If you have been diligently researching your family history for a while, you may be feeling a bit tired of methodically shuffling through old records in search of your ancestors. As is the case with any type of research, whether for business or for leisure, it is beneficial to take a break from your genealogical research occasionally. Sometimes, research can be frustrating, other times it can be exhilarating, and occasionally it can be downright tedious. Taking a break from your research can be fun and relaxing, and when you return to your research, you will be approaching it with a fresh perspective. You may have even “found” answers to your research questions or problems in your “off” time without even realizing it.
If you are reading this suggestion and you feel that you are so addicted to genealogy that taking a break from your research will cause you to suffer the pains of withdrawal, do not despair. You can continue to feed your genealogy need while taking a break from actively researching your family tree. Genealogical mystery books are a fun way to relax and enjoy genealogy and a good book at the same time. Where I live, it is currently a great time of year to read mysteries of any sort. October brings many a rainy day, and the trees are losing their leaves, exposing the skeletons of their branches. There is no better time of year to curl up in a comfortable spot with a hot cup of tea, cocoa, or coffee and a good mystery.
Rett MacPherson has written a series of genealogical mysteries that revolve around Torie O’Shea, a genealogist from a small town in Missouri. Rett’s ten Torie O’Shea mysteries have fun titles like “Killing Cousins”, “Blood Relations”, and “A Comedy of Heirs”. Torie, like all genealogists, has an endless supply of curiosity. Her research about people and events from the past often winds up turning into present-day adventures. The Torie O’Shea mysteries are cozy mysteries and as is often the case with many cozy mystery heroines, Torie’s resourcefulness and spunky personality make readers want to follow her escapades through the entire series. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a Torie O’Shea book or other genealogically themed mystery and let your mind wander. You will be glad that you did.