Seething Lane by Jack Jewers
Seething Lane is a beautifully written historical fiction novel set in 1670`s London just four years after the great fire decimated the city, amid the coldest winter the city has ever seen. A London readjusting to the return of a king after being under Lord Cromwell’s government for years. The rebuilding of London is ongoing. Jack Jewers has woven fact and fiction seamlessly together, taking the reader on a fascinating journey that just draws you in from the start.
After the strict years of hardship and repression of Cromwell`s government, in the reign of King Charles the second, all measure of enjoyable pastimes were reinstated, pubs reopened, the playing of sports resumed. People were having fun and living again. Theatres reopened, ushering in a golden age for English stages, including the fact that for the first time women could play women’s roles. Shakespeare`s plays were among the productions being put on. Theatre craft is brought to life in glorious detail and I love that.
Samuel Pepys at Seething Lane
1670: Samuel Pepys lives at Seething Lane and works at the Naval office, a loyal subject of King Charles the second. The story begins with a summons from Pepys boss Secretary Marshall. Samuel is tasked to root out a person rumoured to be spreading sedition, a preacher named Inigo Wrath, who is rapidly gaining popularity. Posters are appearing all over London bearing the slogan Monmouth shall never inherit. The Duke of Monmouth is the king’s favourite son. When a strangely dressed boy appears in Samuel`s office requesting aid, Pepys can spare no time. Inigo is his imminent priority. Then a hideous double murder that leaves more questions than answers changes everything. Samuel is tasked to investigate and to solve the murder of this poor boy and an associate of the Duke of Monmouth. With this double investigation ongoing, he enlists the aid of his friend and work colleague Will Hewer.
Infiltrating Wrath`s group of believers ends in disaster and makes a dangerous enemy of one Mr. Kitts, who will stop at nothing to avenge his master’s death. The search for the truth becomes more dangerous bringing menace to Pepys own doorstep.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
On the Kings orders, Pepys poses as a patron of the theatre in Drury Lane, in what will become the Theatre Royal. The production the actors are staging is Shakespeare’s As You Like It. He is soon integrated into this tight group that includes the King`s famous mistress, Nell Gwyn. Samuel gains their trust, but some are still suspicious of him and his endless questions. With so many multi-faceted characters, is anyone what they seem? Is the killer among them?
Danger lies around every corner as he gets deeper into the investigation. Samuel and Will follow the truth through the city and its emerging outskirts of tiny townlands and villages and eventually back to White Hall. Samuel`s wife Elizabeth`s continuing health issues tears his loyalty asunder. Ultimately the investigation and uncovering the truth about the killer must take precedence overall.
Seething Lane: a real treat
This book is a real treat for readers of historic fiction and non-historic, the mystery is the key here, totally absorbing. Well researched, the historical detail is cleverly balanced and doesn’t hinder the pace. Interwoven with a cast inspired by real people, locations and events, the story is rich in detail and full of intrigue and facts, making for a fascinating, menacing and thrilling read.
The story is told from Samuel Pepys point of view, but this doesn’t detract from the other characters individual authentic voice. The flow of language reads effortlessly, with great dialogue and pockets of humour. Long chapters broken into acts paces the story brilliantly, allowing one to absorb all the exquisite detail while keeping the reader captivated. I was drawn in instantly. I highly recommend this book.
Seething Lane is published by Moonflower Books.
(c) Karen Slammon
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