Book Review: The Wicked Trade and The Suffragette’s Secret by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Two new mysteries in the Morton Farrier, Forensic Genealogist Series

What’s summer without a good book? 

I’m a sucker for genealogy mysteries that involve old family letters or a missing family heirloom. Genealogy novelist Nathan Dylan Goodwin knows some heirlooms are more valuable than stitchery or silver, and that family members will do almost anything to reclaim a lost treasure. Past meets present meets murder in two new mysteries, The Wicked Trade and The Suffragette’s Secret by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Set on the Kentish coastline in the south east of England, Goodwin spins a well-researched tale of “what might have been” based on local tales, historical events, and genealogical sleuthing. The Suffragette’s Secret is a short novella that sets the stage for the next episode of genealogist Morton Farrier’s adventures, The Wicked Trade. Both are included in one book.

Morton is an accomplished researcher learning his way around parenthood and a newfound genetic family. Stretched at both sides of his own family tree, he lands in the middle of a client’s quest to unravel a pedigree steeped in a legacy of coastal smuggling and murder.

Bodies in the chimney, a reformed prostitute, arson, and burglary compete with Morton’s more urgent challenge: to find a suitable name for his new daughter before his policewoman wife loses  her patience.

The Wicked Trade and The Suffragette’s Secret follow six earlier books featuring forensic genealogist Morton Farrier. Like many real-life genealogists, Morton’s clients ask tough questions that often lead to unforeseen results. But, hopefully, most real-life genealogists avoid the trail of murder and mayhem that seem to follow Morton like a lengthy citation.

In the course of the series, Morton has met and married a smart and savvy policewoman and used genetic genealogy to uncover the identity of his biological family. Nathan Goodwin is an accomplished local historian and experienced genealogist, and creates a likable character who moves easily and convincingly in his world.

Genealogists, mystery-lovers and fans of historical fiction will find a well-written tale in Goodwin’s Forensic Genealogist Series. And, for a bit of real-life adventure, follow nathandylangoodwin on Instagram to see Morton’s house and the local English countryside. 

The Wicked Trade and The Suffragette’s Secret (The Forensic Genealogist Book 7) Available in paperback or Kindle version from Amazon.

Note: The author was kind enough to send me a review copy of this book; all comments and opinions are completely my own. Thank you for supporting The Family Curator by shopping with the affiliate links on this website.