The Sawtooth Slayer

Venator Cold Case Series #2

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

April 2020, Twin Falls, Idaho. A serial killer is on the loose. A nameless man is kidnapping young women from their own homes, taking them out of the city to kill them before returning their bodies to random locations around the city. Detective Maria Gonzalez heads up the investigation but has very few leads to pursue. As time passes and fears rise that the killer might strike again with a fifth victim, Maria turns to Venator—an investigative genetic genealogy company—in the hope that they can identify the killer from his DNA alone before he has the chance to take yet another life. Despite her initial reticence to take on the company’s first ever live case, Madison Scott-Barnhart and her team in Salt Lake City agree to try to reveal the identity of this barbaric serial killer. In the midst of the global pandemic that has closed the Venator office and posed both personal and professional problems for Madison, time is running out on this case.

This is the second novel in the Venator Cold Case series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Historical Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2022

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

[DearMYRTLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredibly detailed & suspenseful

If you thought Venator 1 was good, you are in for a treat! Sequels are hard to keep the ball rolling, but Nathan’s masterful writing style managed to hit This one out of the ballpark. Detailed forensic genealogy research is suspensefully intertwined with continuing stories from the personal lives of the investigative team. (Find out about the 50k research fee.)

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodwin keeps you on the edge of your seat

As a family historian who dived headfirst into genetic genealogy in 2016, I am fascinated with all those who are continuing to solve cold cases using DNA and genealogy. Nathan Dylan Goodwin has written his second genetic genealogy mystery which kept me wanting more. I did not want the book to end because the author successfully describes steps needed to solve the case the (fictional) Venator group is working on - though not a cold case but one which happens in real time for them. The characters are fleshed out so the reader is invested in each of them. I keep thinking about the mysteries in my own family history and how to use the same steps Goodwin has his genetic genealogists use in the book to break my brick walls. Highly recommend this plus his Morton Farrier series. Can't hardly wait for the next installment! (Nathan, start writing it soon, please!)

[Susan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is it that gets us so involved in the Venator books? It’s partly the characters are so well drawn, it’s partly because each interweaving story is engrossing, but I think it’s mostly because the investigative research is so beautifully described. Readers are treated like intelligent adults, there are no sleights of hand, the meticulous detective work is the sort of thing every family historian would love to master. Brilliant book, impossible to put down.

[Steve Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you maintain such a high standard Nathan? Brilliant

Nathan's second Venator story is utterly absorbing and clearly so we'll researched.. I'm pleased to see that, although ends were neatly tied in the central thread, there is ample scope for more to be included about the main characters lives in future books. I enjoy the story and characters but also Nathan's evident sympathy and empathy with his very real characters. Roll on the next book.

[Janet Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book

Nathan is just an amazing storyteller, he has the gift of drawing you in and holding you. He builds up the characters so well that you actually feel you know them and then the suspense running through. Devastated I have finished this and will have to wait for the next. Recommend 100%

[Marlee (Loganalogy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books couldn't get any better, he does it again! Not only is there one story the team has to solve in Twin Lakes, but they each have their own story to tell. Each one is as enthralling as the next. In addition, the hints, tricks, and websites for this genealogy nerd are awesome! I keep screenshotting the pages when I come across the tips. I've been doing family history for over 25 years and I love learning new things every day. Nathan is an amazing storyteller and multi-talented in his own right. If you do not follow him on social media, you should! Thanks, Nathan, for another spectacular read!

[CWJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Goodwin.......

This is the second in the Venator series and another great read. If you're a fan of genealogical mysteries read both books. If you're into genetic genealogy its a must read series. The detail and accuracy is really amazing. A tribute to the research that Goodwin put into the effort. Even as far as the price of two dozen donuts from a real shop in Twin Falls! Very few errors as Goodwin continues to learn the American vernacular for his native British terms. Complicated at times but so is the nature of the subject he is writing about.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I can't wait for more

[Robin Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books in a series. Getting to really know the characters is so satisfying. Since it has been a year since I read the first book in this series I was trying hard to remember each character. Most authors literally give a recap. Goodwin is brilliant at getting you back into each characters backstory. This story is just hard to put down. I read it in days and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

[Susan Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down

Goodwin has become one of my favorite authors, although the genre is probably not for everyone. His characters are interesting, the story lines are great and following the geological trails is really fun. As I finished the book I found myself hoping there would be a third book in this series very soon.

[Hayley R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic but dark, very dark. NDG I hope your research was not practical for this brilliant story. Couldn’t put it down!

[Ainee Beland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer is on the loose—a nameless man is kidnapping young women from their own homes, taking them out of the city to kill them before returning their bodies to random locations around the city. The leading investigator and the city are terrified that more victims may be killed as it is a race against time; so the lead turns to ‘Venator’—an investigating agency genetic genealogy company—in the hope that they can identify the killer from his DNA alone before he takes another life.

The ‘Venator’ team takes on this open case to try and solve who the killer is; putting aside their own personal life hardship during these trying times of the pandemic.

What did I like about this reading?
Impossible odds to finding /catching a killer with only partial-minute DNA to go on; yet, the Venator team can do just that right down to the wires—they genetically profile and name this killer who was just about to sleigh his next victim but was taken down without him realizing that he was being shot at and killed.

This was not my kind of reading yet; I stayed true to the course and found the ending to be most surprising. At times all that genealogy methodizing lingo was too much but when it involved the lives of the Venator team, this was interesting as well as how they went about putting a name /face to the killer; it is done backward to come forward and reach a contact point. A weird kind of science that works wonders but how can one ever be sure that they’ve coded the right person in the end?

I think this was a well written investigative genetic genealogy kind of reading because it did keep me interested enough to read it to the very end; as the ending was a surprise just as it was a surprise for the killer during the ending of his life.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning book by Nathan Dylan Goodwin with the creepiest serial killer I have ever found in a book. Venator has been asked to assist in an on-going investigation before the killer strikes again. It's a departure for the company since they normally work on cold cases for law enforcement agencies. The tension screams from the book as the individuals race against time to solve the identity of the killer. Meanwhile, Maddie continues the search for her missing husband, Becks continues to work on shelved rape kits to find perpetrators, Kenyatta continues to work on her nameless victims while dealing with a nasty divorce and custody case of her own, and Hudson has a shocker that may turn the office upside down. There's also the introduction of Reggie, who appears to be an interesting character that I hope will be explored in future books. Highly enjoyable although it may cause a few sleepless nights, both because you will want to finish it and because of the subject matter.

On a personal side note, I am taking an advanced genetic genealogy course and the first chapter has been a bear dealing with creation of genetic groups from DNA results. I had absolutely no idea what the author was talking about. However, Nathan managed to describe the exact same thing in 2 1/2 pages. The text has 25 pages of science-based, dense description with graphs and charts and all sorts of technical information. Thanks, Nathan. You saved me for the February class!

[Jackie Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost gave it 5 stars, it was very good, even revisiting it to write up my notes and this review. The investigative genetic genealogists are working on a live case, trying to find the perpetrator while the cases are still going on - a lot of added stress - while it is April 2020, the Pandemic and lockdown in Utah. There is a lot of detail about how they were going about the investigation and I do hope people in the real world understand just how difficult to do this work, highly dependent on the existence of records and of people who've had their DNA tested. Even so, it's exciting as they get closer. At the same time, there are the ongoing stories of the team: Maddie's missing husband, the connection to Becky's father's firm, the rape case she is working on, the identity of three little boys whose bones were found under a bridge, the problem's in Hudson's marriage and the case he helped to solve. There's a lot there.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping mystery from Nathan Dylan Goodwin, an author who really knows his stuff. Whether you love mysteries, genealogy, or both, Nathan's books will reel you in so you won't want to put them down. Book 2 in the Venator Cold Case series is an edge of your seat story that neatly weaves together the threads of different plot lines. First there's a live case taken on board by Venator, the investigative genetic genealogy company, one that's a matter of life or death. Then there are sub plots, some of which link to the personal lives of Venator's personnel, and some are long term cold cases that members of the team are working on. However, it's the case of Maddie's husband, missing for more than five years, that remains an important and continuing story arc first raised in book 1. In fact it's what's uncovered about him that leaves readers on a cliffhanger. Bring on book 3!

[Abram Cordell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the genealogical murder mystery series and I really enjoyed it. As with the first book, the thing I enjoyed the most was the members of Venator, the team who sets about solving the cold cases (and in this book a search for an active serial killer). Their stories are what make this series compelling. Maybe it’s run-of-the-mill work that you’d find on CSI type shows, but I really liked the challenges they are facing and it’s a credit to the author that it makes the actual case they’re trying to solve take a back seat. I will give this book the award for best book with the worst cover ever. Wow- I almost couldn’t believe it was real how cheesy the cover looked. Don’t judge the book by the cover, please. If you like family history and police procedurals you will find this as a delightful read.

[Judy Herring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to learn a lot about DNA and how to work with it in your personal genealogy. I did get many really good tips and will pursue them. I book marked pages where he talked about websites and ways of researching. I look forward to getting involved in my own family using Nathan's ideas. The story itself was full of suspense and twists. I did have to really concentrate to keep the characters straight and the families being researched. I tend to read and sometimes have to wait a day or so before I can get back to it then have to catch up to what was going on.
I think I really enjoy his first series more than the new Venator Cold Case Series. I have read all of his books so far and love them all!!

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another roller coaster ride in the cold case train!

In this book the Venator team not only is tackling cold cases but a very active current serial killer and will need all the tricks of their trade to find him before another victim falls. For those of us that do genealogy as a hobby there are plenty of suggested tools offered in the pages of this book, as the case spanned many countries which can be very difficult when working on records outside North America - and the Venator had to accomplish all this during the start of the pandemic! I can’t what for the next book in the series. These are just a great read, with all the research that goes into them they are more like a literary work of art.

[Ruth Hosford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was riveted once again by the next in the series of these genetic genealogy investigations. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and totally fascinated by the method of working through the DNA through generation after generation to home in on the perpetrator of a serial killer. There is the added interest of the owner of Venator, the company that is requested to do their specific avenue of research and the background to her staff . The serial killer has killed young women and has just homed in on the next girl and there’s a serious battle against time. I’m not sure I kept pace with the actual nitty gritty of the genetic research but I was certainly invested in the whole story. I loved it.

[Cynthia A. Casby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Maybe this can help.me makes sense of my DNA matches!

Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books are always well written and a good read that keep me up way too late, but I think this one is a Masterclass in genetic genealogy. I'm an amateur but have been doing genealogy as a hobbyist for about 30 years. DNA as a tool is an amazing scientific advance! But how to use it to break brick walls has always seemed so complex. No I feel I have a better understanding of the process due to the author's carefully research and great pride. Thanks for the story and the lessons. I couldn't put it down. And the layered stories make me drool for the next installment!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting read because of how timely it is. From the early COVID setting to the DNA analysis tools and procedures, it is a vivid snapshot into 2020 and the genetic genealogy field. As always, Goodwin also provides great insight into how a genealogist’s puzzle-solving mind works. There is some irony, of course, in the fact that the second book in the Venator Cold Case Series is not a cold case, which makes urgency a driving force in this story. However one could argue the intriguing developments in Maddie’s ongoing personal mystery fill that role. Ready for #3!!!

[Ajoyful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

This was a hold on to your seat story. The characters became even more beloved as I learned more about them. They were so well developed they were like real people. Well done author! As an amateur genealogist I love what DNA forensics can do to help solve crimes. This criminal was creepy at best and the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Learned some new research techniques too that I can’t wait to try!! No gratuitous profanity or sexual content for those that like clean stories where the writing shines and not the smut.

[María Mónica Beltrami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was expecting of Mr. Goodwin.

Hi, Mr. Goodwin, I've read all the books of your genetic detective saga.
This Venator new one, I loved to pieces.
It paralleled the time when I was having my final exams in the program Pre-First on line B1 for the Anglo Institute in my country, Uruguay.
I hope I passed, but "The Sawtooth Slayer" really helped!!
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The authors research along with his amazing storytelling skills made for a fantastic tale. I would love to work with the wonderful staff at Venator. I hope to improve my own research skills by trying some of their techniques and resources.

Living in Colorado, I enjoyed the number of references to incidents and cases revenged as having occurred here. It really made me feel a part of the story.

Thank you to the author for bringing us another wonderful series.

[Judith Rainbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time reading this book because I love the characters.
When I normally read a book its most of the day, just stopping to eat, sleep and work.With this book I put it down when I finished a chapter.
Many times was tempted to read more but I knew if I finished it too quick I'd regret it.
Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a brilliant writer. The information he has written in the book is amazing. Wish I had his skills.
Looking forward to another one.

[Nikolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

so Believable Iwant to be a DNA Investigator

The quality of writing in this book takes me right into their lives. The mystery and tension had my heart racing at times. I recommend this to everyone who likes a great mystery, Genealogy, police work, team work of any kind, not to mention real life relationship issues. Great job Nathan. (No it is not apparent at all that you are a Brit writing about a scenario taking place in the US…) Thanks

[Rosemary Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genealogy

This book will appeal mostly to genealogist. It's really explaining the process that's involved when finding how a person is related to a family group. It's a lot of work to document birth, marriage and death records. It's not just a click of the mouse on Ancestry.
The several different plots going on along with The process, was brilliant. I
just ordered the first book in his new series and can't wait for it too arrive.

[Maree Croxon Mapperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love your books

I put off reading until I had time. Since I attended Family History Down Under I made the decision to wait until I had finished my week away. That said it still took me two days to complete the book. It is a great read making you want to keep reading. The characters are well developed and we are learning the many different sides of each person.

[RJ Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books by Nathan Dylan Goodwin, as they spark and reignite my continued research of my family history. The Sawtooth Slayer was no different. The storyline was engaging and gripping. It's so amazing how the Venator team goes about meticulously doing research to assist in solving a crime. Great book!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a great explanation of the workings of genetic genealogists in all sorts of situations but mostly in helping law enforcement solve crimes...in this case a serial killer. This is a novel but situations outlined in the book could just as easily be factual.

This is a must read for anyone interested in this topic.