It's been fun to follow this series as it unfolds. The first in the series started out a little bit rocky with some genealogical clangers (our hero found a clue in the 1890 U.S. census!), but the characters were engaging and the story was interesting. The second got a little better as we got more acquainted with Lucy the genealogist and her circle of friends and family. In this episode, the genealogy research seems pretty solid as Lucy investigates Civil War records for information about a Confederate soldier. The story is a little long and complicated, but the painting at the heart of the story is full of fascinating clues and it's fun to follow Lucy as she uses the expertise of an art restorer, various law enforcement specialists, and librarians to get to the bottom of the nefarious plot by a journalist with an axe to grind. Texas history and food are front and center in the book and there's plenty of tacos and kolaches (pastries) to enjoy along the way. (Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital review copy.)

3.5 / 4.0 Stars

This was an interesting tale featuring genealogist, Lucy Lancaster and her charming FBI agent boyfriend, Ben Turner. Lucy's former prickly colleague, Camilla Braithwaite has sought out Lucy's assistance to delve into the history of Camilla's fourth great-grandfather, Charles Braithwaite, who has been labeled a Confederate Civil War deserter in a recently published periodical. Heretofore, Charles had been celebrated as the sole survivor of his regiment, an upstanding defender of the rights of the poor and a genuine good guy. Family honor depends on the refuting of the periodical's claims. No sooner does Lucy get started on her assignment, when one of Charles' descendants meets his maker in a nefarious fashion and a prized family relic is now missing. As Lucy digs into Charles' history, it wasn't much of a stretch for her to work on unraveling the crimes too. After all, research is research. Ben just happens to be in town and is able to protect his dear Lucy on her quest.

Admittedly, I couldn't imagine an FBI agent having the opportunity to spend so much of his time canoodling and traipsing around Texas with Lucy. Yet, it is a cozy mystery after all, where the willing suspension of disbelief is fully engaged. Putting the disbelief aside, this is a fun, informative and entertaining story.

Perkins' writing style is smooth, engaging and propels the reader to a well-fraught climax from which the reader is gently brought back down. I was encouraged to read that Perkins continues to engage a professional genealogist to proof the references to their profession contained in this third book. If you enjoy well thought out, circuitous stories with a touch of history and family tales, then this may well be a book for you.

I am grateful to author S.C. Perkins and Minotaur Books for having provided an uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Lucy is contacted by a former coworker to look into some slanderous claims against her famous forebear. While Lucy and Camilla were never close, she listens with an open mind and eventually takes on the project. Now to see whether Charles Braithwaite was a deserter or a liar. Lucy figured she would find the same evidence the author of the slanderous article did, ittle did she expect things to get so wild so fast.

It seems Charles Braithwaite had painted a scene from the Civil War and it was three parts and two have gone missing with the murder of Camilla’s Uncle Charlie and one unknown relative having the third piece. The painting was rudimentary at best, why would anyone kill for it? That’s exactly what Lucy and Ben aim to find out.

I adore this series. the author always bring a bit of history to the table, even with a little fiction in place. The protagonist is a strong, educated woman that I can relate to and I love learning more about the bits and pieces of genealogical research as the story progresses. I cannot get enough of this series.

Fatal Family Ties is the third book in the outstanding Ancestry Detective series by S.C. Perkins. This book quickly draws the reader into yet another of Lucy Lancaster's genealogy projects. Lucy is tasked by a former co-worker, Camilla Braithwaite, with disproving a recently published article that accuses Camilla's Civil War era relative of desertion and being a liar. In addition, Camilla's family heirloom, painted by the supposed deserter Cpl. Charles Braithwaite, is a triptych which has been separated into its three panels with three different 'arms' of the family each receiving one of the panels. Camilla and her Uncle Charlie have made an interesting discovery about the panels they each own. The third panel is believed to have been lost, but in reality is very much at the heart of the mystery. Lucy is joined in her 'mission' by her new boyfriend Ben, who we met in book one, her Grandpa, who was introduced in book 2, her friends and officemates, landlord, and the ever present NPH (you need to read the first book to learn more about this lovable character!).

The story lines in this series are always intriguing and very different from those of other cozy mysteries. The novelty of the work Lucy is contracted for, the murder/theft/crime committed, and the facts that only make the story more real, combine into a very unique and thoroughly enjoyable read. In addition to the murder/mystery, which keeps you guessing to the end, Fatal Family Ties provides Civil War history, facts on genealogy research and other information pertinent to the story, in this case, art conservation/preservation.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two in the series, I can honestly say the third does not disappoint. I cannot recommend this series highly enough and will very much look forward to book four (and hopefully many more!)

I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley
#Fatalfamilytree

First of all I know I should have read the other books first. But I am glad that I read this one. The history was so engaging in realistic I love that about this book. I also greatly enjoyed the fact that the main character was so down-to-earth.

This is a very engrossing and quick to read mystery. This was a first for me from this author and it’s one I enjoyed very much. I had no problem catching on to the various characters and their backstories. I also loved the fact that genealogy was involved. It was definitely something different and very fun and interesting to read. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end, highly recommend and look forward to reading more in the series!

I'm always intrigued about genealogy, and Fatal Family Ties is exactly the type of story that I love to lose myself in.
Lucy Lancaster is an excellent protagonist, she's funny, down to earth, and quite likeable. Her relationship with her boyfriend Ben is going quite well, and I really like the fact that they aren't glued to each other throughout the story.
When a previous co-worker of Lucy's needs her help, she is intrigued, but hesitant to work with Camille. To be honest, I really became fond of her, and I think the author really created a unique bond for them.
The story takes a twist when murder takes place, and the more Lucy investigates, the more she puts herself in harms way.
This story is fast paced, and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I'm looking forward to see what happens next with these great characters.
#FatalFamilyTies #NetGalley

Fatal Family Ties is the third book the Ancestry Detective Mysteries written by S.C. Perkins. I've previously read and enjoyed the first two books; when this one became available via NetGalley, I immediately downloaded it. Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned murder mystery where one's genealogy is the key to solving the crime?

Camilla, Lucy's former colleague and a semi-Mean Girl, begs for help when a journal publishes an article citing mostly negative aspects about her ancestor's Civil War claims. Lucy's too kind to refuse to conduct any research, and once she begins digging into the man's history, she's almost murdered over a curious secret painting. Combining her skills in the realms of art, landscaping, military history, and amateur sleuthing, Lucy discovers some of the missing relatives who might be involved in this caper... except it ends up with at least one person dead and a few other murder attempts, including on Lucy herself.

Reads exquisitely fast. Before I knew it, a few hours passed and I'd devoured all the pages. Besides its charming southern setting, the book just captivates your attention as you learn clues and discover relationships. As a genealogy buff, this is a wonderful way to combine my interests, and Perkins is careful to explain in detail what Lucy does to find records without getting into the minutia that could bore those without an avid interest in this type of research. Adding in a layer of art history and painting techniques evokes a sense of nostalgia and creativity, providing a lighter sense of potential options for the culprit. When it all comes together, it's a bit surprising in a good way, and it really makes you wonder how greedy someone can truly be.

Although there are supporting characters, like Lucy's two besties and her pseudo-dad Flaco, it's her boyfriend that always stands out. He's kinda perfect and supports her in every way possible. In some series, the secondary cast help flesh out the big picture. In this collection, it's the genealogy backdrop that keeps me intrigued with the possibilities for the future of the stories. I enjoy all the characters, but that determined angst to find a missing relative is what will keep driving me back to these books. Perkins knows exactly how to tie the story back to someone's emotional desire to find their past. Definitely recommended for those looking to start a new mystery series.

I enjoyed this book very much. It's nice to caught up to what Lucy's doing. I liked the characters, they're well rounded and interesting. As always the story is interesting, and well paced. There's not a slow moment. I love how it ends. #FatalFamilyTies #NetGalley