Genre: Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay, Bisexual
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Lucas Walker has been down on his luck for years. Then he has a run-in with a surgeon named Henry Glass, who presents him with an unusual job opportunity: procuring corpses for Henry’s medical research. Out of work and out of options, and maybe just a little enamored with the shy and gentlemanly Henry, Lucas agrees. But between the perils of bodysnatching and the fear of being outed for his proclivities, Lucas has his hands full. Falling in love with his employer is the last thing he needs.
Glass Castles is a novella and the first in The Resurrectionist series.
The Review
Lucas Walker is living his life on the streets of London. He’s in his early twenties and has no means of employment. He’s been blackballed by the warehouses, and he’s not needy enough for the workhouses. He’s a little awkward, but honest, and has a lot of pride. He doesn’t want to have to work at a brothel.
His best friend Jasper Rees resides at Madam Beatrice’s Sun & Stars brothel. Jasper is always willing to give Lucas a place to stay, and meets with him often at the Rusty Duck for ale and food, a well-known pub where men of like proclivities come for drink, food and to meet other men.
Lucas isn’t very good at meeting others, but when he spies a gentlemen who seems out of place for the Rusty Duck, he waits for him to leave his table – it’s a way for him to get a free meal. But then Lucas has a change of heart and decides to follow the well-to-do man to proposition him, which he’s not very good at.
Dr. Henry Glass is in his early forties. He’s built a wall around his heart, and has regrets that lead him to the Rusty Duck, a place that he has long avoided. But his need to drown his sorrow and loneliness have him seeking out company. He decides he can’t go through with it, and laves. He knows he’s being followed ,and confronts the young man, who tries to proposition him in the alley. After a conversation Henry gives the man his card and a possibility for work.
Lucas is worried about many things. What happened to Jasper? Will Lucas take a chance and go to the hospital to meet Henry? Is he ready to take on the work that Henry asks him to perform, and face the danger that comes with it? What about the confusing emotions between Henry and Lucas?
York has written an entertaining novella with a little suspense, some danger, friendship, humor and a dash of love in Glass Castles. The novella is well written, an easy read set in 19th century Victorian London. Henry Glass and Lucas Walker are two men from opposite worlds, and the gradual relationship that grows between them is filled with anxiety and mixed messages.
There are some very likable secondary characters who brighten the story: Jasper, who is adorable and unique; Daniel Barker, who is very smart in his own way and is dealing with an illness; Theseus Blackthorne, a bold attorney with his eye on Daniel; Frederick, butler and footman for Mr. Glass; and Madeline McCormick, a lady of the brothel.
Glass Castles is an enjoyable read – I highly recommend it. I’m already invested in the “Resurrectionists” series, and am excited for the second book, Dark Horse, to find what York has planned next.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
