‘Resurrection Men’ by David Craig is his debut novel, it is the first in a series called Sooty Feathers. It is a Gothic, urban fantasy tale set mainly in and around 19th century Glasgow.

Wilton Hunt, a student and a Laudanum – addicted Pharmacist are making extra money, by being “body snatchers” or resurrection men by night. They dig up a girl and find she disappears as they turn their backs. This sends them on the hunt for the body, as they needed the money that the body would bring. The only problem being is it draws them into so much more than they could have ever imagined! They discover a supernatural, complex underside to Glasgow and the elite leaders.

I was increasingly immersed in Victorian Glasgow the further I got into the story. The main characters are fascinatingly flawed and interesting. I particularly liked Hunt, the very fact that he has been excised from his family just because he will not fall into line, gives him a bit of backbone for me. He does wonder how far he will go to keep his independence. I do think after reading this book I can attest to the fact he would go to any extreme, I mean we ARE in a body-snatching story after all!

The author has researched this book really well and it shows. I felt like I was in Scotland back then too. I enjoyed the threads of humour that have been skilfully blended into this dark and memorable story. Thanks to Rachels Randon Resources for the ARC to take part today.