Review of The Chester Creek Murders

[Joanna Perry]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Chester Creek Murders" by Nathan Dylan Goodwin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Chester Creek Murders by Nathan Dylan Goodwin has similar characteristics to a police procedural, except the principles are not in law enforcement but are experts in genetic genealogy forensics. My favorite genres to read are mysteries and detective novels, so I was pleased to be able to review a book that fell into one of those categories. Being introduced to an unfamiliar technique in criminal detection made it especially interesting.

The characters employed at Venator, the company specializing in genetic research on cold cases, are likable and intelligent. Madison Scott-Barnhart, or Maddie, is the owner of Venator. Her team is composed of three genealogy experts and a receptionist. We learn about their personal lives and see them in action as they work to solve the Chester Creek Murders, a cold case over twenty years old dating back to 1982-1983. 

Using genetic genealogy in solving crimes is new and different. The entire population's DNA is not in a database. Therefore, when unidentified DNA is found at a crime scene, Venator researches its genealogy to locate the owner. The steps used to arrive at the facts are confusing at times. Goodwin does an excellent job taking the reader step-by-step through the process. 

Venator is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This book is the first mystery I have read set in Salt Lake. I liked the details, such as the weather and outdoor recreation that are part of life in the area. Location is a significant aspect of the story, both for the scene of the crimes in Pennsylvania and for Venator and its employees in Utah.  

My rating of The Chester Creek Murders is 5 out of 5. This book was enjoyable, and I recommend it. There are few errors, and if the reader follows the multiple applications used to create a family tree, it will all make sense. Goodwin has written a second book in the series, and I intend to read it.

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The Chester Creek Murders
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