Title:  Where’s Merrill?

Author:  Gearoid O’Neary

Format:  Paperback and Kindle

Published:  2013

Synopsis:  (partial, from Amazon)  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. 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?

My Rating: 

Similar to other genealogical mysteries, including those by Steve Robinson and Nathan Dylan Goodwin, Where’s Merrill? has two storylines: one in the present and one in the past.  The difference however, is that this book’s past storyline bounces around the time continuum, sometimes making it hard to follow along.  I know it was deliberately presented this way, based on the actual progression of the research, but wonder if it would have read better if told in a linear manner.

Genealogists would probably enjoy the book simply because it tells the story of the research conducted and what was learned to flesh out the lives of certain ancestors and other relatives.  This is always something that we as genealogists hope to find among our own families, whether the stories are good or bad.  Essentially, the premise of the past storyline is an enhanced account of real events related to the family being researched.

While I did find the story engaging, and wanted to know the answer to the ultimate question of Merrill’s whereabouts, I’m not sure if non-genealogists would find the read as interesting.  For example, my mom, who is not really interested in genealogy, loves a good mystery novel.  I have gotten her hooked on a few genealogical mystery series, but I’m not sure that I would recommend Where’s Merrill? to her.

A bonus for genealogists reading this book is a chance to see an example of extending “just the facts” to include dialogue and other historical facts to enhance a family story and have it read more like fiction, which may help engage disinterested family members.  The author does a good job of this.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read.  It took a few chapters to get hooked, but once I did, it was fast reading all the way to the end.  I really wanted to see where the story would lead and I truly wanted learn more about the life of Merrill.

I think the biggest issue I have is with the price of $4.99 for the Kindle edition (the paperback edition is a whopping $28.49!).  The book totals about 200 pages and that price seems to be a little high, especially from a new author.  I feel like a price of $2.99 for the Kindle edition would be more appropriate.

Disclaimer:  I was offered a free Kindle version of this book in exchange for a review.  This in no way altered my opinion and I have provided a fair review as if I had purchased the book myself.