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The Forensic Genealogist #6.5
The Suffragette's Secret
The Suffragette’s Secret: A Morton Farrier Short Story
Morton Farrier’s life has been turned upside down by the recent addition to his household. Despite his perpetual exhaustion, he is determined to crack his latest genealogical the mystery of one Grace Emmerson, a militant suffragette, who also happens to be his wife’s great-grandmother. Using a range of genealogical skills and resources, Morton sets out to discover Grace’s secret past.
Morton Farrier’s life has been turned upside down by the recent addition to his household. Despite his perpetual exhaustion, he is determined to crack his latest genealogical the mystery of one Grace Emmerson, a militant suffragette, who also happens to be his wife’s great-grandmother. Using a range of genealogical skills and resources, Morton sets out to discover Grace’s secret past.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
400 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
36 books632 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 55 reviews
October 26, 2017
A short story gift from Nathan Dylan Goodwin to his fans - and to anyone interested in genealogy. The sources and techniques used are authentic and educational. The passion and interest ring true - that's what happens when you happen upon an interesting ancestor. It would be lovely to have such good family souvenirs at my disposal and to be researching someone who was involved in such a public campaign like the suffragettes.
As well as the story of Morton's wife's grandmother, we meet the newest member of his family. It's all very sweet. Does anyone except Morton, Juliette and her mother not see what the name of the baby must be?
It is worth remembering how far we have come in a hundred years with regard to universal suffrage. Although other countries may have been more democratic earlier, in this country of Great Britain and (Northern) Ireland, a hundred years ago, a truce may have been called between those fighting for women's voting rights and those fighting against them - so that we could unite in fighting the German Empire and its allies - but no woman would be allowed to vote until 1918 and even then voting rights went with property-owning qualifications. This country has been a full democracy for less than 100 - well, less than 90 - years. It's no wonder we're not too good at it yet.
The details of how the suffragettes were treated on the streets and in the prisons were not a surprise to me. I wonder if I would have been able to bear any of it. Maybe I'd just have sat by and waited until my sisters earned me my vote. I might have given money if I'd had it but nothing more active. Plus ça change ...
As well as the story of Morton's wife's grandmother, we meet the newest member of his family. It's all very sweet. Does anyone except Morton, Juliette and her mother not see what the name of the baby must be?
It is worth remembering how far we have come in a hundred years with regard to universal suffrage. Although other countries may have been more democratic earlier, in this country of Great Britain and (Northern) Ireland, a hundred years ago, a truce may have been called between those fighting for women's voting rights and those fighting against them - so that we could unite in fighting the German Empire and its allies - but no woman would be allowed to vote until 1918 and even then voting rights went with property-owning qualifications. This country has been a full democracy for less than 100 - well, less than 90 - years. It's no wonder we're not too good at it yet.
The details of how the suffragettes were treated on the streets and in the prisons were not a surprise to me. I wonder if I would have been able to bear any of it. Maybe I'd just have sat by and waited until my sisters earned me my vote. I might have given money if I'd had it but nothing more active. Plus ça change ...
December 1, 2022
Great story!
I am not usually a fan of short stories but this one is an exception. There was plenty of substance to it, something a lot of other short stories lack.
I am not usually a fan of short stories but this one is an exception. There was plenty of substance to it, something a lot of other short stories lack.
September 17, 2017
A short story I didn't want to end.
Let me start by saying that I don't like short stories. I like a book to last but as this was Nathan Dylan Goodwin I decided to suspend judgement.
I am so glad I did. I simply fell into the story and could not wait for the end, while at the same time trying to read slowly to make the experience last longer. Highly recommend this book
Let me start by saying that I don't like short stories. I like a book to last but as this was Nathan Dylan Goodwin I decided to suspend judgement.
I am so glad I did. I simply fell into the story and could not wait for the end, while at the same time trying to read slowly to make the experience last longer. Highly recommend this book
September 15, 2017
Great book! Excellent research about suffragettes in England.
September 20, 2017
My only complaint is it was too short.
Love his books. Always intriguing. I can't stop reading and then I'm at the end too fast. Can't wait for the next one.
Love his books. Always intriguing. I can't stop reading and then I'm at the end too fast. Can't wait for the next one.
September 25, 2017
A Short, But Totally Engaging Work
I always enjoy Nathan Dylan Goodwin's genealogical novels. They are always well-written, well-paced and well-researched. While 'The Suffragette's Secret' is much shorter than the others in the Morton Farrier series, it is no less satisfying and engaging. I spent a pleasant Sunday reading it in one go (with a dinner break). And although I had already guessed how it would end, it didn't detract from my enjoying the book very much. I also feel the author has evolved greatly in his portrayal of female characters, and I appreciated how he wove together factual events of the suffragette movement and other feminist issues with a believable story of their impact on the life of one woman -- and ultimately of all women.
I always enjoy Nathan Dylan Goodwin's genealogical novels. They are always well-written, well-paced and well-researched. While 'The Suffragette's Secret' is much shorter than the others in the Morton Farrier series, it is no less satisfying and engaging. I spent a pleasant Sunday reading it in one go (with a dinner break). And although I had already guessed how it would end, it didn't detract from my enjoying the book very much. I also feel the author has evolved greatly in his portrayal of female characters, and I appreciated how he wove together factual events of the suffragette movement and other feminist issues with a believable story of their impact on the life of one woman -- and ultimately of all women.
December 11, 2017
An interesting investigation by Morton Farrier, my favourite forensic genealogist, into his wife Julia's family history, concentrating on her Suffragette great-grandmother.
This time there were no "baddies" chasing after Morton to prevent him from digging up dark secrets of the past. Instead, we have a much more relaxing family picture, with the arrival of baby ... whats-her-name!
It didn't quite get my 5-star treatment this time because it was a little short but, nevertheless, it was a truly enjoyable journey in time. Keep up the good work Nathan!
This time there were no "baddies" chasing after Morton to prevent him from digging up dark secrets of the past. Instead, we have a much more relaxing family picture, with the arrival of baby ... whats-her-name!
It didn't quite get my 5-star treatment this time because it was a little short but, nevertheless, it was a truly enjoyable journey in time. Keep up the good work Nathan!
August 30, 2020
Always a smart plot; always well researched; always hard to put down!
February 3, 2023
This is a short story, though of a fair length, in the Morton Farrier series. This time Morton, about to become a father, has started to research his wife's family tree and has been intrigued by her great-grandmother, Grace. Far from the meek woman remembered by his wife's mother, he soon discovers that Grace was very active in the Suffragette movement around 1910-11. The story shifts between the two historical periods, as with the other Farrier stories.
I enjoyed this one more than some others I've read because there were no villains trying to prevent Morton from finding out the truth. This was more a 'normal' story of family history research, albeit with the harrowing treatment dished out to Suffragettes in the Edwardian timeline. I found it more enjoyable as such. The only thing that prevented me from delivering a full five star rating was the denouement concerning Grace's true parentage and the drastic action she took as a result: that part I found farfetched and a veering off into the melodrama that the author tends to bring into other books. But otherwise I enjoyed it, and the historical note at the back, and would award it 4 stars.
I enjoyed this one more than some others I've read because there were no villains trying to prevent Morton from finding out the truth. This was more a 'normal' story of family history research, albeit with the harrowing treatment dished out to Suffragettes in the Edwardian timeline. I found it more enjoyable as such. The only thing that prevented me from delivering a full five star rating was the denouement concerning Grace's true parentage and the drastic action she took as a result: that part I found farfetched and a veering off into the melodrama that the author tends to bring into other books. But otherwise I enjoyed it, and the historical note at the back, and would award it 4 stars.
December 26, 2022
Not exactly a short story, more of a novelette at 105 pages, this book is short but fascinating.
Here we have our favorite genealogist Morton Farrier who has turned his attention to learning more about his wife's family tree. In not too long, he is drawn to the story of her great-grandmother Grace, who is remembered as being meek and quiet. Morton discovers that, in her younger years, Grace was actually someone who was not afraid to question the status quo and was quite involved in the suffragette movement in the early twentieth century.
Interesting to note that author Nathan Dylan Goodwin tells us in his "Historical Information" section at the end of this book that, while some of the characters were completely fictional, several were based upon real people and most of the events in the story were quite factual. This book gives us insight into the struggle women had, just being seen as persons in their own right and getting some autonomy in their own lives.
Here we have our favorite genealogist Morton Farrier who has turned his attention to learning more about his wife's family tree. In not too long, he is drawn to the story of her great-grandmother Grace, who is remembered as being meek and quiet. Morton discovers that, in her younger years, Grace was actually someone who was not afraid to question the status quo and was quite involved in the suffragette movement in the early twentieth century.
Interesting to note that author Nathan Dylan Goodwin tells us in his "Historical Information" section at the end of this book that, while some of the characters were completely fictional, several were based upon real people and most of the events in the story were quite factual. This book gives us insight into the struggle women had, just being seen as persons in their own right and getting some autonomy in their own lives.
January 21, 2018
If you've read any of Goodwin's genealogical mysteries, you'll enjoy more of the same with this one: a tale that alternates between the present-day lives of Morton and Juliet and historical drama from the past. Two things that made this installment especially enjoyable: no unrealistic bad guys popping in from a 1970s James Bond-type story, and a happy ending for the historical characters. This last is NOT a spoiler--you know from the beginning that Morton is researching Juliet's great-grandmother, so you know she must have survived to bear at least one child. This book effectively reminds us that our great-grandparents endured many horrors to bring about freedoms and protections that we now enjoy.
December 29, 2019
This is a very short story that can easily be read in one sitting. With the addition of their new baby, Morton has been researching Juliet's side of the family, focusing on her great-grandmother, a suffragette. Although the book follows the usual movement between current day activities and the life of the individual being researched, the information about the women (and men) who protested, demonstrated and won the right for women to vote is amazing. After learning what they went through, including forced feedings in prison, you will never again skip any opportunity you have to vote. It was a right that we often take for granted, and a right that the women fought for sometimes sacrificing their lives, livelihoods and families.
March 10, 2018
Following his marriage and successfully finding his birth father, Morton turns his attention to tracing his wife, Juliette's ancestry. He wants to present the results to her upon the birth of their child, but that child already has a mind of it's own, and arrives early. Despite suffering sleep deprivation, he persists, becoming fascinated by Juliette's great-grandmother, Grace Emmerson. Juliette and her mother are surprised to learn that Grace was a suffragette in the early 1900s. And that wasn't the only secret Morton uncovered regarding her past. Told alternately in the present, covering Morton's research; and in the past, detailing Grace's life. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2018
Morton Farrier is a genealogist researching his wife's great-grandmother, Grace Emmerson, who was a suffragette. I liked the concept of blending real life events, in this case the activities of the suffragettes, with fictional events; also the switching between the past to tell Grace's story and the present to describe Morton's search and other events happening in his life. It was a short, light read, but lacking in any deadlines or races against time, and there was no villain trying to prevent Morton from researching. For a crime story it was somewhat disappointing to me.
April 12, 2019
What I thought would be a throwaway story and started reading it just because it was part of the Morton Farrier, Forensic Genealogist Series...turned out to be a completely engaging read. An investigation into Juliette’s great-grandmother’s past reveals that feistiness runs in the family when the sleep deprived Morton uncovers a secret or two not previously known to Juliette or her mother. An extra 100 pages added to this story wouldn’t be a bad thing.
August 27, 2023
this book is full of historical events
As Nathan tells the fictional story he relies of factual events and documentation that give valuable information about the battle for the rights to vote that the usual stories of the suffragettes romanticize. The opposition was strong and sometimes violent. Certainly the legal punishments were severe. Though probably a realistic picture of treatment of all prisoners at the time. A great book
As Nathan tells the fictional story he relies of factual events and documentation that give valuable information about the battle for the rights to vote that the usual stories of the suffragettes romanticize. The opposition was strong and sometimes violent. Certainly the legal punishments were severe. Though probably a realistic picture of treatment of all prisoners at the time. A great book
July 22, 2024
With the arrival of their first child, Morton Farrier decides to investigate his wife's family tree and happens about the interesting story of her great-grandmother, who had been an ardent suffragette. This is a short novella, and tells the story quickly and clearly. As a result of his findings, they decide to name their new daughter, Grace, in honour of her great grandmother. A nice, quick read in the series.
September 30, 2017
I really like the Morton Farrier series. This was a short story that gave a glimpse into the next chapter of his life. While awaiting the birth of his first child, he has been researching his wife's family tree. Her grandmother was a suffragette. As always, Nathan Dylan Goodwin gives us a great story filled with the history of the suffragette movement.
November 4, 2017
I love this series. This one was especially well done. A lot of historical fact entwined into a great genealogist book, well executed, well written.
Intriguing, interesting, quick read (that I hope was just a filler until the next full length book - I've really grown to love Morton and Julie!).
Keep them coming, Mr. Goodwin!
Intriguing, interesting, quick read (that I hope was just a filler until the next full length book - I've really grown to love Morton and Julie!).
Keep them coming, Mr. Goodwin!
April 6, 2018
Even though this one was a short story, I loved it. It was packed with details. Grace Emmerson was a wonderful character to get to know. What an interesting relative Julie had. I'll be moving onto the next full length novel today. I hope Mr. Goodwin continues to write Morton Farrier novels, I'll read them until he stops writing them.
August 19, 2018
Morton is researching Juliette's family now that he has sorted out his own. When he is interrupted by an early arrival, he is focusing on her great grandmother Grace who is quite the proponent of Suffrage. She makes quite an impact on the couple and the story itself is compelling while also being quite informative about WPSU in Britain.
January 3, 2021
Another great book from Nathan Dylan Goodwin. I love his story telling along with added geneology facts and mystery behind the characters.
My great grandfather was from the Brighton area of Sussex which makes NDG's stories kind of close to home for me.
I have another two books to read in 'The Forensic Genealogist' series but I don't want the series to end.
I'm hooked.
My great grandfather was from the Brighton area of Sussex which makes NDG's stories kind of close to home for me.
I have another two books to read in 'The Forensic Genealogist' series but I don't want the series to end.
I'm hooked.
September 29, 2017
Loved this book read it in practically one go, shame it was a short story as it was a brilliant idea. I have read these books one after another and not been bored ( the joys of retirement ).
I am now waiting on Morton’s next adventure with bated breath.
I am now waiting on Morton’s next adventure with bated breath.
October 17, 2017
Best book of all
I had little interest in Womens' Suffrage and maybe that is why I could not put this book down! I learned a lot about the suffrage movement while reading this marvelous book. I love Nathan Goodwin's book so very much. I recommend them to everyone.
I had little interest in Womens' Suffrage and maybe that is why I could not put this book down! I learned a lot about the suffrage movement while reading this marvelous book. I love Nathan Goodwin's book so very much. I recommend them to everyone.
May 21, 2018
Another, very interesting story from the wonderful Nathan Dylan Goodwin, weaving a lot of facts into his fiction, even a few laugh out loud moments for me, from his Morton Farrier character.
I loved it, thank you Nathan.
I loved it, thank you Nathan.
June 13, 2018
I love all the Morton Farrier novels and this one was no different--it was great. I had heard of suffragettes and knew what they were but I had no idea of all the mistreatment they endured for the cause. Enjoyable read and I certainly learned a lot!
November 4, 2018
Great story, OK writing
This story was fascinating from beginning to end, but I was not quite always fascinated because the writing was a bit cumbersome. It didn't flow. Never the less a good read.
This story was fascinating from beginning to end, but I was not quite always fascinated because the writing was a bit cumbersome. It didn't flow. Never the less a good read.
April 19, 2021
A short novella finds Morton and Juliette Farrier very tired after the birth of their daughter but with Morton determined to finish her family tree back to great great grandparent stage - he finds his wife’s great grandmother active in the Votes for Women movement.
January 17, 2024
Nathan and Juliette are expecting. Nathan is putting together Juliette family tree when he stumbles on her suffragette great-grandmother, Grace. Her life is intriguing. Juliette has the baby and they search for a name!
November 12, 2024
A short read about Morton's case involving an ancestor of his mother-in-law. In Morton's own life, he and his wife are adjusting to having a new baby in the house. This case was not as complex since this was a shorter book. Still interesting and well-written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews