By Elaine L. Orr
Among the broad topics that fascinate mystery readers, genealogy or family history mysteries have gained fans in the last few years. They vary from cozy mysteries to forensic mysteries so a reader can take their pick on level of gore, though in general there is far less of it in these books than, for example, thrillers.
Historical mysteries may delve into a family's past but the focus is on solving a mystery that occurred in the past rather than using census data or family heirlooms and diaries to get the clues. There could be some of that but it's not the main focus.
As I was looking at books for this blog post, I noted there are also some contemporary romances with a genealogical theme.
What is it that captivates us? Is it that old secrets refuse to remain buried? Sometimes the past collides with the present so there's no way to ignore it. Essentially, what happens when ancestry holds dangerous secrets?
As an author I delve into some of the other series, but it takes time to write so I would probably be reading more of them if I weren't writing a lot! There are very different choices when you ask for genealogy mysteries versus family history mysteries. I don't know what Amazons criteria is for the varied search results.
The series noted below are simply a smattering. Personally, I love English history, so I especially enjoy Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books. These are the Amazon links. Some books are only on that site, others are also sold elsewhere.
The Lost Ancestor (The Forensic Genealogist series Book 2) by Nathan Dylan Goodwin 2014. Eleven-book series set in England. This book is on Kindle Unlimited.
Family Secrets (Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery Book 1) by Beth Farrar. Ten-book series set in Quebec. The protagonist works with her genealogy group. Looks as if all books are on Kindle Unlimited.
Paging the Dead (A Family History Mystery Book 1) by Brynn Bonner. 2013. Four-book series set in North Carolina. This series may be finished, but you don't want to miss looking at the gorgeous covers.
The Attic's Deadly Secret (The Heritage Mysteries Book 1) by Lyra Embrerlyn. 2025. A five-book series. Novella set in New England.
The Unscheduled Murder Trip (The Family History Mystery Series Book 2) by Elaine L Orr. 2021. A five-book series set in the mountains of Western Maryland. Not in KU because the books are at all sites, but a box set of the first three is.
Even if you don't like ancestry research when it's talked about around the Thanksgiving table, take a look at some of these. I think you'll find some favorites.
Note: The photo of trees in a forest is from Depositphotos_135536030_XL.
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