"The Great Genealogical Search is truly a 'remarkable story' that keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end.  Author Kevin Shepherdson chronicles his own research experience to show how to do family history research.  He and his research partners leave no stones unturned as they pull together information from family sources, public and private records repositories, the internet, social networking services, and molecular genealogy. 

The ups and downs, joys and disappointments encountered are shared in an engaging style.  Practical tips, memorable illustrations, and chapter recapitulations contribute much to the author’s objective of helping the reader 'get closer to the finishing line' of family history research and sharing information about common ancestry to unite living relatives."

"Kevin’s book The Great Geneaological Search makes fascinating reading. We travel with him as he pores over ancient documents in archives in the UK and visits the ancient port town in Kent from whence his ancestors first sailed to the East Indies. We learn about his ever-widening pool of international collaborators and his experimentation with DNA genealogical techniques.

In a place like Singapore, founded on immigration from all around the world, it is not surprising that there are fascinating stories to be found, particularly among the Eurasian community, like that of the Shepherdson family. What is interesting is that with sufficient energy and commitment of time it is possible to find out so much detail about one's ancestors. 

The bonds between Britain and Singapore are two centuries old, and today remain strong politically, economically and culturally. They are reinforced by many contacts between individual citizens. And, as Kevin shows, they are underlined by important family connections too.  Kevin is to be congratulated on the breadth and depth of his historical research and the fascinating story that has emerged. The Great Genealogical Search should encourage many more people to follow in his footsteps."

"Human beings differ from animals in one critical respect:  each generation transmits knowledge and culture to the next.  A necessary condition for that transmission is memory of the past.  No wonder Churchill once said that the further one wishes to look into the future, the more one must back look back into the past.  In every tribe, there are individuals (not many) who dedicate themselves to researching and recording history so that the tribe as a whole can advance with greater confidence and clarity.  Kevin is one such individual."

"This is not a note pad or entries in a dear diary log of how one person went about searching his family tree. This is the ultimate resource tool that goes beyond the limits of family history research and genealogy. It's the whole package to help get everyone involved. It also includes tips on how to organize family reunions, an exhibition and even publishing a book.

What's more, it takes it to the next level of bringing in the science and technology, with web-based tools on the internet, DNA testing and the like. The tips given in each section, found in the grey boxes, are chronologically ordered. This allows beginners as well as those who have already got started to simply turn to the section which their research is at, and take it from there.

The pathways recorded in this book make this the most complete tool box for genealogy research. Yes, Kevin states that it’s the start of an endless trip down your family roots and their history. But, behold, this book transforms that dark endless tunnel into a brightly lit field of new discoveries when looking into the window of our past. The Shepherdson family in this part of the world is a typical Eurasian family, and thus is the perfect case study for any other family with a variety of origins; and that’s about 95% of all families! 

A Great Book! A Great Tool!"

“Kevin Shepherdson, through a captivating description of his own genealogical journey, has provided a perfect example of how the latest technological advances, including genetics, IT and web 2.0, have changed the landscape of family history work.”

"Kevin's book reads like a thriller ala 'The Shepherdson Code', wherein he doggedly explores every lead and piece of information to discover his ancestral roots. A fascinating story of his journey and the way in which many people, related and unrelated, came foward to help him and his research team. Kevin provides us with useful tips based on his 20-year experience for everyone looking to do the same. I can only imagine how satisfying it must be to find who one is descended from. For Kevin, the story starts 700 years ago."

"The Great Genealogical Search is a dedication to hard work and a monumental tribute to rediscovering the meaning of family. From the black-and-white photographs of distant forebears to the smiles of one's nieces and nephews, the search for one's roots culminates in a moment of celebrating one's humanity across cultures and oceans. The techniques of discovery are not simply boring science, one has to acknowledge the beauty in each and every life lived."

"Most of us are curious about our ancestors but very few go beyond just questioning our elders to obtain information. Kevin, with the support of his wife Lily, his uncle Percival and other researchers he has met in the course of his genealogical journey, has boldly gone where very few (if any) have. Like an explorer he has discovered details not only about his ancestors but also the social environment the Shepherdsons lived in, up to seven hundred years ago. He takes us with him on this fascinating voyage of discovery, generously sharing resources and providing practical tips to guide budding genealogists. Kevin does not just dish out information. He encourages and inspires us with his passion for what has become his life's work. A truly remarkable achievement."