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Damian Seeker #3
Destroying Angel
'A gripping tale of crime and sedition' Sunday Times on The Black Friar
'The best historical crime novel of the year' Sunday Express on The Seeker
Captain Damian Seeker has gone north. Charged with preparing the way for the rule of the major-generals, he is now under the command of Colonel Robert Lilburne at York. But when Lilburne orders him to a small village on the North York moors with details of the stringent new anti-Royalist laws, Seeker finds that what should be a routine visit will reveal a plot to rival anything in scheming London
An invitation to dinner at the house of local businessman Matthew Pullan lifts the lid on the bubbling cauldron of grudges and resentment that is Faithly village. The local constable, drunk on the tiny bit of power he holds, using it to avenge old resentments. The hated lord of the manor, the last of a staunchly Royalist family who has managed to avoid suspicion of treachery - for now. The vicar on trial for his job and his home, accused of ungodly acts. And the Pullans themselves, proudly Puritan but disillusioned with Cromwell's government, respected and despised in Faithly in equal measure. The man for whom this unlikely gathering was organised - The Trier, the enforcer of Puritan morality for the local villages - hasn't shown up. And by the end of the night, on of those gathered around Matthew Pullan's table will be fatally poisoned.
Seeker must find out the motive behind the death - mushroom misidentification, petty revenge, or part of a larger plot against Cromwell's government in the north? But who in Faithly, if anyone, can he trust? And when the most painful part of his past reappears after eleven years, will the Seeker meet his match?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2018
213 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 12, 2018
It’s 1655, and the third in the ‘Seeker’ series sees Captain Damien Seeker, guard and protector of Oliver Cromwell, sent north from his home in London to work under York based Major General Lilburne. His orders are to enforce new anti royalist laws, and he finds himself in the village of Faithly on the North Yorkshire Moors. Faithly is a place of suspicion, secrets and rumours - where memories are long and grudges even longer!
Seeker accepts an invitation to dinner at local businessman Matthew Pullan’s home, and discovers for himself just what a hotbed of simmering tensions the village of Faithly is. The local Constable exaggerates his power and uses it to avenge past slights - the Royalist lord of the manor is under suspicion for treachery- Faithly’s vicar is on trial for ungodly acts - and host Matthew Pullan and his family (though strict Puritans) are disillusioned with Cromwell and are loved and hated in equal measure within the village. However, this evening of dining will end with one of the guests being poisoned, and it falls to Seeker to discover who the killer is, and also whether the victim was actually the one for whom the poison was intended.
The third in the series has lost none of it’s sheen, it’s so rich in its description of this period in history, and the brooding but magnificent North Yorkshire Moors provides a terrific backdrop. The author continues to develop the character of Captain Seeker, and though he’s a fearsome and forbidding man (especially to those who would oppose Cromwell ) he remains extremely charismatic to the reader. Seeker’s position ensures that he has many enemies, but those close to him, will, on occasion, see the real heart of the man. What can I say that I haven’t already said in previous reviews for the excellent ‘Seeker’ series? I just love it, and if you love historical fiction then ‘seek’ no further!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus books for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Seeker accepts an invitation to dinner at local businessman Matthew Pullan’s home, and discovers for himself just what a hotbed of simmering tensions the village of Faithly is. The local Constable exaggerates his power and uses it to avenge past slights - the Royalist lord of the manor is under suspicion for treachery- Faithly’s vicar is on trial for ungodly acts - and host Matthew Pullan and his family (though strict Puritans) are disillusioned with Cromwell and are loved and hated in equal measure within the village. However, this evening of dining will end with one of the guests being poisoned, and it falls to Seeker to discover who the killer is, and also whether the victim was actually the one for whom the poison was intended.
The third in the series has lost none of it’s sheen, it’s so rich in its description of this period in history, and the brooding but magnificent North Yorkshire Moors provides a terrific backdrop. The author continues to develop the character of Captain Seeker, and though he’s a fearsome and forbidding man (especially to those who would oppose Cromwell ) he remains extremely charismatic to the reader. Seeker’s position ensures that he has many enemies, but those close to him, will, on occasion, see the real heart of the man. What can I say that I haven’t already said in previous reviews for the excellent ‘Seeker’ series? I just love it, and if you love historical fiction then ‘seek’ no further!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus books for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
July 3, 2018
I have adored this historical series, set in Cromwell's England featuring the much feared and respected Damian Seeker, right from the beginning and I love this latest installment. Seeker lives in London but is a man from the north with a troubled personal history. His wife, Felicity, left him for another man and took his daughter, Manon, and disappeared with her. It is 1655, Seeker, a prominent member of Cromwell's Guard, has been sent to York by Secretary Thurloe, working under Major-General Robert Lilburne. Lilburne sends him to the small village of Faithly with details of the draconian new anti-Royalist laws presaging the rule of the Major-Generals. Faithly turns out to be a frothing hotbed of intrigue, plots, rumours, spite, bile, resentment and grudges. Upon being invited to dinner at the Puritan commissioner and local businessman Matthew Pullen's home, a young girl, Gwendolen, the subject of rumours that she is a witch, is fatally poisoned with all the symptoms of a deadly fungi, the destroying angel.
The three ejectors of Faithly, particularly smith Abel Sharrock, are using their position of power to spread fear and lies. The trier, Caleb Turner, has been called to rule on the local vicar's apparent transgressions and ungodly acts at The Black Bull, heralding excitement and fear in equal measure. Seeker is additionally seeking information on Thomas Faithly, a staunch royalist who is suspected of having returned to England. His brother, Sir Edward Faithly, is the local JP, a man much despised, seen as cowardly in not fighting for the King, but for this reason has been left alone so far by the Parliamentarians. A little digging by Seeker reveals that Edward is in dire financial straits and is surprisingly being propped up financially by Matthew Pullen, who installed Lawrence Ingolby to manage his finances. As Seeker faces the toughest test of his skills and abilities, he wonders if Gwendolen's death was accidental, and the real target had been someone else. In this story of murder, in an England which has become a place for men of guile, Seeker is confronted by his past and all the dangers it brings with it.
In this brilliant addition to this fantastic series, MacLean adds layers of depth to the enigmatic Damian Seeker, his background and traumatic history is revealed, his troubled sleep, and his desperation to find his daughter, Manon. The author shows a real talent for character development, making Seeker such a compelling central character, compassionate and fearsome, with a close circle of friends he can rely on. However, his enemies are numerous, ruthless, willing to use any lever to bring him down or do away with him. This is an atmospheric read, where the historical period is rich in descriptions and attitudes of the time. Simply superb and highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
The three ejectors of Faithly, particularly smith Abel Sharrock, are using their position of power to spread fear and lies. The trier, Caleb Turner, has been called to rule on the local vicar's apparent transgressions and ungodly acts at The Black Bull, heralding excitement and fear in equal measure. Seeker is additionally seeking information on Thomas Faithly, a staunch royalist who is suspected of having returned to England. His brother, Sir Edward Faithly, is the local JP, a man much despised, seen as cowardly in not fighting for the King, but for this reason has been left alone so far by the Parliamentarians. A little digging by Seeker reveals that Edward is in dire financial straits and is surprisingly being propped up financially by Matthew Pullen, who installed Lawrence Ingolby to manage his finances. As Seeker faces the toughest test of his skills and abilities, he wonders if Gwendolen's death was accidental, and the real target had been someone else. In this story of murder, in an England which has become a place for men of guile, Seeker is confronted by his past and all the dangers it brings with it.
In this brilliant addition to this fantastic series, MacLean adds layers of depth to the enigmatic Damian Seeker, his background and traumatic history is revealed, his troubled sleep, and his desperation to find his daughter, Manon. The author shows a real talent for character development, making Seeker such a compelling central character, compassionate and fearsome, with a close circle of friends he can rely on. However, his enemies are numerous, ruthless, willing to use any lever to bring him down or do away with him. This is an atmospheric read, where the historical period is rich in descriptions and attitudes of the time. Simply superb and highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
May 6, 2023
Not sure if I would have enjoyed life in the Commonwealth, and that is partly due to the often intimidating regime portrayed in this moody atmospheric novel set in Yorkshire. Well plotted, rich in historic detail and full of interesting characters carrying secrets.
June 24, 2020
Best one yet!
March 26, 2019
This fascinating book, which is part 3 of the "Captain Seeker" series, is another thrilling adventure from the author S.G. Maclean.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of "Seeker's York", simply because York and also its surroundings are the main places where this wonderful mystery is situated.
At the end of the book you'll be presented with an informative Author's Note, about places and buildings that are still existing in York and which are featuring in this fantastic tale.
Story-telling is once again of a top-notch quality, the characters come all vividly to life within this amazing gripping mystery, and the dark and brooding atmosphere in York and surrounding places in this period of history come superbly off the pages.
The story is set in the year AD 1655, and as said before our main fictional character, Damian Seeker, now finds himself in the city of York and surrounding areas, like North Riding, and its there where his skills as an investigator, to find the truth in this murder mystery, will be tested to the limit.
The book starts with an intriguing prologue, with on the one hand the escape of Thomas Faithly, a Royalist, and on the other the description of "destroying angels", meaning "deadly fungi", and both will play a significant part in this story.
At first Damian Seeker has to deal with the murder, through poisoning, of the girl, Gwendolen Sorsby, in the village of Faithly, and secondly he will also encounter his arch-enemy, Caleb Turner, originally Thomas Hungerford, who's sitting as trier in cases against people of Faithly, and not forget his ex-wife, Felicity, and they are very important in his quest to find the whereabouts of his daughter, Manon.
What will follow in the first place is the identity of the poisoner of Gwendolen Sorsby, and by using all his wits and determination and after some twists and turns will finally reveal itself in a gripping fashion.
The second case of his daughter will be solved after a long and hard struggle, and where scores will definitely be settled, one with a flight and another with a death, before he can finally take his daughter, Manon, home.
Highly recommended, for this book is for certain a glorious sequel in this great and fantastic series, and what this book is concerned I like to call it: "Another Seeker Triumphant Search"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of "Seeker's York", simply because York and also its surroundings are the main places where this wonderful mystery is situated.
At the end of the book you'll be presented with an informative Author's Note, about places and buildings that are still existing in York and which are featuring in this fantastic tale.
Story-telling is once again of a top-notch quality, the characters come all vividly to life within this amazing gripping mystery, and the dark and brooding atmosphere in York and surrounding places in this period of history come superbly off the pages.
The story is set in the year AD 1655, and as said before our main fictional character, Damian Seeker, now finds himself in the city of York and surrounding areas, like North Riding, and its there where his skills as an investigator, to find the truth in this murder mystery, will be tested to the limit.
The book starts with an intriguing prologue, with on the one hand the escape of Thomas Faithly, a Royalist, and on the other the description of "destroying angels", meaning "deadly fungi", and both will play a significant part in this story.
At first Damian Seeker has to deal with the murder, through poisoning, of the girl, Gwendolen Sorsby, in the village of Faithly, and secondly he will also encounter his arch-enemy, Caleb Turner, originally Thomas Hungerford, who's sitting as trier in cases against people of Faithly, and not forget his ex-wife, Felicity, and they are very important in his quest to find the whereabouts of his daughter, Manon.
What will follow in the first place is the identity of the poisoner of Gwendolen Sorsby, and by using all his wits and determination and after some twists and turns will finally reveal itself in a gripping fashion.
The second case of his daughter will be solved after a long and hard struggle, and where scores will definitely be settled, one with a flight and another with a death, before he can finally take his daughter, Manon, home.
Highly recommended, for this book is for certain a glorious sequel in this great and fantastic series, and what this book is concerned I like to call it: "Another Seeker Triumphant Search"!
October 20, 2019
Enjoying this series and seeker heads up to york and north riding in search of a royalist traitor. Many twists in this novel
October 6, 2022
1655 and Damien Seeker is ordered North to Yorke to carry out assistance for new courts of enquiry Cromwell has ordained to keep the Royalists and others in line.
Lady Ann Winter makes her presence felt for she’s been banished to this area. Damien is sent to ensure that the “trier” will have his support.
What he finds there is the death of a young girl, a story of vengeance as old as the hills, and a surprise that enrages him. He who’s so calm is maddened beyond belief.
Another enthralling tale in this series.
Lady Ann Winter makes her presence felt for she’s been banished to this area. Damien is sent to ensure that the “trier” will have his support.
What he finds there is the death of a young girl, a story of vengeance as old as the hills, and a surprise that enrages him. He who’s so calm is maddened beyond belief.
Another enthralling tale in this series.
September 16, 2024
Another strong offering in this series.
The England under Oliver Cromwell's protectorate is becoming a more and more dismal place to live. The restrictions, rules, and regulations that closed theaters, cancelled county fairs, etc. have left the populace almost no legal way to have fun and forget their woes. Neighbors have been encouraged to spy on other neighbors and to report any 'ungodly' attitudes or actions observed. No wonder there is an undercurrent of unrest throughout the country. Of course, the unrest needs to be tamped down lest it lead to an attempt to reinstall the monarchy.
Damian Seeker has been sent north to Yorkshire to quell these stirrings of rebellion against Cromwell.
Seeker also has a personal interest to look after while he's up north. His two missions cross paths in a most unexpected way, leaving Seeker trying to maintain his devotion to duty, while also trying to get answers to a very important personal question.
There are several mysteries to entertain the reader and worry Seeker. At an important dinner, a young girl dies from eating poisoned mushroom soup, but who would want her dead? If the tainted dish was placed before her in error, was Seeker the intended target? A royalist spy is known to have come north but where is he? His local family denies all knowledge of his whereabouts. Are they lying? Plus a whole lot of local politics muddying the waters. Poor Seeker! He would much rather be back in London.
There are a few bright spots to lighten the story, but it is overall rather somber. But fascinating to me, as my knowledge of the intricacies of Cromwell's rule is not deep. The reader, of course, is at an advantage here. They know (or can quickly learn) what is coming next for Seeker's England. It is this knowledge that gives these books their tension and ratchets up the sense of impending doom. This is very good historical fiction, if not exactly a comfortable read.
The England under Oliver Cromwell's protectorate is becoming a more and more dismal place to live. The restrictions, rules, and regulations that closed theaters, cancelled county fairs, etc. have left the populace almost no legal way to have fun and forget their woes. Neighbors have been encouraged to spy on other neighbors and to report any 'ungodly' attitudes or actions observed. No wonder there is an undercurrent of unrest throughout the country. Of course, the unrest needs to be tamped down lest it lead to an attempt to reinstall the monarchy.
Damian Seeker has been sent north to Yorkshire to quell these stirrings of rebellion against Cromwell.
Seeker also has a personal interest to look after while he's up north. His two missions cross paths in a most unexpected way, leaving Seeker trying to maintain his devotion to duty, while also trying to get answers to a very important personal question.
There are several mysteries to entertain the reader and worry Seeker. At an important dinner, a young girl dies from eating poisoned mushroom soup, but who would want her dead? If the tainted dish was placed before her in error, was Seeker the intended target? A royalist spy is known to have come north but where is he? His local family denies all knowledge of his whereabouts. Are they lying? Plus a whole lot of local politics muddying the waters. Poor Seeker! He would much rather be back in London.
There are a few bright spots to lighten the story, but it is overall rather somber. But fascinating to me, as my knowledge of the intricacies of Cromwell's rule is not deep. The reader, of course, is at an advantage here. They know (or can quickly learn) what is coming next for Seeker's England. It is this knowledge that gives these books their tension and ratchets up the sense of impending doom. This is very good historical fiction, if not exactly a comfortable read.
July 9, 2018
I absolutely adore this series and was so happy when Quercus gave me an arc via Netgalley. So much of historical fiction seems to be centred on the Tudors or the Victorians, so how refreshing is it, that this series is set during Cromwell's doomed Commonwealth. Seeker is a Captain in the New Model Army, enforcing the Protectorate's ideals and hunting down royalist plots to bring the Stuarts back to the throne. Seeker is a wonderfully complex character. And once again in this book, we can see this wonderfully, where his personal life and his job are brought to close for comfort. The setting in Yorkshire really comes alive, the historic detail is wonderful, but MacLean does not let her historian training derail her into writing a history, but instead she uses it to tell us a brilliant story of political plots, human depravity and deception. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
July 18, 2018
This is such a good series and I think I have a bit of a crush on Damian Seeker as he goes about Cromwell's business during the rather unhappy period of the 1650s' Commonwealth. This time, trouble takes him to the north Yorkshire moors and, not surprisingly for Seeker, it soon becomes personal. I really enjoyed this, especially the first half, with its fine historical detail and moody atmosphere, helped along here with the wonderful location. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
March 31, 2022
The third in the Damian Seeker series and, so far, my favorite one.
September 17, 2018
Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord
The third Seeker novel takes Cromwell’s enforcer back to his home territory of Yorkshire, where he is to investigate the suspected return of a Royalist sympathizer from exile, perhaps to raise a new revolt against the Commonwealth. As Seeker gets involved things become much more complicated, including the murder of a girl accused of witchcraft and the reappearance of individuals from Seeker’s own past.
This is an elegant, carefully written mystery which packs a good number of satisfying shocks and surprises. Some characters from the previous volumes, including Lady Anne Winter, make their contributions. Some of the mysteries of Seeker’s own past life are revealed and he becomes a more vulnerable and understandable character as a result.
The third Seeker novel takes Cromwell’s enforcer back to his home territory of Yorkshire, where he is to investigate the suspected return of a Royalist sympathizer from exile, perhaps to raise a new revolt against the Commonwealth. As Seeker gets involved things become much more complicated, including the murder of a girl accused of witchcraft and the reappearance of individuals from Seeker’s own past.
This is an elegant, carefully written mystery which packs a good number of satisfying shocks and surprises. Some characters from the previous volumes, including Lady Anne Winter, make their contributions. Some of the mysteries of Seeker’s own past life are revealed and he becomes a more vulnerable and understandable character as a result.
March 27, 2020
High quality historical drama as The Seeker goes to Yorkshire to hunt Royalists, solve a murder and finally find out the truth about his former wife and missing daughter. Excellent story, great characters, wonderfully written.
April 13, 2021
I really enjoy this series and as it was set in York (which I know quite well) it was interesting to know where things were set. Another well written and good read from this author.
November 27, 2023
This is the third book in Shona MacLean's excellent 'Seeker' series. Like the others, it is set in the time of Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate and like before, it reflects the uncertainties and challenges of the time. The country has not moved smoothly from King to Cromwell and there are many who publicly and privately hanker after the old regime.
Seeker has been sent to North Yorkshire, a place from which he fled a decade earlier. It is clear as well as his official duties, he also has private unfinished business too.
Seeker moves from York to the moors and to the village of Faithly. Here, a young woman is poisoned at a dinner for local dignitaries, although it is not entirely clear she was the intended victim. Cromwell and Parliament's rule is pretty rudimentary this far from London and local officials have their own grievances to air. Seeker has to track murderers, seek Royalists, uncover plots and sort out his private live against a background in which everyone has a secret to hide.
Another very enjoyable read.
Seeker has been sent to North Yorkshire, a place from which he fled a decade earlier. It is clear as well as his official duties, he also has private unfinished business too.
Seeker moves from York to the moors and to the village of Faithly. Here, a young woman is poisoned at a dinner for local dignitaries, although it is not entirely clear she was the intended victim. Cromwell and Parliament's rule is pretty rudimentary this far from London and local officials have their own grievances to air. Seeker has to track murderers, seek Royalists, uncover plots and sort out his private live against a background in which everyone has a secret to hide.
Another very enjoyable read.
July 31, 2025
This turned out to be an extremely good read. Damian is inYork on Thurloes business looking out for Royalist sympathisers when he comes across an old foe and his ex wife. This takes him on the search for his daughter who he hasn't seen for 11 years. The story highlighters the impact that the Commonwealth under Cromwell impacted of the every day life of the country and the religious practises that were firmly of a Puriton nature. I like Damiens character , a man who knows what he is after and has the authority to carry it out. On to the next episode. 5 stars.
June 19, 2019
A very enjoyable and satisfying read. I liked the fact that York and the North Yorkshire moors were the setting for this story.
I’m hugely enthralled by the Damien Seeker series. Can’t wait for the next instalment which is due next month.
I’m hugely enthralled by the Damien Seeker series. Can’t wait for the next instalment which is due next month.
January 11, 2025
Took a while to get going but once it did, was once again a tremendous story. Lots of twists and unexpected turns. Looking forward to the next one.
April 22, 2024
Another in the series that I could not put down. The characters get stronger, the story is fresh and exciting, what’s not to love?
March 22, 2022
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
September 9, 2023
Seeker returns to his native Yorkshire in this one. There are still plenty of secrets and plots for him to sort out and he also takes the opportunity to search for his long-lost daughter.
May 31, 2020
Absolutely marvellous book. I listened to this on Audible rather than read it. I'd listened to the previous two books in the series and enjoyed them so looked forward to hearing/reading this third one. This story was really good, I could actually feel the frustration the Seeker felt dealing with some of the characters in the story...I was almost shouting "oh come on! out with it!"...it was an exhilarating and all consuming read/listen. The author has revealed more about Seeker which further informs his backstory and develops our understanding of his character. If I had been reading rather than listening I wouldn't have been able to put it down.
June 16, 2019
Very Enjoyable. Superb writing. Great story
I always enjoy historical novels but only when they are meticulously researched and SG always ensures this is so. The writing style is slightly unusual but once you learn her rhythm you can lose yourself for hours, which is in some ways disappointing as the book is finished too quickly.
I always enjoy historical novels but only when they are meticulously researched and SG always ensures this is so. The writing style is slightly unusual but once you learn her rhythm you can lose yourself for hours, which is in some ways disappointing as the book is finished too quickly.
December 2, 2019
This is the 3rd in the Seeker series and they just keep getting better. Seeker is in Yorkshire where he's sent to arrest the royalist brother of the local lord. But seeker finds a village with secrets and plots. A constable puffed up with his own importance, a vicar enjoying too much of the good life and a local girl dead.On top on this Seeker is forced to confront his past. Wonderful read.
December 30, 2020
Seeker is now in the north, which provides a different feel for this book that I really enjoyed. MacLean writes with great authenticity about the rural characters and lifestyle. The mystery felt more straightforward in this one, which I enjoyed. These books are always a treat.
April 10, 2025
Although this book, the third in the Damian Seeker series, won the prestigious Cloak and Dagger Award, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous two. It may be that I missed the London setting and some of the London characters.
Seeker has been sent up to Yorkshire, the place where he grew up, to find Thomas Faithly, a Royalist and favorite of Charles Stuart (son of the executed king, Charles I). Faithly had been captured but was freed by a coach attack en route to prison. Seeker is sent to find him and also to help root out Royalists in the area. When he arrives in a small town near Faithly manor, he finds the citizens all focused on the arrival of a trier, a kind of itinerant judge sent to hear evidence against the local minister/teacher who apparently isn't doing his job by the new standards set by Cromwell. Bess Pullam, mother of the local commissioner, is busy preparing a meal for the visiting trier and his wife, and she invites Damian to join them. The trier never shows up, but the day after the meal, Bess's young ward suddenly falls ill and dies. Seeker suspects foul play, but if everyone ate the same soup as young Gwendolyn, how could she have been poisoned? And who would do such a thing, and why?
As in the other books in the series, MacLean gives us a lot of fascinating characters. There's the local wise woman, whom people call mad but nonetheless call upon when they need a midwife or doctoring. The local busybody and her constable husband. Edward Faithly, older brother of the escapee, and his disinterested wife. The minister, a dandy with an eye for the ladies. And the trier and his wife, both of whom Damian has known in his past.
The book ends up with Damian back in London, where the fourth installment picks up. I have to say, I'm glad to be back there! I did enjoy Destroying Angels--just not quite as much as the last two books. On to The Bear Pit!
Seeker has been sent up to Yorkshire, the place where he grew up, to find Thomas Faithly, a Royalist and favorite of Charles Stuart (son of the executed king, Charles I). Faithly had been captured but was freed by a coach attack en route to prison. Seeker is sent to find him and also to help root out Royalists in the area. When he arrives in a small town near Faithly manor, he finds the citizens all focused on the arrival of a trier, a kind of itinerant judge sent to hear evidence against the local minister/teacher who apparently isn't doing his job by the new standards set by Cromwell. Bess Pullam, mother of the local commissioner, is busy preparing a meal for the visiting trier and his wife, and she invites Damian to join them. The trier never shows up, but the day after the meal, Bess's young ward suddenly falls ill and dies. Seeker suspects foul play, but if everyone ate the same soup as young Gwendolyn, how could she have been poisoned? And who would do such a thing, and why?
As in the other books in the series, MacLean gives us a lot of fascinating characters. There's the local wise woman, whom people call mad but nonetheless call upon when they need a midwife or doctoring. The local busybody and her constable husband. Edward Faithly, older brother of the escapee, and his disinterested wife. The minister, a dandy with an eye for the ladies. And the trier and his wife, both of whom Damian has known in his past.
The book ends up with Damian back in London, where the fourth installment picks up. I have to say, I'm glad to be back there! I did enjoy Destroying Angels--just not quite as much as the last two books. On to The Bear Pit!
August 2, 2018
I received a copy of Destroying Angel from Hachette Australia to review.
Destroying Angel is a fantastic and incredibly enjoyable novel that serves as an outstanding and powerful new addition to MacLean’s Captain Seeker series, combining several captivating mysteries with an outstanding and rarely utilised historical setting. Readers will find so much to love about this book, which is historical murder mystery at its very best.
It is 1655, a time of great change for England. Oliver Crowell’s forces have cleared the Royalist armies from England, and exiled the King and his court to the continent. The country is now in the grip of Puritan morals and the rule of Cromwell’s major-generals.
In York, Captain Damian Seeker of Cromwell’s army is responsible for hunting down Royalist elements hiding within the country and quelling dissent against the new regime. His latest mission requires him to journey to the small village of Faithly on the Yorkshire moors to deliver the government’s new laws and ordinances and inspect the area for traitors. In addition, a fugitive member of the King’s exiled court may have returned to his family estates near Faithly, and Seeker is charged with searching the village and the surrounding countryside.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 2 August 2018:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Destroying Angel is a fantastic and incredibly enjoyable novel that serves as an outstanding and powerful new addition to MacLean’s Captain Seeker series, combining several captivating mysteries with an outstanding and rarely utilised historical setting. Readers will find so much to love about this book, which is historical murder mystery at its very best.
It is 1655, a time of great change for England. Oliver Crowell’s forces have cleared the Royalist armies from England, and exiled the King and his court to the continent. The country is now in the grip of Puritan morals and the rule of Cromwell’s major-generals.
In York, Captain Damian Seeker of Cromwell’s army is responsible for hunting down Royalist elements hiding within the country and quelling dissent against the new regime. His latest mission requires him to journey to the small village of Faithly on the Yorkshire moors to deliver the government’s new laws and ordinances and inspect the area for traitors. In addition, a fugitive member of the King’s exiled court may have returned to his family estates near Faithly, and Seeker is charged with searching the village and the surrounding countryside.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 2 August 2018:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
March 22, 2022
Destroying Angel (Damian Seeker #3)
by S.G. Maclean
I loved this book even though some of it shocked me. I did not realise just how scary living under Cromwell or any of the rulers at this period of history. This book tells a story of Seekers Yorkshire, my Yorkshire, I would hate to think I would spy on my neighbour's or not work out issues personally.
Damian Seeker's third book takes him on to the Yorkshire moors and into a village full of tension.
Based in York for the duration Seeker is tasked with the hunt for a known Royalist supposed to hiding in the village of Faithly (not real) Thomas Faithly has been abroad with Charles Stuart living life in comfort but for whatever reason there are rumours that he has returned. The family home is being run by his brother Edward Faithly and his wife Emma. What Seeker see's is hate and fear and he wants to know why.
William Pullen his Mother and the girls that help than run the house are hiding something but what. As Seeker arrives on the door step there is a 'Trier' and his wife arriving in the village to try the vicar (priest) what ever they are called to see if he is fit for the job.
S.G.Maclean weaves a very clever web and even though the story shows a side of England I personally would have hated to live in I found the story gripping and could not put the book down.
We see Seekers life laid out before he was working for Thurloe as a spy keeping an eye out for people looking to kill or maim Cromwell.
A very readable book dropping history into the fiction of the book
by S.G. Maclean
I loved this book even though some of it shocked me. I did not realise just how scary living under Cromwell or any of the rulers at this period of history. This book tells a story of Seekers Yorkshire, my Yorkshire, I would hate to think I would spy on my neighbour's or not work out issues personally.
Damian Seeker's third book takes him on to the Yorkshire moors and into a village full of tension.
Based in York for the duration Seeker is tasked with the hunt for a known Royalist supposed to hiding in the village of Faithly (not real) Thomas Faithly has been abroad with Charles Stuart living life in comfort but for whatever reason there are rumours that he has returned. The family home is being run by his brother Edward Faithly and his wife Emma. What Seeker see's is hate and fear and he wants to know why.
William Pullen his Mother and the girls that help than run the house are hiding something but what. As Seeker arrives on the door step there is a 'Trier' and his wife arriving in the village to try the vicar (priest) what ever they are called to see if he is fit for the job.
S.G.Maclean weaves a very clever web and even though the story shows a side of England I personally would have hated to live in I found the story gripping and could not put the book down.
We see Seekers life laid out before he was working for Thurloe as a spy keeping an eye out for people looking to kill or maim Cromwell.
A very readable book dropping history into the fiction of the book
July 3, 2018
This series continues to bring the Protectorate government of England and Captain Damien Seeker together,as Seeker is sent to Yorkshire to present details of new anti- Royalist laws and taxation system to Faithly,a small village,that appears to be a hot bed of resentment,intrigue and talk of witchcraft. When Damien is invited to the house of Matthew Pullen,the local Puritan commissioner,a young girl,Gwendolen,is fatally poisoned with the fungus Destroying Angel.
A trier is in town to prosecute the local vicar,and Damien recognises him as an old enemy. Caleb Turner was previously known as Hungerford,who stole Damien's wife from him,and she took his daughter as well. Damien has to try to find his daughter,Manon,try to find out who is responsible for the murder of Gwendolen and search out those who are disloyal to Cromwell,and want to see Bonnie Prince Charlie on the throne.
This book becomes deeply personal for Damien as his past threatens both his future happiness,and any prospect of being reunited with Manon.
It is a very descriptive read,full of historical detail of the time,and conveys a real sense of danger. This series shows no signs of flagging, the freshness and complexity of the story is marvellous. Damien has shown more of his troubled personality in this chapter,and he relies more heavily upon loyal friends this time,even though they don't always feel appreciated. It is a heavily atmospheric read and a real page turner. I am so enjoying this series!
A trier is in town to prosecute the local vicar,and Damien recognises him as an old enemy. Caleb Turner was previously known as Hungerford,who stole Damien's wife from him,and she took his daughter as well. Damien has to try to find his daughter,Manon,try to find out who is responsible for the murder of Gwendolen and search out those who are disloyal to Cromwell,and want to see Bonnie Prince Charlie on the throne.
This book becomes deeply personal for Damien as his past threatens both his future happiness,and any prospect of being reunited with Manon.
It is a very descriptive read,full of historical detail of the time,and conveys a real sense of danger. This series shows no signs of flagging, the freshness and complexity of the story is marvellous. Damien has shown more of his troubled personality in this chapter,and he relies more heavily upon loyal friends this time,even though they don't always feel appreciated. It is a heavily atmospheric read and a real page turner. I am so enjoying this series!
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April 14, 2022The third book in the Damien Seeker series. I didn’t think this was quite as good as the second book, but still an intriguing mystery set in Oliver Cromwell’s day.
Seeker is sent from London to the Yorkshire village of Faithly, just near York, to investigate a wanted Royalist who is thought to have returned from hiding on the continent. Other things are going on that divert his attention. A young girl is poisoned and eventually dies, which has Seeker believing that there is a murderer to be sought. A ‘Trier’ has arrived to lay judgement on a local priest who has been sinful and is not seen fit to guide his parishioners, the ‘Trier’ is actually not the person who he claims to be. Also, Seeker meets up with his estranged wife who he has not seen for eleven years and is passing herself off as the ‘Trier’s’ wife, he realises that now he might be able to find his daughter Manon, who will now be 14 yrs old. With this we learn some things about Damien’s past.
There are quite a few twists, turns and stumbling blocks as Seeker tries to solve the many problems thrown in his way, but the tale moves on at a good pace and although Seeker is still a very moody man, he doesn’t seem to be quite as dark as before.
However, still a very good read and a worthy 4/5.
Seeker is sent from London to the Yorkshire village of Faithly, just near York, to investigate a wanted Royalist who is thought to have returned from hiding on the continent. Other things are going on that divert his attention. A young girl is poisoned and eventually dies, which has Seeker believing that there is a murderer to be sought. A ‘Trier’ has arrived to lay judgement on a local priest who has been sinful and is not seen fit to guide his parishioners, the ‘Trier’ is actually not the person who he claims to be. Also, Seeker meets up with his estranged wife who he has not seen for eleven years and is passing herself off as the ‘Trier’s’ wife, he realises that now he might be able to find his daughter Manon, who will now be 14 yrs old. With this we learn some things about Damien’s past.
There are quite a few twists, turns and stumbling blocks as Seeker tries to solve the many problems thrown in his way, but the tale moves on at a good pace and although Seeker is still a very moody man, he doesn’t seem to be quite as dark as before.
However, still a very good read and a worthy 4/5.
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