The Forger’s Daughter: A Nobel by Bradford Morrow

Grove Atlantic

September 8, 2020

NetGalley

Mystery, arc, fiction

ISBN: 9780802149251

288 pages 

10/13-10/28

 

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

 

It appears that this is a sequel to “The Forgers”. That being said I had no problem following the story and relationships between the characters. The book flows in a manner in which can confuse as its shifts narration from Will to Meghan randomly.  

 

This book has taken me so long to read. It was interesting but not enough to captivate me. I was easily distracted by all the extraneous information about forgery, classical music and characters I found less than thrilling. 

 

Will and Meghan adopted Maisie when Mary Chandler, Meg’s best friend/business partner dies. The father is unknown as it is told that Mary used a “donor” to have a baby. The antique book store owners also have an adult daughter Nicole who also has a talent for replication. Will and Meg finally feel settled in New York after living in the countryside in Ireland. 

 

Their lives are suddenly changed when an unexpected and undesired visitor from the past makes his presence known. The history between Will and Henry Slader was competitive and contentious back when Will was deeply involved with forgery of old documents for profit. The relationship ended rather violently when Slader attacks Will ultimately mutilated his right hand. Will had hoped to never see the dangerous man again. Unfortunately, Slader shows up requesting one last favor knowing he has a secret from the past that Will would prefer not be revealed. 

 

The two men share a mutual acquaintance Atticus who is peripherally involved with this latest scam involving a forgery of Edgar Allen Poe’s “Tamerlane”. The historical information regarding Poe was unknown to me and added to the significance of the crime if discovered. The murder of Meg’s brother Adam Deihl has remained unsolved for years. Will and Slader have kept the details of her brother’s involvement with their illegal activities. Meg has her own past secrets which ultimately tie the whole story together.

 

Overall, I was underwhelmed and found the story predictable. The historical information seemed well researched although laborious in detail. This book is well suited for those interested in mysteries particularly about Poe and antique books.