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Sean O'Brien #7
Cemetery Road
Caroline Harper still thinks of him every day. For more than fifty years, not a day goes by when Caroline doesn’t think of her brother Andy. The last time she saw Andy was when he left home to spend thirty days at Florida’s largest reform school. Caroline’s family was told that Andy ran away in the middle of the night. Fifty years later, Sean O’Brien receives a letter from a dead man. A year earlier the man had hired Sean O’Brien and chartered his boat for a fishing trip. Now the man is reaching from the grave to hire him again. But this time it’s to find a killer. Jackson County—the location of the old reform school, still carries smoldering baggage from the Civil War, and after a half-century, there are those who don’t want a forensics investigation on the property, because to do so will reveal one of the nation’s darkest secrets.
366 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2015
605 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lowe
27 books241 followersTom Lowe's latest novel is THE ALIBI. It's the 18th book in the Sean O'Brien series. The mystery-thriller novels are published in the following order: A FALSE DAWN, THE 24th LETTER, THE BUTTERFLY FOREST, THE BLACK BULLET, BLOOD OF CAIN, BLACK RIVER, CEMETERY ROAD, A MURDER OF CROWS, DRAGONFLY, THE ORCHID KEEPER, MERMAID, FLASH OF GOLD, INVISIBLE, THE WHITE DRAGON, THE FOUNTAIN, JUSTICE, GYPSY TEARS, and THE ALIBI. The Sean O'Brien books can be read in any order.
The Elizabeth Monroe novels are psychological thrillers. There are three books, including WRATH, THE CONFESSION. and ALTERED STATE.
The Paul Marcus books are international thrillers. There are three novels in the series. They are: DESTINY, THE JEFFERSON PROPHECY, and THE POPPY SCORE.
Tom has written two novels about love lost and found. They are: MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER and THE PAINTER. MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER won the coveted 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.
Tom is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. As he writes his books, Tom draws from his travels around the world and his background as a print and broadcast journalist. Tom is a sailor and SCUBA diver. He lives with his wife, Keri, in Florida.
To subscribe to Tom Lowe's newsletter for new release information, updates and more, please visit Tom's website, tomlowebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 24, 2019
I do like a book where I learn about something new. As an English reader, I hadn't previously heard of the Florida reform school scandal, which is the subject of this book. For other non-American readers, for over one hundred years systematic brutality and even murder of the boys sent to the reform school was covered up by the authorities. Repeated requests by family members to investigate the boys' disappearances were denied until fairly recently. The book is about a small group who forced the issue when the school was due to be sold for redevelopment.
I loved how the book opened, raising my hopes that the young boy, Andy Cope had escaped on the freight train. I found the subject of the book and the central characters interesting and I thought the way the story was plotted was very good. The prejudices and attitudes of the police at times was horrifying but well described.
However, there was something very jarring about the writing style, not helped by the occasional errors. It might simply be an English/American divide but it did damage my enjoyment of the book.
I loved how the book opened, raising my hopes that the young boy, Andy Cope had escaped on the freight train. I found the subject of the book and the central characters interesting and I thought the way the story was plotted was very good. The prejudices and attitudes of the police at times was horrifying but well described.
However, there was something very jarring about the writing style, not helped by the occasional errors. It might simply be an English/American divide but it did damage my enjoyment of the book.
July 20, 2019
Once again, BookBub enabled me to discover a new author. Cemetery Road is a book about a story that's been done before - boys being abused in a reform school. The hero of the book is a former Miami-Dade police detective who is drawn into solving a 50-year old mystery about that school. He meets and works with some interesting characters along the way. Another book I couldn't put down and another book that has led me to put this author on my "let's read all the books in the series!" list. Fun, escapist reading.
July 30, 2019
A really interesting and horrifying story based on true events of boys who were abused whilst in reform schools.
In this story a former pupil of one of these schools dies, before he did he wrote a letter to Sean O’Brien a private investigator. He tells him about a murder he witnessed whilst at the school and asks Sean to look into it and find the killer.
The story follows Sean’s investigation and the obstacles he faces along the way. Full of danger, corruption, murder and life threatening incidents. It’s a great read and I would definitely like to read more books in this series.
In this story a former pupil of one of these schools dies, before he did he wrote a letter to Sean O’Brien a private investigator. He tells him about a murder he witnessed whilst at the school and asks Sean to look into it and find the killer.
The story follows Sean’s investigation and the obstacles he faces along the way. Full of danger, corruption, murder and life threatening incidents. It’s a great read and I would definitely like to read more books in this series.
September 6, 2016
I’ve liked all of the books in this series. This entry did nothing to change that.
The basic premise of this book – a small town under control of one family – is one commonly used in the genre. But Lowe gives it a bit of a different twist by tying the family to a closed juvenile offender school in the town, based on true events at such a school in Florida.
One of the characters in this book is named Jeff Carson, which made me laugh a bit because Carson is right up there with Lowe on my favorite authors list. Did Lowe do it on purpose or was it an accident?
There were many word flubs in this book – lease for least is one I remember. They seem to be common in Lowe’s books.
I found one word mistake: forearm for the wooden part of a rifle that extends along the underside of the barrel. It’s a forestock.
I see there is another book in this series. It’s already on my ‘To Read’ list.
The basic premise of this book – a small town under control of one family – is one commonly used in the genre. But Lowe gives it a bit of a different twist by tying the family to a closed juvenile offender school in the town, based on true events at such a school in Florida.
One of the characters in this book is named Jeff Carson, which made me laugh a bit because Carson is right up there with Lowe on my favorite authors list. Did Lowe do it on purpose or was it an accident?
There were many word flubs in this book – lease for least is one I remember. They seem to be common in Lowe’s books.
I found one word mistake: forearm for the wooden part of a rifle that extends along the underside of the barrel. It’s a forestock.
I see there is another book in this series. It’s already on my ‘To Read’ list.
June 30, 2016
Good and Evil...Evil always the easiest winner
Another Great Sean O'Brien book. As always Mr Lowe weaves together a fantastic story. With all of these books you can not put them down. The characters are all so interesting. The storyline so absorbing. The story building and building until the climax. This author never hits a dull moment in his stories. This storyline got to me. Kids being mistreated and the hands of adults with whom they were entrusted to...and 50 years of cover-up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Another Great Sean O'Brien book. As always Mr Lowe weaves together a fantastic story. With all of these books you can not put them down. The characters are all so interesting. The storyline so absorbing. The story building and building until the climax. This author never hits a dull moment in his stories. This storyline got to me. Kids being mistreated and the hands of adults with whom they were entrusted to...and 50 years of cover-up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 4, 2016
Exciting and interesting storyline always. I had heard about this case in the past and it was heartbreaking. Lowe brought it together so well. I enjoy his characters and drama. I also enjoy his descriptions of Florida and the boats, people, wildlife, and touches of history mixed in. Can't wait for the next adventure!
January 15, 2018
Cemetary Road (Sean O'Brien #7 by author Tom Lowe grabbed my attention and then twisted my heart. The horrible cruelty to young boys who were sent to The Florida School for Boys in 1964 Florida is slowly uncovered fifty years later. Young Andy Cope was sent away because he was late for school a few times. He never returned home, as was the case for many of the boys who were murdered and buried in graves on the school property. Their families were told the boys had run away, but there was a witness when Andy Cope was shot in the back as he ran from savage men.
I won't post spoilers, but the subject matter is heartbreaking. The author tells the story from the past within the events of the present in a powerful way.
I enjoy reading the Sean O'Brien series which is set in the southern breezes of Florida with his dachshund, Max.
" The obstacles, the confusion, and even the fear...it's all there to remind you there's something better, something more just, and it's worth fighting for. The broken pieces mend, and the scars are the visual reminders it was worth it. Often it's the loss that teaches us about the worth of whats right." Tom Lowe, Cemetery Road
I won't post spoilers, but the subject matter is heartbreaking. The author tells the story from the past within the events of the present in a powerful way.
I enjoy reading the Sean O'Brien series which is set in the southern breezes of Florida with his dachshund, Max.
" The obstacles, the confusion, and even the fear...it's all there to remind you there's something better, something more just, and it's worth fighting for. The broken pieces mend, and the scars are the visual reminders it was worth it. Often it's the loss that teaches us about the worth of whats right." Tom Lowe, Cemetery Road
November 19, 2019
Some 50 years ago there was a school for boys that were considered bad or unruly, Sent there for simple things as late for school or kicking over a garbage can in the regular school. Young kids mostly boy around 8-12yrs old. They were beaten and punished, some were actually murdered but where said to have run away somewhere unknown. So after some 50 + years one of the boys (now a man) from there received 2 letters from someone who used to work at that school. He basically said he knew what happened in that school and had to tell someone who he knew would look into it. The man was in his 70's and soon died. So the man who received the letters went to work on finding out who got killed there , where they were buried and much more. He had to hurry as they were planning on selling the school and building on top of the unknown graves of a lot of boys. A of secrets kept 50 years opens up. Crocked lawmen and othesr finally comes to a head.
January 17, 2017
A book, based on fact, that will haunt you!
Based on, both, fact and supposition, the book tells about a real-life reform school, The Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, that, although closed in 2011, operated for 111 years, in Marianna, Fl. Florida's first juvenile detention center for boys, billed as a school to correct the ways of troubled boys, and then return them to society as honorable citizens, seems, in fact, to have been little more than a prison staffed by sadistic, if not downright evil, people ... and author Tom Lowe does an excellent job of painting a picture of just what kind of toll the kind of treatment these boys got exacted from their very souls! Disturbing, illuminating, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good read, and especially if you are interested about past events in our nation's history.
Based on, both, fact and supposition, the book tells about a real-life reform school, The Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, that, although closed in 2011, operated for 111 years, in Marianna, Fl. Florida's first juvenile detention center for boys, billed as a school to correct the ways of troubled boys, and then return them to society as honorable citizens, seems, in fact, to have been little more than a prison staffed by sadistic, if not downright evil, people ... and author Tom Lowe does an excellent job of painting a picture of just what kind of toll the kind of treatment these boys got exacted from their very souls! Disturbing, illuminating, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good read, and especially if you are interested about past events in our nation's history.
November 29, 2019
A heinous plot.
While loathe to believe anyone could be so cruel, it is more prevalent than most of us would like to think. In this outting Sean is asked to find the body of a small boy terribly abused by a system supposed meant to help him. He was sent to a state boy's reformatory merely for skipping school...but he never returned home and, although told he ran away, his sister believes her 13 year old brother was killed. After reading all the previous books in this series I believe what has appealed to me is not just the adventure and mystery but primarily the humanity of them. I find I really care about the characters - they are so vividly 'alive' that a connection is formed and you want to know more. I love these stories and the ongoing appearance of the quirky friends and, of course, the real star..Max.
While loathe to believe anyone could be so cruel, it is more prevalent than most of us would like to think. In this outting Sean is asked to find the body of a small boy terribly abused by a system supposed meant to help him. He was sent to a state boy's reformatory merely for skipping school...but he never returned home and, although told he ran away, his sister believes her 13 year old brother was killed. After reading all the previous books in this series I believe what has appealed to me is not just the adventure and mystery but primarily the humanity of them. I find I really care about the characters - they are so vividly 'alive' that a connection is formed and you want to know more. I love these stories and the ongoing appearance of the quirky friends and, of course, the real star..Max.
July 8, 2019
Disturbing yet satisfying - a winner
This is a poignant, memorable story that is primarily procedural but much more. The main character reluctantly agrees to take on a tragic case dating back fifty years, hoping to find the perpetrators and to bring closure to the living victims and the families of those deceased. The characters are realistic and often complex. The setting is a small town in Florida with nearby swamps that has the feel of being lost to time and not welcoming to strangers who are determined to drag up the past. The author gives credibility to the characters and settings with masterful descriptions that place the reader at center stage. This is a real winner for the more serious reader, wrenching yet tender and satisfying.
This is a poignant, memorable story that is primarily procedural but much more. The main character reluctantly agrees to take on a tragic case dating back fifty years, hoping to find the perpetrators and to bring closure to the living victims and the families of those deceased. The characters are realistic and often complex. The setting is a small town in Florida with nearby swamps that has the feel of being lost to time and not welcoming to strangers who are determined to drag up the past. The author gives credibility to the characters and settings with masterful descriptions that place the reader at center stage. This is a real winner for the more serious reader, wrenching yet tender and satisfying.
March 24, 2020
Always a winning story!
Sean O'Brien is one neck of a character! He is a retired Miami-Dade homicide investigator who now owns a commercial guides fishing boat. He and his little dog Max have some interesting friends at the marina, and he always finds himself in another criminal investigation. This one happened to be about abused boys who never made it home from a reform school fifty years earlier. Lowe has a way with description of people, places, and scene backdrop that just really draws you into the story. Amid the corona virus reading is a great way to pass the time. Especially when the story is crafted like a web. Come in said the spider to the fly.....and you are stuck!
Sean O'Brien is one neck of a character! He is a retired Miami-Dade homicide investigator who now owns a commercial guides fishing boat. He and his little dog Max have some interesting friends at the marina, and he always finds himself in another criminal investigation. This one happened to be about abused boys who never made it home from a reform school fifty years earlier. Lowe has a way with description of people, places, and scene backdrop that just really draws you into the story. Amid the corona virus reading is a great way to pass the time. Especially when the story is crafted like a web. Come in said the spider to the fly.....and you are stuck!
January 26, 2019
The story of a young boy full of spunk and kindness too! A boy who was sent to a reform school fifty years ago! The reform school said he ran away but others who were at the school said he was killed. Cemetery Road takes you on a journey thru the memories of those who lived the horrors at the reform school, those trying to keep it all a secret and those who seek the truth in what happened to a young boy full of spunk and kindness too oh so long ago. Great read! (The ending brought me to tears)
June 24, 2019
Awesome
Living in Jacksonville, I know the horrors & history of the Florida School for Boys. Mr. Lowe did an unbelievably awesome job of recreating this horrific story into a very interesting fictional, fact related story. I am amazed at the cruelty of sociopaths in our world today. Then & now! After reading this my heart ❤️ is beating so fast at the mere thought of such inhuman cruelty of people. May God Bless all those little boys & their families for their loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
By the way....I loved this book & the author!
Living in Jacksonville, I know the horrors & history of the Florida School for Boys. Mr. Lowe did an unbelievably awesome job of recreating this horrific story into a very interesting fictional, fact related story. I am amazed at the cruelty of sociopaths in our world today. Then & now! After reading this my heart ❤️ is beating so fast at the mere thought of such inhuman cruelty of people. May God Bless all those little boys & their families for their loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
By the way....I loved this book & the author!
June 28, 2019
I've read several books in the series and have enjoyed them. Former detective Sean O'Brien lives on a boat with his dog and has two interesting (eccentric) neighbors. Picked this book because it was set in Jackson County, FL a place I visited often while growing up. Enough twists to keep me guessing until the end. Sean always meets an attractive woman and there is a fairly short, non-graphic sexual encounter at the end of this -- more "romantic" than sexual.
I'd rate it 4.5
No graphic sex or violence
some profanity
I'd rate it 4.5
No graphic sex or violence
some profanity
July 1, 2019
This was my first exposure to Mr. Lowe's books and I am looking forward to reading more. I was surprised to learn that this book was based on actual events at a boys' school in Florida, which made the story even more appalling. The story was well written overall, although a little too many editing problems, as others have noted. The book was full of action and interesting characters and enough twists and turns to keep my interest. Looking forward to revisiting Sean, Dave and Nick (and Max!) in another book.
October 20, 2019
Young boys in reform school...
The book is very well written and kept my interest the entire time. The narration was phenomenal!! The plot deals with young boys who were sent to reform school where they were severely beaten and some were sexually abused. Several of the boys were murdered, while the school's staff told the boys' families that they had run away. But there was an eyewitness to one of the murders. The survivors have issues due to their abuse and one seeks to find out what really happened. It was an excellent book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
The book is very well written and kept my interest the entire time. The narration was phenomenal!! The plot deals with young boys who were sent to reform school where they were severely beaten and some were sexually abused. Several of the boys were murdered, while the school's staff told the boys' families that they had run away. But there was an eyewitness to one of the murders. The survivors have issues due to their abuse and one seeks to find out what really happened. It was an excellent book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
December 17, 2019
Sean O'Brien receives a letter from someone he had taken on a fishing tour, asking him to investigate boys missing and probably murdered in a Florida boys home that had operated for 100 years before closing. The property was up for sail and it was suspected that a number of bodies were buried on the site. Sean meets with the sister of Andy, one of the missing boys and with Jesse who spent time in the school and was filled with pts from treatment he had received.
A very well written and gripping story based upon a true story from the history of Florida. An excellent read.
A very well written and gripping story based upon a true story from the history of Florida. An excellent read.
August 29, 2019
Phenominal story
I really do not have the words to describe my own feelings after having read this book! I suppose I could start a long essay about my feelings and the manner in which this entire take has had such a affect on me, but I won't! Take the time to read this stiy and think about what had transpired throughout the book. Compare it with what transpires in our real world!
I really do not have the words to describe my own feelings after having read this book! I suppose I could start a long essay about my feelings and the manner in which this entire take has had such a affect on me, but I won't! Take the time to read this stiy and think about what had transpired throughout the book. Compare it with what transpires in our real world!
June 20, 2022
Thriller
Cemetery Road reminded me of the news story of the bodies found on the grounds of a closed Florida Reform School. Art often imitates life. Author Tom Lowe weaves a horrifying tale of boys abused, defiled, even murdered with no justice or proof for the families left behind. A sad story with well thought out characters. Definitely not for the feint of heart. A great read.
Cemetery Road reminded me of the news story of the bodies found on the grounds of a closed Florida Reform School. Art often imitates life. Author Tom Lowe weaves a horrifying tale of boys abused, defiled, even murdered with no justice or proof for the families left behind. A sad story with well thought out characters. Definitely not for the feint of heart. A great read.
June 25, 2019
Gripping thriller!
I really enjoy this author's work! His stories are vivid, the writing is good and you can enjoy a mystery without too much grisly details. You get the gist of the plot without it being gruesome. You have to think and follow Sean the main character as he weaves in and out of danger. Very good writing and Mr Lowe holds your attention to the conclusion.
I really enjoy this author's work! His stories are vivid, the writing is good and you can enjoy a mystery without too much grisly details. You get the gist of the plot without it being gruesome. You have to think and follow Sean the main character as he weaves in and out of danger. Very good writing and Mr Lowe holds your attention to the conclusion.
June 25, 2019
A Turn You Inside Out Tale
If I were an author I would have the ability to express a better review but since I’m not I’ll do the best I can. This story will keep you hanging by your nails almost all the way through with an explosive ending that is most satisfying. You will not want to put this book down!
If I were an author I would have the ability to express a better review but since I’m not I’ll do the best I can. This story will keep you hanging by your nails almost all the way through with an explosive ending that is most satisfying. You will not want to put this book down!
July 4, 2019
Page turner
I couldn't put it down. After 50 years, families are seeking closure and justice for teenage boys sent to a reform school who never returned home. Did they run away as authorities claimed, or did something sinister happen? P.I. Sean O'Brien might not live to find the truth. Intrigue, suspense, and romance will keep the reader turning pages.
I couldn't put it down. After 50 years, families are seeking closure and justice for teenage boys sent to a reform school who never returned home. Did they run away as authorities claimed, or did something sinister happen? P.I. Sean O'Brien might not live to find the truth. Intrigue, suspense, and romance will keep the reader turning pages.
July 6, 2019
Excellent book!
This book is one of those that are difficult to put down. The author is great at keeping your interest. Detailed but definitely not boring. Horrible to think that humans could be so inhumane, but history tells us it's quite possible and happens even today. Satan rejoices and God weeps when horrible actions like this occur.
This book is one of those that are difficult to put down. The author is great at keeping your interest. Detailed but definitely not boring. Horrible to think that humans could be so inhumane, but history tells us it's quite possible and happens even today. Satan rejoices and God weeps when horrible actions like this occur.
July 7, 2019
First time reading this series. What a fantastic ride!
I experienced many emotions while reading Cemetery Road . I am constantly reading e-books on my tablets and even my phone; best book I have read in years . the author helped me visualize being there. Could not put the reading down until I was finished
I experienced many emotions while reading Cemetery Road . I am constantly reading e-books on my tablets and even my phone; best book I have read in years . the author helped me visualize being there. Could not put the reading down until I was finished
September 1, 2018
Another great book!
The depravity of humankind near ceased to amaze. This book shows depravity and how tenacity can overcome it. Great story but would have loved a an update on some of the characters at the end.
The depravity of humankind near ceased to amaze. This book shows depravity and how tenacity can overcome it. Great story but would have loved a an update on some of the characters at the end.
November 15, 2018
Cemetery Road
I really don't know what else to say that I haven't already said. This series is a ten star series. The suspense and thrills are so exciting you cannot put these books down. They keep you in suspense until the very end. Highly recommend this book and series.
I really don't know what else to say that I haven't already said. This series is a ten star series. The suspense and thrills are so exciting you cannot put these books down. They keep you in suspense until the very end. Highly recommend this book and series.
January 3, 2019
Unforgettable
I thought this was a truly unique and exciting novel! it contained all the elements you would expect in a great story.
I believe most people would enjoy this very much.
I thought this was a truly unique and exciting novel! it contained all the elements you would expect in a great story.
I believe most people would enjoy this very much.
March 15, 2019
Another great Sean O’Brien Story
Once I get into these stories I just can’t put them down. This one doesn’t disappoint as it goes from one situation to he next until he mystery is solved.
Once I get into these stories I just can’t put them down. This one doesn’t disappoint as it goes from one situation to he next until he mystery is solved.
June 26, 2019
Road to recovery
This book was written so well. It evoked all feelings along the way. I cried,laughed,and got angry. I took comfort in knowing this was a fictional story. (I hope).
This book was written so well. It evoked all feelings along the way. I cried,laughed,and got angry. I took comfort in knowing this was a fictional story. (I hope).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews