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Sean O'Brien #5
Blood of Cain
When Courtney Burke appears at Ponce Marina on a humid summer morning, she leaves Sean O’Brien with a haunting tale. Her story could lead O’Brien down a path that began with a brutal crime forty years earlier and hidden family secrets spawned from the desecration of the innocent. O’Brien learns that Courtney is linked to a series of carnival murders. Police are convinced she’s a serial killer, and all of her victims are men. But like the illusions found in the carnival’s House of Mirrors, nothing is as it appears. Just beyond the looking glass is where evil watches from a one-way mirror.
When Courtney faces a conviction for murder, O’Brien remembers something she told him, something so strange he’d originally dismissed it. To alter the future, to save Courtney’s life, O’Brien must penetrate dark deeds that began in a church forty years earlier.
When Courtney faces a conviction for murder, O’Brien remembers something she told him, something so strange he’d originally dismissed it. To alter the future, to save Courtney’s life, O’Brien must penetrate dark deeds that began in a church forty years earlier.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
237 people are currently reading
242 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 54 reviews
October 29, 2019
Notes:
This one was like an extreme version of how many ridiculous coincidences & facts can we cram into one story.
Why am I listening to the whole series? Because it's like candy popcorn. Fluffy fun that only lasts for the moment. Pure entertainment.
This one was like an extreme version of how many ridiculous coincidences & facts can we cram into one story.
Why am I listening to the whole series? Because it's like candy popcorn. Fluffy fun that only lasts for the moment. Pure entertainment.
August 16, 2014
This was one of the most nerve-wracking books I’ve ever read. The threat of danger crackled on almost every page. And Lowe delivered it on almost every page.
Lowe gets better with every book. Here he has written a novel full of twists and turns, many that really shake up Sean O’Brien’s life and world.
I still find it hard to buy into someone with the kind of power Lowe gives his antagonist here. And I wish he’d spend a few less words describing sunsets – even though he brings them to life in the colors he gives them.
This was the best in the series so far. And I see it isn’t the last. Now I have another Sean O’Brien story to look forward to. And that is a good thing.
Lowe gets better with every book. Here he has written a novel full of twists and turns, many that really shake up Sean O’Brien’s life and world.
I still find it hard to buy into someone with the kind of power Lowe gives his antagonist here. And I wish he’d spend a few less words describing sunsets – even though he brings them to life in the colors he gives them.
This was the best in the series so far. And I see it isn’t the last. Now I have another Sean O’Brien story to look forward to. And that is a good thing.
July 23, 2014
A Novel by Lowe is a High for Me
A Novel by Lowe is a High for Me
I'm a Jack Reacher fan. Tom Lowe's Sean O'Brien is another wonderful character. He's deep and caring and loyal. His home base in Florida is well described, colorful and attractive. This novel had twists, turns, excitement, danger, terror, and ingenuity that kept me guessing and holding my attention page after page after page. I'm very much looking forward to the next Sean O'Brien novel by Tom Lowe.
A Novel by Lowe is a High for Me
I'm a Jack Reacher fan. Tom Lowe's Sean O'Brien is another wonderful character. He's deep and caring and loyal. His home base in Florida is well described, colorful and attractive. This novel had twists, turns, excitement, danger, terror, and ingenuity that kept me guessing and holding my attention page after page after page. I'm very much looking forward to the next Sean O'Brien novel by Tom Lowe.
January 29, 2020
In the Topsy Tervy world of books, there are some that are good and some are better. This book is Better. Because you really have to pay attention to what’s going on
My father had seven sisters and three brothers each was married with two or more children and I thought that was confusing—
But ==throw in adoptions, auto accidents, family shinanagins and who done what to whom
With knives, guns, rifles ice picks and whatnots. Running for President is pretty tricky when you have a boatload of nasty tricks
It’s confusing but I’m loving it Because you have to Think. And that’s what reading is all about.
And always remember, it’s a book!
My father had seven sisters and three brothers each was married with two or more children and I thought that was confusing—
But ==throw in adoptions, auto accidents, family shinanagins and who done what to whom
With knives, guns, rifles ice picks and whatnots. Running for President is pretty tricky when you have a boatload of nasty tricks
It’s confusing but I’m loving it Because you have to Think. And that’s what reading is all about.
And always remember, it’s a book!
June 19, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the description of the characters. I would have given it a 5 if I knew what happened with the red hat guy and Carlos Bandini. But, I am assuming either could show up in future tales. Sean O'Brien's trip to Ireland was very satisfying. For those who don't like a lot of gore, this one isn't instilled with it or descriptions of it. I do believe evil exists in this world and this was a wonderful fight of good versus evil.
November 14, 2019
Terrific!
Okay, I did it...I am biased. I have simply enjoyed the neck out of this series and won't quit until I've read them all. Yes, they are all about a guy who, although trying to lead a simpler life always seems to have trouble find him. But this is a nice guy...one the reader relates to. You find yourself rooting for him and his pals as they struggle to help someone....and themselves.
Okay, I did it...I am biased. I have simply enjoyed the neck out of this series and won't quit until I've read them all. Yes, they are all about a guy who, although trying to lead a simpler life always seems to have trouble find him. But this is a nice guy...one the reader relates to. You find yourself rooting for him and his pals as they struggle to help someone....and themselves.
November 11, 2018
Blood of Cain
I can only repeat myself this is is a very exciting book an series. The thrills and suspense keep you reading until you reach the end . I started this book at noon and finished it at four in the morning. I could not put this book down . This is a ten star book. A must read.
I can only repeat myself this is is a very exciting book an series. The thrills and suspense keep you reading until you reach the end . I started this book at noon and finished it at four in the morning. I could not put this book down . This is a ten star book. A must read.
August 12, 2021
Enjoyable read, but not quite as good as the earlier in the series
This is a very enjoyable and easy read. Characters are quality, and the stories moves quickly. The biggest issues in this book was that it needed more editing detail. Some issues that were a bit choppy, and didn't flow correctly. Should have been caught prior to publication.
This is a very enjoyable and easy read. Characters are quality, and the stories moves quickly. The biggest issues in this book was that it needed more editing detail. Some issues that were a bit choppy, and didn't flow correctly. Should have been caught prior to publication.
August 27, 2025
An okay book. Lots of unexplained coincidences happened. He must have tons of cash laying around. I must have missed the part that explains how he lives lives as he does on a retired police detective's income. He flew to Ireland on an overnight whim which didn't seem realistic.
Too many favorable escapes from reality.
Too many favorable escapes from reality.
August 27, 2018
Book 5 is even better!
Loved how lives intersect at just the right time. You can't pick your family and sometimes you don't want to know some of them. This book shows just how bad some can be. Loved it!
Loved how lives intersect at just the right time. You can't pick your family and sometimes you don't want to know some of them. This book shows just how bad some can be. Loved it!
January 13, 2019
Poetic!
It may seem an unusual description for a book of this genre but I enjoy Tom Lowe's use of words so much!! Especially O'Briens vocabulary! All of the characters are great. This is my second book & while it was also long, I enjoyed it so much. I am definitely hooked!😊
It may seem an unusual description for a book of this genre but I enjoy Tom Lowe's use of words so much!! Especially O'Briens vocabulary! All of the characters are great. This is my second book & while it was also long, I enjoyed it so much. I am definitely hooked!😊
November 8, 2021
Sean O'Brein
I love this series by Tom Lowe. It has taken me three years to finally find all of them. The library only had 2 and when I tried to get the other ones from them they had to reach out to a library in Arizona from South Carolina.
I love this series by Tom Lowe. It has taken me three years to finally find all of them. The library only had 2 and when I tried to get the other ones from them they had to reach out to a library in Arizona from South Carolina.
May 5, 2017
Captivating read.
Guess I'm biased as I am a Sean O'Brien fan 😊
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good 'suspense thriller'
Guess I'm biased as I am a Sean O'Brien fan 😊
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good 'suspense thriller'
October 5, 2018
Wow
It's hard to put into words the action and sadness in this book. So glad to get a chance to read it!
It's hard to put into words the action and sadness in this book. So glad to get a chance to read it!
October 7, 2018
Loved it! I recently discovered Tom Lowe, and am glad I did. Very good writing, and very plausible plot and action. Kept me entertained!
November 27, 2018
Weakest book in the series
Way over the top, way out of the realm of reality. Add a healthy dose of moralism and superstition and that should cover it. Disappointing.
Way over the top, way out of the realm of reality. Add a healthy dose of moralism and superstition and that should cover it. Disappointing.
January 13, 2019
Excellent
I love these books they have so many twist and turns Sean is a person with as many lives as a cat.Can't wait for the next book
I love these books they have so many twist and turns Sean is a person with as many lives as a cat.Can't wait for the next book
February 9, 2019
Fast moving story. It f inconsistencies,19min east of Daytona Beach via car is pretty wet. DeLand is more like 17-18 miles west of DB not 40. Still a good read
June 14, 2020
Blood of Cain
As always, a good thriller to keep you coming back. What’s best, you cannot guess what’s going to happen next!
As always, a good thriller to keep you coming back. What’s best, you cannot guess what’s going to happen next!
June 28, 2020
Blood of Cain
I've read six of Tom Lowe's books and this is by far the best. Sean O'Brien has quite a problem on his hands and he handles it!
I've read six of Tom Lowe's books and this is by far the best. Sean O'Brien has quite a problem on his hands and he handles it!
August 10, 2020
Good story
The book was a good read but had a lot of filler stuff that could have been left out. Flora and flana about the surroundings could have been cut back some.
The book was a good read but had a lot of filler stuff that could have been left out. Flora and flana about the surroundings could have been cut back some.
October 18, 2020
Love Tom Lowe and Sean O’Brien
April 10, 2021
Blood of Cain
It's a great book for when you think about how adoption can change the family dynamics. The changes that secrets can make and lots of action.
It's a great book for when you think about how adoption can change the family dynamics. The changes that secrets can make and lots of action.
May 22, 2022
Good book
Very well written and intriguing story. Ready to start another Tom Lowe book tomorrow. Hopefully it will be as good.
Very well written and intriguing story. Ready to start another Tom Lowe book tomorrow. Hopefully it will be as good.
March 27, 2025
I like reading about Sean getting caught up in something and eventually getting out of it.
This one is more of a 3.5 star read.
This one is more of a 3.5 star read.
February 13, 2017
finished this one yesterday late afternoon. great story. not sure what to make of the "dates read (2 times)" as i only read this once. why does that happen? 'cause i mark it "read" and then when the box opens to write a 'review' i do so and mark the date finished? ever since the upgrade this happens. anyway, good read. helluva deal, too.
April 3, 2014
When Sean O’Brien finds a young Courtney covered in blood on the side of the road, he has no clue that his peaceful life on the water is about to turn chaotic. Shortly after his initial encounter, he discovers Courtney is a suspect in serial murders, and has a questionable psych history. To further complicate things, she claims to be related to him. As Sean struggles to prove Courtney’s innocence, he discovers things about himself that he never knew…things that will change him forever.
The thing that stood out to me about this book was the awesome descriptive writing. Tom Lowe has a way of writing a book in such a way that you feel, see, and smell your surroundings. My favorite character was Sean O’Brien, who not only had a good heart, but also was a force to be reckoned with. I didn’t, however, like that the book was unbelievable, predictable, and/or repetitive at times. It also seemed unnecessarily drawn out. For me, it wasn’t a page-turner as I was bored at times and struggled to get through the book. Overall, it was just okay. Because of my love for Sean O’Brien, I might read another book in the series.
The thing that stood out to me about this book was the awesome descriptive writing. Tom Lowe has a way of writing a book in such a way that you feel, see, and smell your surroundings. My favorite character was Sean O’Brien, who not only had a good heart, but also was a force to be reckoned with. I didn’t, however, like that the book was unbelievable, predictable, and/or repetitive at times. It also seemed unnecessarily drawn out. For me, it wasn’t a page-turner as I was bored at times and struggled to get through the book. Overall, it was just okay. Because of my love for Sean O’Brien, I might read another book in the series.
September 26, 2014
This is the fifth installment in Lowe's Sean O'Brien series. It is perhaps the most ambitious of the novels so far. There are some excellent passages and the Courtney Burke character is well drawn as are the recurring characters. As always the marina family are enjoyable and likable.
The novels are still plagued by editing errors, spelling and in this one the typesetting of dialog. It doesn't ruin the reading experience but an author this good needs to read his publisher the riot act. It is a distraction.
The plot moves quickly, with implausible events that are still closer to reality than the plots of some bestselling authors in the genre. It would be easy to put up some spoilers if I go any deeper into the plot so I'll just say if you like any Florida crime and mystery series, this one is among the best. Read the whole series, although you'll probably have to go to the used market for the first two books.
The novels are still plagued by editing errors, spelling and in this one the typesetting of dialog. It doesn't ruin the reading experience but an author this good needs to read his publisher the riot act. It is a distraction.
The plot moves quickly, with implausible events that are still closer to reality than the plots of some bestselling authors in the genre. It would be easy to put up some spoilers if I go any deeper into the plot so I'll just say if you like any Florida crime and mystery series, this one is among the best. Read the whole series, although you'll probably have to go to the used market for the first two books.
September 1, 2016
This is now the fifth Sean O'Brien book I've read and on starting it I felt like I was at a welcome family reunion. Tom Lowe's characters are extremely likeable and the solidarity of the small community on the water in the face of danger and injustice is heartwarming.
This story is a bit of a departure as it is all about Sean and his family. It starts when Sean intervenes one night to prevent a young woman from being hurt along a deserted stretch of road. It becomes apparent that there is some sort of link between the woman and Sean but she disappears before it is resolved. She is also wanted as a person of interest in some murders. Sean feels compelled to find her and protect her but the forces arrayed against her are many and deadly.
A fraught race across the country and against time to discover the truth and protect his family and friends ensues. There is lots of action and tension in this entertaining book.
This story is a bit of a departure as it is all about Sean and his family. It starts when Sean intervenes one night to prevent a young woman from being hurt along a deserted stretch of road. It becomes apparent that there is some sort of link between the woman and Sean but she disappears before it is resolved. She is also wanted as a person of interest in some murders. Sean feels compelled to find her and protect her but the forces arrayed against her are many and deadly.
A fraught race across the country and against time to discover the truth and protect his family and friends ensues. There is lots of action and tension in this entertaining book.
May 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very good thriller, fast paced and well developed characters. It kept me on my toes. I am now a fan of Tom Lowe and look forward to his next 2014 book.
It is a little over the top in probability. Slams conservative politics. Doesn't tie up some loose ends (maybe in his next Sean Obrien thriller).
The romantic relationship introduced in the book just cracked me up. Only man could write such a fantasy woman.
Regardless of all these slight negatives the book is fun and worth the read!
It is a little over the top in probability. Slams conservative politics. Doesn't tie up some loose ends (maybe in his next Sean Obrien thriller).
The romantic relationship introduced in the book just cracked me up. Only man could write such a fantasy woman.
Regardless of all these slight negatives the book is fun and worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews