The Orchid Keeper

Sean O'Brien, Book 10

By: Tom Lowe

Narrated by: Michael David Axtell

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 Everglades.

©2019 Tom Lowe (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Great Florida Centric Political Thriller

Being a big fan of Tom Lowe's Sean O'Brien, I was really looking forward to this listen. I had just finished "Flash Of Gold" thinking I was up to date, only to discover somehow there were two novels in between "The Orchid Keeper" and "Mermaid" I had somehow missed. Perhaps they were late making it to Audible, In any event, I was pleased to see there were two novels waiting for my listening pleasure.

Overall, I really enjoyed this listen. The plot revolves around a political candidate that comes under close scrutiny because he is running for office strictly on environmental concerns. With the moniker "Average Joe", the candidate is quickly gaining popularity and even the support of the Republican candidate for Governor. As things progress, he asks Sean O'Brien for assistance after his tires are slashed following a political rally. Sean refuses politely with the explanation that he is not in the business of being a body guard and directing the candidate to the local police. As you might expect, things do change for the worse and Sean finds himself embroiled in a double murder gun for hire scenario that ultimately costs him more than he bargained for.

Now, while I enjoyed the story overall, it is far from my favorite O'Brien read or listen. I gave it four stars, but was torn between three and four. If there was a 3 1/2, that is where I would place it. At 12 hours and 30 plus minutes in listening length, I found the listen overlong. This was primarily due to the overdone preaching of the environmental concerns raised by Mr. Lowe. It is very obvious that the novel is built around his desire to express his point of view. While I have no issue with his views, I do not read mystery fiction to be overly preached to about a highly politicized issue. I do give him props for making the gubernatorial candidate favoring the changes a Republican. Typically, the Republicans are always the bad guys on the side of corporate greed. In reality, corporate and lobby greed has no party affiliation, only self interest.

I did find the narration well done and kept the pace going once the story finally trudged through the preaching. The final two thirds of the listen were very entertaining as it drew to it's conclusion.

Another great addition to the Sean O'Brien series!

For some reason, this audible book was late to be released at audible.com, but I am so grateful it has been. I love the Sean O'Brien series and it just keeps getting better. I was glued to this one and finished it in two days. I hope that the Sean O'Brien and Elizabeth Monroe series continue to be available for us to enjoy on audible.com.

Another great book!

I really enjoyed this book. Sean O’Brienalways makes a difference for the good. The narration was also very good. I recommend this book!

Love this series!

When is Mermaid coming to audible? I finished the last one on audible! The Orchard Keeper, and can't wait for the next two books to come to audible. The painter & mermaid!

LOVE THIS SERIES!!!

As usual, Tom Lowe doesn't disappoint. The story is great and of course, Michael David Axtell is absolutely the best! I'm looking forward to the next release in this series and hope there are many more to come!!!

One of the Best in the Series

The Orchid Keeper weaves together many threads, making this one of the best in the series. Eighty-five year old, Chester Miller's orchid growing operation, deep in the Florida everglades is hard to find, but well worth the trip. His granddaughter, Callie who is studying botany in college is spending the summer with Chester, learning all she can from him. Sean makes the trip to see Chester and buy some orchids for Wynona's birthday, enjoying a visit with Chester and Callie. At the same time, a young military veteran, cast net fishing, cuts his leg in the waters, unknowingly contracting a deadly infection. The pollution of the waters of the everglades is high on Joe Thraxton's list of priorities as he makes a run for the Senate. A former marine biologist and fishing boat guide, Joe is no politician, but the increasing severity of the pollution of the waters of Florida have him concerned, ever since his daughter almost died from exposure to it. As these stories converge, it is a race to the finish, as Sean and Wynona seek to get to the bottom of who is pulling the strings in a plot of political intrigue and murder. Excellent listen.

Orchids.....who knew.

I love the Sean O’Brien that Tom Lowe has given life to and I’ve enjoyed every book that features him. The Orchid Keeper has a message to preach and preach it does. I almost felt embarrassed for not being an environmentalist.