What do you think?
Rate this book
Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery #5
The Sinclair Betrayal
Jayne Sinclair is back and this time she’s investigating her own family history.
For years, Jayne as avoided researching the past of her own family. There are just too many secrets she would prefer to stay hidden. Then, she is forced to face up to the biggest secret of all; her father is still alive. Even worse, he is in prison for the cold-blooded killing of an old civil servant. A killing supposedly motivated by the betrayal and death of his mother decades before.
Was he guilty or innocent?
And who betrayed his mother?
Jayne uses all her genealogical and police skills to investigate the world of the SOE and of secrets hidden in the dark days of World War 2. A world that leads her into a battle with herself, her conscience and her own family.
For years, Jayne as avoided researching the past of her own family. There are just too many secrets she would prefer to stay hidden. Then, she is forced to face up to the biggest secret of all; her father is still alive. Even worse, he is in prison for the cold-blooded killing of an old civil servant. A killing supposedly motivated by the betrayal and death of his mother decades before.
Was he guilty or innocent?
And who betrayed his mother?
Jayne uses all her genealogical and police skills to investigate the world of the SOE and of secrets hidden in the dark days of World War 2. A world that leads her into a battle with herself, her conscience and her own family.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2019
319 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books446 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 14, 2019
Having read all of the previous Jayne Sinclair genealogical mysteries I jumped at the chance of reviewing the latest book in the series.
Normally Jayne undertakes paid genealogical research but this time her task is to uncover a secret which is much closer to home.
Switching between present day and World War 2 this is a gentle mystery but fast paced to keep your interest. It mixes World War 2 battle scenes, espionage with interesting genealogical research.
The book was certainly very enjoyable and could be read as a standalone story but the earlier books in the series are highly recommended.
Hopefully we will be seeing more of Jayne Sinclair.
Normally Jayne undertakes paid genealogical research but this time her task is to uncover a secret which is much closer to home.
Switching between present day and World War 2 this is a gentle mystery but fast paced to keep your interest. It mixes World War 2 battle scenes, espionage with interesting genealogical research.
The book was certainly very enjoyable and could be read as a standalone story but the earlier books in the series are highly recommended.
Hopefully we will be seeing more of Jayne Sinclair.
December 6, 2021
Book 6 in the series
I highly recommend the Jayne Sinclair mysteries to those interested in the history of World War 2 from the English perspective. I’ve learned so much reading this series. I will read them all.
I highly recommend the Jayne Sinclair mysteries to those interested in the history of World War 2 from the English perspective. I’ve learned so much reading this series. I will read them all.
September 17, 2021
Best in series so far
Best of this series so far. I found the story compelling. Though the ending could have been more satisfactory. I love the educational side of the books too.
Best of this series so far. I found the story compelling. Though the ending could have been more satisfactory. I love the educational side of the books too.
February 20, 2022
great series
Brilliant story line. Interesting too to read the research that went into this. Loving this series of books. Totally hooked!!!
Brilliant story line. Interesting too to read the research that went into this. Loving this series of books. Totally hooked!!!
May 18, 2019
Ex-police officer turned genealogist, Jayne Sinclair is astounded to learn from her stepfather that her biological father is alive when she’d been told for as long as she could remember that he was dead. Even more shocking was that he was in prison and had been most of her life, serving time for the cold-blooded murder of a trusted friend and colleague of his mother. A mother he believed was betrayed.
The book flips between the second world war - telling the story of Monique Massat – Jayne’s grandmother and the present day - from Jayne’s perspective as she tries to piece together the circumstances leading to her grandmother’s death and her stint in the SOE.
There are descriptions of World War Two battles, life in wartime for those at home, descriptions of France and England, the ins and outs of genealogical research, as well as how the SOE operated, which were really interesting. The frequent comparison and reference to how everything was so much better in France than England from Monique’s point of view was the only thing that began to irritate me.
I’m more of a thriller reader than mysteries and haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but this looked really interesting and I enjoyed it. It is a well-written, easy read and the author has clearly done a huge amount of research on the topics. Fans of mysteries, especially historical or those interested in genealogy, will really enjoy this.
The book flips between the second world war - telling the story of Monique Massat – Jayne’s grandmother and the present day - from Jayne’s perspective as she tries to piece together the circumstances leading to her grandmother’s death and her stint in the SOE.
There are descriptions of World War Two battles, life in wartime for those at home, descriptions of France and England, the ins and outs of genealogical research, as well as how the SOE operated, which were really interesting. The frequent comparison and reference to how everything was so much better in France than England from Monique’s point of view was the only thing that began to irritate me.
I’m more of a thriller reader than mysteries and haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but this looked really interesting and I enjoyed it. It is a well-written, easy read and the author has clearly done a huge amount of research on the topics. Fans of mysteries, especially historical or those interested in genealogy, will really enjoy this.
May 19, 2019
Lucky for me I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I have read a number of books by this author, and to be honest, none of them have disappointed me. This one is no exception. Once again the author has captivated me into an intriguing plot that had me wanting to read on until the final page. The only niggle I had with this book, and trust me it’s only a slight niggle, is that it started off just a little too slowly for my liking. However, as I read on the plot suddenly became alive as Jayne Sinclair started to look into her own family’s past, and what had happened during the time of the second world war. Then what a great story it turned out to be once it kicked off. Brilliant.
As for the characters; well I love how the author has penned Jayne Sinclair as the protagonist, and I also love how he has done this in such a way as you get to know her more and more as each book in the series continues. (By the way, although this is a series, this can be very much enjoyed as a standalone.) As for the other characters, again the author has a knack of getting them spot on.
So all in all. A great plot, excellent characters, very well written, and as for my personal enjoyment, I loved it.
As for the characters; well I love how the author has penned Jayne Sinclair as the protagonist, and I also love how he has done this in such a way as you get to know her more and more as each book in the series continues. (By the way, although this is a series, this can be very much enjoyed as a standalone.) As for the other characters, again the author has a knack of getting them spot on.
So all in all. A great plot, excellent characters, very well written, and as for my personal enjoyment, I loved it.
May 13, 2019
I'm a crime or psychological thriller reader normally so a mystery novel is really a bit cosy for me but a genealogical mystery, I thought I'd give that a go, after all genealogy is something that interests me.
So Jayne Sinclair is an ex cop who makes her money investigating the family trees of clients who want to know their histories and have a lot of money but not a lot of time or patience to do it for themselves. This time though it's a freebie case as the client is her biological father she thought had died when she was 7. He tells her her grandmother has been betrayed and he'd like her to find out who was responsible.
Jayne decides to take on the work, more for herself than her father. Some digging done by her reveals her French born grandmother was a spy during WW2 in her homeland of France and died in Dachau Concentration Camp.
The book is set over a few days in 2017/18 and a couple of years during WW2 which gives an interesting perspective as Jayne learns more about this mystery woman and sees many of her own characteristics shining through. With the way records were kept back then and things which have been destroyed since, well we're talking spooks here, will Jayne ever solve the mystery or was her Grandmother even betrayed or just unlucky.
This is a light read but very enjoyable and there are quite a few other books in the series, so if I'm ever short of a book to read, and only have a day or so, I'll probably grab one of these. It'll be exciting to see where these other family trees lead Jayne with such titles as The Irish Inheritance, The American Candidate and The Silent Christmas.
So Jayne Sinclair is an ex cop who makes her money investigating the family trees of clients who want to know their histories and have a lot of money but not a lot of time or patience to do it for themselves. This time though it's a freebie case as the client is her biological father she thought had died when she was 7. He tells her her grandmother has been betrayed and he'd like her to find out who was responsible.
Jayne decides to take on the work, more for herself than her father. Some digging done by her reveals her French born grandmother was a spy during WW2 in her homeland of France and died in Dachau Concentration Camp.
The book is set over a few days in 2017/18 and a couple of years during WW2 which gives an interesting perspective as Jayne learns more about this mystery woman and sees many of her own characteristics shining through. With the way records were kept back then and things which have been destroyed since, well we're talking spooks here, will Jayne ever solve the mystery or was her Grandmother even betrayed or just unlucky.
This is a light read but very enjoyable and there are quite a few other books in the series, so if I'm ever short of a book to read, and only have a day or so, I'll probably grab one of these. It'll be exciting to see where these other family trees lead Jayne with such titles as The Irish Inheritance, The American Candidate and The Silent Christmas.
May 20, 2019
Although this is listed as book 6 in a series, I had no problem at all reading it as a standalone. The story takes place on two levels - the story of Monique and her part in the war, and the story of Jayne as she struggles with historical documents in order to trace the truth.
I found the story fascinating both levels, especially since I've done some historical research myself, and I loved the way that truth and fiction were skilfully interwoven in order to create a glimpse into history.
In fact, I enjoyed the book so much that I had to go straight off to buy books 1 and 2 in the series, and am working my way through right now.
If you've done any kind of family history research, then you'll find this a must-read series.
I found the story fascinating both levels, especially since I've done some historical research myself, and I loved the way that truth and fiction were skilfully interwoven in order to create a glimpse into history.
In fact, I enjoyed the book so much that I had to go straight off to buy books 1 and 2 in the series, and am working my way through right now.
If you've done any kind of family history research, then you'll find this a must-read series.
May 30, 2019
In my opinion, this is the best book Lee has ever written. We have been teased about Jane Sinclair’s forebears over several books and now the box at last starts to open. Given the fairly recent opening of the pubic’s eyes about the ‘secret war’ with Bletchley and other well kept secrets finally becoming better known, it is timely to reveal some of the SOE’s better kept dark moments. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and thank Peter of ‘Lost Cousins’, once again for showing me the way to M.J. Lee, a really interesting and slightly ‘different’ (in a good way) author. Give this a go, I doubt you will be disappointed.
June 10, 2019
This is not the first Jayne Sinclair Genealogical mystery but the first I have read. It appealed to me because the wartime drama dealt with the story of British agents undercover in France while the research made by Jayne in the present day showed that investigation can reveal dark family secrets. The plotting is excellent, and we learn a great deal about the possibilities of following leads, but I found both female characters rather lacking in substance. Monique Massat, Jane’s grandmother represents the heroines of the SOE and her sad story reflects the tragedy of war. This story could make an exciting on-screen drama and I shall be seeking out other volumes in this series.
May 19, 2019
Jayne is back to doing what she does best in The Sinclair Betrayal!but this time she’s researching her own family tree. When Jayne visits her stepfather in hospital he tells that he received a letter from her biological father who Jayne had been told was dead. He wants her to find answers as to what happened to his mother in world war 2. The book takes place in 2 timelines- world war 2 and present.
Have read all the other books in series and am looking forward to more.
Would definitely recommend.
Have read all the other books in series and am looking forward to more.
Would definitely recommend.
May 18, 2019
This time Jayne is researching her own past..a difficult task, especially meeting her father that she thought was dead. As I enjoy war stories as well as a good mystery, I really enjoyed the backflips into the past.
Another good read from MJ Lee... don't forget to read the epilogue to see the researched history.
Another good read from MJ Lee... don't forget to read the epilogue to see the researched history.
January 12, 2020
A must read
Couldn’t put this book down. It tells a compelling personal story of how one persons family’s research found out about how a previously unknown relative lost their life in WW2.
Couldn’t put this book down. It tells a compelling personal story of how one persons family’s research found out about how a previously unknown relative lost their life in WW2.
June 3, 2019
Really enjoyed this book and found some interesting tips in it as well. Highly recommend especially if your into family history!
May 20, 2019
A fascinating mystery of love, loss, war and searching for your roots.
May 20, 2019
I like this series
I've read all of this series so far. I love history and mystery and series combines the two in a genealogical mystery. Well researched and interesting.
I've read all of this series so far. I love history and mystery and series combines the two in a genealogical mystery. Well researched and interesting.
May 21, 2019
A really good read
Great story from ww2 that I was not aware of. I have read the other Jayne Sinclair books and have never been disappointed.
Great story from ww2 that I was not aware of. I have read the other Jayne Sinclair books and have never been disappointed.
January 4, 2020
Oh, no, a bit of a cover-up hinted at. Luckily, the rest of the story, a story of the Special Operations Executive, is more about the SOE's exploits behind enemy lines in the early 1940s and Jayne's family's involvement in the derring-do.
Again, like in his other books, you can feel the research behind the story, creating the layers of meaning and realism. For example, he tells the story of a pilot and details of how he flies the plane.
I was also intrigued by a training mission which touched on my family history, taking place in Manchester as it did.
All in all, I found this an excellent book.
Again, like in his other books, you can feel the research behind the story, creating the layers of meaning and realism. For example, he tells the story of a pilot and details of how he flies the plane.
I was also intrigued by a training mission which touched on my family history, taking place in Manchester as it did.
All in all, I found this an excellent book.
July 14, 2020
Wow
I like this series, love the history
This was a tough read but definitely worth it!
Can't wait to hear more about main characters family
I like this series, love the history
This was a tough read but definitely worth it!
Can't wait to hear more about main characters family
February 18, 2021
Interesting read
This book is much different than the cozy mysteries I have read I found it very illuminating. It also emphasizes the terrible destruction of war. Psalm 46:9 says “He is making wars to cease...”
This book is much different than the cozy mysteries I have read I found it very illuminating. It also emphasizes the terrible destruction of war. Psalm 46:9 says “He is making wars to cease...”
June 27, 2019
A good but sad story. I've come to think that our ancestors are one of the greatest gifts life gives us, a gift we often stumble on too late in life. While it was painful for Jane to agree to research her father's family to find the answer of the betrayal, she was able to rise above her anger and pain and discover grandparents and extended family who contributed to the woman she is.
Her research told a story of a terrible time in history and how some rose to the challenge of their beliefs and others chose a less demanding path. Books of this type always make me wonder what my choices would have been had I been faced with their situations.
"The Sinclair Betrayal" checks all the boxes for lovers of genealogy, the French Resistance, and a challenge to rise above and examine our feelings.
Her research told a story of a terrible time in history and how some rose to the challenge of their beliefs and others chose a less demanding path. Books of this type always make me wonder what my choices would have been had I been faced with their situations.
"The Sinclair Betrayal" checks all the boxes for lovers of genealogy, the French Resistance, and a challenge to rise above and examine our feelings.
September 25, 2020
Due to excellent historical mysteries such as Susan Elia McNeal's Maggie Hope series, readers are becoming more familiar with the brave women who risked their lives to become very successful spies during World War II. M.J. Lee's The Sinclair Betrayal can now be added to this category of reading. Although welcome, the author's notes at the end really weren't necessary for me because I am well aware of the role of women spies during World War II. Men in power soon learned that women were better suited to many aspects of spycraft, such as coding, decoding, and handling the danger this work involved. Lee weaves the life and actions of Jayne's grandmother into a fast-paced tale that ends much sooner than I'd expected.
As the story progressed, I fell victim to some misdirection concerning Jayne, and I was very glad to learn that I was wrong. Although I did roll my eyes at such wartime slogans as "Beauty is a duty," I loved the cameo role Gavin Maxwell played in the story. It was good to be reminded of him. Lee also did a splendid job with the action scenes in the book, keeping me glued to the story and utterly invested in the welfare of the characters.
The only thing that really didn't work for me was the character of Jayne's father, Martin Sinclair. Readers see him as an infant and as an old man. There's nothing in between that helps us understand why he decided to kill an old man in revenge for a mother he thought had abandoned him. More background was needed to really make this work. However, I did enjoy The Sinclair Betrayal and look forward to the next book in the series. I haven't missed one yet, and I don't intend to start now!
As the story progressed, I fell victim to some misdirection concerning Jayne, and I was very glad to learn that I was wrong. Although I did roll my eyes at such wartime slogans as "Beauty is a duty," I loved the cameo role Gavin Maxwell played in the story. It was good to be reminded of him. Lee also did a splendid job with the action scenes in the book, keeping me glued to the story and utterly invested in the welfare of the characters.
The only thing that really didn't work for me was the character of Jayne's father, Martin Sinclair. Readers see him as an infant and as an old man. There's nothing in between that helps us understand why he decided to kill an old man in revenge for a mother he thought had abandoned him. More background was needed to really make this work. However, I did enjoy The Sinclair Betrayal and look forward to the next book in the series. I haven't missed one yet, and I don't intend to start now!
November 26, 2019
Bravery and broken hearts.
Although spy stories are not my “thing” I enjoyed this book for its portrayal of the emotional side of discovering family connections and the accuracy of the research. I like the aspect of researching Jayne’s personal family and look forward to future developments!
Although spy stories are not my “thing” I enjoyed this book for its portrayal of the emotional side of discovering family connections and the accuracy of the research. I like the aspect of researching Jayne’s personal family and look forward to future developments!
December 1, 2020
Enjoyed this latest instalment very much. I like the device of story telling using present day and other chapters told with voices from the past as obviously basic genealogy will never provide the narrative of events experience by members of their family tree research.
December 25, 2019
This is the second book I've read from MJ Lee and I'm hooked! This time, Jayne investigates her own family tree. Her research leads to her grandmother's life during the war. I love the mix of history and fiction\past and present. I look forward to more.
March 3, 2021
Another great genealogical mystery
MJ Lee does it again in this war time mystery of intrigue and genealogy. This was a great read. Looking forward to the next book.
MJ Lee does it again in this war time mystery of intrigue and genealogy. This was a great read. Looking forward to the next book.
September 28, 2020
The best of the Jayne Sinclair mysteries
In this book Jayne researches her own family. She discovers the truth about her father and learns the stories of her grandparents. I think this was the most interesting of the six books. Well told.
In this book Jayne researches her own family. She discovers the truth about her father and learns the stories of her grandparents. I think this was the most interesting of the six books. Well told.
November 27, 2020
No Spoilers!
This was the most emotional story about Jayne Sinclair's grandmother. Being a veteran, (I am a Vietnam era veteran) I have often thought about the many women who have served their country. However, my favorite character of this story was George.
This was the most emotional story about Jayne Sinclair's grandmother. Being a veteran, (I am a Vietnam era veteran) I have often thought about the many women who have served their country. However, my favorite character of this story was George.
March 1, 2021
.
Another enjoyable read. I make that comment and observation as a genealogical researcher myself. I also have some interest in the subject matter written about.
Another enjoyable read. I make that comment and observation as a genealogical researcher myself. I also have some interest in the subject matter written about.
November 20, 2019
Interesting read.
Story of a WW2 spy the English I know the standard school history of the German occupation of France but learned a lot about it. The people are well drawn and become close too me I enjoy the authours writing and it is lovely to see English grammar. Opine it very suspenseful even though I knew that it would end in tears. Highly recommended.
Story of a WW2 spy the English I know the standard school history of the German occupation of France but learned a lot about it. The people are well drawn and become close too me I enjoy the authours writing and it is lovely to see English grammar. Opine it very suspenseful even though I knew that it would end in tears. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews