The Desk from Hoboken

Book Review: The Desk from Hoboken by M.L. Condike

Rating: 3.5 Stars

As I delved into “The Desk from Hoboken” by M.L. Condike, I found myself immersed in the world of forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of Mary Rogers. Initially drawn to the book to heal from personal grief, RaeJean's straightforward case of identifying human remains takes a perilous turn, leading her on a dangerous journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

From the start, the narrative captured my attention with its blend of historical facts, modern genealogical techniques, and a hint of mysticism surrounding an antique desk that guides RaeJean in her investigation. The story unfolds across four states, revealing long-buried secrets and escalating threats that put both RaeJean and her family in jeopardy.

While the premise of the Mary Rogers mystery and the forensic genealogy elements were undoubtedly intriguing, I found myself struggling with the pacing of the book as it approached the three-quarter mark. The plot became repetitive and convoluted, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story. However, despite these drawbacks, the novel still managed to maintain its grip on me, compelling me to see it through to its conclusion.

“The Desk from Hoboken” has the potential to be a standout read with its captivating premise and well-crafted characters. With some refinements to streamline the plot and eliminate unnecessary repetitions, this book could easily elevate its rating. Fans of mystery and genealogy will find this novel a worthwhile read, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

For those intrigued by historical mysteries, suspenseful storytelling, and the intricacies of forensic investigation, “The Desk from Hoboken” offers a compelling narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Despite its flaws, this book sets the stage for a promising series that will likely resonate with fans of the genre.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Absolutely fantastic! Once I started this book I did not want to put it down. It can hold the reader captive and give a need and want to solve the mystery with the FMC.

I have never seen or heard of a genealogy mystery before, and it far from disappointed me. I really hope this becomes a series!

The only reason I didn't give it a five-star rating was because of the plot with the FBI - I think the book didn't need this plot point or twist to be good.