The Doll from Dunedin by M.L. Condike is the second audiobook in the Genealogy Mystery series, featuring forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter. From the forensic aspects to the strange doll, you’ll love this meaty, cozy mystery.
by M.L. Condike
Series: A Genealogy Mystery #2
Narrator: Carrie Coello
Length: 9 hours and 32 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
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Armed with only her genealogical skills, the books and historical documents she unearths, and an antique doll that seems to be guiding her toward the answers she needs, RaeJean faces dangerous events that threaten to shatter her world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 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.
While this is the second novel in the Genealogy Mystery series, it will work as a standalone. RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, is asked to work on a missing heir for an estate. She’ll travel to New York, the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand searching for the heir. An engaging procedural mystery that pulled me in and never let go.
Both books in this series have a little supernatural or otherworldly element and I loved this addition to the mystery. I find the study of genealogy fascinating and think I’d enjoy RaeJean’s job. When a wealthy upstate estate needs help to find an heir, a lawyer reaches out to Rae. She needs to sign an NDA, and despite not knowing details until she begins, the mystery aspect and substantial fee have her agreeing.
RaeJean has her work cut out for her. The will stipulates that if an heir isn’t found within a year of the owner’s death, her estate would pass to Columbia University. To Rae’s horror, six months have already passed. I love a good mystery, and we are off… first searching the estate itself.
This series has a cozy vibe, it’s also is well-done and detailed. While not high on action, listeners will find It’s more discovery, research, and following the trail. It is well researched. In fact, aspects of it are based in-truth, so don’t miss the author’s notes at the end. If you like uncovering clues, and following leads, you’ll enjoy this mystery.
The cozy aspects of the story comes from Rae’s personal life with her husband and their corgis. We learn of their struggle with infertility and Rae’s unique connection with objects. The supernatural aspect is subtle and well done. The object(s) in question can be found in the title of each of the books and I love that.
Carrie Coello narrates and does a splendid job of capture both the tone and personalities of the characters.
I am hoping the series continues. I cannot wait to see what Rae researches next. Fans of mysteries and genealogy won’t want to miss these well done mysteries.
About M.L. Condike
ML Condike’s debut novel, The Desk from Hoboken, A genealogy mystery, released March 2024. Her short stories appear in anthologies by the Granbury Writers’ Bloc (2019, 2022), the Key West Writers Guild (2023), and Sisters in Crime North Dallas (2022, 2023, 2024). Her awards include 1st Place - 15th Annual Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards, Mystery/Crime category (2019); 2nd Place - Tennessee Williams Short Story Contest sponsored by the Key West Art & Historical Society (2022). ML’s a member of the Key West Writers Guild, Granbury Writers’ Bloc, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime National and Sisters in Crime North Dallas(Treasurer, 2023-2024).
About Carrie Coello
Carrie Coello appeared in her first play at age seven, as a cranky, middle-aged fortune teller. Ever since, she's sought out characters that enlighten, entertain, and hold a mirror up to the human condition. After spending a decade working in film, and another decade educating children, she's come full circle as a performer, narrating audiobooks from her Seattle studio. She collaborates with authors and publishers to bring flesh and blood to words on the page, with humor and a deep understanding of what makes people tick. Carrie draws upon her own lived experience to portray lesbian and bisexual protagonists under the pseudonym Lois Ridge. As a practicing Atheopagan, she brings authenticity to books featuring pagans, witches, and earth-based spirituality. There's a special place in her heart for the amateur sleuth, the small-town hero who pulls herself up by her bootstraps, and the teenager struggling to make sense of herself and the world around her. Let's tell her story together.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I wondered from the cover/title if this would have any supernatural aspects to it. Because dolls can be so creepy if done a certain way. Glad you enjoyed this one, and since it’s the second in the series, maybe there will be more for you to read and enjoy!
Bree Dalton
This sounds like an interesting series! I am gonna have to check out the first book.
Katherine
I had mixed feelings about the first book but need to give this one a try. I do love the genealogy element.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I love the sound of this! Forensic Genealogy is a subject that really interests me and I find the paranormal angle intriguing as well.
Anne- Books of My Heart
Excellent review! This style of cozy is the kind I love.
Sophia Rose
I meant to mark this series for reading the last time I saw the series review. It still interests me since its based on family history and has some supernatural artifacts included.
Nadene
When I saw the cover, I had a feeling there might be some supernatural elements in the story, and your review confirmed it! Now I’m even more intrigued. I’ll definitely have to check this one out.