I enjoy historical fiction but have not come across anything set in the Cromwell era before The Seeker by S.G MacLean. Now, I am hoping to discover some more and have the next in the series on reserve from the library: I enjoyed this book!

The Seeker is a man of mystery. He has a reputation that has everyone scurrying out of his way. Customers flee from a coffee house after hearing he has visited for fear what he might discover. But despite his ominous reputation, Damian Seeker has a true and loyal heart.

The majority of the narration follows Seeker as he attempts to protect Cromwell and discover plots that threaten the unstable stability after the war. He is quick-witted and ruthless against those who cause him trouble. But he is also honourable; he understands why an enemy chose to die rather than submit. He doesn’t seek to humiliate those who oppose him, doesn’t want glory for the plots he uncovers. Seeker is also determined to get to the truth, even when his superiors tell him to leave it.

I instantly liked Seeker as a character. He is a powerful man, in a position that could easily be corrupt. But even when thinking he has caught a killer red-handed, Seeker doesn’t look for the simple answer. He knows something else is going on, and refuses to let an innocent man hang.

There are a number of secondary characters as well. Grace Kent is likeable, but then takes a back seat for the majority of the plot. Anne Winter is a mystery; I was convinced she was up to no good. I was right…and I was also wrong. She was truly a deep and complex character. Maria was my favourite– she had no qualms about standing up to Seeker and reveals she is not as naïve as her brother would like to believe.

As for the men… Samuel was lovely – the type of uncle everyone wants. George Tavener lacked something – he didn’t seem to have a spine for the majority of the book. Elias shows how far he would go for love. It was Seeker himself, and the ladies, that stole it for me though.

The plot progressed at a steady pace – some moments saw the tension increase dramatically before it eased back, only to flare up again. I remained engrossed for the entire book and was intrigued as to how events were going to resolve themselves.

It’s fair to say there are a few twists in this novel. It’s also fair to say that I ended up gaping at the page when some were revealed – I certainly did not see them coming! The fact that I remained gripped shows the quality of MacLean’s writing – I didn’t want to put it down.

I could quite easily slot into the time period as well. It, of course, took a chapter or so to immerse myself, but then it didn’t bother me for the rest of the book.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.