The House of Lamentations Review | S.G MacLean

Between library closures and lock-downs, it’s been a long wait for this book, but it was worth it! We’re returning to the Cromwell era, with one of my favourite hard-guy-soft-heart characters. If you like a historical mystery, I recommend the Seeker series. Here’s my review on The House of Lamentations.

Publisher: Quercus | Date: 2020 | Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Summer, 1658, and the Republic may finally be safe: the combined Stuart and Spanish forces have been heavily defeated by the English and French armies on the coast of Flanders, and the King’s cause appears finished.

Yet one final, desperate throw of the dice is planned. And who can stop them if not Captain Damian Seeker?

The House of Lamentations Review

I had solid expectations for The House of Lamentations –  fifth in the Captain Damian Seeker series by S.G MacLean. I’ve enjoyed the first four with their mysteries, characters and settings, so was certain I’d like this. It didn’t disappoint, delivering another whirlwind of a mystery that keeps you guessing.

Characters

Damian Seeker is one of my favourite historical fiction characters. I’ve explored his character in previous reviews: tough, firm exterior no one dares cross; biggest heart you’ll find under Cromwell’s reign. The fifth book is no different.

Isolated and alone, Seeker has time to reflect on what he wants. After four books battling love and duty, it’s satisfying watching him arrive at a conclusion. But I was cheering all the way as he – finally – puts love first, although the collapse of the regime helps.

It sums up Seeker’s character perfectly when it’s not the threat to his masters he’s worried about, but the fate of an unknown woman that haunts him.

New and old enemies appear as events result in plots and conspiracies. The narration mainly follows Seeker, but insights into secondary characters gives readers a few extra clues what’s going on – and who you should be rooting for.

Plot

More than any other genre, the plot has to work in a mystery to hold my attention. The House of Lamentations delivers this: you have hints and clues throughout, helped by snippets of other character’s point of views. But how it pulls together, how all the elements connect, remained completely hidden.

I love the balance between large-scale-threat-to-the-throne plot coupled with a small-scale personal mystery that affects three people. It provides a personal touch: you want Seeker to win, but you’re emotionally invested in the sub-plot. You get a feeling about some elements, but there’s enough curve-balls that you’re never certain.

Writing

MacLean’s writing has always captivated me. Despite studying it in school, this isn’t an era I remember a lot about, but I feel the history unfolding as we move through the books. It never feels like an information dump.

The same is true here. Despite being in a different country with names I can’t pronounce, you get a feel for the city, transporting you to where the characters are.

Likewise, her descriptions of the characters bring them to life. We know Seeker now, but even the secondary characters with a minor part are ones you can empathise and connect with.

Final Thoughts

House of Lamentations had a different pace to the previous books: slower and more in-depth due to Seeker’s isolation. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it:  a new city, a mystery I couldn’t guess and an explosive climax that meant I couldn’t put the book down. Definitely recommendation for historical fiction fans.

Are you into historical fiction? Does this sound like your kind of book?

Also in the series:

• One: The Seeker
• Two: The Black Friar
• Three: Destroying Angel
• Four: The Bear Pit

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