Murder, mystery and family history combine in an intriguing story
A Habit Of Dying is the compelling story of Lydia Silverstream and her attempts to reunite a family heirloom with its rightful owner. Amongst the box of old photo albums she discovers a sinister journal, both the key to one puzzle and an enigma in itself.
Lydia’s enquiries take her from her home in Oxford to Cockermouth and the Lake District, to Cambridge, Essex and the Sussex coast. Along the way she meets Stephen, who becomes the sounding-board for her theories. As the original purpose of her quest is fulfilled, the potentially homicidal secrets of the journal emerge. Lydia’s worst suspicions appear to be confirmed when she uncovers the circumstances of the journal writer’s death.
When asked about his motivation behind the story, author DJ Wiseman said, “I have had a special enthusiasm for researching my own family history, which is a never-ending detective story in itself. Combine that with the pleasures of reading, of travelling, and above all of writing, and you have A Habit Of Dying. Although it has an underlying theme of family history, I hope it will also be enjoyed by readers who have no particular knowledge or interest in genealogy.”
Reader reaction and press reviews have shown the story has a wide appeal, and has been strongly endorsed by readers of all backgrounds and interests. Read some of what they say here.
As A Habit Of Dying has become one of the best-selling family history stories and Lydia Silverstream (even if she is a little flawed) has become such a popular genealogy sleuth, so two more novels have followed. In 2016 The Death Of Tommy Quick And Other Lies was met with more good reviews (eg at Lost Cousins) and most recently (2023) Old Wrongs has seen Lydia spread her wings even further.
A Habit Of Dying 