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 … 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.
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I loved it and have made a note to now go back and read the entire “Sean O’Brien” series starting with the first book. I love the integrity and determination of the Sean character. The book was a fast read with a great story and some surprises along the way. Once I read just a few pages I was hooked. I think I read it in two days – maybe three. Great story about boys in a horrific reform school who were abused unduly and in the worst possible ways – including extreme beating. Powerful story line.
already written
This is the first of this series that I read, but I have since read several more and really enjoy them. Great characters appear over and over in each book and he has a Weenie dog he is very fond of.
Plodding tempo. Depressing, might as well watch CNN
Like this character and author. This book read a lot slower than Others by this author. Didn’t hold my attention
Interesting story. Not the usual missing person.
A book I didn’t want to put down.
Good read.
If a reader is not familiar with this notorious “boys’ school,” he/she should research the facts. The author used much factual data in a fictional format to call attention and, hopefully, outrage at the violence and abuse perpetrated against children in North Florida for over 100 years. Students at University of South Florida continue to search for bodies today!
His characters show the devastating effects of childhood abuse decades later. A powerful book!
My first read of this author and I am now on y second and really enjoy his writing. He knows how to tell a story and keep you interested from beginning to end. Keep them coming
A very interesting premise, some really complex characters, and an unusual setting make this a book I recommend to anyone who likes a well-plotted and thoughtful mystery.
First book I read by this author. The protagonist , Sean O’Brien is a retired homicide cop who seemingly keeps getting drawn back into the “game”. Tom Lowe keeps you on edge of seat and intertwines lots of characters in and out of the story. I will be reading more.
Ok I thought I knew who it was… and it turned out to be someone totally different.
Love all of Tom Lowe’s books. They are all good. I have read them all. Can’t wait for the next one!