Review & Giveaway – The Doll from Dunedin by ML Condike
THE DOLL FROM DUNEDIN
By ML Condike
Historical Mystery / Genealogy Mystery
Publisher: Harbor Lane Books
Pages: 428
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
Synopsis
The Doll from Dunedin is the sequel to the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal winner in Fiction – Mystery – General, The Desk from Hoboken.
Still reeling from the dangers of a recent case, forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter takes on a supposedly routine case to locate the missing heir of a woman she met in Central Park a year ago. Tantalized by a hefty income, she accepts.
But there’s a catch-she must find the heir within six months or the forty-million-dollar estate is donated to a local university.
With the tight deadline comes the chance of a sizeable bonus, a series of unforeseen obstacles, and the unexpected connection to a cold case from 1910, when perfume heiress Dorothy Arnold disappeared without a trace.
Armed with only her genealogical skills, the books and historical documents she unearths, and an antique doll that seems to be guiding her toward the answers she needs, RaeJean faces dangerous events that threaten to shatter her world and challenge her to meet the deadline. Her travels throughout the United States and New Zealand in search of answers bring with it its own question: Will she find the heir before time runs out?
But someone doesn’t want her to solve the case. The clock is ticking, and it will take every ounce of grit RaeJean has to solve this mystery and outwit the dangers that threaten her present while she sifts through the past.
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Review
This follow-up to The Desk from Hoboken exceeded my expectations. Not only is there a mystery to be solved, but there is also travel, adventure, and personal growth.
I have always been fascinated with genealogy and learned so much from reading this book. Tracing your family ancestry is more than just finding your family’s history; it is finding those hidden nuggets of information that connect you to other people, families, and events. RaeJean is on an adventure with this job, especially since she can visit New Zealand to track down some information related to this request. I might be a little envious of that trip.
During the course of the novel, it appears that forces are at play to stop RaeJeann from uncovering the truth within the allotted timeframe. From uncooperative characters to deception by others, she has her work cut out for her. Luckily, she is persistent and has a supportive husband to keep her on track. Ok, the payout if she succeeds isn’t too shabby either.
The book has a slight paranormal feel, starting with the first book. Are objects “speaking” to RaeJean, or is she crazy? I have to admit that the doll is a little creepy, and they liken it to Chucky from the horror films. The aspect is intriguing, and I like how it is addressed in the book.
I appreciated the author’s research in preparation for writing this novel. I could see her attention to detail; while the book is fiction, there are some ties to a real-life disappearance. Don’t skip over the Author’s Notes at the end since it will provide more insight into the mystery.
While a mystery, this novel also addressed the issue of fertility and adoption. How will RaeJean and Sam move forward with their desire to have children?
My review would not be complete without the two Corgis in the family. They are a good distraction for RaeJean and Sam from their fertility woes, the case, and even Sam’s recovery from an unfortunate event.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. It will be set in Texas and continue RaeJean’s family history quest. We give it 5 paws up.
About the Author
ML Condike’s novel, The Desk from Hoboken, is the first in a genealogy mystery three-book series. She also has short stories published in five anthologies. ML Condike completed Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path in Dallas in 2019 and is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime North Dallas, Granbury Writers’ Bloc, and Key West Writers Guild.
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