A home in Brisbane's north remains a crime scene as investigations into the suspected murder of an American woman continue.

Key points: Ms Brooten's partner has been released from custody

Ms Brooten's partner has been released from custody Detectives are excavating part of the front yard and forensic specialists are investigating the house

Detectives are excavating part of the front yard and forensic specialists are investigating the house Nothing of interest to the ongoing investigation has yet been found

Priscilla Brooten, 46, was last seen in Bracken Ridge last July, but was not reported missing until December.

A 43-year-old Brisbane man, who was dating Ms Brooten, was taken into custody shortly after police began excavating the front yard of the Bracken Ridge property on Saturday morning but has since been released.

The US national, who was known as friendly and outgoing, lived in Brisbane for several years and police believe the pair had been in a de-facto relationship for a year before she disappeared.

Ms Brooten had been living in Brisbane for six years when she went missing. ( Supplied: Queensland Police )

Homicide detectives are continuing to search the property but nothing of interest to the investigation has been found.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hogan has previously told the ABC Ms Brooten was heavily involved in online gaming and he believed her friends in chat groups may be able to help piece together her last moves.

"Police suspect a lot of people she associated with online and also in some private clubs may not know that police are investigating her disappearance," he said.

Police have also been in touch with the American woman's daughter and mother, who live in California.

Investigations are expected to continue at the Bracken Ridge property for days. ( ABC News: Mark Leonardi )

"We share the fear of Ms Brooten's family and friends and have reason to believe she may have met with foul play," Detective Senior Sergeant Hogan told the ABC.

Police continue to appeal for information about Ms Brooten's blue Volkswagen Golf hatchback, which was found abandoned on Bunton Street, Scarborough on July 6 last year.

Detectives anticipate the search of the Bracken Ridge property will continue for days.