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The Plain Field
In the heart of Long Island lies a quaint house on Plainfield Avenue, once a haven of childhood memories for Angela O’Hare, now a realm of mystery awaiting the young O’Hare family of four. As they nestle into the folds of Floral Park following the demise of Angela’s father, they soon discover that the town and their new home are cradles to tales of Shadow Men and mythical beings, whispering secrets of a bygone era.
Amidst the enigmatic allure of their new surroundings, a hidden chapter of their life lurks in the shadows. Charlie O’Hare, a loving husband and father, has long juggled a perilous side hustle: delivering clandestine packages for the Irish Mob in Boston. As they yearn for a serene life in the picturesque enclave of Floral Park, Charlie is handed one last task by Uncle Jimmy, his mob overseer. A task that promises a key to a simple life: deliver an ancient mahogany box adorned with mystical Algonquin Indian symbols and carvings.
As the aura of the antique box unfolds, whispers of hidden treasures beckon, leading the O’Hares down a spiraling path of mysteries old and new. The quaint streets of Floral Park begin to unveil more than just the echoes of folklore, entwining the family’s fate with forgotten tales and veiled realities.
Amidst the enigmatic allure of their new surroundings, a hidden chapter of their life lurks in the shadows. Charlie O’Hare, a loving husband and father, has long juggled a perilous side hustle: delivering clandestine packages for the Irish Mob in Boston. As they yearn for a serene life in the picturesque enclave of Floral Park, Charlie is handed one last task by Uncle Jimmy, his mob overseer. A task that promises a key to a simple life: deliver an ancient mahogany box adorned with mystical Algonquin Indian symbols and carvings.
As the aura of the antique box unfolds, whispers of hidden treasures beckon, leading the O’Hares down a spiraling path of mysteries old and new. The quaint streets of Floral Park begin to unveil more than just the echoes of folklore, entwining the family’s fate with forgotten tales and veiled realities.
216 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 3, 2025
“The Plain Field“ is an engaging family drama, folklore, and supernatural mystery by John F. Noone, published by Austin Macauley Publishers and set to release on August 16, 2024. Spanning 215 pages, the story unfolds in Floral Park, Long Island, where the O'Hare family moves into Angela O'Hare's childhood home after her father's passing. While the town appears peaceful and quiet at first, its unsettling side emerges, with whispers of Shadow Men and mythical creatures adding suspense to the family's new chapter.
The novel combines family conflict, folklore, and supernatural intrigue. The vivid descriptions of Floral Park and Plainfield Avenue bring Long Island's coastal charm and haunting atmosphere to life. Angela and her children are portrayed authentically, showing courage and vulnerability, although some emotional moments feel rushed. Charlie’s mob ties add tension, though rapid scene transitions sometimes leave pivotal moments underexplored. The inclusion of supernatural and historical elements, especially Algonquin lore, enriches the story, though more depth in these areas could have made them even more impactful.
With short chapters and a fluid narrative, the book is an easy read, though this brisk pace occasionally comes at the expense of deeper storytelling. Fans of folklore-inspired mysteries and family sagas with supernatural twists will find “The Plain Field“ captivating, even if they wish for more detail in key moments.
Recommended For: Readers who enjoy family dramas with a mysterious edge, folklore-infused tales, and paranormal suspense. If you’ve love stories blending real-world tension with mythological intrigue, this book is a must-read.
Final Thoughts: While there’s room for deeper character development and steadier pacing, it’s an intriguing read for fans of layered mysteries with a paranormal twist. If you enjoy suspenseful family sagas with mythological undertones, this one deserves a spot on your reading list!
Books in Series
The Plain Field
The Plain Field / Shadow Twins
Book 1 of 1: The Plain Field
The novel combines family conflict, folklore, and supernatural intrigue. The vivid descriptions of Floral Park and Plainfield Avenue bring Long Island's coastal charm and haunting atmosphere to life. Angela and her children are portrayed authentically, showing courage and vulnerability, although some emotional moments feel rushed. Charlie’s mob ties add tension, though rapid scene transitions sometimes leave pivotal moments underexplored. The inclusion of supernatural and historical elements, especially Algonquin lore, enriches the story, though more depth in these areas could have made them even more impactful.
With short chapters and a fluid narrative, the book is an easy read, though this brisk pace occasionally comes at the expense of deeper storytelling. Fans of folklore-inspired mysteries and family sagas with supernatural twists will find “The Plain Field“ captivating, even if they wish for more detail in key moments.
Recommended For: Readers who enjoy family dramas with a mysterious edge, folklore-infused tales, and paranormal suspense. If you’ve love stories blending real-world tension with mythological intrigue, this book is a must-read.
Final Thoughts: While there’s room for deeper character development and steadier pacing, it’s an intriguing read for fans of layered mysteries with a paranormal twist. If you enjoy suspenseful family sagas with mythological undertones, this one deserves a spot on your reading list!
Books in Series
The Plain Field
The Plain Field / Shadow Twins
Book 1 of 1: The Plain Field
October 19, 2024
Thrilling adventure
"The Plain Field" is a story set on Long Island. The author masterfully brings the setting to life with vivid descriptions and an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
The story follows the O'Hare family, particularly Charlie O'Hare, as he navigates his side hustle of delivering packages for the Irish Mob in Boston. When he is tasked with delivering an ancient mahogany box, Charlie unknowingly embarks on a journey filled with hidden treasures and mythical beings.
While the story is intriguing, the abundance of dialogues can be overwhelming at times. A better balance between dialogue and setting would have created a more steady pace.
I enjoyed "The Plain Field," and I would recommend this read for those who enjoy ancient mysteries and thrilling adventures.
"The Plain Field" is a story set on Long Island. The author masterfully brings the setting to life with vivid descriptions and an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
The story follows the O'Hare family, particularly Charlie O'Hare, as he navigates his side hustle of delivering packages for the Irish Mob in Boston. When he is tasked with delivering an ancient mahogany box, Charlie unknowingly embarks on a journey filled with hidden treasures and mythical beings.
While the story is intriguing, the abundance of dialogues can be overwhelming at times. A better balance between dialogue and setting would have created a more steady pace.
I enjoyed "The Plain Field," and I would recommend this read for those who enjoy ancient mysteries and thrilling adventures.
March 26, 2026
This story pulled me in more than I expected. At first, it feels like a quiet family drama—moving into a new home, dealing with loss, and trying to start fresh—but there’s this constant eerie undertone that keeps you on edge. The way the author blends everyday family life with unsettling folklore and mystery is honestly captivating.
I found myself really drawn to the O’Hare family, especially Charlie. His struggle to leave behind a dangerous past while trying to be a present and loving father felt very real. That tension between wanting peace and being pulled back into something dark added so much depth to the story.
The introduction of the mahogany box was where things really started to grip me. There’s a sense that something ancient and powerful is unfolding, and I loved how the mystery slowly builds rather than being rushed. The mix of Irish mob elements with mythical and almost supernatural themes made the story feel unique and unpredictable.
By the end, I was left with this lingering feeling of curiosity and suspense. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about the past, hidden secrets, and how some things never truly stay buried. Definitely a compelling read if you enjoy stories that blend family, mystery, and a touch of the unknown.
I found myself really drawn to the O’Hare family, especially Charlie. His struggle to leave behind a dangerous past while trying to be a present and loving father felt very real. That tension between wanting peace and being pulled back into something dark added so much depth to the story.
The introduction of the mahogany box was where things really started to grip me. There’s a sense that something ancient and powerful is unfolding, and I loved how the mystery slowly builds rather than being rushed. The mix of Irish mob elements with mythical and almost supernatural themes made the story feel unique and unpredictable.
By the end, I was left with this lingering feeling of curiosity and suspense. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about the past, hidden secrets, and how some things never truly stay buried. Definitely a compelling read if you enjoy stories that blend family, mystery, and a touch of the unknown.
April 22, 2026
John wrote about what he experienced in one way or another
My readerverified score is 89%, but this series is promising.
This first season could be called: Small Town Secrets and Big Trouble
It pulls you in with a cozy Long Island setting that quietly hints that something is very off.
I remember John Truby's advice about mixing story genres as well during this book, as it mixes family drama with crime and a touch of supernatural mystery without feeling messy. A standout refine for sucuse.
The O’Hare family feels real with their grief and hope for a fresh start.
Charlie’s secret life with the Irish Mob adds tension right away and keeps things interesting.
The whole “one last job” setup is classic, but it works because of the strange box and what it represents.
The town itself acts as a character, full of hidden stories and old secrets.
The intro chapter does a solid job setting the tone, especially with that uneasy feeling on the water.
It feels like the kind of story that will slowly expand into something bigger in the next books.
Overall, it’s a good start to a trilogy and definitely worth reading if you like an easy to read mystery with a dark edge.
My readerverified score is 89%, but this series is promising.
This first season could be called: Small Town Secrets and Big Trouble
It pulls you in with a cozy Long Island setting that quietly hints that something is very off.
I remember John Truby's advice about mixing story genres as well during this book, as it mixes family drama with crime and a touch of supernatural mystery without feeling messy. A standout refine for sucuse.
The O’Hare family feels real with their grief and hope for a fresh start.
Charlie’s secret life with the Irish Mob adds tension right away and keeps things interesting.
The whole “one last job” setup is classic, but it works because of the strange box and what it represents.
The town itself acts as a character, full of hidden stories and old secrets.
The intro chapter does a solid job setting the tone, especially with that uneasy feeling on the water.
It feels like the kind of story that will slowly expand into something bigger in the next books.
Overall, it’s a good start to a trilogy and definitely worth reading if you like an easy to read mystery with a dark edge.
March 12, 2025
A family moves into an old house…
…only to find themselves caught up in drawn-out drama involving Irish gangsters and supernatural events, mostly centered on a mysterious mahogany box. The characters struggle to resolve this dilemma by delving into ancient legends and dealing with shadowy characters.
The characters were distinct and developed enough for their roles. I found the tale engrossing, though the author used a few too many exclamation points.
…only to find themselves caught up in drawn-out drama involving Irish gangsters and supernatural events, mostly centered on a mysterious mahogany box. The characters struggle to resolve this dilemma by delving into ancient legends and dealing with shadowy characters.
The characters were distinct and developed enough for their roles. I found the tale engrossing, though the author used a few too many exclamation points.
November 16, 2024
HEARTWARMING & FRIGHTENING
You will become acquainted with a lovely family and their friends in a quaint town, then quickly be introduced to disturbing people, haunting creatures, mysterious objects… and to a particularly repulsive pond. The quickly-paced narrative of THE PLAIN FIELD keeps you turning the pages and very eager to read Season Two. BTW, I really liked the illustrations!
You will become acquainted with a lovely family and their friends in a quaint town, then quickly be introduced to disturbing people, haunting creatures, mysterious objects… and to a particularly repulsive pond. The quickly-paced narrative of THE PLAIN FIELD keeps you turning the pages and very eager to read Season Two. BTW, I really liked the illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews