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Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery #2
The Somme Legacy
BY THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE IRISH INHERITANCE
When a young teacher asks genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to look into the history of his family, the only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old photograph. Her quest leads her to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years.
Who was the real heir to the Lappiter millions?
The Somme Legacy is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mystery series, but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
When a young teacher asks genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to look into the history of his family, the only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old photograph. Her quest leads her to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years.
Who was the real heir to the Lappiter millions?
The Somme Legacy is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mystery series, but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2017
490 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books445 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
February 28, 2017
I found the blurb really intriguing, about a genealogical investigator searching for answers to why there is no evidence to support claims that a couple married in Gretna Green during WW1. Jayne Sinclair is contacted by Mark Russell to find out if it true that his great-grandmother Rose Clarke married Captain David Russell, the eldest son of Lord Lappiter in 1916. They have only a couple of days to find out the truth before the property and the money will pass to the crown since the line became extinct in 1986.
As a long-time fan of mysteries in the past did I not hesitate when I got the chance to read the book. I also really liked the idea of a genealogical investigator as the main character and I loved reading about how Jayne Sinclair conducted her search. The plot in this book is interesting, with a young woman marrying a man above her status and the Captains family's resentment to her. I was fascinated to read about the suffragette movement and how involved Rose Clarke was with it. It's a sad story, Rose Clarke's story is not a happy tale, she claimed she married the man she loved, but when questioned couldn't she prove it and no until present time is someone trying to find out the truth.
However, there was one thing that just didn't work for me with this story and that was the laughable villain Herbert Small, I'm sorry I just couldn't take him serious one bit. His constant drinking of warm milk to soothe his stomach was just ridiculous. Sorry, but as a villain in a story was he really bad. I would have liked a more interesting and threatening person to try to stop Jayne Sinclair to find out the truth.
But, all and all is it an interesting story. The storyline from 1916 was moving, especially reading about how belittled women were at that time. What they had to go through to get the chance to vote is horrifying. Sitting here writing this review makes me think of all the women who fought and went to prison for their beliefs. It's something that we should be thankful for, and proud!
I want to thank the TBConFB for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
As a long-time fan of mysteries in the past did I not hesitate when I got the chance to read the book. I also really liked the idea of a genealogical investigator as the main character and I loved reading about how Jayne Sinclair conducted her search. The plot in this book is interesting, with a young woman marrying a man above her status and the Captains family's resentment to her. I was fascinated to read about the suffragette movement and how involved Rose Clarke was with it. It's a sad story, Rose Clarke's story is not a happy tale, she claimed she married the man she loved, but when questioned couldn't she prove it and no until present time is someone trying to find out the truth.
However, there was one thing that just didn't work for me with this story and that was the laughable villain Herbert Small, I'm sorry I just couldn't take him serious one bit. His constant drinking of warm milk to soothe his stomach was just ridiculous. Sorry, but as a villain in a story was he really bad. I would have liked a more interesting and threatening person to try to stop Jayne Sinclair to find out the truth.
But, all and all is it an interesting story. The storyline from 1916 was moving, especially reading about how belittled women were at that time. What they had to go through to get the chance to vote is horrifying. Sitting here writing this review makes me think of all the women who fought and went to prison for their beliefs. It's something that we should be thankful for, and proud!
I want to thank the TBConFB for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
January 31, 2017
The Somme Legacy is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mysteries. I had not read the first book in the series but this posed no problems whatsoever when reading it.
Former police detective turned genealogist Jayne Sinclair, is given just 7 days to solve mystery that spends over 100 years from the battle fields of the Somme to modern day Manchester to the suffragette movement in London at the turn of the twentieth century.
I devoured this book- it was certainly a page turner and in my opinion you could see that the author has a real love for genealogy. I will now be reading the first book in the series and hoping that M J Lee writes many more books in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mysteries series. It certainly deserves more than 5 stars!
Former police detective turned genealogist Jayne Sinclair, is given just 7 days to solve mystery that spends over 100 years from the battle fields of the Somme to modern day Manchester to the suffragette movement in London at the turn of the twentieth century.
I devoured this book- it was certainly a page turner and in my opinion you could see that the author has a real love for genealogy. I will now be reading the first book in the series and hoping that M J Lee writes many more books in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mysteries series. It certainly deserves more than 5 stars!
March 2, 2017
The Somme Legacy is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair genealogical mystery series (the first being The Irish Inheritance) but it definitely works well as a stand-alone story.
Jayne takes on what seems an impossible case – not only finding the proof that will allow her client, Mark Russell, to submit a claim on the Lappiter estate but doing so in only seven days. After this, if unclaimed, the estate will pass to the Crown. The key to her client’s case is finding evidence of the marriage between Mark’s great grandfather, Captain David Russell, the eldest son of Lord Lappiter and Rose Clarke – a marriage that all the records say never took place. Despite the difficulties and in the face of opposition from Mark’s father, Jayne decides to take on the case.
Jayne is an engaging protagonist with an interesting back story. I particularly liked the relationship between Jayne and her father. You get the sense that she embraces the case as much to give her a sense of purpose again as for financial reward. In fact, Jayne begins to feel a real connection and, perhaps sense of female solidarity, with Rose Clarke.
‘She was going to find out what happened to Rose Clarke, with or without the help of the Russells. She owed this woman something for all she had suffered in her fight for other women. Even now, over 100 years later, Jayne felt she could still right the wrongs of the past. It was why she did what she did.’
The book alternates between the present day search for evidence and the story of David and Rose from the time of their first meeting in 1913. I thought David and Rose were well-drawn, believable characters and there was a real sense of authenticity about the scenes set in the past, particularly the details of Rose’s involvement in the suffragette. In fact, David and Rose’s story might have made a good book in its own right. However, I did feel that the characters (both in the past and present) trying to thwart the Russells’ claim could have been a bit less ‘pantomime villain’. Personally, I felt there was sufficient jeopardy created by the looming deadline to lodge the claim.
The descriptions of the genealogical sources available and the mechanics of searching historical records had a real sense of authenticity. This story would be perfect for fans of Heir Hunters, Who Do You Think You Are or anyone who has either researched their family history or thought about doing so. Equally, it will appeal to lovers of historical fiction set during the First World War.
This was a very satisfying, entertaining story which resisted the temptation to provide a saccharine ending.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest review.
To read this and reviews of other great books, visit my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
Jayne takes on what seems an impossible case – not only finding the proof that will allow her client, Mark Russell, to submit a claim on the Lappiter estate but doing so in only seven days. After this, if unclaimed, the estate will pass to the Crown. The key to her client’s case is finding evidence of the marriage between Mark’s great grandfather, Captain David Russell, the eldest son of Lord Lappiter and Rose Clarke – a marriage that all the records say never took place. Despite the difficulties and in the face of opposition from Mark’s father, Jayne decides to take on the case.
Jayne is an engaging protagonist with an interesting back story. I particularly liked the relationship between Jayne and her father. You get the sense that she embraces the case as much to give her a sense of purpose again as for financial reward. In fact, Jayne begins to feel a real connection and, perhaps sense of female solidarity, with Rose Clarke.
‘She was going to find out what happened to Rose Clarke, with or without the help of the Russells. She owed this woman something for all she had suffered in her fight for other women. Even now, over 100 years later, Jayne felt she could still right the wrongs of the past. It was why she did what she did.’
The book alternates between the present day search for evidence and the story of David and Rose from the time of their first meeting in 1913. I thought David and Rose were well-drawn, believable characters and there was a real sense of authenticity about the scenes set in the past, particularly the details of Rose’s involvement in the suffragette. In fact, David and Rose’s story might have made a good book in its own right. However, I did feel that the characters (both in the past and present) trying to thwart the Russells’ claim could have been a bit less ‘pantomime villain’. Personally, I felt there was sufficient jeopardy created by the looming deadline to lodge the claim.
The descriptions of the genealogical sources available and the mechanics of searching historical records had a real sense of authenticity. This story would be perfect for fans of Heir Hunters, Who Do You Think You Are or anyone who has either researched their family history or thought about doing so. Equally, it will appeal to lovers of historical fiction set during the First World War.
This was a very satisfying, entertaining story which resisted the temptation to provide a saccharine ending.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest review.
To read this and reviews of other great books, visit my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
August 19, 2022
5 Stars ... I enjoyed this story so much! I am fascinated by Jayne's determination to find answers to old, old questions. This story was proof that the past CANNOT stay hidden forever. The family she was assisting were a strange family ... as strange as the older generations that she was searching for. The old Lady was truly a weird person. Would not have believed a mother could be so cruel, but I have met a couple of mothers just like that. Thankful that Jayne found the info the father & son needed. Would have felt better if she had found it sooner.
What is next M. J. Lee?
What is next M. J. Lee?
February 4, 2021
Unread shelf project 2021: book 18.
Ahhh these books are brain Candy. I literally could not put this one down last night so I read from about 56% to the end before I finally let myself go to bed.
Such an intriguing story — I love the plots and the characterization. Uffff. On to book three, I think, but I’ll probably have to buy it since my library doesn’t have a kindle copy. **rubs hands together** Book acquisition time! (Not like I need any more books though...)
Ahhh these books are brain Candy. I literally could not put this one down last night so I read from about 56% to the end before I finally let myself go to bed.
Such an intriguing story — I love the plots and the characterization. Uffff. On to book three, I think, but I’ll probably have to buy it since my library doesn’t have a kindle copy. **rubs hands together** Book acquisition time! (Not like I need any more books though...)
August 26, 2020
Such a sad book - at least the history behind the genealogical search is sad, the events of 2016 are not in themselves. And the amount of detective work required to solve the mystery of whether or not a marriage took place in 1916, or was just the rambling notion of a lady who had spent most of her life as a patient in a psychiatric hospital, was fascinating.
Working to a deadline added a frisson of extra excitement to doing the genealogical search, and moved along the 2016 story line, but I would have found the search fascinating anyway. But in the end, the sadness of the Rose and David story is what will stay with me.
Working to a deadline added a frisson of extra excitement to doing the genealogical search, and moved along the 2016 story line, but I would have found the search fascinating anyway. But in the end, the sadness of the Rose and David story is what will stay with me.
February 5, 2017
Ex-police officer turned genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, is hired by Mark Russell to investigate his great, great grandfather's family - could Mark be the the inheritor of the Lappiter estate before time runs out and the estate is forfeit to the Crown? But there is no proof that his great, great grandfather ever married his great, great grandmother, let alone had a son and heir.
As the story unfolds we follow the life and love of David Russell and Rose Clarke - a story that encompasses the suffragette movement, the horrors of the battle of the Somme and Rose's mysterious incarceration into an asylum.
I absolutely loved this story and found it difficult to put down. Its a superbly told and pacy story that keeps you turning the pages to discover more and more as the layers of the plot peel away.
As a nurse with a deep fascination for all things WW1, I was unashamedly drawn to it by the cover. I was not disappointed; it is the first M J Lee book that I have read and it wont be the last - I'm off to download book 1!
As the story unfolds we follow the life and love of David Russell and Rose Clarke - a story that encompasses the suffragette movement, the horrors of the battle of the Somme and Rose's mysterious incarceration into an asylum.
I absolutely loved this story and found it difficult to put down. Its a superbly told and pacy story that keeps you turning the pages to discover more and more as the layers of the plot peel away.
As a nurse with a deep fascination for all things WW1, I was unashamedly drawn to it by the cover. I was not disappointed; it is the first M J Lee book that I have read and it wont be the last - I'm off to download book 1!
February 6, 2017
A real page turner of a book! I hadn't read the first book in the series but it's not necessary to enjoy this one. Jayne Sinclair is a very likeable character and this book proves that you don't need murder, violence and mayhem to create a suspenseful, edge of your seat mystery. I do have a vested interest, as an ex school archivist I am fascinated by old documents and personal histories and this story, beginning with events during WWI, is heart wrenching at times.
My only slight quibble is that there is one thread that I didn't think added anything to the story and I'm not sure why it's there which is the only reason that this is 4.5 stars for me rather than 5.
I loved this book and look forward to more in the series.
My thanks to TBConFB for this arc in return for an honest review.
My only slight quibble is that there is one thread that I didn't think added anything to the story and I'm not sure why it's there which is the only reason that this is 4.5 stars for me rather than 5.
I loved this book and look forward to more in the series.
My thanks to TBConFB for this arc in return for an honest review.
February 1, 2017
I received an ARC from TBConFB for an honest review.
What a cleverly written book that stretches over a century. Despite the chapters moving to the different eras the book continues to flow.
I loved reading about the different class prejudices, the historical facts regarding WW1 and the Suffragette movement.
The combination of the research into facts proving that the marriage of David and Rose Russell really was written well. I enjoyed reading the determination of Jayne Sinclair to prove to herself that the love was real.
What a cleverly written book that stretches over a century. Despite the chapters moving to the different eras the book continues to flow.
I loved reading about the different class prejudices, the historical facts regarding WW1 and the Suffragette movement.
The combination of the research into facts proving that the marriage of David and Rose Russell really was written well. I enjoyed reading the determination of Jayne Sinclair to prove to herself that the love was real.
February 23, 2022
Twists and turns
A second great book of this series read in under two days! Love this series, on to book three. Bravo!
A second great book of this series read in under two days! Love this series, on to book three. Bravo!
February 9, 2017
Thank you to TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of 'The Somme Legacy'.
This is the second in the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery series by M.J Lee and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first in the series 'The Irish Inheritance'.
The story moves seamlessly between the past and the present, with the genealogical aspect adding to the intrigue and suspense as the events of the past slowly begin to reveal themselves.
Jayne Sinclair herself is a fascinating character, who is brought vividly to life in this series of books and I very much hope to see more of her in the future.
The weakest part of the story was the villain who sometimes came across as a bit of a 'pantomime villain' to me, but other than that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well researched historical mystery with the added bonus of a genealogical twist.
A fabulous 4 stars.
This is the second in the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery series by M.J Lee and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first in the series 'The Irish Inheritance'.
The story moves seamlessly between the past and the present, with the genealogical aspect adding to the intrigue and suspense as the events of the past slowly begin to reveal themselves.
Jayne Sinclair herself is a fascinating character, who is brought vividly to life in this series of books and I very much hope to see more of her in the future.
The weakest part of the story was the villain who sometimes came across as a bit of a 'pantomime villain' to me, but other than that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well researched historical mystery with the added bonus of a genealogical twist.
A fabulous 4 stars.
February 10, 2017
I would like to thank Helen at TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
I have always wanted to trace my family tree so the blurb on this intrigued me.
Although it is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery series, I had no problem reading it as a stand-alone mystery.
Ex-policewoman Jayne is now an investigator doing genealogical research.
Her latest client asks her to look into his great, great grandfather's life as he believes he could be the heir to the estate. The main problem Jayne has is the limited time she's got before the estate reverts to the Crown.
The story moves between 1916 and 2016 but is very easy to follow.
This book proves that you don't need blood and guts to produce a good mystery.
I will certainly be reading more books in this series.
I have always wanted to trace my family tree so the blurb on this intrigued me.
Although it is the second book in the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mystery series, I had no problem reading it as a stand-alone mystery.
Ex-policewoman Jayne is now an investigator doing genealogical research.
Her latest client asks her to look into his great, great grandfather's life as he believes he could be the heir to the estate. The main problem Jayne has is the limited time she's got before the estate reverts to the Crown.
The story moves between 1916 and 2016 but is very easy to follow.
This book proves that you don't need blood and guts to produce a good mystery.
I will certainly be reading more books in this series.
February 9, 2017
The Somme Legacy by MJ Lee is a genealogical mystery read.
When a young teacher asks genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to look into the history of his family, the only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old photograph. Her quest leads her to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years.
Good read with good characters. I liked the story. Little slow. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
When a young teacher asks genealogical investigator, Jayne Sinclair, to look into the history of his family, the only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old photograph. Her quest leads her to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years.
Good read with good characters. I liked the story. Little slow. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
January 6, 2018
"The Somme Legacy" - written by M J Lee and published in 2017. Another fine story featuring genealogist Jayne Sinclair, the second in the series. This readable novel combines mystery, family history research, and historical events and I especially appreciated the WWI stories. A main character recovering from injuries is portrayed weaving baskets as occupational therapy and I have a copy of a newspaper clipping of my own relative doing the very same thing. Jayne is hired to prove the marriage of ancestors of an estate that is very close to being released to the public coffers, so it's a race against time to track down witnesses and documents, all the while dodging others who are intent on thwarting her efforts. "Jayne felt she could still right the wrongs of the past. It was why she did what she did." A well-written novel with non-stop action.
January 31, 2018
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Irish Inheritance, The Somme Legacy is even better. This second book makes for compulsive reading. Not only does it have a moving love story, in its dual timelines (1916 and 2016) the author gives us a real taste of life during World War I both in the trenches and in hospitals and homes away from the front lines. The history of the suffragettes is also touched upon, and Lee successfully manages to weave all this history into his story without dulling it or slowing the pace. He also creates some memorable characters. Rose will stay with me for a long time, and Herbert Small and the Russell family are the sort of villains that readers love to hate.
Rose's life as a suffragette and as a woman forced to live out her life in an asylum is the beacon in The Somme Legacy. As Jane learns Rose's story, she refuses to give up her search for the truth-- Rose's truth-- that everyone refused to believe a century ago. Rose's plight also shows how having a person declared insane can completely change the dynamics of a family with lasting effects even a century later.
Jayne's investigation is fascinating. Yes, readers learn about inheritance laws in the UK, but it's how she methodically works to track down the missing documents she needs that draws readers ever deeper into the story. Her job is an extremely difficult one because-- unbeknownst to her, an obstacle course has been deliberately set up so that she will fail. With my sympathies firmly for Rose, M.J. Lee certainly had me cheering on Jayne Sinclair as she works against the clock to prove Rose was right.
Jayne's background as a police officer helps her in more ways than one-- even providing a needed bit of humor now and again. With this second book being even better than the first, I can't wait to get my hands on the third-- The American Candidate!
Rose's life as a suffragette and as a woman forced to live out her life in an asylum is the beacon in The Somme Legacy. As Jane learns Rose's story, she refuses to give up her search for the truth-- Rose's truth-- that everyone refused to believe a century ago. Rose's plight also shows how having a person declared insane can completely change the dynamics of a family with lasting effects even a century later.
Jayne's investigation is fascinating. Yes, readers learn about inheritance laws in the UK, but it's how she methodically works to track down the missing documents she needs that draws readers ever deeper into the story. Her job is an extremely difficult one because-- unbeknownst to her, an obstacle course has been deliberately set up so that she will fail. With my sympathies firmly for Rose, M.J. Lee certainly had me cheering on Jayne Sinclair as she works against the clock to prove Rose was right.
Jayne's background as a police officer helps her in more ways than one-- even providing a needed bit of humor now and again. With this second book being even better than the first, I can't wait to get my hands on the third-- The American Candidate!
April 9, 2017
Like her first book Jayne is solving a mystery in the past, proving the marriage of a shopgirl and a young lord. Clues revolve around a Sufragette's badge, some old clippings, and WWI and of course the battle of the Somme. And of course there is someone who opposes Jayne's research, and an incredibly tight timeline that lends excitement to the mystery.
February 7, 2019
Great Story
I really enjoy the the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mysteries. They are well written with great characters and superb stories. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
I really enjoy the the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mysteries. They are well written with great characters and superb stories. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
June 21, 2021
I loved this absorbing book and found the history really fascinating. I didn't know what the suffragettes went through and knew nothing of the VAE women. David and Rose's story was just so sad. I found the book really hard to put down.
July 16, 2021
This is the first book I have read in this series, and found it hard to put down. Jayne Sinclair is asked to find evidence to prove that Rose Clarke married Captain David Russell, so their descendants can claim their inheritance. However, they need to do so in a handful of days before the 30 year statute of limitations expires. Whilst the ending was somewhat predictable, the author effectively maintained the suspense and this reader's interest. I shall definitely be reading more titles in this series.
June 28, 2021
Loved it, another well written genealogy tale
I love genealogy, so I love these tales. The search and then the pleasure of uncovering family. Jayne is a good genealogist, shows understanding of a person desire to know. Okay so trouble pops up, when others want her to stop or they try to prevent their secrets being uncovered. She bounces back, even more determined to uncover the truth.
I love genealogy, so I love these tales. The search and then the pleasure of uncovering family. Jayne is a good genealogist, shows understanding of a person desire to know. Okay so trouble pops up, when others want her to stop or they try to prevent their secrets being uncovered. She bounces back, even more determined to uncover the truth.
January 15, 2024
This is the 2nd of the Jayne Sinclair series. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the first, as it could have been edited down just a bit in my opinion. The outline fo the story continues with this edition, Sinclair gets a client, Sinclair finds basic genealogical info, Sinclair gets attacked by a crazed foe, Sinclair finds the missing piece, case solved. These are short, fast, gripping enough reads for a relaxing weekend.
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed this very much. It is a genealogical mystery with Jayne Sinclair undertaking an unpaid investigation into a marriage that doesn't appear to have taken place!
I like the mixture of historical and present day scenes. I also like the fact that, all in all, most of the historical scenes were accessible from the information that she finds in the course of the investigation, or possibly from general historical knowledge. The story covers the period of the First World War and topics which are pretty familiar at the moment with the centenaries we are marking. I recognised the meaning of certain findings before Jayne did but I think that is because she is coming to genealogical investigations from a career in the police, rather than from a background in history. It is a good job that she has friends and family that she can call on for more insights.
It is an engaging story with a hard deadline to rush around for and a mixture of sad and happy parts. There are rounded characters with interesting characteristics and a fair share of good and bad ones. There is an adequate smattering of driving around to undertake research in various genealogical archives, including Gretna Green, which is new for me. Genealogical mysteries often depend for their excitement on interference and sometimes violence from those in the present who do not want the truth to be out. This book follows that convention to a certain extent. However, the present day aggro is psychologically believable and Jayne deals with it all sensibly without jumping to crazy conclusions about the perpetrator and without holding up the story.
A fun, relatively light, book to read if you like genealogical mysteries or even just mysteries.
I like the mixture of historical and present day scenes. I also like the fact that, all in all, most of the historical scenes were accessible from the information that she finds in the course of the investigation, or possibly from general historical knowledge. The story covers the period of the First World War and topics which are pretty familiar at the moment with the centenaries we are marking. I recognised the meaning of certain findings before Jayne did but I think that is because she is coming to genealogical investigations from a career in the police, rather than from a background in history. It is a good job that she has friends and family that she can call on for more insights.
It is an engaging story with a hard deadline to rush around for and a mixture of sad and happy parts. There are rounded characters with interesting characteristics and a fair share of good and bad ones. There is an adequate smattering of driving around to undertake research in various genealogical archives, including Gretna Green, which is new for me. Genealogical mysteries often depend for their excitement on interference and sometimes violence from those in the present who do not want the truth to be out. This book follows that convention to a certain extent. However, the present day aggro is psychologically believable and Jayne deals with it all sensibly without jumping to crazy conclusions about the perpetrator and without holding up the story.
A fun, relatively light, book to read if you like genealogical mysteries or even just mysteries.
September 11, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
I found it hard to put down, I enjoyed reading this book, the story unfolded with twists and turns , It flowed together so nicely that I never noticed which was present or 1916, I definitely recommend this book.
I found it hard to put down, I enjoyed reading this book, the story unfolded with twists and turns , It flowed together so nicely that I never noticed which was present or 1916, I definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2019
Fascinating Story
Great mystery right to the end with insights to the English suffrage movement as well as WW1 and English laws during that period
Great mystery right to the end with insights to the English suffrage movement as well as WW1 and English laws during that period
June 13, 2021
Brilliant book on investigating the past
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the investigation into family history research. Also liked the two stories running parallel with each other. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in genealogy.
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the investigation into family history research. Also liked the two stories running parallel with each other. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in genealogy.
July 6, 2021
This is a fantastic series. I love genealogy and history so the combination is perfect for me. I work as a genealogist so enjoy the "tools of the trade" being described in detail.
I love the way that factual history is woven into the search for genealogical answers. It is fascinating how the family's history and all their foibles are set against the backdrop of World War I. The descriptions are pretty accurate and add to the suspense of the story. This is part of a series but could be read as a stand-alone book if one is just interested in the World War I era.
I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series. I generally start a new one soon after completing a current one.
I love the way that factual history is woven into the search for genealogical answers. It is fascinating how the family's history and all their foibles are set against the backdrop of World War I. The descriptions are pretty accurate and add to the suspense of the story. This is part of a series but could be read as a stand-alone book if one is just interested in the World War I era.
I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series. I generally start a new one soon after completing a current one.
August 21, 2018
Jayne returns to investigate the great grandmother of a client and his father who claimed to have married a Lord on the eve of the Somme. An heir hunter had contacted them, but they took against him and hired Jayne instead. The father is quite opposed to it, but the son wants to know if the story is true - less for the possible money and title, but for knowing the truth. Rose claimed until her dying day to have married him, but spent decades in an asylum. Some parties want this claim to fail and go to ridiculous lengths to stop the hunt. It comes down to the wire so the tension is high.
March 3, 2017
Really enjoyed this genealogical mystery.
From the book description: "July 1, 1916. The Somme, France. A British Officer prepares to go over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. March 28, 2016. Manchester. England. Genealogical investigator Jayne Sinclair, a former police detective, is commissioned by a young teacher to look into the history of his family. The only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old drawing of a young woman. Her quest leads to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years. Who was the real heir to the Lappiter millions?"
From the book description: "July 1, 1916. The Somme, France. A British Officer prepares to go over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. March 28, 2016. Manchester. England. Genealogical investigator Jayne Sinclair, a former police detective, is commissioned by a young teacher to look into the history of his family. The only clues are a medallion with purple, white and green ribbons, and an old drawing of a young woman. Her quest leads to a secret buried in the trenches of World War One for over 100 years. Who was the real heir to the Lappiter millions?"
May 31, 2020
Intriguing Mystery
This is well written. The characters seem realistic and the plot is tight. If you enjoy historical novels , you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to reading M.J. Lee's next book.
This is well written. The characters seem realistic and the plot is tight. If you enjoy historical novels , you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to reading M.J. Lee's next book.
June 1, 2020
Another good Book
Interesting Story, well written and good Characterization. Very sad in parts but I enjoyed it very much. Onto no three.
Interesting Story, well written and good Characterization. Very sad in parts but I enjoyed it very much. Onto no three.
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