The Doll from Dunedin

Forensic genealogist RaeJean Hunter is tapped to search for the missing heir to a deceased woman's considerable estate. Interestingly, RaeJean knew the deceased woman, Jill Hamilton, and had taken in her corgi when it was in need of a good home. Other than the apparently coincidental connection, though, this seems like it should be a pretty straightforward case. Find the heir, collect a substantial paycheck. Easy, right? The only hitch would seem to be the time limit. If the heir isn't found within a year of the woman's death, her estate would pass to Columbia University - and six months of that year has already elapsed.

The search for a missing heir takes RaeJean on a winding journey. From Jill's New York apartment to the Pacific Northwest to the wilds of New Zealand, she chases leads, digs through records, and tries to interpret the clues that a doll belonging to Jill seems to try to communicate with its eyes. And once again, she finds herself in danger, because someone does not want that missing heir found.

ML Condike gives us another smart, well-written mystery. I love the relationship between RaeJean and her husband Sam. They're clearly crazy about each other, but the romance doesn't get in the way of the mystery. And I like that they don't have to be joined at the hip constantly. Their respective jobs sometimes take them in different directions, but a little physical separation doesn't diminish their emotional connection.

The story also ties into an actual cold case, the 1910 disappearance of Dorothy Arnold. Condike gives us a believable scenario tying the missing heiress to Jill Hamilton, and in so doing, handles some challenging issues such as the treatment of mental health in the early twentieth century and the treatment of children in group homes.

Condike also addresses issues of fertility and adoption. Jill was adopted, and RaeJean and Sam face the possibility that they cannot have children of their own. I was adopted myself, so I'm glad to see they're considering that option.

The historical background was fascinating. The mystery, engrossing. The paranormal element, a delicious touch. The unexpected twists, well, unexpected! ML Condike is rapidly establishing herself as one of my favorite authors. If you love mysteries that blend history and present day, I highly recommend The Doll from Dunedin.