BETWEEN THE LINES: John Dore, Seven Dials

Seven Dials, John Dore (Image: Damien Wilkinson)

For a debut novel, John Dore packs a mighty punch with this history laced thriller.

Dore, with previous publishing in the Management and Leadership sector, has extensively researched the history of London’s Seven Dials area, charting the life of Sir Thomas Neale, a politician in the 17th century, who also was Master of the Mint, establishing the “Million Lottery” in 1694.

Using Neale’s life to underpin things, the story flips between the late 17th century and the current time in alternating chapters. The current period focuses mainly on two characters, journalist Alison Hill and Brad Sayers, a Thames Water sub-contractor, who stumble across a previously hidden legacy of Neale’s in the Seven Dials area of London.

Incredibly well written and researched, Dore paints a detailed account of both periods, with a keen eye to the detail of each era and the respective protagonists are developed authentically in the context of the emerging events.

The alternating chapters are paced well and the rhythmic switches propel the reader’s momentum through the book’s journey as the plot unfolds and Hill and Sayers are drawn into the global network of alternative history enthusiasts know as “Questors”.

I won’t share any plot spoilers but the race to solve the 300 year puzzle reaches a gripping finale.

There is also an insightful essay at the end of the book chronicling the meagre treatment of Thomas Neale, which seeks to create an appropriate historical reset to offset some of the negativity overshadowing his works and deeds.

Seven Dials, John Dore (Image: Damien Wilkinson)

The Questors

Dore’s debut, which is an impressive and gripping read, is heralded as Book One in a new series featuring the “Questors”, so expect more novels to follow.

www.thequestor.com