ML Condike

One thing I really liked about this book was its perspective. It is told in first-person from RaeJean's POV. I enjoyed her adventure a lot. It had danger, thrills, and plenty of puzzles to piece together. Rae is also unique in that she is a forensic genealogist. When I've read other mysteries I've gotten used to reading from the perspective of official detectives or amateur detectives (bakers, scholars, etc.) and less so from forensic scientist angles. However, forensic genealogy is rather show more different from the usual forensics, making this a distinct read based on that alone. I love the historical elements added and the trails that can be followed that aren't typical in mysteries.

This book deals with some big topics, some of which may be of concern to some readers. There are discussions of abortion and pregnancy struggles, as well as a fight to find faith after traumatic events from the past. These aspects play a big role in discovering the secrets surrounding Mary Rogers and her fate. While the name may be recognizable to many, I actually wasn't all that familiar with her story before this book. I found this to be a very interesting novel that led me on quite a few research paths to learn more about the facts surrounding the people and events - as far as what is actually known. These are just things to be aware of as some readers may not find them to be their cup of tea.

I really liked the pacing, the relationship dynamic Rae has with Sam, and really, who doesn't love corgis? All in all, I found this to be a highly enjoyable and fresh mystery. I've read several so it's nice to find stories that are different, using different clues, character backgrounds, and alternate occupations from the norm. show less

historical-research, grief, grieving, E. A. Poe, pet-dog, cozy-mystery, sleuthing, depression, genealogy*****

As a cozy mystery, it's basically fair. As an exploration of grief and depression, it's excellent. As a historical deep dive into genealogy, it is the greatest fun to learn with (history geek here).
RaeJean is a forensic genealogist and former asst to FBI agents but has a personal tragedy that sidelines her. She is asked to assist with a rather messy investigation into the lineage of a show more recently disinterred body with an apparent connection to a story by E. A. Poe. Very unusual.
I requested and received an EARC from Harbor Lane Books, LLC via NetGalley. Thank you! show less

Try not to be surprised by what you find when delving into family history!

The Desk from Hoboken is the debut novel in M.L. Condike's riveting new Genealogy Mystery series, in which long-buried family secrets threaten the present. Who knew research into family history could be so fascinating … or so dangerous?

The main character, RaeJean O'Leary Hunter, is an accomplished and skilled forensic genealogist with numerous successes to her credit. She accepts what she thinks will be a show more straightforward case of research to provide primary source documentation of the identity of the 180-year-old remains of an unknown female: her first commission after a tragic personal loss. Despite the red flags that indicate someone doesn't want old secrets uncovered, she's dogged in her pursuit of the historical records that may contain the proof she needs. I liked that, for the most part, she plays things safe and narrows the windows of opportunity the villains have to cause her harm. However, they had a lot of luck on their side, and she still gets in trouble. She also calls on contacts to provide backup to help lessen her risks. Her struggle with her recent loss was affecting, and I really felt for her and Sam.

The plot is complex and intriguing, expanding as the scope of RaeJean's research hits one brick wall after another, only to open up another avenue of inquiry. I enjoyed her travels to locations that played a pivotal role in her subject's life, the story she was trying to build, and reading about her research methods.

I enjoyed the desk's connection to the investigation into Mary Rogers's identity and fate. The supernatural aspect was appealing, and I wanted more every time this came up. I look forward to further books in the series to see how the spirits associated with the desk fit in.

You would think that this story would be all about sitting in various library basements squinting at fragile, crumbling, hard-to-read records, and there is some of that, but for the most part, you would be wrong. This well-paced story includes a lot of face-to-face investigation and questioning of descendants interspersed with edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding action. I recommend THE DESK FROM HOBOKEN to mystery readers who enjoy a historical cold case theme, genealogical research, and a touch of the paranormal. show less

A fantastic new adventure in this fascinating genealogical mystery series.

The Doll from Dunedin is the second book in M.L. Condike’s wonderful Genealogy Mystery series featuring forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter and the search for the missing heir of a wealthy New York woman she’s met while working on a previous assignment. Jill Harriet Hamilton had died earlier in the year. Per her will and the trust guiding her fortune, her attorneys had one year to locate her sole blood relation, show more purportedly living in New Zealand, before her considerable assets were bequeathed to Columbia University. With six months gone and no closer to locating the man, the firm turns to RaeJean for answers.

RaeJean is back, and this puzzling new case has a startling personal connection for her; she met the deceased client shortly before her death and subsequently rescued her beloved corgi, Eli, from an uncertain future. I love that her corgis have such a fun place in this series. Sam and RaeJean are anxious to start a family, and the timing of the case is a deciding factor on whether or not she even takes it on, especially considering the dangers she encountered on her last one.

The plot is intriguing, with secrecy and litigation-prone members of the deceased extended (and adoptive family) making RaeJean’s work tougher. Still, the high-risk case does offer an incredible payday should she find success. Besides the search into the adopted woman’s bloodline, another cold case from the distant past is wound throughout, and the questions about her runaway father are a recurring factor in the series. As in the series debut, an unusual antique with a mysterious effect on RaeJean embellishes the story.

I recommend THE DOLL FROM DUNEDIN to readers of historical mysteries, especially those with an interest in genealogical research and enjoy a touch of the paranormal in their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through a Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaign. show less