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Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery #7
Letters from the Dead
From acclaimed author Steve Robinson comes a thrilling new Jefferson Tayte mystery.
When genealogist Jefferson Tayte is hired to prove the identity of a black sheep in his client’s family tree, he unwillingly finds himself drawn into a murder investigation with nothing more to go on than a 150-year-old letter and a connection to a legendary ruby that has been missing for generations.
As more letters are mysteriously left for him, Tayte becomes immersed in a centuries-old tale of greed, murder and forbidden love that takes his research from the wilds of the Scottish Highlands to the colour and heat of colonial India.
A dark secret is buried in Jaipur, steeped in treachery and scandal. But why is it having such deadly repercussions in the present? Can Tayte find the ruby and prevent the past from repeating itself before it’s too late?
This is the seventh book in the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery series but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
When genealogist Jefferson Tayte is hired to prove the identity of a black sheep in his client’s family tree, he unwillingly finds himself drawn into a murder investigation with nothing more to go on than a 150-year-old letter and a connection to a legendary ruby that has been missing for generations.
As more letters are mysteriously left for him, Tayte becomes immersed in a centuries-old tale of greed, murder and forbidden love that takes his research from the wilds of the Scottish Highlands to the colour and heat of colonial India.
A dark secret is buried in Jaipur, steeped in treachery and scandal. But why is it having such deadly repercussions in the present? Can Tayte find the ruby and prevent the past from repeating itself before it’s too late?
This is the seventh book in the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery series but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2018
About the author
Steve Robinson
10 books822 followersSteve Robinson is a London-based crime writer. He was sixteen when his first magazine article was published and he’s been writing ever since. A keen interest in family history inspired his first million-copy bestselling series, the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mysteries, and with 'The Penmaker's Wife' and 'The Secret Wife' he is now expanding his writing to historical crime, another area he is passionate about.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
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April 25, 2019The Hook I'm born in July, a Cancer. My birthstone is the Ruby and I've always been fascinated by this beautiful gem, not that own one. Much of Letters From The Dead revolves around the whereabouts of a missing ruby, The Stone of Rajasthan.
The Line - ”he wouldn't have missed it for all the Hershey miniatures in the chocolate factory.”
The Sinker - Though I listened to this, the 7th of the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Series out of order, Letters From The Dead can easily be read as a standalone. The series continues to be superior thanks to the genealogy expertise of the author, Steve Robinson and if you're an audio fan, the narration by award winning reader, Simon Vance, who has performed all seven of the books. Unlike some stories in this genre, Tayte does document process which could be helpful in our own research in genealogy, especially that of our British ancestors.
A mystery with murders, a tale of forbidden love, the story unfolds in a dual timeline through the use of letters and locale. I greatly enjoyed both story-lines, one in 1820's Jaipur, the alternate in present day Scotland. Entertaining and well done.
Be certain to check outSteve Robinson's Webpage, a thorough look at his books and life. I really loved reading Jefferson's Tayte's Profile.
The Line - ”he wouldn't have missed it for all the Hershey miniatures in the chocolate factory.”
The Sinker - Though I listened to this, the 7th of the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Series out of order, Letters From The Dead can easily be read as a standalone. The series continues to be superior thanks to the genealogy expertise of the author, Steve Robinson and if you're an audio fan, the narration by award winning reader, Simon Vance, who has performed all seven of the books. Unlike some stories in this genre, Tayte does document process which could be helpful in our own research in genealogy, especially that of our British ancestors.
A mystery with murders, a tale of forbidden love, the story unfolds in a dual timeline through the use of letters and locale. I greatly enjoyed both story-lines, one in 1820's Jaipur, the alternate in present day Scotland. Entertaining and well done.
Be certain to check outSteve Robinson's Webpage, a thorough look at his books and life. I really loved reading Jefferson's Tayte's Profile.
Read
August 15, 2018It's my new Jefferson Tayte mystery. Yay! I hope you like it. :)
August 17, 2018
Oh, Steve Robinson, you sly dog!
I tripped down the path of your plot (littered with dead bodies) and smugly thought I had solved the mystery...pages and pages ahead of old Jefferson Tayte. And then you double crossed me. Totally didn't see that one coming! Finished the book in 24 hours and now I have to go back and re-read it to see where I was led astray.
Love your writing, but you always outwit me and I can almost hear you chortling as you do so.
Dear readers,
DON'T START THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME IN WHICH TO FINISH IT!
There. You stand warned.
It's excellent.
Five easy stars.
I tripped down the path of your plot (littered with dead bodies) and smugly thought I had solved the mystery...pages and pages ahead of old Jefferson Tayte. And then you double crossed me. Totally didn't see that one coming! Finished the book in 24 hours and now I have to go back and re-read it to see where I was led astray.
Love your writing, but you always outwit me and I can almost hear you chortling as you do so.
Dear readers,
DON'T START THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME IN WHICH TO FINISH IT!
There. You stand warned.
It's excellent.
Five easy stars.
August 20, 2018
Yet another gem by Steve Robinson! The setting of this 7th genealogical mystery is a dilapidated castle in rural Scotland, and the historical context is 19th century Rajputana (now known as Rajasthan), the East India Company and the Resident at Jaipur.
Jefferson Tayte's assignment is to find the Blood of Rajputana, an exceptionally large ruby stolen in 1823 from the Maharaja, and the cause of much bloodshed. Like "Midsomer Murders" or Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None", bodies turn up all the time, as Tayte tries to piece together the Fraser family's history and help the local detective find the murderer.
I love stories like this, where a tangled web of clues gradually gets untangled by our favourite genealogist, with a few surprises at the end. The historical theme of India under British domination was extremely enlightening too. Altogether a well written and thoroughly captivating story!
Thanks to the author and to Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy of "Letters From The Dead".
Jefferson Tayte's assignment is to find the Blood of Rajputana, an exceptionally large ruby stolen in 1823 from the Maharaja, and the cause of much bloodshed. Like "Midsomer Murders" or Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None", bodies turn up all the time, as Tayte tries to piece together the Fraser family's history and help the local detective find the murderer.
I love stories like this, where a tangled web of clues gradually gets untangled by our favourite genealogist, with a few surprises at the end. The historical theme of India under British domination was extremely enlightening too. Altogether a well written and thoroughly captivating story!
Thanks to the author and to Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy of "Letters From The Dead".
July 11, 2018
Probably the best Jefferson Tayte mystery so far!
Jefferson is now married, has a son, and is living in England. He is asked to help find out who the great-great-great-great grandfather is of his new client. Damian Sinclair has reached a dead end in his research because it seems that his three-great grandfather was illegitimate. After Jefferson agrees, he learns that there is also a precious jewel from India tied up in the mystery. It is unknown how much of the legend of the jewel is true and what is myth. As he searches for the name of the missing ancestor, other family members are slowly and systematically being killed.
If he learns the name - and then finds out what happened to the gem - will he also be killed?
I found this very hard to put down. The characters are, as always, well developed. I could imagine each one. Their personalities rang true. And in the story of India in the 1800's I found more believable characters. Like Jefferson, I couldn't help but wonder what their later lives were like. Then I remembered that they never existed and I could make their lives be anything I wanted them to be. These people will be in my memory for a long time.
I look forward to more of Jefferson Tayte's adventures and hope he has a bit more time to work on his own family tree!
Jefferson is now married, has a son, and is living in England. He is asked to help find out who the great-great-great-great grandfather is of his new client. Damian Sinclair has reached a dead end in his research because it seems that his three-great grandfather was illegitimate. After Jefferson agrees, he learns that there is also a precious jewel from India tied up in the mystery. It is unknown how much of the legend of the jewel is true and what is myth. As he searches for the name of the missing ancestor, other family members are slowly and systematically being killed.
If he learns the name - and then finds out what happened to the gem - will he also be killed?
I found this very hard to put down. The characters are, as always, well developed. I could imagine each one. Their personalities rang true. And in the story of India in the 1800's I found more believable characters. Like Jefferson, I couldn't help but wonder what their later lives were like. Then I remembered that they never existed and I could make their lives be anything I wanted them to be. These people will be in my memory for a long time.
I look forward to more of Jefferson Tayte's adventures and hope he has a bit more time to work on his own family tree!
August 11, 2018
In another genealogical puzzle, Jefferson Tayte journeys to a crumbling mansion in Scotland. The owner is keen to trace his great (times four) grandfather and suspects there’s illegitimacy in the line. There’s also the mystery of a disappearing ruby, as big as a fist, which was seen by some ancestors along the way. Tayte is concerned this may turn into a treasure hunt, and when members of the family are murdered, he fears he’s right.
Much of the story is featured in letters home from India in the early 1800s and the subcontinent back then is atmospherically depicted. The author highlights the poverty of some, contrasting it with the immense wealth of the maharajas and the British East India Company. These parts are especially exciting. The end of the Scottish adventure is a white-knuckle ride and, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Steve Robinson carefully strands his stories together and they are a joy to unpick.
Much of the story is featured in letters home from India in the early 1800s and the subcontinent back then is atmospherically depicted. The author highlights the poverty of some, contrasting it with the immense wealth of the maharajas and the British East India Company. These parts are especially exciting. The end of the Scottish adventure is a white-knuckle ride and, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Steve Robinson carefully strands his stories together and they are a joy to unpick.
May 10, 2019
Such a good series
The Jefferson Tayte mystery series is certainly a good one. This book, Letters from the Dead, is the best so far. Parts of it reminded me of Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone, however Mr Robinson’s had his own unique way of telling the story of a treasure stolen from India. I enjoyed every word.
The Jefferson Tayte mystery series is certainly a good one. This book, Letters from the Dead, is the best so far. Parts of it reminded me of Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone, however Mr Robinson’s had his own unique way of telling the story of a treasure stolen from India. I enjoyed every word.
May 8, 2019
A++++++ Series
I can't wait for numbers 8, 9, 10, then let's just keep on going. This series is so good that I literally read the entire series of 7 books within a week. I sincerely hopenMr. Robinson keeps JT going for a very long time. Thanks!
I can't wait for numbers 8, 9, 10, then let's just keep on going. This series is so good that I literally read the entire series of 7 books within a week. I sincerely hopenMr. Robinson keeps JT going for a very long time. Thanks!
September 27, 2018
Dear Steve Robinson,
I have just finished the last of your books. What am I going to do now? Please write faster.
Love Kay x
It is so rare that I do not figure the 'whodunnit' part of a book but this one totally blindsided me. Now a happily married man, JT goes to Scotland to find an elusive ancestor for a client. However, once there everyone he meets is more concerned with finding a missing ruby than the ancestor. The missing ruby is connected to the ancestors of his client and as the bodies mount up (it would not be a Steve Robinson book without plenty of murders and menace taking place) JT receives a letter with each body about the history of the ruby. Another great book. Sadly this book was printed this year which means I have a long wait before another Jefferson Tayte book arrives. I can't remember the last time I loved a series as much as this one.
I have just finished the last of your books. What am I going to do now? Please write faster.
Love Kay x
It is so rare that I do not figure the 'whodunnit' part of a book but this one totally blindsided me. Now a happily married man, JT goes to Scotland to find an elusive ancestor for a client. However, once there everyone he meets is more concerned with finding a missing ruby than the ancestor. The missing ruby is connected to the ancestors of his client and as the bodies mount up (it would not be a Steve Robinson book without plenty of murders and menace taking place) JT receives a letter with each body about the history of the ruby. Another great book. Sadly this book was printed this year which means I have a long wait before another Jefferson Tayte book arrives. I can't remember the last time I loved a series as much as this one.
August 19, 2018
For the seventh outing of Jefferson Tayte, a genealogist now based in the UK with his wife Jean, JT as he is more fondly known, is asked to discover the four-times-Great-Grandfather of his client, Damian Sinclair. His trail takes him from a crumbling, literally, pile in the Southern Highlands of Scotland, Drumarthen, to Rajputana (now known as Rajasthan) with strong links to the East India Company.
If you have followed JT’s previous adventures you will have learnt that genealogy can be a dangerous business, something JT himself seems to forget with a sense of abandon as soon as any juicy mystery comes along.
Damian Sinclair is unlike most of JT’s clients, he and the wider family have done a massive amount of research into their family. It’s soon revealed that this isn’t out of simple curiosity about their family heritage but because wrapped into the history is a missing ruby, one that would significantly change the owner’s life and there is no better motivation than a treasure hunt to help fill in those gaps on the family tree. Damian Sinclair assures JT he is not interested in the ruby and even though the reader can hear the audience hissing, JT puts his scepticism about the truth of this statement aside, and agrees to work on the case.
JT is introduced to the wider family and it is revealed that packet of letters were found that might hold the link to the jewel written in 1820s from a travelling companion in India back to the woman’s brother. These seem to be missing, all apart from one. Do these letters hold the key to the mystery?
The characters are brilliantly portrayed, Steve Robinson has ensured you will be able to tell them all apart by making them distinct, if in the main, individuals that you don’t need to waste a whole heap of sympathy on. After all you don’t want feelings of sorrow for these fictional characters to slow the trail to finding the truth, do you?
While JT is seeking the truth from the past, there are disturbing events in the present with an ‘Golden Age’ type mystery involving a syndicate formed to find the ruby. We therefore have Detective Inspector Alastair Ross being kept busy with the odd dead body too.
As with the previous books in the series, not only are the stories incredibly informative showing the impeccable research carried out by the author, they also have a sense of fun too. The story as it unfolds by letter from life in Colonial India completely transported me to a very particular way of life. The historical part alone was a fabulous story while with the danger in the present and a mystery which seems to hinge on greed provides a puzzle which seems to confound the finest of minds. Steve Robinson created a thoroughly interesting, informative and entertaining read in Letters from the Dead.
This book is perfect for lovers of genealogy as the author manages to weave some actual resources into the book without overshadowing either the historical angle or the mystery playing out in the present it also caters for a wide range of interests from history to those who crave a damn good mystery!
If you have followed JT’s previous adventures you will have learnt that genealogy can be a dangerous business, something JT himself seems to forget with a sense of abandon as soon as any juicy mystery comes along.
Damian Sinclair is unlike most of JT’s clients, he and the wider family have done a massive amount of research into their family. It’s soon revealed that this isn’t out of simple curiosity about their family heritage but because wrapped into the history is a missing ruby, one that would significantly change the owner’s life and there is no better motivation than a treasure hunt to help fill in those gaps on the family tree. Damian Sinclair assures JT he is not interested in the ruby and even though the reader can hear the audience hissing, JT puts his scepticism about the truth of this statement aside, and agrees to work on the case.
JT is introduced to the wider family and it is revealed that packet of letters were found that might hold the link to the jewel written in 1820s from a travelling companion in India back to the woman’s brother. These seem to be missing, all apart from one. Do these letters hold the key to the mystery?
The characters are brilliantly portrayed, Steve Robinson has ensured you will be able to tell them all apart by making them distinct, if in the main, individuals that you don’t need to waste a whole heap of sympathy on. After all you don’t want feelings of sorrow for these fictional characters to slow the trail to finding the truth, do you?
While JT is seeking the truth from the past, there are disturbing events in the present with an ‘Golden Age’ type mystery involving a syndicate formed to find the ruby. We therefore have Detective Inspector Alastair Ross being kept busy with the odd dead body too.
As with the previous books in the series, not only are the stories incredibly informative showing the impeccable research carried out by the author, they also have a sense of fun too. The story as it unfolds by letter from life in Colonial India completely transported me to a very particular way of life. The historical part alone was a fabulous story while with the danger in the present and a mystery which seems to hinge on greed provides a puzzle which seems to confound the finest of minds. Steve Robinson created a thoroughly interesting, informative and entertaining read in Letters from the Dead.
This book is perfect for lovers of genealogy as the author manages to weave some actual resources into the book without overshadowing either the historical angle or the mystery playing out in the present it also caters for a wide range of interests from history to those who crave a damn good mystery!
July 10, 2018
4 stars
Jefferson Tayte receives an invitation to come to Scotland to investigate the ancestry of Damian Sinclair. He wants to learn who his four times great-grandfather was. When he gets to Scotland, Sinclair’s motives for the investigation become more clear. He also wants Tayte to find the whereabouts of a centuries-old ruby that has disappeared into history.
It all begins with a letter written in the 1820’s by Jane and sent to a member of her family. It tells of her journey to India with a young friend named Arabella. The letters are left for Tayte to find in the old manor house he is currently sharing with Sinclair. Sinclair’s brother Jamie, who was something of a wastrel, was killed a few weeks earlier than Tayte’s visit. Sinclair believes it was murder, but DI Ross thinks it to be a suicide.
Jamie borrowed a considerable sum of money from the family syndicate to travel to India to locate the ruby and never paid it back. One by one, the members of the syndicate are being murdered- Each time a murder occurs, another one of Jane’s letters turns up mysteriously. Each time, Tayte learns a little more of Jane and Arabella’s story. She tells of an ill-fated love affair in which Arabella was involved. It also speaks of the mysterious ruby. Is the ruby the reason people are being killed?
As Tayte pours through Jane’s letters and more people die, suspicion for the murders falls on everyone, including Sinclair and Murray, his trusted man-of-all trades and live-in companion. Tayte shares all of his research results with Sinclair. They ponder the puzzle together.
In a surprising and exciting conclusion, all is revealed.
This is a great book. It has drama, a huge puzzle, tension and the main characters are likeable and engaging. I liked Sinclair and Murray especially, never mind that they were suspects in the murders. I liked DI Ross as well. This book was both well written and plotted. There were a couple of weak points in the story, but they weren’t huge. I have read all of the Jefferson Tayte novels and all in all it is an excellent addition to the Jefferson Tayte series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing USA and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Jefferson Tayte receives an invitation to come to Scotland to investigate the ancestry of Damian Sinclair. He wants to learn who his four times great-grandfather was. When he gets to Scotland, Sinclair’s motives for the investigation become more clear. He also wants Tayte to find the whereabouts of a centuries-old ruby that has disappeared into history.
It all begins with a letter written in the 1820’s by Jane and sent to a member of her family. It tells of her journey to India with a young friend named Arabella. The letters are left for Tayte to find in the old manor house he is currently sharing with Sinclair. Sinclair’s brother Jamie, who was something of a wastrel, was killed a few weeks earlier than Tayte’s visit. Sinclair believes it was murder, but DI Ross thinks it to be a suicide.
Jamie borrowed a considerable sum of money from the family syndicate to travel to India to locate the ruby and never paid it back. One by one, the members of the syndicate are being murdered- Each time a murder occurs, another one of Jane’s letters turns up mysteriously. Each time, Tayte learns a little more of Jane and Arabella’s story. She tells of an ill-fated love affair in which Arabella was involved. It also speaks of the mysterious ruby. Is the ruby the reason people are being killed?
As Tayte pours through Jane’s letters and more people die, suspicion for the murders falls on everyone, including Sinclair and Murray, his trusted man-of-all trades and live-in companion. Tayte shares all of his research results with Sinclair. They ponder the puzzle together.
In a surprising and exciting conclusion, all is revealed.
This is a great book. It has drama, a huge puzzle, tension and the main characters are likeable and engaging. I liked Sinclair and Murray especially, never mind that they were suspects in the murders. I liked DI Ross as well. This book was both well written and plotted. There were a couple of weak points in the story, but they weren’t huge. I have read all of the Jefferson Tayte novels and all in all it is an excellent addition to the Jefferson Tayte series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing USA and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
August 31, 2018
Book Review: Letters from the Dead (Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery #7) by Steve Robinson
Most readers' experience with genealogy begins and ends with a foray to Ancestry.com, with mixed results.
The protagonist, Jefferson Tayte, is a professional genealogist; that profession actually exists, though more as a hobby for some or as a tool for building family trees for others. Mr. Robinson draws upon his own family history for inspiration coupled with impressively well-researched historical and contemporary facts and details to lend authenticity to his stories.
The book takes the reader from present day Scottish highlands - a castle of Scottish Baronial architecture grandeur - that has seen better days, back and forth to a vivid depiction of 1822 colonial India in descriptive portrayals of the land and the culture, the terminology and vernacular: Dacoits, Brown Bess muskets, Rajput, Nawab, the sowars of the Bengal Army Light Cavalry, the East India Company and the Resident of Jaipur, the Maharaj of Kishangarh, namaste - colonial mentality, heroism, jealousy, murder and forbidden love.
It begins with a letter from 1869 purporting the possession of several letters from a great-aunt's travels in Jaipur and hints of a gemstone of unparalleled value, soliciting funds with the promise of a handsome return in exchange for equal share upon the retrieval of the gemstone, "The Blood of Rajputana", which by name alone intrigues.
A murder mystery cluedo game then ensues in the highlands village. More ancient letters are found, left behind or discovered in a plot which tries hard and succeeds to thrill and keep the reader in suspense all through the unpredictable ending, but with characters murdered as though in the naughty dice game, lacking the shock, horror and smell of death.
Well-written, a bit overdrawn at times. A good introduction to the genealogy mystery genre, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.
Review based on an advance reading copy presented by NetGalley and Amazon Publishing U.K. and Thomas & Mercer.
Most readers' experience with genealogy begins and ends with a foray to Ancestry.com, with mixed results.
The protagonist, Jefferson Tayte, is a professional genealogist; that profession actually exists, though more as a hobby for some or as a tool for building family trees for others. Mr. Robinson draws upon his own family history for inspiration coupled with impressively well-researched historical and contemporary facts and details to lend authenticity to his stories.
The book takes the reader from present day Scottish highlands - a castle of Scottish Baronial architecture grandeur - that has seen better days, back and forth to a vivid depiction of 1822 colonial India in descriptive portrayals of the land and the culture, the terminology and vernacular: Dacoits, Brown Bess muskets, Rajput, Nawab, the sowars of the Bengal Army Light Cavalry, the East India Company and the Resident of Jaipur, the Maharaj of Kishangarh, namaste - colonial mentality, heroism, jealousy, murder and forbidden love.
It begins with a letter from 1869 purporting the possession of several letters from a great-aunt's travels in Jaipur and hints of a gemstone of unparalleled value, soliciting funds with the promise of a handsome return in exchange for equal share upon the retrieval of the gemstone, "The Blood of Rajputana", which by name alone intrigues.
A murder mystery cluedo game then ensues in the highlands village. More ancient letters are found, left behind or discovered in a plot which tries hard and succeeds to thrill and keep the reader in suspense all through the unpredictable ending, but with characters murdered as though in the naughty dice game, lacking the shock, horror and smell of death.
Well-written, a bit overdrawn at times. A good introduction to the genealogy mystery genre, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.
Review based on an advance reading copy presented by NetGalley and Amazon Publishing U.K. and Thomas & Mercer.
September 7, 2018
This is the seventh in the Jefferson Tayte series of genealogical mysteries, and returns to the format of the early books, with JT investigating a client’s family history, interspersed with stories from the past, so it could easily be read as a stand-alone. I’d enjoyed the first four books in the series, and so was excited to receive this as an ARC, but had to buy and read the 5th and 6th instalments first, so missed the publication deadline by 3 weeks. I figure the author got two sales and three reviews out of this, so don’t feel too guilty.
Set just over a year after the events of the last book, this has JT reluctantly leaving wife Jean and baby son Ben to undertake a commission in Scotland. His client’s younger brother has died under mysterious circumstances, and he has asked JT to look into an illegitimate ancestor, who notoriously went on the hunt for a priceless ruby from India. Guided by a series of letters from plucky Jane Hardwick, a tale of star-crossed lovers in the days of the British raj is revealed, but what happened to the ruby, and who is willing to kill to find it?
This was a great mix of murder mystery, set in a crumbling stately home, with a cast of characters like a modern day Agatha Christie, and historical family drama, reminding us of the cruelty and greed of the British in 1820s India.
I had no idea who to suspect until the reveal, and liked the ending. JT is a wonderfully reluctant hero has grown on my with every book, so I look forward to his next adventure.
My thanks to Amazon UK and NetGalley for the free ARC. My review was given voluntarily.
Set just over a year after the events of the last book, this has JT reluctantly leaving wife Jean and baby son Ben to undertake a commission in Scotland. His client’s younger brother has died under mysterious circumstances, and he has asked JT to look into an illegitimate ancestor, who notoriously went on the hunt for a priceless ruby from India. Guided by a series of letters from plucky Jane Hardwick, a tale of star-crossed lovers in the days of the British raj is revealed, but what happened to the ruby, and who is willing to kill to find it?
This was a great mix of murder mystery, set in a crumbling stately home, with a cast of characters like a modern day Agatha Christie, and historical family drama, reminding us of the cruelty and greed of the British in 1820s India.
I had no idea who to suspect until the reveal, and liked the ending. JT is a wonderfully reluctant hero has grown on my with every book, so I look forward to his next adventure.
My thanks to Amazon UK and NetGalley for the free ARC. My review was given voluntarily.
August 26, 2018
That's it! I am up to date and thoroughly unimpressed about it. What am I going to do without a dose of JT for another year? It's taken me just over a month to get through the seven books in Steve Robinson's genealogical mystery series. Steve, may I call you Steve? It's been a great adventure.
As always JT's adventures as a genealogist enthral me. Steve Robinson's presentation of the multiple stories within the book is brilliant.
I am always left wondering how one genealogist can walk into so many life changing situations.
The details appear to be well researched and the part of the story taking place in India are certainly believable. Although, I know little about Indian history and must take many of the details at face Value.
I have enjoyed JT's adventures greatly, and it's good to see that despite settling down with his family, he still has a sense of adventure.
I am very much looking forward to the next Jefferson Tayte adventure.
Review will be published on BethinaBox.com on 11th September 2018.
As always JT's adventures as a genealogist enthral me. Steve Robinson's presentation of the multiple stories within the book is brilliant.
I am always left wondering how one genealogist can walk into so many life changing situations.
The details appear to be well researched and the part of the story taking place in India are certainly believable. Although, I know little about Indian history and must take many of the details at face Value.
I have enjoyed JT's adventures greatly, and it's good to see that despite settling down with his family, he still has a sense of adventure.
I am very much looking forward to the next Jefferson Tayte adventure.
Review will be published on BethinaBox.com on 11th September 2018.
September 6, 2018
I received a free download of this book from Goodreads and was delighted since I had read the first in the series several years ago.
I love a good mystery and love the genealogical research that is not only a mystery on its own, but it is important to the ongoing story.
Characters are interesting and memorable. So many books these days have so many characters that you need a cheat sheet to keep them straight.
I can attest to the fact that this is a good stand alone read. (I still plan to go back and read the other books in order.)
I love a good mystery and love the genealogical research that is not only a mystery on its own, but it is important to the ongoing story.
Characters are interesting and memorable. So many books these days have so many characters that you need a cheat sheet to keep them straight.
I can attest to the fact that this is a good stand alone read. (I still plan to go back and read the other books in order.)
February 24, 2019
Several years ago, I read the first three books in Steve Robinson’s mystery series about American genealogist Jefferson Tayte. Now I have taken up the seventh story in which Jefferson travels to Scotland to help client, Damian Sinclair, break through the brick wall concealing the identity of his four times great grandfather. But this is not just about family history, there is a legend of a valuable ruby stolen in India which the whole family hope to discover. At first Jefferson is greatly impressed by the magnificent stately home where Sinclair lives with his elderly retainer, Murray, but within the walls he finds shabby rooms and unsafe floorboards.
The parts I most enjoyed were the letters of Jane Hardwick which began in 1822 as she returned to India, a widow and companion to a friend joining her husband in Jaipur. Jane is a warm, caring woman who tries to look after teenage Arabella and her unhappy mother as their story gradually unfolds. While Jefferson explores Sinclair’s bloodline, new letters from Jane appear mentioning the legendary gemstone. But he becomes increasingly aware of danger, as one by one, members of Sinclair’s family are murdered.
This book easily stands alone as a thrilling story of love, greed and treachery. There are many red-herrings and I did not guess the outcome either in the 1820s or in the present-day denouement. Highly recommended for anyone, not just those who love genealogy.
The parts I most enjoyed were the letters of Jane Hardwick which began in 1822 as she returned to India, a widow and companion to a friend joining her husband in Jaipur. Jane is a warm, caring woman who tries to look after teenage Arabella and her unhappy mother as their story gradually unfolds. While Jefferson explores Sinclair’s bloodline, new letters from Jane appear mentioning the legendary gemstone. But he becomes increasingly aware of danger, as one by one, members of Sinclair’s family are murdered.
This book easily stands alone as a thrilling story of love, greed and treachery. There are many red-herrings and I did not guess the outcome either in the 1820s or in the present-day denouement. Highly recommended for anyone, not just those who love genealogy.
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars
After book 6, this marks a return to the format and structure of books 1-5 in this series. It weaves between present day Scotland, where we find Tayte poking around a decrepit Scottish stately home, and 19th-century India where an incredibly precious ruby is first stolen and then lost. As Tayte helps his somewhat slippery client look for the priceless ruby, the client's family starts dropping dead around him.
The books in this series where the narrative switches back and forth between present day and a historical period are in my opinion better executed than the few novels where this does not happen, and Book 7 is no exception. The Scottish mansion setting complete with enigmatic butler adds a nice gothic ambience (and a touch of paranoia) to the proceedings, and contrasts nicely with the colonial British India segments.
If you have made it this far in the series, or even if you are wanting a standalone historical mystery, you will definitely enjoy Letters from the Dead.
After book 6, this marks a return to the format and structure of books 1-5 in this series. It weaves between present day Scotland, where we find Tayte poking around a decrepit Scottish stately home, and 19th-century India where an incredibly precious ruby is first stolen and then lost. As Tayte helps his somewhat slippery client look for the priceless ruby, the client's family starts dropping dead around him.
The books in this series where the narrative switches back and forth between present day and a historical period are in my opinion better executed than the few novels where this does not happen, and Book 7 is no exception. The Scottish mansion setting complete with enigmatic butler adds a nice gothic ambience (and a touch of paranoia) to the proceedings, and contrasts nicely with the colonial British India segments.
If you have made it this far in the series, or even if you are wanting a standalone historical mystery, you will definitely enjoy Letters from the Dead.
July 12, 2018
Steve Robinson has set his latest book up in the wilds of Scotland with a brief that involves not only tracing a forebear but also a gemstone...which hails from the later years of the East India Company and Rajputana (now known as Rajasthan). Jefferson Tayte's expertise has been hired by Damian Sinclair the last owner of Drumarthen, a fairly ancient Scottish pile set in Comrie in the southern highlands. He is the descendant of the illegitimate son of a Scottish land-owner who wishes to prove the identity of his forebear and to find out about the existence of a legendary ruby that is connected to the family’s misfortunes.
Over the course of Tayte's short stay we are treated to the unfolding plot with a number of murders as the members of a syndicate dedicated to finding the gem are found dead in an Agatha Christie style investigation, with the crumbling Drumarthen and its environs playing a central role in the unfolding drama in the present. Supporting Tayte’s research we travel through flashbacks to Rajputana, seen through the eyes of Jane Hardwick, a close friend of the family of Sir John Christie, the East India Company's Resident at that time and a series of letters she wrote to another member of the Christie family.
The family tragedy back in the 1800s is the genesis of the events in the present and Steve Robinson weaves a complex tale of love, family honour, betrayal, cruelty and mystery in a thoroughly engaging book.
Over the course of Tayte's short stay we are treated to the unfolding plot with a number of murders as the members of a syndicate dedicated to finding the gem are found dead in an Agatha Christie style investigation, with the crumbling Drumarthen and its environs playing a central role in the unfolding drama in the present. Supporting Tayte’s research we travel through flashbacks to Rajputana, seen through the eyes of Jane Hardwick, a close friend of the family of Sir John Christie, the East India Company's Resident at that time and a series of letters she wrote to another member of the Christie family.
The family tragedy back in the 1800s is the genesis of the events in the present and Steve Robinson weaves a complex tale of love, family honour, betrayal, cruelty and mystery in a thoroughly engaging book.
September 8, 2018
I received a Kindle copy of this through a giveaway on Goodreads. My rating should be more like 3.5 staars. It is the 7th in a series of mysteries, but I read it as a stand alone with no troubles. Jefferson Tayte is a professional genealogist, and gets caught up in a family mystery involving murder while on a job. Fairly straight forward reading. There was a nice mystery, with a few twists, and until near the end, I wasn't 100% certain who the antagonist was. So that kept the story interesting. I would be interested in reading more of the series, especially since genealogy is one of my own hobbies.
October 15, 2018
Steve Robinson is a genius, this Jefferson Tayte Genealogical mystery was captivating from beginning to end. I had been looking forward eagerly to this book and it did not disappoint but enhanced the series even more. Easily a Solid 5 Golden Stars! This had me guessing till the end, and the story just brilliantly written. Well done Steve!
October 25, 2018
Steve Robinson certainly knows how to bring far away places and history alive. This time it was 19th century India. At first glance, one might doubt that family genealogy could make much of a story line. These Jefferson Tayte mysteries draw you in. Tayte isn't your everyday genealogist!
August 16, 2018
Fantastic! It's the best yet.
August 16, 2018
Excellent read.
These are the best set of genealogy detective novels available and this one is an excellent read. I would highly recommend it.
These are the best set of genealogy detective novels available and this one is an excellent read. I would highly recommend it.
September 12, 2018
Loved the book I did not want it to finish keep them coming Steve!
July 13, 2018
For a mild mannered genealogy guy, Jefferson seems to find himself in some dire situations.
He is hired to research an ancestor to a Scottish family that may or may not be in possession of a fantastic jewel.
The story is told in 2 sections, one from the time of the theft of the jewel via a series of letters and the other about what is going on now.
Betrayal, murder, massacres and creaking old mansions really set the scene.
This is a fun story, and once you get a hold of the different characters the story is interesting and tragic. The bad guy was not who I suspected by any stretch,
He is hired to research an ancestor to a Scottish family that may or may not be in possession of a fantastic jewel.
The story is told in 2 sections, one from the time of the theft of the jewel via a series of letters and the other about what is going on now.
Betrayal, murder, massacres and creaking old mansions really set the scene.
This is a fun story, and once you get a hold of the different characters the story is interesting and tragic. The bad guy was not who I suspected by any stretch,
July 29, 2018
A very interesting story and well worth the read. Will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 26, 2018
I slated the previous book in the series for having too much violence, so I started reading this with trepidation. I needn't have worried; this is an excellent book. The story is well-crafted, well-researched with lots of twists and turns along the way. I liked the use of the letters to develop the story and enjoyed the description of colonial India. Well done, Steve! I'm now eagerly awaiting the next Jefferson Tayte book.
September 1, 2018
I really like this series and this author. Being interested in Genealogy, this series fits in perfectly. It is interesting and lots of suspense. There was plenty of suspense and danger, both from other people and the site of the story.
September 2, 2018
Another excellent Jefferson Tayte mystery. Thank you Steve. Looking forward to the next one.
August 26, 2018
Best one yet
I've read all the books in the series, and this was the best yet. Set in a crumbling estate in the Scottish Highlands, the novel switches back and forth between modern day and 1820s India. Jefferson Tate is hired to trace an unknown ancestor and find a legendary ruby.
I've read all the books in the series, and this was the best yet. Set in a crumbling estate in the Scottish Highlands, the novel switches back and forth between modern day and 1820s India. Jefferson Tate is hired to trace an unknown ancestor and find a legendary ruby.
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