The Dover Trunk Murder

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Genres: Mystery

327 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2026

About the author

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.

That about sums it up!

Reviews

[Joan]

A five star thriller all the way with lot of historical input as to England entering WW1.

This is my favorite book by this author thus far and he has set the groundwork for a series to follow called Fortress Dover.

[Jan256]

Having long been a dedicated follower of Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s genealogical mysteries, a niche subgenre that has always appealed to me, I went into The Dover Trunk Murder with genuine curiosity. Taking a step away from archival research and DNA sleuthing to dive into straight historical crime fiction is a noticeable shift for the author. Yet, what could have been a risky departure turns out to be a triumphant reinvention: in my view, this is quite simply Goodwin’s finest book to date. The setting alone is electric. Dropping the reader into Dover in August 1914 captures a palpable sense of anxiety and momentum. Britain stands right on the brink of World War I, the harbour is churning with naval mobilisation, and the coastal town is rapidly transforming into a guarded citadel gripped by paranoia and spy fever. Against this volatile backdrop, the gruesome discovery of a severed arm on Shakespeare Beach thrusts newly arrived Scotland Yard transferee Inspector Edwin Dalloway straight into the fire. Dalloway is a compelling lead—haunted by past shadows, wary, and forced to navigate a town where trust is practically non-existent. His supporting squad adds wonderful texture to the procedural rhythm: the sharp Detective Sergeant Max Heller, Constable Percy Fox, and especially Lily Somerset, a determined young clerk fighting institutional prejudice to carve out her place as Dover’s first female detective. The dynamic between them feels organic and grounded, with plenty of room to grow in future installments. While this is fundamentally a gritty, atmospheric period procedural rather than one of Goodwin’s signature genealogical puzzle boxes, fans of his earlier work won't feel completely out of their element. There is still that faint, subtle nod to heritage and identity tracing beneath the surface, just enough to wink at his trademark style without derailing the momentum of the main murder investigation. The mystery itself is tight, suspenseful, and benefits enormously from the ticking clock of an impending global war. Goodwin uses Dover's geography and wartime claustrophobia to perfection, delivering a story that feels both expansive in historical scope and intimately tense. The Dover Trunk Murder proves that Goodwin isn't confined to a single lane. It’s an exceptional, atmospheric start to the Fortress Dover series, and I can only hope Dalloway and his team will be back soon

[Richard Souza]

A great start to another mystery series.

In Dover Trunk Murders, Goodwin again wins with his ability to blend his historical accuracy with engaging characters and a murder mystery. Unlike his dual period genealogical series this time his story is a real time perspective as opposed to his dual period genealogical series. His character development is excellent , revealing a bit of their motivations as the mystery progresses. The protagonist has emotional flaws, uncommon hobbies, and a need to seek justice.

[Jane Irish Nelson]

August 1914. No sooner does Inspector Dalloway arrive at his new post in Dover than he is confronted with a very perplexing case at the same time as war is declared. While he pursues the case involving body parts discovered on the beach, the Chief Constable wants him to investigate reports of potential spies in the town. In addition, Dalloway has secrets in his own past that are slowly revealed to the reader.

[Judith Rainbow]

I have read many books by Nathan Dylan Goodwin and have enjoyed everyone. This book is my favourite so far.
Those characters that are fictious were brought to life and could have been actual people.
Those who were real people, have my interest in historical characters within fiction looking for more information.
An ancestor of mine coincidently was a Barnes, was married in Dover and was a soldier in the 1870s at the castle. I need to search him out further.
Thank you Nathan .

[sheila]

Another great series !

Another great series, with interesting characters and plot. My only complaint is that it is too short and I have too long to wait to read the next book. Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a wonderful writer.

[David Blakey]

The authors attention to detail and his obvious in depth research makes the story come alive. The characters are compelling and flawed. He leaves us in anticipation for subsequent offerings in the series. I find that I don't miss the genealogical subject at all. This is very good.

[Maree Croxon Mapperson]

Life is scarier than fiction

Although it is a story we know that Nathan research and development is very important and the facts are just as crucial.

[John Clarke]

interesting seeing police investigation before radios, cars and phones everywhere