"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?
From the Author:
"Where's Merrill?" is based around real-life genealogical research, but the underlying themes are much deeper. What is the "truth"? Are people really who they say they are? How do we know?
For example, do you readily accept a person's ID document; maybe even their very authentic-looking birth certificate? Or what about that impressive college diploma? Is your work associate really a regular family man or woman? Have you met his/her spouse, and children, and parents - and are all these relationships genuinely straightforward?
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Author Rex Stout's fictional detective, Nero Wolfe, once observed: "You are so engrossed in the fact that you are oblivious to its environment." This is the mantra that must be taken up by all serious family history researchers.
