The Foundlings

The Forensic Genealogist #9

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

‘This is a fun and engaging read that will transport you back to a memorable decade’
Family Tree magazine

This thrilling mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow forensic genealogist Morton Farrier on his investigation to uncover the identity of three foundlings abandoned in shop doorways as new-born babies in the 1970s. With just one clue - the three women’s DNA, one of whom is his half-aunt - and just six days of research time, Morton's investigation soon uncovers shocking revelations and troubling links to his own grandfather. When Morton's client finds out the truth, will they be able to handle it?

This is the ninth novel in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

‘This is one of the best books in an excellent series…Highly recommended’
LostCousins

‘Absolutely riveting — the best yet in this series!’
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society

‘A must read for anyone who loves unraveling genealogy mysteries’
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society

‘Once again, Nathan Dylan Goodwin has given us a fabulous, fast-paced tour through investigative genetic genealogy woven through a mystery hidden in a mystery’
Boulder Genealogical Society

For updates on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's Website & www.nathandylangoodwin.com
@NathanDGoodwin
www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin
www.instagram.com/NathanDylanGoodwin

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, British Literature, Historical Fiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Author 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!

Reviews

[Carol]

The Hook - Oh, by all means, after reading The Sterling Affair: The Forensic Genealogist , I just had to know if Morton tied up some loose ends. My review also explains some other motivation.

The Line ”DNA was helping to solve a myriad of complex crimes, identify human remains and reunite adoptees with their biological families, but it was also presenting a raft of ethical dilemmas for unsuspecting individuals for which there was a precious little training or preparation.” -


Reoccurring characters are also cherished in series. Meet this one, a favorite of mine. If ever, you've run into someone like this, you'll get it.
”Looking over at the help desk, Morton felt his soul being crushed under the glare of hell's chief archivist, Miss Deidre Latimer.”

The Sinker - First, I must address the burning question asked by all readers enticed by a series. “Can you read the series out of order?” Yes and no. Yes, you could skip the early books in the series, but...you'd be missing a lot of background info about the now famous Morton Farrier. Alright, confession. I jumped from #4 to #8 as I wanted to know more about the case Morton would be solving. So my advice is, if you have more patience than I do, start from the beginning and marathon read them. If you can't wait, do not, and I repeat, do not start with the latest, The Foundlings. Take my word for it, you absolutely must read The Sterling Affair before reading The Foundlings There will be enough details to prior happenings given to not feel left out of the party. Kind of like meeting someone in mid-life and getting to know who they were and who they are a bit at a time.

Once again, I am not going to summarize the plot beyond a brief of the case at hand. Morton agrees to put his research skills to work to find the biological mother(s) of three babies abandoned at birth in the 1970's. As always, Morton faces a tight schedule as family and career clash for his attention

I've been doing genealogy for the last 4-5 years. I'm a retired librarian so am drawn to mysteries that include my interests. Nathan Dylan Goodwin's Morton Farrier Forensic Genealogical Crime Mysteries, fit this obsession. They are not only delightfully entertaining but also are methodology accurate. I respect Morton and he has taken me on a journey of research that has helped me with tips on how to research and learn about my own family.

Why his latest book now? Well known genealogist Diahan Southard and Nathan Dylan Goodwin were presenting a free webinar with tips on how to use DNA to your utmost advantage. This is the second time they've teamed to show how to build a tree using DNA matches to identify persons of interest. Both offered their excellent books at a discount. It was a win/win offering and an irresistible deal.

The Foundlings was superior. 5 stars if I were to give stars. So if you enjoy genealogy, or a well plotted mystery with clear analyzation of how you get from point A to conclusion, this is the book for you. Regrets; it will be awhile before I can join Morton Farrier on his next adventure. Time to go back to the books I've missed. In addition, just got an email from Nathan hinting Venator Cold Case #2 could be published before this Fall. Fingers crossed for that.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. I've read all the books.

This installment is probably one of my top books in the series. There's a new mystery, there's references to old mysteries, it has a lot!

Morton is researching his family and the history is pretty recent from the 70's and 80's. He's learning more and more things that he does NOT want to share with his clients, but being the thorough guy he is, he researches more and more.

The book IS part of a series, but I think you do not need to read the whole series to enjoy this book. You will get more out of it and understand other things, but the author has enough that the book can be a stand-alone.

I recommend this book to those who are interested in history, genealogy, mysteries!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of genealogist Morton Farrier. Excellent presentation of the complexities of tracing unknown ancestors and present day relatives.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a brilliant, original idea for a detective: a genealogist, or a forensic genealogist, as he terms himself. And an original plot idea too: three adult women, abandoned as babies, foundlings, who learn through DNA tests that they are related and turn to the genealogist for answers about their past. So far, so gripping, so intriguing. But it’s simply not well written, it’s confusing, the family trees and origins of all the potential grandparents are hard to keep a grip on, and hard to sustain interest. The intrusion of the previous eight books in the series is distracting too. Disappointing.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gobbled this up and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Not sure if you would love it if you were not a genealogist, as the searching parts of the book may be hard to follow unless you have done it yourself. They could also be quite boring if genealogy isn’t your thing.

[Susan Copple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run for The Forensic Genealogist

The Foundlings is the ninth book in the Forensic Genealogist Series by author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Mr Goodwin creates stories of genealogical mysteries intertwined with true, historical events. This ninth book is my favorite of all! The protagonist in the series is Morton Farrier, a genetic genealogist. Morton is a likeable guy, and he has an under-appreciated sense of humor. Morton lives in Rye, in a house that has 2 front doors and is called 'The House with Two Front Doors.' Recently, author Nathan Dylan Goodwin took a recorded video of the inside of the house, and it was exciting to put more depth and details into Morton's virtual home. (The home is privately owned in real life.) Check out YouTube for that video. Now we wait and wonder what Morton will be up to next! Great series -- if you haven't read them, get busy!

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foundlings is the 9th book of the Forensic Genealogist series about Morton Farrier, a young professional genealogist whose investigations sometimes lead him into trouble and frequently reveal shocking events from the past.
It is nearly Christmas and Morton needs to complete his report on the mother of three girls who were abandoned in different locations in southern England during the 1970s. DNA has connected the women but unfortunately their mother has a colourful past.
Morton, his pregnant wife, Juliet and daughter Grace are soon setting out for Cornwall to spend Christmas with his Aunt Margaret and her family. He also has distressing news for Margaret about her father and he is not sure how it will be received.
Meantime he shows us the machinations of his investigation into the family trees, using the internet, visits to local history centres and making contact with a delightful, retired police detective who has much to tell him about her pursuit of the mother of the foundlings.
I really enjoy the blend of genealogy process with the action and excitement of the chase. Each book works well as a standalone but there are threads from two previous books which are brought to an amazing conclusion in this exciting read.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Dylan Goodwin always does an extraordinarily good job with his genealogical mysteries. In this book, he is picking up from Morton Ferrier's book #6 to find the mother of his Aunt Margaret's half-sister, Vanessa, and, in turn, Vanessa's half-sisters. Three timelines run throughout the book: Current Morton doing research and celebrating the Christmas holidays, his grandfather's timeline surrounding the birth of his baby daughter after a one-night stand, and DI Kathy Steadman who is investigating the case of an abandoned baby. All meld seamlessly and will keep you riveted to find out how the storylines merge.

Besides a top-notch mystery novel, if you need a refresher or a simple explanation of triangulation of DNA results, you'll find it here. You'll also get a quick course in creating quick and dirty trees for DNA matches to find the most recent common ancestor and their descendants. For any genealogist and for fans of Mr. Goodwin, I highly recommend this book.

[Kathy Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting genealogical adventure from Nathan Dylan Goodwin.

This one has ties to Morton Farrier's own family, surprisingly connected to the request from three different women who were all abandoned as babies but have discovered through DNA that they are related.

Genealogical detective Morton combs through old newspapers to learn about the stories of the babies who were all left by their mother in public places, meant to be found. He manages to discover what his clients want - the identity of their mother, but he learns a great deal more. The case takes him to interview police detectives who had originally worked to find the babies' mother, as well as American police detectives who had been involved when that woman had traveled to Reno, Nevada and gotten into trouble there.

Throughout the novel, Morton's own family which now includes his pregnant wife Juliette and toddler daughter Grace as well as his aunt Margaret provides an interesting sub-plot.

[Wendy Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. It's funny and exciting, and grounded in good solid research practices. If my non-genie friends ever wondered just what it is I do when I'm investigating my family tree, it looks a lot like what Morton does, only (1) I don't go to local archives very often, and (2) I don't get paid to do it! But all the web sites mentioned are part and parcel of where I wander in my digital travels. Long may there be more books in this series!

I took about two and a half weeks to read this book, which is a long time for me. It was a book I kept on my phone, and read when I found myself out and about, needing a distraction for a short period of time. As it was, I got to where I couldn't wait to finish so sat myself down one afternoon and read until I was done.

Unlike most of the books on this page, this is not a book I borrowed from the library; I have own my own digital copy.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The puzzling question of who the mother of the foundling is - is a thread of interest throughout the whole book. It is a difficult process, I imagine, to successfully integrate new found discoveries into old ones - as in using Morton's grandfather as a key character in the drama. However, it is done well and intriguing throughout, although a tad detailed in explanation. Usually I appreciate the detail this author showcases, but somehow in this book I didn't. Thus 3 stars only, which is less than I usually give a NDG book.
Written from the perspectives of the original investigating officer of the foundling AND of Morton's grandfather AND of Morton the genealogist and grandson - may also have been a drawback, for me. Still pondering that.
I'd still recommend reading it, especially if you appreciate the field of DNA investigative genealogy.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting — the best yet in this series! The story follows three timelines, with the reader accompanying Morton in his research, as he attempts to identy the mother of three half-sisters, all foundlings, born in the 1970s. As a genealogist, it is easy to identify with Morton, especially when he gets on a research roll, and wants to check just one more thing before quitting for the day.

A second storyline involves Kathy Steadman, a policewoman, as she attempts to identify, and then find, the mother of an abandoned baby boy. And then there is Morton's grandfather Alfred's story.

All of these threads intertwine, leaving the reader guessing, and making this book impossible to put down. Highly recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a keen family historian, so I enjoy Nathan Dylan Goodwin's series starring Forensic Genealogist, Morton Farrier. "The Foundlings" delves deeply into DNA, thus making the first couple of chapters seem like an academic lesson in analyzing DNA test results on Ancestry and comparing those results to "shared matches". Morton Farrier's latest case involves three DNA matches who share enough DNA to be half-sisters and who all all began life as abandoned babies in England. To make the story even more intriguing, one of those abandoned children was Morton's half-aunt. The author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin, cleverly switches the reader from the seventies when the babies were born to the present day where he is doing research into identifying the mother of these children. Very enjoyable!

[CWJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series and if you are into genealogy or genealogical mysteries then read them all! Like most series it's best to start with the first book and move forward as you see and learn how the players develop. This one I gave a 4 instead of 5 only because in the beginning it gets a little complicated as Morton, the lead player, gets the reader a little bogged down with the numerous deceased ancestors he starts laying out. It would have been a tremendous help had he just inserted an image of a family tree so as to allow the reader to reference it to understand who is who moving forward. But....great book and a good story. Worth the read....but start with the first book!

[Dave W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is presented from four different perspectives - those of DNA linkages, the normal records research, a detectives investigation, and the family story of how people thought and acted.
Having done some genealogy and connected with relatives using DNA testing, it was educational to get additional insight into the use and interpretation of the data, as well as some methods of making the connections when you know one exists.
The combination of all the above made for an interesting tale of how a dispersed set of relatives came together.

[Miss Stevie J Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on The Foundlings


Been an avid genealogist for 25 years and am enjoying well constructed histories in this genre. Always learn something useful in every book I've read o this subject; this time immediately put it into practice and it worked! This is a new writer to me and thoroughly enjoyed the theme; could hardly bear to put down. Will start reading from Book 1 instead of jumping in at Book 9. The title attracted me and I didn't realise the author has written previous books so can t wait to start.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this series since book 1, now on number 9 I can tell you it is an excellent book, I do think that if you can please read the whole series. It can be read as a stand alone book ( please at least read number 8 first ). To my mind this is a follow up book expanding on number 8 !
The writer has a wonderful way of leading you through family history, researching and DNA !
I highly recommend this book in face the whole series !
Please tell me this is not the end for Morton !

[sylvia turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Although part of a series, these last two books - the Chester Creek murders and now the Foundlings have taken up the added tool of DNA in genealogical research. The back story of the life of the main character let’s the books flow well in the series. Also, for anyone interested in using DNA in genealogical research, these latter two books provide valuable information.

[barbara jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say. Nathan is so good at telling his stories that he makes me want to ask him to look into my families history. I love how he tries to bring the human touch into every story. Makes you feel that you know them.

I have all your books Nathan and truly look forward to your next one. Each person who reads them, like me, relates to the story like it is their family somewhere in their past.

[edward philo · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little disappointed

I have read several books tracing genealogy and I had to try hard to keep interested in this one. Way too much research explained step by step. Website by website. As a reader I am looking for a story not lessons in ancestry. So many characters. I had trouble keeping them all straight. If you like a book with in depth focus on research and a nothing-left-out detailed process this book is for you.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent genealogical mystery story. Very well written. My usual complaint about these genetic genealogy factual fictions (is that an oxymoron?) is that they spend too much time being a "how to" book when I already know "how to" and just want that information as a necessary element in the overall story. I want the story to be the important thing...not the "how to." And this author is the only one who excels in that regard. Well done!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner by Nathan Dylan Goodwij

Five stars for Goodwin's latest genealogical mystery. Combining DNA and genealogy slueth work, the protagonist Morton Farrier ties together his latest case as well as a mystery within his own family. I highly recommend this book. It's fast-paced and hard to put down. The hardest part is waiting on the next novel by this amazing author!

[Janet Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great just like the rest of the series

I love the Morton Farrier series. I have actually reread the others and read this new one as soon as I could. Read it in a day which tells you how good it is. Love the characters and love the story line. Thanks for another great book Nathan

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stellar writing, including perfect genealogical research method, ethics, comic relief from the family of the protagonist, surprises, some suspense (but . . . no murder attempts on Morton by mad relatives of his clients!), and a great ending that leaves a thread or two dangling for further entries in this excellent and entertaining series.

[Susan Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great DNA story

I’ve loved the entire series and anxiously waited for this one. Maybe it was my overzealous anticipation, but I found it to be a slow starter. Still good, with sound DNA research sources and techniques. Any budding genetic genealogist should read them all, starting with book one!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Godwin’s best

A fun complicated mystery where Morton Farrier unravels the parentage of three founding sisters abandoned as days old infants. In places I got a bit confused about who was whom but it all got sorted out and was quite enjoyable. Interesting, amusing and charming.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I had this with me for a long flight delay. I have enjoyed several books by this author and this did not disappoint. There were times - especially at the beginning - where I was overwhelmed by too many names and connections. But it eventually all fell into place. I'm not a big murder mystery type but I love genealogy and this relies heavily on DNA too. A fun read in a great series.

[Cecellia Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have found my next beloved series. The author understands and describes genealogical research process and resources and describes them at just the right level to engender comfortable familiarity without lapsing into excessively boring details. Added to interesting characters, plot, and dialogue, this is perfect storytelling for a genealogist. And maybe others, too.

[Sandy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, please!

Abandoned babies - all left in suggestive locations and all discovered in matching bags. Who would do this and why? After finishing this so far last of the Forensic Genealogist series, I am so hopeful for more! Morton should continue his search into his grandfather's life and endeavor to have the case of the murdered prostitute reopened.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morton investigates another genealogical mysery involving three genetic half-sisters who were all abandoned at birth by their mother. A convincing story except where the author thought a legal secretary would be required to type at 110 wpm in 1978! 50 wpm would be the most anyone would be expected to do in a typing test.