the way the team are committed to finding answers, whether they are working on the case or trying get to the bottom of other situations which bring new dimensions to the series as a whole. Thoroughly recommended.
Nathan did it again! I was anxiously anticipating this book. The way he keeps you interested in the mystery of the cold case but also the personal stories of Maddie and the rest of the Venator team. While this was a work of fiction, I too found the truths being told, the horrific atrocities going on in Haiti was a little close to home for me. We have a lot of Haitian refugees in my area. They are bullied regularly for being here. I can’t imagine there fear of having to possibly return to that! The way he used the true medical examiner from the Golden State Killer case Dr. Speth and Detective Supervisor Mitzi Roberts from the Sam Little case was nothing less than genius. Highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a good murder mystery. And I will be here anxiously anticipating the release of Book 4 of the Venator Cold Case Series!!
The book gets a 5 for the genealogy and complex nature of how he uses genetic genealogy to weave and resolve the mystery of “who did it”. That part is excellent. But…and I think this is important…the author really needs to take a step back and decide if his audience (readers) or personal agenda is the more important. I understand the author is gay as he makes it clear in his bio. No problem with that at all. But infusing so many gay relationships into the writing of this book makes it obvious to the reader that an agenda is being promoted and that can becomes a problem for many readers. It’s just not necessary to what is a great series with interesting story lines. When asking for reviews one needs to take the good with the bad.
The Hollywood Strangler is exactly the kind of cold case thriller that keeps me up way too late. The combination of 1980s Hollywood grit and modern forensic genealogy makes this story feel both atmospheric and cutting-edge. The murders themselves are eerie and unforgettable posed like scenes from old films which adds a disturbing creativity to the case. And following Madison and the Venator team as they work through decades-old DNA felt incredibly immersive. You can feel the pressure they’re under, especially with the media breathing down their necks. Nathan Dylan Goodwin balances suspense, detective work, and real emotional stakes so well that I didn’t want to put this book down. If you love cold cases, genealogy, or just a solid, twisty crime story, this one is a standout.
What a fantastic story from one of the best genealogical mystery writers. He gently leads the reader deeper into into the plot before releasing the hand-hold and gently pushing us into heart of the story. Excellent writing style which doubles as a template for finding our own “missing persons”. Definitely recommend this book and author. Thanks once again Nathan Dylan Goodwin.
I like this author, but I felt like there was too much in the book. The scenes in Haiti were really not necessary here. It looks like this will become a sequel. Also, the work finding the great grandparents of the killer was very repetitive.Family trees in the book would have been helpful. Much of the book was interesting, but I think it needs to be cleaned up a bit and focused more on the California killer.
I enjoyed how this book covered the cold case detectives in Los Angeles as well as the Venator team in Salt Lake City. It was full of details about the investigative genealogy - I almost think I'm following what they are doing now. One of the team is on sabbatical in Haiti and she is investigating what might have happened to Maddie's husband. This gives an insight into a whole different environment - the lawless and exploited country; sniper attacks and gangsters - quite scary.
Detailed genealogy search information and interesting characters. Could have used more proofreading as "manila" spelled as "manilla" and later spelled correctly, a few punctuation errors, and an expectation that a newspaper marriage announcement would have included information about the groom's possible previous marriage ending in death or divorce. An enjoyable read.
For fans of DNA research and true crime a fantastic read. Great job! I wish there was more but the technical details are so complicated. It’s got to be hard to make the trees! I know from having used DNA to solve 1 case what he wrote was very realistic. I’m a fan.
This was the best of the series to date. The genealogical detail was toned down a bit compared to the previous books which allowed the plot to be more cohesive. Several threads of the peripheral story lines were neatly closed but one very intriguing one still needs some closure, hence "Awaiting book 4.," Great read!