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Wren Mallory Genealogy Mysteries #1
Dead Branches: (Wren Mallory Genealogy Mystery Book One)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 24, 2026
I’ve read two 5* books in a row!
This one was a great surprise.
The beginning was very slow, very methodical. Things were introduced slowly so that every word seemed to matter. My reading echoed the actions of the protagonist, the writing style of the author. I became engaged not with the speed of other books, but slowly drawn in to the story and the timeline. I began to worry a out what was being discovered, not just how information might be recieved but the repercussions that could follow. I had to keep reassuring myself that Wren would be okay. There are at least 19 more books in the series.
The ending was as slow and methodical as the rest of the book. So many times I get annoyed when authors repeat and rehash what is “known.” Not this time. Every time Wren reflects the resder looks, with Wren for a possible miised tidbit. The effect isn’t upsetting or annoying as in other books. The pacing is calming.
I have purchased the second book in the series.
This one was a great surprise.
The beginning was very slow, very methodical. Things were introduced slowly so that every word seemed to matter. My reading echoed the actions of the protagonist, the writing style of the author. I became engaged not with the speed of other books, but slowly drawn in to the story and the timeline. I began to worry a out what was being discovered, not just how information might be recieved but the repercussions that could follow. I had to keep reassuring myself that Wren would be okay. There are at least 19 more books in the series.
The ending was as slow and methodical as the rest of the book. So many times I get annoyed when authors repeat and rehash what is “known.” Not this time. Every time Wren reflects the resder looks, with Wren for a possible miised tidbit. The effect isn’t upsetting or annoying as in other books. The pacing is calming.
I have purchased the second book in the series.
August 27, 2026
Genealogical mystery
Wren Mallory is a rather singular person who lives with her dog in an old carriage house. She is a certified genetic genealogist who receives the usual run of requests, such as help understanding relationships that have been uncovered thanks to DNA.
The plot itself is deliberately told with nothing extraneous. Everything matters, even in the small details. Wren, in the course of finding a client’s parents, uncovers a murder plot that directly affects the families on which she is working. It’s a great read and not too technical. I’m a family genealogist and I found the relationships easy to follow, and I think most people can understand them as well.
I would like to read more of this author’s work.
Wren Mallory is a rather singular person who lives with her dog in an old carriage house. She is a certified genetic genealogist who receives the usual run of requests, such as help understanding relationships that have been uncovered thanks to DNA.
The plot itself is deliberately told with nothing extraneous. Everything matters, even in the small details. Wren, in the course of finding a client’s parents, uncovers a murder plot that directly affects the families on which she is working. It’s a great read and not too technical. I’m a family genealogist and I found the relationships easy to follow, and I think most people can understand them as well.
I would like to read more of this author’s work.
June 11, 2026
Different
I have read a lot of books about many different subjects and all follow a style, or format or formula. Call it what you will. This story was presented in a way I have never experienced.
The best way to describe it is to imagine someone with OCD, or perhaps autism recorded a story as they perceived it. A lot of repetition including some character conversations in the book repeated verbatim. I thought it would detract, but I dont think it could be written a different way and still have the same effect.
I have read a lot of books about many different subjects and all follow a style, or format or formula. Call it what you will. This story was presented in a way I have never experienced.
The best way to describe it is to imagine someone with OCD, or perhaps autism recorded a story as they perceived it. A lot of repetition including some character conversations in the book repeated verbatim. I thought it would detract, but I dont think it could be written a different way and still have the same effect.
May 28, 2026
Absolutely riveting!
However, the haste with which this series is being published calls into question how well they're being edited. At one point the town library is open at 6am on a Sunday morning - huh? And entire paragraphs are repeated, with slight variations. I thought that was to emphasize Wren's (possible) autism, but now I'm wondering if it was the use of AI.
Interesting story and characters, and I'll keep reading.
However, the haste with which this series is being published calls into question how well they're being edited. At one point the town library is open at 6am on a Sunday morning - huh? And entire paragraphs are repeated, with slight variations. I thought that was to emphasize Wren's (possible) autism, but now I'm wondering if it was the use of AI.
Interesting story and characters, and I'll keep reading.
May 24, 2026
interesting writing style
The premise of the story is interesting for the genealogical genre. At times a little hard to follow and often lines repeated verbatim. The minute to minute style of writing is interesting but gets old pretty quick. A good story with a quirky way of telling it
The premise of the story is interesting for the genealogical genre. At times a little hard to follow and often lines repeated verbatim. The minute to minute style of writing is interesting but gets old pretty quick. A good story with a quirky way of telling it
May 30, 2026
Although we're not explicitly told so, Wren Mallory appears to be a neuro diverse individual, and the book is written in keeping with their mental processes, which can be a little disconcerting to begin with. I suspect that the reader's experience depends on how they adjust to this writing style.
I found the story to be worth adapting to the style, but suspect that it may be more challenging for some individuals.
I found the story to be worth adapting to the style, but suspect that it may be more challenging for some individuals.
September 7, 2026
i love genealogy books that are detailed!
I love living inside the head of a genealogist while she uses her skills to find the family connections. I learn a lot that way! When that trail leads to other mysteries I find it even more exciting. I look forward to reading more of Wren’s adventures.
I love living inside the head of a genealogist while she uses her skills to find the family connections. I learn a lot that way! When that trail leads to other mysteries I find it even more exciting. I look forward to reading more of Wren’s adventures.
June 17, 2026
Liked the storyline but the repetition got to me
Will try at least one more of the books in the series and see how that goes. Appreciated the research that went into the subject matter
Will try at least one more of the books in the series and see how that goes. Appreciated the research that went into the subject matter
July 12, 2026
Good Genealogical Mystery
Great plot line although it developed slowly. I love that the genealogist is neurodivergent! The narrative was a little too repetitive and yet there were inferences that weren't explained enough for me to understand. Overall I loved the book!
Great plot line although it developed slowly. I love that the genealogist is neurodivergent! The narrative was a little too repetitive and yet there were inferences that weren't explained enough for me to understand. Overall I loved the book!
September 2, 2026
The words defeat me
So so so repetitive. Don't think anyone read it through before it was published. Probably AI writing which makes it almost painful.
I will try the next in the series
So so so repetitive. Don't think anyone read it through before it was published. Probably AI writing which makes it almost painful.
I will try the next in the series
September 21, 2026
New author for me
I really enjoyed this book. It did kind of have a lot of repeating lines but I'm pretty good at skimming when it comes to that. I was never really able to connect with Wrynn but I'm going to read the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. It did kind of have a lot of repeating lines but I'm pretty good at skimming when it comes to that. I was never really able to connect with Wrynn but I'm going to read the next book.
May 17, 2026
Exceptional read ! I really enjoyed this book !
June 12, 2026
not as expected
This book seems like it was AI generated as it has several inconsistencies and duplications
The basic story is interesting but it has problems in story line and genealogy methodology.
If a human had proofread it and cleaned it up it could have been a better book.
This book seems like it was AI generated as it has several inconsistencies and duplications
The basic story is interesting but it has problems in story line and genealogy methodology.
If a human had proofread it and cleaned it up it could have been a better book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews