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Sean O'Brien #6
Black River
When an old man sees an unidentified Civil War photograph of a woman in the newspaper, he begins a desperate search for a 160-year-old painting that he believes will match the image of the enigmatic woman in the photograph, and if it does, it will prove that his great-great-grandfather did not run from battle. After the old man hires Sean O’Brien to find the mysterious painting, O’Brien discovers it’s linked to a secret letter and map that will lead to a trapdoor where a hidden key to the most horrific war on US soil lies buried in mud at the bottom of a river. It's also linked to a new murder, and there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the information hidden because to bring it to the surface will rewrite American history.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
244 people are currently reading
383 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 30 reviews
July 31, 2015
This is the 4th book in the series I've read. It will be my last. The plot was okay, although a little too scattered. However, I'm tired of the characters and most of all, I'm tired of the numerous typos. At a certain point I feel like I'm not respected enough as a reader and consumer to warrant even cursory editing. How many typos? I didn't count them, but probably more than 25, many of which would have been screamingly obvious had someone cared enough to look for them.
June 17, 2016
It's never a good sign when I catch myself speed-reading a novel. The north Florida setting is the strong point. The plot is good if you can accept the premise that the Koh-in-oor Diamond, part of England's crown jewels, is actually a fake that has remained undetected for 150 years while the real thing lay submerged in the St. John River.
However, there's something about the dialog that just doesn't ring true--at least to my ears. And Superman Sean O'Brien's ability to overcome the most incredible obstacles also gets to be a bit much.
However, there's something about the dialog that just doesn't ring true--at least to my ears. And Superman Sean O'Brien's ability to overcome the most incredible obstacles also gets to be a bit much.
July 11, 2017
The Civil War is the basis of this novel. The author has taken the idea of what happened to the South’s treasury at the end of the war and what did it contain. Using this the author has created a story of collusion of the English in the Civil War, the provenance of a crown jewel and its ownership being contested. An international thriller. Then add local threads, the theft of a paining from a movie set and the murder of a civil war re-enactor on the set a few days later. Last but not least a stalker whose psychosis is tied to the painting.
Lots going on here. The main character or hero is too frequently explained by his friend in their advice to him which seems artificial. And reduced my ability to relate to the character. An interesting read but I found it difficult to want to keep reading.
Lots going on here. The main character or hero is too frequently explained by his friend in their advice to him which seems artificial. And reduced my ability to relate to the character. An interesting read but I found it difficult to want to keep reading.
May 27, 2017
Black River by author Tom Lowe is another in the Sean O’Brien series which is not to be missed if you enjoy historical novels with lots of suspense. Of course the story is present day but the search for a stolen painting of a beautiful Civil War era lady starts a chain reaction of death and mystery. The author weaves into this story a lost document and a diamond which could change what our nation believes to be the truth of the Confederacy having a secret agreement with Britain during the war.
I enjoy the settings for these stories of Sean O’Brian by Tom Lowe. The characters Dave, Nick, Kim and of course Max seem to become like old friends to revisit. The mysterious Ocala National Forest provides a malevolent shadow during parts of the story.
Enjoy!
I enjoy the settings for these stories of Sean O’Brian by Tom Lowe. The characters Dave, Nick, Kim and of course Max seem to become like old friends to revisit. The mysterious Ocala National Forest provides a malevolent shadow during parts of the story.
Enjoy!
May 17, 2020
Pulls you in, and keeps you there!
I always enjoy these books in this series, but some start slow and buildup to a great ending. This was more on the moderate scale in the beginning and yes, just pulls you into Sean's newest mystery and a story wrapped around the Confederacy and the days thereof. If Kim stays gone, I will miss her character. I think she and Sean would be great together. The friends Sean has; Dave and Nick are always there for supoort, not to leave out little Max(ine), Sean's wiener dog he loves so very much. They all come together for a great work of fiction!
I always enjoy these books in this series, but some start slow and buildup to a great ending. This was more on the moderate scale in the beginning and yes, just pulls you into Sean's newest mystery and a story wrapped around the Confederacy and the days thereof. If Kim stays gone, I will miss her character. I think she and Sean would be great together. The friends Sean has; Dave and Nick are always there for supoort, not to leave out little Max(ine), Sean's wiener dog he loves so very much. They all come together for a great work of fiction!
November 23, 2019
No Woman, No Cry....
Somehow the song reminds me of portions of the book and how the story basically begins with a woman. Sean agrees to help a man find a painting based on a picture of a woman to whom he is related. Of course, nothing is quite that simple as Civil War secrets come into play and our hero is again placed in life and death situations.
Somehow the song reminds me of portions of the book and how the story basically begins with a woman. Sean agrees to help a man find a painting based on a picture of a woman to whom he is related. Of course, nothing is quite that simple as Civil War secrets come into play and our hero is again placed in life and death situations.
November 13, 2018
Black River
I can only repeat what I said hereafter reading all these books in this series they are great. The suspense and mystery is so exciting you cannot put these books down. This series of books keep you in suspense until the very end . Highly recommend them
I can only repeat what I said hereafter reading all these books in this series they are great. The suspense and mystery is so exciting you cannot put these books down. This series of books keep you in suspense until the very end . Highly recommend them
May 5, 2021
Black River
Sean O'Brien is pulling into finding the truce of the civil war. He tries to find a portrait, diamond and a contract , many deaths and to save Kim. A lot of suspense. Good read.
Sean O'Brien is pulling into finding the truce of the civil war. He tries to find a portrait, diamond and a contract , many deaths and to save Kim. A lot of suspense. Good read.
August 15, 2021
Easy read
His books move quickly and the characters have enough depth that you can invest in them. This series is a little classic, but has plenty of twists and turns to keep me committed.
His books move quickly and the characters have enough depth that you can invest in them. This series is a little classic, but has plenty of twists and turns to keep me committed.
December 31, 2023
Kept me on my toes
I love Tim Lowe's book's, They keep me mesmerized.
His style of writing is smooth and easy to read, It's very hard to get anything done around the house because I don't want to put the books down
I love Tim Lowe's book's, They keep me mesmerized.
His style of writing is smooth and easy to read, It's very hard to get anything done around the house because I don't want to put the books down
January 12, 2026
Black River
Good story, as always with Tom Lowe. This one, however, had an unusual amount of typos, causing an interruption to the flow of the story. Stop/reread/sub in the correct word & continue.
Good story, as always with Tom Lowe. This one, however, had an unusual amount of typos, causing an interruption to the flow of the story. Stop/reread/sub in the correct word & continue.
October 6, 2017
4.5 stars - a bit fanciful but a great story, the best one yet.
September 1, 2018
History rewriten!
It makes you think that maybe there are parts of history that haven't been recorded accurately. This might not be true but it is a great premise.
It makes you think that maybe there are parts of history that haven't been recorded accurately. This might not be true but it is a great premise.
December 31, 2018
Good read for a lazy afternoon.
While I Mainly enjoyed this novel, it was ocassionly difficult to place the character .
It could have been just my frame of mind.
While I Mainly enjoyed this novel, it was ocassionly difficult to place the character .
It could have been just my frame of mind.
September 25, 2022
2 1/2 stars
February 14, 2017
finished this one tonight. excellent story.
June 30, 2015
This latest entry in the Sean O’Brien series is the equal of Lowe’s other books.
A request that Sean locate a missing Civil War-era painting mushrooms into a search for a missing diamond from the British Crown Jewels and a contract between Britain and the Confederate States of America, putting several of his closest friends in life-endangering peril.
Lowe is showing the first signs of ‘story creep’ here. Past entries in the series took place in and near O’Brien’s Florida home. Here, action also takes place in London and India. What’s next, Mr. Lowe, Sean flying all over the world to solve a mystery? Keep him and the stories at home please.
We learn a bit more about Sean’s past in this book, making him a fuller, more rounded character.
This story had a large cast of players, which made it difficult to keep them all straight sometimes. One character seemed to pop up out of nowhere to add a bit more complexity (and potentially play a large role in the story) but was conveniently killed off-stage a few chapters later, as if Lowe didn’t quite know what to do with the character once introduced so he solved it the easiest way possible.
I see Tom Lowe has another book in the series coming out. Don’t stop there, Mr. Lowe! Keep them coming.
A request that Sean locate a missing Civil War-era painting mushrooms into a search for a missing diamond from the British Crown Jewels and a contract between Britain and the Confederate States of America, putting several of his closest friends in life-endangering peril.
Lowe is showing the first signs of ‘story creep’ here. Past entries in the series took place in and near O’Brien’s Florida home. Here, action also takes place in London and India. What’s next, Mr. Lowe, Sean flying all over the world to solve a mystery? Keep him and the stories at home please.
We learn a bit more about Sean’s past in this book, making him a fuller, more rounded character.
This story had a large cast of players, which made it difficult to keep them all straight sometimes. One character seemed to pop up out of nowhere to add a bit more complexity (and potentially play a large role in the story) but was conveniently killed off-stage a few chapters later, as if Lowe didn’t quite know what to do with the character once introduced so he solved it the easiest way possible.
I see Tom Lowe has another book in the series coming out. Don’t stop there, Mr. Lowe! Keep them coming.
June 9, 2015
The latest installment in the Sean O'Brien series by Tom Lowe is typical of the previous entries. Well-drawn, sympathetic characters, with an ensemble cast of marina regulars including a dog. Plenty of action. And, unfortunately still some editing issues.
The fun begins when a wealthy terminally ill man asks O'Brien to find a missing painting painted from an old Civil War era photo. The action takes off from there. Like all O'Brien adventures, this is a real page turner.
Editing has improved. Some spelling errors many would miss. A woman enters the marina in a pantsuit and is wearing a dress by the time she leaves with no gap in the narrative. Overall, not enough to detract from the story line but more than other books of this quality.
Highly recommended, especially as a beach read and for those who enjoy crime fiction and thrillers.
The fun begins when a wealthy terminally ill man asks O'Brien to find a missing painting painted from an old Civil War era photo. The action takes off from there. Like all O'Brien adventures, this is a real page turner.
Editing has improved. Some spelling errors many would miss. A woman enters the marina in a pantsuit and is wearing a dress by the time she leaves with no gap in the narrative. Overall, not enough to detract from the story line but more than other books of this quality.
Highly recommended, especially as a beach read and for those who enjoy crime fiction and thrillers.
March 21, 2016
More like a three and a half to four but an okay read
A kindle first read which didn't disappoint. What I enjoyed about this book was the idea of the plot. Interesting theory about the Confederate south and its links to England during the Civil War. Parts of this novel were just too contrived but it was rescued by how the plot finally wove together. Typos throughout, although not detrimental to the read, were annoying. Characterizations were okay not particularly well developed. Plot twists were not surprising which kept suspense at a minimum. However, it was an okay read and I would probably read another Sean O'Brien book if I were looking for a quick, light summer type read.
A kindle first read which didn't disappoint. What I enjoyed about this book was the idea of the plot. Interesting theory about the Confederate south and its links to England during the Civil War. Parts of this novel were just too contrived but it was rescued by how the plot finally wove together. Typos throughout, although not detrimental to the read, were annoying. Characterizations were okay not particularly well developed. Plot twists were not surprising which kept suspense at a minimum. However, it was an okay read and I would probably read another Sean O'Brien book if I were looking for a quick, light summer type read.
July 17, 2015
Mix buried treasure, murder and international intrigue and you get a little flavor of what's in store in Tom Lowe's Black River. Protagonist, Sean O'Brien starts with a simple investigation job that turns into anything but - - The story moves quickly - the writing is straight forward and the action is hot and heavy. O'Brien jumps into action but its more than he bargains for. Lowe's writing style hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go - - His style is reminiscent of Michael Connelly - - so sit back and enjoy!
April 20, 2015
I have to agree with Philip's review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book so far the best of the Sean O'Brien series. I won't give away the plot but including the Civil War, Movie business, assorted Crimes and the historical parts it is extremely well done. In some respects compares well with Clive Cussler's storytelling. Unfortunately it contains more than a few Typos and grammatical mistakes. I won't hold that against Mr. Lowe it was a good read and I look forward to his next work
April 8, 2015
My favorite so far....
I'm clearly getting attached to this cast of characters. Perhaps the story lines are a tad similar in these Sean O'Brien books, but they work for me! Black River has some genuine old south romanticism, and some twisted old south romanticism as well... all mixed up with murder and mayhem!
I'm clearly getting attached to this cast of characters. Perhaps the story lines are a tad similar in these Sean O'Brien books, but they work for me! Black River has some genuine old south romanticism, and some twisted old south romanticism as well... all mixed up with murder and mayhem!
May 9, 2015
Great Read
Great read. Good storyline. Descriptions of marina life are right on . Action and drama from the start. Guess it's time to buy first edition printed copies for my collection... Just in case the electricity goes off.
Great read. Good storyline. Descriptions of marina life are right on . Action and drama from the start. Guess it's time to buy first edition printed copies for my collection... Just in case the electricity goes off.
October 5, 2015
Good read
Intense : I like this author. I am following the series of Sean O'Brien. There is humor, drama and thrills of not putting the book down for long. If you like this genre you will have a pleasant read.
Intense : I like this author. I am following the series of Sean O'Brien. There is humor, drama and thrills of not putting the book down for long. If you like this genre you will have a pleasant read.
August 19, 2015
Kept my interest. Same old theme -- someone comes to Sean O'Brien asking him to find someone/something; lots of murders; he saves a kidnapped woman and finally solves the mystery. I will keep reading them because I love mysteries and thrillers and he produces.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2015
Love the Sean O'Brian books and this is another good read to add to series.
February 26, 2015
Black River
Excellent book. Keeps you guessing as you read on. I didn't want to put it down. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
ssandisassy2002@yahoo.com
Excellent book. Keeps you guessing as you read on. I didn't want to put it down. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
ssandisassy2002@yahoo.com
April 3, 2015
5 stars!!!!!
I've read the whole series and I think this is my favorite! I grew up in central Florida so this series is really cool to me.
I've read the whole series and I think this is my favorite! I grew up in central Florida so this series is really cool to me.
May 22, 2015
Not the page turner the other Sean O'Brien's have been, and not the intense action through most of the book. but still some surprises and an enjoyable read.
September 24, 2015
Review
This was a good read but it seemed to have to many characters. I had trouble keeping up with them all.
This was a good read but it seemed to have to many characters. I had trouble keeping up with them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews