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ML Condike’s novel, The Desk From Hoboken, the first in a genealogy mystery series released on March 5, 2024. Her story blends facts with fiction, using history records with current technology to solve a two-century-old cold case of the mysterious death of Mary Rogers.
She’s published in seven anthologies: two with the Granbury Writers’ Bloc (2019, 2022); one with the Key West Writers Guild (2023); and three with SinC North Dallas (2022, 2023, 2024).
She’s a member of MWA, Florida Chapter, Sisters in Crime National, Sisters in Crime North Dallas, Granbury Writers’ Bloc, and Key West Writers Guild.
She was a finalist in the 2024 American Fiction Awards, Best New Fiction."
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Desk from Hoboken is a work of fiction in the mystery, crime, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author ML Condike. This enthralling and intricately woven mystery combines elements of genealogy, history, and suspense to achieve a unique atmosphere and puzzle to be solved. The story follows RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, as she embarks on what appears to be a straightforward case of identifying human remains from the 1800s. However, what begins as a seemingly routine project quickly spirals into a dangerous and complex investigation. The story is not only a compelling mystery but also a journey into the past, as RaeJean delves into the life of Mary Rogers, whose mysterious death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's work.
Author ML Condike has clearly done a lot of research and background work to achieve this exciting new novel that combines historical facts and genealogical techniques to create a rich and immersive narrative. As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build steadily for a great slow-burn feeling. Later, as the pace of the novel begins to quicken, the threats and dangers RaeJean faces will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but become deeply invested in her quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue as the more we get to know them, the more complex they become. It's a tale of hidden secrets, perseverance in the face of danger, and the enduring power of truth, which makes for a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, then The Desk from Hoboken is a must-read.
