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Damian Seeker #4
The Bear Pit
'Could challenge CJ Sansom for dominion' Sunday TimesLondon, 1656: Captain Seeker is back in the city, on the trail of an assassin preparing to strike at the heart of Oliver Cromwell's RepublicThe Commonwealth is balanced on a knife edge. Royalists and disillusioned former Parliamentarians have united against Oliver Cromwell, now a king in all but name. Three conspirators, representing these factions, plan to assassinate the Lord Protector, paving the way back to the throne for Charles Stuart once and for all.Captain Damian Seeker, meanwhile, is preoccupied by the horrifying discovery in an illegal gambling den of the body of a man ravaged by what is unmistakably a bear. Yet the bears used for baiting were all shot when the sport was banned by Cromwell. So where did this fearsome creature come from, and why would someone use it for murder?With Royalist-turned-Commonwealth-spy Thomas Faithly tracking the bear, Seeker investigates its victim. The trail leads from Kent's coffee house on Cornhill, to a German clockmaker in Clerkenwell, to the stews of Southwark, to the desolate Lambeth Marshes where no one should venture at night.When the two threads of the investigation begin to join, Seeker realises just what - and who - he is up against. The Royalists in exile have sent to London their finest mind and greatest fighter, a man who will stop at nothing to ensure the Restoration. Has Seeker finally met his match?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 17, 2019
Always a delight to return to 17th century England, and one of my favourite historical fiction series by SG MacLean, featuring the most enigmatic and fearsome officer of Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate, Damian Seeker. In this brilliant and atmospheric addition to this stellar series, it is 1656 and Seeker is back in London after his stint in the North. Chief Secretary Thurloe is swamped by the mass of intelligence coming his way, what with Cromwell's enemies growing, and it is a nightmare working out what must be followed up. Thurloe dismisses intelligence that Seeker knows is well sourced and reliable, forcing him to follow it up below the radar. Frustrated by being desk bound poring over reports, he decides to join a night raid on a illicit gambling den in Bankside, where he comes across the Royalist now Commonwealth spy, Thomas Faithly. At the same time, he discovers the gruesome and brutal murder of a chained old man, with all the marks of being savaged by a bear.
After the death of a child, all bears used in bear baiting are supposed to have been shot dead, clearly someone still has one that has been deployed for the purposes of murder. It takes Seeker some time to uncover the identity of the victim. In the meantime, a trio of conspiring assassins, Boyes, Cecil and Fish, representing different factions of the forces allied against Cromwell, make plans to kill Cromwell and ensure the return of Charles Stuart to the English throne and the only person who stands in their way is Damian Seeker. Arriving in London from Yorkshire is the irrepressible Lawrence Ingolby, intent on reacquainting himself with Manon and being trained in the law by Maria's brother, Elias Ellingworth. Ingolby inadvertently provides vital intelligence to Seeker that is to put him in danger. Seeker has Faithly and Ingolby trying to track down the bear whilst he delves deeper into the life of the victim.
Seeker's investigation takes in Tradescant's rarities and gardens, a German clockmaker and the dangerous and desolate Lambeth marshes as his desperate hunt for the assassins and the murder by bear mystery begin to show slowly emerging connections. MacLean has now built a tight knit cast of established characters that make a welcome return, from Samuel at the Coffee House to Dorcas, helping to conceal Manon from Seeker's numerous enemies, and of course, Maria, who Seeker just cannot forget. However, it is the complex Damian Seeker, that is MacLean's ingenious creation that holds centre stage with ease, a man who can clear a street with his appearance and strike fear in the hearts of the enemies of the Protectorate. This is a riveting, thrilling and totally compulsive read, a blend of historical fact and fiction, with rich descriptions of the turbulence of the era and the London of this period. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
After the death of a child, all bears used in bear baiting are supposed to have been shot dead, clearly someone still has one that has been deployed for the purposes of murder. It takes Seeker some time to uncover the identity of the victim. In the meantime, a trio of conspiring assassins, Boyes, Cecil and Fish, representing different factions of the forces allied against Cromwell, make plans to kill Cromwell and ensure the return of Charles Stuart to the English throne and the only person who stands in their way is Damian Seeker. Arriving in London from Yorkshire is the irrepressible Lawrence Ingolby, intent on reacquainting himself with Manon and being trained in the law by Maria's brother, Elias Ellingworth. Ingolby inadvertently provides vital intelligence to Seeker that is to put him in danger. Seeker has Faithly and Ingolby trying to track down the bear whilst he delves deeper into the life of the victim.
Seeker's investigation takes in Tradescant's rarities and gardens, a German clockmaker and the dangerous and desolate Lambeth marshes as his desperate hunt for the assassins and the murder by bear mystery begin to show slowly emerging connections. MacLean has now built a tight knit cast of established characters that make a welcome return, from Samuel at the Coffee House to Dorcas, helping to conceal Manon from Seeker's numerous enemies, and of course, Maria, who Seeker just cannot forget. However, it is the complex Damian Seeker, that is MacLean's ingenious creation that holds centre stage with ease, a man who can clear a street with his appearance and strike fear in the hearts of the enemies of the Protectorate. This is a riveting, thrilling and totally compulsive read, a blend of historical fact and fiction, with rich descriptions of the turbulence of the era and the London of this period. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
August 2, 2019
This astounding novel is the 4th volume of the wonderful "Captain Damian Seeker" series from the author, S.G. MacLean.
At the end of the book you'll be presented with an Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this story are superbly documented and explained by the author, all in a tremendous effort to make it very understandable and thus such a joy to read.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality from the author, all the characters come superbly to life within this historical adventure, whether they are great real historical or very enjoyable fictional persons, and the hostile atmosphere and troubled times of Cromwell's Commonwealth come wonderfully off the pages.
The book begins with a prologue, which is set, 17 September AD 1656, and ends with an epilogue which is set, 19 January AD 1657, with in between the main story which is set in the last months of the year AD 1656, and the story is situated in and around London once again.
Cromwell's Commonwealth is on a knife edge with Royalists and disillusioned former Parliamentarians now united together in a serious attempt to kill and overthrow Oliver Cromwell and restore Charles II back on the throne.
During this unrest Damian Seeker is investigating, at a certain point together with Royalist-turned-Commonwealth-spy, Thomas Faithly, -can he now be trusted though?!?-, the body of a man who's ravaged by a bear, while supposedly all bears were shot earlier in the year by Colonel Pride's men, and while tracking down that bear they will eventually end up in the desolate Lambeth Marshes, where one is not save especially at night.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling ruthless adventure in which Seeker has to investigate several leads, with on the one hand to discover the would-be assassins of Oliver Cromwell and bring them to justice, and on the other hand finally combining the two main issues in the other investigation, the bear's victim and the person who's behind it all, before Seeker come to realise that this mission could well be his last for his employer, Spymaster, John Thurloe and thus also the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, as well as his family, daughter Manon, and the owner of the Black Fox, Dorcas, and last but not least, Maria, Seeker's love from Dove Court.
Very much recommended, for this episode is another jewel of a historical adventure set in Cromwell's Commonwealth, a book that is an absolute joy to read and that's why I like to call it: "Seek, Find & Read This Amazing Masterpiece"!
At the end of the book you'll be presented with an Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this story are superbly documented and explained by the author, all in a tremendous effort to make it very understandable and thus such a joy to read.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality from the author, all the characters come superbly to life within this historical adventure, whether they are great real historical or very enjoyable fictional persons, and the hostile atmosphere and troubled times of Cromwell's Commonwealth come wonderfully off the pages.
The book begins with a prologue, which is set, 17 September AD 1656, and ends with an epilogue which is set, 19 January AD 1657, with in between the main story which is set in the last months of the year AD 1656, and the story is situated in and around London once again.
Cromwell's Commonwealth is on a knife edge with Royalists and disillusioned former Parliamentarians now united together in a serious attempt to kill and overthrow Oliver Cromwell and restore Charles II back on the throne.
During this unrest Damian Seeker is investigating, at a certain point together with Royalist-turned-Commonwealth-spy, Thomas Faithly, -can he now be trusted though?!?-, the body of a man who's ravaged by a bear, while supposedly all bears were shot earlier in the year by Colonel Pride's men, and while tracking down that bear they will eventually end up in the desolate Lambeth Marshes, where one is not save especially at night.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling ruthless adventure in which Seeker has to investigate several leads, with on the one hand to discover the would-be assassins of Oliver Cromwell and bring them to justice, and on the other hand finally combining the two main issues in the other investigation, the bear's victim and the person who's behind it all, before Seeker come to realise that this mission could well be his last for his employer, Spymaster, John Thurloe and thus also the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, as well as his family, daughter Manon, and the owner of the Black Fox, Dorcas, and last but not least, Maria, Seeker's love from Dove Court.
Very much recommended, for this episode is another jewel of a historical adventure set in Cromwell's Commonwealth, a book that is an absolute joy to read and that's why I like to call it: "Seek, Find & Read This Amazing Masterpiece"!
June 27, 2020
This series has become very good indeed, as the world around Seeker has expanded and the history of the Protectorate has ripened. In this book, I learned of the Winter Queen, who became Queen of Bohemia, and her son Prince Rupert (I’ve heard him mentioned several times without knowing his link to the Royal family, nephew to Charles I. The book explores the incipient deterioration of Cromwell’s rule. I am looking forward to an exciting final book in the series.
July 10, 2019
This series is fantastic! Yet again Damian Seeker, that charismatic, enigmatic and terrifying agent of justice, is tested as a new plot arrives in England to kill the Protector Oliver Cromwell. The Royalists are desperate while the Commonwealth survives only as long as its Protector lives. The Seeker and his spies must also solve a gruesome murder that looks for all the world like a bear attack. And, yet again, the Seeker weaves a complex web of friendship and love. I love Damian Seeker, surely one of the most attractive, forbidding figures in historical crime fiction and yet again he is given a mystery to solve that is worthy of him. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
August 12, 2019
really enjoyed the latest in the seeker series based around a plot to kill Oliver Cromwell towards the end of the protectorate
August 18, 2021
This is the fourth in the Damian Seeker series. I haven't managed to obtain book 3, but this volume actually does quite a good job at bringing the reader up to date about the events of that in any case.
Damian is still pining for Maria - to be honest, I can't remember exactly why they broke up at the end of Book 2. But he is hard at work for the Protectorate as usual, investigating the horrific murder of a man chained up in an outhouse to be mauled to death by a bear, at the same time as looking into a possible plot against the life of Oliver Cromwell, which his hardpressed boss has allowed to progress far further than it should. Three men are going around London in disguise and Seeker is trying to thwart their activities and apprehend them.
I found this a little bit disappointing. I suppose it was a combination of factors. The failure of the second assassination attempt seems inexplicable (though a historical note by the author at the back of the book explains that this is based on real life). There are a lot of characters to juggle in your head and try to keep straight exactly how they all relate to each other. And the ending is rather abrupt though I could see right away that it would set things up for a transfer to the continent for Damien. So I would rate this as a workman like 3 stars.
Damian is still pining for Maria - to be honest, I can't remember exactly why they broke up at the end of Book 2. But he is hard at work for the Protectorate as usual, investigating the horrific murder of a man chained up in an outhouse to be mauled to death by a bear, at the same time as looking into a possible plot against the life of Oliver Cromwell, which his hardpressed boss has allowed to progress far further than it should. Three men are going around London in disguise and Seeker is trying to thwart their activities and apprehend them.
I found this a little bit disappointing. I suppose it was a combination of factors. The failure of the second assassination attempt seems inexplicable (though a historical note by the author at the back of the book explains that this is based on real life). There are a lot of characters to juggle in your head and try to keep straight exactly how they all relate to each other. And the ending is rather abrupt though I could see right away that it would set things up for a transfer to the continent for Damien. So I would rate this as a workman like 3 stars.
April 27, 2019
Absolutely excellent. This is book 4 in the Damian Seeker series, set in during the time of the Protectorate. Seeker is a Captain and his main job is to uncover plots against Cromwell and those factions working to restore the Monarchy. If you like Historical Mysteries, like C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake, you will love this. I adore the historical detail such as in this one there are some parts set in a 17th Century Version of a garden center! I never thought about how people got their plants but alas they must have ordered them from somewhere. I disappeared into John Tradescant rabbit hole since. Absolutely loved it!
May 11, 2020
Very decent, if a bit predictable, Seeker tale as the stalwart enforcer tries to solve the murder of a man eaten by a bear, stop a gang intent on killing Oliver Cromwell and repress his feelings about everyone he knows. Pacey and a good read but the Seeker really needs to cheer up.
July 25, 2023
SG MacLean writes the best crime historical fiction. I will read all of her books.
August 11, 2024
banger fr, bought the whole set before even finishing this 😋
May 22, 2019
Carry on assassinating
Damien Seeker, bodyguard of Oliver Cromwell, has returned from Yorkshire in time to foil three or four assassination attempts by Cromwell’s enemies, as well as investigate the mysterious death of a man apparently mauled to death by a bear. This should not be possible as Cromwell had ordered the deaths of all bears in London years before. Oh, and Seeker has romantic problems too.
I write as someone who has enjoyed all of the author’s previous novels, both the Seeker ones and those set in Scotland focusing on Alexander Seaton. But there are a number of problems with this novel, some forgivable, others much less so. Problem 1: the assassins are inept, even if they are based on historical fact – each time they fail, they become more risible. Problem 2: over four novels Maclean has built up too many characters for a new reader to understand how they relate to each other. I actually think she is too fond of her creations to let any of them go. I have read the whole series and found it quite difficult to place everyone. Problem 3: this is the big one – the ending. Now I don’t believe in spoilers and it may be that others who read this book will disagree with me, but when I read the last page I simply thought, ‘Huh? How did that happen? Have I missed a chapter somewhere?’ Some authors get their plot into such difficulties that they have to resort to a deus ex machina ending, and that is never a good thing. But this story doesn’t even have that.
Maybe we will all find out in volume five.
Damien Seeker, bodyguard of Oliver Cromwell, has returned from Yorkshire in time to foil three or four assassination attempts by Cromwell’s enemies, as well as investigate the mysterious death of a man apparently mauled to death by a bear. This should not be possible as Cromwell had ordered the deaths of all bears in London years before. Oh, and Seeker has romantic problems too.
I write as someone who has enjoyed all of the author’s previous novels, both the Seeker ones and those set in Scotland focusing on Alexander Seaton. But there are a number of problems with this novel, some forgivable, others much less so. Problem 1: the assassins are inept, even if they are based on historical fact – each time they fail, they become more risible. Problem 2: over four novels Maclean has built up too many characters for a new reader to understand how they relate to each other. I actually think she is too fond of her creations to let any of them go. I have read the whole series and found it quite difficult to place everyone. Problem 3: this is the big one – the ending. Now I don’t believe in spoilers and it may be that others who read this book will disagree with me, but when I read the last page I simply thought, ‘Huh? How did that happen? Have I missed a chapter somewhere?’ Some authors get their plot into such difficulties that they have to resort to a deus ex machina ending, and that is never a good thing. But this story doesn’t even have that.
Maybe we will all find out in volume five.
April 26, 2019
A gripping historical mystery set at the time of Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate. This is the fourth book in the series, but the first I have read and I must say, I loved it from start of finish. It can easily be read as a stand alone novel. The sense of time and place is wonderfully portrayed. The characters come alive and are entertaining and immensely likeable. The story is fast paced, with plenty of twists. I didn't want to stop reading it. Highly recommended. I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
February 10, 2020
Damien Seeker is a trouble shooter in London for the Protectorate during the rule of Oliver Cromwell. The Puritan policies are not universally popular and neither is The Seeker, who enforces them. In this, the fourth novel in the series, Seeker's personal and professional lives become entwined and he has to make difficult choices which may cost his life while trying to save those he loves.
Firstly, Seeker throws off the chains of deskwork and leads a raid on an illicit gambling group. Not only does he find one of his own informers in the group but he finds a body which has clearly bben mauled by a bear. This despite the fact that all the bears in the city are supposed to have been destroyed.
At the same time, he is concerned that suspicious personages are plotting against Cromwell. Unfortunately his boss thinks he is over-reacting, so he has to find convincing evidence. All this while a past protegee from Yorkshire turns up and finds his hidden daughter and his informer courts his ex-lover. No wonder Seeker is galloping from one end of London to the other trying to sort all the mysteries and keep everyone alive.
This is high quality historical fiction, wonderfully researched and full of suspense and tension. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an independent review.
#NetGalley #The Bear Pit
Firstly, Seeker throws off the chains of deskwork and leads a raid on an illicit gambling group. Not only does he find one of his own informers in the group but he finds a body which has clearly bben mauled by a bear. This despite the fact that all the bears in the city are supposed to have been destroyed.
At the same time, he is concerned that suspicious personages are plotting against Cromwell. Unfortunately his boss thinks he is over-reacting, so he has to find convincing evidence. All this while a past protegee from Yorkshire turns up and finds his hidden daughter and his informer courts his ex-lover. No wonder Seeker is galloping from one end of London to the other trying to sort all the mysteries and keep everyone alive.
This is high quality historical fiction, wonderfully researched and full of suspense and tension. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an independent review.
#NetGalley #The Bear Pit
December 22, 2023
Book number four in the Seeker series and this one is as good as the earlier three.
As ever, Seeker is hunting down plotters who seek to kill the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and as ever there are plenty of plotters both at home and abroad. Seeker's attention however, is distracted by the discovery of a corpse which appears to have been ravaged by a bear. Given that bears were banned in London at the time, this is a shocking and disturbing discovery.
The usual cast of characters are there in abundance and as Seeker hunts down one particularly determined gang of would-be assassins, there are very real threats to those about whom he cares for most. The story builds to an excellent, well plotted and in most ways very satisfactory ending. What is also clear is that Seeker may well be facing very different challenges in the next book, which I am delighted to say is on my 'to read' shelf at this very moment.
Highly recommended series.
As ever, Seeker is hunting down plotters who seek to kill the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and as ever there are plenty of plotters both at home and abroad. Seeker's attention however, is distracted by the discovery of a corpse which appears to have been ravaged by a bear. Given that bears were banned in London at the time, this is a shocking and disturbing discovery.
The usual cast of characters are there in abundance and as Seeker hunts down one particularly determined gang of would-be assassins, there are very real threats to those about whom he cares for most. The story builds to an excellent, well plotted and in most ways very satisfactory ending. What is also clear is that Seeker may well be facing very different challenges in the next book, which I am delighted to say is on my 'to read' shelf at this very moment.
Highly recommended series.
November 9, 2024
It is late in the year of 1656. The Royalist plots against Cromwell have escalated to assassination attempts. Captain Damian Seeker is kept quite busy tracking down the assassins and foiling the plans.
MacLean seems to delight in twisty, convoluted plots and this book is no exception. Several people who we first met in Destroying Angel have significant roles--Lawrence Ingolby, who proves to be an astute observer, and Thomas Faithly, a former Royalist who is currently working with Seeker. To add some more spice, we also encounter the last bear in London, and a member of the Horse Guards whose loyalty is for sale.
The climax is very dramatic--and sets up the next book (The House of Lamentations) beautifully.
MacLean seems to delight in twisty, convoluted plots and this book is no exception. Several people who we first met in Destroying Angel have significant roles--Lawrence Ingolby, who proves to be an astute observer, and Thomas Faithly, a former Royalist who is currently working with Seeker. To add some more spice, we also encounter the last bear in London, and a member of the Horse Guards whose loyalty is for sale.
The climax is very dramatic--and sets up the next book (The House of Lamentations) beautifully.
August 22, 2025
Damien Seeker goes charging through London trying to catch Royalist infiltrators bent on assassinating Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector. His daughter Manon is under threat, and Maria Ellingworth is unsure of her relationship with Damien. Then there is the needless death of the man that appears to have been savaged by a bear, although all the bears have seemingly been shot when the baiting pits were closed. Lots of intrigue and action all set during 1656.
The all action Captain of the guard is a Jack Reacher of his day who acts like a caped crusader, at a time when there is unrest in the capital. Like or hate, he is a good character, and the setting is well portrayed by an author expert in the era. My only view is that the text at times lacks a flow that the action demands. Perhaps it's just me. 3 stars.
The all action Captain of the guard is a Jack Reacher of his day who acts like a caped crusader, at a time when there is unrest in the capital. Like or hate, he is a good character, and the setting is well portrayed by an author expert in the era. My only view is that the text at times lacks a flow that the action demands. Perhaps it's just me. 3 stars.
September 20, 2020
Another immaculately researched and exciting instalment of this brilliant series. Adroitly plotted and with wonderfully rounded characters, this is a joy. I don't know about anyone else, but in my head Damian Seeker is played by Sean Bean..... But anyway, fabulous ending. Can't wait for the next one! As ever, the author's note at the end is informative and fascinating, with plenty of suggestions for further reading. Recommended wholeheartedly.
July 29, 2019
When Seeker and Cromwell's soldiers raid an illegal gaming den, they find a man who's been mauled to death by a bear. Except, all the bears were shot by the Puritans. Seeker must find out what happened whilst preventing an attempt on the Protector's life. This is a wonderful series, so well-written, and Seeker is an interesting hero.
March 15, 2020
Have to say I didn't enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. Think I'm getting bored with them now. Here Damian tries to stop dissidents plotting to kill Oliver Cromwell while also trying to discover who killed a man using the now outlawed bears. Too similar to previous books. Had a real struggle to finish this one.
July 22, 2019
Really love the Damian Seeker series of books, this new one was probably the best so far. Listened to this one on audible and the narration was perfect. The writing really takes you back to 1656 and the time of Cromwell.
May 18, 2024
This is the fourth book of this series and I’d love to give this more than five stars! The characters are strong, consistent, and believable in their strengths and weaknesses. The story line never misses a beat and carries the reader along at a gallop.
S.G. Maclean is quickly becoming my favourite author.
S.G. Maclean is quickly becoming my favourite author.
February 17, 2020
damn, that ending almost had me - I was getting really mad until the very very end. well done. book five, please??
May 15, 2021
Another great story in the Seeker series - very enjoyable read.
December 4, 2024
Seeker taken unawares
Was on the edge of my seat with this episode of the Seeker’s travails. Oh My! The plot, the hunt and the finale were nail biting!
Was on the edge of my seat with this episode of the Seeker’s travails. Oh My! The plot, the hunt and the finale were nail biting!
January 28, 2023
The books in this series have gotten better and better. This one is quite good! Seeker is a great character…and the author has done his research!
March 23, 2022
The Bear Pit (Damian Seeker # 4)
by S.G. Maclean
Seeker has put some faith in the turning of Thomas Faithly, (See book 3) but he is now starting to get that gut feeling that something was wrong.
Following a hunch he follows him to a gaming house and whilst he is questioning Thomas Faithly he finds a body in an outhouse dead and mauled.
Manon, Damian Seekers daughter is living with Dorcas Wells at the Black Fox, Lawrence Ingleby has arrived in London to study Law.
As the forth book of a set of 5 it stutters a little but holds its own as part of the pack, may be a little drawn out and harder to read than the other 3. Readable
by S.G. Maclean
Seeker has put some faith in the turning of Thomas Faithly, (See book 3) but he is now starting to get that gut feeling that something was wrong.
Following a hunch he follows him to a gaming house and whilst he is questioning Thomas Faithly he finds a body in an outhouse dead and mauled.
Manon, Damian Seekers daughter is living with Dorcas Wells at the Black Fox, Lawrence Ingleby has arrived in London to study Law.
As the forth book of a set of 5 it stutters a little but holds its own as part of the pack, may be a little drawn out and harder to read than the other 3. Readable
May 29, 2022
Sands of Times- Ever changing. Old chapters New chspters
Dear Captain Damien Seeker,
Glad tidings on your return from York back to London. As this adventure closes in this 4th Chapter, events have stirred your soul forever changed. New responsibilities and old challenges - protecting the Protector - Cromwell. A riveting chase and pursuit not only solving a mystery- still left to come to fruition but also solving a matter of a heart. I must say this tale was riveting which so rich!y deserves a 5 star rating. Now sadly we are coming to the end of this adventure in tale 5... High Regards your faithful reader
Dear Captain Damien Seeker,
Glad tidings on your return from York back to London. As this adventure closes in this 4th Chapter, events have stirred your soul forever changed. New responsibilities and old challenges - protecting the Protector - Cromwell. A riveting chase and pursuit not only solving a mystery- still left to come to fruition but also solving a matter of a heart. I must say this tale was riveting which so rich!y deserves a 5 star rating. Now sadly we are coming to the end of this adventure in tale 5... High Regards your faithful reader
February 22, 2020
An excellent series
I have galloped through the Seeker series like an addict and will now have to wait impatiently for the fifth book... I think they are a real find and will become classics. They have it all, good characterisation, authentic historical background and intriguing plots. They are also, of course, very well written, which you don’t appreciate until you try to get into another historical novel by a lesser writer.
I have galloped through the Seeker series like an addict and will now have to wait impatiently for the fifth book... I think they are a real find and will become classics. They have it all, good characterisation, authentic historical background and intriguing plots. They are also, of course, very well written, which you don’t appreciate until you try to get into another historical novel by a lesser writer.
June 22, 2022
The series gets better with every book, however impossible it may seem since the first book already is absolutely excellent. I devoured "The Bear Pit" in one day, obsessed and unable to get off the couch until I finished it.
As always with S. G. MacLean, it's beautifully and flawlessly written, plotted and paced. All I can say is this: read this series! Buy the first book and read it. And then the rest of the series. It's worth your time and money and such a treat!
As always with S. G. MacLean, it's beautifully and flawlessly written, plotted and paced. All I can say is this: read this series! Buy the first book and read it. And then the rest of the series. It's worth your time and money and such a treat!
August 3, 2021
It was a very good book, i found it interesting that although the plot centres around Cromwell, he gets very few lines. If you don’t pay careful attention to some elements you will get easily confused as I did, and I was definitely unsure about seekers relationships with Maria and Dorcas. Overall though, I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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