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The Marriage Certificate
The Marriage Certificate ... the issue is a mystery.
What prompts amateur family historian Peter Sefton to buy the marriage certificate he sees on display in an antiques arcade? Is it because he thinks it should be private and he wants to remove it from public view? Is it the prospect of researching the individuals named upon it? Or is it something else, happenstance perhaps, which leads him towards a potentially lucrative discovery and a long forgotten family secret?
When John and Louisa marry in January 1900, who could foretell how their lives and those of ambitious Rose, the bridesmaid, and confident Frank, the best man, would be changed that day?
Follow their story, through Peter’s research and find out how, with investigative skill and a certain amount of luck, Peter finds himself pulled along to uncover a series of sad and tragic events … events, which connect the marriage certificate to a modern day mystery. But … there’s a complication. In his quest to complete the family tree he learns that he has competition. It’s not just a matter of pride; there’s money at stake too. Should he the amateur give up, or can he really beat the professionals at their own game?
What prompts amateur family historian Peter Sefton to buy the marriage certificate he sees on display in an antiques arcade? Is it because he thinks it should be private and he wants to remove it from public view? Is it the prospect of researching the individuals named upon it? Or is it something else, happenstance perhaps, which leads him towards a potentially lucrative discovery and a long forgotten family secret?
When John and Louisa marry in January 1900, who could foretell how their lives and those of ambitious Rose, the bridesmaid, and confident Frank, the best man, would be changed that day?
Follow their story, through Peter’s research and find out how, with investigative skill and a certain amount of luck, Peter finds himself pulled along to uncover a series of sad and tragic events … events, which connect the marriage certificate to a modern day mystery. But … there’s a complication. In his quest to complete the family tree he learns that he has competition. It’s not just a matter of pride; there’s money at stake too. Should he the amateur give up, or can he really beat the professionals at their own game?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
129 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars bumped up to 4 stars, because I really enjoyed the last part of the book. However, I would only recommend this to readers who are already keen on family history and genealogical research procedures.
First impressions: Sometimes flashbacks can add depth to a plot or a character, sometimes they are just confusing. The beginning of this novel was the latter. The reader is left to guess, at the beginning of each chapter, what the period is, with no dates to help him situate himself on a timeline. Rather like watching a TV series where the episodes have got completely mixed up: very challenging!
Second impressions: From the writing style, one gets the impression this is a first-time author. Sometimes we are given "history lessons" in dialogues on specific customs or social habits of the period (late 19th early 20th century) to help readers understand attitudes which have changed a lot since then. At other times we are given so much detail that we can easily predict what will happen. And the conclusion to Highborn Research’s inheritance investigation is never explained. There is also the question of whether a keen amateur genealogist would spend so much time and money on people who have absolutely nothing to do with his own family. Although I am very happy to carry out research for friends and family, I doubt very much whether I would have gone to such lengths as Peter Sefton did in this story. We don't even know much about Peter, who is not a very developed main character: for instance, how come he has so much time and money to spend on this research?
Final impressions: All my comments above seem much too negative, because I really did enjoy reading this book, and I hope Stephen Molyneux will publish others. It makes a refreshing change in genealogy fiction simply by NOT being a suspense thriller with murders! What is very well described are the thrills, excitement and satisfaction of discovery when dealing with family history - especially one's own family history! One gets the impression that, with each discovery, one is actually honouring the memory of people who have unfortunately become forgotten today. "The Marriage Certificate" reflected this admirably.
Finally, I would like to thank the author for indirectly helping me make a personal family discovery. I have been an amateur genealogist for over 35 years, but new historical data is being put online all the time, making research even easier from the comfort of one's own home. I had never heard of the Historic Hospital Admission Records Project (http://www.hharp.org) and, thanks to this book, I was able to consult the medical records of my great-aunt who died, at the age of 7, of "Tubercular Meningitis" in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in 1902 - Amazing! I'd never even known she'd existed, or had a baby sister who'd died at the same time! I am now off to explore the listed casualties of the Boer War and Merchant Navy records on the CWGC website, where I may be able to tie up a few loose ends or, at least, get an explanation for some blanks in the 1901 Census... This is all very motivating and deserves 4 stars!
First impressions: Sometimes flashbacks can add depth to a plot or a character, sometimes they are just confusing. The beginning of this novel was the latter. The reader is left to guess, at the beginning of each chapter, what the period is, with no dates to help him situate himself on a timeline. Rather like watching a TV series where the episodes have got completely mixed up: very challenging!
Second impressions: From the writing style, one gets the impression this is a first-time author. Sometimes we are given "history lessons" in dialogues on specific customs or social habits of the period (late 19th early 20th century) to help readers understand attitudes which have changed a lot since then. At other times we are given so much detail that we can easily predict what will happen. And the conclusion to Highborn Research’s inheritance investigation is never explained. There is also the question of whether a keen amateur genealogist would spend so much time and money on people who have absolutely nothing to do with his own family. Although I am very happy to carry out research for friends and family, I doubt very much whether I would have gone to such lengths as Peter Sefton did in this story. We don't even know much about Peter, who is not a very developed main character: for instance, how come he has so much time and money to spend on this research?
Final impressions: All my comments above seem much too negative, because I really did enjoy reading this book, and I hope Stephen Molyneux will publish others. It makes a refreshing change in genealogy fiction simply by NOT being a suspense thriller with murders! What is very well described are the thrills, excitement and satisfaction of discovery when dealing with family history - especially one's own family history! One gets the impression that, with each discovery, one is actually honouring the memory of people who have unfortunately become forgotten today. "The Marriage Certificate" reflected this admirably.
Finally, I would like to thank the author for indirectly helping me make a personal family discovery. I have been an amateur genealogist for over 35 years, but new historical data is being put online all the time, making research even easier from the comfort of one's own home. I had never heard of the Historic Hospital Admission Records Project (http://www.hharp.org) and, thanks to this book, I was able to consult the medical records of my great-aunt who died, at the age of 7, of "Tubercular Meningitis" in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in 1902 - Amazing! I'd never even known she'd existed, or had a baby sister who'd died at the same time! I am now off to explore the listed casualties of the Boer War and Merchant Navy records on the CWGC website, where I may be able to tie up a few loose ends or, at least, get an explanation for some blanks in the 1901 Census... This is all very motivating and deserves 4 stars!
October 24, 2013
When Peter sees a marriage certificate on sale at an antiques fair he decides to buy it on a whim. As an amateur genealogist he is moved to discover more about the couple, Louisa Crockford and John Williams who married in 1900. Who were the couple? What happened after they married and why was their marriage certificate up for sale when surely it should have been kept by their family?
This story alternates with that of Rosetta Ince beginning in 1898 and Peter’s search in the present. In the past we get to know more about the young draper with ambitions to own her own shop, her hopes and her dreams and the understanding that as a woman at the turn of the century she couldn’t have the marriage and the career it just wasn’t possible.
The groom is off to fight in the Boer war in South Africa. This is not a war knew much about but Stephen Molyneaux’s writing certainly appeared to be well researched and with Rose moving to the Isle of Wight the bond between her and Lousia remains strong with letters and the newly invented postcards made their way between the two women.
I really liked this book, it was strong on the historical aspect. It also realistically portrayed quite how easy it is to make assumptions when researching family history, although Peter had more lucky finds than I ever have had! There were plenty of sad moments and I got quite involved, wanting to know the full story. The book concluded on a twist, which although not entirely unexpected, rounded off the story well.
See more Family History in Fiction at Cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com
This story alternates with that of Rosetta Ince beginning in 1898 and Peter’s search in the present. In the past we get to know more about the young draper with ambitions to own her own shop, her hopes and her dreams and the understanding that as a woman at the turn of the century she couldn’t have the marriage and the career it just wasn’t possible.
The groom is off to fight in the Boer war in South Africa. This is not a war knew much about but Stephen Molyneaux’s writing certainly appeared to be well researched and with Rose moving to the Isle of Wight the bond between her and Lousia remains strong with letters and the newly invented postcards made their way between the two women.
I really liked this book, it was strong on the historical aspect. It also realistically portrayed quite how easy it is to make assumptions when researching family history, although Peter had more lucky finds than I ever have had! There were plenty of sad moments and I got quite involved, wanting to know the full story. The book concluded on a twist, which although not entirely unexpected, rounded off the story well.
See more Family History in Fiction at Cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com
September 30, 2013
What a very satisfying read this was! The excitement I felt as the plot unfolded was akin to my excitement when uncovering my own family history. Good blending of past and present, although initially confusing, was resolved as the book progressed. My only question...what happened at the agency when they found out they'd been pipped at the post?
January 27, 2016
Written by somebody with a good knowledge of genealogical research, this book has appeal but is flawed in the storytelling. The three interweaving stories mean that the reader is always ahead of the main character, Peter, as he attempts to find the people behind the marriage certificate. There is a lot of repetition and very much tell, but not a lot of show and dialogue is often banal adding nothing to the narrative. As a case study for procedure it will be of interest to many people trying to unravel their own stories. The red herring Price/Ince isn't explained until about 75% in, which I found annoying and confusing, not being sure if my Kindle was wrong in the transcription or if it was a misprint in the original. I guess the point was that it is possible to misread primary documents and take a false trail, but it became an irritant in the reading. I also wasn't convinced in the telling of the 'real' story - two separate characters are trying to work things out in the present time, but as readers we are privy to the facts as told by an all-knowing 3rd person narrator, who knows all this information how?
May 3, 2020
Writer in Desperate Need of an Editor
Even though the characters and events of the work are interesting, the construction is extremely limited. It reads more like a story recited at a family gathering than as an actual novel. Almost every section starts out with deliberate, pedantic descriptions lecturing the reader on what he or she might need to know without allowing the reader to find out for him or herself. Chapters have an odd construction and labeling. ie 1.1, 2.1, 3.1. etc. One of these sections early in the novel introduces two characters that are not mentioned until almost the end of the story. It took me a minute or two to figure out who they were. Simply, the book was boring until the last chapter. It had possibilities if only an editor had taken some effort!
Even though the characters and events of the work are interesting, the construction is extremely limited. It reads more like a story recited at a family gathering than as an actual novel. Almost every section starts out with deliberate, pedantic descriptions lecturing the reader on what he or she might need to know without allowing the reader to find out for him or herself. Chapters have an odd construction and labeling. ie 1.1, 2.1, 3.1. etc. One of these sections early in the novel introduces two characters that are not mentioned until almost the end of the story. It took me a minute or two to figure out who they were. Simply, the book was boring until the last chapter. It had possibilities if only an editor had taken some effort!
May 21, 2020
This was a very intriguing book. It was really fascnating to see how everything came together, from Peter finding the marriage certificate, to how the story unfolded.
Jumping back and forth in time was a bit of a trip, but I liked seeing the origins of where the names on the certificate came from. Rose, Frank, Louisa, and John all come from different places, and have their own stories to tell. Being able to read their stories gave the search for them a much deeper meaning.
It was also interesting to see how Peter's search for the family tree compared to that of a professional firm. The firm has its own resources, which has its own advantages. But Peter had a more human element, and a very different approach. Each has its pros and cons, and seeing those differences was really interesting.
With each twist and turn, and as the pieces started coming together, every name, every time period, and every detail we encountered was profoundly important. One missed detail, and the story fell apart.
I just couldn't put this book down. I needed to follow each thread, and I needed to see how the story weaved itself together. And what a story it was, rife with heartache, epic lifelong love, and a little bit of deception.
This isn't a traditional mystery novel, but it is definitely a mystery worth solving.
Jumping back and forth in time was a bit of a trip, but I liked seeing the origins of where the names on the certificate came from. Rose, Frank, Louisa, and John all come from different places, and have their own stories to tell. Being able to read their stories gave the search for them a much deeper meaning.
It was also interesting to see how Peter's search for the family tree compared to that of a professional firm. The firm has its own resources, which has its own advantages. But Peter had a more human element, and a very different approach. Each has its pros and cons, and seeing those differences was really interesting.
With each twist and turn, and as the pieces started coming together, every name, every time period, and every detail we encountered was profoundly important. One missed detail, and the story fell apart.
I just couldn't put this book down. I needed to follow each thread, and I needed to see how the story weaved itself together. And what a story it was, rife with heartache, epic lifelong love, and a little bit of deception.
This isn't a traditional mystery novel, but it is definitely a mystery worth solving.
March 26, 2018
This was a very satisfying read. I found the research and associated information just right, not overwhelming at all. However, every so often I delve into my own family history and spend time trying to connect up the dots, so that may explain why I enjoyed it so much.
I have a few questions though - how much must it have cost Peter Sefton to continually order certificates and purchase historical documents? As fascinating as it is, I draw the line at paying for these except through a membership of an online site to gather information. When it's not even your own family, it seems even more unusual that a stranger would make such an effort.
I had my own suspicions that we would find out that Peter was actually related after all, through a lost branch of the tree. I also had my own suspicions about another character's eventual outcome, which was confirmed at the very end. However, although I could see its likelihood, it really didn't need to be there. It failed to explain exactly who may have been mistakenly identified instead. It also brings up further questions as a result.
However, overall, it's a really enjoyable read.
I have a few questions though - how much must it have cost Peter Sefton to continually order certificates and purchase historical documents? As fascinating as it is, I draw the line at paying for these except through a membership of an online site to gather information. When it's not even your own family, it seems even more unusual that a stranger would make such an effort.
I had my own suspicions that we would find out that Peter was actually related after all, through a lost branch of the tree. I also had my own suspicions about another character's eventual outcome, which was confirmed at the very end. However, although I could see its likelihood, it really didn't need to be there. It failed to explain exactly who may have been mistakenly identified instead. It also brings up further questions as a result.
However, overall, it's a really enjoyable read.
April 28, 2018
Really loved this story. Well-developed. Good characters. Want more.
December 25, 2015
Ancestry; the thrills and disappointments of tracking clues.
Well-written, with enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. A thoroughly enjoyable tale, with historical events and locations included.
Well-written, with enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. A thoroughly enjoyable tale, with historical events and locations included.
July 24, 2020
Intriguing Mystery with a mixture of life stories and Detection and a Dollop of Suspence
I felt carried along with this story, or more accurately, stories. It involves the sort of research that I identify with and I suspect many others with an interest in genealogy will feel the same.
I've followed all the programmes on TV that relate to this book, for many years and a friend was, involved in a heir search regarding her great uncle's estate, some years ago and that involved informal adoption too. It thus rang a number of bells.
I've read 2 books by Stephen Molyneaux, this and 'The Death Certificate', and enjoyed both. I appreciate the background research and the real stories that reflect the events in both books. They have both added to my knowledge and notes have made, websites have been visited and bookmarked. All that adds to my enjoyment and one of the advantages of ebooks, is the ability, in Kindle specifically, to search from the page, when things grab my 8nterest, which is a frequent occurrence.
I'd love to come across a story like this one and try to unravel the different strings and unknot the knots. I don't have the financial resources or ability to travel for research but stories like this allow me to do all that in my imagination, guided by the plot.
I do often wonder if younger generations and readers can get a feel of how different the times were. It's always a challenge in history, to do so but I suspect it will be harder for many than it is for my generation as things have changed so much and accelerated in ways that take us further and further from times gone by. A particular set of circumstances are described in this book and I think the author may not realise that the stigma of unmarried pregnancy was still a big deal in the 1970s. I know that from experience and it didn't really change significantly until mid 80s or later, for many. Living together, without being married, was also very stigmatised until comparatively recently. There was little help for unmarried mothers too. Little help altogether in fact. A lot still needs to improve as well but that's not relevant here.
In summary, I enjoyed the journey of discovery and just deleted what would be categorised as spoilers. I don't wish to read them myself, so I won't risk reducing the pleasure of other readers.
I felt carried along with this story, or more accurately, stories. It involves the sort of research that I identify with and I suspect many others with an interest in genealogy will feel the same.
I've followed all the programmes on TV that relate to this book, for many years and a friend was, involved in a heir search regarding her great uncle's estate, some years ago and that involved informal adoption too. It thus rang a number of bells.
I've read 2 books by Stephen Molyneaux, this and 'The Death Certificate', and enjoyed both. I appreciate the background research and the real stories that reflect the events in both books. They have both added to my knowledge and notes have made, websites have been visited and bookmarked. All that adds to my enjoyment and one of the advantages of ebooks, is the ability, in Kindle specifically, to search from the page, when things grab my 8nterest, which is a frequent occurrence.
I'd love to come across a story like this one and try to unravel the different strings and unknot the knots. I don't have the financial resources or ability to travel for research but stories like this allow me to do all that in my imagination, guided by the plot.
I do often wonder if younger generations and readers can get a feel of how different the times were. It's always a challenge in history, to do so but I suspect it will be harder for many than it is for my generation as things have changed so much and accelerated in ways that take us further and further from times gone by. A particular set of circumstances are described in this book and I think the author may not realise that the stigma of unmarried pregnancy was still a big deal in the 1970s. I know that from experience and it didn't really change significantly until mid 80s or later, for many. Living together, without being married, was also very stigmatised until comparatively recently. There was little help for unmarried mothers too. Little help altogether in fact. A lot still needs to improve as well but that's not relevant here.
In summary, I enjoyed the journey of discovery and just deleted what would be categorised as spoilers. I don't wish to read them myself, so I won't risk reducing the pleasure of other readers.
June 4, 2018
There is a really good story here - an historical romance, a race to prove who are the right heirs - and lots of really well researched detail both about the history and the mechnics and practicality of genealogical research. It is quite broad in scope - Leyton, Essex; the Isle of Wight; the Boer War; the mail ship service - as well as describing both an amateur genealogist and professional heir hunters. I really enjoyed it and am sad that Stephen Molyneux has not yet published another book.
On the negative side, there isn't much narrative drive through the book - until the last quarter, say - and that is partly because there are long sections of "tell". For example, one of the leading protagonists is introduced in a "show" way but then there are pages of tell about her history. I'm not sure we needed to know all of it and, if we did, it would have been good to give it in conversation with her employer, not as a report. In addition, the central narrative of the story is unclear. I think it is the modern-day genealogist's story starting from when he finds the marriage certificate. However, that gets lost in the historical romance. I'd like to see the book given more structure, telling the flashbacks in shorter bursts, perhaps even as the genealogist or the heir hunters find out a relevant fact. It made me realise how good Steve Robinson and Nathan Dylan Goodwin are - they have great plots and they reveal them in a well-paced way.
However, the quality of the story and the research does shine through. It is just that the book could have been so much better with a stronger structure.
On the negative side, there isn't much narrative drive through the book - until the last quarter, say - and that is partly because there are long sections of "tell". For example, one of the leading protagonists is introduced in a "show" way but then there are pages of tell about her history. I'm not sure we needed to know all of it and, if we did, it would have been good to give it in conversation with her employer, not as a report. In addition, the central narrative of the story is unclear. I think it is the modern-day genealogist's story starting from when he finds the marriage certificate. However, that gets lost in the historical romance. I'd like to see the book given more structure, telling the flashbacks in shorter bursts, perhaps even as the genealogist or the heir hunters find out a relevant fact. It made me realise how good Steve Robinson and Nathan Dylan Goodwin are - they have great plots and they reveal them in a well-paced way.
However, the quality of the story and the research does shine through. It is just that the book could have been so much better with a stronger structure.
July 6, 2021
What causes Peter Sefton to purchase an old marriage certificate from an antique store? Whatever motivated him, the search to discover the story behind the certificate leads him on a merry genealogical chase in which past and present are somehow woven together in a compelling tale. As one who has been researching family history for over 40 years, I found his work to be completely normal as I have done the same things many times over. However, a person who has not done this type of research might be a bit confused. In this case, it would help to re-read passages to get the details "top of mind."
In addition to Peter's search for the story, there is the story of an old man dying intestate and the need to find heirs. A professional firm is searching for heirs and this search coincides with Peter's one although the details emerge late in the story. I love the ending and feel that justice had been done and the right people received the money.
In addition to Peter's search for the story, there is the story of an old man dying intestate and the need to find heirs. A professional firm is searching for heirs and this search coincides with Peter's one although the details emerge late in the story. I love the ending and feel that justice had been done and the right people received the money.
February 11, 2020
I really liked this book, especially since I am interested in my family's genealogy. My one complaint was that the first part of the book was confusing with all of the different perspectives (Peter, Rose, Louise, Frank, John, the heir-searching people, and more), having to figure out with each chapter whose storyline you were now on and the timeframe made it too jumpy and harder to read. The second part of the book was much easier to follow as it basically followed three different people/timelines (which to me is the most perspectives that you should ever have, although I prefer only one or two). I appreciate the background/history provided at the beginning of the book, but I wish that it could have been given in a more flowing, easier-to-follow way. I really enjoyed reading of Peter's challenges and how he resolved them. He definitely had me rooting for him to beat the heir-searching company!
June 21, 2021
A Peach of an Ending
If you're interested in geneology, family trees, or simply a damned good mystery, then this is the book for you.
When family historian Peter Sefton buys the marriage certificate in an antiques parade we set off on a fascinating journey back in time, to the early 1900's, where the war, a train disaster, and pure ambition, takes us on an unforgettable journey.
i couldn't wait to get back to this tale, to see how Peter was progressing, searching for the intricate details of this family, getting birth, marriage, and death certificates to sort out who the beneficiary is to a nice portion of money involving an unclaimed property.
To wrap it up the author hits us on the last page with a real peach of a twist.
Buy this book, and tell me that I'm wrong - I dare you!
If you're interested in geneology, family trees, or simply a damned good mystery, then this is the book for you.
When family historian Peter Sefton buys the marriage certificate in an antiques parade we set off on a fascinating journey back in time, to the early 1900's, where the war, a train disaster, and pure ambition, takes us on an unforgettable journey.
i couldn't wait to get back to this tale, to see how Peter was progressing, searching for the intricate details of this family, getting birth, marriage, and death certificates to sort out who the beneficiary is to a nice portion of money involving an unclaimed property.
To wrap it up the author hits us on the last page with a real peach of a twist.
Buy this book, and tell me that I'm wrong - I dare you!
July 13, 2023
The book opens with the death of an elderly man. Then it switches to Peter Sefton buying an old marriage certificate on impulse, thinking he might try to research the couple. But no information about them is revealed until later, as the story switches time periods yet again to follow the history of Rosetta Ince. Unfortunately, for me, this part of the story dragged, as most events were related rather than experienced. Finally the book returns to the present and the genealogical research as Peter and his unknown competitor at a heir research firm work the problem from different ends, discovering what the reader already knows. I think it would have been better if the timelines had been interspersed.
June 29, 2020
Excellent book but in desperate need of an editor!!
Loved the storytelling, great premise, and the twist at the ending was perfect. However, it's difficult to truly appreciate literature when there's HEAPS of spelling errors scattered throughout?? Really simple, common mistakes ... that would've easily been picked up by another set of eyes.
Also, the random chapters with no introduction to the timeline or relevance was very confusing. I read the first 10% not really understanding where it was going. Again, something that could've been avoided by hiring an editor... very strange.
4 stars for effort!
Loved the storytelling, great premise, and the twist at the ending was perfect. However, it's difficult to truly appreciate literature when there's HEAPS of spelling errors scattered throughout?? Really simple, common mistakes ... that would've easily been picked up by another set of eyes.
Also, the random chapters with no introduction to the timeline or relevance was very confusing. I read the first 10% not really understanding where it was going. Again, something that could've been avoided by hiring an editor... very strange.
4 stars for effort!
February 21, 2021
Reading this book was work! More work than some of books I've read that are complicated and involved. I loved the plot idea but following the story was like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. I wish the characters had been better developed. I'm sure Peter Sefton spoke to his wife about more than the search surrounding the marriage certificate. I occasionally dip into genealogy and experience excitement, and sometimes suspense, as I close in on an answer. Mr. Molyneux just didn't communicate that in Peter. Many of the pivotal events in the book were predictable. I must say that the last chapter, while anticipated, brought a real sense of disappointment about the character.
April 28, 2018
Lacking in substance:
The story of a genealogist tracking down the family behind a marriage certificate and then making an attempt to claim the inheritance on behalf of the heirs. I found the characters bland and unexciting. The twist at the end was sort of expected. It was a pleasurable enough read, but nothing more. Possibly of more interest to people who know about or have an interest in family history, as the document hunting appeared to me to be pretty accurate and detailed.
The story of a genealogist tracking down the family behind a marriage certificate and then making an attempt to claim the inheritance on behalf of the heirs. I found the characters bland and unexciting. The twist at the end was sort of expected. It was a pleasurable enough read, but nothing more. Possibly of more interest to people who know about or have an interest in family history, as the document hunting appeared to me to be pretty accurate and detailed.
February 24, 2020
Wonderful genealogy/family mystery!
The author has slowly and carefully woven several characters' family and life threads as well as two different time periods, in this mystery. As a genealogist/family historian, I loved the very careful analysis of theories with each new piece of information! And then the last few pages... oh!! Wow. What a fascinating book!! Highly recommended.
The author has slowly and carefully woven several characters' family and life threads as well as two different time periods, in this mystery. As a genealogist/family historian, I loved the very careful analysis of theories with each new piece of information! And then the last few pages... oh!! Wow. What a fascinating book!! Highly recommended.
November 12, 2025
So, so good. Two stories are told: the tragedies of an extended family at the turn of the 20th century interleaved with the journey of discovery led by an amateur genealogist, inexplicably drawn to this family through a marriage certificate found among antiques. Gripping throughout, it became a real nailbiter as it neared conclusion, with an epilogue I never saw coming. It was satisfying on so many levels. Recommended reading for all my friends; highly recommended for genealogists.
March 15, 2020
Fascinating, mysterious, sad.
As a keen family historian the title intrigued me, a place I visit similar to one in the book. Loved the twists and turns of the story, a sad one in which people’s grief in the 20th century causes more grief in the 21st. Brilliant twist at the end. Second book I have read from this author, look forward to more.
As a keen family historian the title intrigued me, a place I visit similar to one in the book. Loved the twists and turns of the story, a sad one in which people’s grief in the 20th century causes more grief in the 21st. Brilliant twist at the end. Second book I have read from this author, look forward to more.
September 3, 2020
Gripping Story For Genealogists Everywhere
As a keen amateur genealogist myself, I found this story gripping from start to finish. A must for fans of detective stories! As well as being entertaining, Mr Molyneaux's story demonstrates the correct way to research an ancestor. I do hope he writes more in this vein!
As a keen amateur genealogist myself, I found this story gripping from start to finish. A must for fans of detective stories! As well as being entertaining, Mr Molyneaux's story demonstrates the correct way to research an ancestor. I do hope he writes more in this vein!
August 1, 2017
Another fun genealogy mystery. I especially appreciated the presentation of the culture of the time, the beginning of the 20th century and the details of how the genealogy research is conducted to find living heirs.
November 22, 2018
Curiosity
This was an unusual lol in that it was initially a gentle story.? However it quickly developed into a real whodunnit . Most enjoyable and even competitive towards the end.
This was an unusual lol in that it was initially a gentle story.? However it quickly developed into a real whodunnit . Most enjoyable and even competitive towards the end.
May 14, 2020
Genie Twist
Calling all genealogical research nerds. We have all been frustrated by similar family names. This story also has close birthdays. I love the story of the hunt and how the author reveals the truth.
Calling all genealogical research nerds. We have all been frustrated by similar family names. This story also has close birthdays. I love the story of the hunt and how the author reveals the truth.
June 21, 2020
I couldnt put it down !
Wonderful page turner ! I have a huge interest in genealogy. The story and information gleaned proves that nothing can be taken for granted regarding lineage!!
Wonderful page turner ! I have a huge interest in genealogy. The story and information gleaned proves that nothing can be taken for granted regarding lineage!!
February 21, 2021
Intriguing Genealogical Mystery
I thought the writing style was a bit stilted at the beginning of this book but was soon swept up by this rattling good tale. I will definitely read the next book.
I thought the writing style was a bit stilted at the beginning of this book but was soon swept up by this rattling good tale. I will definitely read the next book.
February 25, 2021
I really enjoyed the latter parts of this where Peter and Carol were investigating the case from different starting points. I skimmed most of the war bits. Didn't like the surprise at the end - that was a disappointment.
May 15, 2021
Genealogy first class story
A really wonderful story and if you’ve ever tried to research a family tree then this is right up your street. I loved it and hope there are more like it!
A really wonderful story and if you’ve ever tried to research a family tree then this is right up your street. I loved it and hope there are more like it!
June 11, 2021
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone with an interest in genealogy
The story held my interest from the first to the very last page
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone with an interest in genealogy
The story held my interest from the first to the very last page
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