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Sean O'Brien #12
Flash of Gold: A Sean O'Brien Novel
In the world of maritime treasure hunting, former college professor Walt Baker is about to hit the lottery. More than 300 years ago, a legendary Spanish galleon sank in a hurricane somewhere off the coast of Florida. The ship was carrying treasure worth an estimated ten billion in today’s dollars.
With billions at stake, the best criminal minds will scheme to take what’s not theirs. When they try to frame Sean O’Brien’s friend, Nick Cronus, for the murder of one of Walt Baker’s divers, O’Brien begins to put the puzzle pieces together and sees a frightening picture … not only for Nick but also for Walt, his daughter, and every member of the salvage crew.
When one of the richest treasures in nautical history is found on the ocean floor, the sharks start to circle. And as they come closer, they begin enclosing around one man, because the only thing standing in their way to recover billions is Sean O’Brien.
With billions at stake, the best criminal minds will scheme to take what’s not theirs. When they try to frame Sean O’Brien’s friend, Nick Cronus, for the murder of one of Walt Baker’s divers, O’Brien begins to put the puzzle pieces together and sees a frightening picture … not only for Nick but also for Walt, his daughter, and every member of the salvage crew.
When one of the richest treasures in nautical history is found on the ocean floor, the sharks start to circle. And as they come closer, they begin enclosing around one man, because the only thing standing in their way to recover billions is Sean O’Brien.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
229 people are currently reading
127 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
October 14, 2021
With Flash of Gold, Tom Lowe brings us a timeless tale of greed and murder spawned by the remains off Florida’s east coast of a Spanish treasure ship and its ancient cargo of Inca and Aztec gold and jewels. Lowe brings to his readers a zest for detail that adds to the story’s depth and excitement: whether it is the agonies of a grisly death, the laws of marine salvage, contemporary specialties like forensic podiatric analysis, or a killer pool game with a biker gang, Flash of Gold offers plenty of action and intelligence. Although the main appeal is in having PI Sean O’Brien bring a savage monster to justice, Lowe deftly balances the evil he portrays with the pleasures of O’Brien’s friendships, home, love of good food and Florida’s scenic beauty.
March 26, 2021
finished this a day ago...or two good read four stars really liked it 15th from lowe for me and the price is right kindle owned
July 25, 2022
Tom Lowe is one of many authors I learned about through my Kindle and one of a select few I like enough to want to read.
This book, the 12th in his Sean O’Brien series, is as good as the earlier ones. With a few exceptions.
For one, the story runs just a little too long. I think Lowe could have tightened the story with no loss of depth or tension. One example is after Sean falls off the yacht. And the ‘otherworldly’ aspect of that scene was a bit of a turn-off for me. I never found those things believable.
Lowe does a good bit of head-hopping here (something I don’t remember from earlier books), something I don’t like but can tolerate if well done. And Lowe does it well except for one scene where the head hop takes place between Sean and another character who was miles away.
I noticed, too, more production errors – misplaced quotation marks, etc. - here than in prior books. And in several scenes in Sean’s POV, the ones he writes in 1st person, instead of I did something, the text read Sean did something. Someone needs to do a better job of proofreading and copyediting.
Still, as long as Lowe keeps writing stories this good, I’ll keep reading them.
This book, the 12th in his Sean O’Brien series, is as good as the earlier ones. With a few exceptions.
For one, the story runs just a little too long. I think Lowe could have tightened the story with no loss of depth or tension. One example is after Sean falls off the yacht. And the ‘otherworldly’ aspect of that scene was a bit of a turn-off for me. I never found those things believable.
Lowe does a good bit of head-hopping here (something I don’t remember from earlier books), something I don’t like but can tolerate if well done. And Lowe does it well except for one scene where the head hop takes place between Sean and another character who was miles away.
I noticed, too, more production errors – misplaced quotation marks, etc. - here than in prior books. And in several scenes in Sean’s POV, the ones he writes in 1st person, instead of I did something, the text read Sean did something. Someone needs to do a better job of proofreading and copyediting.
Still, as long as Lowe keeps writing stories this good, I’ll keep reading them.
March 15, 2022
My second Sean O'Brien novel this year. A great book, which once again brings up the question of why these books aren't more commercially supported. I was in a major bookstore and saw a display that included a book by the author of the worst book I've read in a long time (Overkill), but Tom Lowe's books are only available through Amazon and Goodreads doesn't even have a page count of this book (440).
A former scholar turned treasure hunter finds the wreck of a Spanish galleon, but there are those who want to steal his legitimate claim. Occasionally over the top, and sometimes too much dialog driven narrative. But fine writing, a very solid cast of recurring characters, and a well crafted plot line make this a must read.
A former scholar turned treasure hunter finds the wreck of a Spanish galleon, but there are those who want to steal his legitimate claim. Occasionally over the top, and sometimes too much dialog driven narrative. But fine writing, a very solid cast of recurring characters, and a well crafted plot line make this a must read.
May 6, 2024
A truly engaging and emotional story
What begins as a simple treasure hunting archeological expedition turns into a truly engaging, however brutal, and highly emotional story. When a retired ex university professor discovers, what he believes, is the wreck of a 300 year old Spanish treasure ship, then starts a trip of a lifetime. This story of adventure is criss crossed with intrigue, murder and many deaths whilst the Professor, his family and many good friends, try to salvage a 300 year old ship which had sunk with billions of dollars worth of gold, silver and jewels as well as it's cannons and armoury. A truly engrossing story which keeps you tied to your seat in anticipation of the final outcome.
What begins as a simple treasure hunting archeological expedition turns into a truly engaging, however brutal, and highly emotional story. When a retired ex university professor discovers, what he believes, is the wreck of a 300 year old Spanish treasure ship, then starts a trip of a lifetime. This story of adventure is criss crossed with intrigue, murder and many deaths whilst the Professor, his family and many good friends, try to salvage a 300 year old ship which had sunk with billions of dollars worth of gold, silver and jewels as well as it's cannons and armoury. A truly engrossing story which keeps you tied to your seat in anticipation of the final outcome.
February 3, 2021
Another amazing mystery!
This is another one of Tom Lowe's amazing stories backed up by reality. This one is convoluted and stretched out to include multiple different but interconnected mysteries in one book! His characters are definitely believable, with the bad guys being very scary. I love the lore of the sea and the extremely close calls that he weaves throughout this book! All of this author's Sean O'Brien books are so very good!
This is another one of Tom Lowe's amazing stories backed up by reality. This one is convoluted and stretched out to include multiple different but interconnected mysteries in one book! His characters are definitely believable, with the bad guys being very scary. I love the lore of the sea and the extremely close calls that he weaves throughout this book! All of this author's Sean O'Brien books are so very good!
June 3, 2021
Sean O'Brien keeps getting better
I love this series and this author. This was a bit darker than the last one and the story line was much more developed. This had Sean really being the person who pushes the envelope, much like the earlier books in the series. I love this series and compare it favorably to the Reacher and Orphan X series. Reminds of the old Alastair Maclean books. Again, great read. A 4.8 out of 5 rating.
I love this series and this author. This was a bit darker than the last one and the story line was much more developed. This had Sean really being the person who pushes the envelope, much like the earlier books in the series. I love this series and compare it favorably to the Reacher and Orphan X series. Reminds of the old Alastair Maclean books. Again, great read. A 4.8 out of 5 rating.
March 5, 2021
Sean is back!
I do enjoy the Sean O'Brien series, but it's distracting to have so many incorrect words used (dominate for dominant, conscious for conscience, sighted for cited, as examples). If not for those errors which make a reader 'trip' on the sentences and need to go back and reread, these are GREAT books!
I do enjoy the Sean O'Brien series, but it's distracting to have so many incorrect words used (dominate for dominant, conscious for conscience, sighted for cited, as examples). If not for those errors which make a reader 'trip' on the sentences and need to go back and reread, these are GREAT books!
August 5, 2021
12 Sean O'Brien Novels
I just finished the last book. They were all most excellent. The characters were all true to form and the plots exciting and varied. I felt a kinship with Sean having lived and worked in many of the story locales. Highly recommend these books and hope there will be many more.
I just finished the last book. They were all most excellent. The characters were all true to form and the plots exciting and varied. I felt a kinship with Sean having lived and worked in many of the story locales. Highly recommend these books and hope there will be many more.
February 5, 2021
Deadly Treasure
Sean quickly gets involved in helping his good friend Nick get out of a jam over the death of a fellow poker player whom lost a gold doubloon. This starts a whole series of killings about buried treasure and Sean getting involved in protecting friends. Great story
Sean quickly gets involved in helping his good friend Nick get out of a jam over the death of a fellow poker player whom lost a gold doubloon. This starts a whole series of killings about buried treasure and Sean getting involved in protecting friends. Great story
April 11, 2021
A Treasure Hunt with Non-stop Action
One of Tom Lowe's best, for sure. This book has it all: pirates, a sunken galleon, cursed golden treasure, beautiful women and road house drunks. And of course, Miss Maxine. Don't miss it!
One of Tom Lowe's best, for sure. This book has it all: pirates, a sunken galleon, cursed golden treasure, beautiful women and road house drunks. And of course, Miss Maxine. Don't miss it!
May 12, 2024
Very interesting read
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book, I feel very enlightened. It was full of suspense, plot twist and good characters, some of the dialogue was a little lame. All in all a good read.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book, I feel very enlightened. It was full of suspense, plot twist and good characters, some of the dialogue was a little lame. All in all a good read.
May 24, 2024
Facing destiny!
This story has many heroes but one in particular will capture your attention. A wonderful story involving salvaging sunken treasure that will hold your interest as you follow the adventures of these interesting characters.
This story has many heroes but one in particular will capture your attention. A wonderful story involving salvaging sunken treasure that will hold your interest as you follow the adventures of these interesting characters.
June 5, 2024
Sean O'Brien's friends Nick then Walt are both "persons of interest" in the murder of Walt's nephew who has been diving for Walt. Can this all be related to a possible discovery by Walt of a famous Spanish galleon that was lost in a hurricane 3 centuries before?
February 6, 2025
A real thriller...
... but please, doesn't anyone proofread anymore? The countless errors were so distracting! Ridiculous spelling and usage errors made it seem so amateurish that it was hard to take the story seriously.
... but please, doesn't anyone proofread anymore? The countless errors were so distracting! Ridiculous spelling and usage errors made it seem so amateurish that it was hard to take the story seriously.
June 16, 2025
Couldn't get past about halfway through book. It started out well but it just drags on. I don't need in depth description of every bar, boat, marina or for that matter everything else besides characters.
February 6, 2021
Beautiful and sad at same time
I couldn't put this book down. Thank You Tom Lowe for a master peace. I have read all your books but this one was special.
I couldn't put this book down. Thank You Tom Lowe for a master peace. I have read all your books but this one was special.
February 9, 2021
Great read...
I really enjoyed this book. I don't think I have read any of Mr. Lowe's books that wasn't excellent! I do love the Sean O'Brien books the most.
I really enjoyed this book. I don't think I have read any of Mr. Lowe's books that wasn't excellent! I do love the Sean O'Brien books the most.
February 15, 2021
Flash of Gold
I enjoyed each page of this book. The way this author tells a story is very special. A real treat.
I enjoyed each page of this book. The way this author tells a story is very special. A real treat.
February 17, 2021
Excellent
As always. Love these novels with a passion! Go Tom Lowe and keep writing the Sean O’Brien novels!!! Thank you.
As always. Love these novels with a passion! Go Tom Lowe and keep writing the Sean O’Brien novels!!! Thank you.
March 5, 2021
Great stories!
Thank you for 'Flash of Gold'. It was a very enjoyable read. I have enjoyed all of the Sean O'Brien stories. I can really relate with the characters in these novels. Sean, Wynona, Dave,Nick, and Max are some of my favorites. I would like to see more about Joe Billie some time. He is a very interesting character as well. Thanks again for the great stories and please keep them coming! Wade Coen
Thank you for 'Flash of Gold'. It was a very enjoyable read. I have enjoyed all of the Sean O'Brien stories. I can really relate with the characters in these novels. Sean, Wynona, Dave,Nick, and Max are some of my favorites. I would like to see more about Joe Billie some time. He is a very interesting character as well. Thanks again for the great stories and please keep them coming! Wade Coen
April 1, 2021
Tom Lowe does not disappoint, love the Sean O'Brien series.
April 13, 2021
Tainted treasure
The story was gripping and held your interest totally. However it had a little to much description before the story line seine. “Good Read”
The story was gripping and held your interest totally. However it had a little to much description before the story line seine. “Good Read”
July 30, 2021
Flash of Gold
Like all of Sean O'Brien stories it has plenty of action. Sometimes you think he is super human with abilities . Will he help everyone who is danger?
Like all of Sean O'Brien stories it has plenty of action. Sometimes you think he is super human with abilities . Will he help everyone who is danger?
May 8, 2024
Flash of Gold -
This was a little corny and parts of it were highly unrealistic but in the end it was an enjoyable read.
This was a little corny and parts of it were highly unrealistic but in the end it was an enjoyable read.
May 9, 2024
An extraordinary adventure!!
May 27, 2024
riveting from beginning to end
No complaints from here. Had me reading and reading to find out what happens next. Nothing much else to day. Read.
No complaints from here. Had me reading and reading to find out what happens next. Nothing much else to day. Read.
May 30, 2024
I could not put down this book!
Tom Lowe sure has a way with words! I think this should be made into a movie. :) I absolutely loved this story.
Tom Lowe sure has a way with words! I think this should be made into a movie. :) I absolutely loved this story.
November 20, 2024
Good exciting story until the end. The bad guy surfaced too fast with little detail as to why(besides money)
June 13, 2025
Great book. Great ending. A good plot that keeps shifting and moving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews