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Alexander Seaton #1
The Redemption of Alexander Seaton
Is the young man merely drunk or does his tottering walk suggest something more sinister? When he collapses in front of two sisters on that dark, wet night, they guess rightly that he's been murdered by poisoning. So begins this tale set in the town of Banff, Scotland in the 1620s.
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First published July 1, 2008
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About the author
Shona MacLean
6 books127 followersAka: S.G.MacLean
Biography:
I was born in Inverness and brought up in the Highlands where my parents were hoteliers. I went to school in Dingwall. I have an M.A. and Ph. D in History from the University of Aberdeen. I am maried with four children and currently living in Banff on the Moray coast.
About writer's work:
I write historical crime fiction, and am currently working on my third book featuring my fictional seventeenth-century academic, Alexander Seaton. The first book in the series, The Redemption of Alexander Seaton, was shortlisted for both the Saltire First Book of the Year Award (2008) and the Ellis Peters Award 2009).
Biography:
I was born in Inverness and brought up in the Highlands where my parents were hoteliers. I went to school in Dingwall. I have an M.A. and Ph. D in History from the University of Aberdeen. I am maried with four children and currently living in Banff on the Moray coast.
About writer's work:
I write historical crime fiction, and am currently working on my third book featuring my fictional seventeenth-century academic, Alexander Seaton. The first book in the series, The Redemption of Alexander Seaton, was shortlisted for both the Saltire First Book of the Year Award (2008) and the Ellis Peters Award 2009).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 22, 2020
The unusual setting for this novel – NE Scotland in 1626 – played a big part in my choosing it. At the same time I was a little guarded to begin with. A murder mystery set in rural Scotland in the 17th century – would that work? In the event I really enjoyed it. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Crawford Logan. I thought he did an excellent job, although to my ear the accents he adopted sounded as if they belonged further west, or at least they would today. You would probably have to live in Scotland to know the difference though.
This works well as a straight murder mystery. The plot is complex but not overly so. I didn’t have any inkling of who the murderer was until the big reveal, so if you are looking for a murder mystery you could do a lot worse. This isn’t a high-octane type of thriller, it’s more one where there is a general air of menace.
In the second half of the 18th century Scotland became famed as a centre of free thought and philosophical enquiry, but this novel is set at an earlier time, when the country was in the grip of a harsh religious establishment. The lives of the main characters are ruled by religion. Conversations are peppered with quotes from the Bible and there are numerous remarks along the lines of “God’s Will be done!” Moreover, all of the main characters live in fear of a counter-Reformation and the activities of “Papists”. This was all absolutely accurate for the period. The book conjures up a great background atmosphere. Informers lurk in corners, listening for any conversations that might be interpreted as heresy. People are publicly humiliated for breaches of the strict moral code of the era.
The novel has a strong set of characters, starting with its flawed hero. I thought the spoken dialogue was excellent. The author takes it easy with Scots dialect, so the book should be easy for non-Scots to read. Some understanding of Scottish culture and history would probably help with the reader’s enjoyment, but it’s not actually necessary.
I’m glad I decided to give it a try.
This works well as a straight murder mystery. The plot is complex but not overly so. I didn’t have any inkling of who the murderer was until the big reveal, so if you are looking for a murder mystery you could do a lot worse. This isn’t a high-octane type of thriller, it’s more one where there is a general air of menace.
In the second half of the 18th century Scotland became famed as a centre of free thought and philosophical enquiry, but this novel is set at an earlier time, when the country was in the grip of a harsh religious establishment. The lives of the main characters are ruled by religion. Conversations are peppered with quotes from the Bible and there are numerous remarks along the lines of “God’s Will be done!” Moreover, all of the main characters live in fear of a counter-Reformation and the activities of “Papists”. This was all absolutely accurate for the period. The book conjures up a great background atmosphere. Informers lurk in corners, listening for any conversations that might be interpreted as heresy. People are publicly humiliated for breaches of the strict moral code of the era.
The novel has a strong set of characters, starting with its flawed hero. I thought the spoken dialogue was excellent. The author takes it easy with Scots dialect, so the book should be easy for non-Scots to read. Some understanding of Scottish culture and history would probably help with the reader’s enjoyment, but it’s not actually necessary.
I’m glad I decided to give it a try.
November 19, 2021
Alexander Seaton, a disgraced minister, has returned to his hometown of Banff to work as the assistant schoolmaster in 1626. A young apothecary's assistant falls in the street outside the schoolhouse, and is found dead in the schoolroom the next morning. Alexander's close friend is arrested for the crime, and Alexander works to prove his innocence.
Once the reader gets beyond the first few chapters where numerous characters are introduced, the book becomes a fast paced mystery. The story involves several murders, suspicions of witchcraft, worries about an invasion of northern Scotland, ruthless ambition, and religious intolerance. Author Shona MacLean has her doctorate in 17th Century History, and she brings lots of period details into her storytelling. This is the first of a series of mysteries set in 17th Century Scotland.
Once the reader gets beyond the first few chapters where numerous characters are introduced, the book becomes a fast paced mystery. The story involves several murders, suspicions of witchcraft, worries about an invasion of northern Scotland, ruthless ambition, and religious intolerance. Author Shona MacLean has her doctorate in 17th Century History, and she brings lots of period details into her storytelling. This is the first of a series of mysteries set in 17th Century Scotland.
June 5, 2021
I greatly enjoyed this journey through 17th century, north-east Scotland when Presbyterian fundamentalism held sway and paranoia about a Catholic invasion from Europe ran high.
The whodunit at the heart of the book is nothing special to be honest – I have never been a fan of crime fiction – but it serves well enough as the vehicle to build the world of small-town Scotland at that time, witch-hunts and all, and it is well done. S G MacLean gives us a likeable central character in Alexander Seaton, flawed enough to be plausible without too big a dent to his honour.
Fans of historical crime fiction are likely to give this a big thumbs up.
The whodunit at the heart of the book is nothing special to be honest – I have never been a fan of crime fiction – but it serves well enough as the vehicle to build the world of small-town Scotland at that time, witch-hunts and all, and it is well done. S G MacLean gives us a likeable central character in Alexander Seaton, flawed enough to be plausible without too big a dent to his honour.
Fans of historical crime fiction are likely to give this a big thumbs up.
September 7, 2017
This was a solid and enjoyable historical mystery set in Scotland in 1626. The main hero, Alexander Seaton, is a disgraced would-be minister of the Church of Scotland who is obsessed with guilt and tormented by his lack of faith. He's certainly a compelling character and I grew to like him more and more as the novel proceeded and his past history is slowly clarified. His change of outlook throughout the book is depicted in a subtle and very convincing manner.
The murders at the heart of the story are sufficiently mysterious to keep the reader interested but what I really appreciated in this book was the stifling atmosphere with which the author depicted the town of Banff. Sin, witchcraft, isolation and the Devil himself seem to inhabit the narrow and dark alleyways of the town. The characters must move in this world with care and suspicion and things and people are not always what they seem to be. And it is indeed in the details - looked at but not really seen until the end of the book - that the story finds its solution and real meaning.
The writing style is rich and layered, full of interesting references to Scottish language and culture.
Very nice!
The murders at the heart of the story are sufficiently mysterious to keep the reader interested but what I really appreciated in this book was the stifling atmosphere with which the author depicted the town of Banff. Sin, witchcraft, isolation and the Devil himself seem to inhabit the narrow and dark alleyways of the town. The characters must move in this world with care and suspicion and things and people are not always what they seem to be. And it is indeed in the details - looked at but not really seen until the end of the book - that the story finds its solution and real meaning.
The writing style is rich and layered, full of interesting references to Scottish language and culture.
Very nice!
December 16, 2018
This very fascinating book, by this Scottish female author, which came to my attention after starting "The Seeker" series, is her debut mystery novel from way back as 2008, and I like to admit that it has been a thrilling read.
First of all I like to mention that at the end of the book you'll find a well documented glossary of Scottish words, so you'll feel somewhat more comfortable within this wonderful gripping story.
I have to say that story-telling from this Scottish author is of a top-notch quality, even with this book from 2008, and her characters come all superbly to life within this intriguing murder mystery.
The book is set mainly in Banff, and also other parts of North-East Scotland, especially Old and New Aberdeen, in the year AD 1626, and it starts off with an exciting prologue.
The main story is about Alexander Seaton, our main character, who by accident comes upon a dying person on a stormy and wet cold night but he leaves him alone, only to find the body of that person in his schoolroom the next morning.
This same Alexander Seaton, a fallen minister, who after the discovery of a clandestine love affair has been left disgraced and deprived him of his vocations, starts to investigate this murder of the apothecary's apprentice, who's name is Patrick Davidson, which will be followed with the murder of Marion Arbuthnott, the apothecary's daughter.
While embarking on his journey to find justice mainly on the dark and menacing streets of Banff, Seaton will encounter witch craft, extreme religion prejudice, cruelty and darkness in men's souls, until finally, after some very intriguing and exciting events, he will be able with the help of Baillie William Buchan to find the culprit of these hideous murders.
Highly recommended, for this is for certain in my opinion: "A Thrilling Scottish Debut Mystery"!
First of all I like to mention that at the end of the book you'll find a well documented glossary of Scottish words, so you'll feel somewhat more comfortable within this wonderful gripping story.
I have to say that story-telling from this Scottish author is of a top-notch quality, even with this book from 2008, and her characters come all superbly to life within this intriguing murder mystery.
The book is set mainly in Banff, and also other parts of North-East Scotland, especially Old and New Aberdeen, in the year AD 1626, and it starts off with an exciting prologue.
The main story is about Alexander Seaton, our main character, who by accident comes upon a dying person on a stormy and wet cold night but he leaves him alone, only to find the body of that person in his schoolroom the next morning.
This same Alexander Seaton, a fallen minister, who after the discovery of a clandestine love affair has been left disgraced and deprived him of his vocations, starts to investigate this murder of the apothecary's apprentice, who's name is Patrick Davidson, which will be followed with the murder of Marion Arbuthnott, the apothecary's daughter.
While embarking on his journey to find justice mainly on the dark and menacing streets of Banff, Seaton will encounter witch craft, extreme religion prejudice, cruelty and darkness in men's souls, until finally, after some very intriguing and exciting events, he will be able with the help of Baillie William Buchan to find the culprit of these hideous murders.
Highly recommended, for this is for certain in my opinion: "A Thrilling Scottish Debut Mystery"!
August 24, 2015
An excellent beginning...
A storm is raging in Banff in the north-east of Scotland as Alexander Seaton makes his way home from the inn so, when he sees a man staggering in the street, Alexander assumes he is the worse for drink and hurries on by to get out of the rain. When the man's dead body is found the next day in the schoolroom where Alexander teaches, his feelings of guilt are compounded when his friend Charles Thom is arrested for the murder. Convinced of Charles' innocence, Alexander sets out with his old friend and mentor, Dr Jaffray, to find out who really murdered Patrick Davidson.
The book is set in 1626, a time when an uneasy peace holds sway in Scotland. All those pesky 16th century Queens are dead and the crowns of Scotland and England are united, though not yet their parliaments. The Protestants are in the ascendancy and the Kirk has a stranglehold on religion and morality, but the Catholics are still plotting, and looking to the great Catholic countries of Europe for support. And witch-hunting is still at its peak, led and encouraged by the more rabid members of the hellfire-and-damnation Kirk, often culminating in public burnings. Happy days!
MacLean has caught the feel of this time-period just about perfectly in my opinion. She gives the impression of knowing the history inside-out and her characters ring true as people living in this time. Seaton and Jaffray are on the more enlightened side, though of course the actual Enlightenment is still some way off, but MacLean doesn't fall into the trap of giving them anachronistically modern viewpoints. So, for example, while being horrified at the attitude of the mob to witch-burnings, they're not quite ready to deny the possibility of witchcraft and consorting with the Devil.
Seaton is the first-person, past-tense narrator of the story and he is a great main character. Destined to be a minister in the Kirk, some event happened that led to his disgrace and he is now back in his home town working as an undermaster in the local school. While his one or two true friends have stood by him, many of the rest of the goodly people of the town treat him almost as a social outcast and his own feelings of guilt have brought him close to despair. The reader doesn't find out what the event was until well on into the novel, but as Seaton gets involved in the investigation into Patrick Davidson's death, he begins to feel again that his life may have some purpose beyond his failed calling to the ministry.
The plot is complex but entirely credible, leading the reader merrily up several false trails along the way. The quality of the writing is excellent and the characterisation throughout is very strong, not just of the main players but of the secondary characters too. And the wide-ranging nature of the plot allows MacLean to show something of the politics and religion of the time without ever resorting to information dump. There's almost a feeling of a coming-of-age story to it, as the initially fairly naive Seaton begins to learn about some of the undercurrents in this seemingly so respectable society.
The plot and some of the occurrences make this far too strong to be considered a cosy, but it avoids graphic violence and gore, and is mercifully free of foul language and sex scenes. For the non-Scots out there, it's also free of dialect – standard English throughout but for the very occasional specifically Scottish word, for which a short glossary is included at the back.
An excellent historical crime novel, well up there with the likes of Brother Cadfael, and the joy of it is it's the first in a series. Highly recommended - the second one has already been added to my TBR.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
A storm is raging in Banff in the north-east of Scotland as Alexander Seaton makes his way home from the inn so, when he sees a man staggering in the street, Alexander assumes he is the worse for drink and hurries on by to get out of the rain. When the man's dead body is found the next day in the schoolroom where Alexander teaches, his feelings of guilt are compounded when his friend Charles Thom is arrested for the murder. Convinced of Charles' innocence, Alexander sets out with his old friend and mentor, Dr Jaffray, to find out who really murdered Patrick Davidson.
The book is set in 1626, a time when an uneasy peace holds sway in Scotland. All those pesky 16th century Queens are dead and the crowns of Scotland and England are united, though not yet their parliaments. The Protestants are in the ascendancy and the Kirk has a stranglehold on religion and morality, but the Catholics are still plotting, and looking to the great Catholic countries of Europe for support. And witch-hunting is still at its peak, led and encouraged by the more rabid members of the hellfire-and-damnation Kirk, often culminating in public burnings. Happy days!
MacLean has caught the feel of this time-period just about perfectly in my opinion. She gives the impression of knowing the history inside-out and her characters ring true as people living in this time. Seaton and Jaffray are on the more enlightened side, though of course the actual Enlightenment is still some way off, but MacLean doesn't fall into the trap of giving them anachronistically modern viewpoints. So, for example, while being horrified at the attitude of the mob to witch-burnings, they're not quite ready to deny the possibility of witchcraft and consorting with the Devil.
Seaton is the first-person, past-tense narrator of the story and he is a great main character. Destined to be a minister in the Kirk, some event happened that led to his disgrace and he is now back in his home town working as an undermaster in the local school. While his one or two true friends have stood by him, many of the rest of the goodly people of the town treat him almost as a social outcast and his own feelings of guilt have brought him close to despair. The reader doesn't find out what the event was until well on into the novel, but as Seaton gets involved in the investigation into Patrick Davidson's death, he begins to feel again that his life may have some purpose beyond his failed calling to the ministry.
The plot is complex but entirely credible, leading the reader merrily up several false trails along the way. The quality of the writing is excellent and the characterisation throughout is very strong, not just of the main players but of the secondary characters too. And the wide-ranging nature of the plot allows MacLean to show something of the politics and religion of the time without ever resorting to information dump. There's almost a feeling of a coming-of-age story to it, as the initially fairly naive Seaton begins to learn about some of the undercurrents in this seemingly so respectable society.
The plot and some of the occurrences make this far too strong to be considered a cosy, but it avoids graphic violence and gore, and is mercifully free of foul language and sex scenes. For the non-Scots out there, it's also free of dialect – standard English throughout but for the very occasional specifically Scottish word, for which a short glossary is included at the back.
An excellent historical crime novel, well up there with the likes of Brother Cadfael, and the joy of it is it's the first in a series. Highly recommended - the second one has already been added to my TBR.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
September 27, 2023
A very enjoyable listen, with a great plot and characters.
August 7, 2008
THE REDEMPTION OF ALEXANDER SEATON (Hist. Mys-Alexander Seaton-Scotland-1626) - Ex
MacLean, Shona – 1st book
Quercus, 2008, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9781847245052
First Sentence: The younger of the two shires rifled the man’s pockets with expert fingers.
Young Alexander Seaton, disallowed from becoming a minister, is now a teacher in his town of Banff, Scotland. He sees a man who staggers and falls on the street during a dark, wet night, but doesn’t stop to help.
With morning comes the revelation that the man was the apprentice to the town apothecary and nephew to the town proctor. He had also been poisoned and found dead in Alexander’s classroom. Alexander’s friend, Charles Thom, who has also been living with the apothecary, is arrested for the murder. It falls to Alexander to prove his friend’s innocence.
There was so much to this book, it’s hard to know where to begin. Though it’s not necessary indicative of excellent writing, I thought it interesting that Ms. MacLean is the niece to author Alistair MacLean (Guns of Navarone). Both MacLeans excel at bringing the reader into the story. From there, they are vastly different.
Ms. McLean makes real life in 1626 Scotland; the time of Charles I, after the dissolution and separation from Rome, but during a time of Knox and Melville Presbyterianism, religious prejudice and the rise of witch hunts. It’s a story of murder, ambition, fear and bigotry, but also of strength, goodness and that we never truly know how we are perceived by others.
Alexander is a wonderful protagonist who becomes very real as his story unfolds throughout the story. A cast of characters would have been helpful, in the beginning, but all the characters are fully dimensional so it quickly became a non-issue. I did appreciate the short glossary at the end.
The story is dense and rich with detail and emotion, compassion and suspense. There was never a point where I wasn’t compelled to turn the page and read more. It’s a powerfully evocative book with wonderful historic detail that never overshadows an engrossing story.
I should love for this to be the first of a series. Even if it’s not, I shall definitely read whatever Ms. MacLean writes next.
MacLean, Shona – 1st book
Quercus, 2008, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9781847245052
First Sentence: The younger of the two shires rifled the man’s pockets with expert fingers.
Young Alexander Seaton, disallowed from becoming a minister, is now a teacher in his town of Banff, Scotland. He sees a man who staggers and falls on the street during a dark, wet night, but doesn’t stop to help.
With morning comes the revelation that the man was the apprentice to the town apothecary and nephew to the town proctor. He had also been poisoned and found dead in Alexander’s classroom. Alexander’s friend, Charles Thom, who has also been living with the apothecary, is arrested for the murder. It falls to Alexander to prove his friend’s innocence.
There was so much to this book, it’s hard to know where to begin. Though it’s not necessary indicative of excellent writing, I thought it interesting that Ms. MacLean is the niece to author Alistair MacLean (Guns of Navarone). Both MacLeans excel at bringing the reader into the story. From there, they are vastly different.
Ms. McLean makes real life in 1626 Scotland; the time of Charles I, after the dissolution and separation from Rome, but during a time of Knox and Melville Presbyterianism, religious prejudice and the rise of witch hunts. It’s a story of murder, ambition, fear and bigotry, but also of strength, goodness and that we never truly know how we are perceived by others.
Alexander is a wonderful protagonist who becomes very real as his story unfolds throughout the story. A cast of characters would have been helpful, in the beginning, but all the characters are fully dimensional so it quickly became a non-issue. I did appreciate the short glossary at the end.
The story is dense and rich with detail and emotion, compassion and suspense. There was never a point where I wasn’t compelled to turn the page and read more. It’s a powerfully evocative book with wonderful historic detail that never overshadows an engrossing story.
I should love for this to be the first of a series. Even if it’s not, I shall definitely read whatever Ms. MacLean writes next.
April 19, 2023
S.G. MacLean's The Redemption of Alexander Seaton delighted me. I love historical fiction, and I have been wanting to read a murder mystery set in the 1500s or 1600s. I came across this title at Rainy Day Books in Fairway, Kansas. This book fit the bill perfectly. I got to start reading it on a spring break getaway in the Ozark mountains and finished it during a sick day at home. It is beautifully written, and the characters are interesting. There is quite a bit of idiomatic expression that one has to decipher, but once that has been accomplished it is a wonderful read. The murder mystery is engaging and the setting is richly described.
As the title indicates, the book deals with a lot of religious themes. One passage absolutely blew my mind. The main character, Alexander Seaton, has committed a publicly embarrassing sin. Both the guilt and the public knowledge of what he has done leaves him in a stupor of dissipation. At one point he is talking to a former mentor from his days in seminary and his mentor says to him, "'There is a time for shame, and a time for repentance. You were right to feel shame for your deeds, but to hold fast to that shame at the expense of all else is an indulgence. You were carnal – who among us is not been tempted, has not fallen? You betrayed the trust of a friend and a patron. Ungrateful and graceless indeed, but who among us has not been guilty of ingratitude, of gracelessness in our behavior?'" This is so profound. It is such a beautiful expression of the grace given to Christians to shake off the shame of their sins. The same mentor says just a little later to Alexander, "'The son of God came into this world to save sinners such as you and me. This is the Great covenant. Do not ask me to ever believe, Alexander, that you have grown so arrogant to think your sin greater than his sacrifice.'" Powerful stuff. It probably worth noting this is not a Christian book per se; it is just impossible to write about people in this time period and this place without infusing the story with religious topics.
There were a couple of things about this book that I did not like:
(1) Realizing that I have a powerful pro-life bias, I found the discussion between Alexander and the midwife regarding abortion to be off-putting. The impression one gets from reading the passage is that everyone in the 17th century recognize the need for women to essentially have access to abortion on demand, and that it was perfectly acceptable within their community. This is a highly contentious topic in our time, and I have a hard time imagining that it was not also highly contentious in the early 17th century. This may be my bias, but I suspect that people would have been overwhelmingly of the opposite opinion in the time period. What's more the discussion didn't add to the plot or enhance the mystery. It seemed like an add-in just to make known the author's views on abortion. Also the midwife who seems to have a lot of affection for Alexander told him that his mother had desperately wanted to abort him. That seemed needlessly cruel.
(2) The denouement did not work for me. Alexander came to understand what was happening in the mystery part of the book through something of a mine altering substance fueled haze. I am not much of one for believing that getting high can provide great insights and truth, especially not the truth of who killed someone. Additionally the denouement happened at a needlessly slow pace. While I loved most of this book, the last 60 pages just dragged on forever.
All in all, great character development, wonderful setting descriptions, a fun murder mystery, and some beautiful spiritual insights.
As the title indicates, the book deals with a lot of religious themes. One passage absolutely blew my mind. The main character, Alexander Seaton, has committed a publicly embarrassing sin. Both the guilt and the public knowledge of what he has done leaves him in a stupor of dissipation. At one point he is talking to a former mentor from his days in seminary and his mentor says to him, "'There is a time for shame, and a time for repentance. You were right to feel shame for your deeds, but to hold fast to that shame at the expense of all else is an indulgence. You were carnal – who among us is not been tempted, has not fallen? You betrayed the trust of a friend and a patron. Ungrateful and graceless indeed, but who among us has not been guilty of ingratitude, of gracelessness in our behavior?'" This is so profound. It is such a beautiful expression of the grace given to Christians to shake off the shame of their sins. The same mentor says just a little later to Alexander, "'The son of God came into this world to save sinners such as you and me. This is the Great covenant. Do not ask me to ever believe, Alexander, that you have grown so arrogant to think your sin greater than his sacrifice.'" Powerful stuff. It probably worth noting this is not a Christian book per se; it is just impossible to write about people in this time period and this place without infusing the story with religious topics.
There were a couple of things about this book that I did not like:
(1) Realizing that I have a powerful pro-life bias, I found the discussion between Alexander and the midwife regarding abortion to be off-putting. The impression one gets from reading the passage is that everyone in the 17th century recognize the need for women to essentially have access to abortion on demand, and that it was perfectly acceptable within their community. This is a highly contentious topic in our time, and I have a hard time imagining that it was not also highly contentious in the early 17th century. This may be my bias, but I suspect that people would have been overwhelmingly of the opposite opinion in the time period. What's more the discussion didn't add to the plot or enhance the mystery. It seemed like an add-in just to make known the author's views on abortion. Also the midwife who seems to have a lot of affection for Alexander told him that his mother had desperately wanted to abort him. That seemed needlessly cruel.
(2) The denouement did not work for me. Alexander came to understand what was happening in the mystery part of the book through something of a mine altering substance fueled haze. I am not much of one for believing that getting high can provide great insights and truth, especially not the truth of who killed someone. Additionally the denouement happened at a needlessly slow pace. While I loved most of this book, the last 60 pages just dragged on forever.
All in all, great character development, wonderful setting descriptions, a fun murder mystery, and some beautiful spiritual insights.
July 10, 2017
3.5-4 stars, I couldn't decide.
This was a slow burn of a novel. The setting, Banf in the reign of James VI and I, was extremely unusual, and as a result, it took me a while to get accustomed to the various characters and their place in the town - which really mattered. Alexander Seaton though, I warmed to right away. He's a fallen angel of a man, a man with a real and genuine calling in a world of hypocritical religious zealots, who has fallen from grace rather spectacularly and publicly. Rather than pick himself up, he wears a metaphorical hair shirt and takes every opportunity he can to do himself down, despite the fact that he's clearly one of the few men of integrity in the book. But once I got to grips with the rest of the cast, Alexander wasn't the only character I warmed to - or heartily disliked! It really is a question of persisting, because the rewards are there, in this rich, multi-layered story.
This is a murder mystery. It's also an allegory that could easily be fitted to any number of times and situations, and in that sense it reminded me of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale - a chilling lesson. But it's also a brilliantly drawn and evocative account of life in an obscure corner of Scotland at a less glamorous period of history.
So why not more stars? Because I did have to work hard at it for a good half of the book. It's not a story you can pick up and put down easily, and there are times when I felt that there was simply too much description - when Alexander journeys from Banf to Aberdeen, for example, I could have done without the street by wynd by vennel directions (which I also hated in the first Peter May book). So different. And rewarding. And I'm glad I read it. The next one is set in Northern Ireland though, and I'm not so sure I fancy that, which is a shame.
This was a slow burn of a novel. The setting, Banf in the reign of James VI and I, was extremely unusual, and as a result, it took me a while to get accustomed to the various characters and their place in the town - which really mattered. Alexander Seaton though, I warmed to right away. He's a fallen angel of a man, a man with a real and genuine calling in a world of hypocritical religious zealots, who has fallen from grace rather spectacularly and publicly. Rather than pick himself up, he wears a metaphorical hair shirt and takes every opportunity he can to do himself down, despite the fact that he's clearly one of the few men of integrity in the book. But once I got to grips with the rest of the cast, Alexander wasn't the only character I warmed to - or heartily disliked! It really is a question of persisting, because the rewards are there, in this rich, multi-layered story.
This is a murder mystery. It's also an allegory that could easily be fitted to any number of times and situations, and in that sense it reminded me of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale - a chilling lesson. But it's also a brilliantly drawn and evocative account of life in an obscure corner of Scotland at a less glamorous period of history.
So why not more stars? Because I did have to work hard at it for a good half of the book. It's not a story you can pick up and put down easily, and there are times when I felt that there was simply too much description - when Alexander journeys from Banf to Aberdeen, for example, I could have done without the street by wynd by vennel directions (which I also hated in the first Peter May book). So different. And rewarding. And I'm glad I read it. The next one is set in Northern Ireland though, and I'm not so sure I fancy that, which is a shame.
December 11, 2022
Brilliant. I haven’t read an historical mystery this good since Elliott Pattison’s Bone Rattler series. This is a character driven, taut mystery about our often misguided perception of how the rest of the world sees us. Alexander stumbles through death, hatred, suspicion, self loathing, superstition and finally, yes redemption. Fabulous history, tight plot, wonderful alive characters and an end I did not see coming. This is a great start to what I hope will continue in the next installment.
June 2, 2011
Not sure that I could ask for more - murder mystery with other dastardly goings-on, and more than a hint of the supernatural - with the Scottish Highlands as the setting.
Tremendous fun - great characters, and the period lends itself additionally to a great novel!
Tremendous fun - great characters, and the period lends itself additionally to a great novel!
June 21, 2022
Excellent.It has it all:inmersive descriptions,wonderful characters,intricate plot,history. Glad to have found this superb series.
March 20, 2024
I came to this book via Shona MacLean’s later ‘Seeker’ series. I believe this to be her debut novel and very good it is too. Set in the far Northeast of Scotland in 1626, it concerns Alexander Seaton, a disgraced Minister who comes back to Banff, his hometown, to take up the role of Assistant Schoolmaster. Alexander sleeps above his schoolroom and one morning a dead body is discovered slumped across his desk. Alexander’s friend is arrested and accused of the murder and Alexander sets out to prove his innocence.
The plot is relatively straightforward, but the setting and context of the book shine through as does the local and period knowledge of the author. Think small town politics, prejudice, religion, fear of witches and witchcraft, anti-Catholic sentiment and fear of invasion. This all makes for the powerful atmosphere which the author uses to great effect.
Given the book’s time and location, the author could have gone heavy on the Scots dialect of the time. Fortunately, she resists the temptation relying mainly on word order in sentence construction to give the book a Scots feel.
All in all, a very good book – recommended.
The plot is relatively straightforward, but the setting and context of the book shine through as does the local and period knowledge of the author. Think small town politics, prejudice, religion, fear of witches and witchcraft, anti-Catholic sentiment and fear of invasion. This all makes for the powerful atmosphere which the author uses to great effect.
Given the book’s time and location, the author could have gone heavy on the Scots dialect of the time. Fortunately, she resists the temptation relying mainly on word order in sentence construction to give the book a Scots feel.
All in all, a very good book – recommended.
March 13, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
This atmospheric and well-crafted historical murder mystery takes place in rural Scotland in 1626. Life in the small town of Banff is dictated by post-Reformation anti-Papist sentiments, fear of invasion from Catholic European strongholds, and witchcraft hysteria. MaClean does a wonderful job bringing to life a diverse set of characters, the tensions within the community, and the darkness and turmoil that exists just beneath the surface.
When a well-liked and well-connected young man is found dead of apparent poisoning, Alexander Seaton becomes involved in tracking down who is responsible and exonerating his friend who has been charged. Seaton, a young school master and disgraced would-be minister, is struggling with his own demons and trying to come to terms with a future that is very different from his earlier aspirations. I was drawn to his earnestness and striving, his very human flaws, and his awakening to how his friends and others in his community perceive him.
This promising first installment in the series is character-driven with a plot that’s well-layered but not overly intricate. It’s a slow burn until the explosive ending that had me at the edge of my seat.
This atmospheric and well-crafted historical murder mystery takes place in rural Scotland in 1626. Life in the small town of Banff is dictated by post-Reformation anti-Papist sentiments, fear of invasion from Catholic European strongholds, and witchcraft hysteria. MaClean does a wonderful job bringing to life a diverse set of characters, the tensions within the community, and the darkness and turmoil that exists just beneath the surface.
When a well-liked and well-connected young man is found dead of apparent poisoning, Alexander Seaton becomes involved in tracking down who is responsible and exonerating his friend who has been charged. Seaton, a young school master and disgraced would-be minister, is struggling with his own demons and trying to come to terms with a future that is very different from his earlier aspirations. I was drawn to his earnestness and striving, his very human flaws, and his awakening to how his friends and others in his community perceive him.
This promising first installment in the series is character-driven with a plot that’s well-layered but not overly intricate. It’s a slow burn until the explosive ending that had me at the edge of my seat.
November 12, 2024
3.5 a slow start, so-so whodunnit but with a great gloomy and dour atmosphere. Slightly too much historical research getting in the way of the story.
February 25, 2013
'The Redemption of Alexander Seaton’
by Shona MacLean. Quercus, 2008, paperback: 408 pages, ISBN: 978-1- 84724-791-9
Shona MacLean’s novel beat mine in the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger competition a few years ago. When her novel was published, a couple of years later, and it was Quercus publishing her, who had turned me down too, well, I had to read it to see what made her novel so instantly acceptable to the Lords and Masters of traditional publishing. She’d chosen to write about 17th C Scotland and it’s not an easy period to write about. 17th Century British History gets bogged down in people’s minds as the English Civil War and the Restoration of Charles Stuart, other fascinating things which happened in Britain then are obscured by Cavaliers and Roundheads. Readers have an image of a King from Scotland, wide brimmed feathered hats and tin pot helmets as the entire 17th C. Ms MacLean puts the kibosh on that notion, transporting the reader, with an accomplished writer’s skill, into a Scotland which is all that one learned to associate with John Nox. John Knox, the disapproving minster (never say priest) with his anti-popery, anti Catholic, almost puritan Presbyterians, his fierce denunciation of anything which might appear to be enjoyable, and his set task as a thorn in the side of Mary, Queen of Scots. It is not a world we are familiar with.
Historical novels need to make the historical period they are set in almost a character. This way the reader gets the most out what can sometimes be a challenging read. Lovers of historical novels want a taste of another world, an historical world with the smells and sights and sounds of the past made real for them. Shona MacLean shows us Banff in 1626. Bleak, dour and conformist, yet that is a superficial judgement. The characters, the people she created, might be solemn and serious, for they believe in their way of life, but they can laugh too. They have fought hard for their religious freedom, and the rights they have they hold. Ms MacLean takes us into their 17th C mind-set and never once do her characters slip into modern thought. It’s a remarkable feat for a first novel and does add another dimension of reality to her Banff in 17th C Scotland. It is not a place we would call remotely modern.
‘The Redemption of Alexander Seaton’ is the first of her novels about Alexander Seaton, (there are three now,) and is a stunning historical read. Alexander Seaton is in need of redemption. He is now the local schoolmaster. A clever man, who took his degree with honours, he looked forward to his election to the kirk and travelling to the European universities. When he stood to give his test speech before the Ministers of the Church he was denounced as unfit by the local Lord of the Manor. Shattered, lost, without direction, though not friendless, he sank into depression and lethargy from which it seemed he might never recover. Then on a stormy night the apothecary’s assistant is found dead in the schoolroom, his schoolroom. It is clear the assistant was poisoned. Seaton is not accused because he has an alibi of sorts, but his friend, Charles Thom, does not, and is accused of the murder. For the first time Alexander has something to fight for. He must find out what really happened and save his friend from the hangman. Encouraged by his mentor, Dr Jaffray, and the baillie, (Banff town Magistrate) William Buchan, Alexander begins to untangle what looks like treason, spying and a Catholic plot. In doing so he also untangles some of the guilt and despair which have crushed him. In saving Charles, he sets his own feet back on the path to self respect.
‘The Redemption of Alexander Seaton’ is a satisfying, enjoyable read. Do start with it and then go on to ‘A Game of Sorrows’ which has Alexander adventuring in Ireland, in Ulster where his mother came from. The latest novel, ‘Crucible of Secrets’ which I have just finished, is set again in Aberdeen and Banff. All three books are well written, challenging, entertaining and a pleasure to read.
by Shona MacLean. Quercus, 2008, paperback: 408 pages, ISBN: 978-1- 84724-791-9
Shona MacLean’s novel beat mine in the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger competition a few years ago. When her novel was published, a couple of years later, and it was Quercus publishing her, who had turned me down too, well, I had to read it to see what made her novel so instantly acceptable to the Lords and Masters of traditional publishing. She’d chosen to write about 17th C Scotland and it’s not an easy period to write about. 17th Century British History gets bogged down in people’s minds as the English Civil War and the Restoration of Charles Stuart, other fascinating things which happened in Britain then are obscured by Cavaliers and Roundheads. Readers have an image of a King from Scotland, wide brimmed feathered hats and tin pot helmets as the entire 17th C. Ms MacLean puts the kibosh on that notion, transporting the reader, with an accomplished writer’s skill, into a Scotland which is all that one learned to associate with John Nox. John Knox, the disapproving minster (never say priest) with his anti-popery, anti Catholic, almost puritan Presbyterians, his fierce denunciation of anything which might appear to be enjoyable, and his set task as a thorn in the side of Mary, Queen of Scots. It is not a world we are familiar with.
Historical novels need to make the historical period they are set in almost a character. This way the reader gets the most out what can sometimes be a challenging read. Lovers of historical novels want a taste of another world, an historical world with the smells and sights and sounds of the past made real for them. Shona MacLean shows us Banff in 1626. Bleak, dour and conformist, yet that is a superficial judgement. The characters, the people she created, might be solemn and serious, for they believe in their way of life, but they can laugh too. They have fought hard for their religious freedom, and the rights they have they hold. Ms MacLean takes us into their 17th C mind-set and never once do her characters slip into modern thought. It’s a remarkable feat for a first novel and does add another dimension of reality to her Banff in 17th C Scotland. It is not a place we would call remotely modern.
‘The Redemption of Alexander Seaton’ is the first of her novels about Alexander Seaton, (there are three now,) and is a stunning historical read. Alexander Seaton is in need of redemption. He is now the local schoolmaster. A clever man, who took his degree with honours, he looked forward to his election to the kirk and travelling to the European universities. When he stood to give his test speech before the Ministers of the Church he was denounced as unfit by the local Lord of the Manor. Shattered, lost, without direction, though not friendless, he sank into depression and lethargy from which it seemed he might never recover. Then on a stormy night the apothecary’s assistant is found dead in the schoolroom, his schoolroom. It is clear the assistant was poisoned. Seaton is not accused because he has an alibi of sorts, but his friend, Charles Thom, does not, and is accused of the murder. For the first time Alexander has something to fight for. He must find out what really happened and save his friend from the hangman. Encouraged by his mentor, Dr Jaffray, and the baillie, (Banff town Magistrate) William Buchan, Alexander begins to untangle what looks like treason, spying and a Catholic plot. In doing so he also untangles some of the guilt and despair which have crushed him. In saving Charles, he sets his own feet back on the path to self respect.
‘The Redemption of Alexander Seaton’ is a satisfying, enjoyable read. Do start with it and then go on to ‘A Game of Sorrows’ which has Alexander adventuring in Ireland, in Ulster where his mother came from. The latest novel, ‘Crucible of Secrets’ which I have just finished, is set again in Aberdeen and Banff. All three books are well written, challenging, entertaining and a pleasure to read.
June 25, 2013
This is the first book in the Alexander Seaton series by British author Shona MacLean, a tale of 17th century Scotland, full of intrigue, mystery and religious fervour. Our main character Alexander is a school master although he would dearly love to be a minister, and was prevented from achieving this by a mistake made when he fell for the “wrong woman.” Things kick off for Alexander when a man whom he knows is found murdered by poisoning in his school room. The previous night, he had seen this man stumbling and calling for help, but he dismissed him as a drunkard so now feels incredibly guilty, and desires to redeem himself by finding the murderer. It does not help that Charles Thom, a friend of Alexander’s is deemed guilty of the crime and is put in prison, so Alexander must work to clear his name and find the true perp.
I have to confess it took me a while to get into this book as there are a lot of characters to take in, and it took me a while until I had figured out just who the “provost,” ballie,” “session clerk,” and “apothecary,” were, as they are sometimes referred to by their title and then referred to by their Christian name in another sentence. Once I had got that under control, I began to appreciate the beautiful style of writing, and the atmosphere of 17th century Scotland that the author creates. Every smell, sight and sound are captured in minute detail for the reader, and I began to get a real picture of life in Scotland at that time, where indivduals could be persecuted for their own beliefs. The style reminded me very much of the Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I did not appreciate the mystery of the novel until about halfway through, when more strands of the story come together, and it became slightly more gripping. Would I read the second book in the series? Probably, as Seaton was such an interesting character, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know him a bit better.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.wordpress.com
I have to confess it took me a while to get into this book as there are a lot of characters to take in, and it took me a while until I had figured out just who the “provost,” ballie,” “session clerk,” and “apothecary,” were, as they are sometimes referred to by their title and then referred to by their Christian name in another sentence. Once I had got that under control, I began to appreciate the beautiful style of writing, and the atmosphere of 17th century Scotland that the author creates. Every smell, sight and sound are captured in minute detail for the reader, and I began to get a real picture of life in Scotland at that time, where indivduals could be persecuted for their own beliefs. The style reminded me very much of the Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I did not appreciate the mystery of the novel until about halfway through, when more strands of the story come together, and it became slightly more gripping. Would I read the second book in the series? Probably, as Seaton was such an interesting character, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know him a bit better.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.wordpress.com
March 8, 2013
c2008: FWFTB: Banff, embittered, murder, Catholic, witch. This book is exquisitely written. The period seems to have been effortlessly invoked and the dialogue in tune with the time and mores of the 17th C. I did not guess the murderer! There is some lovely humorous one-liners which stops the novel from sinking into being 'depressing' "He was the eyes and ears of Baillie Buchan who, by some oversight on the part of Beelzebub, could not be in two places at once." Some knowledge of the particular period of history that the book is set in may be an advantage to understand just how severe the religious restrictions were in Scotland at the time together with the background of the enimity between Scottish Catholics and Protestants. Being a true Sassenach, I had trouble with remembering the difference between the baillie and provost despite there being a glossary at the back of the book. Recommended to the normal crew. FCN: Gilbert Grant, Edward Arbuthnott (the apothecary), Dr Jaffray, Alexander Seaton, Walter Watt.
June 25, 2013
I was going to hold back with reviewing this book until after the Book Discussion group had, well, discussed it. But as some of us have already rated and posted, I thought I would do the same.
I started off with huge optimism; my sort of novel - good time, setting and premise for a captivating read. By the time I was half way through I wished all the characters would be swept away never to be seen again. The 'hero' was pious, self-pitying and in need of a good slapping. Some had identical surnames which was confusing. Did the author have such a small choice of names or did she want us to assume some relationship?
The story then veered off track to another to do with map drawing. This seemed to have no apparent purpose at all. Apologies but for me this was a very black and white book that had no colour in it and failed to ignite any of my usual overactive imagination.
I started off with huge optimism; my sort of novel - good time, setting and premise for a captivating read. By the time I was half way through I wished all the characters would be swept away never to be seen again. The 'hero' was pious, self-pitying and in need of a good slapping. Some had identical surnames which was confusing. Did the author have such a small choice of names or did she want us to assume some relationship?
The story then veered off track to another to do with map drawing. This seemed to have no apparent purpose at all. Apologies but for me this was a very black and white book that had no colour in it and failed to ignite any of my usual overactive imagination.
January 27, 2021
Having enjoyed the 'Seeker' series I thought I'd try the author's earlier work. I really struggled with this book at first. Its not a period of history I'm familiar with, there are a lot of characters to get to grips with, and the central character isn't overly sympathetic.
I'm glad I persevered because as the plot unfolded it became intriguing. Seaton started to come to life as he realised that his own life wasn't over and people did care about him. The supporting characters started to develop as well and I found the portrayal of this structured church-led society interesting. The plot was a little too convoluted but it felt like a very promising set up for the later books. I am worried that having spent all this time building up the place and characters we may be leaving it all behind for the next book but I'm still looking forward to it.
I'm glad I persevered because as the plot unfolded it became intriguing. Seaton started to come to life as he realised that his own life wasn't over and people did care about him. The supporting characters started to develop as well and I found the portrayal of this structured church-led society interesting. The plot was a little too convoluted but it felt like a very promising set up for the later books. I am worried that having spent all this time building up the place and characters we may be leaving it all behind for the next book but I'm still looking forward to it.
January 4, 2013
This is the book that first pulled me away from Wolf Hall - I know, amazing - but then sent me back to it with renewed enthusiasm. Before I reached the point of trailing WH around with me like a comfort blanket (I'm there now), I felt lazy one day and picked this up rather than walk upstairs. Very soon Alexander Seaton had grabbed me. I found myself wondering about him while not reading. The plot and setting reminded me of the books I loved as a child: Kidnapped, Moonfleet, Lorna Doone. It reminded me to be an active reader and not just a constant one. Thank you Shona MacLean. I shall look out for more of your books.
November 16, 2017
Nice historical mystery, even though the historical aspect was minimal. It was an interesting story and it kept me interested until the end, even though the answer to the Mystery was revealed early on through the clues. I will be trying this author again.
May 19, 2013
Audiobook read by Crawford Logan
Interesting book, with some good characterisation.
Interesting book, with some good characterisation.
May 19, 2021
A more thoughtful and slower-moving story than her other series. More literary as well. I really enjoyed the focus on Alexander's psyche. We really understand how he is thinking and feeling about things at every point in the story, which slowed the pace but also immersed me in the point of view.
April 2, 2021
I love her Seeker books but these are uneven. I'm going to just write the one review. I read books 1-3 and ran out of steam.
In book one we meet Alexander Seaton who is labouring under profound guilt and his career as a minister has been wrecked. We eventually realise it's because he slept with his true love when she was about to be sent away to be married, but when she offered to elope with him, he balked. So he's both broken the rubrics of his Puritan society and is a bit of a cad.
But when a murder happens and his closest friend is implicated he gets caught up in the investigation, begins to fall in love with a woman who has been raped and left pregnant--which he takes as a form of absolution--and discovers that people do care for him.
In book two he gets sent to Ireland to sort out family matters, and in book three he has a Death in the Library mystery to resolve.
Why don't the books quite work for me?
First, I think because MacLean has hidden too much and leaks things too slowly. This isn't about wanting to be able to guess the endings, although there is an element of that, but more that when the murderers are revealed, we lack any emotional investment in either them--or, because they are often too vaguely pencilled in--the wrongly accused. There is a lack of focus on those minor characters that undermines the books.
With the Irish book MacLean has simply tried to pack too much in and tried to do it with a first person POV. The result is that Seaton has to give us mini lectures. I'm not much of a fan of two-people 1st person but this novel would have been easier to both write and read if a second narrator who was Irish had told half of it, allowing Seaton to be the confused and manipulated outsider.
The other issue (and David Cressy talks about it in his book Travesties and Transgressions and the nature of evidence) is that Seaton is positioned as a questioner of his society, and I think I'd have preferred him as a thoroughly immersed beneficiary, who showed us his society's flaws in what he didn't notice.
On the whole, well worth reading because this is a much neglected period, but you can see the improvement in the next set of books.
In book one we meet Alexander Seaton who is labouring under profound guilt and his career as a minister has been wrecked. We eventually realise it's because he slept with his true love when she was about to be sent away to be married, but when she offered to elope with him, he balked. So he's both broken the rubrics of his Puritan society and is a bit of a cad.
But when a murder happens and his closest friend is implicated he gets caught up in the investigation, begins to fall in love with a woman who has been raped and left pregnant--which he takes as a form of absolution--and discovers that people do care for him.
In book two he gets sent to Ireland to sort out family matters, and in book three he has a Death in the Library mystery to resolve.
Why don't the books quite work for me?
First, I think because MacLean has hidden too much and leaks things too slowly. This isn't about wanting to be able to guess the endings, although there is an element of that, but more that when the murderers are revealed, we lack any emotional investment in either them--or, because they are often too vaguely pencilled in--the wrongly accused. There is a lack of focus on those minor characters that undermines the books.
With the Irish book MacLean has simply tried to pack too much in and tried to do it with a first person POV. The result is that Seaton has to give us mini lectures. I'm not much of a fan of two-people 1st person but this novel would have been easier to both write and read if a second narrator who was Irish had told half of it, allowing Seaton to be the confused and manipulated outsider.
The other issue (and David Cressy talks about it in his book Travesties and Transgressions and the nature of evidence) is that Seaton is positioned as a questioner of his society, and I think I'd have preferred him as a thoroughly immersed beneficiary, who showed us his society's flaws in what he didn't notice.
On the whole, well worth reading because this is a much neglected period, but you can see the improvement in the next set of books.
October 20, 2022
1626 in Banff, a village in Scotland, its nearest big town is Aberdeen. Alexander Seaton grew up here and was planning on being accepted as its Minister but was disgraced and relieved of his expected position due to fornication, the force of the charge was by his benefactor, the Earl of Delgatie. The girl he disgraced was Katherine Hays (Earl's daughter and sister to his dead war~hero best friend)... he should have stood by her but the stupid man rejected her offer that together they would face whatever the town would throw at them. The self~righteous son of a gun left Katherine to face her own shame and was packed~off to marry a sexagenarian in the back of beyond and oblivion. Seaton lost most of the people's trust with a few exceptions and almost died... when he was restored to health he took a teaching position as a second schoolmaster. A lowly position unequal to his talents and abilities leaving him unfulfilled professionally and intellectually. Until a young and promising apothecary's apprentice and gifted cartographer as well as botanist died in agony at his teacher's desk one mean dark and stormy night. A failed Samaritan in Davidson's death and how he dealt with his guilt and other emotional issues, as well as his need for redemption plus wanting to help his fellow schoolteacher from being hanged for Davidson's death would be Seaton's road to his own epiphany while in the process of probing as yet another tragic death and related events including other heart~wrenching situations as the story unfolds. Good insight into the human psyche as well as an engrossing read.
May 4, 2021
One of my favourite historical novels since January! Set in NE Scotland in 1626, this story depicts a detailed life of those times in Scotland where religion played a major role in daily life. Religion is hence very much part of the novel revealing a complex plot. I revelled in the atmospheric descriptions of foggy, weather battered Scotland's landscape. You will not find much action here, but much to think about! Interesting characters with fascinating hobbies (botany, map drawing) have steadily kept my attention. The murderer is only revealed at the end, and their motives take the reader on a journey of love, or is it treason to the country? Does religion play a role in the crime? I enjoyed the conclusion and will read all books of the series!
September 21, 2009
Very good. Setting – Banff, Scotland, 1626. Our protagonist is a young man with a deeply troubling past. He is working as a schoolmaster but we soon find out he was almost made a minister of The Kirk until something terrible happened. He is, to some extent, pulled from his despair by the shocking death of a young relative of the provost of the town and the arrest of one of his own few friends for the deed. This is a tale well told. I enjoyed the setting and the characters and did not guess the malefactor’s identity. The personal, social and political expressions of the religious intensity of the times are excellently presented and very absorbing.
December 21, 2019
This was very good. It has interesting, believeable characters and and engaging plot. It explores real issues and emotions without distracting from a fairly fast-paced narrative. The central character is very engaging and I found him, and his struggles and doubts, pretty easy to relate to. At first, I wasn't keen on the book going back in time every so often, but after a while I got used to it and MacLean weaves in the different time-settings very well.
I've been enjoying S.G. MacLean's "Seeker" series for a while, and this earlier series seems to be just as good (judging from this book, which is the first one). I look forward to reading the second in the series soon.
I've been enjoying S.G. MacLean's "Seeker" series for a while, and this earlier series seems to be just as good (judging from this book, which is the first one). I look forward to reading the second in the series soon.
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