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Venator Cold Case Series #1
The Chester Creek Murders
When Detective Clayton Tyler is tasked with reviewing the formidable archives of unsolved homicides in his police department’s vaults, he settles on one particular cold case from the 1980s: The Chester Creek Murders. Three young women were brutally murdered—their bodies dumped in Chester Creek, Delaware County—by a serial killer who has confounded a slew of detectives and evaded capture for over thirty-eight years. With no new leads or information at his disposal, the detective contacts Venator for help, a company that uses cutting-edge investigative genetic genealogy to profile perpetrators solely from DNA evidence. Taking on the case, Madison Scott-Barnhart and her small team at Venator must use their forensic genealogical expertise to attempt finally to bring the serial killer to justice. Madison, meanwhile, has to weigh professional and personal issues carefully, including the looming five-year anniversary of her husband’s disappearance.
273 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2021
228 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Dylan Goodwin
32 books623 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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February 14, 2021The Hook - I think I've read three of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's The Forensic Genealogist Series featuring Morton Farrier. These are the perfect read for those of us who enjoy a good mystery along with genealogy hobby. A few years ago I had my DNA tested and was hooked. Combining genealogy and books, whether non-fiction for research or bios/memoir, or fiction for fun, is a natural for me.
When I heard the Goodwin was working on a new series, to take place, at least for the moment in the US, would feature DNA and Cold Cases with the use of genetic genealogy to solve the crime I couldn't wait to get my hands of the book. He belongs to the Society of Genealogists, is an avid researcher, has a son, dog and chickens. Morton Farrier also lives in England.
”Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a writer, genealogist and educator. He was born and raised in hasting, East Sussex.”
The Line - ”I would literally sell my soul right now for a panini from Eva's, but I've got a delicious--yes, I'm trying to convince myself here--quino and tuna salad in the refrigerator.”
The Sinker - Caution: It seems unlikely that a book that is trying to find a serial killer would not have some descriptive violence. I did not find it over the top but if this disturbs you, perhaps this book is not for you.
The Chester Creek Murders
This first in a series takes place in Salt Lake City, during the early days of the pandemic no less, features a Detective with unsolved murders who contacts Venator, an investigative genetic company. The detail Maddie, Madison-Scott-Barnhart and her team at Venator use to build several generation trees to focus in on the perpetrator is phenomenal. The story unfolds in dual timelines which are identified by date to ensure the reader knows exactly where we are at all times. Thank you Mr. Goodwin. Excellent genealogical research without reading like a textbook makes this a good read for mystery fans even if not interested in learning about DNA or researching your ancestors. But if like me you are trying to go back back several generations to link someone to yourself, the methodology and ethics considered in solving this case to find someone is sound and will be useful. In addition there are several branches of plot and character development to keep this book and perhaps future ventures for the series to intrigue me. One interesting friendship and character is a pizza eating homeless man with a good ear and eye to the world. All in all, a very fine read indeed. Now all I need to know is when the next one will be coming. Morton Farrier also has more to say but I'll be impatiently waiting for Venator's next case.
By the way: How many of you are familiar with a trilby hat? I wasn't but am now.
When I heard the Goodwin was working on a new series, to take place, at least for the moment in the US, would feature DNA and Cold Cases with the use of genetic genealogy to solve the crime I couldn't wait to get my hands of the book. He belongs to the Society of Genealogists, is an avid researcher, has a son, dog and chickens. Morton Farrier also lives in England.
”Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a writer, genealogist and educator. He was born and raised in hasting, East Sussex.”
The Line - ”I would literally sell my soul right now for a panini from Eva's, but I've got a delicious--yes, I'm trying to convince myself here--quino and tuna salad in the refrigerator.”
The Sinker - Caution: It seems unlikely that a book that is trying to find a serial killer would not have some descriptive violence. I did not find it over the top but if this disturbs you, perhaps this book is not for you.
The Chester Creek Murders
This first in a series takes place in Salt Lake City, during the early days of the pandemic no less, features a Detective with unsolved murders who contacts Venator, an investigative genetic company. The detail Maddie, Madison-Scott-Barnhart and her team at Venator use to build several generation trees to focus in on the perpetrator is phenomenal. The story unfolds in dual timelines which are identified by date to ensure the reader knows exactly where we are at all times. Thank you Mr. Goodwin. Excellent genealogical research without reading like a textbook makes this a good read for mystery fans even if not interested in learning about DNA or researching your ancestors. But if like me you are trying to go back back several generations to link someone to yourself, the methodology and ethics considered in solving this case to find someone is sound and will be useful. In addition there are several branches of plot and character development to keep this book and perhaps future ventures for the series to intrigue me. One interesting friendship and character is a pizza eating homeless man with a good ear and eye to the world. All in all, a very fine read indeed. Now all I need to know is when the next one will be coming. Morton Farrier also has more to say but I'll be impatiently waiting for Venator's next case.
By the way: How many of you are familiar with a trilby hat? I wasn't but am now.
January 15, 2021
As a genealogist who dabbles with genetic genealogy I found this book fascinating. Whether someone who didn’t have similar interests would enjoy it I don’t know. The interspersed retrospectives of the crimes provided the context for why cold cases are being reinvestigated. And we’re left with the cue into the next book in the series. How will Madison and her team resolve both the challenges ahead of them while also dealing with coronavirus constraints?
It’s kind of weird to be reading books that bring the covid crisis into the story while we’re all still living with it.
It’s kind of weird to be reading books that bring the covid crisis into the story while we’re all still living with it.
January 17, 2021
Excellent mystery that uses genealogy DNA detectives to hone in on a suspect. Science aspects explained in an easy to understand fashion. A few minor typographical errors such as extra commas. Hopefully this is the start of a new series from this author whose previous forensic genealogy books were also terrific.
January 17, 2021
Excellent book!
What a fantastic book! Having read all of Nathan's books this is by far the best. This book will be used by me as a step by step guide to further my genetic genealogy journey.
What a fantastic book! Having read all of Nathan's books this is by far the best. This book will be used by me as a step by step guide to further my genetic genealogy journey.
April 12, 2021
I LOVED this book! As a genealogist who has used genetic genealogy twice to solve paternity issues I found this fascinating and accurate. And it was a good story, too. Perfect book for me!
November 4, 2022
reread before starting on the next book in the series
I love reading mysteries but often forget who the bad guy was. So I have recently started rereading books before continuing in the series.
This is very much a genealogist’s mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it for that. I skipped a lot of the chapters about the murders as my tolerance for violence is much lower than it was even a few years ago. But I enjoyed the characters of the investigators and look forward to finding out how they resolve the dilemmas in their personal lives.
I love reading mysteries but often forget who the bad guy was. So I have recently started rereading books before continuing in the series.
This is very much a genealogist’s mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it for that. I skipped a lot of the chapters about the murders as my tolerance for violence is much lower than it was even a few years ago. But I enjoyed the characters of the investigators and look forward to finding out how they resolve the dilemmas in their personal lives.
March 17, 2021
Loved this. SO interesting how they found the killer. Enjoyed Nathan's interview with LIsa Louise Cooke very much.
December 10, 2023
The use of forensic genealogy and DNA to identify a cold case killer
January 17, 2021
Amazing!
A wonderful 1st book in a new series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
A wonderful 1st book in a new series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
January 27, 2021
Incredible piece of genealogical detective fiction, in so many ways.
My first must have for any story, is connection. Closely followed by believability and well-written is up there too.
his delivers all of three and more. I cared about the main characters and the outcome. The cares they have, the relationships and very important, I want to know what happens next for them. Essential for what will be a series. I an trying hard not to includes spoilers, so I'm not going to say more about the actual content etc.
Nathan always rights well and although o me be was frequently boggled, that's no reflection on the writing or story telling. Just me having trouble with the complexities of DNA. Nothing new but completely down to my problems learning and retaining information and knowledge because of ageing and M.E. - I used to just blame M.E. but can't really get away with just that any more.
This is very different from the Morton books, which I love too and I've read most of them several times and will do so again. Different, in this case, doesn't mean less in any way at all. As a bonus, I have been to some of the places and very near others, thanks to my wonderful, life saving friends, in PA.and our trips to Philly, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, New York and more. The worst and best year of my life up to then and still one of the very best.
I always enjoy the settings in the Morton books, - Sussex and other comparatively local environs , to where I live; so knowing some in this story definitely added to my enjoyment.
In summary, I thoroughly recommend this and all Nathan's excellent books. He always used real resources and they have added new resources to my research. Thank you again Nathan.
My first must have for any story, is connection. Closely followed by believability and well-written is up there too.
his delivers all of three and more. I cared about the main characters and the outcome. The cares they have, the relationships and very important, I want to know what happens next for them. Essential for what will be a series. I an trying hard not to includes spoilers, so I'm not going to say more about the actual content etc.
Nathan always rights well and although o me be was frequently boggled, that's no reflection on the writing or story telling. Just me having trouble with the complexities of DNA. Nothing new but completely down to my problems learning and retaining information and knowledge because of ageing and M.E. - I used to just blame M.E. but can't really get away with just that any more.
This is very different from the Morton books, which I love too and I've read most of them several times and will do so again. Different, in this case, doesn't mean less in any way at all. As a bonus, I have been to some of the places and very near others, thanks to my wonderful, life saving friends, in PA.and our trips to Philly, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, New York and more. The worst and best year of my life up to then and still one of the very best.
I always enjoy the settings in the Morton books, - Sussex and other comparatively local environs , to where I live; so knowing some in this story definitely added to my enjoyment.
In summary, I thoroughly recommend this and all Nathan's excellent books. He always used real resources and they have added new resources to my research. Thank you again Nathan.
February 5, 2021
This is a fascinating, if fictional, inside look at how genetic genealogy can be used to solve cold cases, by creating family trees for the DNA matches, and then attempting to tie them together, and work back down the resulting tree to the present. In addition to case under investigation, most of the Venator employees seem to have mysteries in their own lives, which remain unresolved. This book is hard to put down. My only quibble is that some brief chapters are from the killer’s point of view, and while they provide the reader with information that later matches up with what the investigators discover, I would prefer not to be in the murderer’s head. A great start to a new series. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2021
As a huge fan of the Morton Farrier genealogical mysteries, I was really looking forward to this new series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. It did not disappoint.
The book evolves around Maddie Scott-Barnhart, CEO of a company known as Venator located in Salt Lake City, Utah. She and her team of forensic genealogists who use their skills to help solve murders that had not been solved for decades. Similar to how the real life case of the Golden Gate Killer was solved, Venator uses DNA evidence that had been collected at the scenes of the crime and have that uploaded to FamilyTree DNA. Then they use the matches and genealogy to find the suspect.
Maddie takes on a case where 3 young women murdered in Delaware County, Pennsylvania during the 1980s. This really hit home for me, because I had grown up an hour north of Delaware County, and I was quite familiar with some of the places mentioned in the story. My sister had actually lived in Aston, and worked in Media!
I enjoyed reading the methods the Venator staff used as they sorted through the killer's DNA matches. I liked how they used some sources already familiar to me, especially ones specific to the Pennsylvania area (such as John T. Humphrey's Pennsylvania Births series). Genealogists will probably love this book! However, I think readers not familiar with genealogy and its methods will lose interest.
Besides trying to solve the Chester Creek cold case, there are some sub plots going on within the personal lives of Maddie and her staff members. I'm looking forward to Book 2, so I can find out what happens next with those storylines.
The book evolves around Maddie Scott-Barnhart, CEO of a company known as Venator located in Salt Lake City, Utah. She and her team of forensic genealogists who use their skills to help solve murders that had not been solved for decades. Similar to how the real life case of the Golden Gate Killer was solved, Venator uses DNA evidence that had been collected at the scenes of the crime and have that uploaded to FamilyTree DNA. Then they use the matches and genealogy to find the suspect.
Maddie takes on a case where 3 young women murdered in Delaware County, Pennsylvania during the 1980s. This really hit home for me, because I had grown up an hour north of Delaware County, and I was quite familiar with some of the places mentioned in the story. My sister had actually lived in Aston, and worked in Media!
I enjoyed reading the methods the Venator staff used as they sorted through the killer's DNA matches. I liked how they used some sources already familiar to me, especially ones specific to the Pennsylvania area (such as John T. Humphrey's Pennsylvania Births series). Genealogists will probably love this book! However, I think readers not familiar with genealogy and its methods will lose interest.
Besides trying to solve the Chester Creek cold case, there are some sub plots going on within the personal lives of Maddie and her staff members. I'm looking forward to Book 2, so I can find out what happens next with those storylines.
April 26, 2021
Fantastic!
As I got near the end, I forced myself to read more slowly to make it last longer. Now I’m left holding my breath until the next book in the series is published
As I got near the end, I forced myself to read more slowly to make it last longer. Now I’m left holding my breath until the next book in the series is published
January 24, 2021
A well-written suspenseful novel about cold cases and how genetic genealogy can be used to solve them. Nathan Dylan Goodwin sets the book in Salt Lake City during RootsTech and if you are watchful, you will see traits of some well-known genealogists who form the basis of the characters in the book. The Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce and surrounding ski areas couldn't do much better to entice people to their city than the depiction in this book.
Maddie owns and manages Venator which solves cold cases through the use of traditional genealogy methods and genetic genealogy. Much like the Golden Gate Kiler case that brought genetic genealogy to the fore in detective work, Venator's fame comes from one high-profile case. Using paper trails, Ancestry, Family Search, My Heritaage, FamilyTree DNA and gedmatch, they slowly and methodically chase down the identity of a serial killer in Pennsylvania.
The plot is well thought out, the characters are all likable and, for the most part, the conclusion is satisfying. There are enough loose ends and cliffhangers to bring the reader back for the next installment in the obvious start of this series (and probably to bring the author back to Salt Lake for more skiing).
Side Note: If you are having difficulty knowing what to do with your DNA tests, this book is a great text in how to approach the science and use the tests to determine your ancestors and hopefully break through brick walls. A good read and a learning tool, wrapped in one book.
Maddie owns and manages Venator which solves cold cases through the use of traditional genealogy methods and genetic genealogy. Much like the Golden Gate Kiler case that brought genetic genealogy to the fore in detective work, Venator's fame comes from one high-profile case. Using paper trails, Ancestry, Family Search, My Heritaage, FamilyTree DNA and gedmatch, they slowly and methodically chase down the identity of a serial killer in Pennsylvania.
The plot is well thought out, the characters are all likable and, for the most part, the conclusion is satisfying. There are enough loose ends and cliffhangers to bring the reader back for the next installment in the obvious start of this series (and probably to bring the author back to Salt Lake for more skiing).
Side Note: If you are having difficulty knowing what to do with your DNA tests, this book is a great text in how to approach the science and use the tests to determine your ancestors and hopefully break through brick walls. A good read and a learning tool, wrapped in one book.
January 30, 2021
I am already a fan of this author and loved his Morton Farrier series set in Britain, but this new book - the first in a new series - may be the best I’ve read by him so far. Set in Utah this time, it tells a story that could be ripped from today’s headlines.
The timing and topic of this investigative genetic genealogy novel is perfect and I really appreciated the attention to detail woven into the story and the building of the characters in this new series. I could barely put the book down and neither could my husband! As both an avid reader, especially about history and fiction, and an amateur genealogist, this brought two of my loves together is a great way. I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.
The timing and topic of this investigative genetic genealogy novel is perfect and I really appreciated the attention to detail woven into the story and the building of the characters in this new series. I could barely put the book down and neither could my husband! As both an avid reader, especially about history and fiction, and an amateur genealogist, this brought two of my loves together is a great way. I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.
February 1, 2021
I cannot think of a word to describe this book without a cliché.
It was brilliant. I liked all the characters and the story was gripping.
Once again, Nathan Dylan Goodwin, magically transported me out from thoughts of the current global pandemic and even though it was mentioned at the end of the book that did not count.
Look forward to the next book in the series, probably in a years time I guess. Hoping that Maggie gets a conclusion on Michael's disappearance
It was brilliant. I liked all the characters and the story was gripping.
Once again, Nathan Dylan Goodwin, magically transported me out from thoughts of the current global pandemic and even though it was mentioned at the end of the book that did not count.
Look forward to the next book in the series, probably in a years time I guess. Hoping that Maggie gets a conclusion on Michael's disappearance
December 22, 2023
Not keen on this book and won’t look up any others by this author.
It is fiction.
Yes, it’s definitely a murder mystery. This book I think would appeal to readers who have a keen knowledge of genetic genealogy, since that’s how this murder gets solved.
While I do genealogy, I know nothing about DNA. And this book describes in great detail the process this group goes through to pinpoint the killer. A reader must be prepared for descriptions of cluster groups, haplogroup, mitochondrial, centimorgans and more, much more.
I then skimmed over all the technical jargon/descriptions and gained a bit of an understanding about the work needed to use genetic genealogy to help solve crimes.
Too much skimming for my liking.
It is fiction.
Yes, it’s definitely a murder mystery. This book I think would appeal to readers who have a keen knowledge of genetic genealogy, since that’s how this murder gets solved.
While I do genealogy, I know nothing about DNA. And this book describes in great detail the process this group goes through to pinpoint the killer. A reader must be prepared for descriptions of cluster groups, haplogroup, mitochondrial, centimorgans and more, much more.
I then skimmed over all the technical jargon/descriptions and gained a bit of an understanding about the work needed to use genetic genealogy to help solve crimes.
Too much skimming for my liking.
February 2, 2021
As someone who uses DNA to solve mysteries, I very much enjoyed reading this book which included techniques that I use. However I think that even readers unfamiliar with using DNA in genealogy would find the explanations did not get in the way of a good story.
I found this a gripping story and I liked the characters, so I look forward to more books in this new series by an already popular author.
I found this a gripping story and I liked the characters, so I look forward to more books in this new series by an already popular author.
January 31, 2021
Excellent First Story with New characters
One always worries when an author starts a new series after you’ve grown to love a character. This doesn’t disappoint - I couldn’t put it down and hope we don’t have wait too long for the next chapter.
As always NDG hooks you into the ‘research’ which is partly why I read him - always learn something new as well as how to solve family history problems :)
One always worries when an author starts a new series after you’ve grown to love a character. This doesn’t disappoint - I couldn’t put it down and hope we don’t have wait too long for the next chapter.
As always NDG hooks you into the ‘research’ which is partly why I read him - always learn something new as well as how to solve family history problems :)
January 28, 2021
Another fantastic read
Nathan's previous genealogical series (Morton Farrier) is one of my favourites so of course I had to give this one a go. In the end I couldn't put it down, I sure hope you are working on the next one ... the storyline intertwined with an ongoing story has me hooked ... anyone who loves family history and genealogy will be engrossed.
Nathan's previous genealogical series (Morton Farrier) is one of my favourites so of course I had to give this one a go. In the end I couldn't put it down, I sure hope you are working on the next one ... the storyline intertwined with an ongoing story has me hooked ... anyone who loves family history and genealogy will be engrossed.
January 26, 2021
At first, I felt like the book was moving too slow for me. I missed the quirkiness of the Martin Farrier character which kept me interested throughout the other books. However, I really was captured by the suspense and the process that was being explained in trying to use geneology DNA to solve a crime. I really could not put the book down. It was fun and entertaining.
January 22, 2021
I am a genealogist so love books that have that as a topic. This new series takes us into the world of cold cases and the use of DNA to solve them and offers an in-depth examination of the steps that must be taken to resolve old cases. What I particularly like about this author's books is that I can see myself doing the same tasks that his characters do, although they have skills I can only dream of. I could not stop reading this book and spent most of my supposedly sleeping time finishing it. Even if a person is not into genealogy, they could enjoy this wonderful book as a mystery with its twists and turns. It is topical as well, set just as COVID-19 is rearing its ugly head so readers in the future might understand what we are going through right now.
I can't wait for the next book!
I can't wait for the next book!
January 20, 2021
Mystery, Murder, and Genealogy - All in my Own Backyard
I've never read a book of yours I didn't like. Last year was my first time going to RootsTech, and I enjoyed meeting you and your husband.
Reading this book -- all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down -- was quite surreal. It's probably the best you've written yet. But I live in Taylorsville, a Salt Lake suburb, so I didn't have to imagine buildings or landmarks or restaurants, because I've seen them all several times. I found my anxiety increasing exponentially with each chapter, each new day, wondering how the looming pandemic and the shut down of SLC was going to impact Maddie and the team. I can't wait for the next one!
P.S. You made the right call on American vs British spellings. ;)
I've never read a book of yours I didn't like. Last year was my first time going to RootsTech, and I enjoyed meeting you and your husband.
Reading this book -- all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down -- was quite surreal. It's probably the best you've written yet. But I live in Taylorsville, a Salt Lake suburb, so I didn't have to imagine buildings or landmarks or restaurants, because I've seen them all several times. I found my anxiety increasing exponentially with each chapter, each new day, wondering how the looming pandemic and the shut down of SLC was going to impact Maddie and the team. I can't wait for the next one!
P.S. You made the right call on American vs British spellings. ;)
January 23, 2021
I refuse to put spoilers on here as they are a pet hate of mine. What I will say this is an absolutely well written brilliant read. I am a big fan of genealogical mysteries and this goes one step further. The characters in the book are believable, it’s not just one storyline, there is so much more going on. So far it’s the best book I have read in a while !
January 18, 2021
This book is the first in a new series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin, that takes a very different direction and style to his other books (in the Morton Farrier series). I found this book not only a brilliant read, but also very informative about this area of genealogy and it’s use in solving criminal cases. It’s clearly very well researched. The characters are well developed and make you want to invest in them. Really enjoyed this and eagerly await the next on the fabulous new series.
May 11, 2021
I have done a lot of unknown parentage research using genetic genealogy, so I am happy to see the field feature in a novel. I hope this will encourage more people to take a positive interest in genetic genealogy, and understand it better. I enjoyed following the main plot and also the side plots. The book captures some very real issues in the field such as ethical dilemmas and the struggle to maintain a work life balance. I have some caveats. In real life I don't believe the business set up of the Venator research team would be financially viable. It is a labour of love. Some of the research results are not realistic, e.g. finding the same common ancestors for three matches in each cluster, with segment triangulation (especially given the relatively low shared DNA with the matches)! Then there are two significant technical errors I can't overlook, which should have been picked up by a genetic genealogist before publication. 1) The two lead matches in distinct clusters would not share DNA with each other, that is not how we connect match clusters. 2) A nephew would not share 422 cM with his aunt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
The great technological invention that went with the rise of detective fiction was the railways. Since then novelties have come thick and fast, particularly with the Web, email, social media; one of my favourites was I think by Ben Elton about the now-defunct Friends Reunited. The point I am making is that all these wonders provide hooks to pull in the readers. I am now tired of people googling, but it is still a major feature. All this is an intro to the idea of genealogical research, something that almost anyone with a computer and a very small amount of financial resources can do. So this author has hit a rich and more or less unworked vein – all power to him. The techniques of following up DNA are a bit recherché for most, but public records are fairly familiar, and given the already existing interest make what might seem a dry listing pretty enthralling. The story is set in Salt Lake City, which, due to the work of the LDS must be world genealogy capital (not emphasised in the book – as are not some of the well-known peculiarities of the state) and has one or two subthemes. Not all of them resolved in this work. Written during Covid time, it has an enclosed feeling about it, although in diegetic time the pestilence is still to come. Withal, the interactions among the main characters are good enough – I can’t help thinking of Boccaccio: the inner stories are mirrored in the daily meetings / reports of the team. One cavil. The heroine is called Madison. I reckon she’s at least forty, I have a half feeling it was mentioned somewhere but can’t precisely remember. Meaning, without genealogical tables, she was born in 1980 or before – and to quote Nameberry site “It was introduced as a feminine given name in the 1984 movie Splash, in which the main character (Darryl Hannah) takes her name from New York’s Madison Avenue street sign.” Unbelievable so many people picked it up, but there you are. I guess the author is too young to remember. Anyway, looking forward to reading the sequel.
April 13, 2025
Madison Scott-Barnhart is the owner of Venator - a forensic genealogy firm which uses DNA evidence to track down killers. Their latest case is the 1980's murders of three young women who abducted and held for three days before their bodies were found in Chester Creek, Delaware County. With usable DNA found on all three victims, Venator has a solid DNA profile to work with and have every hope of being able to solve the crime.
While I've heard bits and pieces about genealogy research and how DNA is used to track criminals, I didn't really know anything about forensic genealogy, so I found this fascinating. It won't be for everyone. Even finding it fascinating, it was still a rather dense book to get through, but for those that are interested, this will be an enjoyable read.
I found the topic of forensic genealogy well explained and I liked that the author always provides an accessible explanation after any lingo used. Although my favourite part was the explanation using the fruit to explain how they reached the conclusions they did. That helped me to visualise the process. There was a decent balance struck between the killer's view, the characters lives and the genealogy work which kept it interesting and not too bogged down in technical details.
The characters were a bit bland. They might have all been good at their jobs but they didn't really seem to like each other much and I found that part hard to read. I like it best when teams are friends and have some idea about each others lives. Plus the parts of their lives that were shown were confusing. Like that Madison's eldest daughter wasn't the daughter of the husband. That clarification wasn't provided until a lot later. I also didn't love the weird romance Madison and Tyler were flirting with either. The mystery made up for it though.
One of my biggest complaints is more of a me issue than the book itself - it was set during the onset of the COVID pandemic - and frankly - I just didn't want to relive it. The only other thing that bothered me is that this ends on something of a cliffhanger. It wraps up the Chester Creek Murder case but the ongoing investigation into Madison's husband is continued in future books. I wouldn't have minded if they were all available in Kindle Unlimited or cheaper, but they're not. So now I'm just left hanging. Although, the next one would be set during the lockdown parts of COVID which would definitely be triggering. So maybe not. I will be picking up the author's other series though, the Forensic Genealogist, because I'm not yet done with this rabbit hole.
For this one though, 3 stars.
While I've heard bits and pieces about genealogy research and how DNA is used to track criminals, I didn't really know anything about forensic genealogy, so I found this fascinating. It won't be for everyone. Even finding it fascinating, it was still a rather dense book to get through, but for those that are interested, this will be an enjoyable read.
I found the topic of forensic genealogy well explained and I liked that the author always provides an accessible explanation after any lingo used. Although my favourite part was the explanation using the fruit to explain how they reached the conclusions they did. That helped me to visualise the process. There was a decent balance struck between the killer's view, the characters lives and the genealogy work which kept it interesting and not too bogged down in technical details.
The characters were a bit bland. They might have all been good at their jobs but they didn't really seem to like each other much and I found that part hard to read. I like it best when teams are friends and have some idea about each others lives. Plus the parts of their lives that were shown were confusing. Like that Madison's eldest daughter wasn't the daughter of the husband. That clarification wasn't provided until a lot later. I also didn't love the weird romance Madison and Tyler were flirting with either. The mystery made up for it though.
One of my biggest complaints is more of a me issue than the book itself - it was set during the onset of the COVID pandemic - and frankly - I just didn't want to relive it. The only other thing that bothered me is that this ends on something of a cliffhanger. It wraps up the Chester Creek Murder case but the ongoing investigation into Madison's husband is continued in future books. I wouldn't have minded if they were all available in Kindle Unlimited or cheaper, but they're not. So now I'm just left hanging. Although, the next one would be set during the lockdown parts of COVID which would definitely be triggering. So maybe not. I will be picking up the author's other series though, the Forensic Genealogist, because I'm not yet done with this rabbit hole.
For this one though, 3 stars.
May 15, 2021
I actually enjoyed this story much more than the Morton Farrier books. The storyline is about a small company using genetic genealogy to solve a triple murder cold case. The story was rather detailed and realistic in what steps the team took, up to and including the various websites that most genealogist would know if they were into using DNA. This is one benefit of having an author who is, in his own right, and skilled genealogist. Amusingly enough, three of the names that he used in his story are family names that I am and have worked on in the past. The only issue I had with it was that 2 of the names that he used would not have been found in the records he mentioned as they were Mennonites, so they clearly are going to be in the church records that Goodwin used.
The author did continue one behavior that I find annoying in the Farrier books. He gives the entire name of a database such as 'Nevada, U.S., Marriage Index, 1956-2005' then promptly reads all of the data from it. Name, David Smith, gender, male, Residence, California....etc. This could be handled a lot cleaner and it would really reduce the number of words, all of which don't really contribute much to the story.
I did listen to the book in audio format and found Bryn Austin to be a perfectly wonder narrator. Having enjoyed this book, I will definitely read the next book if it happens. Then ending of this story kind of setup the possible next installment. This time the Venator crew may end up working on a live case, not something that has long gone cold.
The author did continue one behavior that I find annoying in the Farrier books. He gives the entire name of a database such as 'Nevada, U.S., Marriage Index, 1956-2005' then promptly reads all of the data from it. Name, David Smith, gender, male, Residence, California....etc. This could be handled a lot cleaner and it would really reduce the number of words, all of which don't really contribute much to the story.
I did listen to the book in audio format and found Bryn Austin to be a perfectly wonder narrator. Having enjoyed this book, I will definitely read the next book if it happens. Then ending of this story kind of setup the possible next installment. This time the Venator crew may end up working on a live case, not something that has long gone cold.
December 5, 2022
This author is one I have enjoyed, since he details a mystery and how the lead character goes about solving it using genealogical resources (See his forensic genealogist, Morton Farrier series 'The Forensic Genealogist'). However, the detailed presentation of DNA use to solve the main cold case in this book - was overwhelming. Even though I enjoy genealogy research! I was able to keep track of the main team at Venator but all the names they traced/tracked left me baffled. For that reason alone, I give it 3 stars - no more and no less.
Then the awful circumstances under which the victims lost their lives, was too real and detailed for my personal sensibilities. I had no idea it would bother me so much. I guess I need a wider degree of separation. How do first responders, police and detectives keep a positive outlook on life when they have to witness such scenes and perpetrators?
Something else that bothered me a bit was that the setting was in SLC, and while the weather and buildings were well represented, I didn't feel that the setting in Utah was.
That all being said, if you wish to understand how DNA is used to solve cold cases - you may be able to follow the process and even enjoy it!
I will venture into the 2nd book in this series because the secondary mystery involving Maddie's husband still intrigues me - and I would like to see how that is resolved.
Then the awful circumstances under which the victims lost their lives, was too real and detailed for my personal sensibilities. I had no idea it would bother me so much. I guess I need a wider degree of separation. How do first responders, police and detectives keep a positive outlook on life when they have to witness such scenes and perpetrators?
Something else that bothered me a bit was that the setting was in SLC, and while the weather and buildings were well represented, I didn't feel that the setting in Utah was.
That all being said, if you wish to understand how DNA is used to solve cold cases - you may be able to follow the process and even enjoy it!
I will venture into the 2nd book in this series because the secondary mystery involving Maddie's husband still intrigues me - and I would like to see how that is resolved.
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