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Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary
Samuel Pepys has been keeping a diary for ten years; a diary that tells of his life at the court of Charles II. And of his own marital indiscretions.
Now it has been stolen, along with his wife’s favourite locket. Samuel must get it back, or he might lose his head in the Tower. He will certainly lose his wife, who thinks he’s given her locket to his latest mistress.
Together with his best friend, Will Hewer, he embarks on a quest to recover
the lost items, leading him to the dark heart of a treacherous and corrupt Restoration London.
Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary is a laugh out loud romp through the filthy streets of London, where hackney drivers boast of having the best seats for a hangin’ and the poet laureate Dryden rewrites his plays for the highest bidder. Filled with historical colour and clever plot turns, you’ll be cheering for Samuel and Will well after the last page is turned.
Based on his famous diaries, this novel is the first of a new series.
Samuel Investigator.
Now it has been stolen, along with his wife’s favourite locket. Samuel must get it back, or he might lose his head in the Tower. He will certainly lose his wife, who thinks he’s given her locket to his latest mistress.
Together with his best friend, Will Hewer, he embarks on a quest to recover
the lost items, leading him to the dark heart of a treacherous and corrupt Restoration London.
Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary is a laugh out loud romp through the filthy streets of London, where hackney drivers boast of having the best seats for a hangin’ and the poet laureate Dryden rewrites his plays for the highest bidder. Filled with historical colour and clever plot turns, you’ll be cheering for Samuel and Will well after the last page is turned.
Based on his famous diaries, this novel is the first of a new series.
Samuel Investigator.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
53 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books442 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 19, 2017
Quitting. Sorry, but this book didn't grab me at all. I couldn't get into it, and found myself nodding off after a few pages every time I opened it. I loved some of Lee's other books, so I was really expecting to like this one very much. But somehow the writing seemed contrived here, I didn't buy into the plot or the characters. I'll be waiting for the next Danilov book instead.
September 4, 2021
Amusing treatment of the infamous diary of Samuel Pepys with some lively segments and audiences with the king.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
August 1, 2016
I would like to thank Endeavour Press for a review copy of Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary, an amusing tale of political intrigue in Restoration England featuring real characters from the time.
Samuel Pepys, the well known diarist, wrote his diary in secret during his lifetime so it is with horror that he realises that it and one of his wife's lockers have been stolen. He has been indiscreet enough in it that if it fell into the wrong hands he could end up in the Tower on a charge of treason. His main priority is getting it back but a commission from the King, Charles II, to investigate a potential uprising at Chatham Docks may put paid to his diary recovery plans. He leaves his assistant, Will Hewer, in London to carry on the diary investigation and enlists the help of his dissolute brother-in-law, Balty St Michel at Chatham.
I have only recently started reading historical crime fiction so I have large gaps in my knowledge. I am unable, therefore, to comment on the historical accuracy of the motives attached to the characters but they seem realistic and Mr Lee does a good job of describing the hedonism of the times. I'm not even sure if it matters because Mr Lee has written a rollicking, humourous adventure which will hold your attention throughout and is hard to put down.
Samuel Pepys, as written by Mr Lee, is a great protagonist. Not particularly likeable, a mean womaniser, he is smart and resourceful and you can't help rooting for him as he tackles adversity after adversity and eventually manages to win through. His long suffering assistant, Will Hewer, on the other hand is magnificent. Initially timid and cautious he throws his heart into helping his friend Sam and gets the result - a real hero.
I think the title is a hint that the novel is not to be taken too seriously but if you like a good adventure story set in another era I have no hesitation in recommending Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary as a thumping good read.
Samuel Pepys, the well known diarist, wrote his diary in secret during his lifetime so it is with horror that he realises that it and one of his wife's lockers have been stolen. He has been indiscreet enough in it that if it fell into the wrong hands he could end up in the Tower on a charge of treason. His main priority is getting it back but a commission from the King, Charles II, to investigate a potential uprising at Chatham Docks may put paid to his diary recovery plans. He leaves his assistant, Will Hewer, in London to carry on the diary investigation and enlists the help of his dissolute brother-in-law, Balty St Michel at Chatham.
I have only recently started reading historical crime fiction so I have large gaps in my knowledge. I am unable, therefore, to comment on the historical accuracy of the motives attached to the characters but they seem realistic and Mr Lee does a good job of describing the hedonism of the times. I'm not even sure if it matters because Mr Lee has written a rollicking, humourous adventure which will hold your attention throughout and is hard to put down.
Samuel Pepys, as written by Mr Lee, is a great protagonist. Not particularly likeable, a mean womaniser, he is smart and resourceful and you can't help rooting for him as he tackles adversity after adversity and eventually manages to win through. His long suffering assistant, Will Hewer, on the other hand is magnificent. Initially timid and cautious he throws his heart into helping his friend Sam and gets the result - a real hero.
I think the title is a hint that the novel is not to be taken too seriously but if you like a good adventure story set in another era I have no hesitation in recommending Samuel Pepys and the Stolen Diary as a thumping good read.
February 12, 2016
Samuel Pepys is known today for his diaries. But in the day, Sam thought that no one knew of them which was fine until one night, they are stolen. Sam is pretty concerned since he was anything but discrete in describing his own adventures and the piccadillos of the rich and powerful.
So, when King Charles enlists him to travel to Chatham and return with a report on the docks and the state of the Navy, he has more than one reason for accepting.
Somehow the theft of his diary is tied up with the intrigues going on in Chatham. He discovers sloth and avarice, corruption and Revolution, all in a witch's brew of dissension. When Sam discovers the person at the centre of the intrigues, he knows the money behind the plot comes from someone close to the throne who does not want the truth to be discovered.
Will Samuel, his assistants Will and Balty escape with their lives. Can they discover the villain before time runs out. And will they be believed if they unravel the mystery.
This is an entertaining romp through Restoration England at a time when things were anything but calm. While I did twig right away to who was the mastermind, it was quite fun following the adventures until Samuel put the pieces together.
Pepys is a colourful character upon which to set a mystery, and perhaps a series. There is no shortage of potential to be explored at this time in English history. It will be interesting to see where M L Lee goes next.
The author is off to a strong start.
So, when King Charles enlists him to travel to Chatham and return with a report on the docks and the state of the Navy, he has more than one reason for accepting.
Somehow the theft of his diary is tied up with the intrigues going on in Chatham. He discovers sloth and avarice, corruption and Revolution, all in a witch's brew of dissension. When Sam discovers the person at the centre of the intrigues, he knows the money behind the plot comes from someone close to the throne who does not want the truth to be discovered.
Will Samuel, his assistants Will and Balty escape with their lives. Can they discover the villain before time runs out. And will they be believed if they unravel the mystery.
This is an entertaining romp through Restoration England at a time when things were anything but calm. While I did twig right away to who was the mastermind, it was quite fun following the adventures until Samuel put the pieces together.
Pepys is a colourful character upon which to set a mystery, and perhaps a series. There is no shortage of potential to be explored at this time in English history. It will be interesting to see where M L Lee goes next.
The author is off to a strong start.
November 29, 2017
This was the fourth book by Lee that I have read and enjoyed them, each for different reasons. This adventure starring Samuel Pepys initially seemed to be a single stand-alone, but the last page hinted at more to come.
Bring 'em on!
As with each book, Lee has done his homework. As I read Pepys on my Kindle, I was able to highlight almost every character and find often material on them, notably in Wikipedia.
Seeing how each bit fit in its historical context only heightened my enjoyment!
Moreover, Lee has successfully copied tropes familiar to Restoration Comedy, including lewd allusions, buffoonery, sight gags, surprise identities, etc., giving the feeling of a story in the mid 17th century
High marks, Mr. Lee!
Bring 'em on!
As with each book, Lee has done his homework. As I read Pepys on my Kindle, I was able to highlight almost every character and find often material on them, notably in Wikipedia.
Seeing how each bit fit in its historical context only heightened my enjoyment!
Moreover, Lee has successfully copied tropes familiar to Restoration Comedy, including lewd allusions, buffoonery, sight gags, surprise identities, etc., giving the feeling of a story in the mid 17th century
High marks, Mr. Lee!
August 6, 2016
Unfortunately for Samuel Pepys, his house is burgled and his diary containing his indiscreet thoughts is stolen. On finding the thief dead he starts to follow the trail to the mastermind of the theft. At the same time and possibly connected he is ordered by King Charles II to investigate the state of the docks and the Navy at Chatham.
Unfortunately an obvious clue is given who is behind all of this, which did distract from the story, and I found I could not really engage with the characters or the plot.
A NetGalley Book.
Unfortunately an obvious clue is given who is behind all of this, which did distract from the story, and I found I could not really engage with the characters or the plot.
A NetGalley Book.
May 8, 2020
Very enjoyable
Comical, witty, wonderful characters. Depicts the city of London & environs & inhabitants as ugly as it might have been.
Comical, witty, wonderful characters. Depicts the city of London & environs & inhabitants as ugly as it might have been.
March 27, 2020
Great mystery
I like that the story was about life in 1669. It was a great story and mystery with suspense and humor. I’ve read his Jane Sinclair series. I was delighted to read something so different from him.
I like that the story was about life in 1669. It was a great story and mystery with suspense and humor. I’ve read his Jane Sinclair series. I was delighted to read something so different from him.
May 22, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much. The plot fit with what I know of Samuel Pepys - who was a very observant man and loved recording his impressions of his world. I had figured out who the culprit was quite early but the plot had several interesting twists and turns, not least what we finally find out about Mr. Pepys diary. Well worth reading, especially if you have any past experience with Samuel Pepys diary
February 10, 2016
A very funny tale of Samuel Pepys and his escapades in Georgian London.
As great as the actual diaries only with much more humour!
A wonderful read and very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
As great as the actual diaries only with much more humour!
A wonderful read and very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
November 24, 2016
Normally I enjoy historical mysteries, and I'm struggling to express why I'm finding this one such hard work. I'm about halfway through it and I may not finish it. I think my problem is that the research seems to be showing through rather obviously and I'm finding the character of Pepys much more irritating than I find him in his diaries. I wish I liked this one more than I do.
December 21, 2017
Not so enthralling as it might have been
A fanciful story but not well written. The author tries too hard for a sense of place and his descriptions of 17th Century England are heavy on the filth and squalor; in common with too many other authors he goes on at length about foods and other aspects, seemingly trying to get in every scrap of research he's done. Badly overwritten in some places but worse, very badly edited. He clearly does not know the difference between "its" and "it's" and this error--among others--crops up over and over again. I had to buckle down to finish it, mainly out of a sense of duty. I wouldn't read it again. He needs to read some stuff by David Liss to learn how to handle such material.
A fanciful story but not well written. The author tries too hard for a sense of place and his descriptions of 17th Century England are heavy on the filth and squalor; in common with too many other authors he goes on at length about foods and other aspects, seemingly trying to get in every scrap of research he's done. Badly overwritten in some places but worse, very badly edited. He clearly does not know the difference between "its" and "it's" and this error--among others--crops up over and over again. I had to buckle down to finish it, mainly out of a sense of duty. I wouldn't read it again. He needs to read some stuff by David Liss to learn how to handle such material.
June 26, 2023
Lee has written an entertaining historical mystery, set in 17th century England, featuring Samuel Pepys, the diarist, and his assistant Will Hewer. After Pepys diary is stolen, they find themselves involved in a dangerous adventure to prevent the overthrow of King Charles. The story is quite enjoyable. There is a lot of humour and quite a bit of exciting action to move the story along. But the best part is the picture of life in London and vicinity in the period after the Great Fire and the inclusion of real-life characters such as Nell Gwyn, John Dryden and the female spy, Aphra Behn. Lee also provides a novel explanation why Pepys stopped writing his diaries after a decade that differs from the historical explanation.
Want to read
June 9, 2022I learned of this book via this post: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.c...
December 29, 2024
A Christmas gift! Not as good as I was expecting but enjoyable and a quick easy read. I felt some of it was a bit repetitive at times but maybe that was life in the 17th Century.
August 14, 2016
I have been reading a lot of historical mysteries lately! Not usually my top 10, but I have been utterly addicted of late.
Now, this story follows Samuel Pepys and his pal Will, after his diary and his wife's locket was stolen. Yes, Mr. Pepys was a real fellow and his diary was real as well. Was it ever stolen? Perhaps! The contents surly were steal-worthy from what I have heard. I have never read it, but now that I did some research on the real man (like I normally do ;D), I am curious to see what he has written and his view points on the times.
Anyways...
This was a fun and exciting mystery. I thought I had the mystery solved, but then the ending through me for a loop. I mean the culprit had been suspicious, but a little overly so, so I paid it no mind. Kuddos to the author for getting me in the end! I was worried the King would not believe him since there was not an over amount of evidence.
I like Samuel even though he was a cheating bastard at times, but he was a man in 17th century England, so what is to be expected?
I loved Will. Poor guy! I did some research, because I wanted to know if he was a real dude and he was. A part of me wanted Elizabeth to leave Samuel for him, which never happened, but a girl could hope! ;D Hopefully Samuel did turn around his cheating ways to be faithful to her. But I think Will would've been a better husband.
My one and only compliant was the pacing of the book and length of some dialogue. There were moments of extreme slowness and moments of quickness that forced me to reread the section to fully grasp what happened. I think what dragged things out at times were the lengthy dialogue. Yes, it was important, but sometimes I wanted more directness and to have the story move on.
In the end, this was a fun and exciting ride! I couldn't put it down, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The characters were fun. I loved Will and I want him to have his story shared next! I liked Samuel even though he was a cheating butthole, hopefully he keeps his promise to his wife *fingers crossed*, because Elizabeth was cute and deserved a loving husband *cough* like Will would've been *cough*. I do recommend this to those that like a good mystery. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.
Now, this story follows Samuel Pepys and his pal Will, after his diary and his wife's locket was stolen. Yes, Mr. Pepys was a real fellow and his diary was real as well. Was it ever stolen? Perhaps! The contents surly were steal-worthy from what I have heard. I have never read it, but now that I did some research on the real man (like I normally do ;D), I am curious to see what he has written and his view points on the times.
Anyways...
This was a fun and exciting mystery. I thought I had the mystery solved, but then the ending through me for a loop. I mean the culprit had been suspicious, but a little overly so, so I paid it no mind. Kuddos to the author for getting me in the end! I was worried the King would not believe him since there was not an over amount of evidence.
I like Samuel even though he was a cheating bastard at times, but he was a man in 17th century England, so what is to be expected?
I loved Will. Poor guy! I did some research, because I wanted to know if he was a real dude and he was. A part of me wanted Elizabeth to leave Samuel for him, which never happened, but a girl could hope! ;D Hopefully Samuel did turn around his cheating ways to be faithful to her. But I think Will would've been a better husband.
My one and only compliant was the pacing of the book and length of some dialogue. There were moments of extreme slowness and moments of quickness that forced me to reread the section to fully grasp what happened. I think what dragged things out at times were the lengthy dialogue. Yes, it was important, but sometimes I wanted more directness and to have the story move on.
In the end, this was a fun and exciting ride! I couldn't put it down, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The characters were fun. I loved Will and I want him to have his story shared next! I liked Samuel even though he was a cheating butthole, hopefully he keeps his promise to his wife *fingers crossed*, because Elizabeth was cute and deserved a loving husband *cough* like Will would've been *cough*. I do recommend this to those that like a good mystery. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.
August 15, 2016
This is the fourth book of Lee's I have read and reviewed, but unfortunately not my favourite. I found that I didn't fully understand or appreciate the amount of peril Samuel Pepys was in when his diary was stolen from his house; that is, I didn't feel that the writing conveyed it effectively enough for me. I also think the ending was a little hurried and definitely confusing - it was hard to keep up with all of the characters in the scene where Pepys explains everything to the King. Having said all that, there is no way I could write a full length novel and therefore Mr Lee has my utmost respect for that.
It was funny in places and I found the descriptions of 17th Century London where well written. I particularly liked the characters of Mrs Behn and Will and hope they will be developed more fully in any further books with Samuel as the main character.
Although this was not one of my favourite books, I have thoroughly enjoyed Lee's Inspector Danilov books and his Jayne Sinclair book. I am hoping there will be more of both of those to come.
It was funny in places and I found the descriptions of 17th Century London where well written. I particularly liked the characters of Mrs Behn and Will and hope they will be developed more fully in any further books with Samuel as the main character.
Although this was not one of my favourite books, I have thoroughly enjoyed Lee's Inspector Danilov books and his Jayne Sinclair book. I am hoping there will be more of both of those to come.
August 20, 2016
I like this style of fiction based on real characters from history. This particular novel ranks quite highly within the genre.
There is enough historical accuracy to make the story believable.
The writing is witty and in places there is some clever use of humour which adds to the entertainment. The central characters are well created. I felt it gives a feeling for life in and around London at this time in history.
I found myself delving into aspects of the life of Samuel Pepys, I like it when a book draws me into a subject in this way.
This is the first book by M.J. Lee which I have read. On the strength of this I will certainly look out for his earlier and future books.
I give thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press for a copy in exchange for a review.
There is enough historical accuracy to make the story believable.
The writing is witty and in places there is some clever use of humour which adds to the entertainment. The central characters are well created. I felt it gives a feeling for life in and around London at this time in history.
I found myself delving into aspects of the life of Samuel Pepys, I like it when a book draws me into a subject in this way.
This is the first book by M.J. Lee which I have read. On the strength of this I will certainly look out for his earlier and future books.
I give thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press for a copy in exchange for a review.
September 28, 2016
Perfectly serviceable and humorous historical mystery that is particularly skillful at including period details and historical figures in the narrative if, for me, it wasn't the cup of tea that I was looking for. Why? I'm not really sure - it could be the tip off of the crime at the beginning of the book or the dialogue style - it is always irksome when there's more than three or more interactions between characters and the author declines to let the reader know the speaker; I end up counting upwards to make sure I've got it straight.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
Enjoyable historical story with a bit of adventure and mystery using real characters from that time
March 25, 2017
Difficult to get involved in
I am an avid reader and have loved other books from this author, however I was more than half through this book before it really caught my attention. It was not bad but I had no need to find out what happens next. Since I generally read books in one sitting, this said something to me. I'm not sure I'll read anything from this author again.
I am an avid reader and have loved other books from this author, however I was more than half through this book before it really caught my attention. It was not bad but I had no need to find out what happens next. Since I generally read books in one sitting, this said something to me. I'm not sure I'll read anything from this author again.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews