Iconoclast: A Sean McPherson Novel, Book Two

Sean McPherson #2

by Laurie Buchanan

Burdened by the pressing weight of survivor’s guilt, Sean McPherson, an ex-cop, is desperate for redemption. At Pines & Quill, a writer’s retreat in the Pacific Northwest, he and his fiancée, Emma Benton, are planning their lives together. He wants to go back into law enforcement. She plans to walk again.

Georgio “The Bull” Gambino, head of a Seattle-based crime family, has a long reach. Like cockroaches, his minions infiltrate even the most inaccessible of places to do his bidding. With Seattle to the south, the Canadian border a stone’s throw to the north, and Bellingham Bay—a gateway to the Pacific Ocean—immediately to the west, Bellingham is the ideal location for the Gambino crime family to traffic drugs, weapons, and humans. But McPherson’s in Gambino’s way, which means he must be eliminated.

The writers in residence at Pines & Quill include an Afghanistan War veteran, a professional photographer, a civil rights attorney, and a gourmet chef. But McPherson suspects that there’s more going on than the joy of creating plot twists. Is one of them conspiring murder outside the pages of their manuscript?

Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Audiobook, Detective

Audible Audio

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

Laurie Buchanan writes the critically acclaimed Sean McPherson novels—pulse-pounding crime thrillers with heart-stopping twists. Plunge into the depths of malice, the unwavering quest for justice, and high-stakes consequences.

Be sure to follow Laurie on BookBub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lauri...

Buchanan's books have won multiple awards, including a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year gold, an International Book Award gold, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a PenCraft Aaward for Literary Excellence; she has also been a finalist in the Crime Fiction/Suspense Eric Hoffer Awards and the CIBA Clue Book Awards.

A cross between Dr. Dolittle, Nanny McPhee, and a type-A Buddhist, Laurie is an active listener, observer of details, payer of attention, reader and writer of books, kindness enthusiast, and red licorice aficionado.

Laurie and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys long walks, bicycling, camping, and photography—because sometimes the best word choice is a picture.

To learn more, please visit Laurie's website at www.lauriebuchanan.com.

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 + stars.

I recently read and reviewed the first book in this series (Indelible) which I enjoyed immensely. This second book was just as enjoyable. It picks up pretty much where book 1 left off and I’d probably call this one a ‘cosy’ as well although, again, there is murder afoot, danger and tension.

A new group of writers arrive at the Pines and Quill writer’s retreat but one of them is a fake, taking the place of the person who has booked the retreat. Mafia boss Giorgio ‘the Bull’ Gambino is looking to expand his empire in the Pacific Northwest but wants to tie up loose ends first. There is concern that one of his men may have said too much before he died in hospital (at the end of the last book) and he is very anxious to protect his ‘dirty cop’ as an asset. So he sends in an assassin to remove the threat of exposure.

Like in the last book, you know who the baddy is and what their plan is and the suspense is in waiting for them to make their move. It probably doesn’t sound very cosy but the cast of characters is so nice. Hemingway, the enormous Irish wolfhound is still being his adorable self and makes some new friends. A tragedy brings the rest of the McPherson family to Fairhaven so we get to meet Mick’s parents and Emma’s parents and FBI Agent Rafferty - all lovely people and great characters.

It was great to see Mick heal from a bit from his PTSD through his relationship with Emma and Emma herself is steadily working on getting out of the wheelchair. The writing group this time is another diverse group of people. It’s really good to see the author creating such likeable characters that include a range of disabilities.

I really can’t say much more about the plot. But - If you enjoy great character driven mysteries you will certainly enjoy these books. Fortunately there is at least one more book to come. Unfortunately it might be a bit of a wait! Many thanks to BookSirens and Laurie Buchanan for providing the much appreciated free e-arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[Fiona Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

A writer’s retreat in the Pacific Northwest wouldn’t be the first place you might expect to find a mob hitman; but that’s exactly where one ends up in Laurie Buchanan’s second entry in the Sean McPherson series, Iconoclast.

Her mission? To eliminate a potential witness and threat to the Gambino crime family’s plans for expansion into the area. But while there’s no way for them to see her coming, the team behind Pines & Quill have proved a formidable force before; and they’re not about to let anything happen to the people they care about.

Despite not having read the first book in the series, I didn’t struggle at all with context for this book – Laurie Buchanan provides the perfect balance of information the reader needs, while steering away from going too far and leaving nothing to discover by going back and reading it. Just as well, because I really enjoyed this; it’s a mix of suspense and cozy mystery that I haven’t encountered before, and I’m looking forward to diving into more. Pines & Quill is a gorgeous setting, lovingly described in a way that brought it to life in my mind’s eye – and the inclusion of some very enticing meals was the cherry on top.

But if I had to choose one thing that has marked this book apart in my mind, it would be the characters. They’re all individual, complete people, from the visiting authors to the regular characters of the series. The bad guys are satisfyingly villainous; the good guys have the reader rooting for them right from the start. I genuinely care about them – and in this genre, you need to care to build up the stakes.

A very satisfying and suspenseful thriller, Iconoclast continues a series that promises to keep readers guessing.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two in the Sean McPherson series takes the reader back to Pines & Quill, a writer's retreat in Washington State. Sean's sister, Libby, and her husband Niall run the retreat. Every month they host four writers at the retreat who want to spend uninterrupted time on their books. Sean, an ex-cop who got hurt when his partner was killed, is Libby's brother and working as a handyman at the retreat until he can get back into law enforcement. He's also living with Emma, a writer he fell in love with in book one.

Sean always picks the writers up at the airport in Seattle. As the book begins - we meet the four writers for this retreat. Tom is a veteran of Afghanistan who lost his legs, Megan is the owner of a French restaurant, Pam has recently had cochlear surgery and can hear again for the first time since she was a child, and Pam is a civil rights attorney. All four of them are working hard on their first books but one of them is not an author, instead she works for a crime family with the goal of killing Emma and, if needed, Sean.

The book is well written and the descriptions of Washington State make you feel like you're there. In a twist from many suspense stories, we know who the 'bad guy' is from the beginning. It's suspenseful to see the other characters gradually learn that something is wrong. I really can't say much about the plot because I don't want to give anything away. I will admit that the killer is one of the most ruthless and cruel characters that I've read in awhile

The plot moves along fast. The characters are very well written and are people who you soon care about. The descriptions of not only the setting but the food that is being prepared for the writers is fantastic. The author started each chapter with a quote from a famous author about writing.

I don't know when Impervious, Book Three in the series, will be published but I know that I can't wait to go back to Pines & Quill and spend time with Sean and Emma.

[Tower Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconoclast is the second book in the Sean McPherson series by Laurie Buchanan. The characters assemble at the Pine and Quill’s retreat for what they hope will be an idyllic chance for renewal and a lot of writing. But when Sean McPerson is around, the reader expects action and intrigue, and boy do we get it!

The action starts right away with and the reader knows from the start that nefarious actors are trying to disrupt the retreat and settle old scores. Along with the adventure and intrigue at this seemingly idyllic retreat, there are clues to a sadistic crime ring. A member of the Pine and Quill’s team loses a brother and Sean’s love interest, Emma, is threatened.

Underneath the fear and grief, Buchanan layers the connection between this community of people who run the writing group and live nearby. Iconoclast is both an action-filled crime novel and a deeply moving story of close friendship and honest support. In addition, Buchanan’s narrative adheres to a goal important to my work. She includes non-ablest characters who are not villains, heroes, saved, or rescued: they are part of the narrative.

Read this series and experience mystery and adventure as well as the comfort of a supportive cast of characters who can pursue criminals and camaraderie at the same time.

--Tower Lowe, Author of the Molly Donovan Suspense Series

[Jeff Nania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Buchanan takes us back to the beautifully described, peaceful writers’ retreat in “Iconoclast,” the second installment in her Sean McPherson mystery series. Just as visitors and residents are lulled into comfort by good food and good friends, they find evil is lurking in the dark shadows around the Pines and Quill enclave. No one is safe, everyone the potential victim of a hidden killer. Buchanan builds the tension until you’re almost afraid to turn the next page. I can’t wait for book three.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series to add to the e-reader and plan on staying up late for!

Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @lauriebuchanan.author for my copy of Iconoclast, Book Two in the Sean McPherson series. Once again we are given an intense mystery with strong characters that overcome so many obstacles in order to prevail.
The atmosphere of Pine and Quills was just so enjoyable. Ive read many novels recently set in the Pacific Northwest and makes me feel it is the universes way of telling me to take a vacation! Lol I wanted to be a part of the retreat myself (minus the malice) the emotions of all the characters really drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the story. I also liked that this picked up right where Indelible ended. Made it a great transition and easy to pick it right back up.
I am excited for Book Three and cannot wait to see where it goes!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconoclast: A Sean McPherson Novel Book Two by Laurie Buchanan


Hook, hook and I was off to the surprise end. I was ready for this Sean McPherson book because of the first book in the series and was prepared for everything that the author laid bare with no disappointment. There were plenty of words about the amazing writers coming to the Pine and Quill’s retreat center and it was a good match up. Their descriptions were detailed and made the reader want to be there with the group: an Afghanistan veteran, a professional photographer, a civil rights attorney, and a gourmet chef.

McPherson and his fiancée were there to greet everyone at the beautifully described writing center. Although they had recently had a close encounter, they thought the new roster of participants was going to be an added benefit to their future planning and full recovery from their earlier experiences. The pen does not rest, and we are treated to fantastic meals, a dog attack, and a shooting experience on a cruise ship. There is a delightful nibble towards a new love story.

McPherson begins to see how he will reconnect to the law enforcement community and pursue organized crime; eventually solving the crime that threatened to paralyze his future.

Buchanan writes with a precision that allows the story to shine and her descriptions are just delightful and indicative of all the details that make a story memorable from fragrances right to the surrounding trees. This is a treat and another feather in the author’s cap. Hook, hook, read, read right to the surprise end!

[Joy Ribar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something sinister lurks in two sanctuaries near Bellingham, Washington. St. Barnabas Church will be forever changed by an evil deed, while the sacred spaces of Pines and Quill writers’ retreat will forever hold sorrowful memories. Iconoclast, the second Sean McPherson novel, is a contrast in breathtaking description of nature’s beauty and thrilling action that left me breathless. I lost track of how many times author Laurie Buchanan ensnared me, struggling to quiet my pounding heart as two ruthless women plotted one cold deed after another, disturbing the sanctity of a blissful writing retreat. But, it’s not the suspense and chilling action that kept me turning the pages. Unforgettable are the subtle moments: the raw grief shown as Niall copes with his loss by asking to help in his own kitchen; the fragility of new love between Emma and Mick in the small acts of kindness they exchange; the strain of searching for one’s purpose following a war injury displayed in Tom Gordon’s will to help disabled children; the intuitive connections made by Hemingway the Irish wolfhound, an ever-present soulful link among all characters. Buchanan places the reader in the wooded acres, inhaling the scent of pine and sea salt, alternately enveloped in dense fog or surrounded in a cloak of blue sky, treading each careful step with the innocent and the guilty. (Reviewed an advanced read copy)

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back at Pines & Quill for the annual writers’ retreat, hoping it goes smoother than last year’s but we know it won’t or we would not be reading this book. Ha! I am really enjoying this series, the characters and the events that occur at this retreat are entertaining, and there is always someone there that is not who they seem. The setting is perfect for this as well, and I love these characters who pull together when there is someone amongst them that shouldn’t be. This book is fine to read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the first book as it is just as good as this one.

Thank you to SparkPress and the author for the free copy to review.

[Mackey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I seriously struggled to finish this one. I loved the first book in this series but just could not get into this one. I love the setting - a writers' retreat in the pacific NW - I like the characters, even the dog, especially the dog. I like the premise of the series and the inclusion of those with limited physical abilities. But for some reason it all didn't gel together for me this time and I've no idea why.

[Branita J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iconoclast picks up where Indelible left off and trouble has returned to Pines & Quills. Hemingway the dog continues to be my favorite part. He's the glue that keeps the story together. It's a thriller, that may not keep you guessing, but it does keep you reading. Laurie Buchanan is a talented author that knows how to keep a reader coming back. I can't wait for the 3rd book.

Thank you to BookSiren, Sparkpress and Laurie Buchanan for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Sheila Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bodies pile up faster than you can blink in this fast-paced story of suspense. And it’s as good to be back at the Pines & Quill writers retreat and with the familiar cast of characters as it is terrifying to watch events unfold from the point of view of the killer. You’ll want all the recipes, too.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the start we know who will be posing as one of the writers at Pine and Quill in order to get revenge for her boss "The Bull" Gambino.
Another attempt is made on her life which helps her remember more of what happened when she was kidnapped in the first book.
As pieces of the puzzle start falling in pace they suspect who is in cahoots with the Bull.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own

[Stacey Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel I’ve read by Laurie, “indelible” being the first. I was very entertained and impressed with the first book so,I was looking forward to having the opportunity to continue the series.

This second book, “Iconoclast” picks up just about where the first ended. We have returned to the Pines and Quills writers’ retreat, with a new group of writers in attendance. once again, we have a colorful and diverse group of writers with their own demons and angst, looking for solace and quiet. However, there is an imposter in the mix…

The storyline here revolves around a Mafia boss, who as Mafia bosses do, wants to expand his business into the Pacific Northwest, and at the same time get rid of those that may or may not cause him trouble, this being exactly what a mob boss would do.

Normally, I’m not one for knowing up front who the villain is, but I’ve found the way Laurie writes, with cleverness and function, it works for these books. There is not a lot of wasted words or extended descriptions of non essential elements!

Each group of writers we come to like, or root for, and they may or may not reconcile all their issues. Sean, of course, works at the inn and is involved in protecting and solving these “cases”. These mysteries, while not hard hitting, or overly violent, keep the reader guessing and wanting to continue to see the development of Sean and Emily, and the outcome of each “case.”

Character driven, well written, and descriptive, yet not overdone. And Hemingway, I’m in love with! I wonder, does Laurie have a pup that she models him after?

I’m hoping I will be given the opportunity to read the third book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kizzie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for readers and writers! Readers, buckle up for a rapid ride of suspense. Writers, keep a highlighter in your hand to underline the innovative “show not tell” phrases you will want to refer to again and again. Here is one such treasure: “Much like a brilliant, multifaceted gem nestled on the ragged hemline of the northern Pacific coast …”

Further inspiring writers, each chapter begins with a quote of encouragement from a well-known author, including: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” –Louis L’Amour

Much like I came to care about Louise Penny’s characters in her Three Pines series, so, too, I was happy to “see” my new Pines & Quill friends again and share their lives in this second book of Laurie Buchanan’s Sean McPherson novels. Being both a reader and writer, I devoured “Iconoclast” and am eager for book three, “Impervious”!—KIZZIE JONES, author of the Dachshund Tall Tails Series & contributor to “Writing in Place” anthology.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean aka Mick is back. I was first introduced to Sean in book one, Indelible. Instantly, I became emotionally attached to him. Reading this book was like visiting with old friends again. It is great to see how he and Emma, his fiancé are adjusting to life after the events of the first book.

What I like about these books are the unique cast of characters that are introduced in each book. This new cast was so diverse. Author, Laurie writes her books so that me, the reader is able to invest in the characters as well as the story. You can say that these books are very character driven. Sean does shine again as he tackles The Bull.

Once I started reading, I found myself reading chapters at a time. The story moved at a very good, fast pace. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

ICONOCLAST, the second Sean McPherson novel, kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! The serene setting of a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest contrasts beautifully with the action in this thriller, and the characters all come alive as you get to read what each one is thinking. Buchanan knows her craft as she keeps the writing smooth and clear so the reader can turn pages as fast as possible. For a thrilling read, I highly recommend this book.

[Kathy]

If you liked INDELIBLE, you will love ICONOCLAST. There are several surprising twists and turns, and the character development continues with both the known players and the new additions. As before, the descriptions of the Pine and Quill and surrounding areas make you feel as thought you are in the room with the other guests. Having personally been to that area of the Pacific northwest, I can attest to the accuracy of the descriptions. The "villains" are cleverly interwoven and appropriately evil. This book is a fast paced and exciting read, and will keep you awake until the wee hours! Definitely another must read by Buchanan.

[Cameron O'Kon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconoclast was all I had been waiting for and more! A suspenseful plot  with terror lurking just around the corner.  The 2nd installment of the Sean McPherson novels gives you a taste of the crime fighting family from which he came as they wade through the mystery of Niall's brother's shocking murder.  With a brand new set of writers in attendance at Pine and Quill,  no one realizes the dangerous imposter that lurks in plain sight.  This book will leave you thirsty for more!

[Colleen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sean McPherson novels by Laurie Buchanan. Once again, Laurie has given us a book that keeps us in suspense all the way through. Four writers attend Pines & Quill, a writing retreat in the Bellingham, Washington area. I am not a writer but definitely want to attend the retreat because Laurie brings it to life and makes me want to go there to be recharged. Twists and turns all the way through and a hero we admire. What more could we ask.

[Marianne Lile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling sequel to the Sean McPherson series! In addition to the original characters, Sean and Emma, the writing retreat serves as the perfect backdrop for interesting new personalities who find themselves ensnared in mystery, murders, and mayhem. Descriptive and captivating, Iconoclast serves as a strong follow up to this excellent series. Looking forward to number three!

[Gail Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconoclast, the second Sean McPherson novel brings a group of eclectic writers together, all wanting to put words on paper to tell their story. Buchanan does a fine job of creating intrigue as she ties these characters together fin a novel of twists and turns and more. Fun read!

[Kathryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pines & Quill, a writers retreat, is the garden of Eden. Situated on the lush Washington coast, its proprietor a fantastic cook, cozy cabins scattered amongst the trees, it's every author's dream. But in that garden slithers a deadly snake. Buchanan sets up a wicked contrast between warm apple tarts, a roaring fire, a dog charming enough to merit his own novel, and the steely cold of evil. This mystery will keep you turning pages wondering: Can this snake be stopped before it strikes again? Reading Iconoclast sent me scurrying to buy Indelible, the first book, to find out more about Sean McPherson, a detective who will steal your heart.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Buchanan is a wonderful writer, storyteller.
I really like the quotes from other writers she starts each new chapter with, a prelude to what's to come.

The story is especially interesting because of its location and the fact that it is a writers' retreat. I have always been interested in mysteries, detective stories that include sub-stories of the characters relationships. The Sean McPherson Novels One and Two are wonderfully engrossing reads. I was often on pins and needles waiting to find out what happened next.

I am so looking forward to Book Three.

[Gregory Renz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, a cast of fascinating characters, and a gripping story. This thriller has it all. The second book in the Sean McPherson series starts off with a bang and never lets up. Bravo, Buchanan. Keep them coming.

[Debbie Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t miss this compelling mystery

The second book in the Sean McPherson suspense series starts off with a (literal) bang and the pace never lets up.

Laurie Buchanan has done it again—created an atmospheric thriller with an intriguing cast of characters who gather at the Pines & Quills writer’s retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Amidst the beauty of the scenic forest retreat, each of the characters is working on more than their novels, each is at a crossroads in life as unsettling events mount on what is supposed to be their tranquil respite.
Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and settle in for an immersing read!

[Sherry Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Buchanan has delivered an exciting cast of characters, each with their own unique and compelling needs, who are driven to the writers retreat of Pines & Quill. Romance, friendship and danger all await the arrival of guests to the remote retreat. I love the setting, the characters, and most of all the suspense that she weaves through this brilliant story.

[Saralyn Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Buchanan hits a grand slam home run with this second book in the Sean McPherson series. First base—a luscious setting, full of imagery that puts the reader in the story. Second—relatable characters, some good, some bad, but all well-drawn. Third—enough edge-of-the-seat tension to keep pages turning. And home plate—a heartfelt tale well-told.”

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconoclast, a Sean ‘Mick’ McPherson novel, is part of a fantastic new series written by Laurie Buchanan. I believe that Indelible, book 1, should be read before Iconoclast to fully understand and enjoy the dynamics of book two. This is not a criticism but an observation of this reviewer. Both stories are extremely well written with well developed characters.

The author world building exceeds one’s imagination. The Pine and Quill owned by Sean’s sister, Libby, and her husband, Niall, is a writers’ retreat. It is located in Northwestern Washington State “just minutes from downtown Bellingham—the gateway to the North Cascades, San Juan Islands and the Inside Passage, Mt. Baker recreation area, and British Columbia, Canada” offers a quite and peaceful atmosphere. Sean, a medically retired police detective, works as the groundskeeper and handyman.

During the last retreat a guest named Jason Hughes AKA Alex Brendt is determined to settle a perceived wrong by killing Sean. Jason kidnaps Emma (Sean’s love interest) in order to lure Sean into a trap. While holding Emma captive an off handed comment is made to ‘Stay wary, for treachery walks among you’.

This treachery starts an investigation and sets the stage for another exciting, dangerous and intriguing book. This is a fast paced book that s filled with twist and turns. It is an excellent read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.