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Gearoid O'Neary
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Where's Merrill? a genealogical thriller Kindle Edition

by Gearoid O'Neary (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 out of 5 stars 195 ratings
“Where’s Merrill?” is a uniquely crafted mystery thriller based upon real life historical events. In fact, it is two inter-related stories in one novel set in different time-frames, namely the past and the present. An Irish genealogist called Jed is commissioned by Tim, an American client, who needs to understand more about his mysterious maternal ancestry. Fate had dictated that Tim never got the chance to meet his grandparents, and he didn’t even know the name of his mother’s father. She refused to tell Tim, even on her death bed. Why? That was a question which troubled Tim as he witnessed his mother's melancholy throughout his adult life, and after her death he resolves to find some answers - and some peace of mind.
It was also a question which intrigues Jed after he learns that Tim’s grandfather simply “disappeared”. No death record, no burial - nothing. Jed identifies the “missing” grandfather to be Merrill Harrison. Within weeks, Jed becomes obsessed with Merrill’s life, as he embarks on a personal crusade to find Merrill’s resting place on Tim's behalf. More fundamentally, Jed needs to fully understand the complex twists and turns linked to Merrill’s existence and eventual disappearance which take the Irish researcher on a fascinating trail stretching back to the pioneering immigrants of Midwest America all the way to the White House during WWII.
A web of worrying deceit woven by Tim’s ancestors is gradually unraveled. Once hidden family secrets are exposed. Jed turns from genealogist into cold case detective as he comes to the conclusion that multiple criminal misdeeds have been covered up … but where is Merrill?
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  1. Print length
    119 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    27 Feb. 2013
  5. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

About the Author

Gearóid O'Neary is a genealogist and writer, based in County Sligo, Ireland. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Gearóid is a writer, and the nom de plume and the alter-ego of Gerard Neary, the genealogist. Gearóid would prefer to while away his days writing stories about all manner of things he observes, some daft and some with serious overtones. On the other hand, Gerard gets emotionally engrossed in researching our ancestors, and then compassionately distributes his findings in private. Gearóid gives him a break now and again, usually dragging him off to the village inn to partake in parish gossip, or to put the world to rights in mildly-heated political debates. Both of them have a sense of humour. Gearóid is a dreamer. Gerard pays the bills.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BMUQN0I
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 27 Feb. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 119 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1301611225
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years
  • Customer reviews:
    3.8 out of 5 stars 195 ratings

About the author

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Gearoid O'Neary

Gearoid O'Neary

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Gearóid O’Neary is a genealogist and writer, based in County Sligo, Ireland.

Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Gearóid is a writer, and the nom de plume and the alter-ego of Gerard Neary, the genealogist.

Gearóid would prefer to while away his days writing stories about all manner of things he observes, some daft and some with serious overtones. On the other hand, Gerard gets emotionally engrossed in researching our ancestors, and then compassionately distributes his findings in private. Gearóid gives him a break now and again, usually dragging him off to the village inn to partake in parish gossip, or to put the world to rights in mildly-heated political debates. Both of them have a sense of humour.

Gearóid is a dreamer. Gerard pays the bills.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
195 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a fantastic read with an unusual but compelling story, particularly appreciating the intriguing true story of old money. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the author carefully leads through the intricate plot development.

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ReadabilityStory qualityWriting quality
11 customers mention ‘Readability’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and fantastic to read, with one customer noting how it maintains reader interest throughout.

"An engaging and intriguing true story of old money, the mob and a man with an elusive past and an uncertain future...." Read more

"...Well worth a read!" Read more

"This truly is an exceptional read. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down...." Read more

"It was okay. Finished the book and quite enjoyed the read. Do like genealogical thrillers, hope to find some more" Read more

11 customers mention ‘Story quality’11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the genealogical mysteries and find the story compelling, particularly appreciating the intriguing true story of old money. One customer notes how the author skillfully leads through the intricate plot development.

"An engaging and intriguing true story of old money, the mob and a man with an elusive past and an uncertain future...." Read more

"Thriller? - I don't think so. To date I have enjoyed the genealogical mysteries I have found on Amazon but this was hard-going as it was difficult..." Read more

"A lot of very good genealogy here but Merrill is so unsympathetic a character that one cannot care about his fate." Read more

"What a cracking read! Really enjoyed this book - it is an unusual but compelling story made all the more readable by the fact it is based on a true..." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Writing quality’4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...Very well written." Read more

"...A thoroughly good read." Read more

"...the book was written it would be difficult to follow - not at all, a well write" Read more

"A terrific read..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • pdn1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 March 2013
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    What a cracking read! Really enjoyed this book - it is an unusual but compelling story made all the more readable by the fact it is based on a true story. Everyone loves a good thriller and tracing family history is a big trend these days, so this novel is a winner as it combines these two things. The author is a genealogist and has traced lots of family trees. The story is based on one of his 'cases' which turns out to full of mystery, twists and turns and it is obvious from the start that this is no ordinary family history.

    The author tells the tale skilfully and the reader follows the process he went through in tracing the family and coming up against all kinds of obstacles, mysteries and disturbing findings. The use of flash back works well as we visit the various figures of this family tree set in their historical context. The reader is drawn into both the family research and the family itself, which means the story unfolds at a good pace and there is always something to keep the reader wondering what happens next.

    Well worth a read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and intriguing true story of old money, ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    An engaging and intriguing true story of old money, the mob and a man with an elusive past and an uncertain future. Twentieth century America laid bare by an Irish genealogist based in the wilds of Sligo in the 21st century.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nell
    3.0 out of 5 stars To date I have enjoyed the genealogical mysteries I have found on Amazon but ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2014
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Thriller? - I don't think so. To date I have enjoyed the genealogical mysteries I have found on Amazon but this was hard-going as it was difficult to feel any empathy with the characters who seemed to be out of an old black & white American B movie. In the end it all seemed quite pointless.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Debbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 October 2014
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    This truly is an exceptional read. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I particularly enjoyed the way that one minute you were reading all about Merrill in the past, then the next you were reading about the genealogists researching him in the present time. I would recommend this for anyone who researches their own family history. Very well written.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Diana Cowey
    2.0 out of 5 stars A lot of very good genealogy here but Merrill is so unsympathetic a character ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 May 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    A lot of very good genealogy here but Merrill is so unsympathetic a character that one cannot care about his fate.
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  • Patsy S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wheres Merril
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2014
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    It was okay. Finished the book and quite enjoyed the read. Do like genealogical thrillers, hope to find some more
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs. S. Smith
    3.0 out of 5 stars Did not quite work.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2013
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    As I am a keen family historian and also love mysteries I thought I would really enjoy this book having read others of this mix by a different author, however this author was unable to get the mix right. I feel sure that with the right author the story could be much better
    4 people found this helpful
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  • David
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!! Inspiring!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2013
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Where's Merrill? is unlike anything I have read before.(In a good way) I think the author uses his knowledge of geneology to the max.
    I loved the way the stories cross from the American families, to the lives of the two compelling characters, Sue and Jed. I loved it!!
    I couldn't wait to get to the next part of each of the stories. It engages you as the reader throughout. After reading about all the facts and secrets that crop up,
    I think it will inspire others to look at what mysteries they can unlock about their own ancestry. The soundtrack is perfect..... it's like America meets Ireland. GRAND!!
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Martin Duffy
    5.0 out of 5 stars very enjoyable and interesting
    Reviewed in Germany on 3 June 2013
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    This was a great read and a very well produced Kindle book. I would recommend it for everyone and I look forward to more from this author.
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  • Barbara Robinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars excelent book, couldnt put it down
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 January 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    excelent book, couldnt put it down. I liked the ending as it was your imagination if it was true or false.
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  • Larry Kenyon
    4.0 out of 5 stars "Who Do You Think You Are" in Michael Crighton Style
    Reviewed in the United States on 20 June 2014
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I read the Kindle version of this book on a flight to Ireland, and it kept me engrossed enough to read it in the one sitting. If you are into genealogy you will no doubt enjoy this novel, based on a real research case. I couldn't help thinking I was reading a Michael Crighton story, but with a genealogy theme. I'm ready for a follow on case, this time involving Ireland and Irish history rather than the U.S., it would be more engaging for me personally.
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  • Diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Ancestral Mystery!!
    Reviewed in the United States on 15 April 2013
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    First, a disclaimer.... I have had a business relationship with Mr. Neary, as he has done some research on my Irish roots in the past. However, this has nothing to do with my review of "Where's Merrill?" My review is based totally on its own merits.

    As somewhat of an ancestry buff, I was interested in reading "Where's Merrill?" I too have Irish roots, though other than being Irish, my family bears little resemblance to the Harrison family.

    "Where's Merrill?" is a well-written ancestral mystery. I enjoyed the dual stories of the past and the present, as it seemed to tie into my own interests of digging into the past with my own family. I, too, have sought out & found distant relatives, and it's quite fun to find relations you never knew you had! "Where's Merrill?" certainly tops my own family in terms of real drama & mystery! I'm afraid my own family is quite boring compared with Merrill's!

    I would definitely recommend "Where's Merrill?" to others who are interested in ancestry & a little mystery! Here's a suggestion to others who are reading "Where's Merrill?": throughout the book, there are several family tree graphics. Bookmark these pages so that you can easily refer back to them. I found it a little hard to keep track of "who was who" along the way. It's useful to be able to refer back to the family tree graphics to refresh one's memory. I had at first thought it would be good to have one complete family tree graphic at the beginning of the book. But that would have, in fact, spoiled some of the surprises in this family mystery! So bookmarking along the way seems to work out best if you are like me, and need visuals to help your memory.

    Overall - a good book!! And looking forward to more books by Neary!!
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  • tanguera
    1.0 out of 5 stars Badly written
    Reviewed in Germany on 13 November 2014
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I bought this book because I am interested in genealogical mysteries in general, and on the basis of the star ratings. Actually reading it has left me puzzled - I seem to have read a different book than those who found it difficult to put down.

    Over the last few months, I have read sixteen genealogical mysteries, over all. This is by far the worst I have read. The story may be true, but I'd say it's not enough to have an unusual story to make a good book - you need to shape the plot through pacing, generate tension, create likeable characters etc. to grip the reader. I didn't see this happening here.

    On a purely 'technical' level, the following things really spoiled the book for me:

    Aspiring writers are often told to show, not tell. This is, unfortunately, a maxim completely ignored by this author. Rather than giving us a character's mood through his actions or diction, we're told that Tim said something 'sounding a little emotional', that 'Sue is puzzled', etc. Not occasionally, but consistently. This should really be done through diction in dialogue sequences, but talking about diction, there's precious little dialogue. Instead, we get reported conversations: 'After exchanging pleasantries, Tim, based in California, offers yet more compliments to Jed over the phone about the research work methodically undertaken so far on his behalf.' Most of the conversations in this book are reported in this style rather than actually given as dialogue, and the occasional utterance inserted to make us get the feeling that we've got a dialogue doesn't really manage to convey anything about the character through the diction. Not only adjectives, but verbs like 'holler' and 'chirp' are used to make up for that. It doesn't really work, and the characters felt like cardboard cutouts to me. As the book mostly consists of reported conversations and research - at least the detection plot - we're also not really shown much about Jed, Sue, etc. through their actions.

    The tenses shift constantly. Occasionally, the present tense is used, as in the report of the conversation quoted above. Then, the narrative will suddenly shift into the past tense, for no apparent reason: 'Sue was relieved to ditch unrewarding death register searches, and is glad when she contributes...' etc. Here, we've first got a shift to the past tense, then we go back to the present tense. The past perfect is also used in a way that makes no sense: 'Tim then starts to tell Jed the little he had found out about his mother Laura...' It would make sense if the main verb was in the simple past (Tim then started), because then the past perfect would be needed to show that the finding out had taken place earlier than the telling. As it is, it's ungrammatical. Normally, this wouldn't bother me much, but in this book, these shifts are really constant and make the prose unbearably clunky. Also, the plot doesn't really generate enough tension to help you ignore the prose, so it jars even more. Basically, with a band, you might forgive the occasional off-key playing if the music and the lyrics they had written were great, so you'd think they just had to work on their technique a bit more. But if the music is boring and they're constantly off-key, that's a different thing.

    The fairly detached writing style that tells rather than shows might work for the passages set in Merrill's time, giving us the feeling we're seeing something like sepia-tinted scenes from the past; we're allowed to know what happened but can't really get into the characters because they're so remote in time. But that would only work as a contrast with characters in the present, if those were shown to us more directly instead of just being reported on.

    Anyway, because of the detached, 'reporting' writing style, I couldn't relate to them at all - I found Jed incredibly vain and annoying and the 'loving banter' that the narrator tries to portray between Jed and Sue just ends up feeling like the sort of bickering that couples do in front of other people because they think it's endearing while everyone around just finds it cringeworthy.

    As to the plot, real-life story or not, it should have been shaped to make it interesting for the reader. I found myself not really caring where Merrill is. I suppose either a traditional mystery style with clues that keep the reader guessing what happened along with the detective/genealogist or likeable characters might draw the reader in, but we get neither of those.

    The whole 'prequel' about Jed's previous career is also superfluous, but takes up 9% of the book.

    I've found myself wondering whether one can get a refund for a Kindle book.
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