Awesome book. I love this series and this book just added to that love. The main character is likable and a strong female lead. She’s smart and someone to admire. The book itself was interesting and well written. The plot was fascinating and fun to read. I could not put this book down. The history aspect and the genealogical aspect were compelling and drew me in. This whole book was entrancing and I could not get enough.

This series just keeps getting better! I love the camaraderie of Lucy and her besties, her great relationship with her own parents, the way she keeps in touch with Grandpa George via FaceTime, and last but definitely not least, her growing relationship with Ben Turner. I was drawn in and could hardly put the book down when the action fired up.

I had my susupicions about whodunit but not the twist. There was an interesting side story that appeared to be connected to the murder, so it was fun to watch that play out as well. The showdown was pretty epic, and Lucy's friend Helen got to play a part in it. Camilla was very surprising at the end too! I liked the theme of various people getting second chances even regarding the historical end of it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

If you enjoy genealogy then this excellent series is not to be missed. Combining the mysteries of the past with current mysteries, each of the (so far) three books hooks the reader from page one. Lucy has great skills doing genealogical research and her clients line up for her help. With several projects lined up, she is approached by a former library co-worker who begs her to take on the task of proving a recent magazine article is wrong about her Civil War ancestor. Was he or wasn't he a deserter, a liar and a con man? The journalist has painted a picture of him that will surely bring shame to his descendents. After a visit to a nearby museum to view his journal and other personal effects, Lucy knows that she needs more time than she had planned to spend investigating the past. Especially when things heat up and she becomes the killers target. What's so important about a triptych that the ancestor painted and was later broken up to be given to three family members. Two are accounted for but the third, a side panel, hasn't been seen in ages. Does it hold the key to murder?
Lucy is a wonderful character and her circle of friends all work well together, looking out for each other. She also has an awesome FBI boyfriend who respects her and her talents of investigation. They are a lovely pair. As for the mystery, it had me guessing wrong to the final reveal and it was a surprise. I already have reserved spots on my TBR list for future books in the series.
My thanks to the publisher, Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 stars

Fatal Family Ties begins promisingly by taking on current sociopolitical issues with bravery and tact. It addresses Juneteenth, along with civil war artifacts and soldiers and challenges the trend of demonizing those of past generations. In addition, the scenes where relationships are highlighted (romance, family, friendships) are sensitive and engaging.

Unfortunately, this characteristic of containing more substance than a typical cozy becomes the downfall of the book. Details and even single sentences are consistently over complicated and over stated. This causes the narrative to drag, even stalling and losing my interest.

Of course, some of the details are quite interesting, but they get lost in the onslaught. There is a serious need for some editing to keep the story moving. After book 2 of this series was so successful for me, I had high hopes for this one. I sure was disappointed.

Thank you to S.C. Perkins, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review

I am a sucker for any book where the main character is a genealogist or is involved in genealogy. It is a passion of mine, so when I saw this book on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it!!

This is the third book in the series, and though I have not read the first two, I don't believe that I was missing anything by starting with this book.

Lucy has been asked to investigate a claim being made that a man whom everyone adored was not what he seems. Along the way you have an amazing mystery, wonderful characters and a great story. I love books that flow, and this one flowed, and that made it an easy and fast read. 4⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press and S.C. Perkins for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Whenever I need a change from the grittier mysteries and thrillers that I read, there are a few cozy series that I enjoy, and S.C. Perkins' Ancestry Detective mysteries are right at the top of my list. Fatal Family Ties is the excellent third entry in a series that doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

The mystery is a good one. The bad guys are rather easy to pick out of a lineup, but why they're working together and how is what really fuels the mystery. The other thing that puts the zing into sleuthing is the historical tidbits that Perkins adds-- how tricky it can be to decipher Civil War military records, for example, or the burial practices involving soldiers. (Now, that last one may seem morbid to some, but it is important to the plot, and I found it interesting because one of my ancestors died in battle in Tennessee and his body had to be transported to southern Illinois.) There's also a bit of art restoration in Fatal Family Ties, which I always find fascinating.

But of course, when you talk cozies, you've got to talk character because the characters are what bind everything together. I really like Lucy Lancaster, her friendly, open disposition, her willingness to help others, her passion and talent for her work. She listens to and works with the police-- not against them-- and she never intentionally does anything dangerous or stupid. It doesn't hurt that her boyfriend, Ben Turner, is an FBI agent, and it also doesn't hurt that Ben realizes she has a talent for rooting out important clues. Besides a smart, handsome boyfriend, Lucy also has two great friends, a supportive family, and a grandfather who was a spy and has a penchant for terrific neckties.

If you're in the mood for a mystery that involves some history and a little art theft, a mystery that's full of good people doing the right thing for the right reasons, a mystery that can make you smile and just plain feel good, pick up Fatal Family Ties. It can be read as a standalone, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the other two, Murder Once Removed and Lineage Most Lethal.

Cozy Mystery with Art and Ancestry
Our heroine is a genealogist who is always getting involved in a murder. Her boyfriend is an FBI agent which keeps things interesting. This episode takes place in Austin and Houston, Texas. It concerns a Civil War Veteran and his legacy through the generations. It also seems that he was quite the artist and provided illustrations for newspapers and magazines. All of this combines for a fascinating story with plenty of suspects and motives. I really like that this series is geared to those who enjoy learning new things and being treated as if they have a brain. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Lucy Lancaster is a genealogist living in the trendy city of Austin, Texas. Her career has never been better, especially since she has the reputation of solving some difficult cases both criminal and genealogical. When Lucy is approached by former colleague Camilla Braithwaite to help prove a magazine article denouncing her ancestor Charles Braithwaite as a civil war deserter and charlatan, Lucy reluctantly accepts. Not only is Camilla not one of her favourite people, the case also seems difficult. Clearly the person who wrote the article researched Charles Braithwaite carefully.

A lover of a good mystery though, Lucy embarks on this project with her normal zest and is able to meet Camilla's great-uncle Charlie Braithwaite. Showing Lucy a panel of a triptych painting that was created by Charles Braithwaite, Lucy is fascinated by the mystery surrounding the triptych and the missing panel. Soon however, poor Charlie is found dead and his panel of the triptych stolen.

S.C Perkins has created a dynamic third installment to the Ancestry Detective series. In a subject matter that can be difficult to navigate, Perkins carefully lays out the genealogical process and helps the reader understand the difficult family trees that are at the centre of each mystery.

I look forward to future adventures of Lucy Lancaster and her group of friends and loved ones.

Lucy Lancaster's been asked to help a former coworker who was not always true to herself when dealing with others. The co-worker was heavily influenced by her other co-workers. Their relationship is precarious at the encounter at Flaco’s.
Camilla demands/asks Lucy to prove that her ancestor was not the Civil War deserter he's been portrayed as in a recent news article. Lucy emphatically tells her if she takes the job, it’ll be the truth not necessarily what she wants to hear.
In the course of the investigation, Camilla's great-uncle is murdered and a valuable piece of information is stolen in the form of his portion of the family triptych. [1/3 of a three-part painting]

This was a very well-written story. I enjoyed that the police were not considered inept. I also like how Ben Turner, Lucy’s boyfriend and an FBI agent supports her efforts for information. He does his best to instill self-preservation skills into lucy. Lucy was not in a hurry to do anything to put herself or anyone she cares about in danger.

The red herrings, twists and family repartee was great. Kept me turning the pages.

Looking forward to the next installment.

I was given a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. I am not required to leave a positive review. I chose to do so.

Loved this book! Love this series, it's one of my new favorites! Any time I can read a fun book and learn something, it's always a good read. This was a fun story, combining the past with the present. So much fun to read!

3.75 stars

This third Ancestry Detective mystery continues to entertain. Genealogist Lucy Lancaster is approached by an old work frenemy to research a Civil War ancestor who was recently the subject of a magazine hatchet job. Camilla comes from a storied Texas family, and they are upset at having their forebear labelled a deserter and a liar.

Lucy and her hunky FBI boyfriend Ben soon meet more members of Camilla's clan and hear the tantalizing tale of a triptych painting, ugly on the surface but apparently hiding a masterpiece underneath. Each of the three panels is in possession of one branch of the family.

Murder and skulduggery ensue. The genealogy background is interesting but never overwhelming. Lucy and Ben are supremely likeable characters and the story is well-paced and fun. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lucy might not like Camila but she's intrigued by her story about an ancestor who might have deserted during the Civil War. Intrigued enough to set off on a quest to solve questions about him as well as about a missing triptych. And a murder or two. She's a genealogist who likes nothing more than delving deep into a family tree and boy do the Brathwaites have one! Oh, she does like something more- her love interest the amiable and fun Ben. I like this series because I always learns something about a particular part of history. Know that this is entirely enjoyable as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a good read that just twisty enough to keep you guessing.

Lucy Lancaster is hired by former co-worker Camilla Braithwaite to clear the name of her ancestor. Charles Braithwaite is depicted as a Civil War deserter and liar in a prestigious journal article. One of the key resources is the exhibit on Charles at the Texas History Museum. Another clue is a triptych painting passed down the Braithwaite family for generations. Camilla has one panel and her beloved great uncle Charlie has another. Shortly after Camilla and Lucy visit Charles, he is found murdered in his bed and his triptych panel has gone missing.

What is the secret to this family heirloom that is worth killing for? With the help of her FBI boyfriend Ben and some art conservators, Lucy is on the hunt for answers.

This was an entertaining read in the Ancestry Detective mystery series. I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Lucy Lancaster agrees to help a former coworker look into her Civil War ancestor Charles Braithwaite. Murder of a current descendant occurs. Artwork turns up missing. Along the way, Lucy and her FBI agent boyfriend Ben spend some quality time together.
I loved book 2 in this series. Book 3 Fatal Family Ties was just as excellent. I loved following this new set of mysteries to its conclusion.
I had a pretty good idea of the character that was involved in the murder and theft, and I was proved right. The story drew you in and flowed along so well that I was excited to find out how it would all come together.
I love how Lucy pulls the pieces of the past together to help her clients, the families, understand their past.
This is a book I would recommend.

The third book in S.C. Perkins Ancestry Detective series is a winner.
Genealogist Lucy Lancaster and Special Agent Ben Turner are trying to expand their fledgling relationship when Lucy's former coworker, Camilla Braithwaite, comes to Lucy for help in disproving a scathing article about her Confederate soldier ancestor, Charles Edward Braithwaite.
Lucy agrees reluctantly but is soon caught up in the mystery surrounding Charles Edward, Missing panels of the Braithwaite triptych painted by Charles Edward, the murder of Camilla's Uncle Charlie and proving that Charles Edward was not "a coward, a deserter and a charlatan," propel Lucy and Ben into adventure, danger and deep genealogical research.
Well written with a fascinating reveal of genealogy research, romance and intrigue. Hopefully #4 is coming soon! Received from NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an honest review.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another great installment in this series! This one was full of interesting tidbits about the Civil War and a bit of art conservation. The characters are always really likable and the mystery was a really good one. This one was very twisty, with several red herrings and left me pretty surprised.

Just what a cozy should be. An age old mystery and a current murder. Lucy Lancaster, genealogist extraordinaire can easily solve both. With engaging characters, lots of plot twists and turns, this cozy will keep you engaged. Your not going to want to put this one down. Thanks #netgalley and #StMartinspress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love the Lucy Lancaster genealogical mysteries. Although they are mysteries, there are no gruesome details or lurid sex scenes. They are cozy mysteries to curl up with on a lazy day and enjoy. I can’t wait for number 4!

This is the third book in the Ancestry Detective Series. Our starring lady is Genealogist, Lucy Lancaster, who can do your family tree and catch a killer or two!

Just as Lucy is sitting at her favorite place, Big Flaco’s, she gets an uninvited dinner companion. A former and not well-liked co-worker, Camilla Braithwaite. Camilla hasn’t softened up much since Lucy last saw her either. But this time Camilla needs Lucy’s help.

Being an old family, there is a lot of history to unpack and Camilla’s ancestor is the subject of a rather unflattering magazine article. Camilla needs Lucy to prove her ancestor was not a deserter from the Civil War and to help her prove this woman is a liar.

There is also a lot of interest in some badly painted artwork that has been in the family for years but is now being aggressively sought after. But why? It’s ugly as sin.

Leave it to Lucy and her friends to dig into the whys and hows, now they need to figure out the who before they become another victim. Right now even Camilla is looking guilty!

I love this series. It’s like a history lesson and a great mystery!

NetGalley/ July 20th, 2021 by Minotaur Books

Fatal Family Ties by SC Perkins is another fantastic book that made it so hard to put down.

Can Lucy prove a Civil War soldier didn't desert his infantry?

Lucy Lancaster
Lucy Lancaster is our sleuth and who we follow throughout the story. I love Lucy as a character. In all three installments so far, she has definitely grown on me and reminds me of me. We are both nice and try to give people a lot of second chances. Lucy has a way of bringing history to life when she's researching the different eras for the families that ask her to look into their ancestry.

The Mystery
The mystery in this one is for the ancestry detective side of seeing if the Braithwaite's great great great great great grandfather actually did desert his infantry. Or if he didn't. Lucy is on the case for that. She's also on the case to figure out who would kill Charlie Braithwaite and why did they steal a painting that looks ghastly. Well, all of these things are answered in this book. It was fascinating to read all of this about the Civil War and how a big family, like the Braithwaites', didn't keep in touch with all of its lines, so they don't know all the different stories about their family. I might have fallen for one of them, but it wasn't making sense.

Four Stars
Fatal Family Ties by SC Perkins is a lovely book that I liked a lot. Ms. Perkins has done a brilliant job of creating this character that I love so much. Everything about the story is great. Lucy is a great character and detective in both ancestries and current live cases. I love this series as well. I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to anyone that enjoys a good mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Fatal Family Times by SC Perkins.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

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