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Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery #8
The Girl in the Painting
A portrait painting is stolen from a London home. Shortly afterwards, the owner, Nat, calls on genealogist, Jefferson Tayte, for his help. She believes the subject of the painting, a young girl called Jess, is a past relative and wants to learn more about her. The problem is that Nat's research has hit a brick wall - Jess appears to have vanished from the slums of Victorian London soon after the portrait was painted.
When Tayte learns that the theft is connected with a recent murder, he's right to be wary, but solving crimes through genealogical research is what he does best. He quickly becomes intrigued by the girl in the painting and agrees to help. What became of her? Who stole the painting, and why would they kill for it all these years later?
As Tayte and Nat go in search of the answers, can they solve the mystery and bring the murderer to justice? Or will they become the killer's next victims?
When Tayte learns that the theft is connected with a recent murder, he's right to be wary, but solving crimes through genealogical research is what he does best. He quickly becomes intrigued by the girl in the painting and agrees to help. What became of her? Who stole the painting, and why would they kill for it all these years later?
As Tayte and Nat go in search of the answers, can they solve the mystery and bring the murderer to justice? Or will they become the killer's next victims?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
125 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Steve Robinson
10 books818 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 94 reviews
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December 22, 2020Jefferson Tayte is back! I hope you enjoy this stand-alone novella.
March 28, 2021
Another good one
It was marketed as a novella, and that's what it was. I would have preferred a full length novel so Jess's story could have been told more fuly.
It was marketed as a novella, and that's what it was. I would have preferred a full length novel so Jess's story could have been told more fuly.
May 13, 2021
A great read
I really enjoyed the story and the switching from past to present. Well written and captured interested from the first page.
I really enjoyed the story and the switching from past to present. Well written and captured interested from the first page.
March 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and literally could not put it down. I read it whenever I could over two days. As a genealogist, I could see myself searching for the records that they did in the story but I must admit I have never been placed in danger during research. The story is well developed and easy to follow. I admire young Jess who did what was best for her siblings after her father was murdered and her mother left them alone. The whole story is not revealed in detail but a smart reader can fill them in. I love the story of the young man who painted the portrait of Jess and of his father the astronomer who encouraged Jess to get an education. From the story, we learn that she wrote an academic paper on astronomy. This was a great read and educational as well. I highly recommend it.
May 19, 2023
I feel like at this stage I have written enough reviews for the Jefferson Tayte books. This one is very short at under 200 pages, and a standalone story, but very similar in tone and storyline to the previous books in the series. It switches back and forth between two time periods (in this case, Victorian London) and features a mystery better solved by somebody who understands genealogy. There is some danger, and a female sidekick (but not the smart, brave female sidekick JT married some books ago - she now apparently belongs in the home and kitchen and does not deserve even a single line of dialogue). The low page count makes this a good starting point if you want to see if this series is for you.
February 3, 2023
The 8th book in the Jefferson Tayte genealogical mystery series. Quick and entertaining mystery.
April 23, 2021
This is an entertaining little genealogical mystery with interesting characters to add to the series.
July 11, 2022
Another good Jefferson Tayte mystery, just wish it was longer!
June 13, 2021
Could no longer wait for the audible version so I purchased the Kindle edition. I adore this series, each book is better than the previous book and this was the best so far. Hope this series continues far into the future. Kudos to this author, he sure knows how to write an excellent book/series. Keep them coming.
March 27, 2021
Steve Robinson has that uncanny knack of educating us whilst writing a novel with twists and turns. Another good read from one of my favourite authors.
September 28, 2021
Another Excellent Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this Jefferson Tayte Genealogical mystery. It ranks up there with Mr. Robinson's previous genealogical mysteries. Very enjoyable!
I thoroughly enjoyed this Jefferson Tayte Genealogical mystery. It ranks up there with Mr. Robinson's previous genealogical mysteries. Very enjoyable!
September 11, 2021
Interesting series of books
This is the eighth book I’ve read of Jefferson Tayte and have thoroughly enjoyed the venture into his life of Geneology.
This is the eighth book I’ve read of Jefferson Tayte and have thoroughly enjoyed the venture into his life of Geneology.
March 28, 2021
Although it is shorter than the other Jefferson Tayte novels this one packs in just as much and for me is one of the best of the series. Still with an edge of murder about it this time we’re back in route one genealogical research, even though Tayte has sort of retired from that life now. The blending of the historical and present day stories is deftly done and we find ourselves genuinely invested in both Jess and her modern day descendent, Nat.
Well paced, highly enjoyable and definitely recommended.
Well paced, highly enjoyable and definitely recommended.
April 22, 2021
Kindle Customer
I chose to read this book next because I enjoy Steve Robinson's, Jefferson Tayte's books. I enjoy books on Genealogy and like how Mr. Robinson follows the clues, breaks everything down and eventually get an answer to what he is looking for. I also enjoy the mysteries he is involved in while he searching for clues. Love how he goes from present story to the past story. As an added plus i receive a lesson on how to begin my own search for my family's history. When I read a new Tayte book I feel like I am welcoming an old friend into my house for a welcome visit.
I chose to read this book next because I enjoy Steve Robinson's, Jefferson Tayte's books. I enjoy books on Genealogy and like how Mr. Robinson follows the clues, breaks everything down and eventually get an answer to what he is looking for. I also enjoy the mysteries he is involved in while he searching for clues. Love how he goes from present story to the past story. As an added plus i receive a lesson on how to begin my own search for my family's history. When I read a new Tayte book I feel like I am welcoming an old friend into my house for a welcome visit.
June 18, 2021
I sure do love the Jefferson Tayte series, and this addition is why! What a great story. I think teaching is a good move for Jefferson, and I appreciate (sorry!) that we didn't have to suffer through descriptions of his never-believable relationship in this novella. He's better on his own, honest!
There were times when everything worked out a little too perfectly for Jess, I admit, but that is exactly what I need to read in 2021. It brought me a wonderful few hours of escapist joy. Enjoyable from start to finish.
There were times when everything worked out a little too perfectly for Jess, I admit, but that is exactly what I need to read in 2021. It brought me a wonderful few hours of escapist joy. Enjoyable from start to finish.
March 30, 2021
Jefferson Tayte (JT to his friends), is now teaching genealogy classes, instead of accepting research assignments. But when one of his students asks for help on a brick wall, he agrees — despite the fact that her cousin died as the result of a break-in. Very fast-paced, hard to put down. Story alternates between the present, as JT and Nat try to learn more about Jess, The Girl in the Painting and the past, where the reader experiences Jess's life firsthand. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2021
Jefferson Tayte to the rescue
Steve Robinson has created a very likable charter with Jefferson Tayte. Mr. Tayte is a regular guy that always seems to get in over head but like a cat is able to land on his feet. I love his addiction to Hershey's miniatures.
Steve Robinson has created a very likable charter with Jefferson Tayte. Mr. Tayte is a regular guy that always seems to get in over head but like a cat is able to land on his feet. I love his addiction to Hershey's miniatures.
April 2, 2021
A lovely new book with Jefferson Tate in the lead. A missing painting grows into a fascinating short story using the trails of ancestors and family to a new interesting ending.
I read every book of the series as quickly as I could as they are so enjoyable. Please give us more of the series
I read every book of the series as quickly as I could as they are so enjoyable. Please give us more of the series
April 18, 2021
Jefferson Tayte is going to lead a safer, simpler life teaching genealogy techniques to private students. A new student brings him her “brick wall” problem and unraveling the mystery begins. Theft, murder and intrigue follow as together they try to identify the mystery woman!
May 3, 2021
Loved it!
As all of your books you brought ,history and suspense back! Mr.Tayte is a brilliant man that manages to get himself in interesting situations while staying true to himself!
As all of your books you brought ,history and suspense back! Mr.Tayte is a brilliant man that manages to get himself in interesting situations while staying true to himself!
July 9, 2021
Engaging
The premise of using genealogy to help find relatives and a murderer is interesting to me. The book held my interest and flowed nicely through both the past and present timelines.
The premise of using genealogy to help find relatives and a murderer is interesting to me. The book held my interest and flowed nicely through both the past and present timelines.
December 19, 2021
Great
Enjoyed this Jefferson rate short read as I have all the others in the series. . Woulda definitely work as a stand alone book.Highly recommend the the others all of which I have read in sequence
Enjoyed this Jefferson rate short read as I have all the others in the series. . Woulda definitely work as a stand alone book.Highly recommend the the others all of which I have read in sequence
March 24, 2021
Steve you have done it again. Another fab story and glad to see JT back. Its been so long
April 4, 2021
A nice, easy read. My first by this author of genealogical mystery, and I’ll definitely have a read of some of his other books.
April 6, 2021
Easy read
Just right for when you want a easy read, but still with the suspense you expect from Steve Robinson. Excellent 👍
Just right for when you want a easy read, but still with the suspense you expect from Steve Robinson. Excellent 👍
April 13, 2021
Another great book
Jefferson Tayte is one of my favourite characters. I love reading about his adventures and how his genealogy is done. It sounds so easy but I'm sure it isn't.
Jefferson Tayte is one of my favourite characters. I love reading about his adventures and how his genealogy is done. It sounds so easy but I'm sure it isn't.
April 26, 2021
Fantastic
Jefferson Tate character never disappoints, interesting story with a few twists. This was a quick read that held my interest to the end
Jefferson Tate character never disappoints, interesting story with a few twists. This was a quick read that held my interest to the end
May 3, 2021
Another Excellent Tayte Mystery
It was a very interesting story with several unexpected twists and turns. Steve Robinson certainly packed a lot into a shorter novel.
It was a very interesting story with several unexpected twists and turns. Steve Robinson certainly packed a lot into a shorter novel.
May 19, 2021
Great as always!
Love Jefferson Tayte, never been disappointed in one of his adventures. Thanks for another relaxing, good read I’m looking forward to even more.
Love Jefferson Tayte, never been disappointed in one of his adventures. Thanks for another relaxing, good read I’m looking forward to even more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews