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The Sawtooth Slayer (Venator Cold Case Series) Paperback – October 25, 2022
Purchase options and add-ons
‘Highly recommended’
Who Do You Think You Are? magazine
The search for a serial killer has never been more desperate. In April 2020, Twin Falls, Idaho is in the grips of a nightmare as a nameless man is kidnapping young women from their own homes and taking them out of the city to kill them. Detective Maria Gonzalez leads the investigation, but has very few leads to pursue. Enter Madison Scott-Barnhart and her team at Venator, an investigative genetic genealogy company, who agree to try and reveal the identity of the murderer. Despite the global pandemic and the personal and professional problems that Madison faces, time is running out to save the fifth potential victim of the killer.
The Venator Cold Case series continues with this second novel, a thrilling journey that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, but for the best experience start with The Chester Creek Murders. If you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of that novel, you're sure to love this one.
‘Gripping to the point of being un-put-downable, the core story is fascinating to anyone who enjoys crime novels, and particularly those with an interest in the use of DNA in genealogy research’
Family Tree magazine
‘Goodwin’s best work yet’
GenealogyMagazine.com
‘Once you start reading you won’t want to stop – though that’s what I’ve come to expect from this author. Highly recommended!’
LostCousins
‘I was sad when I finished the book and am looking forward to the next installment’
Jonny Perl, DNA Painter
‘A heck of a romp! Exceedingly well researched and well written…the best genealogy investigation writer in the world’
The Genealogy Guys
- Print length350 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateOctober 25, 2022
- Dimensions6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
- ISBN-13979-8844327537
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
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From the Publisher




Editorial Reviews
Review
Family Tree magazine
'Highly recommended'
Who Do You Think You Are? magazine
'Once you start reading you won't want to stop - though that's what I've come to expect from this author. Highly recommended!'
LostCousins
'I was sad when I finished the book and am looking forward to the next installment'
Jonny Perl, DNA Painter
'A heck of a romp! Exceedingly well researched and well written...the best genealogy investigation writer in the world'
The Genealogy Guys
'Goodwin's best work yet'
GenealogyMagazine
'You really need to grab it yesterday as it does an outstanding job of teaching you the process, but almost without you realizing because it's all wrapped up in a 'What happens next?' story with interlacing plot lines and characters you'll genuinely care about'
Megan Smolenyak
'It was difficult to put it down. The reader will want to digest each word since the author describes in detail how the discovery process is accomplished'
Family Tree Archaeology
'It's a must-read, especially if you're interested in how DNA evidence is used in investigative genetic genealogy. Nathan's writing is entertaining and informative and prompts readers to think about they can approach their own research'
Society of Australian Genealogists
'This is not simply a crime novel with a genealogical twist; it is a masterclass in DNA'
West Middlesex Family History Society
'A satisfying blend of murder mystery thriller and realistic DNA-based family history research'
Waltham Forest FHS
'Put this great book on your list of must-reads. You'll be glad you did!'
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
'Once again, Goodwin has presented a story that combines the techniques of genealogy with all the essential elements of a good mystery'
Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society
'Nathan Dylan Godwin's latest novel: The Sawtooth Slayer is a spellbinding page-turner set during the pandemic.The latest DNA research and genealogy techniques are unparalleled in solving this mystery.You will feel as though you are a part of the "Venator" team in this fast passed, well-written novel'
James Winston, The Baytown Genealogy Society, Inc.
'Goodwin keeps you glued to the book, so you don't want to put it down'
Wayne County Genealogical Society
'Nathan Dylan Goodwin has given us another heart-pounding mystery. Once you dive into this case, you won't be able to put it down'
Boulder Genealogical Society
'This mystery is spellbinding to any reader, but especially to those who have an interest in genealogy'
Genealogical Society of Rockingham and Stokes Counties
'Another fantastically written page-turner from Nathan Dylan Goodwin'
Hertfordshire People
'It's fast-paced and I didn't want it to end'
Oakland County Genealogical Society
'My new favorite mystery author is Nathan Dylan Goodwin'
Kitty Cooper
'You cannot go wrong spending time reading any of Nathan's books which can be read as stand-alone reads or as a series. The Sawtooth Slayer is a wonderful read on its own and continues smoothly on from the Chester Creek Murders. Now what are you waiting for?'
Wakefield & District FHS
'A recommended read'
Powys Family History Society
'This book will have you sitting on the edge of your chair as you read it'
Tuolumne County Genealogical Society
'If you enjoy a strong murder mystery story and are fascinated by how DNA is used to discover an unknown individual and solve cases criminal or genealogical, give The Sawtooth Slayer a read'
Liverpool & SW Lancs FHS
'An excellent read!'
Mid-Norfolk FHS
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B0BD2XNX52
- Publisher : Independently published (October 25, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 350 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8844327537
- Item Weight : 1.12 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,127 in Serial Killer Thrillers
- #7,621 in Police Procedurals (Books)
- #13,085 in Murder Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
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.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this genealogical mystery book well-written and thoroughly engaging, with one customer noting how it weaves other storylines with genealogical research. They appreciate the relatable characters and find the writing quality excellent. Customers describe the book as creepy, adding to its suspenseful atmosphere.
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Customers enjoy the genealogical elements of the book, appreciating the great details of research and the blend of mystery, with one customer noting how it weaves other storylines into the genealogy narrative.
"...This criminal was creepy at best and the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Learned some new research techniques too that I can’t wait to try!!..." Read more
"...I recommend this to everyone who likes a great mystery, Genealogy, police work, team work of any kind, not to mention real life relationship issues...." Read more
"...The author certainly has a grasp of genetic genealogy beyond most and deserves kudos for this novel...." Read more
"...The discussion of genealogy and how it can be used to help solve crimes is coincidentally relevant as the media tells us that the capture of the..." Read more
Customers find the book to be a fantastic read and thoroughly enjoyable, with one customer mentioning they read it straight through without stopping.
"...They were so well developed they were like real people. Well done author!..." Read more
"...Great job Nathan. (No it is not apparent at all that you are a Brit writing about a scenario taking place in the US…) Thanks" Read more
"This is a fun read and would have warranted a five stars except for the voluminous amount of names within the many DNA clusters...." Read more
"This book is a fantastic read! I tried to slowly read the book so it would last longer, but that didn't happen...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them relatable.
"This was a hold on to your seat story. The characters became even more beloved as I learned more about them...." Read more
"...And wow! Nathan Dylan Goodwin writes so well and his characters are so vivid. I love all the details to DNA studies and genealogy research...." Read more
"...The characters are fleshed out so the reader is invested in each of them...." Read more
"...The stories are very interesting and the characters have back stories that you learn as you progress through each of his 3 series...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book.
"...They were so well developed they were like real people. Well done author!..." Read more
"The quality of writing in this book takes me right into their lives. The mystery and tension had my heart racing at times...." Read more
"...And wow! Nathan Dylan Goodwin writes so well and his characters are so vivid. I love all the details to DNA studies and genealogy research...." Read more
"Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books are always well written and a good read that keep me up way too late, but I think this one is a Masterclass in genetic..." Read more
Customers find the book creepy.
"...This criminal was creepy at best and the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Learned some new research techniques too that I can’t wait to try!!..." Read more
"Loved this book. Intense and a bit scary. I read it in 2 days...." Read more
"As an Idahoan, I found the book both fascinating and creepy..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2023This was a hold on to your seat story. The characters became even more beloved as I learned more about them. They were so well developed they were like real people. Well done author! As an amateur genealogist I love what DNA forensics can do to help solve crimes. This criminal was creepy at best and the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Learned some new research techniques too that I can’t wait to try!! No gratuitous profanity or sexual content for those that like clean stories where the writing shines and not the smut.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024The quality of writing in this book takes me right into their lives. The mystery and tension had my heart racing at times. I recommend this to everyone who likes a great mystery, Genealogy, police work, team work of any kind, not to mention real life relationship issues. Great job Nathan. (No it is not apparent at all that you are a Brit writing about a scenario taking place in the US…) Thanks
- Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024This is a fun read and would have warranted a five stars except for the voluminous amount of names within the many DNA clusters. The author certainly has a grasp of genetic genealogy beyond most and deserves kudos for this novel. The avid readers of genealogy mysteries and the actual genealogist will eat this up. It might scare off a new reader of the genre with the incredible amount of detail. Bravo! Great job!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023I live two hours from Twin Fall, Idaho, the setting, and am very curious how the author, a Brit, even knows about our state. The discussion of genealogy and how it can be used to help solve crimes is coincidentally relevant as the media tells us that the capture of the real life November 2022 Moscow, ID suspected killer was helped by genealogy.
How could I not read this when it is set in my state?! I also have been researching my own family history, so the genealogy references were interesting and perhaps helpful.
I’m a fan of British cozies (I don’t like too much graphic or creepy detail about the dead body or the killer), and there were parts of this book I had to skim through, as I found them troubling. But the rest of the novel made me unable to put it down. I began to care about the characters and enjoyed the cliffhangers, even if they were frustrating. Also have read the author’s The Asylum, which I’m sure has addicted me to that series, and it has less violence and creepy details of bad people.
Im sure I’ll be reading many more of his books.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2025Can’t wait to start the 3rd book in this series. I know it will be just as good as the other two.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024This book will appeal mostly to genealogist. It's really explaining the process that's involved when finding how a person is related to a family group. It's a lot of work to document birth, marriage and death records. It's not just a click of the mouse on Ancestry.
The several different plots going on along with The process, was brilliant. I
just ordered the first book in his new series and can't wait for it too arrive.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023This book is a fantastic read! I tried to slowly read the book so it would last longer, but that didn't happen. It took me only about 2 1/2 days to finish it up. And wow! Nathan Dylan Goodwin writes so well and his characters are so vivid. I love all the details to DNA studies and genealogy research. I cannot wait for his next book. If you haven’t read this book as yet, what you are waiting for! 😊
- Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2025Definitely a good read, would highly recommend!
Top reviews from other countries
- pe c.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 21, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Race Against Time
Suspense and thriller writing at it’s absolute best! Nathan Dylan Goodwin delivers once again in the second of the cold case series of books entitled The Sawtooth Slayer. Nathan’s books are always so thoroughly well researched and detailed and they really leave you on the edge of your seat. If you love family history, genealogy and working with DNA, then you are definitely in for a real treat. What I love about these books are the way that Nathan develops the characters who form part of the Venator cold case team and they each have their own back story and sub plot, which takes you on a real roller coaster, aside form the main story itself, which is both gripping and harrowing. In this book the team area actually tracking a real life serial killer and trying to find out who he is before he strikes again. A real race against time. Initially The Venator team are reluctant to take on a live case, preferring to stick to their tried and tested method of solving cold cases, Maddie and the team are persuaded to take the case on, but the clock is ticking once the next girl goes missing. You will not be able to put this book down as the suspense builds to the final outcome. The best book you will read all summer.
- SusanLovesBooksReviewed in Canada on November 26, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Another smash hit by this author
Every book by this author is excellent and this one is no exception. I read the book as soon as it was available and now regret it because I read it too fast and will have to wait ages for the next installment. I recommend you read the previous book to this one as an appetizer. Such an exciting story, good character building and I loved the descriptions of the research the people in the book are doing. Wonderful book and not just for genealogists, though genealogists and family historians will revel in the details.
- DarklldoReviewed in Australia on April 18, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank goodness there is a third book after this.
This is a whole new experience, solving murder by genetic and ancestral plotting. If you are into ancestral history and wanting to track your past grandparents back further than you already know these books are a very good way to begin to learn how to do it successfully.
There are any number of sites on the Internet you can use that are not all made readily available just because you are seeking your people, but read these books and you will get help in understand just how difficult it can be to be sure you are being accurate.
The Venator group is made up of six people, Maddie, Kenyatta, Hudson, Becky and Ross. Normally they work on cold cases that have been hanging fire for a long time and need to be resolved, but this time the police have asked for help to catch a killer who is active in the present.
He has killed four times so far and everyone is waiting for the next.
It's a desperate case, and so every opportunity to identify the killer now includes the genetic work of the Venator people.
One would expect it could be boring, but it is certainly not that. There are other stories and mysteries slowly evolving to do with the group and each of them have families or histories of such.
A tricky subject to try and write about and describe in a fictional series of books, but Nathan Dylan Goodwin manages it superbly , holding my attention to the end and not wanting to let go.
Thank goodness there is a third book I am about to read now, after which, I am going to have to be patient until Mr. Goodwin writes another.
- Mag Beate HauerReviewed in Germany on October 30, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars A page-turner
When I got the book I couldn't stop reading it. I got involved to the point that I'd liked to join Maddie and her team helping to find the killer. A strongly recommend this book!
- BernadetteReviewed in Australia on February 2, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating read
I love Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books. This one particularly held my attention, maybe because of the pandemic that we have all endured, which made the story more real. Looking forward to the next book.