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Nathan Dylan Goodwin
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The Sterling Affair (The Forensic Genealogist Series Book 8) Kindle Edition

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,993 ratings
‘If you love a whodunnit, The Sterling Affair is sure to grab your curiosity, and if you enjoy family history, you’ll relish the read all the more’
Family History magazine

When an unannounced stranger comes calling at Morton Farrier’s front door, he finds himself faced with the most intriguing and confounding case of his career to-date as a forensic genealogist. He agrees to accept the contract to identify a man who had been secretly living under the name of his new client’s long-deceased brother. Morton must use his range of resources and research skills to help him deconstruct this mysterious man’s life, ultimately leading him back into the murky world of 1950s international affairs of state. Meanwhile, Morton is faced with his own alarmingly close DNA match which itself comes with far-reaching implications for the Farriers.

This is the eighth novel in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series of ten stories, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

‘The events of the book are as much of a roller-coaster ride for Morton as they are for the reader.If you’re an avid reader of Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s books, you won’t need to be convinced to buy this latest instalment in the Forensic Genealogist series - but if you're not, now’s the time to start, because The Sterling Affair is a real cracker!’
LostCousins

‘If you like mystery or thriller books, enhanced by a convincing backdrop of family history research, then this one will appeal to you’
Waltham Forest FHS

‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin delves into a world of intrigue, espionage and duplicity and consequently, provides the reader with a cracking book to immerse oneself in when seeking a moment of literary escapism. The author’s usual meticulous research techniques are outstanding and become evident in this story’
East Yorkshire FHS

‘The Sterling Affair is an enthralling story with many twists and turns, which keeps one glued to the book until the very end’
Cardiganshire FHS

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  1. Book 8 of 10
    The Forensic Genealogist Series
  2. Print length
    439 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 16, 2020
  5. File size
    7.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'If you love a whodunnit, The Sterling Affair is sure to grab your curiosity, and if you enjoy family history, you'll relish the read all the more'
Family History magazine

'The events of the book are as much of a roller-coaster ride for Morton as they are for the reader.If you're an avid reader of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books, you won't need to be convinced to buy this latest instalment in the Forensic Genealogist series - but if you're not, now's the time to start, because The Sterling Affair is a real cracker!'
LostCousins

'If you like mystery or thriller books, enhanced by a convincing backdrop of family history research, then this one will appeal to you'
Waltham Forest FHS

'Nathan Dylan Goodwin delves into a world of intrigue, espionage and duplicity and consequently, provides the reader with a cracking book to immerse oneself in when seeking a moment of literary escapism. The author's usual meticulous research techniques are outstanding and become evident in this story'
East Yorkshire FHS

'The Sterling Affair is another superb adaptation of real-life mysteries. The author's talent for intertwining actual history with the world of genealogy is unsurpassed. Not only are you immersed in mystery, you become more cognizant of actual war time drama. This latest genealogical mystery is truly a Sterling Affair not to be missed!'
The Baytown Genealogy Society

'The Sterling Affair is an enthralling story with many twists and turns, which keeps one glued to the book until the very end'
Cardiganshire FHS

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

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083ZJP7JC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 16, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 439 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,993 ratings

About the author

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Nathan Dylan Goodwin

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.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,993 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a complex novel with layers of intrigue, packed with genealogical references and historical elements. Moreover, the story features many twists and turns, wonderfully developed characters, and maintains a gripping pace throughout. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's espionage themes and sly humor, with one customer noting how it ties the Suez crisis with Soviet espionage.

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66 customers mention "Intrigue"66 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intriguing, praising its remarkable storytelling and well-thought-out plot with surprises that keep readers engaged.

"...I love this author. He books pull me in and keep me interested from the very beginning to the very end...." Read more

"...WW II and the Cold War Nathan Goodwin’s Sterling Affair keeps you guessing until the end. What’s not to like! Spies, intrigue, and genealogy oh my!" Read more

"A complex plot around MI6 double agents and contemporary genealogical issues; police access to DNA profiles, and adoptees searching for birth parents..." Read more

"Espionage! Thrilling! Complex! Amazing! Post WW II spy story (possibly real?!) solved with genealogy! Very surprising, simple !&..." Read more

44 customers mention "Readability"41 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with several noting it's the best in the series, and one mentioning it's a great spy novel.

"...This book was soo good that I read it in two nights. I had to force myself to put it down the first night to get some sleep...." Read more

"...This series just keeps getting better." Read more

"Espionage! Thrilling! Complex! Amazing! Post WW II spy story (possibly real?!) solved with genealogy! Very surprising, simple !&..." Read more

"...I have enjoyed them all but this is the best one yet! So many twists and turns. It was not just a genealogy research project or a mystery...." Read more

43 customers mention "Genealogical research"43 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the genealogical research in the book, appreciating its blend of actual history and contemporary genealogical issues.

"...I love this author. He books pull me in and keep me interested from the very beginning to the very end...." Read more

"...What’s not to like! Spies, intrigue, and genealogy oh my!" Read more

"A complex plot around MI6 double agents and contemporary genealogical issues; police access to DNA profiles, and adoptees searching for birth parents..." Read more

"Espionage! Thrilling! Complex! Amazing! Post WW II spy story (possibly real?!) solved with genealogy! Very surprising, simple !&..." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the Morton Farrier character.

"...There is a chronological story line which develops the main character nicely across the series, and there is realistic natural growth and change in..." Read more

"...I've grown to love Morton Farrier and his family, and his quirky character." Read more

"...Perhaps I just didn't care for the subject. I did enjoy the characters that were present in the search...." Read more

"I really enjoy Nathan Dylan Goodwin's writing style and the Morton Farrier character, self-deprecating but very intelligent...." Read more

11 customers mention "Twists and turns"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's many twists and turns in the plot.

"...There’s a lot going on and Goodwin keeps the pages turning. This series just keeps getting better." Read more

"...Author has an incredible imagination and spins an excellent tale. A good read leaving the reader to want more!" Read more

"...This is by far the longest and most intriguing due to its many twists and turns...." Read more

"...I have enjoyed them all but this is the best one yet! So many twists and turns. It was not just a genealogy research project or a mystery...." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book highly riveting and gripping.

"...and still get a gripping, intensely-researched historical mystery novel...." Read more

"...and nuance of the time period, both present and past, is relevant and riveting. I am entertained and educated in ways I don’t expect...." Read more

"...The historical periods are always well researched and well done...." Read more

"...There are bits of comedy and tragedy woven into this wonderful tapestry and just when you think you have it figured out, Bang!..." Read more

6 customers mention "Spying"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the espionage elements in the book, with one mentioning how it ties the Suez crises with Soviet espionage.

"...What’s not to like! Spies, intrigue, and genealogy oh my!" Read more

"Espionage! Thrilling! Complex! Amazing! Post WW II spy story (possibly real?!) solved with genealogy! Very surprising, simple !&..." Read more

"Spies, intrigue, altered identities, (the temptation is too much...need to add an 'oh my!') all entwined to make this genealogy story a real mystery...." Read more

"This book has everything! Genealogy of course! Spies and double agents. Love and tragedy. Humor. And lots of surprises!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sly humor.

"...This story is just full of surprises at every turn. There are bits of comedy and tragedy woven into this wonderful tapestry and just when you..." Read more

"...Genealogy of course! Spies and double agents. Love and tragedy. Humor. And lots of surprises! Definitely kept me guessing right till the end...." Read more

"...achieved in other books, a pleasure to come back to this series.. sly humor and well researched, a wonderful blend of actual history and fiction....." Read more

"...Very funny." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cuileogcailin banaltra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very complex case, one of the best in the series.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have been following Nathan since he wrote his first Morton Farrier book. I love this author. He books pull me in and keep me interested from the very beginning to the very end. I have learned a lot about genealogy and genealogical research from reading these books. I have watched Morton grow from a man who had a fractious relationship with his “brother” and his dad, a sort of sassy relationship with his girlfriend (and now wife), to a man who is finding peace and has been able to forgive and have loving relationships with his brother, wife and “ Auntie Margaret”. With each book Morton digs a little deeper into his own family genealogy, and in this book he finds out something about a well loved relative that is devastating. He is working on a very complex case at the same time about aa M15 watcher and an M16 spy. As he digs deeper and deeper into the backgrounds of the characters, he comes up with some very explosive details. As always, Morton is very thorough in he’s research...he doesn’t give up. It’s nice to see that he has mellowed somewhat, that he has a loving relationship with his wife, and that he absolutely adores his little girl and being a father. I find him to be quiet humorous in many ways as well, especially when it comes to his brother’s scone shop. It was good to see Morton not getting hurt in this book as well. The ending is very satisfactory. I simply cannot wait for the next book in this series. Each book gets better and better. I look forward to more adventures with Morton and his family. Nathan Dylan Goodwin is one of my favorite authors. I also appreciate that he is accessible on Facebook, and that he takes the time to reply to comments. This book was soo good that I read it in two nights. I had to force myself to put it down the first night to get some sleep. Thank you Nathan, please keep up the good work!!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Jeri J. Steele
    5.0 out of 5 stars spies, intrigue, and genealogy!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Set during WW II and the Cold War Nathan Goodwin’s Sterling Affair keeps you guessing until the end. What’s not to like! Spies, intrigue, and genealogy oh my!
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  • Diane Edes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Spys, Suez Crisis and Scones
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A complex plot around MI6 double agents and contemporary genealogical issues; police access to DNA profiles, and adoptees searching for birth parents. There’s a lot going on and Goodwin keeps the pages turning. This series just keeps getting better.
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  • Lin F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Espionage! Thrilling! Complex! Amazing!
    Post WW II spy story (possibly real?!) solved with genealogy!
    Very surprising, simple !& gratifying ending.
    Absolutely Mr. Goodwin’s best work
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  • Joanna McKenna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Morton Farrier Two-Fer!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The Morton Farrier books are arranged in such away that if genealogical research isn't your cup of tea, skip those chapters (but thereby missing updates on Morton's personal life) and still get a gripping, intensely-researched historical mystery novel. Conversely, if you're only interested in learning new research methods and places to look for records pertaining to your English ancestors and how to obtain them, skip the back story of whatever ancestral secrets Morton's latest client has hired him to unlock.

    Long-time fans will be relieved to learn "Sterling" is possibly the first book in which Morton *isn't* physically attacked or his car trashed by a client's disgruntled relative or associate who prefers the secrets remain buried. Nor does the House With Two Doors suffer any damage from same, and no member of Morton's immediate family is attacked or kidnapped. All of that happens in the back story of the ancestor Morton has been hired to unearth.

    That said, Morton and Juliette have settled into their fourth year of marital bliss. Daughter Grace is now a talkative and inquisitive two and a half year old. Juliette is still at Rye PD but temporarily on desk duty (which she hates) bc the three Farriers at Two Doors will soon become four, but we'll have to wait for the next book to find out if Grace gets a brother or a sister.

    Against this backdrop of (mostly) domestic tranquility, Morton has been notified of a disturbing DNA match in (of all places) Reno, Nevada USA, as well three new half-aunts, half-sisters to his birth mother "Auntie", who'll remain unaware of their existence until a future book.

    Morton still covers the one blank wall in his study with research notes, documents and photos from his current case, but now "builds out" family trees of DNA matches on rolls of oversize paper (butcher? newsprint? back side of leftover Christmas gift wrap?) which in one scene Morton draws family trees at one end while little Grace draws "families of trees" at the other.

    Once again, well done, NDG!
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Triviaologist
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I could not put this book down. If you are a genealogy fan, if you like thrillers, well-researched and historically accurate tales of spies, espionage, and the Cold War, this is your next book.

    The Sterling Affair is a shocker on several levels and Mr. Goodwin just keeps honing his craft. The story line is well-plotted; the characters are well drawn, believable, and 3-dimensional.

    Each book in the Forensic Genealogist Series (there are eight so far) stands alone as a great read. Every detail and nuance of the time period, both present and past, is relevant and riveting. I am entertained and educated in ways I don’t expect.

    You need not read the books in order, nor read them all, but I suspect you’ll want to once you’ve dipped your toe in. There is a chronological story line which develops the main character nicely across the series, and there is realistic natural growth and change in Morton Farrier, the Forensic Genealogist, over time.

    The Sterling Affair is exceptionally well-written and there were moments where I had to just sit and think about what had happened, what I thought would likely happen next, and where I had to set the book down for a moment and let it soak in - which is tough to do when I can’t put the book down!

    Where I started out and where I ended up were not the places I expected at all. What a delight.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Ellen Conrad
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading the mysteries presented by this book, the characters, the setting, the genealogy research details. Though I watched carefully the author subtly wove in a clue that I also missed until Morton's wife Juliette pointed it out. This caused my to search back to where that clue must have been given, and find that indeed the whole information was not there. I appreciate the writing skill that this takes.

    Second to the main genealogy mystery, I like reading about Mortons' own family history mystery and throughout the series the steps that are taken - or suddenly appear - to reach the next discovery. At some point though, I imagine he will hit a brick wall that can't be dismantled - like the rest of us.

    Keep writing Nathan Dylan Goodwin!
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  • Lizanne Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, engaging mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Morton Farrier is a lucky man. His occupation as a forensic genealogist allows him to do what he loves best, research family history. His skills and experience make him very successful and like a terrier he doesn’t give up easily. I have enjoyed previous novels in this series, but this is the most compelling tale, of Morris Duggan, a man who had adopted a false identity. Perhaps his reason for this was a link with MI6, but will the redacted files Morton seeks out, give any useful information. Alongside Morton’s investigation, we move back in time to Duggan’s life in the Middle East during the 1950s Suez crisis.
    The thrilling tale of Duggan’s escapades in Beirut, Egypt and London are convincingly described while the careful examination of evidence in Family Record Offices and online, ring true. I was also intrigued by Morton’s personal discovery of an extremely close DNA match on Ancestry which cause him to wish he had never embarked down this route.
    Another delightful thread within the book is Morton’s family life with his wife Juliet, a police officer and their daughter, little Grace, always into mischief but loving to play Peppa Pig with her daddy. A pleasant relief from some of the more dangerous escapades within the book. The final chapter, set in 1944, links the characters in a satisfying conclusion.
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  • JoanPowell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!
    Reviewed in Australia on February 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    As someone wha has been researching the family tree for more than 20 years, this book is not only exceptional in its attention to detail, but has actually spurred me to a greater enthusiasm to try harder in my endeavours.
    Many household chores were put onto the back burner so that I could have longer sessions to read.
    For me it has been a compelling read, necessitating a dip into the pile of other Morton Farrier featured books.
    Thank you Nathan for the excitement of the chase that comes through each chapter. It's the feeling that most amateur FH researchers get, perhaps in a slightly diluted form, when finding a tit bit in our own information.
    I was also delighted to see in the acknowledgements recognition for genealogical assistance given by our very own Peter Calver whose regular newsletters are a continued source of assistance and pleasure to his 'family' of Lost Cousins.
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  • Solstice
    3.0 out of 5 stars filiations
    Reviewed in France on May 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Le thème est original et intéressant, malheureusement cela devient vite extrêmement compliqué.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I lived for many years in Harefield, said to be the last village in Middlesex, and I was delighted to see it featured. However, if Maurice wanted to walk to a station he would have been better to make for Denham or Rickmansworth; both much closer than Ruislip and on less busy lines. In any case Ruislip Manor is another mile or so further on than Ruislip. Also, Maurice doubtless learned to fly on a Miles Hawk, a Miles Hawker does not exist. These quibbles apart, a really enjoyable read.
    Report

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