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Maze Investigations #2
Line of Descent
Maze Investigations has been operating for six months and has been an exciting international success. Maggie is still doing her weekly radio slot. Zelah has discovered a new talent and Nick – is still slogging away at what he does finding the truth in hidden places. But they have been so busy that there hasn’t been time to stop and think, or evaluate. Christmas provides a much needed break. But the outcome isn’t what any of them expected. Maggie announces some unexpected news about a potential career development for herself. But this isn’t well received, particularly by Zelah. There is an argument and a stand-off. Nick, who watches the rift develop, has been planning news of his own over Christmas and despite the tension in Maze he goes ahead and asks Maggie for help. He has decided to open up about his past and resolve his own family mystery. This could be dangerous for him and it means he will have to expose more of his own inner disquietude. The rift between Zelah and Maggie leads them down different paths of research. An angry Zelah has taken on a new client without speaking to Maggie and Nick. And for the first time in her family researching history she is struggling. She is so determined to make this case a success on her own that she doesn’t see that this Canadian client is not what he seems. Maggie meanwhile has been asked to help out with a local case which is more about heir hunting than genealogy. The subject – a lost child from the Spanish Civil War – grips her and draws her in. But heir hunting is a specialised subject that Maze had already decided it would not take on. As Maggie and Zelah both head off abroad on their own separate quests, Nick is left to face his own history and psychological, spiritual and real. Can the investigators resolve their differences, or was Maze Investigations a good idea that failed because of a clash of stubborn characters who could not compromise enough to work together to resolve their differences?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2017
189 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Jones
16 books71 followersOriginally from South Wales, I now live in North Wales, close to Conwy and the sea. My passion for genealogy began when I helped out my mother with internet researching on her family and I became engrossed ( my family would say fanatical!). The Maze Investigations series has allowed me to combine my passion with my long held ambition to be a creative writer. I have recently added the first book in a new series. The series is called The Curiosity Club of St Foy and the book is 'All Gone'. My plan is to publish 2 books a year at least, one in each series. Update! I have recently published the fourth book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series. It's called "The Cult of Flowers". And I have formed a collaboration with South Wales write, John F. Wales. Together we have produced a new series called "The Cardiff Newshound Investigates". Book one, "Death on a Gravestone" is now available in all media, and book two will be available shortly. It's been ten years since the publication of "Three Times Removed", the first book in the Maze series. I'll soon be starting on book no. 10. What a journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 13, 2022
Second round
This is my second book in three days of the Genealogy Detectives series by M.K. Jones. The characters are becoming friends and the story is interesting, involved and fun. Already have the third book in the series waiting for me. Quite nice.
This is my second book in three days of the Genealogy Detectives series by M.K. Jones. The characters are becoming friends and the story is interesting, involved and fun. Already have the third book in the series waiting for me. Quite nice.
December 29, 2017
Interesting, but disjointed
Since I hadn't read the previous book introducing the cast of characters, I was at a loss more than once to understand references. I was also disappointed to see the reference to Ellis Island records dated incorrectly. They put in a request for records in 1875, which was before it was used as an entrance point for immigration. Then this request was never mentioned again.
The reversal of genders in the entity was also confusing.
Since I hadn't read the previous book introducing the cast of characters, I was at a loss more than once to understand references. I was also disappointed to see the reference to Ellis Island records dated incorrectly. They put in a request for records in 1875, which was before it was used as an entrance point for immigration. Then this request was never mentioned again.
The reversal of genders in the entity was also confusing.
May 23, 2018
The story was very interesting. It pulled you in. Unfortunately halfway through the book
There were a lot of grammatical errors that made some sentences incomprehensible. I hope the editors will be able to catch them in the next book. Maggie does seem to abdicate her responsibilities as a mother easily, and her daughter acts well beyond her age. I look forward to the next book.
There were a lot of grammatical errors that made some sentences incomprehensible. I hope the editors will be able to catch them in the next book. Maggie does seem to abdicate her responsibilities as a mother easily, and her daughter acts well beyond her age. I look forward to the next book.
March 6, 2018
A corker
Fantastic read from start to finish, another excellent storyline with great characters Looking forward to the next Maze puzzler 😀
Fantastic read from start to finish, another excellent storyline with great characters Looking forward to the next Maze puzzler 😀
March 3, 2020
Well, I got this story wrong! I was convinced that different strands were connected but the connections I saw turned out to be unreal. I still enjoyed it though and, in fact, it was better than I had thought it was going to be.
This second book in the series is still centred on South Wales but takes us to Canada and to Spain. That's really nicely handled, as is the history of the Spanish Civil War, which is also very sad. There are three major investigations, which provides lots of scope for genealogy and for social history. Just like in the first book, I really enjoyed the way the research was presented and explained, and was happy to spot an error too! Maggie, the protagonist, uses the 1939 Register, compiled just after the start of the Second World War in the UK, to provide the government with information on the people in the country and their skills. For the first time, in census-style surveys people were asked to provide their birth dates, not just to give their ages. Therefore, Maggie no longer needs to "surmise" a person's year of birth, as the book says she did: she can just see exactly what year the person claims to have been born. Of course, the year coud still be wrong. It is amazing how many people in 1939 didn't know their exact year of birth - or deliberately wanted to present themselves as older or younger than they were. However, the fact that I spotted the error just added an extra frisson for me!
Like the first book, this one has a supernatural element as well as the story of a modern family and of a business looking into family and social history. Again, I enjoyed that part, happy to suspend disbelief given the matter-of-fact presentation.
The part of the book I liked least was the disagreements among the Maggie and her partners. I didn't mind there being disagreements, I just wasn't sure that it quite rang true all the time.
That wasn't enough to stop me turning straightaway to the third,and most recent, book in the series as soon as I finished this one, so you can see I really liked it.
This second book in the series is still centred on South Wales but takes us to Canada and to Spain. That's really nicely handled, as is the history of the Spanish Civil War, which is also very sad. There are three major investigations, which provides lots of scope for genealogy and for social history. Just like in the first book, I really enjoyed the way the research was presented and explained, and was happy to spot an error too! Maggie, the protagonist, uses the 1939 Register, compiled just after the start of the Second World War in the UK, to provide the government with information on the people in the country and their skills. For the first time, in census-style surveys people were asked to provide their birth dates, not just to give their ages. Therefore, Maggie no longer needs to "surmise" a person's year of birth, as the book says she did: she can just see exactly what year the person claims to have been born. Of course, the year coud still be wrong. It is amazing how many people in 1939 didn't know their exact year of birth - or deliberately wanted to present themselves as older or younger than they were. However, the fact that I spotted the error just added an extra frisson for me!
Like the first book, this one has a supernatural element as well as the story of a modern family and of a business looking into family and social history. Again, I enjoyed that part, happy to suspend disbelief given the matter-of-fact presentation.
The part of the book I liked least was the disagreements among the Maggie and her partners. I didn't mind there being disagreements, I just wasn't sure that it quite rang true all the time.
That wasn't enough to stop me turning straightaway to the third,and most recent, book in the series as soon as I finished this one, so you can see I really liked it.
July 31, 2020
Fascinating and Moving
This story, which is a combination of several stories, has a wealth of information and intrigue. It highlights aspects of 20th century history that are often forgotten but shouldn't be.
I knew about the Spanish Civil War, just before we entered WWII and a bit about it's significance but there is so much more history I had little idea of. I find it shocking that Franco"s repressive, fascist regime was never overthrown and only came to an end after he died. I do remember that Spain was a very different place to how it is now. That regime was not beaten in the war and those who fought against it lost. I imagined how that must have felt and how we would have felt and what so many would have suffered had the allies not won the war. This book tells the story in a very personal way and tells it well. There are some aspects that seem less plausible than others but for the most part it's put together very well.
The other strands of the other stories in the book are skilfully interwoven but I found some parts didn't work as well for me, as they had in the first book. Despite that, I enjoyed the book and will read the next in series.
I do wish the increasing number of errors in the text - typos, missing words, extra and unnecessary words, along with the occasional factual or plot error. - would be corrected. They're jarring and interrupt the flow of the narrative.
This story, which is a combination of several stories, has a wealth of information and intrigue. It highlights aspects of 20th century history that are often forgotten but shouldn't be.
I knew about the Spanish Civil War, just before we entered WWII and a bit about it's significance but there is so much more history I had little idea of. I find it shocking that Franco"s repressive, fascist regime was never overthrown and only came to an end after he died. I do remember that Spain was a very different place to how it is now. That regime was not beaten in the war and those who fought against it lost. I imagined how that must have felt and how we would have felt and what so many would have suffered had the allies not won the war. This book tells the story in a very personal way and tells it well. There are some aspects that seem less plausible than others but for the most part it's put together very well.
The other strands of the other stories in the book are skilfully interwoven but I found some parts didn't work as well for me, as they had in the first book. Despite that, I enjoyed the book and will read the next in series.
I do wish the increasing number of errors in the text - typos, missing words, extra and unnecessary words, along with the occasional factual or plot error. - would be corrected. They're jarring and interrupt the flow of the narrative.
January 29, 2023
This is less about genealogy and more about evil and the evil that "exists" around us that we are not aware of.
I read the first book in the series, and found it interesting and different. Not very deep but an entertaining read. And of course, there was the unfinished business that it ends with, to prompt you to read the next book.
So I did.
In this book, Maggie, does a 180 degree turn on her relationship with Zelah. I figured it was the "evil" that surrounded her, coming forward. But no, Maggie was just being a b*tch.
Then there are the little mysteries.
How did you figure out where Janie was, Zelah says to Nick. Nick remarks that they are different. They (Maggie, Zelah and himself, Nick) are different. They think around corners. Not conventional Thinkers.
"But what's made us different? And successful? It's just us. Who we are, together. We have brains that are wired differently to other people.
Well I guess Nick would have to lump me into his personal "wired differently" group because I figured out where Janie was almost immediately.
Then there is one of the things that was most bothersome. It was the constant, "I have something important to tell you, but I'll tell you tomorrow because I've got something else to do right now". In all it's forms and iterations, it was the constant prop to "stay tuned".
I got tired of it and I was happy when the book finished.
I won't be moving on to book three.
I read the first book in the series, and found it interesting and different. Not very deep but an entertaining read. And of course, there was the unfinished business that it ends with, to prompt you to read the next book.
So I did.
In this book, Maggie, does a 180 degree turn on her relationship with Zelah. I figured it was the "evil" that surrounded her, coming forward. But no, Maggie was just being a b*tch.
Then there are the little mysteries.
How did you figure out where Janie was, Zelah says to Nick. Nick remarks that they are different. They (Maggie, Zelah and himself, Nick) are different. They think around corners. Not conventional Thinkers.
"But what's made us different? And successful? It's just us. Who we are, together. We have brains that are wired differently to other people.
Well I guess Nick would have to lump me into his personal "wired differently" group because I figured out where Janie was almost immediately.
Then there is one of the things that was most bothersome. It was the constant, "I have something important to tell you, but I'll tell you tomorrow because I've got something else to do right now". In all it's forms and iterations, it was the constant prop to "stay tuned".
I got tired of it and I was happy when the book finished.
I won't be moving on to book three.
May 20, 2020
I selected this book to read thinking it was about genealogy. . .and it was. Despite the notation in the synopsis that Book 1 about Maze Investigations contained material about the supernatural, it didn't occur to me that Book 2 also did (duh!). I do believe in the supernatural, it's just not something I choose to read about. Line of Descent presented two cases being worked on by Maze Investigations. Maggie was working with a police officer to help him find the heir of a recently deceased friend who had fought in Spain's Civil War, fell in love and married and then was returned to Wales as a result of an injury, knowing his wife, a Spanish national, was pregnant. Circumstances had prevented him from returning and, in his old age, he wanted his child to inherit.
I didn't find Maggie--Maze investigations--and Bob--police officer searching--to be very interesting characters but there was so much information on the Spanish War and I learned a lot. I don't know why this history isn't better known, perhaps because it happened in the late 1930s, as World War II was beginning.
The supernatural events in the second case were not well developed and, for me, presented no problem in enjoying the book.
I didn't find Maggie--Maze investigations--and Bob--police officer searching--to be very interesting characters but there was so much information on the Spanish War and I learned a lot. I don't know why this history isn't better known, perhaps because it happened in the late 1930s, as World War II was beginning.
The supernatural events in the second case were not well developed and, for me, presented no problem in enjoying the book.
March 11, 2021
Needs an editor and a more likeable main character
This book is laden with editorial errors. At least have a proof reader. I am also annoyed with the main character. She is not likeable. She is too curt when it is not necessary and doesn't act like a mom. I can't figure her out. The relationship between Match and Zelah is too weird. It feels unreal like the author wanted to create tension where there shouldn't have been tension. Also, after reading the first book in this series the reader would expect more supernatural elements. It just feels like a goid story told in a juvenile way.
This book is laden with editorial errors. At least have a proof reader. I am also annoyed with the main character. She is not likeable. She is too curt when it is not necessary and doesn't act like a mom. I can't figure her out. The relationship between Match and Zelah is too weird. It feels unreal like the author wanted to create tension where there shouldn't have been tension. Also, after reading the first book in this series the reader would expect more supernatural elements. It just feels like a goid story told in a juvenile way.
June 2, 2022
Maze Detectives and Genealogy in Wales and Spain
When genealogy techniques are woven into fictional books, you can always expect a great read. But when the author adds unusual settings like Wales, Spain and Nova Scotia the reader is bound to be intrigued. There is no boredom in this book. The characters can be funny in places, definitely skilled in their genealogy skills, and an interesting trio working together as Maze. I'm not a lover of the supernatural which plays into this book but it does add interest. I loved learning more about Wales and the role the Welsh played in the Spanish Revolution.
When genealogy techniques are woven into fictional books, you can always expect a great read. But when the author adds unusual settings like Wales, Spain and Nova Scotia the reader is bound to be intrigued. There is no boredom in this book. The characters can be funny in places, definitely skilled in their genealogy skills, and an interesting trio working together as Maze. I'm not a lover of the supernatural which plays into this book but it does add interest. I loved learning more about Wales and the role the Welsh played in the Spanish Revolution.
June 11, 2022
I'm too old for roller coasters. So I'm grateful for this ride!
This book was a true delight! I couldn't put it down and read late into the night. A great follow up to the first book. Even better actually. It was like a roller coaster where you build up the anticipation for the excitement of the first drop. Happened over and over. I'd already fallen in love with the characters in the first book. Great to get to know them even more. I see where the third book might go and can't wait to read it. This was a clean read excepting some profanity. But it was not overdone or cringe worthy.
This book was a true delight! I couldn't put it down and read late into the night. A great follow up to the first book. Even better actually. It was like a roller coaster where you build up the anticipation for the excitement of the first drop. Happened over and over. I'd already fallen in love with the characters in the first book. Great to get to know them even more. I see where the third book might go and can't wait to read it. This was a clean read excepting some profanity. But it was not overdone or cringe worthy.
November 13, 2020
Maze again in Wales, Canada and Spain
This is the second novel about the Maze Investigations. This time each of the three members takes their own case. As before some supernatural aspect is present and it adds to the final drama. I really enjoyed the part of the book dealing with Spanish Civil war, it is unbelievable what really happened, all the cruelty of post war Franco regime. The historical background was researched well, and modern reality mentioned with introduction of Alice's school problems. A really good read.
This is the second novel about the Maze Investigations. This time each of the three members takes their own case. As before some supernatural aspect is present and it adds to the final drama. I really enjoyed the part of the book dealing with Spanish Civil war, it is unbelievable what really happened, all the cruelty of post war Franco regime. The historical background was researched well, and modern reality mentioned with introduction of Alice's school problems. A really good read.
November 12, 2020
Why did I make a resolution to review every book I read this year? I found this and realised I had read the first one about 3-4 years ago so I gave it a try imagining I must have liked it. The characters are strange. One of them thinks to herself about changing her personality. Another one believes they are cursed because of a family legend. It's just so fantastical but not in a way that's at all believable.
November 14, 2021
This one was different than the first as it had a lot more genealogy in it. however, I found it to be confusing. the story lines were a little rushed and the characters difficulties made me feel stressed. The author used the history of the civil war in Spain. It was a very confusing difficult and complex war, and I don't feel he did it justice. I probably will not continue with the series. Once was pretty good, but now it just seems "same ole'"
March 15, 2021
Four stars: Consistently good read.
Enjoyed this whole series. This book however, was poorly edited as I noted at least a dozen
typos, incorrect words, and wrong pronouns, which was surprising given that that I've not seen that in any of the other books. Still, I look forward to reading more by this author. By Catherine Church
Enjoyed this whole series. This book however, was poorly edited as I noted at least a dozen
typos, incorrect words, and wrong pronouns, which was surprising given that that I've not seen that in any of the other books. Still, I look forward to reading more by this author. By Catherine Church
May 12, 2021
Excellent
Another enthralling book in the Maze Investigations series, this one entailing a homage to the Spanish civil war, something I new little about, but of which I will read more. Love the way the characters are seen as human, with all their idiosyncrasies, and the introduction of Bob, . The supernatural element of these stories make them all the more readable .
Another enthralling book in the Maze Investigations series, this one entailing a homage to the Spanish civil war, something I new little about, but of which I will read more. Love the way the characters are seen as human, with all their idiosyncrasies, and the introduction of Bob, . The supernatural element of these stories make them all the more readable .
June 28, 2021
Good story, poor editing, cussing
I really do like the stories Jones tells. They are creative and captivating and I'll continue to read more. I'm even learning a few research tricks! But, seriously. Get a proofreader. And F-words NEVER add anything to a story that a good storyline can't add. They are completely unnecessary and offensive.
I really do like the stories Jones tells. They are creative and captivating and I'll continue to read more. I'm even learning a few research tricks! But, seriously. Get a proofreader. And F-words NEVER add anything to a story that a good storyline can't add. They are completely unnecessary and offensive.
March 13, 2022
As an amateur genealogist myself, I enjoy reading mysteries with a genealogy focus. This is the second in a series about three people who form a genealogical research group; the difference is that there is always a touch of the supernatural in the mysteries they solve. The mysteries are also, of course, rooted in the past, this one is connected to the family history of one of the investigators and is in fact the impetus for the team's connection. Some reviewers complained about typos and it's true that the author could use a good copy editor (though, this can also be a feature of the transformation of print into e-book). But the stories are compelling enough that I was able to overlook these little problems. Definitely recommended for people who enjoy genealogical mysteries.
October 14, 2022
A well written book. I very much enjoyed the nitty gritty of history in this case about the Spanish Civil War and the tracking of the methods used to unravel the historical truths. I did not enjoy the supernatural bits, nor did I like the squabbles between the various obviously difficult characters who comprise Maze Investigations.
June 19, 2024
Great Story
Many twists and turn. Several stories going on so many avenues of intrigue. A new character added to group. Will he join the Maze group (I think he just might). Details how they research not to deep but enough to keep it all believable. This series includes some paranormal events
Many twists and turn. Several stories going on so many avenues of intrigue. A new character added to group. Will he join the Maze group (I think he just might). Details how they research not to deep but enough to keep it all believable. This series includes some paranormal events
April 1, 2018
Line of Descent
This is a fascinating story, well written. Exception: there are many errors that good proof reading would have corrected. The story kept me glued till the end. Very good history regards the war in Spain. The dynamics between all the characters very good.😊
This is a fascinating story, well written. Exception: there are many errors that good proof reading would have corrected. The story kept me glued till the end. Very good history regards the war in Spain. The dynamics between all the characters very good.😊
February 24, 2021
Tangled web
This story about Spanish war shows futile war really is lots of pain for nothing. The other story has so many elements but it is hard to hide secrets in these days of records and internet searches.
This story about Spanish war shows futile war really is lots of pain for nothing. The other story has so many elements but it is hard to hide secrets in these days of records and internet searches.
April 21, 2022
Twisty mystery
This definitely kept my attention even with all of the plot twists. I did figure out one of those twists early in thevstory, well before it was revealed. Looking forward to the next in thiscseries.
This definitely kept my attention even with all of the plot twists. I did figure out one of those twists early in thevstory, well before it was revealed. Looking forward to the next in thiscseries.
November 1, 2023
Genealogy Gold
This book has many twists and turns it keeps you riveted. It definitely depicts what a genealogist goes through with more than anyone would expect. It was a great read couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one from this series.
This book has many twists and turns it keeps you riveted. It definitely depicts what a genealogist goes through with more than anyone would expect. It was a great read couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one from this series.
July 20, 2025
Spooky crime solving genealogy story
What's not to love! Well written, good pace, great storytelling, can't wait for the next instalment. Totally recommend. Only a touch of the supernatural
What's not to love! Well written, good pace, great storytelling, can't wait for the next instalment. Totally recommend. Only a touch of the supernatural
January 9, 2018
Would like to give this series of books 10 stars, I highly recommend them and personally I can’t wait for the next one.
June 22, 2018
Ready for the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. The supernatural, genealogy, mystery. Couldn't out it down! I read both books in less than a week.
!
I really enjoyed this book. The supernatural, genealogy, mystery. Couldn't out it down! I read both books in less than a week.
!
January 7, 2019
Good
Really enjoyed this book's would like to read more by this author ' a really good story and great reading
Really enjoyed this book's would like to read more by this author ' a really good story and great reading
March 2, 2020
Enjoy the story
I truly enjoy these Maze stories but the editing of these books are horrible!!
The misspellings, visible editors notes, it's shameful
I truly enjoy these Maze stories but the editing of these books are horrible!!
The misspellings, visible editors notes, it's shameful
May 5, 2020
I can't say WOW! enough about this book. It was a thoroughly entertaining read from start to finish. It was edge of the seat stuff in some parts and I almost couldn't put it down, I had to read the next bit - what came next! So many things happening this book is well worth reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews