The Sleuth Book for Genealogists: Strategies for More Successful Family History Research

by Emily Anne Croom

What can you do with your genealogical research when you hit the proverbial brick wall? Try gleaning advice from literary sleuths such as Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes, and Hercule Poirot. That's what expert genealogist Emily Croom helps you do in The Sleuth Book for Genealogists. You'll be able to improve your research with tips from these and other fictional detectives using some of their time-honored insights:

"...it's better to examine the simplest and most commonplace explanations first." --Miss Jane Marple

"I had come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data." --Sherlock Holmes

"...when the right solution is reached, everything falls into place. You perceive that in no other way could things have happened." --Hercule Poirot

Let The Sleuth Book energize your research with advice on
*Determining your research goal
*Organizing what you know
*Practicing "cluster genealogy" research
*Documenting your research
*Deciding whether you've answered your research questions

Case studies and research examples throughout the book show you genealogical "sleuths" in action, using practical steps you too can take toward resolving your research challenges. Appendixes include an introduction to genealogy fundamentals and a practical, detailed guide to citing your sources.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

290 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess that I didn't read every word, in fact I skimmed a large portion of this book. However, I found the author's style to be engaging. The case studies were very nicely presented and backed up the recommendations she stressed throughout the book - do thorough research, don't jump to conclusions, resolve conflicting evidence, be accurate, seek out original records, and document your work. This book should be required reading for anyone who is beginning to do genealogical research.

[Kbord · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I already knew much of what was in this book because I have conducted my own family history/genealogy research, and helped others with theirs, for several years. It may be a good book for beginners or semi-beginners.

However, there was one piece of information I found so valuable that it's the only thing I kept a copy of: page 213 lists information on when European nations changed their calendars to the Gregorian calendar. We use the Gregorian system in our modern calendars today.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute premise (quotes from literary mysteries punctuate the text). Much of the book is aimed at beginners, but the case history chapters are useful for all genealogists, and make this book a worthwhile read for anyone.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book filled with good information.