This is the 4th book in the series.
The storytelling is 10/10. All the characters are so well developed and come to life on the pages.
A great book

Thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is the fourth instalment of the series and centres around a plot to assassinate Oliver Cromwell by a Royalist group and the gruesome death of an old soldier. As usual Seeker is embroiled in the intrigue and mystery - the reader is introduced to so many characters who could be responsible for the plot and the apparent murder of the soldier.

The plot is complex and I found myself getting a bit lost in this book - although I was glad I stuck with it as the end is very exciting. However, the romance between Maria and Seeker is no longer as compelling as it was in the earlier books and the introduction of too many new characters became confusing.

Not my favourite of the series, but I will keep reading because overall I enjoy these books immensely. They are very well-researched and the characters are realistic. I hope the next book explores more of the relationship between Dorcas and Seeker.

Everything you have come to expect from an S G MacLean novel and more. You feel transported back to Oliver Cromwell's Republic with the sights and smells of London vividly brought to life. The explanation of the history of the period is skilfully woven into the narrative and never feels like a digression for a history lesson whilst acting as a useful reminder of events of the time. Seeker as a character goes from strength to strength, you care about him, his friends and family, so much so I found myself shedding tears in a coffee shop! Add to this a thriller that moves at pace and you have the perfect historical read. I've recommended this author to lots of people and always get a great response once they've read any of the novels. Big thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for providing me with this free ARC and of course thanks to S G MacLean for another great read.

I have read the previous books in the Seeker series, The Bear Pit is the 4th in the series and if you are a fan of historical fiction but haven't read these before then you should definitely try these.

I am a fan of Tudor and Stuart history, and have read a lot of fiction and non-fiction based around those periods, but these books are set during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, following the execution of Charles I, a time which I am less informed about.

Shona MacLean has a PH.D in History and her depth of knowledge on the period really shows. She is able to bring the sights and sounds of England during Cromwell's reign vividly to life. And Damian Seeker is a great character, a former soldier in the New Model Army, now working on behalf of Cromwell, hunting down those who are seeking to restore Charles II to his throne.

The books are dynamic and fast moving, but also MacLean doesn't reveal her hand too early, and The Bear Pit builds to a great, action packed conclusion.

I really enjoyed this book and it's fascinating reading MacLean's authors note and seeing how much she has based on historical fact, particularly around the plots to undo the Protectorate. Highly recommend the whole series to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction and derring do adventure stories.

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

It is 1865 and the time of Oliver Cromwell. Captain Seeker is in the pay of Thurloe The Chief Secretary. They must flush out the Royalists and Republicans who wish to assassinate Cromwell. There have been attempts already and the spotlight is on 3 men hiding in the backstreet Inn’s of the capital. Seeker is so well known in the back alleys of London he puts fear into many. Intertwined is the horrible killing of a man chained up and mauled by a bear, what bearing could this have on the plot to kill Cromwell. The story is spiced with Seeker’s everyday life the characters he is close too and brings you another side to the Soldier. I very much enjoyed the everyday colourful life of London which is shown in all its detail. You will be wanting to read this story in one sitting as it will keep you well enthralled.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author, S G MacLean, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Bear Pit in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This is the fourth book in the series but would be relatively easy to follow if you haven't experienced the enjoyment of reading the previous 3 novels.
I thought the storyline was well thought out and written and keeps you hooked until the last page. The characters are well defined and the scenery highly descriptive.
Well worth a read.