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London Underside #1
Molly Boys
London 1885:
For Lord Everett Stanley, escaping his fate seemed impossible. As the second son, he’s destined for ordination and the life of a Reverend, but he’s hiding a dangerous secret. The laws punishing homosexuality by hanging may have been repealed but he and others of his kind are far from safe. Given no other choice, they take solace in the underground molly houses of London. Now that fragile world is threatened when the East End is rocked by a series of gruesome murders.
Inspector Archibald Franklin worked hard to overcome his working-class roots, making a name for himself as a respected inspector of Whitechapel’s H Division, but when he begins to investigate the deaths of several beautiful young men, fate throws him into the path of the handsome and enigmatic Lord Stanley. His gut instinct tells him the young lord knows more about the murders than he lets on, but the closer he gets, the more Everett calls to him in a way he’s tried to deny his whole life.
As a reign of terror grips London, they are drawn together in order to stop a monster, but for Archie, the growing feelings he has for Everett are a betrayal of the very laws he has sworn to uphold. And as the killer closes in, the two men find themselves bound together by a passion that may be their ultimate salvation or their utter destruction…
For Lord Everett Stanley, escaping his fate seemed impossible. As the second son, he’s destined for ordination and the life of a Reverend, but he’s hiding a dangerous secret. The laws punishing homosexuality by hanging may have been repealed but he and others of his kind are far from safe. Given no other choice, they take solace in the underground molly houses of London. Now that fragile world is threatened when the East End is rocked by a series of gruesome murders.
Inspector Archibald Franklin worked hard to overcome his working-class roots, making a name for himself as a respected inspector of Whitechapel’s H Division, but when he begins to investigate the deaths of several beautiful young men, fate throws him into the path of the handsome and enigmatic Lord Stanley. His gut instinct tells him the young lord knows more about the murders than he lets on, but the closer he gets, the more Everett calls to him in a way he’s tried to deny his whole life.
As a reign of terror grips London, they are drawn together in order to stop a monster, but for Archie, the growing feelings he has for Everett are a betrayal of the very laws he has sworn to uphold. And as the killer closes in, the two men find themselves bound together by a passion that may be their ultimate salvation or their utter destruction…
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2023
105 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Vawn Cassidy
27 books461 followersVawn Cassidy is the MM pen name of British author Wendy Saunders.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 7, 2024
4.5 stars. It’s been a long time since I’ve come across a Penny Dreadful style book that I’ve had so much fun with and this really bought those dark and gritty vibes that this genre is known for.
Archie, who is the youngest man to become inspector and is stationed at Whitechapel, has a reputation for being a smart and thorough investigator, finds himself on the trail of a serial killer who is targeting young gay men in London in the 1880s.
I want to be clear that this is not a romance book. Yes it does have a romantic subplot between Archie and Lord Everett (the young handsome Lord who is in the process of being forced into service of the church) but I fear if you’re after a romance book you’ll come away from this disappointed. That being said, I really enjoyed the romantic subplot and I thought that the forbidden tension between Archie and Ev was pretty delicious and their dynamic was 🤌🏻.
For people who are bothered by it, please be aware that there are intimate scenes between other people and Ev including an opium fueled threesome that is literally in the first chapter (and wasn’t that a hell of a way to open the book). Honestly though, given the broader context of the hidden and illegal nature of homosexuality during this period of time, it makes total sense that Ev would find casual encounters with friends and people he trusts. Archie and Ev don’t actually meet until the 38% mark and casual encounters don’t continue after their meeting.
I enjoyed the assortment of side characters present here and will be eagerly awaiting the next book when it’s released, as there is a lot of potential in this universe. I’m not sure if I’m 100% sold on the direction the ending took but it ultimately didn’t impact my enjoyment in this world and these characters and won’t stop me carrying on.
For fans of Penny Dreadfuls but make it queer 🌈✨
Archie, who is the youngest man to become inspector and is stationed at Whitechapel, has a reputation for being a smart and thorough investigator, finds himself on the trail of a serial killer who is targeting young gay men in London in the 1880s.
I want to be clear that this is not a romance book. Yes it does have a romantic subplot between Archie and Lord Everett (the young handsome Lord who is in the process of being forced into service of the church) but I fear if you’re after a romance book you’ll come away from this disappointed. That being said, I really enjoyed the romantic subplot and I thought that the forbidden tension between Archie and Ev was pretty delicious and their dynamic was 🤌🏻.
For people who are bothered by it, please be aware that there are intimate scenes between other people and Ev including an opium fueled threesome that is literally in the first chapter (and wasn’t that a hell of a way to open the book). Honestly though, given the broader context of the hidden and illegal nature of homosexuality during this period of time, it makes total sense that Ev would find casual encounters with friends and people he trusts. Archie and Ev don’t actually meet until the 38% mark and casual encounters don’t continue after their meeting.
I enjoyed the assortment of side characters present here and will be eagerly awaiting the next book when it’s released, as there is a lot of potential in this universe. I’m not sure if I’m 100% sold on the direction the ending took but it ultimately didn’t impact my enjoyment in this world and these characters and won’t stop me carrying on.
For fans of Penny Dreadfuls but make it queer 🌈✨
June 11, 2023
Dark Historical! Salacious & so very well written!
I went into this book blind, not even reading the blurb. Vawn Cassidy is a new to me author and I didn’t know what to expect.
Let me tell you that I was happily surprised by the quality of the writing as by the strength of the plot.
I loved stepping inside two secret “Molly houses” and seeing some of the depravity within 🥵🥵
The slow burn hooked me, and the world Cassidy sketched out for us intrigued me: abductions, murders, butchery, opium hazes, and drug fueled sex.
The mystery was fairly strong, with a paranormal twist at the end that sets the stage for further investigation.
The timeline, at times was a little confusing, (hence the 4.5 stars).
I wish this were on audiobook and that I could hear all of the different London accents. One can hope!
Overall, I loved this opposites attract, police procedural in Victorian London and am happy I took a chance on a new author. Get ready to watch an Inspector battle his urges as he is inexplicably drawn to a young Lord.
Triggers: drug use, mutilated bodies, bloodletting.
I went into this book blind, not even reading the blurb. Vawn Cassidy is a new to me author and I didn’t know what to expect.
Let me tell you that I was happily surprised by the quality of the writing as by the strength of the plot.
I loved stepping inside two secret “Molly houses” and seeing some of the depravity within 🥵🥵
The slow burn hooked me, and the world Cassidy sketched out for us intrigued me: abductions, murders, butchery, opium hazes, and drug fueled sex.
The mystery was fairly strong, with a paranormal twist at the end that sets the stage for further investigation.
The timeline, at times was a little confusing, (hence the 4.5 stars).
I wish this were on audiobook and that I could hear all of the different London accents. One can hope!
Overall, I loved this opposites attract, police procedural in Victorian London and am happy I took a chance on a new author. Get ready to watch an Inspector battle his urges as he is inexplicably drawn to a young Lord.
Triggers: drug use, mutilated bodies, bloodletting.
August 10, 2023
4 stars
Gritty London historical mystery with paranormal undertones.
Everett, under increasing pressure from his father to conform to the tradition of the second son and join the clergy, tries to drown his sorrows with drink, drugs and sex at his best friend's exclusive molly house.
When first one, then two pretty young gay men Everett knows turn up dead, drained of their blood and mutilated, police inspector Archie can tell that he knows more than he's letting on. He can't deny he's also dangerously attractive and he has a feeling they share the same inclinations...
________________
This was very engaging, if somewhat hard to categorise.
It isn't a traditional mystery, because we actually get the perspective of the killer as well as the MCs. It isn't quite a romance either, because there's actually very little focus on the couple as a couple (they don't even meet until 39% in). And while it has paranormal elements, that's also not the main theme - though I suspect this will be explored more in following books.
So I'm not sure exactly how I'd class this, but I absolutely couldn't put it down.
I really liked the different POVs. Outside of the MCs Everett and Archie, who do still get most of the narrative, we have snippets from victims, from the killer, and also from Jack, a young street urchin who Everett decides to keep (almost like a puppy!).
We don't learn that much about the characters as individuals, what troubles them, what makes them tick, but they're interesting and what we do see is promising.
I found the setting to be convincing, and very atmospheric. This is not a romantic London, though many scenes are set in upper class locales, this is a dark and gritty London with a dangerous underground scene and a lot of grief and poverty.
This book was well written and I'm quite impressed with it though it would benefit from a tiny bit of editing. One paragraph in particular stood out which used the word "release" 4 times. Overall though, very solid.
It must be said that this is not a standalone...and the next book isn't released. I should've known better! It doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger but it's not a HFN. I'm quite hopeful that this will be resolved in a satisfying way though and will definitely read the next one when it comes out.
Gritty London historical mystery with paranormal undertones.
Everett, under increasing pressure from his father to conform to the tradition of the second son and join the clergy, tries to drown his sorrows with drink, drugs and sex at his best friend's exclusive molly house.
When first one, then two pretty young gay men Everett knows turn up dead, drained of their blood and mutilated, police inspector Archie can tell that he knows more than he's letting on. He can't deny he's also dangerously attractive and he has a feeling they share the same inclinations...
________________
This was very engaging, if somewhat hard to categorise.
It isn't a traditional mystery, because we actually get the perspective of the killer as well as the MCs. It isn't quite a romance either, because there's actually very little focus on the couple as a couple (they don't even meet until 39% in). And while it has paranormal elements, that's also not the main theme - though I suspect this will be explored more in following books.
So I'm not sure exactly how I'd class this, but I absolutely couldn't put it down.
I really liked the different POVs. Outside of the MCs Everett and Archie, who do still get most of the narrative, we have snippets from victims, from the killer, and also from Jack, a young street urchin who Everett decides to keep (almost like a puppy!).
We don't learn that much about the characters as individuals, what troubles them, what makes them tick, but they're interesting and what we do see is promising.
I found the setting to be convincing, and very atmospheric. This is not a romantic London, though many scenes are set in upper class locales, this is a dark and gritty London with a dangerous underground scene and a lot of grief and poverty.
This book was well written and I'm quite impressed with it though it would benefit from a tiny bit of editing. One paragraph in particular stood out which used the word "release" 4 times. Overall though, very solid.
It must be said that this is not a standalone...and the next book isn't released. I should've known better! It doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger but it's not a HFN. I'm quite hopeful that this will be resolved in a satisfying way though and will definitely read the next one when it comes out.
March 31, 2023
2.5
"Molly Boys" could have been a total winner for me, because, at least in theory, it had all the elements for a fabulous read: a historical setting, an intriguing murder mystery with a smidge of supernatural, a detective/aristocrat pairing with a class divide and a dash of forbidden, doomed relationship, plus an excellent gothic, gloomy atmosphere.
I should have definitely loved every single one of those elements, but unfortunately this book didn't work for me: I think it's probably a me issue, since every single review I've read so far has been raving.
Maybe I was expecting something a bit more romance-y, so in that case, the fault lies only with myself for not doing proper research beforehand.
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
I feel like I would have definitely loved this more if not for the very slow beginning and the fact that there were so many outside POVs that the main plot and the main characters, Archie and Ev, kind of got lost in it all. I did love both of them as protagonists, and I loved seeing them slowly explore their connection, but I missed the spotlight being centred on them.
Don't get me wrong, I also love murder mysteries where the plot is the main focus, but the plot just didn't hold my interest after a bit because I got bored. I don't know, maybe this book should have been cut short a bit because a few storylines and elements just felt unnecessary.
Anyway, I think people reading my review should probably discard it because so many of my mutuals loved this book: simply, this book wasn't the right fit for me, but I'm certain it would be for many other readers. If you love horror and gothic novels, murder mysteries and a slowly developing love story, then this could probably be the book for you!
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
"Molly Boys" could have been a total winner for me, because, at least in theory, it had all the elements for a fabulous read: a historical setting, an intriguing murder mystery with a smidge of supernatural, a detective/aristocrat pairing with a class divide and a dash of forbidden, doomed relationship, plus an excellent gothic, gloomy atmosphere.
I should have definitely loved every single one of those elements, but unfortunately this book didn't work for me: I think it's probably a me issue, since every single review I've read so far has been raving.
Maybe I was expecting something a bit more romance-y, so in that case, the fault lies only with myself for not doing proper research beforehand.
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
I feel like I would have definitely loved this more if not for the very slow beginning and the fact that there were so many outside POVs that the main plot and the main characters, Archie and Ev, kind of got lost in it all. I did love both of them as protagonists, and I loved seeing them slowly explore their connection, but I missed the spotlight being centred on them.
Don't get me wrong, I also love murder mysteries where the plot is the main focus, but the plot just didn't hold my interest after a bit because I got bored. I don't know, maybe this book should have been cut short a bit because a few storylines and elements just felt unnecessary.
Anyway, I think people reading my review should probably discard it because so many of my mutuals loved this book: simply, this book wasn't the right fit for me, but I'm certain it would be for many other readers. If you love horror and gothic novels, murder mysteries and a slowly developing love story, then this could probably be the book for you!
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2023
This is an entertaining read that I enjoyed. It does have some things I disliked but I liked the story more than the things that bothered me.
The mystery part of this book is eerie and very well done. I love books where the setting is historical London with the fog rolling in.
Everett and Archie are not given enough time together but I do think they have chemistry and I thought they were both wonderful characters. Everett has such a decision to make about his personal life and Everett puts everything into his job as Inspector. Once these men meet they are immediately drawn to each other.
Jack is a delight, I really enjoyed his part in the story. I loved his story arc and I am very happy with his future. He brought a levity to the story that worked so well.
I was thrown off with the ever changing POV’s. I both liked and disliked them. Sometimes I didn’t feel some were needed but they also moved the story forward so in the end, if this is the same with the next book, I will know what to expect.
I think the entire supernatural portion of the story is barely there so I do hope we get more in the next book. The characters introduced at one point do not seem to fit at all so I am intrigued with that even though it was also quite bizarre. But not in a bad way if that makes sense.
Everett does have sex with other characters before meeting Archie and they are on page. I wasn’t particularly bothered by that but I felt more time was put into those encounters then what was put into Everett and Archie’s.
Overall this was a strong start to a series that I am looking forward to continuing.
ARC given in exchange for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
The mystery part of this book is eerie and very well done. I love books where the setting is historical London with the fog rolling in.
Everett and Archie are not given enough time together but I do think they have chemistry and I thought they were both wonderful characters. Everett has such a decision to make about his personal life and Everett puts everything into his job as Inspector. Once these men meet they are immediately drawn to each other.
Jack is a delight, I really enjoyed his part in the story. I loved his story arc and I am very happy with his future. He brought a levity to the story that worked so well.
I was thrown off with the ever changing POV’s. I both liked and disliked them. Sometimes I didn’t feel some were needed but they also moved the story forward so in the end, if this is the same with the next book, I will know what to expect.
I think the entire supernatural portion of the story is barely there so I do hope we get more in the next book. The characters introduced at one point do not seem to fit at all so I am intrigued with that even though it was also quite bizarre. But not in a bad way if that makes sense.
Everett does have sex with other characters before meeting Archie and they are on page. I wasn’t particularly bothered by that but I felt more time was put into those encounters then what was put into Everett and Archie’s.
Overall this was a strong start to a series that I am looking forward to continuing.
ARC given in exchange for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 11, 2023
Wow! Just wow!
To say I was beyond excited for this release is an understatement. And my excitement was not in vain!
Molly Boys is exciting, dark, bloody, creepy, passionate, heartbreaking, immersive, and wonderful!
The description "Ripper Street meets Penny Dreadful LGBTQ+ style" is perfect for this story!
We have dreadful murders in 1885.
We have the secret molly houses filled with the illegal passion of men loving on men.
We have a ruthless murderer picking up beautiful men.
We have a strong and talented police inspector sniffing out secrets and murderers.
We have a lord promised to the church but desperately fighting against the fate he never chose.
We have a sweet little boy in the underbelly of the city just trying to survive alone.
We have so many things!!!!
I don't even know how to put into words the complexity and wonder of this book.
Lord Everett Stanley. A second son with little choice in his future. A young man burying his pain and despair in the pleasure of men and drugs. His character was so wonderfully described and brought to life.
Inspector Archibald Franklin. A good detective dedicated to his job. A man repressing and hiding himself to be able to do his job.
Our two main characters hold so much potential in them, even just by these short descriptions. But when you add in the gruesome killings they are both connected to, and the fact Ev's been targeted by the killer, and the sizzling passion brewing between them, you get something extraordinary.
There are just too many aspects of this book I like:
1. The characters, obviously. The author managed to assemble a set of wonderful characters that grip you with their personality, loyalty, and charm.
2. The mysterious murders. The gruesome kind, the serial killing type. The plot was eerily well executed. The little snippets of the murders, the glimpses into the culprit's head, the frank and gory details provided during crime scene investigations, and in coroner reports all provided a mysterious and creepy atmosphere.
3. The queer history aspect. The additional angsty point in this book is the focus on the illegal status of queers. Several characters in the book are "sodomites," as they called it then, who just want to be themselves in peace and are always threatened by discovery. It provides a very much heartwrenching aspect.
4. Jack. That sweet little boy is so precious. No other words are needed.
5. The underlying supernatural plot thst is slowly built up in the novel. It's so subtle, but the tension is so well executed.
As you can see, there is already so much of this book I loved, and I could sit here all night just listing things, but let this be enough incentive for you to read the book!
When's the next one coming?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
To say I was beyond excited for this release is an understatement. And my excitement was not in vain!
Molly Boys is exciting, dark, bloody, creepy, passionate, heartbreaking, immersive, and wonderful!
The description "Ripper Street meets Penny Dreadful LGBTQ+ style" is perfect for this story!
We have dreadful murders in 1885.
We have the secret molly houses filled with the illegal passion of men loving on men.
We have a ruthless murderer picking up beautiful men.
We have a strong and talented police inspector sniffing out secrets and murderers.
We have a lord promised to the church but desperately fighting against the fate he never chose.
We have a sweet little boy in the underbelly of the city just trying to survive alone.
We have so many things!!!!
I don't even know how to put into words the complexity and wonder of this book.
Lord Everett Stanley. A second son with little choice in his future. A young man burying his pain and despair in the pleasure of men and drugs. His character was so wonderfully described and brought to life.
Inspector Archibald Franklin. A good detective dedicated to his job. A man repressing and hiding himself to be able to do his job.
Our two main characters hold so much potential in them, even just by these short descriptions. But when you add in the gruesome killings they are both connected to, and the fact Ev's been targeted by the killer, and the sizzling passion brewing between them, you get something extraordinary.
There are just too many aspects of this book I like:
1. The characters, obviously. The author managed to assemble a set of wonderful characters that grip you with their personality, loyalty, and charm.
2. The mysterious murders. The gruesome kind, the serial killing type. The plot was eerily well executed. The little snippets of the murders, the glimpses into the culprit's head, the frank and gory details provided during crime scene investigations, and in coroner reports all provided a mysterious and creepy atmosphere.
3. The queer history aspect. The additional angsty point in this book is the focus on the illegal status of queers. Several characters in the book are "sodomites," as they called it then, who just want to be themselves in peace and are always threatened by discovery. It provides a very much heartwrenching aspect.
4. Jack. That sweet little boy is so precious. No other words are needed.
5. The underlying supernatural plot thst is slowly built up in the novel. It's so subtle, but the tension is so well executed.
As you can see, there is already so much of this book I loved, and I could sit here all night just listing things, but let this be enough incentive for you to read the book!
When's the next one coming?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 5, 2023
This was a fabulously decadent Victorian historical novel with a rich and well-written setting of a gloomy London, on which we find Lord Stanley and Inspector Franklin embroiled.
Men and boys are turning up murdered with grisly wounds but why, who is singling them out and what’s the connection?
When the killer fixates on Lord Stanley, the stakes are raised and it’s a race to the end between the murderer and the inspector.
This reminded me very much of The Alienist in its setting and plot, which scratched my dark historical itch perfectly. Hats off to the author for gorgeous, atmospheric writing.
My only quibble was the out of the blue paranormal element at the end. It came out of nowhere with no paranormal hints or foreshadowing. Random new characters appeared. I haven’t read this author before so I don’t know if paranormal is their wheelhouse but it was unexpected in this historical setting, and completely side-swiped me, jolting me out if the story and losing all believability.
Even so, I loved everything up to that point so much that it’s still a solid 4.5 read. I just wish we’d had a few more paranormal hints so it wasn’t such a surprise.
Men and boys are turning up murdered with grisly wounds but why, who is singling them out and what’s the connection?
When the killer fixates on Lord Stanley, the stakes are raised and it’s a race to the end between the murderer and the inspector.
This reminded me very much of The Alienist in its setting and plot, which scratched my dark historical itch perfectly. Hats off to the author for gorgeous, atmospheric writing.
My only quibble was the out of the blue paranormal element at the end. It came out of nowhere with no paranormal hints or foreshadowing. Random new characters appeared. I haven’t read this author before so I don’t know if paranormal is their wheelhouse but it was unexpected in this historical setting, and completely side-swiped me, jolting me out if the story and losing all believability.
Even so, I loved everything up to that point so much that it’s still a solid 4.5 read. I just wish we’d had a few more paranormal hints so it wasn’t such a surprise.
July 4, 2025
Reread: Goshhh I love this book SO MUCH but where the heck is the sequel?????
***
Well that was a hell of a lot of fun! Molly Boys is a historical regency mystery/romance set in Victorian London, with a lot of blood, smut, drama and a splash of the supernatural! We are taken through the slums, the Molly houses and the opium dens of London as Inspector Archie Franklin hunts down a mysterious ‘giant’ who has been abducting beautiful young men from the streets and subjecting them to horrific medical experiments.
Lord Everett Stanley finds himself tangled up in the mystery when two of the dead young men have connections back to him. Concerned for the molly house that his best friend Francis runs and eager to protect the community at large, Ev sets out to help Archie track down the killer.
I absolutely adored this book - the connection between Ev and Archie was perfect and the supporting cast of characters was a delight. I really enjoyed the secret underground gay scene that Ev explores in the search for the killer and the twists and turns that the characters had to endure to crack the mystery. The book does end on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
***
Well that was a hell of a lot of fun! Molly Boys is a historical regency mystery/romance set in Victorian London, with a lot of blood, smut, drama and a splash of the supernatural! We are taken through the slums, the Molly houses and the opium dens of London as Inspector Archie Franklin hunts down a mysterious ‘giant’ who has been abducting beautiful young men from the streets and subjecting them to horrific medical experiments.
Lord Everett Stanley finds himself tangled up in the mystery when two of the dead young men have connections back to him. Concerned for the molly house that his best friend Francis runs and eager to protect the community at large, Ev sets out to help Archie track down the killer.
I absolutely adored this book - the connection between Ev and Archie was perfect and the supporting cast of characters was a delight. I really enjoyed the secret underground gay scene that Ev explores in the search for the killer and the twists and turns that the characters had to endure to crack the mystery. The book does end on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
June 13, 2023
I love historical novels when they are done well. This book unfortunately is not! The language used is not how people would have spoken in that time period, for example “homosexuality” is used here all the time even though the term only popped up for the first time in year 1868 in Germany by Karl Heinrich Ulrichs and this term wasn’t used by anyone else until 1880. Even in the early 1900, it wasn’t a term people used, or the term “sexuality” for that matter. You can’t write a historical romance without setting the time right and language is a big part of that. Is it really that hard to do the minimal amount of research?
I was first intrigued by the story and the serial killer but even that turned out to be completely unsatisfactory. I will not spoil but nothing original happening here even though I hoped it would.
The romance such as it is was: insta-love without much development and I didn’t feel for or like any of the MCs. The everchanging POVs were a bit much as well and unnecessary.
Overall, not the worst read I had in the past 6 months, but that is hardly a high benchmark lately.
I was first intrigued by the story and the serial killer but even that turned out to be completely unsatisfactory. I will not spoil but nothing original happening here even though I hoped it would.
The romance such as it is was: insta-love without much development and I didn’t feel for or like any of the MCs. The everchanging POVs were a bit much as well and unnecessary.
Overall, not the worst read I had in the past 6 months, but that is hardly a high benchmark lately.
March 27, 2023
Wow, this book was awesome and will be put on my best-of shelf.
I loved how Vawn Cassidy recreated the world of the 19th century with all its problems and classes.
Everett is a troubled young lord, who tries to Bury himself in drugs and alcohol, as his father tries to force him into priesthood.
Archie is a youn, successful detective, trying to live the best life hr can, without compromising any laws.
There meeting is unexpected and intense and I loved how that developed.
The Mystery is the other great part of this book . I didn't see the twist at the end coming and loved every second of it.
The ending is very sad and kind of a cliffhanger, so I really hope the next book comes out soon.
This is an absolutely fantastic historic mystery, with great characters, and I loved every second of it
I loved how Vawn Cassidy recreated the world of the 19th century with all its problems and classes.
Everett is a troubled young lord, who tries to Bury himself in drugs and alcohol, as his father tries to force him into priesthood.
Archie is a youn, successful detective, trying to live the best life hr can, without compromising any laws.
There meeting is unexpected and intense and I loved how that developed.
The Mystery is the other great part of this book . I didn't see the twist at the end coming and loved every second of it.
The ending is very sad and kind of a cliffhanger, so I really hope the next book comes out soon.
This is an absolutely fantastic historic mystery, with great characters, and I loved every second of it
December 5, 2024
First of all, this was amazing. Vawn Cassidy is a new-to-me author and I loved every inch of this book. The characters were entertaining to follow (I loved the push and pull between Ev and Archie), the plot was engaging and the story well written. I cannot wait for book 2.
However, Joel Leslie did a number on that narration. Is he known for his rising inflection or something? Every sentence in the book sounded like a fucking question and it took me 2hrs to get used to it. His accent was superb (idk if he’s British), it’s just the constant “????” inflection that was a problem for me.
However, Joel Leslie did a number on that narration. Is he known for his rising inflection or something? Every sentence in the book sounded like a fucking question and it took me 2hrs to get used to it. His accent was superb (idk if he’s British), it’s just the constant “????” inflection that was a problem for me.
August 23, 2025
"Archie."
Archie's belly gripped with need at the whisper, the cadence of the voice as it wrapped around Archie's name, doing things to his insides he couldn't name. All Archie knew was his rapid heartbeat and the ache deep inside him.
"Everett," he rumbled, reaching out and gripping the younger man's waist, feeling his slim build beneath his thin shirt.
....
They were safe with each other.
I loved this book. It was bought to my attention from Evie's wonderful review.
We have Lord Everett Stanley, 22 years old and running out of time before he is forced into the church by his father. He indulges in a life of opium, alcohol and casual sex to escape the weights crushing him. A brutal murder, soon linked to more of homosexual men, causes his path to cross with very sexy and kind Inspector Archibald Franklin.
The mystery was fun, not overly intense in hiding things, we as the reader see what's happening but the fear and puzzling of the characters was fun. I will reiterate Evie's comment that the romance side is subplot, the focus is on the crime mystery. And there is a delightful supernatural twist that I was not expecting to enjoy . I am also not a big fan of multiple POV's but I liked it in this, got to see the big picture of things as the reader.
I am a big historical accuracy snob but I didn't care with this because the story was so much fun. If it's something that grinds your gears you might not enjoy it as much but it was all things that didn't take away my enjoyment even though I was aware of them.
There is unanswered things at the end set up for a series to continue but currently there is no next book release I want it so bad. I would also love spin offs following some of the other characters like Francis and Louie and William, I love when the side characters feel fleshed out and loved by the author.
I will be shaking the bars of my cage until we get The Freak Show. 🐒
In the meantime I think I shall explore some more of Vawn Cassidy's works
Archie's belly gripped with need at the whisper, the cadence of the voice as it wrapped around Archie's name, doing things to his insides he couldn't name. All Archie knew was his rapid heartbeat and the ache deep inside him.
"Everett," he rumbled, reaching out and gripping the younger man's waist, feeling his slim build beneath his thin shirt.
....
They were safe with each other.
I loved this book. It was bought to my attention from Evie's wonderful review.
We have Lord Everett Stanley, 22 years old and running out of time before he is forced into the church by his father. He indulges in a life of opium, alcohol and casual sex to escape the weights crushing him. A brutal murder, soon linked to more of homosexual men, causes his path to cross with very sexy and kind Inspector Archibald Franklin.
The mystery was fun, not overly intense in hiding things, we as the reader see what's happening but the fear and puzzling of the characters was fun. I will reiterate Evie's comment that the romance side is subplot, the focus is on the crime mystery. And there is a delightful supernatural twist that I was not expecting to enjoy . I am also not a big fan of multiple POV's but I liked it in this, got to see the big picture of things as the reader.
I am a big historical accuracy snob but I didn't care with this because the story was so much fun. If it's something that grinds your gears you might not enjoy it as much but it was all things that didn't take away my enjoyment even though I was aware of them.
There is unanswered things at the end set up for a series to continue but currently there is no next book release I want it so bad. I would also love spin offs following some of the other characters like Francis and Louie and William, I love when the side characters feel fleshed out and loved by the author.
I will be shaking the bars of my cage until we get The Freak Show. 🐒
In the meantime I think I shall explore some more of Vawn Cassidy's works
June 12, 2023
This was an ok book for the most part. It started out really strong and then started to go flat for me in the middle. I'm not sure what it was, but I struggled. Then the ending was ok. I will probably read the next one just to see what happens with Everett and Archibald.
March 23, 2023
I am going to try and write this without spoilers, so if you're at all worried about spoilers then be warned now as I might inadvertently put something you don't want to see.
I've been anticipating this book so much, it ticks a lot of my boxes and I couldn't wait to get started. It starts with Everett (Ev) and jumps straight in on one of the 'Molly Houses' of the title. Ev seems kind of lost for most of the book, if I'm honest. As it's the first in a series I fully expect him to develop and you do start to see that towards the end of the story. I did like him, but got annoyed with him a little too, he was so aimless at times I could see why his brother got frustrated with him. I did like Francis though, he was so larger than life and his platonic love for Ev was wonderful to see. This story is written in multiple viewpoints, but it never got confusing, I always knew who it was I with at any time.
I thought this was a straightforward murder-mystery story with more than a touch of the Conan Doyle about it, especially with Archie and Shaw. Archie I did like too, realising your preferences in that time cannot have been easy, especially given his profession in the police. I liked the investigation part of the book, it was really well done and I did NOT see that twist coming, that came out of the blue but I was here for it. I need to know more about the group we met at the end and I hope we do in the next book.
Archie and Ev were so sweet together, I was really rooting for them, but this is a slow burn and I was really left angry at the end of the story - to clarify, not angry with how it ended but with Ev's family, his father in particular. What a terrible, awful man who never deserved to have children at all. It's fair to say it ends on a cliffhanger and will definitely leave you wanting more - I know I do. When's the next one out? NOW? I NEED IT NOW.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I've been anticipating this book so much, it ticks a lot of my boxes and I couldn't wait to get started. It starts with Everett (Ev) and jumps straight in on one of the 'Molly Houses' of the title. Ev seems kind of lost for most of the book, if I'm honest. As it's the first in a series I fully expect him to develop and you do start to see that towards the end of the story. I did like him, but got annoyed with him a little too, he was so aimless at times I could see why his brother got frustrated with him. I did like Francis though, he was so larger than life and his platonic love for Ev was wonderful to see. This story is written in multiple viewpoints, but it never got confusing, I always knew who it was I with at any time.
I thought this was a straightforward murder-mystery story with more than a touch of the Conan Doyle about it, especially with Archie and Shaw. Archie I did like too, realising your preferences in that time cannot have been easy, especially given his profession in the police. I liked the investigation part of the book, it was really well done and I did NOT see that twist coming, that came out of the blue but I was here for it. I need to know more about the group we met at the end and I hope we do in the next book.
Archie and Ev were so sweet together, I was really rooting for them, but this is a slow burn and I was really left angry at the end of the story - to clarify, not angry with how it ended but with Ev's family, his father in particular. What a terrible, awful man who never deserved to have children at all. It's fair to say it ends on a cliffhanger and will definitely leave you wanting more - I know I do. When's the next one out? NOW? I NEED IT NOW.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2023
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
MOLLY BOYS is the first installment in the London Underside series by Vawn Cassidy, a new-to-me author.
Set in the Victorian era London. The dark and gloomy setting lent well to the mystery unfolding on the pages. A serial killer is ravaging the area, reminiscent of Jack the Ripper but the victim profile were molly boys instead.
Lord Everett Stanley collides paths with Inspector Archibald Franklin. Opposites attract. Lost and aimless, Ev is highborn, while Archie is of a lower class, working hard to provide himself with a better life.
Archie is investigating a series of murders and assumes Ev knows more than he's letting on. The more time they spend together, the more Archie wants to know about Ev.
MOLLY BOYS isn't a romance per se, definitely focused on the mystery to be solved, but it does have a secondary plot of romance. While they balance one another, I did feel as if their romance was far too fast, insta-love from pretty much the time they met. I need more intensity, more buildup, in order to believe they grew together. The plot itself and all the POVs, it took away from witnessing their growing connection. I didn't feel as if Ev grew much throughout the novel, still aimless and wandering, while Archie stayed the same as well- focused and logical.
While the mystery was written well, I am not a fan of numerous points-of-view. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is when I get a birdseye view into the villain's head, including their motivations. I enjoy the story unfolding from the MC's perspective as he uncovers the mystery. I don't wish to know things he doesn't, rather learning with him. I find too many POVs to be a distraction, detracting from the plot. Chaotic. I feel split between too many narrators to truly develop an emotional connection to any of them.
What I found out of nowhere was the paranormal element, which left me more baffled than intrigued. It didn't fit, especially without any foreshadowing throughout the novel, just tucked in there at the ending. The paranormal elements needed to be rooted much earlier, seeded at the beginning of the novel. It was as if the author couldn't decide which genre the series should be.
I enjoyed the setting and era, the dark and gritty mystery. I didn't connect to either Ev or Archie, nor was I a fan of the pacing and reveal of information, particularly with so many points-of-view. The paranormal element was baffling.
Unsure if I will continue with the series, I am willing to try more by this author to decide if we're a good fit writing style versus reading style.
MOLLY BOYS is the first installment in the London Underside series by Vawn Cassidy, a new-to-me author.
Set in the Victorian era London. The dark and gloomy setting lent well to the mystery unfolding on the pages. A serial killer is ravaging the area, reminiscent of Jack the Ripper but the victim profile were molly boys instead.
Lord Everett Stanley collides paths with Inspector Archibald Franklin. Opposites attract. Lost and aimless, Ev is highborn, while Archie is of a lower class, working hard to provide himself with a better life.
Archie is investigating a series of murders and assumes Ev knows more than he's letting on. The more time they spend together, the more Archie wants to know about Ev.
MOLLY BOYS isn't a romance per se, definitely focused on the mystery to be solved, but it does have a secondary plot of romance. While they balance one another, I did feel as if their romance was far too fast, insta-love from pretty much the time they met. I need more intensity, more buildup, in order to believe they grew together. The plot itself and all the POVs, it took away from witnessing their growing connection. I didn't feel as if Ev grew much throughout the novel, still aimless and wandering, while Archie stayed the same as well- focused and logical.
While the mystery was written well, I am not a fan of numerous points-of-view. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is when I get a birdseye view into the villain's head, including their motivations. I enjoy the story unfolding from the MC's perspective as he uncovers the mystery. I don't wish to know things he doesn't, rather learning with him. I find too many POVs to be a distraction, detracting from the plot. Chaotic. I feel split between too many narrators to truly develop an emotional connection to any of them.
What I found out of nowhere was the paranormal element, which left me more baffled than intrigued. It didn't fit, especially without any foreshadowing throughout the novel, just tucked in there at the ending. The paranormal elements needed to be rooted much earlier, seeded at the beginning of the novel. It was as if the author couldn't decide which genre the series should be.
I enjoyed the setting and era, the dark and gritty mystery. I didn't connect to either Ev or Archie, nor was I a fan of the pacing and reveal of information, particularly with so many points-of-view. The paranormal element was baffling.
Unsure if I will continue with the series, I am willing to try more by this author to decide if we're a good fit writing style versus reading style.
March 25, 2023
Gothic Magnificence
Historical? Check. Mystery? Check check? Thriller? Check check check. Add in the supernatural and a slow burn romance and you had me at 1885. The mystery is gripping, the killer is chilling, and the chemistry between Ev and Archie is outstanding and thrilling.
“I’m a simple man, Lord Stanley. I believe in what I can see and what I can touch.”
“Well, that’s where you’re wrong,” Ev said as he studied the inspector’s face.
“Is that right?”
“I don’t think there’s anything about you that’s simple.”
Mmm, these two. It may be slow burn, but it’s already explosive. I cannot wait to see what happens next for these two because the ending has my heart in a clench. I loved the intriguing mystery and the intense hunt for the killer, but my favorite part of this fantastic beginning was the intricately enthralling puzzle behind the motivation. It grabbed me, pulled me in, and hasn’t let go. I’m officially a fan of The Underside.
Historical? Check. Mystery? Check check? Thriller? Check check check. Add in the supernatural and a slow burn romance and you had me at 1885. The mystery is gripping, the killer is chilling, and the chemistry between Ev and Archie is outstanding and thrilling.
“I’m a simple man, Lord Stanley. I believe in what I can see and what I can touch.”
“Well, that’s where you’re wrong,” Ev said as he studied the inspector’s face.
“Is that right?”
“I don’t think there’s anything about you that’s simple.”
Mmm, these two. It may be slow burn, but it’s already explosive. I cannot wait to see what happens next for these two because the ending has my heart in a clench. I loved the intriguing mystery and the intense hunt for the killer, but my favorite part of this fantastic beginning was the intricately enthralling puzzle behind the motivation. It grabbed me, pulled me in, and hasn’t let go. I’m officially a fan of The Underside.
April 4, 2023
I have to admit if I’d known this doesn’t haven’t a HEA I probably would have waited until the series was a bit more complete before I read this book.
The ending was horrible tbh, and the supernatural element came out of the blue for me.
I’ll read the next one because I want to see where it goes, but I won’t be rushing out for it.
The ending was horrible tbh, and the supernatural element came out of the blue for me.
I’ll read the next one because I want to see where it goes, but I won’t be rushing out for it.
April 6, 2023
Didn’t like the writing or care about the characters.
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the darker elements of this historical romance. This book opens with a pretty explicit scene and doesn't really let up, which seems more unique in this genre without it being fully horror. It has a good procedural element in Victorian London and a strong mystery with a twist I didn't see coming. Definitely a book to go into without spoilers!
I really enjoyed the darker elements of this historical romance. This book opens with a pretty explicit scene and doesn't really let up, which seems more unique in this genre without it being fully horror. It has a good procedural element in Victorian London and a strong mystery with a twist I didn't see coming. Definitely a book to go into without spoilers!
May 29, 2023
Quite a dark historical set in the times of the Ripper and a sad lookback on how the poor were treated during Victorian times.
Ev, the 2nd son of a lord is due to go into the clergy but he doesn't want to. He has a year in London and is having a good time.
Once the murders start he does come face to face with the young police inspector Archie and although the spark is there, their romance isnt a quick thing.
I enjoyed the mystery and the twist at the end and can't wait to see what the 2ns book will be like.
Ev, the 2nd son of a lord is due to go into the clergy but he doesn't want to. He has a year in London and is having a good time.
Once the murders start he does come face to face with the young police inspector Archie and although the spark is there, their romance isnt a quick thing.
I enjoyed the mystery and the twist at the end and can't wait to see what the 2ns book will be like.
March 27, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Molly Boys is the first in Vawn Cassidy’s new London Underside series and this is an engaging historical with a great sense of place. The story is set in London in 1885 and really showcases the seedy underbelly of the city. Cassidy brings the city to life, focusing on members of three different classes and their lives. We have the wealthy lords like Everett, the working men like Archie, and then the horribly poor, like a young boy we meet named Jack. I liked the way the mystery exposes us to all three layers and I found the look into Jack’s life particularly interesting (not to mention tragic). There is just a great sense of place here that really sets the tone and the mood for the story so well.
Overall, I found this one an interesting story with a great sense of place. Readers who enjoy a darker mystery, particularly those interested in a “Ripper-style” vibe, should find a lot to like here. The book sets things up nicely for the continuing story and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Everett and Archie.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Molly Boys is the first in Vawn Cassidy’s new London Underside series and this is an engaging historical with a great sense of place. The story is set in London in 1885 and really showcases the seedy underbelly of the city. Cassidy brings the city to life, focusing on members of three different classes and their lives. We have the wealthy lords like Everett, the working men like Archie, and then the horribly poor, like a young boy we meet named Jack. I liked the way the mystery exposes us to all three layers and I found the look into Jack’s life particularly interesting (not to mention tragic). There is just a great sense of place here that really sets the tone and the mood for the story so well.
Overall, I found this one an interesting story with a great sense of place. Readers who enjoy a darker mystery, particularly those interested in a “Ripper-style” vibe, should find a lot to like here. The book sets things up nicely for the continuing story and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Everett and Archie.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 8, 2023
Not a book I would have picked easily myself, but I'm glad someone brought it to my attention.
I really liked the setting of "Old London" with the poor quarter and it's "what happens in The Nichol, stays in the Nichol" mentality that almost exists outside the law. Also the underground network that made it possible for gentleman to meet and sooth their desires in relative safety of getting caught was nicely portrayed.
The blood chilling murders gave the right kind of tension and amount of angst to keep me at the tip of my toes. There was also a nice twist ,actually 2 twists, and the build-up between the 2 MC's had a good pacing. But...
The ending *#@/*#!!! WTF why?!? I need the next book asap!
I really liked the setting of "Old London" with the poor quarter and it's "what happens in The Nichol, stays in the Nichol" mentality that almost exists outside the law. Also the underground network that made it possible for gentleman to meet and sooth their desires in relative safety of getting caught was nicely portrayed.
The blood chilling murders gave the right kind of tension and amount of angst to keep me at the tip of my toes. There was also a nice twist ,actually 2 twists, and the build-up between the 2 MC's had a good pacing. But...
The ending *#@/*#!!! WTF why?!? I need the next book asap!
October 3, 2025
Normally I am not a huge fan of historical fiction but thus was sooo good.
Vawn has such a compelling way of writing. I was unable to put them down and when finished I needed to read the next book! But unfortunatly it is not available yet. These book have mystery, love, found family, intriges, , have spice as part of the story (not added for the sake of spice) but also shows us a small part of the struggles queer men had to go through during that time.
Vawn introduced me to a whole new (nice) genre which I didn’t know I needed and which I love very Please also check out books written under her other name Wendy Saunders.
Vawn has such a compelling way of writing. I was unable to put them down and when finished I needed to read the next book! But unfortunatly it is not available yet. These book have mystery, love, found family, intriges, , have spice as part of the story (not added for the sake of spice) but also shows us a small part of the struggles queer men had to go through during that time.
Vawn introduced me to a whole new (nice) genre which I didn’t know I needed and which I love very Please also check out books written under her other name Wendy Saunders.
April 3, 2023
Most of this book was an excellent historical mystery/serial killer story with wonderful depth given to the characters. All of a sudden there were all sorts of astounding and completely unexpected twists. I felt so much for Ev, I really hope that somehow he will finally have the opportunity to become happy one day. This book was really different to others I have read by the same author, the diversity is amazing. I'm really hungry for the next part.
January 10, 2025
This is not the usual "historical romance" - first of the end is not even a HFN, despite the story having a romance subplot. I hope there will be more books, it is titled as the first book in the "London Underside"-series.
Second - the characters are flawed, there is drug abuse and random sex, so if you are not open to just accepting that, don't read it.
But - I loved it. It is well written, it has an interesting plot, the crime has a very strange element to it and there is a base built to more books in that regard. Also of course Joel Leslie is an excellent narrator.
I would love to see Everett and Archie solving more murders together.
Second - the characters are flawed, there is drug abuse and random sex, so if you are not open to just accepting that, don't read it.
But - I loved it. It is well written, it has an interesting plot, the crime has a very strange element to it and there is a base built to more books in that regard. Also of course Joel Leslie is an excellent narrator.
I would love to see Everett and Archie solving more murders together.
April 23, 2023
This was by a fairly new to me author and I loved it so much! It grabbed my attention from the start and never let me go. Amazing read!
June 25, 2023
Lots of men and boys
trapped by plot machinations
rather than real life.
Rounding down, mostly because I thought I was going to love it, and I didn't.
trapped by plot machinations
rather than real life.
Rounding down, mostly because I thought I was going to love it, and I didn't.
June 9, 2023
4.25 stars
April 13, 2025
i got so invested towards the beginning and the end, didn’t really care for the romance tho
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
Comically bad pacing (the mc and love interest didn't even meet each other until chapter 8, and were in love 2 chapters later), boring main characters (Francis should have been the mc), and goofy plot (magic randomly introduced in the final chapters, and a cartoonist serial killer who was obvious from his first appearance). It was, however, quite camp, and I had a great time during the molly-house bits.
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