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Alexander Seaton #3
Crucible of Secrets
It is Midsummer, 1631. While Alexander Seaton and his fellow masters enjoy the holiday with their students, Robert Sim, librarian of Marischal College, is murdered in a dark alleyway in town. While the university and town authorities investigate the murder, Seaton is asked by the college principal to look into Sim's private life. In the course of an investigation in which his personal feelings threaten to cloud his judgement and endanger his young marriage to Sarah, he discovers a side to the librarian he could never have guessed at.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 11, 2022
17th century Aberdeen, where fear stalks the corridors of academia!
When the bloody corpse of the university librarian is discovered lying in a courtyard, Alexander Seaton, his friend and colleague, is charged by the Principal to uncover the truth and save the college’s reputation. Seaton is convinced that the key to the mystery is contained in a shipment of recently-arrived books from the continent. It includes works on alchemy and hermetics, the pursuit of ancient knowledge, an area of study that threatens ridicule and persecution of its followers. But to Seaton’s dismay, mounting evidence suggests that forbidden practices are taking place behind the closed doors of the city he loves – perhaps even among men that he loves.
Woven through Seaton’s murder inquiry are threads of guilty love and sexual suspicion. He is shocked to discover that the apparently upstanding librarian had a secret lover whose identity, once revealed, sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Meanwhile, doubts over his own marriage lead Seaton to twist himself into knots of jealousy.
Crucible of Secrets has a satisfying plot, but more importantly it has satisfying characters and a setting that educates as well as entertains.
When the bloody corpse of the university librarian is discovered lying in a courtyard, Alexander Seaton, his friend and colleague, is charged by the Principal to uncover the truth and save the college’s reputation. Seaton is convinced that the key to the mystery is contained in a shipment of recently-arrived books from the continent. It includes works on alchemy and hermetics, the pursuit of ancient knowledge, an area of study that threatens ridicule and persecution of its followers. But to Seaton’s dismay, mounting evidence suggests that forbidden practices are taking place behind the closed doors of the city he loves – perhaps even among men that he loves.
Woven through Seaton’s murder inquiry are threads of guilty love and sexual suspicion. He is shocked to discover that the apparently upstanding librarian had a secret lover whose identity, once revealed, sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Meanwhile, doubts over his own marriage lead Seaton to twist himself into knots of jealousy.
Crucible of Secrets has a satisfying plot, but more importantly it has satisfying characters and a setting that educates as well as entertains.
January 31, 2020
This very entertaining book is the 3rd instalment of the wonderful "Alexander Seaton" series from the Scottish author, Shona MacLean.
Storytelling is once more of a superb quality, all figures featuring in this thrilling story come splendidly to life, and not to forget the atmosphere and historical times of Aberdeen, Scotland, and the surrounding countryside are wonderfully pictured and described by the author.
The book is set in Aberdeen, in the year AD 1631, and it starts off with a very short but intriguing prologue which will form the essential basis of this tremendous tale.
Like I said earlier, this thrilling Scottish historical mystery is set in the year AD 1631, and our protagonist, Alexander Seaton, who's now a Regent at the Marischal College, which is part of Aberdeen University along with King's College, will come into action once again to solve some serious heinous murders.
The main story is fast-paced and action-packed, and it starts off straightaway with the murder of, Robert Sim, the librarian of Marischal College due to something he found out while cataloguing a benefaction of books.
Shortly afterwards a weaver by the name of, Bernard Cummins, also gets murdered by the same hand as Robert Sim, and the intriguing part is that this same, Bernard Cummins, has recognised someone in Aberdeen who goes by the name of, Nicholas Black, but nobody else seems to know and has heard of this same man who's called, Nicholas Black.
What will follow is for Alexander Seaton to find out who this Nicholas Black is, while at the same time to investigate the killings of Sim and Cummins, and when he's finally able to identify the killer Alexander will come in for a nasty surprise when certain tangles of this web of deceit will unravel themselves in the end, because the murderer is someone who's quite close to him.
Very much recommended, for this episode is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Fantastic Scottish Historical Secretive Thriller"!
Storytelling is once more of a superb quality, all figures featuring in this thrilling story come splendidly to life, and not to forget the atmosphere and historical times of Aberdeen, Scotland, and the surrounding countryside are wonderfully pictured and described by the author.
The book is set in Aberdeen, in the year AD 1631, and it starts off with a very short but intriguing prologue which will form the essential basis of this tremendous tale.
Like I said earlier, this thrilling Scottish historical mystery is set in the year AD 1631, and our protagonist, Alexander Seaton, who's now a Regent at the Marischal College, which is part of Aberdeen University along with King's College, will come into action once again to solve some serious heinous murders.
The main story is fast-paced and action-packed, and it starts off straightaway with the murder of, Robert Sim, the librarian of Marischal College due to something he found out while cataloguing a benefaction of books.
Shortly afterwards a weaver by the name of, Bernard Cummins, also gets murdered by the same hand as Robert Sim, and the intriguing part is that this same, Bernard Cummins, has recognised someone in Aberdeen who goes by the name of, Nicholas Black, but nobody else seems to know and has heard of this same man who's called, Nicholas Black.
What will follow is for Alexander Seaton to find out who this Nicholas Black is, while at the same time to investigate the killings of Sim and Cummins, and when he's finally able to identify the killer Alexander will come in for a nasty surprise when certain tangles of this web of deceit will unravel themselves in the end, because the murderer is someone who's quite close to him.
Very much recommended, for this episode is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Fantastic Scottish Historical Secretive Thriller"!
June 10, 2020
Superb. Set in1621. A time noticeable since men of poverty but mental talents had started to escape poverty - by means of financial mentors who paid for their higher education. Often including study abroad.
This complex story involves the murder of a college librarian and a young weaver.
To understand you must read the book.
MacLean impressed me in that she uses so many long sentences. Me being a lover of short sentences. Yet her sentence structure does aid the developing plot mystery.
Unputdownable.
This complex story involves the murder of a college librarian and a young weaver.
To understand you must read the book.
MacLean impressed me in that she uses so many long sentences. Me being a lover of short sentences. Yet her sentence structure does aid the developing plot mystery.
Unputdownable.
June 27, 2013
OMG! I just saw that there is a #4 in this series, The Devil's Recruit. The first one in the series took me forever to read because I could barely read one page before I fell asleep. But these books came very highly recommended and it was sort of exciting that the main character had my not-very-common surname. I asked the recommender if the second and third book were any less boring and he assured me that they got better. I managed to slog through the second one although I couldn't care less about any of the characters. Now, reading the third in the series, I am liking the characters a little better and it is either less boring or I have developed a resistance because I am able to read several pages before falling asleep.
March 25, 2018
The book is atmospheric and contains a well paced and interesting story.
I thouroughly enjoyed following Alexander Seaton once again when he is trying to solve a murder and navigate through his personal life. The latter also iniciated the return of a character I really liked in the first book and who voiced some of the things I would have liked to tell Alexander myself.
I thouroughly enjoyed following Alexander Seaton once again when he is trying to solve a murder and navigate through his personal life. The latter also iniciated the return of a character I really liked in the first book and who voiced some of the things I would have liked to tell Alexander myself.
May 2, 2021
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The writing style made it a quick and easy read. I will definitely check out more works from this author. I liked her writing. I loved how the writing and especially the conversations made it feel like they were from that time. The way people spoke to each other felt dated and it fit the timer period beautifully.
I loved the suspense in this book! There were quiet a lot of situations were the suspense got to a high level and I even feared for some of the characters.
The story itself was intriguing and however I felt as if the writer made it a little to difficult for herself. There is a lot of mystery and cult investigated and seems to be connected to the murders, but in the end the writer went for a easy way out. Which I felt disappointed about. The end was just not satisfying enough for me.
I liked the characters and I am thinking of picking up another book in the series. Because yes it is the third book in a series. Which I did not know about before I started to read it. You can definitely read this as a standalone. I did not feel as if I was missing out on other storylines.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The writing style made it a quick and easy read. I will definitely check out more works from this author. I liked her writing. I loved how the writing and especially the conversations made it feel like they were from that time. The way people spoke to each other felt dated and it fit the timer period beautifully.
I loved the suspense in this book! There were quiet a lot of situations were the suspense got to a high level and I even feared for some of the characters.
The story itself was intriguing and however I felt as if the writer made it a little to difficult for herself. There is a lot of mystery and cult investigated and seems to be connected to the murders, but in the end the writer went for a easy way out. Which I felt disappointed about. The end was just not satisfying enough for me.
I liked the characters and I am thinking of picking up another book in the series. Because yes it is the third book in a series. Which I did not know about before I started to read it. You can definitely read this as a standalone. I did not feel as if I was missing out on other storylines.
August 28, 2011
This was a quick read , but it wasn’t one that challenged me. The characters needed more substance to then . The historical topic was good , but I wanted more alchemy in it than was mentioned. The suspicion and murder throughout the story was a slow burning plot that didn’t really build enough .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2022
Starts well,the atmosphere and characters are ,as usual,great,but it drags and in the end it fizzles,and gets predictable.
First book was great,but the series are not shaping well.
First book was great,but the series are not shaping well.
January 8, 2014
This is good stuff. I remember seeing it a few years ago, displayed by Waterstones alongside the Da Vinci Code - and for that reason I didn't buy it (having bought and read the latter and felt like throwing it in the bin).
My son recently moved house, and while helping him to pack I found Crucible of Secrets. It is not the Da Vinci Code, it is nothing like it - and it should never have been displayed with it for the simple reason that it is a well written and believable novel.
I like the author's way of using 'old English' dialogue. Or 'old Scottish', perhaps, as it is set in Aberdeen. I look forward to buying more by MacLean. So many books these days aren't worth the paper they are printed on, and it is good to find another author to put on my 'To Read' list.
My son recently moved house, and while helping him to pack I found Crucible of Secrets. It is not the Da Vinci Code, it is nothing like it - and it should never have been displayed with it for the simple reason that it is a well written and believable novel.
I like the author's way of using 'old English' dialogue. Or 'old Scottish', perhaps, as it is set in Aberdeen. I look forward to buying more by MacLean. So many books these days aren't worth the paper they are printed on, and it is good to find another author to put on my 'To Read' list.
July 24, 2018
This was one of the dullest, most uninteresting and sleep-inducing books I've ever read, and I just do not understand all the glowing reviews. It was beyond painful.
July 27, 2023
In book 3 of the series we find Alexander Seaton living in Aberdeen and serving as a regent at Marischal College. On Midsummer’s eve, 1631, Robert Sims, Seaton’s friend and the librarian at the college is found brutally murdered in the garden just beyond the library steps. The college principal asks Seaton to discreetly look into Robert’s death for clues or possible motives. This search leads Seaton to a mysterious set of books dealing with alchemy and a secret and possibly heretical society within his own community. A second murder raises the stakes for Seaton.
An atmospheric book with a twisty, multi-layered mystery. The plot is a slow burn but is suspenseful right up through the end. MaClean is very skilled at bringing 17th century Scotland to life. Alexander Seaton is a perfectly imperfect character and I'm enjoying seeing his growth over the series.
An atmospheric book with a twisty, multi-layered mystery. The plot is a slow burn but is suspenseful right up through the end. MaClean is very skilled at bringing 17th century Scotland to life. Alexander Seaton is a perfectly imperfect character and I'm enjoying seeing his growth over the series.
June 13, 2019
i have read the Seeker series and very much enjoyed them, but hadnt read any previous Alexander Seaton ones, to a degree I shoudl have read the earlier ones if only to understand where Alexander is at in this book, but equally I read it as a stand alone novel. I did enjoy it, it isnt as complex as the Seeker ones, but a good read
October 16, 2023
Author MacLean certainly knows her history and is adept at taking you back in time. That said, I'm glad there are only four books in the Alexander Seaton series as I'm already tiring of these pious Scots and their philosophical conundrums.
March 15, 2013
Must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book (I read the newer edition, entitled just 'The Crucible' in eBook format), which came as a pleasant surprise as I'd known nothing about it, the author or her earlier works, and was launched into the world of Old Aberdeen with no expectations whatsoever. Any that I could have had, however, would have been met: the book is atmospheric, erudite, wonderfully situational and pleasantly comic in places -- all whilst being a 'whodunnit'-style murder mystery set in post-Reformation Scotland, with a compelling degree of actual mysteriousness.
It is, in my experience, fairly rare that period-based mysteries work out well; but 'The Crucible' is one that does, and I found myself quite entranced by the read. Characters are well drawn, and the first-person narration (which can so easily become distracting and contrived) worked well, drawing me into Alexander Seaton's mind and thoughts easily.
My sole criticism of the book (*spoiler alert here; skip this paragraph if you've not yet read the book*) is that the ending so trounces and eradicates the supposed build-up of the whole novel. To spend 90% of the novel being drawn into the secretive world of the Masons and their rituals, etc., only to find out in the final chapters that none of this had anything actually to do with the murder and was just a distraction -- this I found to be rather disappointing, and I thought the author could easily have kept the nature of the crime and its villain the same, without being quite so dismissive of all the reader had invested in this second storyline.
But that said, it is a wonderful read, highly recommended, and I shall be reading more of MacLean's works.
It is, in my experience, fairly rare that period-based mysteries work out well; but 'The Crucible' is one that does, and I found myself quite entranced by the read. Characters are well drawn, and the first-person narration (which can so easily become distracting and contrived) worked well, drawing me into Alexander Seaton's mind and thoughts easily.
My sole criticism of the book (*spoiler alert here; skip this paragraph if you've not yet read the book*) is that the ending so trounces and eradicates the supposed build-up of the whole novel. To spend 90% of the novel being drawn into the secretive world of the Masons and their rituals, etc., only to find out in the final chapters that none of this had anything actually to do with the murder and was just a distraction -- this I found to be rather disappointing, and I thought the author could easily have kept the nature of the crime and its villain the same, without being quite so dismissive of all the reader had invested in this second storyline.
But that said, it is a wonderful read, highly recommended, and I shall be reading more of MacLean's works.
July 8, 2013
Audiobook read by David Monteith
The Alexander Seaton books seem to divide people - you either like them or you don't. At times they can seem quite slow moving, which is strange as actually quite a lot happens in them. In this one, Seaton is asked to investigate a murder to ensure the good name of his college does not come into disrepute. More incidents follow, while Alexander has his usual personal crises to face. He is lucky in his friends.
Every now and then Shona MacLean gets us rather bogged down in the Rosicruceans, but her descriptions of a period notorious in Scottish history for its witchhunts is quite fascinating
The Alexander Seaton books seem to divide people - you either like them or you don't. At times they can seem quite slow moving, which is strange as actually quite a lot happens in them. In this one, Seaton is asked to investigate a murder to ensure the good name of his college does not come into disrepute. More incidents follow, while Alexander has his usual personal crises to face. He is lucky in his friends.
Every now and then Shona MacLean gets us rather bogged down in the Rosicruceans, but her descriptions of a period notorious in Scottish history for its witchhunts is quite fascinating
December 21, 2010
This third book in the Alexander Seaton series is riveting. The pace is much slower than A Game of Sorrows, which is my favourite out of the three books, but it's gripping from the first page. I was not overly impressed when I discovered a plot line with yet another "secret society", but my reaction was premature and very wrong.
This book will treat you to some favourite characters from the earlier books, a few red herrings, exceptional historical research and great writing skills.
I'm keen to know whether Shona MacLean will write more in this series; Alexander is such a lovely character!
This book will treat you to some favourite characters from the earlier books, a few red herrings, exceptional historical research and great writing skills.
I'm keen to know whether Shona MacLean will write more in this series; Alexander is such a lovely character!
April 25, 2013
I bought this book from a charity shop and didn't know it was the last in a series so that may have coloured my enjoyment of it. I found it a little dull, the pace seemed quite slow to me and even when we knew the 'secret' it was a bit of a let down. I didn't hate it and I certainly wouldn't say that the writing was in any way bad, but it just didn't make me care about any of the characters. It was all a little bit meh for me. Perhaps the other books enhanced this one and that's why it was so flat but there you have it.
August 25, 2011
A really excellent read, combining knowledge of 17 century Aberdeen with an intriguing 'whodunnit' plot that encompasses the secret rituals of the Stonemason's with secrets of the characters. I didn't guess 'whodunnit' but loved the decscriptions and details of a past time. Will be on the lookout for the previous 2 novels now.
May 2, 2014
An intriguing murder mystery set in 17th century Aberdeen, touching on secret brotherhoods and alchemy. This author has been compared with CJ Sansom and Hilary Mantel - this novel lacks the attention to detail and esoteric knowledge of the period found in their works, but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless.
August 20, 2011
An enthralling historical mystery set in 17th Century Aberdeen. I really liked the first book in this series, wasn't so keen on the second one, but this third one is really, really good.
August 17, 2012
Okay yarn, made better by the local setting. The first book was still the best
September 14, 2012
My favourite of the series so far. I was gripped from start to finish. You can definitely see an author honing their craft over the three books. Can't wait for more
August 3, 2013
Good historical fiction set in Scotland in the 1600's.
May 28, 2014
The first book in the series was excellent, the second even better and this is even better than that!!!
January 16, 2026
Aberdeen im Jahr 1631. Die Universitätsbibliothek bekommt eine unverhoffte Schenkung: es sind die Bücher eines Gelehrten, der vor Kurzem gestorben ist. Der Bibliothekar beginnt mit der Durchsicht, aber er wird sie nicht zu ende führen können. Als sein Freund Alexander Seaton am Abend in die Bibliothek zurückkommt, findet er ihn mit durchgeschnittener Kehle vor. Er macht sich auf die Suche nach dem Täter und entdeckt, dass der Ermordete ein dunkles Geheimnis hatte.
Es waren interessante Sitten, die vor fast 400 Jahren an den schottischen Universitäten herrschten. Schüler werden ausgepeitscht, Studenten der verschiedenen Universitäten geraten in eine Massenschlägerei und mittendrin Alexander Seaton, der das Chaos entwirren soll. Aber ist er überhaupt der richtige Mann dafür? Vor ein paar Jahren ist er eben mal nach Irland verschwunden und hat seine damalige Freundin zurück gelassen. Was heute zwar ärgerlich, aber nicht weiter schlimm für das Mädchen wäre, war damals ein handfester Skandal. Aber Alexander hatte gute Gründe und dass Sarah Zuspruch von seinem besten Freund bekommt, geht deshalb gar nicht :rollen:
Es fällt mir schwer, mit der Geschichte richtig warm zu werden. Alexander Seaton ist mir (noch) nicht sympathisch und jetzt geht die Entwicklung in Richtung Geheimbund/Verschwörung, das auch nicht zu meinen Lieblingsthemen gehört. Aber die Geschichte spielt in Aberdeen und da möchte ich noch eine Weile bleiben.
Die Verschwörung zieht immer größere Kreise. Aber so geheim scheint der Bund auch wieder nicht zu sein, denn egal wen Alexander anspricht: derjenige scheint schon davon zu wissen. Das ist ziemlich leichtsinnig von ihm, denn auch wenn er nur mit seinen Freunden spricht, so sind schon zwei Menschen ermordet worden. Da liegt die Vermutung nah, dass sie beobachtet wurden und er vielleicht auch einen unsichtbaren Begleiter hat.
Seine Frau tut mir immer mehr leid, denn er verhält sich nicht wirklich nett ihr gegenüber. Vielleicht liegt es an der Zeit, in der die Geschichte spielt, aber meiner Meinung nach behandelt er sie wie eine dumme Gans, die nur für Haushalt und Kinder zu gebrauchen ist. Obwohl er durchaus liebevoll über sie denkt. Leider sind Denken und Handeln manchmal zwei Paar Stiefel.
Ich bin mit dem Buch bis zum Ende nicht mehr warm geworden. Krimis ja, historische Romane eigentlich auch, aber die Kombination ist nicht meins. Dazu kommt noch, dass mir Alexander Seaton und seine Kollegen sehr schwerfällig und in ihren Ansichten festgefahren vorkamen. Gut gefallen hat mir dagegen die Ermittlungsarbeit. Ohne die Mittel, die den Ermittlern heute zur Verfügung stehen, war es ein Puzzle, das Seaton gut gelöst hat. Aber das hat nicht gereicht um zu sagen, dass mir das Buch wirklich gefallen hat.
Es waren interessante Sitten, die vor fast 400 Jahren an den schottischen Universitäten herrschten. Schüler werden ausgepeitscht, Studenten der verschiedenen Universitäten geraten in eine Massenschlägerei und mittendrin Alexander Seaton, der das Chaos entwirren soll. Aber ist er überhaupt der richtige Mann dafür? Vor ein paar Jahren ist er eben mal nach Irland verschwunden und hat seine damalige Freundin zurück gelassen. Was heute zwar ärgerlich, aber nicht weiter schlimm für das Mädchen wäre, war damals ein handfester Skandal. Aber Alexander hatte gute Gründe und dass Sarah Zuspruch von seinem besten Freund bekommt, geht deshalb gar nicht :rollen:
Es fällt mir schwer, mit der Geschichte richtig warm zu werden. Alexander Seaton ist mir (noch) nicht sympathisch und jetzt geht die Entwicklung in Richtung Geheimbund/Verschwörung, das auch nicht zu meinen Lieblingsthemen gehört. Aber die Geschichte spielt in Aberdeen und da möchte ich noch eine Weile bleiben.
Die Verschwörung zieht immer größere Kreise. Aber so geheim scheint der Bund auch wieder nicht zu sein, denn egal wen Alexander anspricht: derjenige scheint schon davon zu wissen. Das ist ziemlich leichtsinnig von ihm, denn auch wenn er nur mit seinen Freunden spricht, so sind schon zwei Menschen ermordet worden. Da liegt die Vermutung nah, dass sie beobachtet wurden und er vielleicht auch einen unsichtbaren Begleiter hat.
Seine Frau tut mir immer mehr leid, denn er verhält sich nicht wirklich nett ihr gegenüber. Vielleicht liegt es an der Zeit, in der die Geschichte spielt, aber meiner Meinung nach behandelt er sie wie eine dumme Gans, die nur für Haushalt und Kinder zu gebrauchen ist. Obwohl er durchaus liebevoll über sie denkt. Leider sind Denken und Handeln manchmal zwei Paar Stiefel.
Ich bin mit dem Buch bis zum Ende nicht mehr warm geworden. Krimis ja, historische Romane eigentlich auch, aber die Kombination ist nicht meins. Dazu kommt noch, dass mir Alexander Seaton und seine Kollegen sehr schwerfällig und in ihren Ansichten festgefahren vorkamen. Gut gefallen hat mir dagegen die Ermittlungsarbeit. Ohne die Mittel, die den Ermittlern heute zur Verfügung stehen, war es ein Puzzle, das Seaton gut gelöst hat. Aber das hat nicht gereicht um zu sagen, dass mir das Buch wirklich gefallen hat.
September 19, 2026
A couple of things I had to research to help me understand this novel> I learnt a lot.
1. Rosicrucian: is a member of a worldwide brotherhood or spiritual movement that claims to possess secret esoteric wisdom handed down from ancient times (The Masons etc). Began in Germany in early 1600s announcing a secret society dedicated to universal information of humankind. Influenced by esoteric (understood by a small group of people with specialised knowledge) Christianity and Hermeticism, (an ancient spiritual, philosophical, and religious tradition based on sacred writings attributed to the mythical sage Hermes Trismegistus). Symbol is a Rose Cross: red rose in the centre of a cross. "Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis: The Fame of the Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross. Text published in Germany in the early 1600s. So early enlightenment looking at reason and science.
2. Dark Academia Books: feature elite schools, secret societies, intense competition and a moody atmospheric focus on art, literature and dark secrets. eg:
Donna Tartt: The Secret History. The Goldfinch
R.F.Kuang: Babel. Katabasis.
Oscar Wilde: The picture of Dorian Gray.
Susanna Clarke: Piranesi.
Mary Shelley. Frankenstein.
and possibly: J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter.
The book is set in Aberdeen University in 1631 and is the story of Alexander Seaton (there are 2 novels with him before this one) a teacher at the University who becomes involves in investigating the murder of the college Librarian. And then a second murder. MacLean has a PHD from Aberdeen University on 16th and 17th C Scottish History, so the attention to detail is brilliant. I really enjoyed reading this. The scenes are very well set, the ideas of old superstition versus new scientific knowledge, how people lived in the town around the University, the divisions of wealth, the importance of education for all (men that is) coupled with great characters well drawn who also pull you into the story, all this makes the story layered and full of real human interest. Because all these people really matter in the context of the story. A really enjoyable and enlightening read.
1. Rosicrucian: is a member of a worldwide brotherhood or spiritual movement that claims to possess secret esoteric wisdom handed down from ancient times (The Masons etc). Began in Germany in early 1600s announcing a secret society dedicated to universal information of humankind. Influenced by esoteric (understood by a small group of people with specialised knowledge) Christianity and Hermeticism, (an ancient spiritual, philosophical, and religious tradition based on sacred writings attributed to the mythical sage Hermes Trismegistus). Symbol is a Rose Cross: red rose in the centre of a cross. "Fama Fraternitatis Rosae Crucis: The Fame of the Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross. Text published in Germany in the early 1600s. So early enlightenment looking at reason and science.
2. Dark Academia Books: feature elite schools, secret societies, intense competition and a moody atmospheric focus on art, literature and dark secrets. eg:
Donna Tartt: The Secret History. The Goldfinch
R.F.Kuang: Babel. Katabasis.
Oscar Wilde: The picture of Dorian Gray.
Susanna Clarke: Piranesi.
Mary Shelley. Frankenstein.
and possibly: J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter.
The book is set in Aberdeen University in 1631 and is the story of Alexander Seaton (there are 2 novels with him before this one) a teacher at the University who becomes involves in investigating the murder of the college Librarian. And then a second murder. MacLean has a PHD from Aberdeen University on 16th and 17th C Scottish History, so the attention to detail is brilliant. I really enjoyed reading this. The scenes are very well set, the ideas of old superstition versus new scientific knowledge, how people lived in the town around the University, the divisions of wealth, the importance of education for all (men that is) coupled with great characters well drawn who also pull you into the story, all this makes the story layered and full of real human interest. Because all these people really matter in the context of the story. A really enjoyable and enlightening read.
January 1, 2025
My first introduction to S G MacLean was via her ‘Seeker’ novels, of which there are four. I enjoyed them all but found them to be maybe a little Reacher-ish. The Alexander Seaton novels of which this is the third and, I believe, were published before the Seeker books are for me, altogether more interesting, complex and satisfying and just a couple of notches better.
This third book is set in Aberdeen in the summer of 1631 in Marischal College, where the librarian, Robert Sim, has been murdered following the receipt of a consignment of books from the continent. The books concern alchemy, hermetics and the pursuit of ancient knowledge. The town authorities set about investigating the murder while the college principal asks Alexander to look into Sim’s private life. Alexander discovers a side to Sim he had never known – a world of secret love, and private friendships touching on Masonic practices and a thirst for scientific knowledge, which given the religious beliefs of the day was a dangerous hobby.
Shona MacLean has an excellent storytelling style and keeps the tension high over the 448 pages of the novel. The book is also full of scholarship and set deep within the context of time and place – all of which makes for a very exciting and informative read.
Highly recommended.
This third book is set in Aberdeen in the summer of 1631 in Marischal College, where the librarian, Robert Sim, has been murdered following the receipt of a consignment of books from the continent. The books concern alchemy, hermetics and the pursuit of ancient knowledge. The town authorities set about investigating the murder while the college principal asks Alexander to look into Sim’s private life. Alexander discovers a side to Sim he had never known – a world of secret love, and private friendships touching on Masonic practices and a thirst for scientific knowledge, which given the religious beliefs of the day was a dangerous hobby.
Shona MacLean has an excellent storytelling style and keeps the tension high over the 448 pages of the novel. The book is also full of scholarship and set deep within the context of time and place – all of which makes for a very exciting and informative read.
Highly recommended.
April 15, 2026
Book 392 - Shona MacLean - Crucible of Secrets
This proved to be a refreshing detour from my usual modern thrillers. Picked up from a Tesco charity shelf, it turned out to be an unexpectedly absorbing historical mystery. Set in 17th‑century Scotland, the story unfolds within the world of academia—tutors, students, rivalries, loyalties, love, and betrayal. It’s part of a series, and I’m already tempted to seek out the others.
When a much‑admired lecturer is brutally murdered in the college library, the responsibility falls to our protagonist—supported, reluctantly at times, by the university leadership—to uncover the truth. What follows is a labyrinth of freemasonry, hidden manuscripts, and long‑buried secrets. Every lead seems to end in a dead end, and as the investigation threatens his marriage—and perhaps even his soul—the final revelation is anything but dull.
The characters are richly drawn, each carrying their own shadows, and the setting is beautifully realised. The shifting suspicions, the interplay between the accused and the accusers, and the gradual unravelling of guilt are handled with real skill.
A dark, atmospheric, and cleverly constructed thriller set in a city that feels alive on the page.
This proved to be a refreshing detour from my usual modern thrillers. Picked up from a Tesco charity shelf, it turned out to be an unexpectedly absorbing historical mystery. Set in 17th‑century Scotland, the story unfolds within the world of academia—tutors, students, rivalries, loyalties, love, and betrayal. It’s part of a series, and I’m already tempted to seek out the others.
When a much‑admired lecturer is brutally murdered in the college library, the responsibility falls to our protagonist—supported, reluctantly at times, by the university leadership—to uncover the truth. What follows is a labyrinth of freemasonry, hidden manuscripts, and long‑buried secrets. Every lead seems to end in a dead end, and as the investigation threatens his marriage—and perhaps even his soul—the final revelation is anything but dull.
The characters are richly drawn, each carrying their own shadows, and the setting is beautifully realised. The shifting suspicions, the interplay between the accused and the accusers, and the gradual unravelling of guilt are handled with real skill.
A dark, atmospheric, and cleverly constructed thriller set in a city that feels alive on the page.
November 10, 2020
I'm enjoying the Alexander Seaton series. This third book in the series is enjoyably readable, engaging and surprisingly convincing.
I find Seaton a very relatable character, partly because of his tendency to make dreadful decisions and put his foot in it, without realising he's doing so until later. As usual, MacLean manages to integrate Seaton's personal and domestic worries within the main detective-fiction plot, so they don't seem like a diversion (in many other detective stories, I find that the detective's domestic strifes are just a distraction from the story).
While I enjoyed the second Seaton book (A Game of Sorrows), I found it less realistic than most of MacLean's books, but I found the events in this third novel in the series easier to believe (it's still well worth reading them in order though).
I realise that MacLean finished writing the Seaton series some time ago (and has since written the Seeker series, which is how I first came across her writing). I'm now looking forward to reading the fourth and final Seaton book, The Devil's Recruit.
I find Seaton a very relatable character, partly because of his tendency to make dreadful decisions and put his foot in it, without realising he's doing so until later. As usual, MacLean manages to integrate Seaton's personal and domestic worries within the main detective-fiction plot, so they don't seem like a diversion (in many other detective stories, I find that the detective's domestic strifes are just a distraction from the story).
While I enjoyed the second Seaton book (A Game of Sorrows), I found it less realistic than most of MacLean's books, but I found the events in this third novel in the series easier to believe (it's still well worth reading them in order though).
I realise that MacLean finished writing the Seaton series some time ago (and has since written the Seeker series, which is how I first came across her writing). I'm now looking forward to reading the fourth and final Seaton book, The Devil's Recruit.
August 5, 2022
This book is based in Aberdeen, after the jaunt over to Ulster in Book 2 of the series, this is exactly what I wanted.
This book is set in 1631 and it really gives a feeling about life in North East Scotland in the 17th Century. Alexander Seaton is married and a Regent, a lecturer and then some, in Marischal College, one of the colleges, if I understand the structure properly, of Aberdeen University. It's really interesting to read about the links that Scotland had with Europe at this point in time, more especially Northern Europe as it too was Protestant.
The characters are well written and read as real people, the main character, Alexander Seaton, is far from perfect (though he comes across as a good person who you would want as a friend) but that make feel more real. Wonderful historical detail and descriptions of real places. It makes me want to visit Aberdeen.
This book is set in 1631 and it really gives a feeling about life in North East Scotland in the 17th Century. Alexander Seaton is married and a Regent, a lecturer and then some, in Marischal College, one of the colleges, if I understand the structure properly, of Aberdeen University. It's really interesting to read about the links that Scotland had with Europe at this point in time, more especially Northern Europe as it too was Protestant.
The characters are well written and read as real people, the main character, Alexander Seaton, is far from perfect (though he comes across as a good person who you would want as a friend) but that make feel more real. Wonderful historical detail and descriptions of real places. It makes me want to visit Aberdeen.
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