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.
My Review
The Desk From Hoboken is a forensic genealogy mystery - which is something I have never read before! It follows RaeJean, or Rae, as she tries to uncover the mysterious details surrounding the death of Mary Rogers. Thrilling and exciting, this book takes a new angle to crime mysteries, bringing together history with detective fiction.
One thing I really liked about this book was its perspective. It is told in first-person from RaeJean's POV. I enjoyed her adventure a lot. It had danger, thrills, and plenty of puzzles to piece together. Rae is also unique in that she is a forensic genealogist. When I've read other mysteries I've gotten used to reading from the perspective of official detectives or amateur detectives (bakers, scholars, etc.) and less so from forensic scientist angles. However, forensic genealogy is rather different from the usual forensics, making this a distinct read based on that alone. I love the historical elements added and the trails that can be followed that aren't typical in mysteries.
This book deals with some big topics, some of which may be of concern to some readers. There are discussions of abortion and pregnancy struggles, as well as a fight to find faith after traumatic events from the past. These aspects play a big role in discovering the secrets surrounding Mary Rogers and her fate. While the name may be recognizable to many, I actually wasn't all that familiar with her story before this book. I found this to be a very interesting novel that led me on quite a few research paths to learn more about the facts surrounding the people and events - as far as what is actually known. These are just things to be aware of as some readers may not find them to be their cup of tea.
I really liked the pacing, the relationship dynamic Rae has with Sam, and really, who doesn't love corgis? All in all, I found this to be a highly enjoyable and fresh mystery. I've read several so it's nice to find stories that are different, using different clues, character backgrounds, and alternate occupations from the norm. I give The Desk from Hoboken a Lone Star rating of ✯✯✯✯ stars.
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1st: signed paperback and Corgi plush toy
2nd: signed paperback and $25 Amazon gift card
3rd: choice of $25 gift card or signed paperback
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 03/29/24)
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Great review! I always enjoy when an author gives readers a what if scenario about a historical mystery, and this sounds terrific -- and like you said, fresh! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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