Reviews for:
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.
Review 01
Charlotte B.
5 out of 5 stars: A Mysterious and Engaging Start to a Series
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
Format: Paperback
My readerverified score is 96%. “The Plain Field” is an intriguing blend of family drama and supernatural mystery-and a strong opening to a series. The story creates a captivating atmosphere, mixing small-town charm with darker, hidden secrets. I especially enjoyed the combination of folklore, suspense, and the personal struggles of the characters. It keeps you curious and eager to see how things will unfold in the next books. Overall, a compelling and atmospheric read, and a promising start to what feels like a very engaging series.
Review 02
Customer Review
Joe a
5 out of 5 stars. John wrote about what he experienced in one way or another
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
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.
Abdulrahman, Thanks for your thorough review. I appreciate it.
Review 03
5 out of 5 stars: An Engaging Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
My readerverified score is 93%. The Plain Field” delivers an engaging mix of family drama, local folklore, and mob tension, all set against a vivid Long Island backdrop. I especially enjoyed how the everyday rhythms of the O’Hare family slowly give way to stranger, mythic elements tied to the mysterious mahogany box. The blend of realism and supernatural intrigue kept me turning pages, and the sense of place feels authentic throughout. The ending opens the door to even bigger mysteries, and I’m curious to see where the next book goes.
Thanks for your great review. Glad you liked my novel.
Review 04
5.0 out of 5 stars: A Captivating Supernatural Thriller with Rich Atmosphere
My readerverified score is 97%.
The Plain Field by John F. Noone delivers an engaging blend of family drama, Irish mob intrigue, and supernatural suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. Set in Floral Park on Long Island, the story follows the O'Hare family as they move into Angela's childhood home, only to discover that both the house and the town harbor dark secrets involving ancient Algonquin folklore and mysterious Shadow Men.
What works exceptionally well is Noone's atmospheric writing. His descriptions of Long Island brought the setting to life in vivid detail, creating a genuinely creepy and immersive experience. The short chapters made the book incredibly readable, and I appreciated how the author wove historical elements and Irish-American heritage into the narrative. The inclusion of original illustrations added a nice touch that enhanced the storytelling.
The plot itself is intriguing, centering on Charlie O'Hare's dangerous involvement with the Irish Mob and a mysterious mahogany box adorned with ancient symbols. The supernatural elements blend smoothly with the family dynamics, creating genuine tension and mystery.
However, the pacing occasionally felt uneven. Some pivotal emotional moments, particularly the family's reactions to traumatic events, could have been given more space to breathe. At times, characters seemed to move past significant developments too quickly, which made certain plot points feel rushed. A bit more time spent on the emotional aftermath of key events would have added depth.
Despite these minor issues, The Plain Field succeeds as an entertaining supernatural thriller. If you enjoy stories that combine family secrets, folklore, and paranormal elements with a touch of organized crime, this is worth your time. I'm definitely curious to see where Noone takes the story in the next two books of the trilogy.
Thanks. I'm delighted you enjoyed my novel, and I agree that I rushed through some of the more traumatic events. This is my first novel, and I am not a trained writer. I just decided one day that I needed to tell this story. Clearly, I have a lot to learn, but that's okay with me.
Review 05
The fast pace of this book kept me turning pages. It was well-written and the author's descriptions made it easy to visualize the town and the characters. There is good character development and I thoroughly enjoyed the way history was blended with the paranormal. In addition, I liked the short chapters and beautiful illustrations. I recommend it for readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers.
Hi, thanks for your great review.
Heike, Thanks for a great review.