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Sean Coleman Thriller #3
Broken Slate
30 years ago, Sean Coleman’s father abandoned his family in the Colorado mountain town of Winston, and was never heard from again. The reason for his disappearance was always a mystery, but a lifetime of blaming himself put Sean on a rough, dark path that took him years to return from.
Now content in his life, Sean receives unexpected word that his father has finally reemerged, on the other side of the country in Pawleys Island, South Carolina…as a murder victim.
At the wishes of his sister, Sean flies out to retrieve the body, and hopefully find answers to why his father left, and the life he went on to lead.
What he discovers is a second family, a web of deception, and a brutal killer who’s still on the loose…and isn’t finished killing.
Now content in his life, Sean receives unexpected word that his father has finally reemerged, on the other side of the country in Pawleys Island, South Carolina…as a murder victim.
At the wishes of his sister, Sean flies out to retrieve the body, and hopefully find answers to why his father left, and the life he went on to lead.
What he discovers is a second family, a web of deception, and a brutal killer who’s still on the loose…and isn’t finished killing.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
About the author
John A. Daly
6 books73 followersA lifelong Coloradoan, John graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1996 with a degree in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. He spent the next 16 years developing accounting software and Internet-based, workflow collaboration solutions.
With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials, and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media-analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBS News journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He's also written for National Review, Paste Magazine, and the Greeley Tribune.
John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green's career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, "From a Dead Sleep".
From a Dead Sleep is book one in the Sean Coleman Thriller series. It was followed by Blood Trade (book two), Broken Slate (book three), Safeguard (book four), and Restitution (book five).
The series unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time, camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
John lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and two children.
With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials, and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media-analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBS News journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He's also written for National Review, Paste Magazine, and the Greeley Tribune.
John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green's career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, "From a Dead Sleep".
From a Dead Sleep is book one in the Sean Coleman Thriller series. It was followed by Blood Trade (book two), Broken Slate (book three), Safeguard (book four), and Restitution (book five).
The series unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time, camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
John lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 29, 2018
Great ending to a marvelous series of 3 Sean Coleman stories.
Daly broke the mold for his lead character in these terrific stories. He is more relatable than most heroic tough guy types used by many novelists. More real and believable. We have all met a Sean Coleman in our life, even if just one time in the local bar.
Daly broke the mold for his lead character in these terrific stories. He is more relatable than most heroic tough guy types used by many novelists. More real and believable. We have all met a Sean Coleman in our life, even if just one time in the local bar.
October 8, 2017
Good Read
Started out a bit slow for me. But about midway he speed and action of the story picked up! From that point on it was a good fun read.
Started out a bit slow for me. But about midway he speed and action of the story picked up! From that point on it was a good fun read.
December 4, 2018
High-octane indeed! A nonstop riproarer of a thriller with plenty of mystery, family drama, dysfunction, betrayal, and psychological issues to boot, BROKEN SLATE is #3 in John A. Daly's Sean Coleman Thriller series, a not-to-be missed series that will really wake up a reader. So much adrenaline! Such convoluted past histories! So much to devour!
September 18, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Grasshoppers."
Thirty years ago, when Sean was just as en, his father just left, leaving him, his mother and his little sister Diane. He never came back. No one ever said why. Although he grew close to the uncle who helped raise him despite his mother's refusal to talk to him, Sean continued to nurse the hurt of his leaving, always wondered what it was he'd done to drive his father away. It was a year after his uncle Zed died that the family received the message: his father had been found. Dead. Murdered, and Sean reluctantly agreed to travel to Carolina to bring back his body. Seems his dad was a thief - he'd been found with a bag full of money - but no one had reported a robbery, no one had seen or heard anything.
This superbly structured novel follows Sean as events finally push him into investigating the death of the man he'd so often thought he'd like to have killed himself. In many ways, this is a thriller in slow motion, not because the action isn't fast paced -it is - but because the focus is on Sean himself, his feelings, his reactions, and not directly on a search for the killer or even for the reason for his father's death. Sean is a simple man in many ways, but thoughtful, quick to anger and not one who can be pushed around. And he doesn't like what he finds.
Steven Cooper is the perfect narrator for this book, his steady voiced reading capturing Sean's personality and enhancing the story. He paces it well, with good modulation, and maintains a slow burn throughout. He also gives individual voice to the other protagonists. A fine performance and partnership of author and reader.
My thanks to the rights holder of Broken Slate who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Although third in the Sean Coleman Thriller series, this is a book which is completely stand alone. Perhaps not a book for someone who's idea of a thriller is non stop shoot outs and car chases, but for anyone who likes really good insightful characterisation with a mystery included, too, then this book is definitely recommended. I loved it.
"Grasshoppers."
Thirty years ago, when Sean was just as en, his father just left, leaving him, his mother and his little sister Diane. He never came back. No one ever said why. Although he grew close to the uncle who helped raise him despite his mother's refusal to talk to him, Sean continued to nurse the hurt of his leaving, always wondered what it was he'd done to drive his father away. It was a year after his uncle Zed died that the family received the message: his father had been found. Dead. Murdered, and Sean reluctantly agreed to travel to Carolina to bring back his body. Seems his dad was a thief - he'd been found with a bag full of money - but no one had reported a robbery, no one had seen or heard anything.
This superbly structured novel follows Sean as events finally push him into investigating the death of the man he'd so often thought he'd like to have killed himself. In many ways, this is a thriller in slow motion, not because the action isn't fast paced -it is - but because the focus is on Sean himself, his feelings, his reactions, and not directly on a search for the killer or even for the reason for his father's death. Sean is a simple man in many ways, but thoughtful, quick to anger and not one who can be pushed around. And he doesn't like what he finds.
Steven Cooper is the perfect narrator for this book, his steady voiced reading capturing Sean's personality and enhancing the story. He paces it well, with good modulation, and maintains a slow burn throughout. He also gives individual voice to the other protagonists. A fine performance and partnership of author and reader.
My thanks to the rights holder of Broken Slate who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Although third in the Sean Coleman Thriller series, this is a book which is completely stand alone. Perhaps not a book for someone who's idea of a thriller is non stop shoot outs and car chases, but for anyone who likes really good insightful characterisation with a mystery included, too, then this book is definitely recommended. I loved it.
December 9, 2018
Sean has really never gotten over his father leaving him when he was a young boy. He has tried to achieve solace but it is always just out of reach. When he receives a phone call his father was murdered and possibly a thief, all the old feelings come rushing back. So of course he heads to Pawleys Island to “help” find his father’s killer.
Sean is a no nonsense, take no prisoners kind of guy. He always, and I mean always, butts his nose where it doesn’t belong. This has lead to a world of trouble for him in the past and he has not learned from his mistakes. When he arrives at Pawleys Island, he immediately jumps in where he is not wanted.
This story moves at breakneck speed and never lets up. There are so many twists and turns, especially several I never saw coming. I almost read this in one sitting. Sean is a powerful force and he acts when he should listen sometimes, which just adds to his appeal.
I have not read the first book in this series and this book is a stand alone. But, I will go back and pick up the first one just to have more background on Sean.
If you need a book for a long car ride, this is it! This novel is energetic and action packed! Almost too much action. I sometimes wanted to take a breath!
Sean is a no nonsense, take no prisoners kind of guy. He always, and I mean always, butts his nose where it doesn’t belong. This has lead to a world of trouble for him in the past and he has not learned from his mistakes. When he arrives at Pawleys Island, he immediately jumps in where he is not wanted.
This story moves at breakneck speed and never lets up. There are so many twists and turns, especially several I never saw coming. I almost read this in one sitting. Sean is a powerful force and he acts when he should listen sometimes, which just adds to his appeal.
I have not read the first book in this series and this book is a stand alone. But, I will go back and pick up the first one just to have more background on Sean.
If you need a book for a long car ride, this is it! This novel is energetic and action packed! Almost too much action. I sometimes wanted to take a breath!
October 8, 2017
Hope Daly writes another Alex Coleman thriller. The main character is indeed a character. I like all of characters in his books. After The 1st in the series, I immediately got the other 2.
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October 17, 2017Best one yet!
March 6, 2018
Action packed!
This book took off fast and kept on going with interesting characters and many twists and turns. Sean Coleman is a flawed good guy you can’t help rooting for.
This book took off fast and kept on going with interesting characters and many twists and turns. Sean Coleman is a flawed good guy you can’t help rooting for.
July 27, 2018
This is a page turner!! So many twists and turns you're constantly guessing and anticipating what will come next! Loved this book!
December 6, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest unbiased review direct from the Publisher. I would like to thank them for allowing me the opportunity to read this well written gripping book. This book was so well written that it didn't matter that it was the third in series which I was worried about before I started reading it and it also made me want to read the other books in the series.
This book told the story of Sean Coleman a Security Guard from Colerado who travelled to South Caroline to retrieve the body of his estranged father then gets embroiled in the mystery surrounding the murder of his "father".
Within the first few chapters of this book I was hooked because the combination of the mystery of why Sean's Father left his family some thirty years ago and the mystery behind "his" death in South Carolina was gripping.
The author developed both the characters and the story lines really well especially with regard the main character Sean. This made it easy to connect with the characters on different levels as well as engrossing the reader in the story.
Sean was a highly flawed character due his abandonment issues from his dad leaving when he was a kid for no apparent reason but because he worked through these issues throughout the book and especially when he came face-to-face with his supposed dead father while in South Carolina. I loved how the reason for his dad leaving the family wasn't revealed until the end of the book after his funeral. The relationships that Sean had with the important people in his life as well as those he developed with other characters throughout the book were well written and developed meaning that as the reader you were able to see his development as well.
I especially liked the scenes in the book where Sean found his father who then died in his arms and at the end of the book when he confronted his mother about why his father left the family when he and his sister were kids. The final scene in the book when he confronted his mother about why his father left them all when they were kids as it finally gave him closure to his problems of abandonment that he had all his life due to his father leaving. I also thought the author handled the story line of Sean's mothers Alzhimas in a really empathetic and considerate way.
This book is a very high 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion because it was gripping from beginning to end and also because it made me want to read the other/prior books in the series. I also gave it this star rating because I would recommend it to others who like thrillers as well as buy it as a gift for someone I know who would enjoy it.
This book told the story of Sean Coleman a Security Guard from Colerado who travelled to South Caroline to retrieve the body of his estranged father then gets embroiled in the mystery surrounding the murder of his "father".
Within the first few chapters of this book I was hooked because the combination of the mystery of why Sean's Father left his family some thirty years ago and the mystery behind "his" death in South Carolina was gripping.
The author developed both the characters and the story lines really well especially with regard the main character Sean. This made it easy to connect with the characters on different levels as well as engrossing the reader in the story.
Sean was a highly flawed character due his abandonment issues from his dad leaving when he was a kid for no apparent reason but because he worked through these issues throughout the book and especially when he came face-to-face with his supposed dead father while in South Carolina. I loved how the reason for his dad leaving the family wasn't revealed until the end of the book after his funeral. The relationships that Sean had with the important people in his life as well as those he developed with other characters throughout the book were well written and developed meaning that as the reader you were able to see his development as well.
I especially liked the scenes in the book where Sean found his father who then died in his arms and at the end of the book when he confronted his mother about why his father left the family when he and his sister were kids. The final scene in the book when he confronted his mother about why his father left them all when they were kids as it finally gave him closure to his problems of abandonment that he had all his life due to his father leaving. I also thought the author handled the story line of Sean's mothers Alzhimas in a really empathetic and considerate way.
This book is a very high 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion because it was gripping from beginning to end and also because it made me want to read the other/prior books in the series. I also gave it this star rating because I would recommend it to others who like thrillers as well as buy it as a gift for someone I know who would enjoy it.
December 6, 2018
I have received this book from BQB and WriteLife Publishing, for an honest review.
30 years ago, Sean’s father abandoned his family in the Colorado mountain town of Winston, and was never heard from again. The reason for his disappearance was always a mystery, but a lifetime of blaming himself put Sean on a rough, dark path that took him years to return from.
Now content in his life, Sean receives unexpected word that his father has finally reemerged, on the other side of the country in Pawleys Island, South Carolina…as a murder victim.
At the wishes of his sister, Sean flies out to retrieve the body, and hopefully find answers to why his father left, and the life he went on to lead.
What he discovers is a second family, a web of deception, and a brutal killer who’s still on the loose…and isn’t finished killing.
This installment have exceeded my expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the characters Sean
meets on his trip to retrieve his father's body is unique, funny and and dare I say weird? (Especially Duncan) Lol. From start to finish this book has been an absolute rollercoaster! From page 1 you are on the edge of your seat, which carries on right throughout the book. And in between, the humour breaks the edge! I just could not put this book down. And let me just say the twists in the end I did not expect! I love Sean Coleman more and more with each book I read!
I definitely recommend this book, actually I recommend this series! Each new entry in this series by Daly has been better than the last. Well written, well plotted. I am definitely a fan, I can not wait for the next one!
30 years ago, Sean’s father abandoned his family in the Colorado mountain town of Winston, and was never heard from again. The reason for his disappearance was always a mystery, but a lifetime of blaming himself put Sean on a rough, dark path that took him years to return from.
Now content in his life, Sean receives unexpected word that his father has finally reemerged, on the other side of the country in Pawleys Island, South Carolina…as a murder victim.
At the wishes of his sister, Sean flies out to retrieve the body, and hopefully find answers to why his father left, and the life he went on to lead.
What he discovers is a second family, a web of deception, and a brutal killer who’s still on the loose…and isn’t finished killing.
This installment have exceeded my expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the characters Sean
meets on his trip to retrieve his father's body is unique, funny and and dare I say weird? (Especially Duncan) Lol. From start to finish this book has been an absolute rollercoaster! From page 1 you are on the edge of your seat, which carries on right throughout the book. And in between, the humour breaks the edge! I just could not put this book down. And let me just say the twists in the end I did not expect! I love Sean Coleman more and more with each book I read!
I definitely recommend this book, actually I recommend this series! Each new entry in this series by Daly has been better than the last. Well written, well plotted. I am definitely a fan, I can not wait for the next one!
December 8, 2018
I received this book from BQB and WriteLife Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
Although it was my first experience of this series, I was still able to enjoy the book as it was able to standalone. Even though the beginning was a little slow, once the main character Sean reached his destination the action leapt off of the page.
Sean is a great character; likeable and, while flawed still appealing.
The mix of murder, betrayal and vice make for a dark, gritty read, that compels the reader to complete the book and unravel the twists and complexities of the books' storylines.
Enjoy.
Although it was my first experience of this series, I was still able to enjoy the book as it was able to standalone. Even though the beginning was a little slow, once the main character Sean reached his destination the action leapt off of the page.
Sean is a great character; likeable and, while flawed still appealing.
The mix of murder, betrayal and vice make for a dark, gritty read, that compels the reader to complete the book and unravel the twists and complexities of the books' storylines.
Enjoy.
April 2, 2019
I want to say that there are no other books to compare this with but, of course, there are. The difference is that John A Daly does it better. I have now read all three of the books in the Sean Coleman series. I am waiting for the next one.
Plot. ...5 STARS
Story Structure. ...5 STARS
Characters. ...5 STARS
Setting. ...5 STARS
Style and Tone. ...5 STARS
Plot. ...5 STARS
Story Structure. ...5 STARS
Characters. ...5 STARS
Setting. ...5 STARS
Style and Tone. ...5 STARS
October 21, 2018
This is the first Sean Coleman Thriller I've listened to, but it was AWESOME! I read the summaries of the first two, so I had a bit of an understanding of the back story, but this also seems to work just fine as a standalone novel.
Great story, compelling characters, and a lot of action and twists in this one - very intriguing and will keep you interested.
I'd highly recommend this book. Never a dull moment, exciting and thrilling throughout.
Awesome! Check it out :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Great story, compelling characters, and a lot of action and twists in this one - very intriguing and will keep you interested.
I'd highly recommend this book. Never a dull moment, exciting and thrilling throughout.
Awesome! Check it out :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 6, 2018
I thought the writing was fine in this book, but I just didn't care about the characters or understand why I should care about the mystery of what happened to Sean's father. It just didn't matter to me. Perhaps if there had been some character building so I would care about someone it would have been better. I realize this is book 3 in a series, so maybe I should have started with book 1, but I think it's sloppy to make it so that a reader needs to read all of the past books to enjoy any of them as a stand-alone.
There were a number of things that caused me to lose my belief in the story and characters. Why didn't anyone find Sean's father before the body turned up? Sean's brother-in-law is in law enforcement - wouldn't he have had some connections? And yet, once there's a body, the family is identified immediately. Hmmm. Also, the reader is reminded many times that Sean is a big man (6'5"), so why would he rent a Ford Focus or whatever? He'd be doubled up to fit inside. It just didn't feel like something that would happen.
My thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There were a number of things that caused me to lose my belief in the story and characters. Why didn't anyone find Sean's father before the body turned up? Sean's brother-in-law is in law enforcement - wouldn't he have had some connections? And yet, once there's a body, the family is identified immediately. Hmmm. Also, the reader is reminded many times that Sean is a big man (6'5"), so why would he rent a Ford Focus or whatever? He'd be doubled up to fit inside. It just didn't feel like something that would happen.
My thanks to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
30 years ago he left, 30 years ago he ruined the family, WHY? Sean Coleman has to face reality and handle things, but trouble always follows Sean. Why did this happen, who is involved, who can he trust? He can’t trust the guy that left 30 years ago. Can’t ask for a better book with Sean Coleman, a goddess, a clown, and family.
December 27, 2018
The book is well written but I just couldn't like the protagonist - wanted to see if I liked this Colorado author - but not too much.
February 11, 2021
The unlikely hero again comes through. Sean solves another couple of mysteries. He’s gotten smarter than the first book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews