Hiding the Past

The Forensic Genealogist Series, Book 1

By: Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Narrated by: Jonathan Ip

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Peter Coldrick had no past; that was the conclusion drawn by years of personal and professional research. Then he employed the services of one Morton Farrier, forensic genealogist - a stubborn, determined man who uses whatever means necessary to uncover the past.

With the Coldrick Case, Morton faces his toughest and most dangerous assignment yet, where all of his investigative and genealogical skills are put to the test. However, others are also interested in the Coldrick family, people who will stop at nothing, including murder, to hide the past.

As Morton begins to unearth his client's mysterious past, he is forced to confront his own family's dark history, a history which he knows little about.

©2013 Nathan Dylan Goodwin (P)2018 Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Disappointing

I’m a genealogist so I was really looking forward to this book. The genealogy research portions of the book were quite believable and explained well. However the two main characters, purported to be in a long term relationship, were so lacking in emotion or humor that it was difficult imagine them as a couple. The narrator added to the problem with his flat unemotional voice. The very convoluted plot was difficult to follow. I actually listened to the last couple of chapters twice to see if i’d missed something. After all was done I spent some time wondering why on earth any upper class British family would be ruthlessly killing people to cover up the Nazi sympathizer leanings of the family from World War II - over 80 years ago? What’s more they conveniently left a complete written file of their involvement sitting on an open shelf in their library?

I love the genealogy involvement and the quality of the writing but the characters need more development and more humanity. The plots need more believability and they need a new narrator.

a first novel.

good story, just can't quite like the main character. hope to see development there.

Long involved but good

Enjoyable read with many twists and turns. Definitely not boring. Will follow the series for sure

Fiction a Genealogist Will Enjoy!

As a long time amateur genealogist, the plot, methodology and pace were engaging! I listened to the whole book in just two days! I can’t wait to download the next in the series.

Well done 😄

Can this many things happen to one person in such a short period of time?

I think not. I still enjoyed the genealogy part because I am doing family research. Good fast read or listen to, as the case may be.

Stumped me!

Engaged from start to finish. Enjoyed a few corny moments, and a laugh or two as I was taken straight to the end that I didn't see coming.

Not crazy about the main character

I thought the story was pretty good, and I liked most of the characters, but I really wanted to give Morton a slap upside the head. What a self-pitying prat. I'm not adopted, but honestly, it seemed like the dad and the brother wanted nothing more than to love this guy and he did everything to put them at a distance. Either explain his problem with them better, or leave off that part. It wasn't necessary to the story.

a little difficult to get started but great after.

loved it once I got past the very beginning. onto the next book to read

A good story spoiled

Firstly, there’s an entertaining story here. It unravels nicely even if it’s a bit obvious from the start. The characters are likeable enough and the relationship between brothers is engaging. However, the way Goodwin writes about women, and particularly those not attractive to the protagonist is a real problem. He is cheap and nasty in this book about fat women, unmarried women, women with too many children and women who fail to be charmed by men. It’s a really uncomfortable read.

Great book

I found the book Very interesting and enjoyable read, I couldn't wait to start the next one

Interesting new genre

I don't think the narration (performance) did this story justice. Jonathan Ip has a very deep voice, and the end parts of sentences were often a bit garbled. Also replacement sentences were input into his narration and these were quieter than his voice. (& his female voices were quieter than the 'hero' Morton Farrier). All in all it was possible to miss key words & this was frustrating.
Having said that, the story did race along and I was interested to hear the denouement.

Flatters to deceive

Was attracted to potential of a story about a forensic genealogist, but it's quite a thin plot, the villains are implausible and the voice the narrator puts on for the women is irritating. But reasonably engaging and listened to the end.

If you love a mystery this is for you

I love crime and mystery and this ticks all the boxes including genealogy as an added bonus. A really good read.

Brilliant book certainly kept me listening.

I love a book with a good solid centreline story around which a tale swirls. Twists and turns, some forseen some not. Going straight to the next case.