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Sean O'Brien #10
The Orchid Keeper: A Sean O'Brien Novel
When Sean O’Brien stops near the Florida Everglades to buy flowers for a woman, he doesn’t know that the purchase will lead to a trail of deceit, greed and murder. Chester Miller’s life goal is to restore rare ghost orchids in the Everglades. Entering the glades, he sees something that is very much out of place. The elder botanist becomes a target. O’Brien, in a race with the clock, follows a near invisible path that takes him across Florida in a web of dark political corruption. The tables quickly change, and O’Brien becomes the hunted in a fight for his life and the soul of Florida’s environment.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2019
141 people are currently reading
74 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 34 reviews
February 10, 2020
The Best
Tom, you have been one of my favorite writers since your first Sean O'BRIEN novel. You have ,with The Orchids Keeper, moved up another notch. That was your best. Keep it up, and please don't leave Sean and hi s friends behind in the process. They have become my good friends.
Tom, you have been one of my favorite writers since your first Sean O'BRIEN novel. You have ,with The Orchids Keeper, moved up another notch. That was your best. Keep it up, and please don't leave Sean and hi s friends behind in the process. They have become my good friends.
August 11, 2021
This was the second Tom Lowe book that didn’t engage me right from the start. It started out well enough with several characters in peril, but then it went bland. There were lots of people talking about a variety of things but nothing was happening. I was almost one-third of the way into the story (over 100 pages) before anything major happened – and that wasn’t even that major. The main event that drives the story doesn’t happen until almost halfway through the book – way too late for a good mystery. From there to the end, things really roll, almost as if someone else wrote that half of the book
On one page, I found several errors regarding repairs to one character’s truck. One didn’t line up with the damage done to a part of the truck, and one was impossible to accomplish in the time frame Tom Lowe assigned it. A few pages later, he has the truck running on two different fuel delivery systems – injectors and carburetor – in two adjacent sentences. Goofs like this about things I’m familiar with make me wonder how many things I know nothing about are wrong as well.
This book was also loaded with production errors like misplaced punctuation and wrong words – verses for verses is one example (that appeared twice!) Didn’t anyone proofread this book?
I’ve enjoyed this series from the very first book, but if the next book in it is as disappointing as these last two have been, I’ll drop Tom Lowe from my ‘To Read’ list.
On one page, I found several errors regarding repairs to one character’s truck. One didn’t line up with the damage done to a part of the truck, and one was impossible to accomplish in the time frame Tom Lowe assigned it. A few pages later, he has the truck running on two different fuel delivery systems – injectors and carburetor – in two adjacent sentences. Goofs like this about things I’m familiar with make me wonder how many things I know nothing about are wrong as well.
This book was also loaded with production errors like misplaced punctuation and wrong words – verses for verses is one example (that appeared twice!) Didn’t anyone proofread this book?
I’ve enjoyed this series from the very first book, but if the next book in it is as disappointing as these last two have been, I’ll drop Tom Lowe from my ‘To Read’ list.
August 28, 2021
Another exciting, riveting story from a master, Tom Lowe...
I am thoroughly enjoying the Sean O'Brian series of novels, by Tom Lowe. Each one is so well written, with a very relatable theme, likable characters who are each interesting, complex, intelligent, highly skilled, good hearted, truly caring men and women. The bad guys are thoroughly despicable, scum of the earth types we love to hope see vanquished in the most fitting way. Florida is the location for Sean O'Brien's adventures, which are so detailed I can almost smell the heavenly scents of flowers, the salty ocean and rivers, feel the humidity and soft evening breezes on my skin, hear and watch many of the fascinating birds that call Florida home. I, too, call North Central Florida home, so it's easy to imagine Sean's cabin and land on the St. John's river. I wonder if he's eaten at the Blackwater Inn? I'm sure little Max would love being on the upstairs open deck, watching what's happening both on the river and in the sky, smelling all the tantalizing aromas of food, and listening to live music.
Looking forward to many more pleasurable hours reading through this series, and then moving on to anything else penned by Tom Lowe--my new favorite author :-)
I am thoroughly enjoying the Sean O'Brian series of novels, by Tom Lowe. Each one is so well written, with a very relatable theme, likable characters who are each interesting, complex, intelligent, highly skilled, good hearted, truly caring men and women. The bad guys are thoroughly despicable, scum of the earth types we love to hope see vanquished in the most fitting way. Florida is the location for Sean O'Brien's adventures, which are so detailed I can almost smell the heavenly scents of flowers, the salty ocean and rivers, feel the humidity and soft evening breezes on my skin, hear and watch many of the fascinating birds that call Florida home. I, too, call North Central Florida home, so it's easy to imagine Sean's cabin and land on the St. John's river. I wonder if he's eaten at the Blackwater Inn? I'm sure little Max would love being on the upstairs open deck, watching what's happening both on the river and in the sky, smelling all the tantalizing aromas of food, and listening to live music.
Looking forward to many more pleasurable hours reading through this series, and then moving on to anything else penned by Tom Lowe--my new favorite author :-)
February 4, 2020
The biggest disappointment with this latest Sean O'Brien novel is that it was not available from my online bookstore. In fact, the print edition I read is not even on Goodreads. I was able to order it from a gigantic online retailer.
This is an excellent book on many fronts. It takes Lowe about 100 pages to get around to one of these, the ensemble cast of marina pals that help O'Brien and babysit his adorable dog. Only Daniel Silva's israeli agents are as likable as this bunch.
A plot summary would make it hard to avoid spoilers but the characters include a respected grower of orchids in the Everglades, a reform politician, O'Brien's love interest and an assemblage of villains who are completely unlikable. Fast paced, with plenty of action and realistic characters. Occasionally the book gets a little bit preachy, but I highly recommend this book.
This is an excellent book on many fronts. It takes Lowe about 100 pages to get around to one of these, the ensemble cast of marina pals that help O'Brien and babysit his adorable dog. Only Daniel Silva's israeli agents are as likable as this bunch.
A plot summary would make it hard to avoid spoilers but the characters include a respected grower of orchids in the Everglades, a reform politician, O'Brien's love interest and an assemblage of villains who are completely unlikable. Fast paced, with plenty of action and realistic characters. Occasionally the book gets a little bit preachy, but I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Tom Lowe (A Sean O' Brien Novel book 10). Sean is asked to be part of the security for a person running for a political seat in Florida. When he is killed Sean get involved but then his friend the orchid grower is kill. The police track 👣 down the killer and go to make the arrest. Three police officers are killed and his girl friend is wounded and loose their baby 🚼. Now it is personal. He tracks down the top guy. I would recommend this series and author to readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2022
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Tom Lowe (A Sean O' Brien Novel book 10). Sean is asked to be part of the security for a person running for a political seat in Florida. When he is killed Sean get involved but then his friend the orchid grower is kill. The police track 👣 down the killer and go to make the arrest. Three police officers are killed and his girl friend is wounded and loose their baby 🚼. Now it is personal. He tracks down the top guy. I would recommend this series and author to readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2022
January 16, 2020
Fascinating!
Great story and learned so much about the Everglades, orchids and the history of Florida. No. Definitely not boring. It’s a page turner!
Great story and learned so much about the Everglades, orchids and the history of Florida. No. Definitely not boring. It’s a page turner!
April 30, 2020
I just love Sean O'Brien.
Just as intriguing as all the other Sean O'Brien books.
I can't wait to read the next book. Keep them coming Mr. Lowe.
Just as intriguing as all the other Sean O'Brien books.
I can't wait to read the next book. Keep them coming Mr. Lowe.
May 18, 2021
Short Take: Yet another consuming Sean O Brien Novel. Engrossing, exhausting, yet captivating.
June 21, 2021
The Orchids Keeper
Another story about one mans greed and another mans humanity to save the natural environment for future generations. How many people are sacrificed for greed.
Another story about one mans greed and another mans humanity to save the natural environment for future generations. How many people are sacrificed for greed.
September 20, 2024
I usually enjoy Tom Lowe's books. This one got political and I found myself skipping over pages.
November 19, 2019
finished this one today in the tree stand a relatively mild day temps in the low 30s on the f-scale some snow on the ground not much wind good read three stars i liked it kindle owned have read a number of the sean o'brien stories and i did not enjoy this one as much as the others john d macdonald had his a flash of green and this from lowe has the fabled environmental issues at the core enough so that i almost stopped reading about 20 25% into the story but i did finish the preaching is low-key character-driven so forth so on...but i got to thinking about the major issues covered non-stop 24 7 by those who purport to cover the "news"...it gets tiresome, it is like a religion with them and they are the righteous, verily, they sitteth at the right hand of nature and presume to speak for the rocks. i don't. but i do what i can and i suspect that is more than could be said for the majority, adherents and the heathen who have no faith, verily, and the truth is not in them...say like...for the past two months or better i've been driving the limit...25 in town...or 35, or 40, whatever the sign says, 55 on the highway...and not a day goes by i don't have some impatient rude obnoxious driver the vehicle not much more than a car length away...have experienced more than an instance of the fabled road rage...simply for driving the limit. you'd think some of those folk are among the elect, among the righteous, verily, who sitteth at the right hand of nature and yet their hypocrisy will go forever unnoticed because it isn't fashionable...other than to have some angry young swedish girl bitching at the world for her shattered dreams. sean o'brien is really not different than most of the asshate tail-gators i've experienced...first setence of chapter 82, i drove faster than the speed limit south on i-90
coincidences...ho hum. the other thing i've noticed is the surprising number of stories where the good guys "take the law into their own hands"...they too, are above the law in that regard...all justified, verily, by events in the story. has it always been so? thinkin' westerns...shoot 'em up knock 'em down....but much of that was two gun-slingers facing off...some guy on a roof with a gun...ummm. so? has it always been that way. mentioned john d macdonald and his famous travis mcgee hero...i remember one story...out of the 21 travis mcgee stories...where macdonald surprised me and had travis "take the law into his own hands"...not only that but didn't involved the law at all. maybe there were other instances like i see here with lowe, with the jack reacher stories, others like those.
story had one spoked that should have been spoken i do believe, gave me pause, stopped, back-tracked, read it again two or three times...maybe 1-2 other errors like that prior to the spoked. thus spoked wally. have another in line, i think an o'brien story.
coincidences...ho hum. the other thing i've noticed is the surprising number of stories where the good guys "take the law into their own hands"...they too, are above the law in that regard...all justified, verily, by events in the story. has it always been so? thinkin' westerns...shoot 'em up knock 'em down....but much of that was two gun-slingers facing off...some guy on a roof with a gun...ummm. so? has it always been that way. mentioned john d macdonald and his famous travis mcgee hero...i remember one story...out of the 21 travis mcgee stories...where macdonald surprised me and had travis "take the law into his own hands"...not only that but didn't involved the law at all. maybe there were other instances like i see here with lowe, with the jack reacher stories, others like those.
story had one spoked that should have been spoken i do believe, gave me pause, stopped, back-tracked, read it again two or three times...maybe 1-2 other errors like that prior to the spoked. thus spoked wally. have another in line, i think an o'brien story.
December 11, 2019
Another good read
I’ve liked all of Tom Lowe’s books, with the Sean O’Brien character being my favorite. I feel I’m getting to know the usual characters. I learned quite a bit about orchids which is just a bonus. Keep them coming!!!
I’ve liked all of Tom Lowe’s books, with the Sean O’Brien character being my favorite. I feel I’m getting to know the usual characters. I learned quite a bit about orchids which is just a bonus. Keep them coming!!!
December 8, 2019
Excellent as always and very touching.
November 20, 2019
Beautiful music, an instrument to my emotions
I enjoyed reading this story. Just like life the joyful parts intermingled with the sorrow. What lovely imagery the words provoke within my imagination. I kept on wishing the themes presented were true, that people would come together to clean up Florida’s environment and stop the corporations with the lobbyists who currently rule the state. There was hope in my heart as the Mystical was woven with the natural world creating a view of what could be just as the the Orchid Keeper reintroduced the beautiful flower into the Everglades. I was born in Fort Lauderdale and have family living in Naples, Fort Myers, Puta Gorda and Gainesville. This novel touched my heart so intensely and left a vision like a seed to blossom. Thank you.
I enjoyed reading this story. Just like life the joyful parts intermingled with the sorrow. What lovely imagery the words provoke within my imagination. I kept on wishing the themes presented were true, that people would come together to clean up Florida’s environment and stop the corporations with the lobbyists who currently rule the state. There was hope in my heart as the Mystical was woven with the natural world creating a view of what could be just as the the Orchid Keeper reintroduced the beautiful flower into the Everglades. I was born in Fort Lauderdale and have family living in Naples, Fort Myers, Puta Gorda and Gainesville. This novel touched my heart so intensely and left a vision like a seed to blossom. Thank you.
November 25, 2019
Good Read
A somewhat slow start building to a blockbuster ending. The author certainly knows Florida and the environmental issues involved there as well as orchids, of course. A pretty good read especially for anyone interested in conservation.
A somewhat slow start building to a blockbuster ending. The author certainly knows Florida and the environmental issues involved there as well as orchids, of course. A pretty good read especially for anyone interested in conservation.
November 17, 2019
Fantastic Story
Not the usual Sean O'Brien story. Love the fact Tom Lowe has finally allowed Sean to have a romantic relationship and move past the tragic death of his wife. The book, although filled with death, was more personal with the story of the orchid keeper. I very much enjoyed the storyline and the direction the main character is going. I look forward to another book in this series and hope the writing is just as interesting as this one.
Not the usual Sean O'Brien story. Love the fact Tom Lowe has finally allowed Sean to have a romantic relationship and move past the tragic death of his wife. The book, although filled with death, was more personal with the story of the orchid keeper. I very much enjoyed the storyline and the direction the main character is going. I look forward to another book in this series and hope the writing is just as interesting as this one.
November 9, 2019
Good story.
September 23, 2019
Another interesting and intriguing thriller featuring Sean O'Brien. The story is beautifully written and gives information about the wild orchids of the everglades, which are vanishing. There is a lot of political and environmental aspects to the story which had me thinking about so many of the headlines today. The story is also very sad! When you know what is going to happen to a beloved character, you want to try and stop the next sentence...but you continue reading because that is a part of the story. My only problem with the story was Sean's lack of reaction to some pretty significant news in his life. I was disappointed he seemed too subdued and did not at least share some feelings of thoughts.
I am looking forward to the next Sean O'Brien adventure!
I am looking forward to the next Sean O'Brien adventure!
October 16, 2019
Mystery, action and orchids....
And even a touch of a love story all expertly blended. Another plus was the people - all of whom you grow to "know" and care about. Although the reader likely will be able to figure out what was behind the killings, the name will not be a requirement....a knowledge of the greed in high places just lets one know. It is a telling and often reflective story of today's world, but no mistake, it is not a preachy political or environmental writing...it is a truly entertaining action story.
And even a touch of a love story all expertly blended. Another plus was the people - all of whom you grow to "know" and care about. Although the reader likely will be able to figure out what was behind the killings, the name will not be a requirement....a knowledge of the greed in high places just lets one know. It is a telling and often reflective story of today's world, but no mistake, it is not a preachy political or environmental writing...it is a truly entertaining action story.
October 5, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed Sean O'Brien stores by Tom Lowe and this was not exception. His hero Sean reminds me of John D McDonald's character Travis McGee. I look forward to another book of his, even though you can read this alone it is better to have read some of the other Sean O'Brien books to really appreciate it.
September 18, 2019
The Orchid Keeper
I have read all the Sean O Brien series! I always hate to see the ending of the book. I have enjoyed every single book in the series and would highly recommend them!!!!
I have read all the Sean O Brien series! I always hate to see the ending of the book. I have enjoyed every single book in the series and would highly recommend them!!!!
September 20, 2019
This is a great series and this story lives up to every other book. The serious relationship between Sean and Wynona takes you back some since he is such an independent guy but it does inspire him to take action. If you like these books then you must read this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
Nicely written
I hope enjoyed the Orchid Keeper. The story is as a little predictable but the characters were introduced evenly and the progression of persons stories intertwined. The Everglades of Florida are portrayed with imagery that is close to places I have witnessed.
I hope enjoyed the Orchid Keeper. The story is as a little predictable but the characters were introduced evenly and the progression of persons stories intertwined. The Everglades of Florida are portrayed with imagery that is close to places I have witnessed.
October 10, 2019
Very enjoyable read from first page till last. I have read all of Tom Lowe's books, all were great !
Twenty more words required, bullcrap, that was all I had to say. This requirement makes these reviews harder to complete
Twenty more words required, bullcrap, that was all I had to say. This requirement makes these reviews harder to complete
September 21, 2019
The Orchid Keeper
This is one of my favorite authors. There was love friendships and kindness mixed with justice earned. Definitely a keeper.
This is one of my favorite authors. There was love friendships and kindness mixed with justice earned. Definitely a keeper.
September 25, 2019
Best book
I think Tom Lowe is one of the best authors I’ve ever read. Can’t put them down until I finish. I’ve read all 10 of the Sean O’Brien novels. Can’t wait for more!
I think Tom Lowe is one of the best authors I’ve ever read. Can’t put them down until I finish. I’ve read all 10 of the Sean O’Brien novels. Can’t wait for more!
November 22, 2019
Environmental.
Learned so much about the Everglades, Seminoles, and flowers in Florida. And of course a dog in the story always makes me happy.
Learned so much about the Everglades, Seminoles, and flowers in Florida. And of course a dog in the story always makes me happy.
September 29, 2019
Most Amazing
This was a mystery ,but also of the greed of some of the rich and famous. The best part of it was the love of the country's history and beauty.
This was a mystery ,but also of the greed of some of the rich and famous. The best part of it was the love of the country's history and beauty.
September 29, 2019
As always a great read!
This book took me awhile to get into it. But as with the orchids bloom was well worth the wait!!!
This book took me awhile to get into it. But as with the orchids bloom was well worth the wait!!!
October 8, 2019
Tom Lowe's Best
It's been great to see lowe's writing evolve. The characters, the nature and the plot were all rich and believable. I hope he keeps writing.
It's been great to see lowe's writing evolve. The characters, the nature and the plot were all rich and believable. I hope he keeps writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews