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Hiding the Past (The Forensic Genealogist Series) Paperback – September 15, 2013

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin (Author)

4,170 ratings

Book 1 of 10: The Forensic Genealogist Series

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‘At times amusing and shocking, this is a fast-moving modern crime mystery with genealogical twists. The blend of well fleshed-out characters, complete with flaws and foibles, will keep you guessing until the end’
Family Tree magazine

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's investigation leads him deeper into the Coldrick family's dark history, he is also forced to confront his own family's secrets, which have been buried for far too long. With powerful enemies lurking in the shadows, will Morton be able to uncover the truth before it's too late?

This is the first book in the Forensic Genealogist series.

‘Once I started reading Hiding the Past I had great difficulty putting it down - not only did I want to know what happened next, I actually cared’
LostCousins

‘This is a must read for all genealogy buffs and anyone who loves a good mystery with a jaw dropping ending!’
Baytown Genealogy Society

‘This is a good read and will appeal to anyone interested in family history. I can thoroughly recommend it’
Cheshire Ancestor

‘Hiding the Past is a suspenseful, fast-paced mystery novel, in which the hero is drawn into an intrigue that spans from World War II to the present, with twists and turns along the way. The writing is smooth and the story keeps moving along so that I found it difficult to put down’
The Archivist

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Flicking between the present and stories and extracts from the past, the pace never lets up in an excellent addition to this unique genre of literature'
Your Family Tree magazine

'At times amusing and shocking, this is a fast-moving modern crime mystery with genealogical twists. The blend of well fleshed-out characters, complete with flaws and foibles, will keep you guessing until the end'
Family Tree magazine

'Once I started reading Hiding the Past I had great difficulty putting it down - not only did I want to know what happened next, I actually cared'
LostCousins

'This is a must read for all genealogy buffs and anyone who loves a good mystery with a jaw dropping ending!'
Baytown Genealogy Society

'This is a good read and will appeal to anyone interested in family history. I can thoroughly recommend it'
Cheshire Ancestor

'Hiding the Past is a suspenseful, fast-paced mystery novel, in which the hero is drawn into an intrigue that spans from World War II to the present, with twists and turns along the way. The writing is smooth and the story keeps moving along so that I found it difficult to put down'
The Archivist

About the Author

Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a writer, genealogist and educator. He was born and raised in Hastings, East Sussex. Having attended school in the town, he then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Film and Television Studies, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University. A member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers' Association, he has completed several local history books about Hastings, as well as several works of fiction, including the acclaimed Forensic Genealogist series, the Mrs McDougall Investigates series and the Venator Cold Case series. His other interests include theatre, reading, running, skiing, travelling and, of course, genealogy. He is a qualified teacher, member of the Guild of One-Name Studies and the Society of Genealogists, as well as being a member of the Sussex Family History Group, the Norfolk Family History Society and the Kent Family History Society. He lives in Kent with his husband, son, dog and an assortment of chickens.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 15, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1492737429
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1492737421
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #466,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,501 in Historical Mystery
- #3,942 in Private Investigator Mysteries (Books)
- #9,222 in Amateur Sleuths

Customer Reviews:
4,170 ratings

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Nathan Dylan Goodwin

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Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a writer, genealogist and educator. He was born and raised in Hastings, East Sussex. Having attended school in the town, he then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Film and Television Studies, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University. A member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers’ Association, he has completed several local history books about Hastings, as well as several works of fiction, including the acclaimed Forensic Genealogist series, the Mrs McDougall Investigates series and the Venator Cold Case series.

His other interests include theatre, reading, running, skiing, travelling and, of course, genealogy. He is a qualified teacher, member of the Guild of One-Name Studies and the Society of Genealogists, as well as being a member of the Sussex Family History Group, the Norfolk Family History Society and the Kent Family History Society. He lives in Kent with his husband, son, dog and an assortment of chickens.

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4,170 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this mystery novel for its intriguing storyline with interesting twists and well-crafted dialogue. They appreciate how it uses genealogy as an investigative tool, with one review highlighting specific techniques for searching ancestors. Customers praise the writing quality and character development, with one noting how the author skillfully weaves multiple characters into a riveting plot. Customers find it a fun read, particularly for those interested in genealogy, and appreciate the helpful research avenues mentioned throughout the book. The pace receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others report a slow start.

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Suspense Readability Genealogy Writing quality Character development Enjoyment Research avenues Pace

134 customers mention "Suspense"124 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful elements of the book, praising its interesting storyline with unexpected twists and well-woven plot.

"I enjoyed the twists and turns of this mystery. Family genealogy is one of my hobbies...." Read more

"...The reader is given tantalizing bits of James’ back story as Morton picks apart the conspiracy and brings the perpetrators to justice...." Read more

"...Good subject ideas and kept me interested...." Read more

"...The characters are lively and fun and the plots intriguing. Now I have finally read the first book in the series and was not disappointed...." Read more

84 customers mention "Readability"81 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable, with one mentioning they read it on a train journey.

"...Somehow though, I missed this one along the way. It was very fun to read it knowing the future of the characters...." Read more

"...This is a most enjoyable British series about a forensic genealogist and his adventures...." Read more

"...The main problem I had with this book, although it's not bad and worth reading, is that there is everything in it!..." Read more

"...was well conceived, moved along at a good pace, and was a book that I enjoyed reading...." Read more

52 customers mention "Genealogy"52 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to genealogy as an investigative tool, describing it as an exciting mystery thriller. They enjoy the jockeying of genealogical research, and one customer notes that it includes several techniques for searching for ancestors.

"...It is clear from Goodwin's writing that he has a solid background in genealogical research as well as modern forensic methods...." Read more

"...This is a most enjoyable British series about a forensic genealogist and his adventures...." Read more

"...has a background in solid genealogical research as well as modern forensic methods. His knowledge brings a level of realism to Morton’s methods...." Read more

"...I am & I did. I couldn’t put it down. But this book is more than historical, genealogical research...." Read more

47 customers mention "Writing quality"34 positive13 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its great dialogue and easy readability, with one customer describing it as a well-crafted crime novel.

"...and involves you in the character's world immediately, and colourful scenic descriptions of one who loves his subject matter and pours it into his..." Read more

"...The author is skilled enough (and evidently enthusiastic enough about genealogical research) that even those segments are dramatic...." Read more

"...some of the action would have been left out, it just seemed too much information and too much action for me." Read more

"So far so good! He is an excellent author, and I enjoy his writing. I’ve only recently discovered his books. Have many ahead of me! O boy, !!!" Read more

36 customers mention "Character development"26 positive10 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the author skillfully weaves multiple characters into a riveting plot.

"...I liked the main character, Morton...." Read more

"...The characters are lively and fun and the plots intriguing. Now I have finally read the first book in the series and was not disappointed...." Read more

"...Not all of the characters are particularly well-drawn but the historical detail is interesting and it rattles along at a good paste moving between..." Read more

"...Great charming characters and complex story lines.I look forward to more. Thank u Mr Goodwin. ☺" Read more

30 customers mention "Enjoyment"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book, finding it a fun and engaging mystery with plenty of laughs, particularly appealing to those interested in genealogy.

"...Hiding the Past was a delightful Sunday afternoon read. Morton Farrier is easy to like, and I look forward to the next book in this series." Read more

"Great read. Story was compelling and funny as well. I like Morton and want to know more about him and his craft" Read more

"...UK based mysteries are not usually my favorites, this one held my interest throughout...." Read more

"...34;Hiding the Past" is a good read. Not stellar, but enjoyable enough...." Read more

11 customers mention "Research avenues"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to research, with helpful mentions of various avenues, and one customer noting its methodical and detailed nature.

"More of a light read than a dramatic novel. Good subject ideas and kept me interested...." Read more

"...What was especially interesting to me was the detailed, methodical approach a professional genealogist employs to arrive a the proper conoclusion...." Read more

"Nathan Dylan Goodwin writes a book. History is good and informative.Morton Farrier is a great forensic genealogist ...." Read more

"Interesting book. Enjoyed exploring the different methods used when it was written and comparing them to what has been used in the past here as..." Read more

20 customers mention "Pace"13 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it a fast read and fast-paced, while others report a slow start and find the story becoming ludicrous.

"...; however, that said, the story was well conceived, moved along at a good pace, and was a book that I enjoyed reading...." Read more

"While it was interesting as far as researching, the story was a bit silly...." Read more

"...The story had me anxious to wrap the case up but I slowed down to fully appreciate the mystery. One does not need to be a genealogist to be drawn in." Read more

"...I did read about it, however, on one of my genealogy blogs. It's fast-paced. The dialogue is witty...." Read more

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CollieLover
Very exciting plot
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2025
Verified Purchase

This book surprises you almost from the beginning till the end. I've read other Farrier mysteries, but didn't expect so many things to happen in the one book I somehow missed. It is true that you can read the series in any order, although the continuity of the life of Morton Farrier is a little confusing if you've read some of the later ones first. I always like to start a series from the beginning and go to the end. Somehow though, I missed this one along the way. It was very fun to read it knowing the future of the characters. And that didn't harm enjoying the story at all.

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RAM/JTM
I love a mystery!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
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I enjoyed the twists and turns of this mystery. Family genealogy is one of my hobbies. I found the use of forensic genealogy to be quite interesting in this setting.

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Jean
Hiding the Past, genealogy and mystery together
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2020
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I was drawn to this book because I'm a genealogist and I love a good mystery, so you could get two for the price of one. “Hiding the Past” is the first book in Nathan Dylan Goodwin's Forensic Genealogist series. Mr. Goodwin introduces us to his protagonist Morton Farrier who is forensic genealogist who has been hired by one Peter Coldrick to look into his past and his father's adoption through a children's home. Peter takes what information he has, an old cooper box and a picture of young woman holding a baby. He also shares that his father was taken to children's home in the days following D-Day in 1944.

It is clear from Goodwin's writing that he has a solid background in genealogical research as well as modern forensic methods. This knowledge brings a level of realism to the character of Morton. Throughout the story the narrative switches between two time periods: Morton’s present day world as he pieces the clues together and the days up to and preceding D-day in 1944 when James Coldrick was an infant. The reader is given tantalizing bits of James’ back story as Morton picks apart the conspiracy and brings the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, the reader learns about Morton’s back story is woven in, from the conflict with his father because he found out he was actually adopted and his younger brother is his parents real son, and they have treated them as such. As the investigation continues Morton father has a serious heart attack, which brings a need for his father to speak more about Morton's past and parentage comes into focus. At the same time the case of James Coldrick is also speeding toward a harrowing conclusion. Since this is the first book in the series, the mystery of Morton’s parentage creates a larger story which goes beyond the first novel.

Any genealogist can relate to the thrill of discovering a new clue, or to the disappointment of not finding a record where it should be. Hiding the Past is an entertaining mystery with a sufficient hook at the end to leave the reader waiting for the next installment. I have already started reading the second book, “The Lost Ancestor”.

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19 people found this helpful

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Ben Lloyd
ENTERTAINING but could have been better
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2016
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More of a light read than a dramatic novel. Good subject ideas and kept me interested. I feel however that the author missed out on a grand opportunity to entertain and capture the reader - the exquisite historical setting has largely been ignored. The reader never gets a real feel for the depth of the history of the book's location. The author could have embellished and broadened the book with rich descriptions and history of the locale, widening the book's appeal and giving a greater literary satisfaction to his audience. HIs perhaps rather insular perspective may spring from 'familiarity breeds contempt' and he does not realise how compelling the historical aspect of the setting is, especially to all his foreign readers - we are not all England born and I found myself sitting with an atlas and searching google maps to understand the minimal description we were given of the city of Canterbury. I never knew the city was walled and on discovering what it looked like on google street view I was more than surprised that the author had not taken the opportunity to enrich his story with history and scenic beauty. This book could have been a thumpingly good read but isn't. I realise it is a first foray into the world of publishing and I understand the concept of focus and trying not to bite off more than one can chew on your first novel, and it certainly does leave the author room to develop - but still it could have been bigger and better. The lead character for all his knowledge does some stupid things - who breaks into a property where remaining undetected is of the utmost importance and does not turn off their cellphone so an incoming text gives away his presence?? Not much of a sleuth. That type of story line simply makes one want to skip passages & pages out of disregard and frustration, and surely no author could possibly be wishing to encourage that. The author is also is rather lacking on the emotional level of the relationship between his lead characters. The reader is not emotionally engaged at any stage and this adds to the lightweight feel of the book. I will read his next ones in the series later perhaps, but by comparison I next read Jimmy Fox's genealogical thrillers and they are for more high level with engaging emotional intensity which captures the reader and involves you in the character's world immediately, and colourful scenic descriptions of one who loves his subject matter and pours it into his writing - and therefore delivers a richer literary experience..

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Valleygirl
Love this book
Reviewed in Canada on October 15, 2023
Verified Purchase

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was so different from the usual mysteries and as someone who delves in genealogy this was perfect. I want to read the rest of the series.

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Peter the constant reader
Thriller combining past and present crimes
Reviewed in Australia on November 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Did not know what to expect from this book but glad I read it . Forensic Genealogist Morton Farrier is asked by Peter Coldrick to trace his family tree. This at first proves to be a dead end at Peter’s father, James Coldrick. Morton is Peter’s last hope but hours after he hires Morton, Peter apparently commits suicide which Morton refuses to believe. He continues his search finding possible links to a local wealthy family and becomes the target of unwelcome attention. At the same time we learn that Morton is adopted and becomes curious about his 'real' father. His searches also involve his battles with Miss Latimer the keeper of the records

What I like is Nathan brings Peter's ancestors story to life with judicious flashbacks to the earlier story without giving too much of the game away. The search is made interesting as Nathan brings all the parts together. Juliette his partner and trainee police woman is an important part of the story and adds a bit of zest here and there. Perhaps there are some parts and characters which stretch a bit thin but overall well worth the read. The finale is well hidden though you might become a little suspicious.

Most people who enjoy a good puzzling mystery will enjoy this book. The ancestry chase does not get in the way or become boring.

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ND
A Riveting Start to an Intriguing Series!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2023
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I was absolutely captivated by "Hiding the Past," the first book in The Forensic Genealogist series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world of mystery, genealogy, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

The protagonist, Morton Farrier, is a brilliantly crafted character whose unique profession as a forensic genealogist brings a fresh twist to the world of amateur sleuths. His dedication to uncovering the secrets of the past is both admirable and relatable, making it easy to connect with him as he delves deeper into the complex family histories he encounters.

Nathan Dylan Goodwin's writing style is both engaging and accessible, seamlessly blending genealogical research with thrilling suspense. The pacing is spot-on, with a perfect balance of historical investigation and present-day intrigue. As a reader, I felt like I was right alongside Morton as he unraveled the mysteries hidden within the tangled branches of family trees.

The plot is intricately woven, and the author's attention to historical detail is commendable. I particularly enjoyed the way Goodwin seamlessly integrated genealogical research techniques into the storyline, making it not only entertaining but also educational.

"Hiding the Past" left me eager to dive into the next installment of The Forensic Genealogist series, as I'm dying to see where Morton's next investigation will take him. If you're a fan of mysteries, genealogy, or simply a well-crafted tale that keeps you guessing until the very end, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Five stars all the way!

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Barbara
enthralling story
Reviewed in Germany on November 12, 2013
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I had never heard of the job of a forensic genealogist before but now I can't wait to read more about this very special one! I like the story, especially the unpredictable twists, and the description of southeast England.
All in all a very enthralling first novel by a very talented writer of whom we will hopefully read much more in the future!

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Vienna Girl
Neues Thema
Reviewed in Germany on March 21, 2014
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Das Buch ist gut zu lesen und mit einem Genealogist gibt es dadurch andere Themen als in einer herkömmlichen Detektivgeschichte!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very exciting plot

4.0 out of 5 stars I love a mystery!

5.0 out of 5 stars Hiding the Past, genealogy and mystery together

3.0 out of 5 stars ENTERTAINING but could have been better

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book

4.0 out of 5 stars Thriller combining past and present crimes

5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Start to an Intriguing Series!

5.0 out of 5 stars enthralling story

4.0 out of 5 stars Neues Thema

Very exciting plot

I love a mystery!

Hiding the Past, genealogy and mystery together

ENTERTAINING but could have been better

Love this book

Thriller combining past and present crimes

A Riveting Start to an Intriguing Series!

enthralling story

Neues Thema