The Seeker by S. G. MacLean

This historical crime fiction novel is set in the time and place of London, England, 1654, in the first year of Oliver Cromwell’s rule as Lord Protector. From the first word, the reader is drawn immediately into a world still reeling from the Civil Wars when Parliament and King were at war.

The titular character is the Lord Protector’s chief spy and agent, charged with investigating any murder or crime. Head of armed forces, Damian Seeker strikes fear in the hearts of every member of the populace, innocent or not. His own mysterious past is wrapped tight like a shroud around himself but he is known as a fair man, meaning he seeks out the true perpetrator of a crime and won’t hang an innocent person.

This first instalment concerns the murder of a high profile member of Cromwell’s inner circle (a locked room mystery in itself). As Seeker interviews and investigates men and women, heinous crimes committed by the Cavaliers in the previous decade come to light. Who is the real enemy and who is the real victim? Seeker sorts out friend from foe, those hiding a dreadful secret and those hiding a previous life and name.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical crime novel, a gentle way of absorbing English history. Book two is The Black Friar, held by the SMSA Library.

Reviewed by Belinda Coombs
Murder and Crime Reading Group