Using Genetic Genealogy in Crime Fiction

The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society invites the public to its free monthly meeting on Saturday, May 16, featuring professional genealogist Nathan Dylan Goodwin, who will present “The Science Behind the Stories: Using Genetic Genealogy in Crime Fiction.”

Goodwin’s presentation will explore the investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) process: what it is, where it is used, and the basics of how it is undertaken, including real-life key cases that have used IGG. Goodwin will discuss his own fictional writing, focusing on the Venator Cold Case series, which uses this methodology to catch serial killers. He will explain his meticulous research methods, the experts he consults, and his writing process.

About the Speaker: Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a writer, genealogist, and educator. He was born and raised in Hastings, East Sussex. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Film, and Television Studies, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University. A member of the Society of Authors, he has completed several local history books about Hastings, as well as several works of fiction, including the acclaimed Forensic Genealogist series, the Mrs. McDougall Investigates series, and the Venator Cold Case series. His other interests include theatre, reading, running, skiing, and traveling. He is a qualified teacher, member of the Guild of One-Name Studies and the Society of Genealogists, as well as being a member of the Sussex Family History Group, the Norfolk Family History Society, and the Kent Family History Society. He lives in Kent with his husband, son, dog, and an assortment of chickens.

About the Event: The event will take place at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at 909 N. La Cumbre Road in Santa Barbara. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments and informal discussions with the Society’s Special Interest Groups, covering a variety of topics from getting started in genealogy to writing family histories. A short business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by Nathan’s live presentation via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at SBGen.org to attend the program via Zoom.

About the Society: The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society is an all-volunteer organization helping people discover, document, share, and preserve their family histories. The Society operates a research library at 316 Castillo Street with over 16,000 books, a computer lab with access to a variety of subscription genealogy websites, research assistance, and classes for all levels. Annual memberships start at $40. Learn more and join today at SBGen.org.