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Sean O'Brien #8
A Murder of Crows
When Joe Billie stops a grave robber from unearthing a Seminole Indian burial site, Joe becomes the prime suspect in a bizarre murder. The evidence against Joe is solid, and police are convinced they have their killer. When Joe calls Sean O'Brien from jail, O'Brien tries to put pieces of the investigation together. But the first challenge is getting Joe to talk about the circumstances surrounding the killing. As Joe faces first-degree murder charges and the real possibility of the death penalty, O’Brien thinks he knows why his old friend is evasive. But proving it will send O'Brien deep into Seminole history to uncover a greedy killer hell-bent on creating a modern day Trail of Tears
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2016
894 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lowe
27 books241 followersTom Lowe is an American novelist known for writing atmospheric, high-stakes thrillers that blend crime, mystery, and psychological suspense with a strong sense of place. His novels often explore the darker side of human nature—where belief, greed, and obsession collide—and are grounded in authentic investigative detail and morally complex characters.
Tom is the author of more than 30 novels, including the acclaimed Sean O’Brien mystery-thriller series. Also, he writes the Elizabeth Monroe psychological thrillers, and the Paul Marcus books of international suspense. He has written two standalone novels of love and redemption - The Painter and Midnight’s Whisperer, winner of the 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.
Drawing from a career as a journalist, award-winning screenwriter, and world traveler, Tom writes emotionally rich stories of loss, courage, and second chances. His books span the globe and the human heart, blending suspense, moral complexity, and unforgettable characters.
He lives in Florida with his wife, Keri. To receive the latests updates on his novels, appearances, and writing - please visit Tom's website to subscribe to his quarterly newsletter. tomlowebooks.com
Tom is the author of more than 30 novels, including the acclaimed Sean O’Brien mystery-thriller series. Also, he writes the Elizabeth Monroe psychological thrillers, and the Paul Marcus books of international suspense. He has written two standalone novels of love and redemption - The Painter and Midnight’s Whisperer, winner of the 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.
Drawing from a career as a journalist, award-winning screenwriter, and world traveler, Tom writes emotionally rich stories of loss, courage, and second chances. His books span the globe and the human heart, blending suspense, moral complexity, and unforgettable characters.
He lives in Florida with his wife, Keri. To receive the latests updates on his novels, appearances, and writing - please visit Tom's website to subscribe to his quarterly newsletter. tomlowebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
May 21, 2023
This is my second book by Tom Lowe. I recently finished A False Dawn and found it a fairly enjoyable enough read as I am a Florida native and enjoyed the local settings. I picked this up because of the glowing reviews and the plot seemed particularly interesting, focusing around Osceola and the Seminole culture. After finishing the book I can't help but wonder if these reviews are from diehard fans that will love any and everything the author puts out. The story plot itself is interesting enough but the rabbit trails it takes to get through it bogs the story down. I found it way too easy to put this down and kept going back only to make sure I finished. But that was not the main problem with this book. It is filled with errors from incorrect subject-verb agreement to using the wrong homophone, here, instead of hear. It was infuriating that the author continues to restate his characters' identities throughout the whole book, using commas to restate the names and using last names when not needed, even to characters who would obviously know who they were. A glaring, but not unique example, would be the following:
" you might want to talk to your sister, Nita,..." ( This is the ONLY sister mentioned in the book) or
" I spoke with Joe's attorney, Lana Halley, about it" ( to someone who already knows the attorney)
I found it tiresome that this continues to the end, always referring to characters that are well known by first and last names. It sounds too contrived and not at all like common conversational speech.
My biggest peeve, however, was the use of blatantly incorrect facts that any elementary school child would know. With all the research he has obviously done with Florida history and Seminole culture, he has a character share information like, " crows are one of the few mammals that can use tools to open things." Crows are NOT MAMMALS. They are BIRDS, an entirely different animal group! Then later in the book one of the Seminoles tells O'Brien there are NO scorpions in the Everglades! What???? There are scorpions in my backyard and plenty in the Everglades!
These things were a bit too much for me to ignore. This is the last Tom Lowe I will read. 1.5 Stars
" you might want to talk to your sister, Nita,..." ( This is the ONLY sister mentioned in the book) or
" I spoke with Joe's attorney, Lana Halley, about it" ( to someone who already knows the attorney)
I found it tiresome that this continues to the end, always referring to characters that are well known by first and last names. It sounds too contrived and not at all like common conversational speech.
My biggest peeve, however, was the use of blatantly incorrect facts that any elementary school child would know. With all the research he has obviously done with Florida history and Seminole culture, he has a character share information like, " crows are one of the few mammals that can use tools to open things." Crows are NOT MAMMALS. They are BIRDS, an entirely different animal group! Then later in the book one of the Seminoles tells O'Brien there are NO scorpions in the Everglades! What???? There are scorpions in my backyard and plenty in the Everglades!
These things were a bit too much for me to ignore. This is the last Tom Lowe I will read. 1.5 Stars
January 29, 2019
I’ve liked this series right from the start. This book kept that feeling going.
Sean O’Brien sets out to clear his friend Joe Billie of a murder charge. Along the way he crosses paths with the mob, greedy politicians, and corrupt cops.
In a few action scenes, I had trouble following the action. I don’t know if I wasn’t reading carefully enough or if what was in Lowe’s head didn’t make it onto the page.
There was one scene late in this book – where a bad guy argues with his boss – that came out of the blue and really didn’t add anything to the story but did break up the flow briefly.
This book had more production errors – mainly wrong words – than I recall in previous entries in the series.
Still, I like this series enough that I can overlook these minor quibbles and want to read the next in the series.
Sean O’Brien sets out to clear his friend Joe Billie of a murder charge. Along the way he crosses paths with the mob, greedy politicians, and corrupt cops.
In a few action scenes, I had trouble following the action. I don’t know if I wasn’t reading carefully enough or if what was in Lowe’s head didn’t make it onto the page.
There was one scene late in this book – where a bad guy argues with his boss – that came out of the blue and really didn’t add anything to the story but did break up the flow briefly.
This book had more production errors – mainly wrong words – than I recall in previous entries in the series.
Still, I like this series enough that I can overlook these minor quibbles and want to read the next in the series.
September 1, 2019
This is a lovely series. The characters feel like friends. There's drama but no gore. No hot monkey sex, no child abuse, not too much swearing. Yet the stories are very compelling. This is a series I may well re-read when I've finished them all.
July 30, 2021
Didn’t grab me
According to my Kindle, I only made it 14% into this book, so take everything I say with the DNF stamp on it.
I got a free copy during a sale as well.
Alright, disclaimers out of the way, this book just didn’t do it for me. None of the characters save the weiner dog made any real impression, the pacing was too slow for me, and I felt like there were too many scenes that just didn’t need to be there.
That said, I’m an extremely impatient reader, and it’snot like there’s nothing to like. The initial set up/reveal of the murder was neat. I appreciate the number of Native American characters in the story. There’s a very clear feeling that the author did *a lot* of research for this project, and I respect the work that goes into that.
I just…I kept waiting for something to really grab me. Something I wanted to see more of. And I didn’t get it soon enough for me to justify continuing reading when I’ve got a massive stack of other books.
It will probably work well for other people, and I hope it does. But it didn’t work for me.
According to my Kindle, I only made it 14% into this book, so take everything I say with the DNF stamp on it.
I got a free copy during a sale as well.
Alright, disclaimers out of the way, this book just didn’t do it for me. None of the characters save the weiner dog made any real impression, the pacing was too slow for me, and I felt like there were too many scenes that just didn’t need to be there.
That said, I’m an extremely impatient reader, and it’snot like there’s nothing to like. The initial set up/reveal of the murder was neat. I appreciate the number of Native American characters in the story. There’s a very clear feeling that the author did *a lot* of research for this project, and I respect the work that goes into that.
I just…I kept waiting for something to really grab me. Something I wanted to see more of. And I didn’t get it soon enough for me to justify continuing reading when I’ve got a massive stack of other books.
It will probably work well for other people, and I hope it does. But it didn’t work for me.
October 31, 2019
Mini-Review:
2.5 Stars round up to 3 Stars
I really like the characters in this series but this book had several issues:
- Narration was bad. Lots of sounds of swallowing or the noise of candy hitting teeth.
- Main plot idea was fine but the way it was done was really beyond belief. I don't expect a lot from this series but this one was bad.
- I'm a romantic but Sean hooking up with EVERY female character worth getting to know is kinda lame.
I was tempted to rate this one 2 stars because it is the worst book of the series but I'll leave it at a very low end 3.
2.5 Stars round up to 3 Stars
I really like the characters in this series but this book had several issues:
- Narration was bad. Lots of sounds of swallowing or the noise of candy hitting teeth.
- Main plot idea was fine but the way it was done was really beyond belief. I don't expect a lot from this series but this one was bad.
- I'm a romantic but Sean hooking up with EVERY female character worth getting to know is kinda lame.
I was tempted to rate this one 2 stars because it is the worst book of the series but I'll leave it at a very low end 3.
May 18, 2019
Action packed
Great series. Characters are interesting and real. Plot is developed and compelling. From Indian reservation to Miami mafia, action never stops.
Great series. Characters are interesting and real. Plot is developed and compelling. From Indian reservation to Miami mafia, action never stops.
February 17, 2017
finished this one this afternoon. great story. i really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next n the series, out this year, 2017, dragonfly. well worth a read, well worth the cost, kindle. onward and upward.
July 13, 2019
Lowe's book is a detective story set in south Florida, but not the Florida of CSI: Miami. Do you remember a kid's show about a ranger's son with a bear called Gentle Ben? This is Gentle Ben's Florida, and to someone who's been there on multiple occasions it rings very, very true.
But as magical as the setting is, I was troubled by the use of language. Consider this passage from chapter one:
That's just the one I marked. There are other paragraphs like that throughout the book. I finished it, because I was caught up in the atmosphere and the culture, but I suspect some readers won't. On the other hand, this is the eighth book of a series, so perhaps most readers aren't as picky as I.
On the good side, protagonist Sean O'Brien is a very adequate private detective who lives on a boat in a marina just south of Daytona with a miniature dachshund named Max. Sean heads far to the south to help a friend, a Seminole named Joe Billie, who is being framed for a grave robber's murder. Sean teams up with a circle of friends and a member of the tribal police, Wynona Osceola, who has a substantial and fascinating back story of her own. Joe's fate and especially that of his niece Kimi Tiger makes for a compelling story. The passage involving the Seminole elder, Sam Otter, is particularly striking.
It's a wonderful story full of human emotion and inhuman evil. It's just a little bit hard to read. I really wish I could give it a better recommendation.
But as magical as the setting is, I was troubled by the use of language. Consider this passage from chapter one:
Dr. Beverly Sanchez, an anthropologist for the state's Department of Cultural Affairs, and two of her colleagues, steered four-wheel ATVs, following the ranch owner through the scarcely marked trails of the primeval ground. They looped around wet cypress hammocks and the tannin water more than two-feet deep.
That's just the one I marked. There are other paragraphs like that throughout the book. I finished it, because I was caught up in the atmosphere and the culture, but I suspect some readers won't. On the other hand, this is the eighth book of a series, so perhaps most readers aren't as picky as I.
On the good side, protagonist Sean O'Brien is a very adequate private detective who lives on a boat in a marina just south of Daytona with a miniature dachshund named Max. Sean heads far to the south to help a friend, a Seminole named Joe Billie, who is being framed for a grave robber's murder. Sean teams up with a circle of friends and a member of the tribal police, Wynona Osceola, who has a substantial and fascinating back story of her own. Joe's fate and especially that of his niece Kimi Tiger makes for a compelling story. The passage involving the Seminole elder, Sam Otter, is particularly striking.
It's a wonderful story full of human emotion and inhuman evil. It's just a little bit hard to read. I really wish I could give it a better recommendation.
August 2, 2021
Enthralling read every step of the way
I didn’t realize this book was part of a series until I finished it and saw the blurb for the next one so it clearly stands up well as a stand alone novel. The hero is a former Homicide detective, former POW, although I can’t tell if he was Army, Marine, or Navy, but he was definitely someone’s special forces. He has a best friend — a few actually, but in this story, his best friend is a Seminole who is being framed for a murder. (This is not a spoiler, there is never any doubt it’s a frame.) the story is our hero’s efforts to clear his friend.
There are several threads that seem to have zero relationship to one another — other than the Seminole reservation and our hero’s constant insistence that they are related. And they are. There is some violence but none of it gratuitous and none of it is too graphic. There is also a warehouse scene that I would consider on the less than credible side if I didn’t have a Marine and two Navy Seals in the family. Our guy is an excellent shot, clearly a skill not gained from his days with the Miami-Dade homicide squad — just saying.
The hero — ok, his name is Sean O’Brien — has a code by which he lives, sometimes those guys can be annoying, so far not. All of his excellence in fire arms is adequately explained, he has maintained good relationships with his former pals on the force, so he can call in favors; the only too convenient thing for my taste is the retired CIA guy on the boat in the next slip who can find stuff for him. But I can forgive that for the rest of the story. Good pace, good characters, believable action, and lots of excellent history of Florida I didn’t know before. Excellent descriptive writing of the flora and fauna of natural Florida too.
I will be reading more stories by Tom Stowe and more of the Sean O’Brien series .
I didn’t realize this book was part of a series until I finished it and saw the blurb for the next one so it clearly stands up well as a stand alone novel. The hero is a former Homicide detective, former POW, although I can’t tell if he was Army, Marine, or Navy, but he was definitely someone’s special forces. He has a best friend — a few actually, but in this story, his best friend is a Seminole who is being framed for a murder. (This is not a spoiler, there is never any doubt it’s a frame.) the story is our hero’s efforts to clear his friend.
There are several threads that seem to have zero relationship to one another — other than the Seminole reservation and our hero’s constant insistence that they are related. And they are. There is some violence but none of it gratuitous and none of it is too graphic. There is also a warehouse scene that I would consider on the less than credible side if I didn’t have a Marine and two Navy Seals in the family. Our guy is an excellent shot, clearly a skill not gained from his days with the Miami-Dade homicide squad — just saying.
The hero — ok, his name is Sean O’Brien — has a code by which he lives, sometimes those guys can be annoying, so far not. All of his excellence in fire arms is adequately explained, he has maintained good relationships with his former pals on the force, so he can call in favors; the only too convenient thing for my taste is the retired CIA guy on the boat in the next slip who can find stuff for him. But I can forgive that for the rest of the story. Good pace, good characters, believable action, and lots of excellent history of Florida I didn’t know before. Excellent descriptive writing of the flora and fauna of natural Florida too.
I will be reading more stories by Tom Stowe and more of the Sean O’Brien series .
January 4, 2019
Outstandiing Narration!
I really enjoyed this story. Since I listened to the audible version first, I will address that first. I'll get to the actual book and reason for my rating last
The narrator, Michael David Axtel, is nearly perfect and is the best male reader I have heard so far. His voice is easy to listen to, with no whining or fake southern accents. I've lived in many areas of the US, was born in Florida, and have lived in Georgia since 1973, so I know a fake accent. The main character has spent many years in South Florida, which is a melting pot, and the narrator has wisely given him a neutral accent. There a few voices with mild regional accents which Axtell does well. I'll look for more audibooks with his narration.
The story is engrossing. I like the Seminole a d Spanish history in this book a d how it is tied to the present. I also enjoyed the mystery, characters and action. I haven't read the kindle version yet so I can't address the ediiting.
I've changed my ranking system. Five stars was formerly for a great book with no errors a d no distractions. I had a clear rubric with a point system. Now I don't expect great literature and I can't evaluate some aspects because I mainly listen to only to the audio. I assign stars based on what I hear and my enjoyment. I'm far less picky.
Five stars for narration and story. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this story. Since I listened to the audible version first, I will address that first. I'll get to the actual book and reason for my rating last
The narrator, Michael David Axtel, is nearly perfect and is the best male reader I have heard so far. His voice is easy to listen to, with no whining or fake southern accents. I've lived in many areas of the US, was born in Florida, and have lived in Georgia since 1973, so I know a fake accent. The main character has spent many years in South Florida, which is a melting pot, and the narrator has wisely given him a neutral accent. There a few voices with mild regional accents which Axtell does well. I'll look for more audibooks with his narration.
The story is engrossing. I like the Seminole a d Spanish history in this book a d how it is tied to the present. I also enjoyed the mystery, characters and action. I haven't read the kindle version yet so I can't address the ediiting.
I've changed my ranking system. Five stars was formerly for a great book with no errors a d no distractions. I had a clear rubric with a point system. Now I don't expect great literature and I can't evaluate some aspects because I mainly listen to only to the audio. I assign stars based on what I hear and my enjoyment. I'm far less picky.
Five stars for narration and story. Highly recommended.
August 23, 2021
I really loved reading this book. It was gripping and fun to read. I was hooked from almost the beginning and stayed that way clear to the end.
The character Sean O'Brien is rather likeable I'm sympathetic. The multiple dramas record through the stories keeps keeps the tension building clear through to the end. I absolutely loved it. I know there's are there people that disagree with my assessment. And that's okay cuz we're each entitled to our own opinions. But I'll bet if you pick this book up and read it you won't be sorry.
I just want to read more books in the series. Tom Lowe is a gifted writer for sure. Will I like his other books? I have no idea. But I will definitely give another of his books a try . He reminds me of Clive Cussler in some ways and Jack Reacher combined.
I spent a few days recovering from a vacation trip that left me absolutely worn out. Reading this book was a great way to keep me comfortable relaxed I haven't interested in doing something that didn't require a whole lot of work on my part. Thanks Mr. Lowe. I had a blast! And I've never seen such a small number of pages have so many chapters. I thought it was kind of weird at first but seeing the chapter numbers get bigger and bigger really fueled but tension as I wondered how many more chapters there are.
The character Sean O'Brien is rather likeable I'm sympathetic. The multiple dramas record through the stories keeps keeps the tension building clear through to the end. I absolutely loved it. I know there's are there people that disagree with my assessment. And that's okay cuz we're each entitled to our own opinions. But I'll bet if you pick this book up and read it you won't be sorry.
I just want to read more books in the series. Tom Lowe is a gifted writer for sure. Will I like his other books? I have no idea. But I will definitely give another of his books a try . He reminds me of Clive Cussler in some ways and Jack Reacher combined.
I spent a few days recovering from a vacation trip that left me absolutely worn out. Reading this book was a great way to keep me comfortable relaxed I haven't interested in doing something that didn't require a whole lot of work on my part. Thanks Mr. Lowe. I had a blast! And I've never seen such a small number of pages have so many chapters. I thought it was kind of weird at first but seeing the chapter numbers get bigger and bigger really fueled but tension as I wondered how many more chapters there are.
December 11, 2016
Tom Lowe introduced himself to me, and probably others, on Goodreads suggesting that based on my reading choices I might enjoy his Sean O'Brien series. Since then I have read all of the books in that series, this being the most recent. There have been issues- the storyline occasionally stretches credibility and there are proofreading errors in every book- but I have thoroughly enjoyed all books in the series. There is a little of Thorn and Travis McGee in the main character, Sean O'Brien. The ensemble cast is likable and realistic, including a charming dachshund.
In this book, it looks like Lowe is bringing one of the ensemble cast to the forefront. Joe Billie, native American friend of O'Brien, is accused of murder. The story from there is full of action and a fast paced conclusion keeps yuo from putting the book down. This may be the best O'Brien novel since "Butterfly Forest" and was a fun read.
In this book, it looks like Lowe is bringing one of the ensemble cast to the forefront. Joe Billie, native American friend of O'Brien, is accused of murder. The story from there is full of action and a fast paced conclusion keeps yuo from putting the book down. This may be the best O'Brien novel since "Butterfly Forest" and was a fun read.
July 14, 2021
Non-stop nail biter!
This action adventure, murder mystery, dectective story is a non-stop roller coaster ride you won't want to put down. Sean O'Brien and his pals, Dave, Nick, and little dog Max, are hot on the trail of murderous mafiosos trying to muscle their way into tribal gaming casinos in South Florida, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. There are more twists and turns in this tale than you'll find on one of those corkscrew coaster rides Florida amusement parks are so famous for. The author's writing style evokes a lush, lyrical picture of the rapidly disappearing South Florida flora and fauna and Native American heritage. If you like Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford novels, you'll probably enjoy this book!
This action adventure, murder mystery, dectective story is a non-stop roller coaster ride you won't want to put down. Sean O'Brien and his pals, Dave, Nick, and little dog Max, are hot on the trail of murderous mafiosos trying to muscle their way into tribal gaming casinos in South Florida, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. There are more twists and turns in this tale than you'll find on one of those corkscrew coaster rides Florida amusement parks are so famous for. The author's writing style evokes a lush, lyrical picture of the rapidly disappearing South Florida flora and fauna and Native American heritage. If you like Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford novels, you'll probably enjoy this book!
January 18, 2019
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but the constant misspellings, grammatical errors, and the author's usage of incorrect words kept taking me out of the story. I understand that typos can happen, but using possessive forms of words instead of the plural form, using "it's" when "its" is called for, and someone "not wanting to take the wrap" for a crime really bothered me. There was at least one mistake per chapter...and with something like 105 chapters, it got really noticeable, really fast.
If his other books are as poorly edited as this one was, then I won't be reading any others.
If his other books are as poorly edited as this one was, then I won't be reading any others.
April 11, 2019
Murder mysteries and mafia stories are not my favorite genre but the title to this one caught my eye. It is a well crafted story, Sean O'Brien, a private investigator and former police detective takes on the investigation of a brutal murder of which his bff Joe Billie is accused. The story has lots of interesting research on the intelligence of the crow, lots of Seminole Florida history and makes use of the Florida wilderness and creatures that exist there. Also very positive telling of Native Reserves, police forcing, and managing the casino business. A gripping story from early pages to the finish.
August 11, 2019
What an interesting story! Scary, suspense full and some humor. I’ve recently moved to Florida and this book just WOW’d me! The Indian aspect was so interesting to me! Of course I know it’s fiction...but the descriptions of the land and the rivers, amazing! I liked O’Brian (What girl wouldn’t?), Dave and Max, the Russia...Wyona, Joe Billy, Nikki...and all the other good guys!
I recommended this book to my husband. We have never read Tom Lowe before...but I’d go to the beach and swim naked with Sean O’Brian (only kidding, I think!). I think Floridians would enjoy this book, especially! But don’t let that stop anyone else from reading it!
I recommended this book to my husband. We have never read Tom Lowe before...but I’d go to the beach and swim naked with Sean O’Brian (only kidding, I think!). I think Floridians would enjoy this book, especially! But don’t let that stop anyone else from reading it!
July 3, 2021
Years ago Joe Billie found a grave robber digging up a Seminole Indian burial site, in search of Indian relics. A man was murders later and Joe becomes the prime suspect in it because of what happened between them years ago. The evidence against Joe is strong, and police are convinced they have their killer. Joe called Sean O'Brien from his cell to help him get out of jail. O'Brien used to do detective and police work for along time. So him and others tried to put pieces of the investigation together to find the real killer and get Joe cleared and out of jail. There is a part in the book about black crows and some interesting facts about things they do.
July 6, 2021
Well written suspense-filled story with not to few 'you've got to be kidding me', 'huh-uh!', OMG moments. Joe Billy is a man I'd like to have coffee with while sitting in silence and Sean O'Brien is a friend I'd like to have for life. Secondary characters add humor and keep the story going. I learned a lot more about Seminole history and how casino gambling can help or hinder a community. I kept reading because I just had to know who wanted to destroy and maybe kill Joe Billy. It was a layered story, many parts, that was methodically connected as the story moved through the ranch, the reservation and the cities. I'm a fan.
December 19, 2024
I liked the story line, especially with all of the history and concerns of the Seminole people, but the plots (there were several lines going) got convoluted in several places. And hero O'Brien is Reacher, Davenport, The Equalizer, and Borne all rolled into one infallible character who can find even the tiniest clue and figure everything out when nobody else can see glaring evidence. As other reviewers pointed out, there were several grammatical errors that should have been caught by the editing staff and repeated information about people (names, relationships, events) that could have been eliminated.
February 6, 2019
As a Tony Hillerman fan and more recently his daughter’s writing it took a little time to adapt to this author’s style. Tony’s books go into some depth concerning Navajo culture and religion. This does less of that although some is present. If we remove this from my evaluation and evaluate it as a mystery it is a pretty good read. We learn something’s about the main character, but we don’t get a picture of what makes this guy ticks. The characters are less than fully developed, but still interesting.
After reading this book I would be interested in reading other books in the series.
After reading this book I would be interested in reading other books in the series.
February 28, 2020
I had never heard of the Sean O’Brian mysteries before but was intrigued when I read about this one. It was exciting; loved the cast of characters and Max, the dog. A fascinating, breathtaking journey through the Everglades. In Sean O’Brian, I've found a new hero after I stopped reading the Jack Reacher novels in protest when the author gave the thumbs up to 6’5” Reacher being portrayed by Tom Cruise. Mr. O’Brian is an exciting character who is surrounded by a strong auxiliary group of people. A hard to put down, fast paced mystery and I’m on to the next one!
August 13, 2020
Action -packed Page Turner
This was my first Kindle with combined Audible purchase, and I wonder why I put off this reading /listening experience for so long -- especially with such a well written mystery! It was a little bit slow going at first, but then really picked up with memorable characters such as modern -day, still undefeated Seminole tribal elders and police officers, vicious mobsters from Las Vegas who want to elbow their way into the reservation casinos, grave robbing -- and that's only just scratching the surface!
This was my first Kindle with combined Audible purchase, and I wonder why I put off this reading /listening experience for so long -- especially with such a well written mystery! It was a little bit slow going at first, but then really picked up with memorable characters such as modern -day, still undefeated Seminole tribal elders and police officers, vicious mobsters from Las Vegas who want to elbow their way into the reservation casinos, grave robbing -- and that's only just scratching the surface!
January 8, 2019
Murder on a Native American reservation in the Everglades. A man is found shot and scalped and the primary suspect is a Native who was cutting palm leaves in the vacinity. He calls on his friend, an ex Miami Dades cop to help him. He meets a lovely woman on the Native police department and they work the case together.
Good characters, plot and some surprises. I'd recommend it if you like a good mystery.
Good characters, plot and some surprises. I'd recommend it if you like a good mystery.
January 26, 2019
Fascinating story!
I am really enjoying the Sean O'Brien series! Sean is a badass dude while still being a nice guy. (Believe it or not that is still possible.)
I like the story that goes along with Joe Billie and this one was quite exciting as well as rather informative.
And that little Max adds some variety months characters.
All in all, well written and a great book. I totally recommend!
I am really enjoying the Sean O'Brien series! Sean is a badass dude while still being a nice guy. (Believe it or not that is still possible.)
I like the story that goes along with Joe Billie and this one was quite exciting as well as rather informative.
And that little Max adds some variety months characters.
All in all, well written and a great book. I totally recommend!
February 9, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and the first book I’ve read in the series. This was book 8 of the series. It was a very long book. There was plenty of action, mystery and a dash of romance. In parts the book seemed more drawn out than necessary. It was a good book. I learned more about the Seminole people and their history. I like the relationships that the main character Sean O’Brien had with his neighbors and how he was a very loyal friend.
February 16, 2019
This was a good mystery. The action was fast-paced, the writing read smoothly, and the characters had been developed in other books in the series. Probably my biggest concern was the need for a good proof reader to correct errors in verb and pronoun syntax. I thought the novel was very read-able for a free book--actually impressive for a free book; I just don't expect errors in grammar in published books.
June 6, 2019
Murder mystery set in Florida involving Mafia and Seminoles. Mafia wants to take over the very profitable casino owned by the Seminoles. The first murder takes place at the base of a Seminole mound where an archeologist is murdered and scalped. The crows are watching and later identify the murderer to Sean O’Brien the private detective. Lots of stuff about Florida swamps and more killings. Nice read.
December 10, 2019
Terrific as always..
Yet somehow this book did not grab my attention to the point I was reluctant to put it down - it felt a little repetitious in parts especially compared to the previous books in this series. I also would have liked a bit more about the medicine man. Joe, Sean's friend, is being charged with a murder he did not commit. Who is framing him and why this peaceful man? The crows know and won't forget!
Yet somehow this book did not grab my attention to the point I was reluctant to put it down - it felt a little repetitious in parts especially compared to the previous books in this series. I also would have liked a bit more about the medicine man. Joe, Sean's friend, is being charged with a murder he did not commit. Who is framing him and why this peaceful man? The crows know and won't forget!
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February 18, 2020A new author for me, but one I will be reading more of. This is the eighth book in the Sean O’Brien series, so I’ll have to start at the beginning to get caught up. Thoroughly enjoyed this story which dealt with the theft of artefacts from sacred places of the Seminole people in Florida, murder and mayhem associated with a casino on the reserve which the local mafia would like to gain control of and one family’s struggles with sexual abuse, drugs and honouring the traditions of the tribe.
July 8, 2021
"Diehard" in the swamps
Fantasy with protagonist and friends who fight for truth, justice, and the Seminole way. The hero gets the girl, outwits the thugs, and never misses a target. Bad guys are so mean, they won't even say "please" or "you're welcome." Cops are often corrupted or politically motivated. All the storyboard elements are here, so it may become a Bruce Willis movie.
Fantasy with protagonist and friends who fight for truth, justice, and the Seminole way. The hero gets the girl, outwits the thugs, and never misses a target. Bad guys are so mean, they won't even say "please" or "you're welcome." Cops are often corrupted or politically motivated. All the storyboard elements are here, so it may become a Bruce Willis movie.
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