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Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery #9
The Salford Sioux
Some family trees have roots that run deeper - and darker - than anyone could imagine.
When the Walker family receive unexpected DNA results showing Native American ancestry, they turn to genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to unravel the mystery. Their family tree, all of them were born in the industrial town of Salford in England, shows no hint of such heritage - but DNA does not lie.
As Jayne delves into the family's past, she discovers a trail leading back to the smog of 1880s Salford, and a tale of forbidden love, desperate choices, and a legacy that crosses both oceans and centuries.
Who was the Native America ancestor and how did he end up living in Salford, thousands of miles away from the open prairies of the Great Plains?
This Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery is perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Boo Walker, Steve Robinson, and Nathan Dylan Goodwin.
When the Walker family receive unexpected DNA results showing Native American ancestry, they turn to genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to unravel the mystery. Their family tree, all of them were born in the industrial town of Salford in England, shows no hint of such heritage - but DNA does not lie.
As Jayne delves into the family's past, she discovers a trail leading back to the smog of 1880s Salford, and a tale of forbidden love, desperate choices, and a legacy that crosses both oceans and centuries.
Who was the Native America ancestor and how did he end up living in Salford, thousands of miles away from the open prairies of the Great Plains?
This Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery is perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Boo Walker, Steve Robinson, and Nathan Dylan Goodwin.
- GenresMysteryHistoricalFiction
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
137 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books443 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 29, 2025
The nature of genealogy is to provide a tantalizing glimpse of our ancestors' lives. M J Lee does a fine job of weaving a few unearthed clues into a vividly imagined story. This one follows a small group of native Americans who moved to England after the battle of Little Bighorn. Recommended with 4 stars.
April 17, 2025
Next book in the Jayne Sinclair series, here I come!
A welcome change from my usual library, The Salford Sioux was a treat. Usually I avoid novels jumping through multiple timelines, but in this case, it seemed quite seamless within the whole story. Will be starting book 2 in this series later today.
A welcome change from my usual library, The Salford Sioux was a treat. Usually I avoid novels jumping through multiple timelines, but in this case, it seemed quite seamless within the whole story. Will be starting book 2 in this series later today.
March 3, 2025
I always enjoy the books in this series. The stories are fascinating, and Jayne Sinclair is so determined to find out the person's genealogical history. I love that part as Jayne searches out the clues and the answers. I find it fascinating
March 4, 2025
another great read from M J Lee.
Cowboys and Indians in the north of England, who would have thought it? When native American DNA turns up in the tests of a pair of Salford siblings, genealogist Jayne Sinclair takes us back to the times of Sitting Bull and Custer in this interesting and very readable novel from Martin Lee.
Cowboys and Indians in the north of England, who would have thought it? When native American DNA turns up in the tests of a pair of Salford siblings, genealogist Jayne Sinclair takes us back to the times of Sitting Bull and Custer in this interesting and very readable novel from Martin Lee.
March 17, 2025
Salford sioux
Very interesting historical information well written with the genealogy twist. I've enjoyed all the Jane Sinclair novels, including the way her own life is so important to the books
Very interesting historical information well written with the genealogy twist. I've enjoyed all the Jane Sinclair novels, including the way her own life is so important to the books
March 3, 2025
Fascinating!
Quite the different story, yet engaging from page one. The Jayne Sinclair series is a favorite of mine!
P.S. please don't bring Paul back into the stories, he's a weasel! 😀
Quite the different story, yet engaging from page one. The Jayne Sinclair series is a favorite of mine!
P.S. please don't bring Paul back into the stories, he's a weasel! 😀
March 3, 2025
As always I really enjoy this authors work !
April 5, 2025
This one in the series included some terrific historical and cultural background! Great storytelling!
April 14, 2025
Review
I love this series and this was one of my very favorites. It had a great story and unique characters. It had a fantastic description of life on the Plains for the Sioux and others. Looking forward to the next one.
I love this series and this was one of my very favorites. It had a great story and unique characters. It had a fantastic description of life on the Plains for the Sioux and others. Looking forward to the next one.
March 15, 2025
Another superb genealogical mystery!
I’ve read all of the Jayne Sinclair series and have loved every one of them. It felt like forever waiting for The Sanford Sioux, but so very worth the wait. I look forward to more in this series!
I’ve read all of the Jayne Sinclair series and have loved every one of them. It felt like forever waiting for The Sanford Sioux, but so very worth the wait. I look forward to more in this series!
March 1, 2025
The 11th book of Jayne sinclair her client dna is a mystery
When these clients come to Jayne asking for help to find out who had the Indian dna in there family it leads to more
When these clients come to Jayne asking for help to find out who had the Indian dna in there family it leads to more
March 10, 2025
Fascinating tale
Have always enjoyed MJ Lees writing, as a fan of genealogy myself.
Enjoyed the focus on Native Americans, how dreadful their story was, how badly they were treated.
Reading about how the story, around Buffalo Bill, he came to our small town on June 30th 1904,was fascinating, and the putting together of the main characters life kept me reading virtually non stop. Sad but heartwarming.
Have always enjoyed MJ Lees writing, as a fan of genealogy myself.
Enjoyed the focus on Native Americans, how dreadful their story was, how badly they were treated.
Reading about how the story, around Buffalo Bill, he came to our small town on June 30th 1904,was fascinating, and the putting together of the main characters life kept me reading virtually non stop. Sad but heartwarming.
March 5, 2025
I couldn't put this down, it is another fabulous and intriguing project for Jayne, who gets a request to find why a sister and brother have Native American DNA in their results despite knowing their family never left Salford.
I love the fact that the story melts fact with fiction involving Custer and Buffalo Bill with the view point of the native Americans. The investigation was fascinating, the narrative of the Salford Sioux gave a more rounded view point and story that kept me reading late into the night. Despite there being less of Jayne's story this time it did not disappoint and has created an interest in the story of the native Americans for me. The way these stories are written always creates an emotional response in me, thank you Martin
I love the fact that the story melts fact with fiction involving Custer and Buffalo Bill with the view point of the native Americans. The investigation was fascinating, the narrative of the Salford Sioux gave a more rounded view point and story that kept me reading late into the night. Despite there being less of Jayne's story this time it did not disappoint and has created an interest in the story of the native Americans for me. The way these stories are written always creates an emotional response in me, thank you Martin
March 9, 2025
a fascinating read!
I live in an area that once belonged to the seneca people of the haudenesuanee. The history of the first peoples has always fascinated me.
This book combines a feat of genealogical research with a fresh look at a traumatic time in the history of the sioux people, seamlessly weaving them together.
I highly recommend.
I live in an area that once belonged to the seneca people of the haudenesuanee. The history of the first peoples has always fascinated me.
This book combines a feat of genealogical research with a fresh look at a traumatic time in the history of the sioux people, seamlessly weaving them together.
I highly recommend.
March 10, 2025
Great story
The plot is wonderful, it really is a small world. The character Harold lived some many lifetimes. It is such a shame the way our ancestors treated the Native Americans. Their way of life was such a good life and way. M J books are always suberb and the character Jayne is tops, can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this series.
The plot is wonderful, it really is a small world. The character Harold lived some many lifetimes. It is such a shame the way our ancestors treated the Native Americans. Their way of life was such a good life and way. M J books are always suberb and the character Jayne is tops, can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this series.
March 6, 2025
Great
I really enjoy reading genealogical mysteries. Jayne is a great genealogist and I've loved reading each one. This was no exception.😀
I really enjoy reading genealogical mysteries. Jayne is a great genealogist and I've loved reading each one. This was no exception.😀
September 18, 2025
Another great M J Lee novel
I have read every one of the 11 books. So much history and genealogy in each one. I can not wait for the next one.
I have read every one of the 11 books. So much history and genealogy in each one. I can not wait for the next one.
November 14, 2025
Delightful! The story is thoroughly engaging, moves briskly making me want to just continue reading to find the answers. The process of delving into family history is fascinating, I've tried to do so in the past and was marginally successful. This is the 5th Jayne Sinclair book I've read and will read more. Love them.
May 28, 2025
Moving.
A great read with a disappointing finish. A brother and sister want to know why a DNA test has shown they have American First Nation blood. The story is divided between two people, the Hunkpapa Sioux who is the source of the DNA and the modern day researcher. His story, from a witness of the famous Little Big Horn battle to working in Buffalo Bill's western show and residence in a poorhouse in Salford is fascinating and heartbreaking. I loved it. The modern researcher section is interesting in how facts are uncovered but the ending is cold, unfeeling. I wanted to know how the brother and sister dealt with the knowledge of their ancestor. But we are not told. The story ends abruptly. Didn't like that. A few brief words on whether the relatives took things further would have made a difference. Granted the researchers did not care, but this reader did.
A great read with a disappointing finish. A brother and sister want to know why a DNA test has shown they have American First Nation blood. The story is divided between two people, the Hunkpapa Sioux who is the source of the DNA and the modern day researcher. His story, from a witness of the famous Little Big Horn battle to working in Buffalo Bill's western show and residence in a poorhouse in Salford is fascinating and heartbreaking. I loved it. The modern researcher section is interesting in how facts are uncovered but the ending is cold, unfeeling. I wanted to know how the brother and sister dealt with the knowledge of their ancestor. But we are not told. The story ends abruptly. Didn't like that. A few brief words on whether the relatives took things further would have made a difference. Granted the researchers did not care, but this reader did.
July 8, 2025
Humbling
Having Ancestors from in and the Salford area of Manchester and whilst reading on a local fb group American Indigenous settlers also living here, I naturally had to read this book.
Although a story, some based on fact, I found it moving and humble. The history around this story has been well researched.
(As children, Cowboys and Soldiers were always the hero's, but in true life, the 'Indians', America's Indigenous People, were / are the true hero's, who have lost so much over the centuries & generations to ignorance and greed.
We all have a history, we all have our own beliefs, they have to try harder in their own country to keep theirs alive.
Having Ancestors from in and the Salford area of Manchester and whilst reading on a local fb group American Indigenous settlers also living here, I naturally had to read this book.
Although a story, some based on fact, I found it moving and humble. The history around this story has been well researched.
(As children, Cowboys and Soldiers were always the hero's, but in true life, the 'Indians', America's Indigenous People, were / are the true hero's, who have lost so much over the centuries & generations to ignorance and greed.
We all have a history, we all have our own beliefs, they have to try harder in their own country to keep theirs alive.
Read
May 26, 2025Terrific read! I love how M.J. Lee intertwines the historical narrative with today's descendants and the genealogical research required to establish the connection. The truth remains the truth...DNA does not lie.
May 31, 2025
interesting
Fun light read and jumping through time and people, the work house was almost tender, just men down on there luck unable to served in the outside world
Fun light read and jumping through time and people, the work house was almost tender, just men down on there luck unable to served in the outside world
March 13, 2025
I found this book somewhat disappointing. Genealogist Jayne Sinclair is hired when two siblings from Salford receive surprising DNA results that include Native American ancestry, though, as far as they know, their family has always lived in Salford. The story alternates between Jayne's research and flashbacks to life of Harold, the Salford Sioux of the title. Because of this there is no real mystery for the reader, only for Jayne as she is stymied in her research—though I noticed one clue she didn't seem to catch. I would have preferred a little more focus on the genealogy aspect and less on the history lesson, though it was interesting.
August 23, 2025
I always enjoy the Jayne Sinclair Mysteries and "The Salford Sioux" was no exception. Not usually a fan of dual timeline books, I especially enjoyed the way Harold's story was shared. It was easy to follow on day-to-day events. Jayne's life on the other hand had (at least for me) a few too many distractions. M.J. Lee's book are always so informative and this one gave so much information on the demise of the Native American culture and the exploitation of the "Indians" by those who conquered them--a meaningful story today.
While I enjoyed the ending of Harold's story I found it a bit abrupt for the earlier depiction of those involved and for the storyline.
While I enjoyed the ending of Harold's story I found it a bit abrupt for the earlier depiction of those involved and for the storyline.
March 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love how the author explains Jayne's research strategies. And I learned a lot from the well researched historical chapters. An excellent entry in this series.
April 17, 2025
Ok read
May 5, 2025
When members of the Walker family receive their DNA results, they are surprised to find that they have Native American ancestry. For a family born and bred in Salford, they are perplexed. Turning to genealogical investigator Jayne Sinclair for help, she begins to unravel the mystery of how a Native American ended up in Salford.
In the latest book in the Jayne Sinclair series, M. J. Lee takes us back to the time of Buffalo Bill and the time he and his Wild West show set up camp at Salford Racecourse. Much of the story is told from the perspective of one of the performers, fact and fiction being merged seamlessly. It was fascinating to read about his life on the Great Plains and how he came to be part of Buffalo Bill’s show. There are also parts of the story where we get to see what life was like in the Victorian workhouse, providing a great insight into what it was really like.
Fans of genealogical fiction will enjoy reading Jayne’s research journey and how she uses this alongside the DNA evidence.
Another great book in an equally great series.
In the latest book in the Jayne Sinclair series, M. J. Lee takes us back to the time of Buffalo Bill and the time he and his Wild West show set up camp at Salford Racecourse. Much of the story is told from the perspective of one of the performers, fact and fiction being merged seamlessly. It was fascinating to read about his life on the Great Plains and how he came to be part of Buffalo Bill’s show. There are also parts of the story where we get to see what life was like in the Victorian workhouse, providing a great insight into what it was really like.
Fans of genealogical fiction will enjoy reading Jayne’s research journey and how she uses this alongside the DNA evidence.
Another great book in an equally great series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews