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Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery #1
Family Secrets: Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery - Book 1
What would you do to keep your family safe?
Widowed genealogist Ellie McLellan has spent years healing her ravished heart by carefully constructing a new and quiet life away from the hungry glare of the paparazzi. She now fills her days with genealogical research for various clients, safe in the small town of Percyville, Quebec.
Until her bid to save a child’s life is caught on camera and ambitious tabloid reporter Diane Cooper recognizes her. Turns out Ellie is not safe at all.
With Diane sniffing around for dirt and her “big break” story, Ellie learns a dark family secret with the power to destroy the only family she has left—and the first tentative relationship she’s dared to believe in since that fateful day she lost everything.
To protect her family, Ellie must follow every clue and use every skill she possesses in her race to stay ahead of the ruthless Diane and learn the truth about the genealogical mystery she has stumbled upon.
No more hiding. This time, Ellie will fight.
Widowed genealogist Ellie McLellan has spent years healing her ravished heart by carefully constructing a new and quiet life away from the hungry glare of the paparazzi. She now fills her days with genealogical research for various clients, safe in the small town of Percyville, Quebec.
Until her bid to save a child’s life is caught on camera and ambitious tabloid reporter Diane Cooper recognizes her. Turns out Ellie is not safe at all.
With Diane sniffing around for dirt and her “big break” story, Ellie learns a dark family secret with the power to destroy the only family she has left—and the first tentative relationship she’s dared to believe in since that fateful day she lost everything.
To protect her family, Ellie must follow every clue and use every skill she possesses in her race to stay ahead of the ruthless Diane and learn the truth about the genealogical mystery she has stumbled upon.
No more hiding. This time, Ellie will fight.
248 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2022
276 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Beth Farrar
35 books39 followersBeth Farrar has been writing stories since her parents handed her a library card with which she always took out the allowed five books per week. From that moment on, her imagination was sparked. Encouragement from English teachers set her on a serious path of learning the craft.
From TV scripts to full length movies (none of which came to screen but were for pleasure and practice), she developed her writing skills by exploring various mediums. Filling notebooks with ideas, sketching characters and locations, and inventing sticky situations for the heroes and heroines to survive, is Beth's happy place (besides walking in cemeteries, but that's another story).
For fifteen years Beth wrote a monthly column, Living Country, in her local English language newspaper, Main Street, sharing interesting observations of living and raising her three sons in the country with her husband.
Having always loved genealogy, Beth melded two of her passions together and created the Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery series.
Beth's three sons now live in Montreal but she and her husband still live in their log cabin on a lake north of Montreal. They love the quiet and the bird song (sometimes way too early in the morning!). They’re not particularly fond of power outages in the deep winter months, the shoveling, or the mosquitoes in summer. But the rest = priceless!
For tips and tricks on how to write your own personal history story, head over to Beth Farrar – Author on Facebook for more information.
And being a Canadian author, please forgive the extra "l"s and wayward "u"s you may find in my work. Please don't report them, it's just the way we spell words here in the great north, eh!
From TV scripts to full length movies (none of which came to screen but were for pleasure and practice), she developed her writing skills by exploring various mediums. Filling notebooks with ideas, sketching characters and locations, and inventing sticky situations for the heroes and heroines to survive, is Beth's happy place (besides walking in cemeteries, but that's another story).
For fifteen years Beth wrote a monthly column, Living Country, in her local English language newspaper, Main Street, sharing interesting observations of living and raising her three sons in the country with her husband.
Having always loved genealogy, Beth melded two of her passions together and created the Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery series.
Beth's three sons now live in Montreal but she and her husband still live in their log cabin on a lake north of Montreal. They love the quiet and the bird song (sometimes way too early in the morning!). They’re not particularly fond of power outages in the deep winter months, the shoveling, or the mosquitoes in summer. But the rest = priceless!
For tips and tricks on how to write your own personal history story, head over to Beth Farrar – Author on Facebook for more information.
And being a Canadian author, please forgive the extra "l"s and wayward "u"s you may find in my work. Please don't report them, it's just the way we spell words here in the great north, eh!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 27, 2022
Far from a good genealogical mystery book….
I’ve read countless other genealogical mystery books and series of books and I find this one severely lacking. Way too many jumps from nothing to the aha moment of discovery. The entire book is a conflict between a pestering press/reporter and the main character. So far removed from real life it totally distracts from the story of solving a family mystery. The author uses a blood type to make an assumption and jumps from there to solving the mystery without ever talking about a DNA test let alone availing herself to the use of one. A simple search on Google is her only source to finding the mystery mother. A walk in a cemetery and she finds the grave of a dead baby and within minutes she is able to make a connection between a mother a niece and a substitute mother. It’s not that simple! No mention or use of any genealogy sites or services. This all distracts for the fan of a genealogical mystery lover.
I’ve read countless other genealogical mystery books and series of books and I find this one severely lacking. Way too many jumps from nothing to the aha moment of discovery. The entire book is a conflict between a pestering press/reporter and the main character. So far removed from real life it totally distracts from the story of solving a family mystery. The author uses a blood type to make an assumption and jumps from there to solving the mystery without ever talking about a DNA test let alone availing herself to the use of one. A simple search on Google is her only source to finding the mystery mother. A walk in a cemetery and she finds the grave of a dead baby and within minutes she is able to make a connection between a mother a niece and a substitute mother. It’s not that simple! No mention or use of any genealogy sites or services. This all distracts for the fan of a genealogical mystery lover.
January 23, 2023
Too much hype!
Seriously, what was all the fuss about? This book has been highly praised all over the place, yet is simply not as great as promoted. A pleasant story, yes. But more than three quarters of it were of trashy romance quality. The genealogical part of the story consisted of two chapters. Just my opinion, not sure if I will continue with the series.
Seriously, what was all the fuss about? This book has been highly praised all over the place, yet is simply not as great as promoted. A pleasant story, yes. But more than three quarters of it were of trashy romance quality. The genealogical part of the story consisted of two chapters. Just my opinion, not sure if I will continue with the series.
April 18, 2025
Rating: 2.5/5 Meh
Format: Audio
2025's ATY in 52 books: 37. A book featuring adult friendships; 2018: An author's debut book
This was ok. It caught my eye because of the genealogy aspect, but in reality this is a romance novel, and for me the romance was the least interesting part.
There was too little genealogy investigation, and the rest pf the story was meh.
I will read the next one just to see if the genealogy gets explore more.
Format: Audio
2025's ATY in 52 books: 37. A book featuring adult friendships; 2018: An author's debut book
This was ok. It caught my eye because of the genealogy aspect, but in reality this is a romance novel, and for me the romance was the least interesting part.
There was too little genealogy investigation, and the rest pf the story was meh.
I will read the next one just to see if the genealogy gets explore more.
November 2, 2023
Not my taste, won't be reading more. skipped thru to ending.
February 1, 2023
I’m not usually one for mysteries, but I really enjoyed getting to know Ellie McLellan. The other characters are also delightful. I look forward to reading more in this series!
January 22, 2024
In one day
Read this book in one day... Couldn't put it down - says it all... On to book no 2 can't wait
Read this book in one day... Couldn't put it down - says it all... On to book no 2 can't wait
November 2, 2022
Family Secrets is the first book in the Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery series by Beth Farrar. Widowed genealogist Ellie McLellan has spent the last four years carefully building a new and quiet life. After her husband and daughter were killed in an accident, she has desperately fought for her privacy from the hungry paparazzi. Her quiet life is shattered when she instinctively saves a young boy’s life and it’s caught on camera. Now the relentless Diane Cooper has found her and is determined to get her story. When Ellie discovers a family secret, a secret that could destroy the only family she has left, she uses her skills as a genealogist to track down the truth. A truth she may or may not want to truly discover. She would do anything to protect her family, even if it means it costs her her peaceful life.
A little birdie told me about this great new book by debut author Beth Farrar. Intrigued by the premise and my love of genealogy, I eagerly bought the book. WOW! was the word that crossed my mind as I closed the book. From the opening pages, it was a hard book to put down. Ms. Farrar wrote a gripping story of family, loss, grief and finding the strength to live again. My heart broke for Ellie as her story is revealed. I truly hated Diane and her cutthroat tactics. I enjoyed the cast of characters who support and protect Ellie. The truth behind the family secret was great and intriguing. It left me smiling and crying at the great heartwarming moments. I eagerly wait for the second book in the series, Family Mistakes. If you love a deeply moving story, I highly recommend Family Secrets.
Family Secrets is available in paperback and eBook
A little birdie told me about this great new book by debut author Beth Farrar. Intrigued by the premise and my love of genealogy, I eagerly bought the book. WOW! was the word that crossed my mind as I closed the book. From the opening pages, it was a hard book to put down. Ms. Farrar wrote a gripping story of family, loss, grief and finding the strength to live again. My heart broke for Ellie as her story is revealed. I truly hated Diane and her cutthroat tactics. I enjoyed the cast of characters who support and protect Ellie. The truth behind the family secret was great and intriguing. It left me smiling and crying at the great heartwarming moments. I eagerly wait for the second book in the series, Family Mistakes. If you love a deeply moving story, I highly recommend Family Secrets.
Family Secrets is available in paperback and eBook
January 20, 2024
Love this
I love this genre of books, I find them so interesting and thought provoking. I will definitely look out for the next book in the series.
I love this genre of books, I find them so interesting and thought provoking. I will definitely look out for the next book in the series.
October 26, 2022
This book is the first in a series that promises to be interesting and unique in its premise. Ellie is a genealogist. She researches peoples' pasts and teaches others how to research their own. She also has her own issues and traumas to deal with that have followed her from her more recent past into her present. It looks like future books will include many of the same characters making this first story a solid foundation for the series. After reading this full-length debut novel, I'm certain that author Beth Ferrar will do well in keeping readers interested. The writing is good, and the pacing kept me focused as I worked my way through the mystery right along with Ellie. There is a budding romance underway. I can't wait to see how that works out. We have a villain in the form of a nosy reporter who just won't leave well enough alone. There's an amazing dog, Cali, who is just the kind of companion we all need. And of course, a family mystery that is just begging to be solved with another looming on the horizon. There is a lot to work with as introduced in this first novel, and I am really looking forward to seeing what Beth Ferrar comes up with next for Ellie and her circle of family and friends.
May 14, 2024
I kept reading this book, hoping it would improve and hoping there would be some actual genealogy in it. Instead, I just became more irritated by the drippy romance, the stereotypical paparazzi characters, and the unreal lifestyle of the protagonist. She lives with a dog in a nice home and huge garden, but never does any housework, in fact rarely does any work at all, so I can only imagine the house was knee deep in dog hair and dust. If you want to read about someone who gets most of their exercise jumping to conclusions, whose diet is based on double chocolate chip cookies, and seeks sanctuary from journalists by endlessly hopping into the car of a movie star's lookalike, then this is the book for you.
October 28, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author and it left me wanting more! Genealogist Ellie McLellan has a new and quiet life in a small town. Healing from the loss of her husband and daughter she is happily working helping people with genealogy and following their family trees. When she saves a little boy from being hit by a car her carefully constructed private and quiet life changes. Whose little boy did she save? Why are the press hounding her? What family secret surrounds her aunt? Great characters and a story that had me turning the pages. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I happily recommend this book!
October 18, 2022
Amazing Debut Novel
Family Secrets is a combination of genealogy, mystery, romance, family and friendships. Beth Farrar uses just the right mix of all to bring the reader a fabulous story. Extremely well written, marvelously touching, showing what true love of family is about. I want to sit down at Maggie's and share a cookie with Ellie, telling her my family secrets. Highly recommended ❤
Family Secrets is a combination of genealogy, mystery, romance, family and friendships. Beth Farrar uses just the right mix of all to bring the reader a fabulous story. Extremely well written, marvelously touching, showing what true love of family is about. I want to sit down at Maggie's and share a cookie with Ellie, telling her my family secrets. Highly recommended ❤
October 27, 2022
Family Secrets
I love genealogy mysteries. The investigation processes that are employed to uncover key stories from the past are what captivates me. Technology can only uncover a portion of a story. I was out off a bit that she jumped to conclusion based on blood types which excluded the possibility of a different father or kidnapping rather than switched babies. It held my interest and look forward to more.
I love genealogy mysteries. The investigation processes that are employed to uncover key stories from the past are what captivates me. Technology can only uncover a portion of a story. I was out off a bit that she jumped to conclusion based on blood types which excluded the possibility of a different father or kidnapping rather than switched babies. It held my interest and look forward to more.
March 1, 2023
I think this may be a self-published book as it's evident there was not much attention to copy-editing. However, since I enjoy books with genealogists as the protagonist, I did like this one and forgave a few problems. There's a little bit of romance as well as the genealogical sleuthing (I wouldn't call this a mystery as there's no real crime involved), and the setting (partly in Montreal and partly in a small village nearby) is charming. Recommended if you like this kind of book.
December 30, 2023
I am disappointed that this book is primarily a romance with a hint of a genealogy storyline. I chose to buy the whole series before reading the first book hoping for another genealogy mystery writer, and so far, I'm not sure that I'll read book 2 in the series :(
Update: I found the last chapter to be the best as it leads to a mystery in the next book. For now I'll read something else. I need a book that offers more throughout the story, not just the last 3 pages.
Update: I found the last chapter to be the best as it leads to a mystery in the next book. For now I'll read something else. I need a book that offers more throughout the story, not just the last 3 pages.
July 21, 2024
[Did not finish] Calling this book a "genealogy mystery" is an insult to all people who actually do any genealogy. Half way in there was not actual genealogical research, just a family mystery and a lot of leaping to conclusions. And the sappy romance trope of the troubled woman all aroused but reluctant is just plain tired.
If you want to read real genealogical mysteries, seek out Nathan Dylan Goodwin or Steve Robinson.
If you want to read real genealogical mysteries, seek out Nathan Dylan Goodwin or Steve Robinson.
November 23, 2022
debut Novel book 1
Beth Farrar amazingly uses just the right mix to bring you in to this to story. We introduced to two families from different worlds. And the man that connects them. From what true friendship is to secrets unexpected. Extremely well written,showing what true love of family is about. Looking forward to her next book.
Beth Farrar amazingly uses just the right mix to bring you in to this to story. We introduced to two families from different worlds. And the man that connects them. From what true friendship is to secrets unexpected. Extremely well written,showing what true love of family is about. Looking forward to her next book.
December 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, I agree it didn’t have the ancestry searches etc but it was a brilliant story. Sometimes with ancestry you get pieces falling into place and that’s what this book told the story of. It’s winter here so I read this over one cosy day by the fire ! I don’t do spoilers but I will recommend this book !
May 8, 2023
Captivating!!!
Loved the storyline & very surprising ending! Couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
Plenty of research info combined with mystery to keep me focused on it.
Love the actual research assistance & ideas it offers.
Can’t wait to start the next book in this series! Keep writing!!
Loved the storyline & very surprising ending! Couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
Plenty of research info combined with mystery to keep me focused on it.
Love the actual research assistance & ideas it offers.
Can’t wait to start the next book in this series! Keep writing!!
January 7, 2024
Well written.I was looking for a genealogical mystery as promoted. Instead, this is a romance masked as a mystery. I had to do a lot of skimming to find the fragments of mystery or genealogy. Good first try.
January 21, 2025
I had been put off reading this book by other reviews - but having read it I enjoyed it - no it’s not as detailed as other genealogy novels and lacks “proper” genealogical processes but that doesn’t make it a bad book. There are lots of different strands & I'm looking forward to seeing the developments of the different people we’ve met in this book.
December 10, 2023
Predictable story
Halfway through this story I felt it was quite clear what had happened at Sophie's birth so Ellie thinking it was a kidnap was ridiculous.not a very exciting story
Halfway through this story I felt it was quite clear what had happened at Sophie's birth so Ellie thinking it was a kidnap was ridiculous.not a very exciting story
October 21, 2022
4 Stars
4 stars for Family Secrets. A sweet story with interesting characters and a bit of mystery as family secrets are exposed using genealogy.
4 stars for Family Secrets. A sweet story with interesting characters and a bit of mystery as family secrets are exposed using genealogy.
November 9, 2022
The pain of the past, resurfaces.
I liked the characters, the storyline and the ending. Ellies farm sounded so inviting. I look forward to reading Beth’s next novel.
I liked the characters, the storyline and the ending. Ellies farm sounded so inviting. I look forward to reading Beth’s next novel.
November 19, 2022
a good story
Well told, a bit transparent, but good character development. I loved the ending and look forward to reading the next one.
Well told, a bit transparent, but good character development. I loved the ending and look forward to reading the next one.
November 30, 2022
Wonderfully entertaining. A fun escape.
December 9, 2022
Love my genealogical research
Love to research and love to read. This book brings both together and throws in a bit of romance. Great read
Love to research and love to read. This book brings both together and throws in a bit of romance. Great read
December 31, 2023
This book was disappointing to me because it was not serious about genealogical research. It was definitely in the romance novel genre and the genealogy was secondary and amateurish. For example, the protagonist searches for basic facts about persons without reference to the readily-available public databases on line. The plot is breathless and romanticized rather than crisp and factual. I do not plan to read any more of the books in this series.
August 16, 2024
3.5 stars. This seemed more like the beginning of a romance arc than a genealogical mystery. The issue: Ellie's cousin, Sophie, realizes that the couple she always thought were her parents can't have been, since their blood types don't agree. Ellie agrees to try to find the truth, but worries about the story being leaked to the press, especially if her aunt, Jenna, kidnapped the baby Sophie. But Ellie's research is minimal, mostly in newspapers and church records, since Sophie was born in 1990.
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Ellie’s story pulled me in right from the start, she’s been through so much, and you can really feel her struggle to build a quiet life again. When everything blows up after that one act of kindness, the tension doesn’t let go. The family secrets and genealogy angle made the mystery feel unique and emotional. I loved watching Ellie find her strength again. A thoughtful, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews