REVIEWS – BOOKS

“Jewers excels in both his assiduous research and the characterisation of his hero... this is a splendid adventure with the promise of more to come.”

“Book of the month… A zestful imagining of the lost late memoirs of one of Britain's great historical chronicles.”

“One of the best historical fiction novels of the year.”

“This is all-thriller... The memory of experiencing this work will sit jaggedly in the reader’s mind for a long, long time. I’d be surprised if Seething Lane is not featured in the key literary awards for 2026.”

“Brutal, addictive and rich, [Seething Lane] feels alive and vivid... truly thrilling, an utter page turner throughout.”

“Swashbuckling action-packed drama.”

“Impressive.”

“A page-turning crime thriller. Jewers, like the best historical novelists, has done his research. He recreates the world of 1669 in a vivid, realistic and natural way.”

“Jack Jewers has no scruples. He revels in such phrases as 'bull's pizzle' and delves into as many décolletés as are to hand... His rip-roaring yarn is also a bodice-ripper… Something for everyone.”

“Rarely has historical fiction become as thrilling as this... judiciously researched period detail striated into a truly ‘edge-of-the-seat’ narrative. Essential.”

“One of the best novels that I have read in the last decade… In the absence of a time machine currently existing, worry not, Jewers’ literary talents are the next best thing. Absolutely outstanding.”

“An action-packed, thoroughly entertaining read, full of adventure and amazing historical detail.”

“Hard to imagine Samuel Pepys being any more interesting than he already was, but Jack Jewers has done it for him, imaginatively, brilliantly, convincingly, in the now plural (praise be!) Samuel Pepys Mysteries.”

“Jewers' reimagining of Pepys as sleuth in the heady days of the Restoration is a blinder - what's not to like? Palace intrigue, the roar of the greasepaint and our Samuel's eye for detail. A wonderful combo artfully reimagined.”

“Outstanding. Wonderfully researched and rich in period detail, Seething Lane is absorbing and moving, as both a crime novel and as a portrait of the times.”

“A thrilling and atmospheric historical adventure which brilliantly reimagines infamous diarist Samuel Pepys and conjures up the world of London theatre in 1670. Hugely entertaining.”

“There is a palpable sense of dynamism to the rapidly changing city of 1670, yet the danger and deceit remains lurking menacingly in the shadows. A joy - compelling, exciting, moving and like all the best murder-mysteries, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing to the very end.”

“Combines historical depth with dazzling story-telling and introduces the reader to a rich tapestry of actors, beggars, nobility - and Mr Samuel Pepys. All-absorbing.”

“A gorgeously-written, intriguing mystery, packed with meticulous period detail and many wonderful turns of phrase - a brilliant jewel of a book.”

“The sheer pleasure of sinking back into Pepys's world so long after his last diary was an unexpected treat. Even readers who wouldn't consider themselves historical fiction fans will find something to love in this book."

“Every bit as lively, witty and entertaining as the inspiration but with added intrigue and swashbuckling. A proper treat that would no doubt delight Mr Pepys himself.”

“The genius of Samuel Pepys brilliantly channeled by the genius of Jack Jewers in an exciting, heartfelt 17th century adventure.”

“A page-turning adventure with historical detail that will make you feel as though you are really there.”