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Glass and Steele #3
The Apothecary's Poison
When a newspaper report of a medical miracle catches Matt's eye, he and India go in search of Dr. Hale in the hope he is more magical doctor than miracle worker and can lead them to Chronos. But Hale turns out to be an apothecary magician keen to educate the public about magic.
Their disappointment at not finding Chronos is soon forgotten when Hale is murdered, and Matt becomes a suspect. With Matt's nemesis Sheriff Payne influencing the investigating detective, India and Matt know they must find the real killer, or risk his freedom, and ultimately his life. Time is running out as they hunt for a killer capable of turning medicine into poison with a magic spell, as well as continue the search for Chronos. A search that must end in success before Matt's malfunctioning watch stops altogether.
Their disappointment at not finding Chronos is soon forgotten when Hale is murdered, and Matt becomes a suspect. With Matt's nemesis Sheriff Payne influencing the investigating detective, India and Matt know they must find the real killer, or risk his freedom, and ultimately his life. Time is running out as they hunt for a killer capable of turning medicine into poison with a magic spell, as well as continue the search for Chronos. A search that must end in success before Matt's malfunctioning watch stops altogether.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
2125 people are currently reading
3039 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,626 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews
January 11, 2022
Very annoyed with myself as I just discover that I have somehow managed to read book three before book two. This despite the fact that I keep very good records of my reading - not good enough apparently!
I must admit that as I started to read The Apothecary's Poison I felt as though something was missing between the last book I read and this one. There was of course - a whole book. Anyway I was soon engrossed in Matt and India's newest adventure and I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
The author is definitely taking her time to expose India's full magic but there are many hints that it is going to be big. She is also drawing out the attraction between our two main characters and I expect that to be interesting too! This book ends on a cliff hanger so now I have a problem - do I go straight to the next book or do I go back and read the one I missed?
I must admit that as I started to read The Apothecary's Poison I felt as though something was missing between the last book I read and this one. There was of course - a whole book. Anyway I was soon engrossed in Matt and India's newest adventure and I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
The author is definitely taking her time to expose India's full magic but there are many hints that it is going to be big. She is also drawing out the attraction between our two main characters and I expect that to be interesting too! This book ends on a cliff hanger so now I have a problem - do I go straight to the next book or do I go back and read the one I missed?
January 16, 2020
↠2.5
This was my last read in the series, possibly this author. It’s still so amateurish even after two books and honestly, I haven’t seen any improvement. It was okay in the beginning, but if I’m going to read a seven-book long series I want things to evolve. That being said, this was an easy read that flew by.
This was my last read in the series, possibly this author. It’s still so amateurish even after two books and honestly, I haven’t seen any improvement. It was okay in the beginning, but if I’m going to read a seven-book long series I want things to evolve. That being said, this was an easy read that flew by.
May 11, 2017
Took 0.5 star off because WTF ending.
Also, that aunt needs to butt the hell out and mind her own business.
Also, that aunt needs to butt the hell out and mind her own business.
February 16, 2022
I’m still enjoying the series but really wish India and Matt would get their act together as that aspect of the storyline is getting a bit tired.
April 4, 2017
Incredible 3rd installment!
I loved every part of it and couldn't put it down. It has everything I could want: mystery, magic, romance, and some answers, although I'm still in anticipation for what might happen next. I will be in agony until the fourth book. Ms. Archer, please write faster!
I loved every part of it and couldn't put it down. It has everything I could want: mystery, magic, romance, and some answers, although I'm still in anticipation for what might happen next. I will be in agony until the fourth book. Ms. Archer, please write faster!
April 8, 2017
Kept me hooked as much as the others!
I never Write reviews but after reading so many of c j archers books i thought its about bloody time I do! I love them. Utterly and totally love them. I started off with the ministry of curiosities some time last year and fell in love with the characters and storyline and the same happened again for glass and Steele I ended up reading the first freak house trilogy and subsequently started the assassins guild trilogy but put it down because I had to know more about Matt and india. I will not post spoilers because books are best enjoyed when you find out the story yourself. Just know if you want to read a great on going series where the next book isnt a year or more away and only a few months in between. These are definitely the ones to read. I'm now eagerly awaiting the next books in both series!
I never Write reviews but after reading so many of c j archers books i thought its about bloody time I do! I love them. Utterly and totally love them. I started off with the ministry of curiosities some time last year and fell in love with the characters and storyline and the same happened again for glass and Steele I ended up reading the first freak house trilogy and subsequently started the assassins guild trilogy but put it down because I had to know more about Matt and india. I will not post spoilers because books are best enjoyed when you find out the story yourself. Just know if you want to read a great on going series where the next book isnt a year or more away and only a few months in between. These are definitely the ones to read. I'm now eagerly awaiting the next books in both series!
May 19, 2019
These books should be made into movies!!!
January 18, 2022
As always this series is wonderful. A thoughtful bit of fluff with a great bit of magic and romance.
April 8, 2021
4...Solving crimes, magic and romance...couldn't ask for more! I have so many "laugh out loud" moments with this group of misfits! Enjoying the storyline though it is becoming a tad predictable...but otherwise solid til the end!
September 10, 2018
Well that was a cliffhanger. New characters, more mysteries, more romance. The waiting is becoming unbearable!
August 3, 2021
I love the combination of fantasy, historical fiction, and thriller.
Content: Sexual Tension, Profanity, and Violence.
Content: Sexual Tension, Profanity, and Violence.
April 26, 2025
Well, that’s a fun twist! I am here for it!
April 6, 2022
4.75⭐️
My favourite one in the series so far!!!!!
My favourite one in the series so far!!!!!
July 1, 2019
Once again, another great book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as I have the previous two installments.
There were a few minor errors in the book. The biggest being the name change of Oscar Barratt (Barrett to page 11, Barratt page 46 onward). And if you can find the lack of an Oxford comma an error. I’m a huge fan of the Oxford comma and will use it 99% of the time. There were a few instances in the book where the Oxford made more sense.
Vocabulary sin count: 3
I still can’t find a definition for the word tendre that makes sense in the context being used; even though I think I get the implication of the word. I just like to back that up with a definition.
Vocabulary halo: 1
My favorite word was used again.
I give this book a resounding 5-stars. I hope the story continues the way it’s going because I don’t feel like throwing these ebooks across the room because of sheer stupidity. I definitely recommend this series: still.
There were a few minor errors in the book. The biggest being the name change of Oscar Barratt (Barrett to page 11, Barratt page 46 onward). And if you can find the lack of an Oxford comma an error. I’m a huge fan of the Oxford comma and will use it 99% of the time. There were a few instances in the book where the Oxford made more sense.
Vocabulary sin count: 3
I still can’t find a definition for the word tendre that makes sense in the context being used; even though I think I get the implication of the word. I just like to back that up with a definition.
Vocabulary halo: 1
My favorite word was used again.
I give this book a resounding 5-stars. I hope the story continues the way it’s going because I don’t feel like throwing these ebooks across the room because of sheer stupidity. I definitely recommend this series: still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
(Audiobook) still a fun listen, a little too much romantic longing for me in this one. Still think it would be not as good reading the written book but the audio is fun
June 4, 2025
This is top tier yearning
June 25, 2021
I am still enjoying this series. At first, I was thinking that India was just mistaken about her parentage, but things are coming to light that show in this novel that she just didn't have the whole story. I'm glad that we meet who er do at the ending to hopefully bring this thread to a close. I wish that India thought better of herself, but with the class difference, society's view on it, and Matt's aunt whispering in her ear, I can see how she believes what she does. This is also something that I hope gets resolved in the next novel. I also like the fact that although the Ministry of Curiosities by this author and this series are both in a historical setting and each have strong female characters, they are completely different personalities. I can't wait to read the next one.
September 27, 2017
I love this series by C.J. Archer. Some magic a touch of fantasy and some great characters along with some good writing drew me into the Spring of 1890 London. The third book in the Glass and Steele series. Matt and India are still looking for the Watchmaker Chronos.
November 6, 2019
We are listening to this series... and the audiobooks have run out. We'll wait and hope for them to arrive shortly.
June 7, 2022
Loosing sleep and neglecting house work. Enough said 😆
March 25, 2023
The “slow burn” romance is just frustrating now, it adds nothing to the plot and is more irritating than anything
May 11, 2024
That was a RUDE cliffhanger. Appreciated the uptick in shippiness though. That was aces.
April 12, 2023
Nice character growth and development, although the plot felt a bit repetitive from early books in the series.
November 12, 2022
Die wundersame Story um den Amerikaner Matt Glass, der nur noch durch Magie lebt und dazu auf seine besondere Taschenuhr angewiesen ist, und die talentierte India Steele geht weiter. Auf der Suche nach dem geheimnisvollen Chronos erleben sie weitere Abenteuer und entkommen nur knapp einem Anschlag. Auch ihre besondere Beziehung entwickelt sich weiter, und es ist wohl nur noch eine Frage der Zeit, bis beide nicht mehr klar denken können und sich über gesellschaftliche Konventionen hinwegsetzen...
Nicht nur die Protagonisten sind hervorragend ausgebaut und dargestellt. Ihre Gedanken und Handlungen sind vollkommen schlüssig und nachvollziehbar, und es ist eine Freude mitzuerleben, wie sie um einander herumtanzen. Auch alle anderen Figuren haben ein Gesicht, die Szenerie ist farbenfroh und so gut skizziert, dass ich beim Lesen nicht nur zuschaue, sondern mittendrin dabei bin. Die Autorin versteht es, ihre Geschichte spannend zu erzählen und die einzelnen Handlungsstränge wie auch die Figuren weiterentwickeln zu lassen. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht.
Das viktorianische England hat eine besondere Anziehungskraft auf so einige Autoren, die sich in die Fantasywelt, die magische oder bzw. auch und die mystische Welt begeben und interessante Geschichten zu erzählen haben. Ich habe schon Geschichten des Steam Punk gelesen (auch diese Reihe sollte ich irgendwann fortsetzen), oder über die Londoner Unterwelt und weitere Jugendbücher - die Story um Glass und Steele ist eine ebensolch wunderbare Geschichte, die mir sehr gut gefällt und durchaus auch von Jugendlichen gelesen werden kann.
Der 3. Band endet mit einem Cliffhanger, so dass ich eigentlich gleich mit Buch 4 fortfahren wollte, aber... ich habe noch so viele andere, die ich unbedingt lesen möchte... gekauft ist es aber bereits 😍
Meine ganz persönliche Bewertung sind wiederum 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2022...
Nicht nur die Protagonisten sind hervorragend ausgebaut und dargestellt. Ihre Gedanken und Handlungen sind vollkommen schlüssig und nachvollziehbar, und es ist eine Freude mitzuerleben, wie sie um einander herumtanzen. Auch alle anderen Figuren haben ein Gesicht, die Szenerie ist farbenfroh und so gut skizziert, dass ich beim Lesen nicht nur zuschaue, sondern mittendrin dabei bin. Die Autorin versteht es, ihre Geschichte spannend zu erzählen und die einzelnen Handlungsstränge wie auch die Figuren weiterentwickeln zu lassen. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht.
Das viktorianische England hat eine besondere Anziehungskraft auf so einige Autoren, die sich in die Fantasywelt, die magische oder bzw. auch und die mystische Welt begeben und interessante Geschichten zu erzählen haben. Ich habe schon Geschichten des Steam Punk gelesen (auch diese Reihe sollte ich irgendwann fortsetzen), oder über die Londoner Unterwelt und weitere Jugendbücher - die Story um Glass und Steele ist eine ebensolch wunderbare Geschichte, die mir sehr gut gefällt und durchaus auch von Jugendlichen gelesen werden kann.
Der 3. Band endet mit einem Cliffhanger, so dass ich eigentlich gleich mit Buch 4 fortfahren wollte, aber... ich habe noch so viele andere, die ich unbedingt lesen möchte... gekauft ist es aber bereits 😍
Meine ganz persönliche Bewertung sind wiederum 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2022...
February 3, 2021
Continuing on in this quick but fun series. The Apothecary's Poison takes off right where the second book in the series left. India Steele and Matt Glass work together to solve mysteries involving magic in Victorian England. Since this book is the third in the series I shall move onto spoilers.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This book is much like the other two in the series. A lot happens and it feels like there are characters introduced every five seconds and India tells them about her magic. I just want to grab her and say
I mean what is she thinking! She keeps saying she is going to be quiet about her powers but it seems like she goes off and blabs to everyone! I'm with Matt on this one. It only leads to trouble.
I am also getting super nervous about the romance. I cannot stand a romance that drags on and the characters keep coming up with reasons why they cannot be together. I mean I am not one to shy away from YA tropes. I love them with all my heart and this book has a lot. Girl who is pretty, but doesn't know she is, rough and tumble guy piercing eyes, and magic she never knew she had. I love it all! But I am wary of the ways Archer might come up with to keep these two a part. If they are not married by the 8th book I don't know what to do. I would rather have them solving mysteries as a married couple then have to keep reading about them tragically not being able to be together. Here's hoping for at least an engagement in the next few.
Re-Read 2/2/2021
Things are getting complicated! Man I love this series.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This book is much like the other two in the series. A lot happens and it feels like there are characters introduced every five seconds and India tells them about her magic. I just want to grab her and say
I mean what is she thinking! She keeps saying she is going to be quiet about her powers but it seems like she goes off and blabs to everyone! I'm with Matt on this one. It only leads to trouble.
I am also getting super nervous about the romance. I cannot stand a romance that drags on and the characters keep coming up with reasons why they cannot be together. I mean I am not one to shy away from YA tropes. I love them with all my heart and this book has a lot. Girl who is pretty, but doesn't know she is, rough and tumble guy piercing eyes, and magic she never knew she had. I love it all! But I am wary of the ways Archer might come up with to keep these two a part. If they are not married by the 8th book I don't know what to do. I would rather have them solving mysteries as a married couple then have to keep reading about them tragically not being able to be together. Here's hoping for at least an engagement in the next few.
Re-Read 2/2/2021
Things are getting complicated! Man I love this series.
February 22, 2021
2.5 stars
I wish we spent more time learning about apothecary magic. But as described in the book jacket Dr Hale dies early. In the meantime, between near death experiences and flirting encounters with others, India and Matt finally move from mere words and skin grazes. This made it seem as if half the book was spent on flirtations and the other half on the mystery.
We get to learn a little bit more about Cyclops, of course through flirtations. However, Duke and Willy feel like afterthoughts. All three felt like forgotten window dressing in this mystery.
If you first came to the series hoping to explore the romance, you won’t be disappointed. Although I still want to know where it goes, I originally came to the series for the magic.
I wish we spent more time learning about apothecary magic. But as described in the book jacket Dr Hale dies early. In the meantime, between near death experiences and flirting encounters with others, India and Matt finally move from mere words and skin grazes. This made it seem as if half the book was spent on flirtations and the other half on the mystery.
We get to learn a little bit more about Cyclops, of course through flirtations. However, Duke and Willy feel like afterthoughts. All three felt like forgotten window dressing in this mystery.
If you first came to the series hoping to explore the romance, you won’t be disappointed. Although I still want to know where it goes, I originally came to the series for the magic.
January 25, 2023
I have listened to these books back to back, and because the subsequent book takes place within weeks of the previous, it is like enjoying one large novel. This one, I was surprised by the villain; I'd figured it out in the previous books, but this one I didn't get figured out, and that was enjoyable.
I love this series. I see a lot of comments complaining about Matt and India not acting upon their feelings, but it is stated why things aren't progressing, even though we know emotionally they care deeply. I actually like this aspect of the story. I also appreciate that this book is fairly clean. There is foul language, but it is not excessive, and unfortunately, some blasphemy, but no sex.
On to the next!
I love this series. I see a lot of comments complaining about Matt and India not acting upon their feelings, but it is stated why things aren't progressing, even though we know emotionally they care deeply. I actually like this aspect of the story. I also appreciate that this book is fairly clean. There is foul language, but it is not excessive, and unfortunately, some blasphemy, but no sex.
On to the next!
May 17, 2023
I think this was my favorite book in this series so far. If I could’ve I would have sat and listened to this entire book nonstop. The dynamic and slow burn between India and Matt is so entertaining and makes me want to giggle and kick my feet like a little girl. I do think they need a vacation though, maybe no more crime investigations.
November 15, 2021
Loving this series. A fun easy read, a story line that flows through the overall time line v from book to book, but focuses on the storyline of the individual book at the same time. Some good characters brought in, though I did miss Duke, Willie and Cyclops in this book as they were almost as good as forgotten for the most part of this one. I hope they are included more and their involvement picked up again in future books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews