The Man Behind The Glass

by Greg Howes

The Man Behind the Glass is based around a character called Septimus Blackwood, a Victorian photographer with a difference. The tale is set in London’s East End in the year 1860. A mysterious Gothic adventure of a man’s quest to capture life and cheat death through photography. Septimus races against time to discover his family’s long lost legacy buried deep amongst the forgotten rivers and cellars of old London. Unbeknown to him a mysterious old woman looks on.... The story, along with its highly satirical characters escort the reader on an emotional journey into a world of intrigue, suspense and the supernatural. Atmosphere seeps out of every gulley of this twisting and ever turbulent road; darkness and light, creation and calamity. Encounter magical discoveries that will pick the pocket of your dreams for now and evermore. The Man Behind The Glass is also available as an e-Book

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2014

About the author

Greg Howes is a genealogist, writer and historical researcher based in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK. Greg has lived in South West Wales for the last twenty-nine years, though he originates from Thame, Oxfordshire, England, UK.
Greg’s work as a researcher has seen him present (and research for) family history programmes on television for both the BBC and ITV channels. He has taught family history (and horticulture, in his younger days) and featured on national and local radio stations, answering questions and giving advice on family history, the historical landscape and writing. Greg has written two novels, “The Man Behind the Glass” and “The Movement of Light,” as well as a short illustrated Gothic romantic tale called “The Maidenswell Folly.” His latest publication is "A Sense of the Other and other strange tales." This consists of one novella, two short stories, illustrations and poetry. He is also onboard the “Angel Shark Project: Wales,” as an historical researcher of this rare and beautiful creature of the deep. Carew Castle also use Greg as an assistant on their night time Ghost and Historical tours. Greg is also a keen amateur lepidopterist.

He has written many articles for various magazines on subjects as diverse as local history, dating and archiving old photographs, and the history of woodland and ancient trees in the landscape.

His other pastimes include photography, photographic art, archery, walking, swimming, watching motorcycle speedway and reading.

Reviews

[Darlene Rebechi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, one that takes the reader on a journey quite beyond the imagination of what life in Victorian London could be. Septimus Blackwood, the main protagonist of this story, is on a mission to uncover, to rediscover the hidden truths in his life and about what constitutes life itself. In his photographic studio, he and a cast of extraordinary characters strive to go beyond what is known in their study of daguerreotypes--the photography that is the new science, art and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation. Can these images under glass have a life unseen by most? Curious to know more, Septimus and his cronies take a journey to the underbelly of London in the old below ground tunnels, wherein they find buried family treasures and their secret formulas amongst the terrors of creatures that live underground ... the horrific and the sublime all leading to a climax that takes this story to a realm of the unknown occult aspects of crossing the line separating the dead from the living, and in doing so, Septimus explodes the myths of what life can be, and of what he can expect from the life he has known to this point ... discovering more about his past, his connection to his family and the secrets they have kept captive, thus his journey evolves to a level previously unknown. Can the images he captures under glass have a life that can be detected, is there more to his Great Aunt's legacy he receives metaphysically? One can hope that this author, Greg Howes, continues to provide more insight to his avid readers, to carry on the legacy of his discoveries in continuing this most engaging story of intrigue, horror and dark mysteries. Bravo!! A great novel.

[Alex Craigie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Man Behind the Glass is a captivating and creepy tale of a Victorian photographer called Septimus Blackwood.
The novel develops a natural flow and, once into his tale, the author’s strengths become clear.
The language is vivid, ‘This was the soot-stained human clinker at the forge of the empire, the private blushes of the proud, pink rash that tinted and tainted the world.’
Or this description of the mudlarks - ‘always distant, always blurred, their ill-defined, coiled and hunched silhouettes quivering like strings on a bow; creatures engulfed up to their knees by the silt and sludge, human wading birds flocking and mocking the ebbing tide.’
There are countless passages of striking and original prose which underlie a strong plotline concerning the use of a photograph to capture more than just an image, plus a race underground amongst the sewers to find old relics. The characters are three-dimensional and cross a wide spectrum of the human condition.
The historical detail is spot-on and vividly brought to life without sounding like a lecture.
You share the experiences of the lower classes in London, both above and below the sewers, through all the senses.
It took me several pages to get into the story but after that I was carried along, unable to put the book down until it’s surprising conclusion.

That is the mark of a good read!

[Karenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1860 ‘The Man Behind the Glass’ is a fascinating and well researched glimpse of this part of the Victorian era. And a cracking tale! The author’s imagery is vivid and sublime. Greg Howes conjures up the murky, polluted squalor of London’s East End. With characters who are charmingly Dickensian yet gritty and contemporarily relevant, all are brought to life in technicolour fullness. The story gathers pace as gentleman photographer with his unique ability, Septimus Blackwood, meets his great aunt and investigates the ruins of his family’s ancestral home. There are several strands to the tale, all cleverly interwoven. The further I delved into this book the more intriguing it became, and it romps dramatically towards the denouement.
There are some remarkable lines, for example:
‘the inn’s bloated belly overhanging the river’
‘the flames flitted and flicked at some of the discarded costumes, like a lover’s tongue teasing its prey before erupting into a passion of orange and gold’
Highly recommended – film producers: think Sherlock only more exciting!

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like stories set in Victorian London, Oliver, Jack the Ripper, Doctor Who or anything dark and mysterious then this is for you. A book full of surprises and intrigue.
We follow Septimus Blackwood, the main protagonist of this story, experimenting with a new type of photography. What he finds on his mission is more than he has bargained for, in terms of science and his own personal past. The philosophical meets science, legacy meets innovation.
The setting in the Victorian era lends itself to beautiful and also scary mysteries like this one. The beginning of a new school of science, fantastic innovations and the darkness of London's alleys and tunnels provide a perfect setting that is chilling and compelling at the same time.

[Dixie Rawlinson]

This is a riveting novel: a perfect read for dark, frosty evenings. It is full of vivid description, mournful prose and wickedly dark humour. Greg Howes transports us to the foggy, murky alleys, waterways and circuses of Victorian London, where we meet a babble of misfits and miscreants. The bizarre things Septimus does with photographs will both amaze and disturb you, and the haunting journeys through the underground tunnels of London, with their literal and metaphorical twists and turns, will have you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend losing yourself in it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect description of a dark tale. A photographer that hides himself in a secret. The lights and shadows balanced in harmony.
It’s difficult to find a good novel when one likes supernatural or mysterious and terror ambiances and this is just the one.
I’ve read it four times and I still think I have details to discover.
A must read indeed.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't like this book....I LOVED IT!! Easy to read and so well-written that I couldn't put it down! The characters all came to life for me - especially the main character, Septimus. I vascillated from loving him to loathing him!! The author's talent for vivid description transported me to Victorian London, where I could smell the acrid smog and hear the cacophony of market sellers, horses hooves and beggars. Brilliant book filled with intrigue until the last page. I would love to read more by Greg Howes!

[Sadie Linnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book so had no idea what to expect. I was certainly not disappointed. I was gripped by the story, what has happened to the family fortune, what is Septimus doing with those photographs. I need to know everything but was really sad when I'd finished. Can not wait to read The Movement of Light.

[Shafa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of Victorian characters tied together with a very loose plot. The writing is good, but that's about it for me.

[Lady K · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Man Behind the Glass” moves along quickly with its evocative language and unexpected sinister and magical turns. Set in Victorian London, the main character, aloof and ruthless Septimus Blackwood is surrounded by a cast of curious and colourful characters. The deep historical research is evident and I was carried easily into the Dickensian world that Greg Howes describes so vividly. I could hear, see and even smell the passageways and streets of London piled with horse manure. This novel will hold interest for those with who enjoy Gothic and historical fiction as well as fantasy, occult and supernatural topics. Various twists and threads weave through and leave you at the end of the novel curious about what may happen next to Septimus Blackwood and the world he inhabits.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book and would highly recommend it to other readers.

The author is a qualified historian as well as an accomplished writer and it shows. Within the story he skillfully fuses indepth knowledge of London, the geography and history alongside fiction in a way that just pulls the reader in. It was a unique and exciting read that kept me hooked throughout. Readers of Victorian fiction and Victorian sensation and adventure novels will love this book. I will certainly be buying more of this man's work.

[Jemma Balsdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Behind the Glass by Greg Howes is a unique and interesting read, set in 1860 in London's East End , the novel is centred around Septimus Blackwood, a Victorian Photographer and Collector who has a love of experimentation and innovation.
The book is rich in it's descriptions, I could almost smell John the Chemist's gin soaked grime and the smoky filth of London's lurid streets through the pages.
It has the same vibe as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with a dark and otherworldly feel that transports you right into the heart of this twisted tale....

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The man behind the glass was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Atmospheric writing, colourful characters and careful research all came together in a story to lose yourself in. To begin with mystery prevails but gradually snippets of information are revealed and all strands of the story are drawn together. The final event was one I didn't expect so for me the suspense was maintained right to the end. I look forward to reading more by Greg Howes.

[Ann Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a very good read. It transported me back to London in the 1860s. It was very evocative of the sights and sounds of that time. There were strong characters, good story lines and you want to know the fate of the main characters. If you like curling up in a comfortable chair and getting lost in a good book, I couldn’t recommend a better one than Greg Howes The Man Behind the Glass.

[Anissa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I was surprised how !mucHo liked this book! The picture hobby was theory part I didn't get .The characters were all great . I ended story wanting more answers .I see there is smithereens that would be.downloading after this reveiw

[Wendy Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it…

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Met the author in Pembroke and had a lovely conversation, so decided to buy his book. Struggled to get into the flow of it but enjoyed certain aspects of it.

[Chandra Garsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, a history of photography wrapped up in enigmatic mystery many layers deep.

[Angela mcculloch]

Wonderful first book from Greg Howes. If you are into Victorian history you would love this. Based in London’s East End in the late 1800. Septimus Blackwood is a very interesting character.
Highly recommend this book.