Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: The Housebreaker’s Assistant
SERIES: The Zagreus Den
AUTHOR: Merry Farmer
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 238 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2026
BLURB:
To save a captive lord, a pickpocket and a master housebreaker must pull off an impossible heist without losing their hearts in the process.
Percival “Penny” Frey survives by his wits in the shadows of Whitechapel, lifting coins from careless nobles and dreaming of a life far beyond his station, a life where he and his sister are finally safe.
Greer O’Toole is already everything Penny wants to be: England’s most notorious housebreaker, a legend of The Zagreus Den…and utterly out of Penny’s reach.
Until one mission changes everything.
Sent to infiltrate Trebarral Castle and rescue a kidnapped lord, Greer is forced to take Penny on as his assistant, which is a distraction he can’t afford. Because Greer has wanted Penny for far too long, and the spark between them is anything but subtle.
As the mission spirals into danger, deception, and desire, the greatest risk isn’t the fortress they must break into, it’s falling for each other when failure could cost them everything.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the second book in this series and it picks up after the events of that book. This series needs to be read in order as their is a story arc that drives the action here.
Greer O’Toole is a renowned housebreaker. He’s a legend and his station is far above those who works the streets and alleys of Whitechapel. Penny Frey is an accomplished pickpocket and he’s looking out for the youngsters learning the ways of the world just trying to survive. Greer has had his eye on Penny for some time. Penny has more than an eye on Greer. Greer is the stuff of his fantasies. Greer is just as attracted to Penny, but he’s not one to give in to his desires. The banter and flirt, but nothing more has ever come of it.
In the first book, Johnathan and Charlie are introduced as protagonists who are trying to rescue Lord Fabian. Now it’s Greer and Penny’s turn. Greer is a reluctant partner – he’s always been the one in charge and he’s not happy to be forced into taking Penny on. But they work together in order to try to save Lord Fabian. It’s a fast paced ride but it gives them the opportunity to figure out what they really think and feel about each other. Both men are used to living by their wits and cunning and together they work to try to save the day.
I am really enjoying this series! It’s complicated and a suspenseful ride. The overarching storyline is keeping me invested and engaged. I loved the Brotherhood series and this one is just as interesting and a bit more dark. Penny and Greer have a lot of chemistry and plenty of sexy times 😉 I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens 🙂 Highly recommended especially for fans of historicals.
RATING: 
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