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Next of Kin


Synopsis


1936: London is abuzz with gossip about the affair between Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson. But the king is not the only member of the aristocracy with a hard decision to make. Owen Montignac, the handsome and charismatic descendent of a wealthy land-owning family, is anxiously awaiting the reading of his late uncle's will. For Owen has run up huge gambling debts and casino boss Nicholas Delfy has given him a choice: find £50,000 by Christmas - or find yourself six feet under.

So when Owen discovers that he has been cut out of the will in favour of his beautiful cousin Stella, it is time to prove just how cunning he can be... And Owen is nothing if not inventive - even a royal crisis can provide the means for profit. And for murder...

John Boyne

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call

* Lisa Lucas, a DNA genealogy expert, receives a cryptic phone call from an unknown woman who claims to be her long-lost half-sister.
* Lisa is initially skeptical but agrees to meet the woman, identified as Sally.
* The meeting confirms Sally's identity, and Lisa is thrilled to have found a new family member.

Chapter 2: Secrets Unmasked

* Lisa and Sally delve into their family history, uncovering hidden secrets and long-kept traumas.
* They discover that their paternal grandfather had a long-term affair, resulting in Lisa's father and Sally's mother being half-siblings.
* They learn that their grandfather's family disowned him after the affair came to light.

Chapter 3: The Search for Truth

* Lisa and Sally embark on a journey to find their grandfather's family and fill in the missing pieces of their past.
* They travel to their grandfather's hometown, interviewing family members and searching through old records.
* Their investigation reveals a web of deceit and broken relationships that span generations.

Chapter 4: Hidden Agendas

* As Lisa and Sally get closer to the truth, they encounter resistance from some family members who are reluctant to expose their grandfather's past.
* They realize that some relatives have their own secrets and agendas that could sabotage their search.
* Lisa and Sally face threats and intimidation, but remain determined to uncover the full story.

Chapter 5: The DNA Connection

* Lisa's DNA skills play a crucial role in verifying family relationships and unraveling the mystery surrounding their grandfather's family.
* DNA tests confirm the biological connections between Lisa, Sally, and their extended family members.
* The DNA evidence also provides clues that lead them to long-lost cousins and other relatives who had been disconnected from the family.

Chapter 6: Healing and Reconciliation

* As Lisa and Sally piece together their family history, they witness the power of healing and reconciliation.
* Family members who were once estranged are brought together through the shared bond of family.
* The truth, however painful, brings closure and the opportunity to build stronger relationships in the future.

Chapter 7: Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future

* Lisa and Sally acknowledge the complexities of their family history and embrace the diversity within their newfound family.
* They learn from their ancestors' mistakes and strive to create a healthier and more inclusive legacy for future generations.
* The journey of connecting with their next of kin becomes a transformative experience that shapes their identities and their understanding of family.