The Desk From Hoboken by ML Condike

 

THE DESK FROM HOBOKEN

A Genealogy Mystery, #1

by

ML Condike

Mystery / Women Sleuths / Forensic Genealogy

Publisher: Harbor Lane Books, LLC

Date of Publication: March 5, 2024

Number of Pages: 446 pages 

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After a personal loss, forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter accepts what she believes is a straightforward case to ease back into the game: a student at Connecticut College has found human remains on the school campus. The College hires RaeJean to confirm their tentative identification that it’s a woman named Mary Rogers, whose cause of death has never been determined.

Unfortunately, it becomes downright dangerous. Someone thwarts her investigation of the same case that inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt.” Still, she meets relatives, some helpful and others not, amid escalating threats. Using her skills, including DNA analysis, historical records research, genealogy mapping, and guidance from a mystical antique desk, she follows every clue.

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The Short Story: A deep dive into a genealogy mystery

Forensic genealogist, RaeJean Hunter, recovering from a personal tragedy takes what seems like a straightforward genealogy research case, trying to prove that a young woman, Mary Rogers, who died over 180 years ago, was buried in a particular plot in a cemetery, and that the bones found are hers. I like that the case tied in with the real-life mysterious death of a young woman named Maire Roget and her connection to Edgar Allen Poe.

As a genealogy researcher myself, I was really drawn to this story, and the author takes her readers through a thorough analysis of the Rogers family history. At times, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of names and family relationships but the mystery kept me reading.

As the story unfolds, we learn that someone does not want RaeJean to continue her research but with the support of her husband, sister and a handy friend in the FBI, she is resolute in her pursuit of the facts. Some readers may find it hard to believe that someone would go to the lengths RaeJean’s mystery foe took, but I can tell you that people take their family history very seriously to the point of kookiness. I know this from experience!

The desk from the title is a character in itself. A marvellous piece of furniture with a whiff of the paranormal and a lot of secrets. It was really well plotted, and I enjoyed the slow reveal.

All in all,  a very enjoyable story. Well written and well plotted. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a great mystery.

I rate this book: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐stars!

 

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ML Condike’s novel, The Desk from Hoboken, is the first in a genealogy mystery three-book series. She also has short stories published in five anthologies. ML Condike completed Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path in Dallas in 2019 and is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime North Dallas, Granbury Writers’ Bloc, and Key West Writers Guild.

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