Mial Pagan Playwright and Novelist
Novels
Thicker Than Water (The First Dermot O'Hara Mystery)
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Dermot O'Hara is a policeman in the small Irish town of Kenmare. His greatest challenges are lost library tickets and how to find more time to fish. This peaceful life is upended when death comes to town. And not just any death. O'Hara's career is on the line as the corpse of a US Senator is found. The Senator, searching for his ancestors, has uncovered an old, still burning feud from the time of the Great Famine. Dermot needs all the help he can get to solve the crime but as he starts to unravel the mystery it becomes clear that those around him are not what they seem. This short first book in the series introduces us to Dermot, his long suffering wife Jo and his disreputable friends in the local bar.
What readers say:
Charming little Irish mystery.
“An excellent murder mystery, with an unexpected twist. It oozes small-town Irish charm. Only a short book (estimated at 57 pages) so it can easily be consumed in a couple of sittings. I see it's the first in a series, so it will be interesting to see how the characters develop!
More please!
Fast paced, quick thinking short story about cooperation between a local Irish Garda and a vacationing FBI agent investigating the death of an American Senator. Hoping and praying this wonderful series continues!
Banshee (The Second Dermot O'Hara Mystery)
Free on Kindle Unlimited
When local fisherman Peter Foley's boat sinks beneath the perilous waters off the rugged Kerry coast, a chilling secret is unearthed, putting the picturesque town of Kenmare in grave danger. This catastrophe thrusts Gardai Inspector Dermot O’Hara into a battle against sinister forces and his long-standing nemesis, Assistant Commissioner Quinn. Amidst the looming threat newfound passions ignite but an ominous spectre from Dermot's past returns to cast a shadow over his tranquil life. Love, loyalty, and friendship collide with malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them all.
What readers say:
'The first one was enjoyable but this one is a smash hit! The characters are all there, still quirky and homey - wouldn't it be fun to share a few pints with them in Crowleys of an evening! But the plot of this one is unique, believable and the interplay between US military and the Irish citizens is priceless. I've just ordered the third one in the series and plan on starting it tonight while the characters are still fresh in my mind. It made me want to make one more trip to beautiful Ireland!'
This is a superb read and I'm looking forward to the next offering from this author.
Read a free sample here:
Read a free sample here:
The Loneliest Man In The World (The Third Dermot O'Hara Mystery)
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Set amidst the breathtaking scenery of Ireland’s County Kerry, "The Loneliest Man In The World" is the third installment in the Dermot O'Hara detective series for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
This time, the picturesque town of Kenmare is the backdrop for an audacious murder attempt that distracts Detective Inspector Dermot O'Hara from an already pressing case. As he navigates this perilous mystery, he's forced to confront the meaning of friendship and question the trustworthiness of those closest to him.
Despite the unwavering support of his devoted wife Jo and their circle of friends, events conspire to propel him directly into the sights of an assassin, leading to a gripping showdown that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.
What readers say:
Read the Dermot O'Hara series!
Thank you Michael McDonnell, for writing the Dermot O'Hara series! I loved getting to know the people in Kenmare. The mysteries, joys and sadness kept me reading to the end.
The Agency (Eat More Bloody Meat Y'Bastards!)
Free on Kindle Unlimited
Story:
For disgruntled computer programmer Denis Mahoney, escape from a dead-end job seems simple: answer the siren call of a recruitment agent and leave behind his oddball colleagues — the unsavoury Freak, unstable Randy J. Feckenburger (the Third) and the unfathomable Bob.
But Denis soon swaps one band of eccentrics for another: Nick the Bastard, and Canteen Pete, whose culinary “skills” extend to transforming roadkill into lunch. These co-workers from Hell push Denis’s sanity to the brink. Then there’s Karen - the beauty of Venus, brain of Machiavelli, voice from Bromley — who steals Denis’s heart. A few romantic words later, he’s drawn into her dangerous schemes and left wrestling with life’s big questions: Should he kill Eric the Evil Chairman? Can baboons read car manuals? Is there enough alcohol in the meal he’s cooking for his boss? Will Wilson the cat steal it anyway?
The Agency - Mial Pagan’s riotous novel lifts the stone on the can of worms that is office life. It’ll make you see your own workmates with fondness and relief. Or not.
This is a darkly funny satire of the ad industry. It’s a sharply observed, absurd, and painfully recognisable portrait of workplace chaos — a comedy about ambition, love, treachery, and surviving the most dangerous battlefield of all - the open-plan office.
WARNING: Contains VERY strong language and should not be used for career guidance or recipe tips...
What readers say:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic!
Verified Purchase
Loved this book. A hilarious satire on the advertising industry, written with real brio and wit. A true original.
M.J. Arlidge - author of the best selling D.I. Helen Grace series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast paced, fun filled book!
Loved this book, characters really well drawn so their world quickly becomes immersed with yours. Lots and lots of laughs, moments of pure hilarity, good plot which leaves you wanting more. A great holiday read and a great read for those moments when life seems on the dull side. Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really funny, readable and charming book
Verified Purchase
Absolutely wonderful! If I had to compare it to something I’d say it’s how ‘The IT Crowd’ should have ended. If you’ve worked in the corporate world or IT and have had to deal with the people you get in those kinds of workplaces, I think you’d appreciate it. I read it over a couple of days with a big grin on my face / laughing - the renaming of HB’s restaurant made me spit my drink.
Would love a sequel too please!
And the ⭐ review...
⭐ The writing and humour is first class - a good entertaining read
Anyone who has worked in an Office especially media can identify with at least one of the characters in this book. Well written it grabs your attention from the start. Putting it down is the issue as you delve further in to the story!