We are excited to welcome Jack Jewers to the Book Tree to discuss his new book Seething Lane which returns to the world of his critically acclaimed historical thriller, The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys.

Pepys’ diaries have enthralled generations of readers with their exciting and frequently hilarious confessions about day-to-day life during the Restoration.

Pepys witnessed some of the most dramatic events in English history, from the return of Charles II to the horrors of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London, but put his pen down for the last time in the early summer of 1669… or did he?!

Jack’s debut novel The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys was described as “impressive… a lively historical thriller” by The Times. The book went on to be chosen as a Sunday Times historical fiction book of the year, and a book of the month by the Financial Times and The Independent, who’s said that “debuts don’t come better than this”.

His follow up Seething Lane is a compelling and inventive theatrical drama, bringing Pepys back to life through rich historical detail, thrilling adventure, and a twisting murder mystery set in the world of London theatre.

We will chat with Jack about the book, his writing, research and inspiration. There will be a chance for the audience to ask questions and Jack will sign copies at the end of the evening.

The bookshop door will be open from 7pm and complementary drinks will be available until the event starts at 7.30pm.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. Please contact the shop or use the form below to reserve your seats.

We hope to see you there!

About the Book

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 — Anna Mazzola

I loved this: a taut murder mystery set in the richly atmospheric time of Restoration London, a period Jewers brings vividly back to life. It is 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 — James Holland

January 1670. London is enduring its worst winter in decades, and Nell Gwyn is about to make her scandalous return to the stage.

Called upon to investigate the brutal murder of a libertine aristocrat, Pepys discovers that the dead man is connected to a mysterious visitor in the most shocking way possible. The investigation leads Pepys from the glamorous world of royal mistresses to the new theatre on Drury Lane.

Filled with real historical characters including the actress Nell Gwen, the playwright Aphra Behn and many of King Charles II’s mistresses, in Seething Lane Jack Jewers brings Britain’s most infamous diary back to life for a modern audience.

Reimagining one of Britain’s greatest historical figures through a 21st century lens, Seething Lane is a gripping new mystery from the author of the critically acclaimed historical thriller The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys.

Hard to imagine Samuel Pepys being any more interesting than he already was, but Jack Jewers has done it for him, imaginatively, brilliantly and convincingly — Rev. Richard Coles

An action-packed, thoroughly entertaining read, full of adventure and amazing historical detail — My Weekly on The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys

About the Author

Jack Jewers is a filmmaker and writer. His 2022 debut, The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys, was named one of the Sunday Times’ historical fiction books of the year, and a book of the month by The Independent and Financial Times. He regularly appears at literary festivals including Chalk, Cheltenham and Hay, and his career has been spent telling stories across multiple media formats and his work includes film, TV, and digital media.

His films have been shown at international film festivals, including Cannes, New York, Marseille, Dublin, and London’s FrightFest, garnering multiple accolades, including an award from the Royal Television Society and a nomination from BAFTA Wales for Best Short Film. Jack’s passion for history has led him to many unexpected places, from uncovering hidden love stories in 3000-year-old poetry, to sending a portrait of Shakespeare into space.

Seething Lane is Jack’s second novel.