Book Review: The Hollywood Strangler by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Newly released, The Hollywood Strangler is the most gripping genetic genealogy case yet in this terrific series by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Highly recommended!

The author draws on his extensive knowledge and expertise in forensics, genealogy, and DNA analysis to create an amazingly true-to-life fictional story of talented genetic genealogists digging deep into the mysteries of centimorgans and family history to try to unmask a serial killer who menaced Hollywood decades in the past. 

The prologue, set in 1980, shows dedicated medical examiner Dr. Peter Speth called to the scene of a horrific double murder in Hollywood, similar to but not identical to another recent double killing. Also in attendance: A young rookie cop named Ted Marsden. 

Fast-forward to 2022 in Chapter One, where Marsden is about to retire from the LAPD Cold Case Homicide Unit, headed by Detective Supervisor Mitzi Roberts. Before he leaves, Marsden wants to work on one last notorious cold case: The Hollywood Strangler. The game's afoot.

By Chapter Three, the cold-case detectives have gotten in touch with Venator, an elite investigative genetic genealogy company headed up by Madison Scott-Barnhart, known to one and all as Maddie. The goal is to analyze DNA left at the murder scene in an effort to find familial links to the serial killer. 

Now begins the detailed, step-by-step process of analyzing DNA matches and building speculative family trees to locate living people who are related to the killer. How these talented Venator employees use clusters, centimorgans, vital records, DNA databases, genealogy websites, and other tools and techniques will fascinate genealogy enthusiasts. Very believable and impressive, the quest to tie DNA from the crime scene to a specific family is the heart of the book.

The police procedural chapters that bookend this novel will enthrall mystery lovers. From the acknowledgements, I learned that Dr. Peter Speth is, in real life, a brilliant medical examiner whose meticulous work helped to identify and convict many villains. His involvement in Nathan's fictional case leads to key breakthroughs. I was already aware of Detective Mitzi Roberts because I'm a fan of Michael Connelly's detective mysteries, but it was a delightful surprise to come across her as another pivotal character in Nathan's book.  

Just as important, the author has created interesting, personable, and complex characters whose ongoing life experiences capture the imagination. Although The Hollywood Strangler can be appreciated as a stand-alone novel, I suggest waiting until you read the first two books in this series. As the series unfolds, you'll get to know the characters over time and gain a deeper understanding of how their actions in previous books influenced what happens in this third book.

Highly enjoyable for folks deeply interested in genetic genealogy and for fans of police procedurals. Nathan, I can't wait for your next book in the series!

New England Regional Genealogy Conference, April 1 - May 31

Coming soon: the all-virtual New England Regional Genealogy Conference, which combines both live and on demand (prerecorded) presentations for family historians of all levels. 

If you're researching ancestors from New England (or beyond), this is a great conference to learn a variety of effective strategies and techniques. Dozens of sessions will be available for viewing at any time, from home in your bunny slippers, from April 1 until May 31. No cost for travel, hotel, restaurants, just one conference fee of $150 to view these info-packed, on-demand sessions at your own pace. 

Opening day on April 1 is the first of three "gathering days" featuring top-notch presentations and live chats/Q&A with superstar speakers like Dear Myrtle. Don't miss that evening's "banquet speaker," well-known genealogy mystery author Nathan Dylan Goodwin. 

For special interests, the NERGC conference provides three add-on tracks: DNA, writing your family history, and a professional track about working toward genealogy certification. Each track is $30 for a full day of 4 presentations and live Q&A with speakers. (I'm debuting my "bite-sized projects" talk during the writing track on April 24.)

NERGC has even figured out a way to offer informal "table topics" discussions hosted by members of the NEAPG in a live, virtual format. The popular society fair "tables" and library/archive "tables" will also be there, virtually. Registered attendees can make an appointment for the Ancestor Road Show (help with genealogy questions and brick walls), another special feature of this conference.

Plus you can browse the exhibit hall or have a "virtual drop in" visit with companies that sell all kinds of genealogy-related products. 

I'll miss seeing my genealogy buddies in person, but this virtual conference is the next best thing. Hope to see you in April and May!

Future Family History: Living through a Pandemic

Putting the pieces together
March, 2020

Dear future generations: I'm writing today about everyday life as the novel coronavirus spreads worldwide.

The public-health outlook at this moment is decidedly uncertain. Although my New England area has few confirmed cases, testing is not yet widely available here and therefore the pandemic is likely to be more widespread than we actually know right now.

Around the world, infections and deaths continue to increase, I'm sad to see. It's a worrisome time. As I wash, sanitize, clean, and repeat, I'm trying to follow the UK's WWII mantra: "Keep Calm and Carry On."

Social Distancing for Safety

Social distancing is not a phrase I'd heard in the past but now hubby and I have been doing just that. We've curtailed outside activities while public places and social events shut down, day by day. We're calling and/or videochatting and/or texting with friends and family to keep spirits up and be sure everyone is safe.

Last week, I was in my local public library several days in a row, borrowing books, puzzles, and DVDs. By the weekend, the library had closed its doors to protect both staff and the public. So did all other community places (senior centers, fitness centers, theaters, movies, schools/colleges). No concerts, no book clubs, no school theater productions, no classes, no nothing.

Local supermarkets have struggled to keep up with demand for cleaning supplies in particular and some foods too. Within a few days, these stores rebounded to stock their empty shelves, and some are offering early-morning shopping hours for people 60 and over.

My pantry is currently filled with shelf-stable foods in case hubby and I need to shelter in place. The fridge is full, and I removed my ice-cube trays to make room for actual food in the freezer.

Daily Life Has Changed Dramatically

Cleaning. Cleaning. Cleaning to keep ourselves and others safe. Also, hubby and I are planning meals more carefully, thinking about what has a shorter shelf life and what will be good for a longer period. Cooking and eating together is a time for conversation and listening to NPR.

Puzzles are a good diversion. At top, one of the three puzzles we have in the house and have been assembling little by little. Sis tells me she has a puzzle or two on hand, and is enjoying the challenge.

We watched a live Facebook concert by the Jolly Beggars to "celebrate" St. Patrick's Day, instead of attending their live concert (cancelled). It was very uplifting and we even sang along to "Charlie on the MTA." I bet lots of the 700 viewers did the same!

As a mystery lover, I have lots of printed books in the house and my local library gives me access to digital books. I bought, downloaded, and devoured Nathan Dylan Goodwin's latest genealogy mystery, "The Sterling Affair," which I recommend. It's his most complex to date, entertaining for anyone interested in genealogical methodology AND mystery.

Happily, with spring bursting out, we can enjoy buds and soon flowers as we take walks outside and greet friends and neighbors from a safe social distance. This is the new normal.

More Time for Genealogy

There's more time for genealogy than ever before. I've caught up on some Wood family branches that had not been fleshed out on my Ancestry trees (2c1R, 2c2R, and beyond). Also I've looked for newspaper articles to help a friend whose two daughters are suddenly interested in their ancestors!

This is an excellent opportunity for me to take the deep dive into DNA Painter, which requires a learning curve on my part. I've registered but not put enough effort into using this wonderful resource, which I find a bit intimidating. I do intend to learn more!

That's about it for today's future family history. I'll write updates at a later date, and keep at my regular genealogy blogging.

Please stay safe, readers!