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Sean O'Brien #15
The Fountain
In 1513, Spanish sailor Ponce de Leon searched Florida for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Today, Gideon Wright may have found it. And he found trouble. What would it be worth to own a hidden spring with water so powerful it can suspend aging? For water bottling companies, the value is enormous. Gideon, who has no heirs to leave the land and spring to, faces threats – including the loss of his own life. When he has nowhere else to turn, he goes to Sean O’Brien for help as thieves do whatever it takes to claim the most valuable water on earth.
- GenresMystery
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2022
About the author
Tom Lowe
28 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. Tom's books are grounded in authentic investigative detail and morally complex characters.
He 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. Tom has written two standalone novels of love and redemption - The Painter and Midnight’s Whisperer, winner of the 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.
Tom 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
He 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. Tom has written two standalone novels of love and redemption - The Painter and Midnight’s Whisperer, winner of the 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.
Tom 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 46 reviews
August 25, 2023
long drawn out dialogues
Character dialogue and background explanations were so repetitive and boring I finally skimmed through the book after putting up with it to the halfway point.
Character dialogue and background explanations were so repetitive and boring I finally skimmed through the book after putting up with it to the halfway point.
October 23, 2023
Gripping thriller, needs good editor
I’ll start by thanking the author for a book that kept me engaged to the end. While constructing a pulse pounding thriller he peopled it with some very sympathetic characters and a lovely philosophy of life. That being said, the typos and misuse of words, sometimes using words that meant the opposite of those he clearly intended, dragged me out of the story too often. The other flaw, which I sadly accepted as I got deeper into the tale, was the artificial sound of the dialogue. Spoken sentences constantly read as highly formal or written thoughts. People in life speak using contractions, partial phrases and casual constructions rather than the overly complete and forced speech that all the characters used. A good editor would turn this book into a total winner. If you can get past these flaws, you will enjoy this book as much as I did in spite of them.
I’ll start by thanking the author for a book that kept me engaged to the end. While constructing a pulse pounding thriller he peopled it with some very sympathetic characters and a lovely philosophy of life. That being said, the typos and misuse of words, sometimes using words that meant the opposite of those he clearly intended, dragged me out of the story too often. The other flaw, which I sadly accepted as I got deeper into the tale, was the artificial sound of the dialogue. Spoken sentences constantly read as highly formal or written thoughts. People in life speak using contractions, partial phrases and casual constructions rather than the overly complete and forced speech that all the characters used. A good editor would turn this book into a total winner. If you can get past these flaws, you will enjoy this book as much as I did in spite of them.
March 16, 2024
After slogging through The White Dragon, I said I was dropping Tom Lowe from my To Read list. But I had already bought The Fountain, and since I’ve like all but one other book in this series, I felt I should give Lowe one more chance. The good news is: after delivering two duds, Lowe is back in top form in The Fountain.
The greedy CEO of a bottled water company wants the water from what might be Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. And he’ll do whatever it takes – including authorizing murder – to wrest it from the gentle old man who owns the property where the pond sits.
This book hooked me right from the start. With one hitch. At 433 pages, it’s a bit long. The story could have been told equally well in a hundred less pages. There’s still too much rumination and philosophizing throughout the story.
But since Lowe has redeemed himself in my eyes, I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The greedy CEO of a bottled water company wants the water from what might be Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. And he’ll do whatever it takes – including authorizing murder – to wrest it from the gentle old man who owns the property where the pond sits.
This book hooked me right from the start. With one hitch. At 433 pages, it’s a bit long. The story could have been told equally well in a hundred less pages. There’s still too much rumination and philosophizing throughout the story.
But since Lowe has redeemed himself in my eyes, I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 12, 2024
The Fountain of Youth
I have enjoyed each of the Sean O'Brien books and how well written they are. This one played off the legend of Ponce DeLeon search for the Fountain of Youth. In setting up the story, we were to wonder what was this "magical tasting" water anyway. The biggest drawback was that I couldn't get into pure tasting water leading to so many deaths and chaos. Even though the bottled water industry is huge, it was hard for me to get past that issue. That said, excellent writing, great characters, smooth delivery of all action still makes this a very good read. A 4.2 out of 5 rating.
I have enjoyed each of the Sean O'Brien books and how well written they are. This one played off the legend of Ponce DeLeon search for the Fountain of Youth. In setting up the story, we were to wonder what was this "magical tasting" water anyway. The biggest drawback was that I couldn't get into pure tasting water leading to so many deaths and chaos. Even though the bottled water industry is huge, it was hard for me to get past that issue. That said, excellent writing, great characters, smooth delivery of all action still makes this a very good read. A 4.2 out of 5 rating.
December 1, 2023
Amazing FL history always showcased…
Author Tom Lowe’s books always feature interesting Florida history, and showcase wildlife and nature with such beautiful reverence. Add in some badassery from Sean O’Brien and it’s a true recipe for success. I still wish there were no typos (lots of difference in WAKING and WALKING, for example), and one section of the book makes no sense, but it’s short and goes by quickly, so it’s on to the rest of the book, and the wonders of Gideon’s healing spring water!
Author Tom Lowe’s books always feature interesting Florida history, and showcase wildlife and nature with such beautiful reverence. Add in some badassery from Sean O’Brien and it’s a true recipe for success. I still wish there were no typos (lots of difference in WAKING and WALKING, for example), and one section of the book makes no sense, but it’s short and goes by quickly, so it’s on to the rest of the book, and the wonders of Gideon’s healing spring water!
June 23, 2024
I enjoy stories that intertwine famous myths into a modern day story. This one embraces the Fountain of Youth and paints a picture not of a magical spring that wipes away the decades, but a nearly magical water source emanating from the deepest aquifer in Florida that has a few short-lived robust qualities. It also provides an evil billionaire willing to do just about anything to gain ownership of the spring for his water-bottling company. Frankly, I wasn’t too thrilled with the actual adventure story, but I did enjoy the interpretation of the Fountain of Youth.
January 2, 2023
A wonderful mystery
I have so enjoyed all of Mr Lowe’s books! This is going to be one of my very favorites. He shows his love for the land and nature that sustains all of us. I don’t like violence but when the lead character, Sean O’Brien, has to use it as a last resort, I can live with it. This is a good mystery with a desirable outcome. Unfortunately, not often like real life. I feel uplifted by this book.
I have so enjoyed all of Mr Lowe’s books! This is going to be one of my very favorites. He shows his love for the land and nature that sustains all of us. I don’t like violence but when the lead character, Sean O’Brien, has to use it as a last resort, I can live with it. This is a good mystery with a desirable outcome. Unfortunately, not often like real life. I feel uplifted by this book.
January 3, 2023
Heartwarming
Tom, God has given you a very special gift, when we read your books we close our eyes and we are literally there. The way you describe everything from the birds,bees,animals, the scents, the colour of the spring, also the way Gideon felt about his precious place.
Whenever Sean puts himself in danger my heart is in my mouth 😊
What a way to end a book and I so look forward to Sean and the gangs next case and the arrival of the baby
Tom, God has given you a very special gift, when we read your books we close our eyes and we are literally there. The way you describe everything from the birds,bees,animals, the scents, the colour of the spring, also the way Gideon felt about his precious place.
Whenever Sean puts himself in danger my heart is in my mouth 😊
What a way to end a book and I so look forward to Sean and the gangs next case and the arrival of the baby
June 21, 2023
Fascinating!
The legendary search for the Fountain of Youth, is communicated in a gripping fashion by an excellent author. I was intrigued that the source of the spring in the novel lines up with many legends. Apparently the author did his research. An unspoken moral of the quest for the actual fountain is that while many springs can provide life extension, their is truly only one Living Fountain that can provide eternal life. His name is Jesus.
The legendary search for the Fountain of Youth, is communicated in a gripping fashion by an excellent author. I was intrigued that the source of the spring in the novel lines up with many legends. Apparently the author did his research. An unspoken moral of the quest for the actual fountain is that while many springs can provide life extension, their is truly only one Living Fountain that can provide eternal life. His name is Jesus.
July 14, 2023
Tom Lowe has Thriller writing down pat!
Sean O’Brien as a character is terrific. Reminds me a bit of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. Mr. Lowe has created a perfect protagonist in that he not only fights evil but his main character has a human side and a family. I wish there really was a Sean O’Brien living in Florida!
I enjoyed reading this book, not the first I’ve read from this author. I’ll look forward to the next.
Sean O’Brien as a character is terrific. Reminds me a bit of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. Mr. Lowe has created a perfect protagonist in that he not only fights evil but his main character has a human side and a family. I wish there really was a Sean O’Brien living in Florida!
I enjoyed reading this book, not the first I’ve read from this author. I’ll look forward to the next.
January 11, 2023
Great read....
Another fantastic book by Tom Lowe. I've read all of the Sean O'Brien books. Like just get better and better. I love all the main characters that keep popping up throughout the books. And the mysteries are always really good too Mr. Lowe is one of my favorite authors!
Another fantastic book by Tom Lowe. I've read all of the Sean O'Brien books. Like just get better and better. I love all the main characters that keep popping up throughout the books. And the mysteries are always really good too Mr. Lowe is one of my favorite authors!
February 4, 2023
Sean at his best!
Much better than the last few editions. This is a solid story that will bring a few years to your eyes! The dialogue is still to flowery for my taste and there are a handful of typos that should have been corrected. Oh well, I'll still be looking forward to the next one!
Much better than the last few editions. This is a solid story that will bring a few years to your eyes! The dialogue is still to flowery for my taste and there are a handful of typos that should have been corrected. Oh well, I'll still be looking forward to the next one!
August 22, 2023
The best of the best.
This book is in emotional roller coaster one that you can never get over Reading 1 that's worth Reading again and again.⁸
It's one of the best books I've ever read barnand just keep the box of tissues by you cause. There's gonna be a lot of crying.
At the end
This book is in emotional roller coaster one that you can never get over Reading 1 that's worth Reading again and again.⁸
It's one of the best books I've ever read barnand just keep the box of tissues by you cause. There's gonna be a lot of crying.
At the end
May 22, 2024
Tom Lowe is an underappreciated author perhaps due to self publishing. Those who seek out his books enjoy them though. The Sean O'Brien series has well drawn characters, a likable ensemble cast, and exciting plot lines. This book is no exception, although maybe a few more 'deep thoughts' pages than needed. Worth a read.
February 27, 2023
such a good story
I very much enjoy Tom’s books. This one is about my home state of Florida, historical and close to my heart. Things are changing so quickly and Florida’s wild places are getting smaller. This book is about that.
I very much enjoy Tom’s books. This one is about my home state of Florida, historical and close to my heart. Things are changing so quickly and Florida’s wild places are getting smaller. This book is about that.
May 3, 2023
Awesome
Fast read. Sean always has the world and his family first. Justice is his priority. I love this series and recommend it to people who enjoy mysteries with a lot of bad language and sex.
Fast read. Sean always has the world and his family first. Justice is his priority. I love this series and recommend it to people who enjoy mysteries with a lot of bad language and sex.
August 21, 2023
Fountain Review Very touching story. Gideon and Margouix are marvelous characters. However the
Story line is too repititious and bad guys too easily challenged and convicted. A little more suspense is needed in this book.
Story line is too repititious and bad guys too easily challenged and convicted. A little more suspense is needed in this book.
August 27, 2023
Wow,One of the best stories ever
Tom Lowe is a Great story teller. This story if full of intrigue, mystery, murder, love and much more. One of the best stories I read in a long time.when you start you won't want to put it down.
Tom Lowe is a Great story teller. This story if full of intrigue, mystery, murder, love and much more. One of the best stories I read in a long time.when you start you won't want to put it down.
August 29, 2023
Excellent read. Mr. Lowe knows how to weave a tale of suspense, murder, and crime. The Fountain was well worth reading. Gideon and Sean and all the other characters were detailed and so life-like. I wish I had a grandfather like Gideon. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Lowe's books
September 3, 2023
An enjoyable and uplifting read
I read a lot of books and am unsure as to why I choose this book. But I am very pleased that I did. It managed to cover crime, science fiction, mystery, and a very fine guide for human life while providing an enjoyable novel.
I read a lot of books and am unsure as to why I choose this book. But I am very pleased that I did. It managed to cover crime, science fiction, mystery, and a very fine guide for human life while providing an enjoyable novel.
March 9, 2025
I think this is probably one of the better books in the series. Like many reviews of Lowe’s books, a quality editor would go a long way to making the books better. I enjoy the details and feel like you can imagine what the author is describing.
May 30, 2025
To generations I'll never meet.
Depicted the location so well I was immensely drawn to moss hanging like beards of old men...The lighthouse light, waterway smelling brackish. Transported.
Depicted the location so well I was immensely drawn to moss hanging like beards of old men...The lighthouse light, waterway smelling brackish. Transported.
August 2, 2025
Fun, but complicated cast of characters
I enjoyed this book. Lots of action. Main characters had lots of experience in the developing of the plot.
Looking forward to another adventure.
I enjoyed this book. Lots of action. Main characters had lots of experience in the developing of the plot.
Looking forward to another adventure.
January 5, 2023
The Fountain
I thoroughly enjoy this book. Full of action and interesting facts about Florida. Thank you Tom Lowe for another great Sean O'Brien book. And I've read everyone.
I thoroughly enjoy this book. Full of action and interesting facts about Florida. Thank you Tom Lowe for another great Sean O'Brien book. And I've read everyone.
January 6, 2023
A very good book.
Love all of the Sean O'Brien novels. He is always looking out for the little man. Can't wait to see who will be his next client.
Love all of the Sean O'Brien novels. He is always looking out for the little man. Can't wait to see who will be his next client.
March 24, 2023
The Fountain
Great Sean O'Brien novel . Sean find a new client in a strange place and help to save his life and his spring.
Great Sean O'Brien novel . Sean find a new client in a strange place and help to save his life and his spring.
June 17, 2023
Love this series!
I always enjoy this series. It's probably one of my favorites to read. I love the continued relationships between the characters.
I always enjoy this series. It's probably one of my favorites to read. I love the continued relationships between the characters.
August 18, 2023
Fantastic Read
The suspense in this book was just enough to keep me reading into the early hours of the morning, plus the idea of justice being served. Good wins. Evil loses!
The suspense in this book was just enough to keep me reading into the early hours of the morning, plus the idea of justice being served. Good wins. Evil loses!
August 20, 2023
The Fountain -
Good book. Yes, slightly corny but a good story. It was fairly clean. There were a few light cuss words but all in all a wholesome book.
Good book. Yes, slightly corny but a good story. It was fairly clean. There were a few light cuss words but all in all a wholesome book.
August 27, 2023
Tom has written a perfect novel here with a captivating plot that demands a not-to-be-put-down read.
I look forward to his other titles.
I look forward to his other titles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews