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Sean O'Brien #3
The Butterfly Forest
He hid the old pencil-drawn map for 40 years.
The guards never found it.
After 40 years in San Quentin, Luke Palmer leaves with a state-issued suit, $100 dollars to buy a bus ticket, and a map that will lead to a promise and into the heart of a dark forest.
College graduate student Molly Monroe is about to release rare butterflies not far from where the FBI used 4,000 bullets in a shootout to kill Ma Barker and one of her gangster sons in 1935. Molly snaps a picture that will frame something she never sees coming.
Sean O'Brien does see something -- a predator. Between the sea of cars in a Walmart parking lot. Walking quickly. Stalking two women.
As O’Brien tries to prevent the abduction, he opens the door to a new relationship. And he opens a dark door to a horror that is secluded within the forest. He follows veiled tracks that lead him farther into the woods where an evil from the past intersects with a frightening presence to form a volatile trap with only one way out.
The guards never found it.
After 40 years in San Quentin, Luke Palmer leaves with a state-issued suit, $100 dollars to buy a bus ticket, and a map that will lead to a promise and into the heart of a dark forest.
College graduate student Molly Monroe is about to release rare butterflies not far from where the FBI used 4,000 bullets in a shootout to kill Ma Barker and one of her gangster sons in 1935. Molly snaps a picture that will frame something she never sees coming.
Sean O'Brien does see something -- a predator. Between the sea of cars in a Walmart parking lot. Walking quickly. Stalking two women.
As O’Brien tries to prevent the abduction, he opens the door to a new relationship. And he opens a dark door to a horror that is secluded within the forest. He follows veiled tracks that lead him farther into the woods where an evil from the past intersects with a frightening presence to form a volatile trap with only one way out.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
1250 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lowe
27 books241 followersTom Lowe's latest novel is THE ALIBI. It's the 18th book in the Sean O'Brien series. The mystery-thriller novels are published in the following order: A FALSE DAWN, THE 24th LETTER, THE BUTTERFLY FOREST, THE BLACK BULLET, BLOOD OF CAIN, BLACK RIVER, CEMETERY ROAD, A MURDER OF CROWS, DRAGONFLY, THE ORCHID KEEPER, MERMAID, FLASH OF GOLD, INVISIBLE, THE WHITE DRAGON, THE FOUNTAIN, JUSTICE, GYPSY TEARS, and THE ALIBI. The Sean O'Brien books can be read in any order.
The Elizabeth Monroe novels are psychological thrillers. There are three books, including WRATH, THE CONFESSION. and ALTERED STATE.
The Paul Marcus books are international thrillers. There are three novels in the series. They are: DESTINY, THE JEFFERSON PROPHECY, and THE POPPY SCORE.
Tom has written two novels about love lost and found. They are: MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER and THE PAINTER. MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER won the coveted 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.
Tom is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. As he writes his books, Tom draws from his travels around the world and his background as a print and broadcast journalist. Tom is a sailor and SCUBA diver. He lives with his wife, Keri, in Florida.
To subscribe to Tom Lowe's newsletter for new release information, updates and more, please visit Tom's website, tomlowebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
March 10, 2012
Reviewed by Elle Thornton 03/05/2012
In The Butterfly Forest author Tom Lowe creates a haunting tale of murder in a primordial Florida wilderness where rare butterflies struggle to live and savage men spill the blood of innocents. Retired Miami homicide detective Sean O’Brien goes deep into the darkness after he foils an attempted abduction at a Walmart followed quickly by the discovery of grisly murders in the Ocala National Forest (north of Orlando, west of Daytona).
Along the way to discovering the motive and identity of the killer, readers will come across secret meth labs hidden in the jungle foliage, grotesque bonfire rituals, encamped Rainbow people, and crystal-clear springs that bubble from the forest floor. Lowe gives readers intriguing portraits, especially that of a homeless ex-con searching for outlaw treasure and a Seminole who helps O’Brien find obscure evidence in the vast wilds. The writer more than satisfies with his shorter character descriptions as well, especially that of the hippie occupants of a filthy tattoo parlor and a mysterious preacher at an old country church and graveyard. In the writer’s capable hands no character is above suspicion, with motive and identity as elusive as the butterflies.
O’Brien’s grieving the loss of his wife, but Lowe gives him an extended family at the seaside marina where he keeps his boat Jupiter. Max, the detective’s beloved dachshund, can count on fried shrimp and cheese handouts from friends at the marina, Kim the pretty waitress at the Tiki bar always has a frosty bottle of beer to offer O’Brien, and his close buddies and fellow sailors Nick and Dave provide salty and smart conversation, good wine, and home-cooked dinners.
O’Brien is a thoughtful man whose knowledge of crime-scene detective work and the natural sciences is matched by his knowledge of men and women. His sensitivity to people and understanding of nature inform a lethal intelligence: the techno-savvy expert sharpshooter and war vet can be merciless when the need arises, as it frequently does in this book.
Lowe’s writing is within the tradition of James Lee Burke and the late Tony Hillerman: like them, his exquisite descriptions of nature serve as a counterpoint to evil’s ugliness; at the same time the descriptions heighten the sense that life is fragile and that death is always about to strike. The book is part of a series, so readers will have more Sean O’Brien mysteries to look forward to.
In The Butterfly Forest author Tom Lowe creates a haunting tale of murder in a primordial Florida wilderness where rare butterflies struggle to live and savage men spill the blood of innocents. Retired Miami homicide detective Sean O’Brien goes deep into the darkness after he foils an attempted abduction at a Walmart followed quickly by the discovery of grisly murders in the Ocala National Forest (north of Orlando, west of Daytona).
Along the way to discovering the motive and identity of the killer, readers will come across secret meth labs hidden in the jungle foliage, grotesque bonfire rituals, encamped Rainbow people, and crystal-clear springs that bubble from the forest floor. Lowe gives readers intriguing portraits, especially that of a homeless ex-con searching for outlaw treasure and a Seminole who helps O’Brien find obscure evidence in the vast wilds. The writer more than satisfies with his shorter character descriptions as well, especially that of the hippie occupants of a filthy tattoo parlor and a mysterious preacher at an old country church and graveyard. In the writer’s capable hands no character is above suspicion, with motive and identity as elusive as the butterflies.
O’Brien’s grieving the loss of his wife, but Lowe gives him an extended family at the seaside marina where he keeps his boat Jupiter. Max, the detective’s beloved dachshund, can count on fried shrimp and cheese handouts from friends at the marina, Kim the pretty waitress at the Tiki bar always has a frosty bottle of beer to offer O’Brien, and his close buddies and fellow sailors Nick and Dave provide salty and smart conversation, good wine, and home-cooked dinners.
O’Brien is a thoughtful man whose knowledge of crime-scene detective work and the natural sciences is matched by his knowledge of men and women. His sensitivity to people and understanding of nature inform a lethal intelligence: the techno-savvy expert sharpshooter and war vet can be merciless when the need arises, as it frequently does in this book.
Lowe’s writing is within the tradition of James Lee Burke and the late Tony Hillerman: like them, his exquisite descriptions of nature serve as a counterpoint to evil’s ugliness; at the same time the descriptions heighten the sense that life is fragile and that death is always about to strike. The book is part of a series, so readers will have more Sean O’Brien mysteries to look forward to.
December 17, 2014
The number of trite plot devices in this novel is astronomical! The main character is a perceptive sharpshooting former cop and soldier, who can run for miles while bleeding profusely, and has a handy native American friend who can listen to nature, and coincidentally can produce a magic poultice out of items he finds in the forest, in the dark.... because he's Seminole, that's why. Our trusty hero also is a hit with all the ladies,can cook, and has a sensitive side, as evidenced by his penchant for contemplating the starry sky, and his dainty weiner dog. (Who, based on the amount of cheese and fried shrimp she is served, is probably in a constant state of canine shart emergency)
Need bad guys killed expediently? A fighter jet will appear! Need a tender moment, at a gravesite? Suspend reality and have the gravestone be magically ready for the funeral of a college student! Need a couple sidekicks? Bring in the hard boozing former fed, and the lady's man Greek (who is a fisherman and can cook... because he's Greek, that's why!) Need a guy to choose life in jail over probable death? Not one, but TWO alligators will make an appearance, to hasten his decision! Of course, our steadfast hero will drop both, with a single shot to each's head, with a sniper rifle, that the police happened to allow him to use, because THAT is a probability. And why does he have to use it? Because a cottonmouth bit the real police sharpshooter. of course!
The ladies are all dewy, for Sean O'Brien. The men of law enforcement naturally hand him a gun. Even his dog recognizes his Alpha superiority, and most likely wants to have his puppies. This is a guy who can contemplate the stars, and the symbolism of a lighthouse one moment, and be driving a jeep with 2 blown tires off-road, over trees (!?) and through brush, and rivers, while bleeding profusely from a through-and-through, checking his GPS AND shifting(!?) and it's only when he hears the animal like sounds of his drug cartel/biker gang pursuers that his "adrenaline kicks in"?
Yeah... Mr. Lowe? Ease up on the action hero movie tropes, just a little bit. Your editor is SORELY letting you down.
Need bad guys killed expediently? A fighter jet will appear! Need a tender moment, at a gravesite? Suspend reality and have the gravestone be magically ready for the funeral of a college student! Need a couple sidekicks? Bring in the hard boozing former fed, and the lady's man Greek (who is a fisherman and can cook... because he's Greek, that's why!) Need a guy to choose life in jail over probable death? Not one, but TWO alligators will make an appearance, to hasten his decision! Of course, our steadfast hero will drop both, with a single shot to each's head, with a sniper rifle, that the police happened to allow him to use, because THAT is a probability. And why does he have to use it? Because a cottonmouth bit the real police sharpshooter. of course!
The ladies are all dewy, for Sean O'Brien. The men of law enforcement naturally hand him a gun. Even his dog recognizes his Alpha superiority, and most likely wants to have his puppies. This is a guy who can contemplate the stars, and the symbolism of a lighthouse one moment, and be driving a jeep with 2 blown tires off-road, over trees (!?) and through brush, and rivers, while bleeding profusely from a through-and-through, checking his GPS AND shifting(!?) and it's only when he hears the animal like sounds of his drug cartel/biker gang pursuers that his "adrenaline kicks in"?
Yeah... Mr. Lowe? Ease up on the action hero movie tropes, just a little bit. Your editor is SORELY letting you down.
April 17, 2012
WOW. Being from Florida made this book so attractive to me. The prose is so poetic, I know that sounds strange. Tom Lowe writes as if you are right there at that sunset or in the middle of the woods with him. While it is a thriller and quite graphic, it drew me in with the depictions of the topography and beautiful scenery. I could almost smell the seafood cooking on the boats at his marina south of Daytona Beach. My husband grew up in Ocala, Florida and said he used to hunt in the Ocala National Forest. When I shared some of the details of this book with him, he said it was exactly as written in this book. There was a lot of historical data in this book as well. Will read again next year; the book was that GOOD.
January 19, 2021
A great thrilling mystery set in a beautiful mystical and dangerous forest. A student and her boyfriend studying rare butterflies get caught in a dangerous web without knowing it. Sean O’Brien gets involved when he prevents the student and her mother from being abducted. There are many aspects, plot lines and twists to the story that all come together in an exciting, chilling, perilous ending.
A great read and addition to this series.
A great read and addition to this series.
July 5, 2017
A DNF at 58%
I tried to force myself through this book, and I was even pretty interested at first. It takes place in Florida, where I live, and the Ocala Forest features prominently in the story. Neato.
Unfortunately, the writing and the story are just bland. None of the characters have that "realness" to them. The plot has no tension because I didn't care about any of the characters and the mystery was poorly set up.
The prose is borderline purple when certain scenes are being described, like sunsets or the deep Ocala forest. That doesn't bother me too much, but it doesn't work in the book's favor. When the author isn't making an effort to describe a beautiful scene, the prose is flat and.... blocky. It doesn't read smoothly. It's like this is a very early draft and Lowe was just working on getting the plot down on paper and was planning to come back over it and make it sound nice. Words are repeated multiple times per paragraph, no sentence type variation, occasional grammar errors, etc. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's juvenile, but it does not read smoothly or pleasantly.
Early on, we know who did it because the Sean has kinda sorta evidence that this dude did it, he just has to find enough evidence to convince his superiors and he has to find the guy's name. We are also given a pretty good idea as to why the murder was committed, and it's essentially a wrong time, wrong place deal. Not really riveting. There could have been some amazing twist at the end that I'm missing, but I somehow doubt it.
The "grieving mother" felt like a cardboard cutout and I didn't sympathize with her pain at all because she's hit with this loss very soon after we are introduced to her. Sean is also a mild Marty Stu. He is ex-military and was apparently a great soldier, so he's very skilled. Great at tracking, using a sniper rifle, etc. He is also able to look into people's eyes and see things. I am not sure exactly what this is, since it isn't a supernatural ability. But he can talk to someone for a few seconds and know their mental and emotional state to a T.
Lowe also switches back and forth between 1st and 3rd POV, which is one of my pet peeves.
It's not a bad book, necessarily. I have read worse. But it was just so boring. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything that happened or what anyone was struggling with.
I tried to force myself through this book, and I was even pretty interested at first. It takes place in Florida, where I live, and the Ocala Forest features prominently in the story. Neato.
Unfortunately, the writing and the story are just bland. None of the characters have that "realness" to them. The plot has no tension because I didn't care about any of the characters and the mystery was poorly set up.
The prose is borderline purple when certain scenes are being described, like sunsets or the deep Ocala forest. That doesn't bother me too much, but it doesn't work in the book's favor. When the author isn't making an effort to describe a beautiful scene, the prose is flat and.... blocky. It doesn't read smoothly. It's like this is a very early draft and Lowe was just working on getting the plot down on paper and was planning to come back over it and make it sound nice. Words are repeated multiple times per paragraph, no sentence type variation, occasional grammar errors, etc. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's juvenile, but it does not read smoothly or pleasantly.
Early on, we know who did it because the Sean has kinda sorta evidence that this dude did it, he just has to find enough evidence to convince his superiors and he has to find the guy's name. We are also given a pretty good idea as to why the murder was committed, and it's essentially a wrong time, wrong place deal. Not really riveting. There could have been some amazing twist at the end that I'm missing, but I somehow doubt it.
The "grieving mother" felt like a cardboard cutout and I didn't sympathize with her pain at all because she's hit with this loss very soon after we are introduced to her. Sean is also a mild Marty Stu. He is ex-military and was apparently a great soldier, so he's very skilled. Great at tracking, using a sniper rifle, etc. He is also able to look into people's eyes and see things. I am not sure exactly what this is, since it isn't a supernatural ability. But he can talk to someone for a few seconds and know their mental and emotional state to a T.
Lowe also switches back and forth between 1st and 3rd POV, which is one of my pet peeves.
It's not a bad book, necessarily. I have read worse. But it was just so boring. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything that happened or what anyone was struggling with.
December 23, 2013
Sean O’Brien intervenes to stop a carjacking, starting a chain of events that leads him to a confrontation with a madman.
I liked Lowe’s first two books in this series and this one did nothing to change that. If anything, I like it more after reading this entry. The writing is smoother, the tension is higher, and Sean is a more complete character here.
Lowe had me sweating bullets along with O’Brien as he escapes thugs trying to kill him. And the feelings Lowe gives O’Brien really socked me in this book.
Again, there were some typos and grammar and punctuation goofs, but no more than usually appear in an e-book.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series.
I liked Lowe’s first two books in this series and this one did nothing to change that. If anything, I like it more after reading this entry. The writing is smoother, the tension is higher, and Sean is a more complete character here.
Lowe had me sweating bullets along with O’Brien as he escapes thugs trying to kill him. And the feelings Lowe gives O’Brien really socked me in this book.
Again, there were some typos and grammar and punctuation goofs, but no more than usually appear in an e-book.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series.
April 3, 2018
Wow, I stopped reading this book yesterday because I knew I wouldn't put it away until I finished it. This is the 3rd book in a series, but I got it as a free read and wish I had read it much sooner. Most of this thriller takes place in the Ocala National Forest. Not only do the characters draw you into the story but the description of the plants, butterflies, river and boat life pulls you in as well. I loved reading about the rare plants and butterflies and Molly's dedication to setting the butterflies free to,repopulate. Well written suspense and hints that come together well. The villains are definitely creepy and for me one twist in the story made me ill. The ending was not a let down though a climatic scene happens earlier in the story. I love ❤️ Max!
January 5, 2020
Some flaws, but enjoyable
Overall a good page turner. I felt the romance was under developed and a bit cliche, but the rest of the story, with its frequent twists and turns kept me engaged. There were more spelling and grammatical errors than I would have liked, but not enough to severely affect my enjoyment of the book. Had not read the prior books in the series and don't feel that affected my enjoyment either.
Overall a good page turner. I felt the romance was under developed and a bit cliche, but the rest of the story, with its frequent twists and turns kept me engaged. There were more spelling and grammatical errors than I would have liked, but not enough to severely affect my enjoyment of the book. Had not read the prior books in the series and don't feel that affected my enjoyment either.
December 3, 2024
Good read. Loved that it was written by a local author with the setting also being local. Characters were well developed along with a connections that made sense. Look forward to reading more of this series.
February 16, 2012
Very good, had trouble putting this one down and will be looking for additional books in this series. Really disappointed that the other two books in this series aren't available for Kindle. The author has a very deft touch with his pacing, going from rather introspective, very lyrical description of the swamp/jungle to high-tension action with good timing.
High body count without being too graphic, some suspension of belief helpful in places but after all this is fiction so I certainly didn't find it to be a disadvantage. My only issues could probably have all been resolved had I read the two previous books in the series, as there was occasional reference to previous circumstances I felt could have been expanded upon.
High body count without being too graphic, some suspension of belief helpful in places but after all this is fiction so I certainly didn't find it to be a disadvantage. My only issues could probably have all been resolved had I read the two previous books in the series, as there was occasional reference to previous circumstances I felt could have been expanded upon.
March 7, 2012
I read this book at the author's request. His character, Sean O'Brien, is an ex-cop from Miami who, following his wife's death, leaves the Miami force, and now solves cases to help friends when he can. This book is set in the forest in Florida, and Mr. Wolfe's descriptive talents can sometimes overshadow his plot.
That said, I very much enjoyed his plot. His murderer was brutal, as evil murderers should be. His good guys are good, even if a little battered and bruised. I learned a few new things about butterflies, and I always appreciate an author who can educate me while I read fiction. I'm going to seek out the other books in this series and give them a try.
I recommend The Butterfly Forest to anyone who enjoys detective/murder stories and is looking for a new hero to follow.
That said, I very much enjoyed his plot. His murderer was brutal, as evil murderers should be. His good guys are good, even if a little battered and bruised. I learned a few new things about butterflies, and I always appreciate an author who can educate me while I read fiction. I'm going to seek out the other books in this series and give them a try.
I recommend The Butterfly Forest to anyone who enjoys detective/murder stories and is looking for a new hero to follow.
February 19, 2020
Enjoyed this book. Interesting nature facts on top of a murder mystery
January 13, 2016
This is a novel that imagines the horrific homicides that develop as a result of an innocent exotic butterfly release in the Ocala National Forest (north of Orlando, west of Daytona)in Florida. The author does an excellent development of the characters described and provides interesting accounts of the milieu of the seaside marina environment and recovery of outlaw treasure that provides a satisfying closure to the tragedy.
February 1, 2012
I tried this author who was new to me after he reached out to me via a Goodreads email. I was prepared to not like it, but was pleasantly surprised that it held my interest, to say the least. The narrative flowed smoothly, and the dialog was realistic. I will be adding Mr. Lowe to my list of authors to track for new releases, and will give is other three books a try as well.
February 1, 2020
Too gruesome and unbelievable for me. An 80-year-old ex-con who keeps running like the wind? I thought the butterfly biker was caught by the police in once chapter. In another chapter, he was free and on the run again?! It became just too convoluted once the drug guys came in. The best character was "Max", the dog.
July 8, 2013
Loved this book! Sometimes action thrillers bore me but this one kept me entertained until the last page. All I can say is I want to see this made into a movie. Someone needs to get this on the big screen!
August 31, 2012
Good book -- Reminded me of Travis McGee series.
October 17, 2019
3.5 stars for this is a fast moving and entertaining series. This is the 3rd book in the Sean O'Brian series. The characters are likable, the action is fast paced, and the plot lines somewhat typical for this genre. What makes it special is the nice imagery the author uses in describing the scenes located in Northeast Florida. Through the author Lowe's descriptive settings, I felt the author's true appreciation for the beauty of the natural flora and fauna of the St. John's river coastal area.
His protagonist, Sean O'Brian is a complex character. O'Brian is a "retired" Miami homicide detective in his 40's, who lost his wife to cancer. He left police work to become a charter boat captain. Though retired, he can't stop himself from getting involved in local homicides. A knack for seeing details others miss is key to O'Brian's success in solving the crime. With this being the 3rd in the series, I am happy to see the author continue to develop his character, allowing the reader more insight into what makes him tick. The author's love for his Corona beer and other spirits smacks you as a bit excessive. In real life, the characters would have bloodshot eyes and beer bellies with all the consumption, I would imagine. The female characters could use a lot more development. It would add a depth that is somewhat lacking, thus 3.5 rather than 4 stars.
It is a fast read, with a simplistic, yet successful ending. I do plan to read more of the series, realizing it is not "filet mignon," but is like a really "great grouper sandwich."
His protagonist, Sean O'Brian is a complex character. O'Brian is a "retired" Miami homicide detective in his 40's, who lost his wife to cancer. He left police work to become a charter boat captain. Though retired, he can't stop himself from getting involved in local homicides. A knack for seeing details others miss is key to O'Brian's success in solving the crime. With this being the 3rd in the series, I am happy to see the author continue to develop his character, allowing the reader more insight into what makes him tick. The author's love for his Corona beer and other spirits smacks you as a bit excessive. In real life, the characters would have bloodshot eyes and beer bellies with all the consumption, I would imagine. The female characters could use a lot more development. It would add a depth that is somewhat lacking, thus 3.5 rather than 4 stars.
It is a fast read, with a simplistic, yet successful ending. I do plan to read more of the series, realizing it is not "filet mignon," but is like a really "great grouper sandwich."
May 29, 2021
Is there such a thing as a slow paced action packed novel? I think this is it.
Several characters with their own chapters and eventually merging into one or another at certain points in the story.
Plenty of action right from the start with a suspected stalker in a car park, following two women. Mother and daughter and then as the story goes all hell breaks loose.
The writing was pretty good bit in certain aspects lacked a little something I can't quite put my finger on. The romance aspect that came from tragedy seemed a little lacklustre but in saying that also understandable from the point of view of the characters involved.
Several characters with their own chapters and eventually merging into one or another at certain points in the story.
Plenty of action right from the start with a suspected stalker in a car park, following two women. Mother and daughter and then as the story goes all hell breaks loose.
The writing was pretty good bit in certain aspects lacked a little something I can't quite put my finger on. The romance aspect that came from tragedy seemed a little lacklustre but in saying that also understandable from the point of view of the characters involved.
January 5, 2020
Really good
I really liked this book. It had twists and turns I did not expect. Only 4 stars as the author kept referring to the calico cat as 'he'. I have seen this problem in several books. All calico cats are female cats. I know it seems like a minor thing but it bugs me. If you're not sure look it up. The author seemed to have all the facts on a rare plant and an endangered butterfly but not on a common cat color. Still I do recommend this book and plan on getting the next one.
I really liked this book. It had twists and turns I did not expect. Only 4 stars as the author kept referring to the calico cat as 'he'. I have seen this problem in several books. All calico cats are female cats. I know it seems like a minor thing but it bugs me. If you're not sure look it up. The author seemed to have all the facts on a rare plant and an endangered butterfly but not on a common cat color. Still I do recommend this book and plan on getting the next one.
January 22, 2020
Excellent, believable thriller
This is a very entertaining book with interesting characters, well written. The heroes have skills setting them above the rest of us, but they are perfectly believable and wholly satisfying to read about. I did feel sorry for all the aquarium fish who died at the end, but the final atala butterfly was a perfect touch. Read this story and you will see what I mean.
I gave it three stars because only the likes of Charles Dickens deserves five, and books that almost add to the western cannon deserve four, IMHO.
This is a very entertaining book with interesting characters, well written. The heroes have skills setting them above the rest of us, but they are perfectly believable and wholly satisfying to read about. I did feel sorry for all the aquarium fish who died at the end, but the final atala butterfly was a perfect touch. Read this story and you will see what I mean.
I gave it three stars because only the likes of Charles Dickens deserves five, and books that almost add to the western cannon deserve four, IMHO.
May 16, 2020
I originally started reading this book a few years ago and I only got through chapter 5 and decided I didn’t like it. I gave it a bad review.
I started from the beginning a couple days ago and just finished it today. I loved it!
I’m so glad I made a decision to try again.
I like Sean O’Brian and his mates at the marina. I see I will have to start at the beginning of the Sean O’Brian series to see what all kind of mischief Sean gets into.
I notice Tom Lowe also has 2 additional series with New protagonists. I’m looking forward to reading those books as well.
I started from the beginning a couple days ago and just finished it today. I loved it!
I’m so glad I made a decision to try again.
I like Sean O’Brian and his mates at the marina. I see I will have to start at the beginning of the Sean O’Brian series to see what all kind of mischief Sean gets into.
I notice Tom Lowe also has 2 additional series with New protagonists. I’m looking forward to reading those books as well.
February 10, 2018
I have finished reading all of the books in the Sean O'Brien Series. Finished the series in 9 days as I had a hard time putting them down. I love Sean and his friends, Nick, Dave and Joe. His cute little dog "Maxine" adds even more joy to the stories. Lowe is so descriptive in his writings I feel as though I am there with the characters. Can't wait until "Dragonfly" is released. Great mysteries and suspenseful all the way. My new favorite Author.
September 9, 2018
Great book!
Tom Lowe is a great story teller. He described everything so vividly you almost felt like you were there He weaves a story that is very believable. This book has a lot of things: forests, fairies, hidden treasure, a cute little dog, lovable characters, a good guy ex cop and some very bad bad guys.. It was a little gory at times, but that goes to show how sick the bad guys were. Couldn't hardly stop reading.
.
Tom Lowe is a great story teller. He described everything so vividly you almost felt like you were there He weaves a story that is very believable. This book has a lot of things: forests, fairies, hidden treasure, a cute little dog, lovable characters, a good guy ex cop and some very bad bad guys.. It was a little gory at times, but that goes to show how sick the bad guys were. Couldn't hardly stop reading.
.
August 15, 2018
First time reading Sean O Brien and will not be the last time. Mr Lowe has some very distinctive characters in this book including Maxine the wiener dog. The plot gets thicker and thicker as you
read on and when you think maybe you have a grip on it the story takes off again.
The only problem is when you start this book you must keep on reading it!!!
read on and when you think maybe you have a grip on it the story takes off again.
The only problem is when you start this book you must keep on reading it!!!
September 20, 2018
A book of opposites
The story is a mix of good and evil, butterflies and drug barons. A complex tale, very absorbing. I like Sean and his friends very much, would love to spend some time at the marina with them and the adorable Max. I couldn't really connect the Elizabeth's character though.
The story is a mix of good and evil, butterflies and drug barons. A complex tale, very absorbing. I like Sean and his friends very much, would love to spend some time at the marina with them and the adorable Max. I couldn't really connect the Elizabeth's character though.
November 8, 2018
The Butterfly Forest
The Sean O 'Brienseries is a ten star series. This is the best series I have read in a while . The thrill and suspense make this a must read series. It is very hard to put this book down because you are kept in suspense till the very end. Highly recommend this series.
The Sean O 'Brienseries is a ten star series. This is the best series I have read in a while . The thrill and suspense make this a must read series. It is very hard to put this book down because you are kept in suspense till the very end. Highly recommend this series.
January 4, 2020
This is the first Tom Lowe book I have read and I found it very enjoyable. Despite this being the third in a series, it can be read as a standalone. The descriptions of the Florida forests almost had me slapping my neck to ward off the mosquitoes. An excellent plot and an interesting cast of characters kept me engrossed to the end.
January 4, 2020
A real deal, due or die!
From the start this book Grabes you and doesn’t let go until the very last page
I won’t even try to break it down, this is one book you have to pick up read and try to stay in tune with the action
The characters are phenomenal and feel very real, twists and turns that grab you until you want to shout
From the start this book Grabes you and doesn’t let go until the very last page
I won’t even try to break it down, this is one book you have to pick up read and try to stay in tune with the action
The characters are phenomenal and feel very real, twists and turns that grab you until you want to shout
March 9, 2020
Interesting twists in plot
Didn’t realize this was a series, and started with this book.
I learned a lot about the Florida climate and enjoyed the history aspect as well.
If the Sean O’Brien character has this much action in every book he must be exhausted!
I will probably read this author again.
Didn’t realize this was a series, and started with this book.
I learned a lot about the Florida climate and enjoyed the history aspect as well.
If the Sean O’Brien character has this much action in every book he must be exhausted!
I will probably read this author again.
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