Another One Gone

Seamus O'Neill Mysteries #3

by Paul Breen

Verona, Wisconsin, June 2000. A farmer vanishes in a hayfield and a driverless tractor rumbles down a country road.

The farmer is not the first to disappear in the field, so rumors abound. As days pass, the police lose interest, believing the man ran away to escape a failing family farm.

Seamus O’Neill, a rock & roll musician who never quite made it, sees things differently. While working part-time for a detective agency, he stumbles upon the tractor and becomes consumed by the disappearance. He sees clues which point to a sinister plot and develops a theory which explains the vanishing and the driverless tractor.

But can O’Neill find the missing farmer?

Genres: Mystery

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Paul Breen plays guitar poorly and spends far too much time on genealogy. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Paul grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and worked in public media at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Paul enjoys running, biking, music, sports, history, and visiting brewpubs. He lives with his wife and family in Madison.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another One Gone is the third book in the shamus O’Neill mysteries by Paul Breen, the book starts with shamus going to take his test to become a certified PI. When his boss Rider drops him off at home he reminds him that he cannot investigate any cases until he gets his license. So later that day when shamus and his sister Laney are going to pick up a bed to spruce up his apartment so he can impress the police detective he has a crush on Mira they get in a wreck with an unmanned tractor. This is how he meets the Cooper’s it seems their dad Vernon was supposed to be driving the tractor but he is nowhere to be found. No matter what shamus does he cannot get the incident off his mind especially when he learns the coopers have a history of missing relatives and too long standing enemies. He also takes the bold move of asking Keira for a date and couldn’t be more excited that she says yes so why are people at her work discouraging her from going out with him? He does drink more than the average man a day but shamus is a good guy a loving brother and uncle and a dependable friend but I guess you can’t tell that just by looking at him. This book was so good I find the author has a writing style that even after you put the book down you cannot stop thinking about the characters he’s created especially shamus… I love him I was so excited to see there’s two other books in the Series. I usually do not like to go backwards in a series but I think for shamus I am going to. I love this book it has a great mystery even the subplots are interesting and I cannot wait to read the fourth book and see where shamus goes next. #HiddenGems, #PaulBreen, #SeamusO’NeilMysteries,#AnotherOneGone,

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A farmer disappears while driving his tractor but no one is really worried. They think he just wanted to get away from his problems. He will become involved and he finds that there may be more to it. What will he find? Will he finds the answers? How will he get on? See if he finds the answers he needs
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Paul Breen’s “Another One Gone” is the third installment in the Seamus O’Neill Mystery series, and it continues to deliver the quirky charm and suspense that fans have come to love. This novel blends the intrigue of a classic whodunit with the unique perspective of its unconventional protagonist, Seamus O’Neill.

Set in Verona, Wisconsin, in June 2000, the story begins with Vernon Cooper, a man who disappears from his tractor while tending his farm. The police quickly lose interest, assuming Vernon ran away to escape his failing farm, but Seamus O’Neill, a part-time detective, sees things differently. Despite not yet being a licensed private investigator, Seamus becomes obsessed with the case, uncovering clues that suggest more than a man leaving debt behind.

The narrative is well-paced, with each chapter revealing new twists and deepening the mystery, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

“Another One Gone” explores themes of perseverance, the search for truth, and the complexities of small-town life. Breen delves into the psychological impact of unresolved mysteries.

The novel also touches on the struggles of rural communities and the personal demons that drive individuals to extraordinary measures. Through Seamus’s journey, Breen highlights the importance of resilience and the power of an inquisitive mind.

Breen’s ability to create vivid, relatable characters adds depth to the narrative, making readers care about their fates. The dialogue is natural and often laced with humor, reflecting Seamus’s laid-back yet determined personality. Breen’s descriptive prose brings the rural landscape to life, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story.

“Another One Gone” is a compelling addition to the Seamus O’Neill Mystery series, offering a blend of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments. Paul Breen has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a plot that keeps readers guessing until the end.

This book is a must-read for fans of mystery and detective fiction who appreciate a unique and engaging protagonist.

Paul Breen’s “Another One Gone” is a testament to his skill in weaving intricate, character-driven mysteries that resonate with readers. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a captivating and atmospheric read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamus O’Neill, Paul Breen’s rocker turned detective, is back on the case solving a mysterious disappearance in Madison. O’Neill is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Johnny Fever. Like Holmes, O’Neill notices details that others miss, and like Holmes he battles his own addictions. Like Johnny Fever, he is an expert music historian and a novice at personal hygiene. Unlike previous O’Neill mysteries, the detective is beginning to realize the impact that alcohol has on his life both personally and professionally, and starts to take steps, however small, to address his alcohol use.

In Another One Gone, O’Neill is faced with the mysterious disappearance of Vernon Cooper. The Coopers have farmed outside of Madison for generations, but, occasionally, a member of the family disappears and, sometimes, shows up dead. Now, Vernon, the patriarch of the farm family, disappears from his tractor while tending his field. Fortunately for us, Seamus O’Neill and his sister, Lena, were driving by just as Cooper’s now driverless tractor was involved in an accident. The mystery of Vernon’s disappearance unravels as Seamus navigates a long distance investigation, keeping his band together, getting his private detective license, and getting Erin Meyer, a Madison police detective, to think of him as a possible romantic partner. Paul Breen takes us through the streets of Madison and Dane County to solve the mystery. As a Madison native, I can confirm the accurate description of the highways and byways of Dane County, and Seamus’ taste in bars and beverages is well developed. This a great read for mystery lovers and anyone who has spent time in Madison.

[Mad Grouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamus O’Neill, Paul Breen’s rocker turned detective, is back on the case solving a mysterious disappearance in Madison. O’Neill is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Johnny Fever. Like Holmes, O’Neill notices details that others miss, and like Holmes he battles his own addictions. Like Johnny Fever, he is an expert music historian and a novice at personal hygiene. Unlike previous O’Neill mysteries, the detective is beginning to realize the impact that alcohol has on his life both personally and professionally, and starts to take steps, however small, to address his alcohol use.

In Another One Gone, O’Neill is faced with the mysterious disappearance of Vernon Cooper. The Coopers have farmed outside of Madison for generations, but, occasionally, a member of the family disappears and, sometimes, shows up dead. Now, Vernon, the patriarch of the farm family, disappears from his tractor while tending his field. Fortunately for us, Seamus O’Neill and his sister, Lena, were driving by just as Cooper’s now driverless tractor was involved in an accident. The mystery of Vernon’s disappearance unravels as Seamus navigates a long distance investigation, keeping his band together, getting his private detective license, and getting Erin Meyer, a Madison police detective, to think of him as a possible romantic partner. Paul Breen takes us through the streets of Madison and Dane County to solve the mystery. As a Madison native, I can confirm the accurate description of the highways and byways of Dane County, and Seamus’ taste in bars and beverages is well developed. This a great read for mystery lovers and anyone who has spent time in Madison.

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

024

Mystery

Review: Our anti-hero in this series is a somewhat absent minded ex-rocker whose life is in mild disarry. He realizes that he needs to get a real job which may help get his life in order.

Seamus is a slightly myopic and boozing dude whom is at once and overt and unassuming. The author is attempting to paint this “resident genius” picture while endearing him into our hearts. Did it work?

I have to say that it worked for me. I like the kid and find myself pulling for him in all instances. Yeah he is flawed, but who isn’t? He is aware of his flaws and that is half the battle. He continues to take steps to minimize impacts to others while acknowledging the reality of self-destructive habits.

The mystery was a good one that creates a baseline for this series. They are convoluted enough to take your brain down a multitude of tracks, but in the end it is Seamus that reveals the obvious path. What I like about the mystery is that it created good movement while developing the surrounding characters. I look forward to more from this author.

4.6/5

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is honest opinion. I enjoyed this book. I didn't realise till the end that it's the third in a series. I'd like to read books 1 and two. The central character, Seamus O'Neill is interesting. On the surface, he seems like a music industry drop out, a musician who never quite made it but still dresses and behaves like the younger man he once was, and drinks too much. But he's obviously very intelligent. He figured out a mystery with little evidence that the police had written off as a repeat of a 100 year old mystery in the same family, in the same place. I like the writer's style the characters are interesting, particularly Seamus. This isn't a deep and heavy mystery, but an interesting one with a couple of quirky characters.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Paul Breen, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, this may have been my first book, but it won’t be my last one of Mr. Breen’s.

The premise of the story is the disappearance of a farmer off his running tractor and the author jumps right in to the storyline.

The author does a great job of introducing each character. I was able to get a feel for who they were right away.

For me, the book moves along at a good pace.

This book is book 3 of the Seamus O’Neill Mysteries, but I think it could easily be a standalone book because I didn’t feel “lost” at any point. I do plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series now.

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Paul Breen. It was the third book is a series but was suggested you didn't have to read the others first. I kind of wish I had as it would have been good to know more about the backstory of Seamus (one of the main characters). Him and his sister come across a rather mysterious accident. Seamus who is on the cusp of becoming a registered PI is determined to figure out what went on and why. I would have given this 3.5 stars if that was an option. Thanks to Booksirens and Paul Breen for the ARC of this book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Another One Gone, Seamus O'Neill is faced with a sort of outdoor variation on a locked room mystery where no one could have done it. It takes place in hay fields and on a farm road. Seamus looks into it and does his best to figure out the mystery. We meet his feisty sister, he finally starts to furnish his apartment, and he goes on a few dates with the cop who kissed him in A Sudden Interest In Shakespeare. I wish there were more music in this one but at least he's trying to do something about his drinking.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamus O'Neill working at the Ryder Detective Agency was going to buy furniture with his sister Lena when they witness a strange accident on the road . Vernon Cooper goes missing and there seemed to be a lot of unexplained secrets that had led to this. Seamus and his boss are curious and go about solving this mystery .A exciting read to the finish I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Dianna Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Seamus O'Neil series. The book is about a farmer that mysteriously goes missing from his field. As a parttime detective, Seamus gets obsessed with finding out what happened to the farmer. He comes up with a few idea that even the local police hadn't considered. I enjoyed this mystery!

[Andrew Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book is good: a seemingly driverless tractor, a missing farmer and a trainee PI - with some of the usual demons. The tractor angle makes for a different story line. The writing is good enough to suggest further work by the author will be worth pursuing. My thanks to Hidden Gems for providing a review copy and this is my independent assessment.

[Peggy Hardman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be a 4 star but need to read next book to see

if characters fully develop (found them a bit vague). Refreshing that bed hopping not part of story. Nice that characters seem to respect one another - not always the case with PIs and police detectives. Look forward to next book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline. Seamus, the main character in this series is a brand new pi, who happens to drink too much, is "too old" to be still be playing in bands like he did, and living in a bachelor pad. But remarkably, his character is growing on me because I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this mystery. Could not figure our "who done it" until the very end. This e-book was received from Goodreads.

[Angela Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good mystery book. I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns of learning how they solved the crime/mystery.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially drawn in by the premise which stated that the disappearance wasnt the first, implying some kind of pattern, but instead what I read was the most bland white bread of mysteries.

There really isn't anything special about the main character detective. He didn't deduce anything that the reader couldn't figure out on their own (I definitely did) and it all felt a little obvious. I was pretty bored with the slice-of-life interludes, especially the clear indications that the MC is a functioning alcoholic, and the whole thing just felt like sad attempt of a middle aged white dude learning how to be a proper grown-up in the 90s. The mystery wasnt very compelling and the other disappearances that were supposedly connected were left semi-concluded in a pretty unsatisfying way.

There are definitely more interesting detective series out there. 2 stars.

[Jaclyn Eckert]

First time reading this author, but not the last. The author does a great job of introducing each character. I was able to get a feel for who they were right away.

[Lee Murray Brazos Booksellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this series. I really don’t like the main character, Seamus O’Neill, who appears to be a functioning alcoholic. I really have no frame of reference for alcoholism or heavy drinkers, for that matter, so I don’t really understand someone who is actually rather intelligent but literally counts his Pennie’s to buy alcohol, knowing he has to work.

The stories—I went back and read the first book and am reading the second, just to make sure I wasn’t reading the character wrong—are well written and cohesive. The supporting character cast is very good, and are well rounded.

Worth the time to read, and some folks will really like them.

I received an advanced reader’s copy and leave this review voluntarily.