S.G. MacLean Books In Order

Publication Order of Damian Seeker Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

About S.G. MacLean

The Scottish novelist Shona MacLean, also known as S.G. MacLean, has been a successful crime writer for some time. Mainly focusing on historical crime, she has a clear eye for detail, researching her books in-depth, making them highly immersive through their accuracy. Her stories are also well-paced, really drawing the reader in, and keeping them guessing throughout every single step of the way. Letting her books essentially speak for themselves, she has a way with words that makes for extremely effective storytelling on every level.

There’s a lot to enjoy in each of her stories, as she works at bringing her worlds to life, giving them a real sense of vitality in the process. This approach has also proven to be extremely successful worldwide, with readers from all over singing her many praises. Knowing her audience well at this point, she really understands them, while also saying precisely what she would like to say. Giving her work a distinctive outlook, she knows how to draw the reader in and hold them there for the entire story.

When it comes to crafting protagonists that endure in the mind’s eye of the reader, she’s also proven to be an expert. Creating characters that definitely stand-out from the page, she ensures the reader gets to know them as people, while really relating to them. Resonating with audiences from all over, her books are universal in their appeal, despite being so unique in what it is that they offer. There are plenty more books to follow as well, as MacLean continues writing with more set for release on the horizon.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Inverness, Scotland, on the 1st of January in 1968, Shona MacLean would grow up with a keen passion for literature. Growing up in the Highlands, she sought inspiration from the world around her, putting much of it back into her work. Developing her craft over time, she would come to find her own voice, saying what she wanted to say as her own author.

Attending school in Dingwell, she would go on to receive an MA along with a PhD from the University of Aberdeen in History. All of this would provide her with the basis to help begin her writing career focusing on the crime novel and history. Now living in Banff which is based on the Moray coast in Scotland, she’s married and has four children, and will carry on writing for a long time yet.

Writing Career

Publishing her first book back in 2008, MacLean would make her literary debut as S.G. MacLean with the novel ‘The Redemption of Alexander Seaton.’ This book would not only be the first using her pen-name, but also the first in the ‘Alexander Seaton’ series of mystery novels. Using a historical period setting, they would take place in Scotland in the 1620s, with close attention paid to detail.

Another series she went on to write using the pseudonym was the ‘Damian Seeker’ series of novels, which followed in a similar vein. This series began with ‘The Seeker’ in 2015, and it would be a historical mystery set during the 1650s in London, England, with various different mysteries again. She has also written a stand-alone title which was called ‘The Bookseller of Inverness’ and it came out in 2022, with it being a historical mystery as well.

Crucible of Secrets

This book was to be the third in the ongoing ‘Alexander Seaton’ series of historical mystery novels, each one being self-contained. It would initially come out back in 2011 on the 4th of August through the ‘Quercus’ publishing imprint, leading the way for ‘The Devil’s Recruit’ to be released in 2013. The series itself is set around the schoolmaster Alexander Seaton, and takes place during the 1620s in Banff, Aberdeen, Scotland.

In this story, which takes place Midsummer in 1631 in Scotland, Alexander Seaton and his fellow masters are enjoying the holiday period along with their students. That’s when Robert Sim, a librarian positioned at the Marischal College, is found murdered, discovered within a darkened alleyway in the local town. Asked by the school principal to investigate the personal life of the librarian while the authorities investigate the case itself, Seaton discovers more than he could’ve ever guessed at. What was the librarian actually hiding, can Seaton find the killer in time, and who is really behind the Crucible of Secrets?

There’s so much going on here, as Alexander Seaton works against the clock to save the reputation of the college. It’s a hugely entertaining novel making the most of its engaging setting and thrilling premise, along with its expert use of pacing. Well researched, it’s clear that MacLean understands what she’s writing about here, as the period really feels immersive in that it can be fully explored.

The Bear Pit

First arriving through the ‘Quercus’ publishing label, this book would come out on the 11th of July back in 2019. The fourth title in the ‘Damian Seeker’ series of historical mystery novels, it continues on from the previous three books with another self-contained mystery. They don’t need to be read in order, although there are some elements brought over for returning fans, with it paving the way for the fifth book, ‘The House of Lamentations,’ to be released in 2020.

Set in London in 1956, Captain Damian Seeker is the protectorate to Oliver Cromwell, and this time he’s trailing an assassin looking to destroy the heart of the Republic. Finding the body of a man ravaged by what seems to have been a bear in an otherwise illegal gambling den, he’s left wondering where the animal could’ve come from after all the bears were shot. Tracking the creature now, Seeker deals with a whole host of victims, as he attempts to discover where it’ll strike next, and bring the killer to justice. Will he be able to find the killer in time though, where will they strike next, and who is the one deep in the bear pit?

Really setting the stage for 17th Century England, MacLean once again succeeds at bringing the period fully to life. Giving it a real sense of vibrancy, she grounds it through her use of character, creating realistic personalities that the audience can relate to easily. It’s mystery is also a solid one as well, as it keeps the audience constantly guessing, with many twists and surprises placed along the way.

2 Responses to “S.G. MacLean”

1. Alistair Gordon: 1 week ago

   Just about to start The Bear Pit – the first three in the Seeker series were excellent!
   An absolute credit to her Uncle – SG’s style is not dissimilar to Alistair McLean’s work.
   If you happen to read this Ms McLean, I wish you great success in your future endeavours.

   Reply
2. David Wood: 1 year ago

   Have read all your books. Excellent.
   Enjoyed every one. Am now waiting for
   The Winter List to be delivered. Keep
   These books coming. As good as, if not
   Better than Bernard Cornwell. Thanks

   Reply