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The Forensic Genealogist #4
The America Ground
Morton Farrier, the esteemed English forensic genealogist, had cleared a space in his busy schedule to track down his own elusive father finally. But he is then presented with a case that challenges his research skills in his quest to find the killer of a woman murdered more than one hundred and eighty years ago.
Thoughts of his own family history are quickly and violently pushed to one side as Morton rushes to complete his investigation before other sinister elements succeed in derailing the case.
This is the third book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
For updates on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's releases:
Website: www.nathandylangoodwin.com
Twitter: @nathangoodwin76
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dylan0470/
Blog: theforensicgenealogist.blogspot.co.uk
Thoughts of his own family history are quickly and violently pushed to one side as Morton rushes to complete his investigation before other sinister elements succeed in derailing the case.
This is the third book in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
For updates on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's releases:
Website: www.nathandylangoodwin.com
Twitter: @nathangoodwin76
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dylan0470/
Blog: theforensicgenealogist.blogspot.co.uk
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
514 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
35 books630 followersAuthor 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 3, 2022
As usual, enjoyable romp
Nathan Dylan Goodwin has done it again with this addition to his series about a genealogist whose cases are never straightforward. In addition, researching his own history is an ongoing topic as well as his strengthening romantic life. Never knew genealogy could be so exciting! Highly recommend!
Nathan Dylan Goodwin has done it again with this addition to his series about a genealogist whose cases are never straightforward. In addition, researching his own history is an ongoing topic as well as his strengthening romantic life. Never knew genealogy could be so exciting! Highly recommend!
March 29, 2016
Not as good as the first two.
I was disappointed in this third novel in the series. Morton's character felt less developed and the "get the indentures at all costs" approach by the real estate corp. was over the top; I almost stopped reading at the chapter where Kevin is first instructed to kill Morton, it wasn't believable. This one just didn't have the same mystery about it. Was the author under pressure to write a third installment? Or maybe so focused on the America Ground that the modern day lost out? Not every past mystery needs to result in a threat to Farrier's life.
I was disappointed in this third novel in the series. Morton's character felt less developed and the "get the indentures at all costs" approach by the real estate corp. was over the top; I almost stopped reading at the chapter where Kevin is first instructed to kill Morton, it wasn't believable. This one just didn't have the same mystery about it. Was the author under pressure to write a third installment? Or maybe so focused on the America Ground that the modern day lost out? Not every past mystery needs to result in a threat to Farrier's life.
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September 10, 2015I think this is the best of the forensic genealogist series. In this book, Morton Farrier is determined to delve into his search for his biological father, but a request from the employer of his adoptive father's girlfriend leads him off an a search for the history of Eliza, a woman whose image was captured forever in a painting. I particularly like the fact that the historical search is set in an actual historic place about which I knew nothing before reading this book. It is of interest that the author has posted images of the historic place and examples of the documents he references throughout the book to a Pinterest page - leading me to find out more about the area. I like the way that the historic search has repercussions in the modern times and I can imagine the work done in libraries by Morton as I do the same type of work myself. I do not wish to reveal the plot but the plot twist at the very end is remarkable. I sure did not see it coming.
June 14, 2020
I always begin an investigation by Morton Farrier with great excitement as I can expect a fascinating historical mystery as well as an eventful, risky adventure in the present day. Personally, I find the research process very interesting too, with the added humour of Morton’s varied relationships with the staff at the History Centres.
Morton’s challenge in this book is to find out why Eliza Lovekin, an ordinary woman depicted in a painting 180 years earlier, was murdered in her bed. The circumstances of her early life in a workhouse and of the America Ground itself seem quite incredible and yet they are both based on known facts. I had never heard of the America Ground before, part of Hastings and St Leonards claimed from the sea by a group of enterprising people to enable the building of their own houses, but as might be expected, the local authorities sought taxes and threatened the inhabitants with eviction.
The story moves back to 1827 introducing us Eliza’s daughter, Harriet, and an intriguing character, Richard, who may do her harm. Meanwhile as Morton attempts to discover his own real father, he is endangered by Eliza’s legacy reaching into the present day. Trying to protect his fiancé, Juliette, he underestimates the threat hanging over him. You won't want to put this book down.
Morton’s challenge in this book is to find out why Eliza Lovekin, an ordinary woman depicted in a painting 180 years earlier, was murdered in her bed. The circumstances of her early life in a workhouse and of the America Ground itself seem quite incredible and yet they are both based on known facts. I had never heard of the America Ground before, part of Hastings and St Leonards claimed from the sea by a group of enterprising people to enable the building of their own houses, but as might be expected, the local authorities sought taxes and threatened the inhabitants with eviction.
The story moves back to 1827 introducing us Eliza’s daughter, Harriet, and an intriguing character, Richard, who may do her harm. Meanwhile as Morton attempts to discover his own real father, he is endangered by Eliza’s legacy reaching into the present day. Trying to protect his fiancé, Juliette, he underestimates the threat hanging over him. You won't want to put this book down.
November 21, 2015
Morton Farrier is on the search for his natural father, will he find the clue that will lead him to his father, in the meantime Morton is asked to research the family tree of a woman who was murdered in the 1820's in Hastings, great story, did not see that ending coming.
February 8, 2016
The best book by far in the series. The fact that it is written about a real place with historical facts to back it up was superb. I hope that Mr Goodwin has hit his stride and will continue with excellent books like this in the series.
August 15, 2018
Good stories, especially for genealogists and family historians. A genealogist search for info on a person in a painting leads to murder and danger for the researcher. Why, what's the reason?
January 31, 2020
Excellent!
Morton Farrier, forensic genealogist, takes the reader on another fascinating journey into history as he investigates the story behind a mysterious portrait with connections to the present that are stronger and more significant than he first considers possible.
Morton’s own family story progresses too, providing continuity from one book to the next and keeping readers of the story invested in his quest for his own personal truths.
A perfect blend of historical fiction, murder mystery and crime fiction, this is yet another excellent installment in an outstanding series.
Morton Farrier, forensic genealogist, takes the reader on another fascinating journey into history as he investigates the story behind a mysterious portrait with connections to the present that are stronger and more significant than he first considers possible.
Morton’s own family story progresses too, providing continuity from one book to the next and keeping readers of the story invested in his quest for his own personal truths.
A perfect blend of historical fiction, murder mystery and crime fiction, this is yet another excellent installment in an outstanding series.
August 7, 2019
I might as well plan on not getting anything else done when I start one of Nathan Goodwin's books. I have always loved the "back story in history, and Nathan does a superb job of keeping me hanging on.
You'll be hooked and dreading it coming to an end. The genealogist/historian will love the effort he takes into making it come alive.
You'll be hooked and dreading it coming to an end. The genealogist/historian will love the effort he takes into making it come alive.
August 13, 2017
The third in the Morton Farrier series sees him in danger again as he delves back 190 years into a family on a disputed area of Hastings. Interesting research methods as Farrier disentangles the mystery
October 31, 2022
Good book!
The history behind this one was fascinating. Enough twists & turns to keep me guessing! Looking forward to the next entry.
The history behind this one was fascinating. Enough twists & turns to keep me guessing! Looking forward to the next entry.
November 3, 2022
2.5 stars.
I find it hard to rate this series, because I love genealogical mysteries (even the ones that aren’t well-written — they’re just my guilty pleasure!) and I enjoy aspects of the author's plots – in particular the historical flashbacks – but I feel the writing and editing really need work.
Most of the time the vocabulary is average at best – and sometimes not even that – but then, dotted throughout, are these incongruous passages where it feels like the author is attempting ‘deeper’ prose that just doesn’t work. Maybe you "achieve" the summit of a mountain or a hill, but achieving the top of the stairs felt melodramatic. Can you even "stride insidiously"? That felt oxymoronic to me.
Some elements of the story felt rushed in the middle in order to set the scene and there are instances of unlikely or convenient behaviour from characters to steer the plot in the right direction. Sometimes it's as though, when an inconsistency has come to light, the author has simply shoehorned in a flimsy explanation to cover.
I have the same problem with the present day villains as I have had throughout the whole series: they are plucked straight from pantomime. Corny, cliched, caricatured baddies, who are so stereotypical that I just cringe. There's a bit of a theme with stereotyping, if the brief mentions of tattoos, Eastern Europeans and poorer folk are anything to go by.
As for Morton, he is unlikeable for much of the time. He is whiny and conceited and treats those close to him badly, especially his long-suffering fiancée and his adoptive father. With Morton, it's always about Morton. He's more like an overgrown, self-centred, spoilt brat of a teenager, rather than a forty-something man. I just spent most of the time wishing he'd grow up and realise that he doesn't actually have it that bad. Something that really irked me was how he avoided helping his poor fiancée with any wedding planning and then criticised everything she came up with and sulked that it wasn’t right for him, even though she'd clearly bent over backwards to be thoughtful and try to please him. He never asked his fiancée what she would like for her wedding; he was the only one who needed to be happy with the plans.
I'm always wary of any author who rates their own work on GR (inevitably 5 stars). When you have a relatively small amount of ratings it does impact giving a false average and it also implies the author feels like he doesn't need to make any improvement. This series could be better if he did.
I find it hard to rate this series, because I love genealogical mysteries (even the ones that aren’t well-written — they’re just my guilty pleasure!) and I enjoy aspects of the author's plots – in particular the historical flashbacks – but I feel the writing and editing really need work.
Most of the time the vocabulary is average at best – and sometimes not even that – but then, dotted throughout, are these incongruous passages where it feels like the author is attempting ‘deeper’ prose that just doesn’t work. Maybe you "achieve" the summit of a mountain or a hill, but achieving the top of the stairs felt melodramatic. Can you even "stride insidiously"? That felt oxymoronic to me.
Some elements of the story felt rushed in the middle in order to set the scene and there are instances of unlikely or convenient behaviour from characters to steer the plot in the right direction. Sometimes it's as though, when an inconsistency has come to light, the author has simply shoehorned in a flimsy explanation to cover.
I have the same problem with the present day villains as I have had throughout the whole series: they are plucked straight from pantomime. Corny, cliched, caricatured baddies, who are so stereotypical that I just cringe. There's a bit of a theme with stereotyping, if the brief mentions of tattoos, Eastern Europeans and poorer folk are anything to go by.
As for Morton, he is unlikeable for much of the time. He is whiny and conceited and treats those close to him badly, especially his long-suffering fiancée and his adoptive father. With Morton, it's always about Morton. He's more like an overgrown, self-centred, spoilt brat of a teenager, rather than a forty-something man. I just spent most of the time wishing he'd grow up and realise that he doesn't actually have it that bad. Something that really irked me was how he avoided helping his poor fiancée with any wedding planning and then criticised everything she came up with and sulked that it wasn’t right for him, even though she'd clearly bent over backwards to be thoughtful and try to please him. He never asked his fiancée what she would like for her wedding; he was the only one who needed to be happy with the plans.
I'm always wary of any author who rates their own work on GR (inevitably 5 stars). When you have a relatively small amount of ratings it does impact giving a false average and it also implies the author feels like he doesn't need to make any improvement. This series could be better if he did.
October 7, 2015
Forensic genealogist, Morton Farrier, returns and this time he's ready to delve into his own past. Keen to discover the identity of his biological father, he is soon sidetracked however, when he is commissioned to investigate the history of Eliza Lovekin, the subject of a nineteenth century painting. In true Morton Farrier style, the case is not as straightforward as it may seem and soon he finds himself part of a race against time to avoid something untoward happening...
'The America Ground' is the third of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's novels featuring Morton Farrier (a novella, 'The Orange Lilies' was published last year) and continues in the same vein as the previous books. It is not essential to have read the first two parts of the series although they do come highly recommended!
The author weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly and also gives good advice for anyone wanting to research their own family history. Despite the timeshifts throughout the book (the Lovekin story occurs in the early nineteenth century while Morton Farrier is very much of the present), the story is easy to follow and the numerous twists and turns make it an exciting read.
I am now eagerly waiting the fourth book of the series!
'The America Ground' is the third of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's novels featuring Morton Farrier (a novella, 'The Orange Lilies' was published last year) and continues in the same vein as the previous books. It is not essential to have read the first two parts of the series although they do come highly recommended!
The author weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly and also gives good advice for anyone wanting to research their own family history. Despite the timeshifts throughout the book (the Lovekin story occurs in the early nineteenth century while Morton Farrier is very much of the present), the story is easy to follow and the numerous twists and turns make it an exciting read.
I am now eagerly waiting the fourth book of the series!
December 31, 2021
I probably enjoyed this book the most out of the 3 Nathan Dylan Goodwin books I've read so far. Such an interesting concept about a small neighborhood within England that wants to be American (i.e. legally independent from England, and legally a part of the United States), the various legal issues and deeds that affect this attempt to be American, and the interesting people involved. I loved that the mystery started with a painting and I also enjoyed the subplot about the narrator trying to find his biological father. (And the America Ground is a true piece of history - not fiction - which makes it all the more fun.)
I love mysteries and I love genealogy so that combination is why I read Nathan Dylan Goodwin. In this book, though, it really stood out to me how many of his female characters the author really seemed to dislike. Apart from the main female characters (like Eliza), almost all of the supporting female characters were described as annoying, shrill, superficial, silly, or humorless. I'd love to see him let go of these tired female stereotypes with future characters.
I love mysteries and I love genealogy so that combination is why I read Nathan Dylan Goodwin. In this book, though, it really stood out to me how many of his female characters the author really seemed to dislike. Apart from the main female characters (like Eliza), almost all of the supporting female characters were described as annoying, shrill, superficial, silly, or humorless. I'd love to see him let go of these tired female stereotypes with future characters.
November 9, 2015
This novel, set in the actual historic place of America Ground in Hastings Sussex, England would have to be my favourite of the Morton Farrier series.
Nathan has brought to life the interesting history of this area and incorporated an amazing selection of historical records that do exist, although their content is fictional, to suit the life story of Eliza Winter/Lovekin and her family. Especially sad is the revenge sought by Eliza's first born son Richard Winter for his mother's perceived abandonment of him at birth.
How frustrating for Morton to be given such a challenging case at exactly the same time he has clues to where he may find his own biological father's identity.
I didn't want this story to finish and as with the last in the series, look forward to the next.
Nathan has brought to life the interesting history of this area and incorporated an amazing selection of historical records that do exist, although their content is fictional, to suit the life story of Eliza Winter/Lovekin and her family. Especially sad is the revenge sought by Eliza's first born son Richard Winter for his mother's perceived abandonment of him at birth.
How frustrating for Morton to be given such a challenging case at exactly the same time he has clues to where he may find his own biological father's identity.
I didn't want this story to finish and as with the last in the series, look forward to the next.
March 17, 2016
4.5 stars. I just adore genealogical mysteries, and this one is no exception! If I'm not giving it the full whack of 5 stars, it's only because it took me quite a long time to get into it. Then the plot took off, with several good twists. I did guess the final twist, but not very early on.
The research seems very thorough and the historical facts enlightening, especially for someone like myself, since I used to live not far from Rye and Hastings.
I even learn about archival sources as yet unknown to me, which may well help with my personal genealogical mysteries. So thank you, Mr Goodwin, for including the detailed research in your books - every little insight helps in our never ending quests! Could you write one that takes place in Hackney 1780-1850 next please?!
The research seems very thorough and the historical facts enlightening, especially for someone like myself, since I used to live not far from Rye and Hastings.
I even learn about archival sources as yet unknown to me, which may well help with my personal genealogical mysteries. So thank you, Mr Goodwin, for including the detailed research in your books - every little insight helps in our never ending quests! Could you write one that takes place in Hackney 1780-1850 next please?!
January 22, 2016
Morton Farrier is a forensic genealogist who is presented a painting of a woman, Eliza Lovekin, where he needs to find her history. The story is set in the America Ground Hastings, Sussex England during the 18th -19th century and present day. I like the way Nathan would go back and forth between each time period showing the reader how Morton seeks his information and then showing what happened in the past. The plot provides murder, romance and intrigue keeping you guessing till the end. To me it’s nice to learn something when you read other than just experiencing a great story. Nathan Goodwin gives this to the reader. I feel like I know a little more about the time period and the location. This is one of the best mysteries I have read.
March 15, 2016
Excellent read, just as good if not better than the previous books. It can be read following the previous books or as a stand alone. The story of Eliza and her descendants is very lifelike and believable because the author researches the background and history of the time they are meant to have lived in. I love the way the story jumps back and forward between the past and present which allows the present day research to fill in the blanks in the story. Genealogy is a fascinating hobby for all us amateur family sleuths but thankfully we do not get beaten up or kidnapped or threatened unlike Morton Farrier the hero of the book.
November 25, 2015
Another wonderful, enticing book by Mr. Goodwin. I love his books about genealogy. He has a creative mind that blends the past with the present. He always studies the history of the past that he writes about. This brings to life how it was to struggle, win, lose, and live in the times of his characters. I always wait with great anticipation the next book that he is writing. I have read all of his books now and know I will need to wait awhile for the next. Thanks to the internet I know I will receive an email telling me another extraordinary read is waiting for me.
December 12, 2015
Although I enjoyed all three books in the Morton Farrier series, this is by far my favourite. Well written and researched. A REALLY cold murder mystery case for Morton Farrier, the forensic genealogist to investigate. A mystery and a historical novel all rolled into one. The plot goes backward and forward from the old to the present very smoothly.
It felt as if the author is getting more into his stride as a writer with this book. I look forward to reading more very addictive books from Nathan Dylan Goodwin
It felt as if the author is getting more into his stride as a writer with this book. I look forward to reading more very addictive books from Nathan Dylan Goodwin
November 24, 2015
I had no expectations about this book and was pleasantly surprised. Our hero must solve a murder committed over a hundred years old using historical records but why is he being chased by hired thugs? I was hooked within a few pages. This is an intelligent murder mystery. It is well written and the story is not only interesting but based on real events. I look forward to reading more of this author
September 19, 2015
Another good read from this author. Looking forward to the next book.
So, now I'm hooked. Please write faster Mr. Goodwin. It's always a pleasure to find an interesting and convoluted plot mixed with likeable characters.
So, now I'm hooked. Please write faster Mr. Goodwin. It's always a pleasure to find an interesting and convoluted plot mixed with likeable characters.
June 3, 2019
Disappointing
I had read & loved the earlier books in this series, but was really disappointed with this book. The vocabulary used was frequently awkward & the story stumbling. The storyline was really interesting, sadly this effort was disappointing.
I had read & loved the earlier books in this series, but was really disappointed with this book. The vocabulary used was frequently awkward & the story stumbling. The storyline was really interesting, sadly this effort was disappointing.
February 20, 2016
The genealogy mystery was very well done, and a great lesson in how to do genealogy research. I thought the contemporary mystery a bit concerning, Morton is not going to last too long if he thinks he can handle dangerous situations on his own!
October 7, 2015
The stories just keep getting better. I've really enjoyed the progression from book to book of all the characters.
September 20, 2015
Interesting
Very good a classic cold case with a modern day mystery. Enjoyed the hunt for his father but was sad about the way the book ended
Very good a classic cold case with a modern day mystery. Enjoyed the hunt for his father but was sad about the way the book ended
January 28, 2016
Love all the forensic genealogist books but I think I'll remember this one for a long time. An excellent instalment in the ongoing story, a great case story and good genealogy searching tips as well
March 27, 2016
Fun Book for Genealogists!
As a researcher, this book is a dream. The author incorporates research tips along with a fast paced adventurous story.
As a researcher, this book is a dream. The author incorporates research tips along with a fast paced adventurous story.
October 24, 2018
‘The America Ground’ by Nathan Dylan Goodwin is based on a fascinating piece of local history, indeed Goodwin’s own family history, and made into a historical thriller. On April 28, 1827, a woman is murdered in her bed. Eliza Lovekin is the second to be killed, Amelia Odden is to be next. This is the story of Eliza, her daughter Harriet and a piece of ground in Hastings, East Sussex, which for a short period of time was claimed as a piece of the United States of America.
Forensic genealogist Morton Farrier is on the trail of his own adoption story, the identity of his birth father. But a visit to his adoptive father seeking answers sets him instead on the trail of a new mystery. The portrait of a woman from the 1800s: ‘Eliza Lovekin, Hastings, 1825’. Morton’s client is the proprietor of an antiques business who wants a potted family history of Eliza to add value to the painting before it goes up for sale at auction. Initially resenting time away from researching his own family, Morton is soon captivated by Eliza’s story. In the 1827 story strand, we follow Harriet Lovekin, teenage daughter of Eliza, as she longs to be treated as an adult. Unfortunately the day arrives when she is, and she doesn’t like it.
The build towards the climax is deftly handled, though the book starts slowly and I would have liked a more even balance between historical exposition and action in the first half. Originally I was unsure why we were following Harriet’s viewpoint rather than Eliza’s, but all becomes clear towards the end. The build towards the climax is deftly handled, though the book starts slowly and I would have liked a more even balance between historical exposition and action in the first half. Originally I was unsure why we were following Harriet’s viewpoint rather than Eliza’s, but all becomes clear towards the end. There is one point when, in order to maintain the secret as long as possible, the author goes back a couple of days; that jolted me out of the story.
I particularly liked Goodwin’s use of local dialect with a light touch: ‘a low fubsy moon’, ‘a-going’ and ‘a-hurting’. As a genealogist and local historian, he knows his East Sussex locations well. As the action moves around the county, I found myself wishing there was a map to refer to.
Morton Farrier is a great protagonist – thoughtful, brave but scared too, a bit of a geek who has a sharp edge – though as my father used to say about Jim Rockford, it’s dangerous being around him; everyone he knows gets threatened, murdered, attacked or abused. And Morton’s own adoption heritage story continues from book to book.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Forensic genealogist Morton Farrier is on the trail of his own adoption story, the identity of his birth father. But a visit to his adoptive father seeking answers sets him instead on the trail of a new mystery. The portrait of a woman from the 1800s: ‘Eliza Lovekin, Hastings, 1825’. Morton’s client is the proprietor of an antiques business who wants a potted family history of Eliza to add value to the painting before it goes up for sale at auction. Initially resenting time away from researching his own family, Morton is soon captivated by Eliza’s story. In the 1827 story strand, we follow Harriet Lovekin, teenage daughter of Eliza, as she longs to be treated as an adult. Unfortunately the day arrives when she is, and she doesn’t like it.
The build towards the climax is deftly handled, though the book starts slowly and I would have liked a more even balance between historical exposition and action in the first half. Originally I was unsure why we were following Harriet’s viewpoint rather than Eliza’s, but all becomes clear towards the end. The build towards the climax is deftly handled, though the book starts slowly and I would have liked a more even balance between historical exposition and action in the first half. Originally I was unsure why we were following Harriet’s viewpoint rather than Eliza’s, but all becomes clear towards the end. There is one point when, in order to maintain the secret as long as possible, the author goes back a couple of days; that jolted me out of the story.
I particularly liked Goodwin’s use of local dialect with a light touch: ‘a low fubsy moon’, ‘a-going’ and ‘a-hurting’. As a genealogist and local historian, he knows his East Sussex locations well. As the action moves around the county, I found myself wishing there was a map to refer to.
Morton Farrier is a great protagonist – thoughtful, brave but scared too, a bit of a geek who has a sharp edge – though as my father used to say about Jim Rockford, it’s dangerous being around him; everyone he knows gets threatened, murdered, attacked or abused. And Morton’s own adoption heritage story continues from book to book.
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March 19, 2021
This the #3 book in the Morton Farrier Series an another story within a story. If you have been reading these in order you will know that Morton is in search of his biological father and that his adopted father is about to pop the question to woman named Madge. Its Madge, who brings Morton his next case which takes Morton to a historical area in Hastings called the “American Ground”. Madge's boss has a picture of Eliza Lovekin who she wants to know more about, who was she and so on Morton feels that this is simple genealogy trace, but then as the story moves on we find out more about the significance of the American Ground and the people in Lovekin family and their world, on top of all that he needs to unravel what happened to her and was Eliza Lovekin murdered? and why? But as per usual with a Morton Ferrier case something so simple becomes life threatening for Morton. At the same time he is doing research on his own on his biological dad by his contacting the son of the owners of the guest house his father stayed at when he met is Aunt (mother)(go back to book 2 and 2.5), However as the book takes you back and forth to his research building the genealogy of the Lovekin Family, Eliza's early life in a workhouse, to being sent to live with a family along with two other girls that will remain her friends for life and what happens to them and her on the American Ground. Its another winding tale that puts Morton again in harms way, who knew genealogy could be so life threatening. But on a happy note, Morton finds a guest book with his biological fathers name so more to come.
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