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Glass and Steele #4
The Magician's Diary
India and Matt thought all their problems would come to an end once they found Chronos. But the watch magician brings with him as many questions as answers, and a load of trouble. To fix Matt's magic watch, they must find an old diary that once belonged to a doctor magician murdered decades ago. The hunt drags them into a sordid mystery involving two of London's craft guilds. With old and new enemies determined to stop them, and long-held secrets unearthed, Matt and India must work together better than ever.
But as the reason for India's strangely strong magic is revealed, she wants to draw other magicians into the open, while Matt wants to hide magic to keep her safe.
Her plan backfires. His plan shatters. And danger comes to their door.
But as the reason for India's strangely strong magic is revealed, she wants to draw other magicians into the open, while Matt wants to hide magic to keep her safe.
Her plan backfires. His plan shatters. And danger comes to their door.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
2070 people are currently reading
2783 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,625 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
March 16, 2022
My least favourite of the series so far. It seems that the author is reluctant to move the main themes forward and is marking time, with India and Matt running round in circles and not actually going any where.
Towards the end of the book things do start to happen. There is a beautiful twist where a character turns out to be someone else altogether. I did not expect it and it brightened things up for me considerably.
I seriously hope the next book gains more momentum and even more importantly, that the author stops saying that Matt purrs. Please.
Towards the end of the book things do start to happen. There is a beautiful twist where a character turns out to be someone else altogether. I did not expect it and it brightened things up for me considerably.
I seriously hope the next book gains more momentum and even more importantly, that the author stops saying that Matt purrs. Please.
March 13, 2018
I'm still liking the characters in this series. After solving an old murder mystery all Matt and India need is a medical magician and they can save Matt. I am getting weary of India putting Matt off. He keeps trying to engage her in conversation as to why she doesn't want a romantic relationship with him. She's clearly attracted to him. Since he's American he doesn't care about societal norms. India needs to be honest and tell him she doesn't feel good enough. I think the romance needs to be resolved. It's beginning to stifle the series.
August 18, 2017
It's hard to say much of anything beyond, "I loved this book." Because that really does sum it all up. Everything that C.J. Archer writes is beyond wonderful, but with the Glass and Steele series, she really outdoes herself. In "The Magician's Diary," the hunt is still on for the fix for Matt's watch. And in the meantime, we get to see the interaction between India and Chronos, as well as some of the secondary characters, all the while side-stepping danger at every turn. The author keeps a fast pace throughout and you won't be disappointed with this one. In fact, you'll be eagerly awaiting more.
**This honest review was based on an ARC copy I received from the author**
**This honest review was based on an ARC copy I received from the author**
August 10, 2021
Enjoyed the adventure.
The amount of times C.J. Archer uses the Lord’s name as a curse word seems to be increasing and I’m not a fan.
Content: Profanity, sexual tension, and violence.
The amount of times C.J. Archer uses the Lord’s name as a curse word seems to be increasing and I’m not a fan.
Content: Profanity, sexual tension, and violence.
September 6, 2017
Suspense is killing me
I love this series and the characters but I guess I'm impatient. I'm getting tired of waiting for a resolution. Some kind of progress has to be made in finding the physician magician or with India and Matt's relationship before people get bored. I almost feel like the story is at the same place if was 2 books ago.
I love this series and the characters but I guess I'm impatient. I'm getting tired of waiting for a resolution. Some kind of progress has to be made in finding the physician magician or with India and Matt's relationship before people get bored. I almost feel like the story is at the same place if was 2 books ago.
September 14, 2017
One of my absolute favorite book series!
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to Glass and Steele.
The story and characters were so well written and have you dying for the next book in the series. Can't wait!
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to Glass and Steele.
The story and characters were so well written and have you dying for the next book in the series. Can't wait!
March 11, 2018
No resolution.
The story keeps on dragging on and now it has become annoying. I’m not sure I care anymore since I can assume there will eventually be a happy ending.
The story keeps on dragging on and now it has become annoying. I’m not sure I care anymore since I can assume there will eventually be a happy ending.
July 24, 2022
Read the first six books in this series right after one another, so seemed like one long book with a few continuing themes. Each individual title focuses on a different aspect of magic and a variety of British trade Guilds in the late 1800s. Combining history, suspense, romance, London society, hints of wild west America and a variety of magical abilities these are quick and entertaining reads. [Posting the same review and the same # of stars for each of them.]
January 17, 2022
This series definitely has weak spots and some recurring eye-rolling patterns, but overall engaging enough that I want to find out what happens next. The fact that each book ends with a cliffhanger might have something to do with that, too. :-)
June 24, 2025
3.75/5 stars
That ending got GOOD
That ending got GOOD
September 22, 2021
Still a fun audiobook series, although drifting more into soap opera so I might not make it through!
January 1, 2023
So many twists and turns in this book and I loved every single one of them. So many cliff hangers, so many details, I continue to love this series and these characters as we learn more about them. CJ Archer is an amazing author who takes you on a magical journey. So many things in this book lets begin
1. Chronos is finally found, and it is India's grandfather. While he seems like a jerk he also seems like he has good intentions. But with his presence comes more threats and blasts from the past then anyone can see.
2. Ambercrombie is still up to his games of trying to keep Ms. Steele down and make sure that he continues to stay on top.
3. Oscar Barratt, What to say about this guy, shows genuine interest in India just to betray her by writing an article about the proof of magic existing. This in itself causes a fleet of problems and gets all of London talking.
4. The most interesting twist in this story is oddly enough Eddie aka Jimmy Sweet. He starts off being a puppet only to find that he has in own reasons for wanting Chronos like the fact that he is responsible for his father's/uncles death.
5 .And finally my favorite twist/ what we have all been waiting for since the first book. Matt finally expresses his feeling towards India. He is ready to make her his wife and while we know she also has feelings for her, Mrs. Glass words ring in her ears of how she is not good enough b/c of her station in life. That is the twist they leave us on which is why I am already to pick up the next book in the series.
6. The last thing this book does, its gets us one step closer to finding the magical doctor we need in order to save Matt's life.
7. What is up with Willie, she is spending more time at the doctors and being very mysterious about it, not tellling anyone. We still have no idea what is going on as she avoids answering the straight out question from anyone asking.
1. Chronos is finally found, and it is India's grandfather. While he seems like a jerk he also seems like he has good intentions. But with his presence comes more threats and blasts from the past then anyone can see.
2. Ambercrombie is still up to his games of trying to keep Ms. Steele down and make sure that he continues to stay on top.
3. Oscar Barratt, What to say about this guy, shows genuine interest in India just to betray her by writing an article about the proof of magic existing. This in itself causes a fleet of problems and gets all of London talking.
4. The most interesting twist in this story is oddly enough Eddie aka Jimmy Sweet. He starts off being a puppet only to find that he has in own reasons for wanting Chronos like the fact that he is responsible for his father's/uncles death.
5 .And finally my favorite twist/ what we have all been waiting for since the first book. Matt finally expresses his feeling towards India. He is ready to make her his wife and while we know she also has feelings for her, Mrs. Glass words ring in her ears of how she is not good enough b/c of her station in life. That is the twist they leave us on which is why I am already to pick up the next book in the series.
6. The last thing this book does, its gets us one step closer to finding the magical doctor we need in order to save Matt's life.
7. What is up with Willie, she is spending more time at the doctors and being very mysterious about it, not tellling anyone. We still have no idea what is going on as she avoids answering the straight out question from anyone asking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
A whole bunch of nothing happened. My favorite part has to be that Willie was barely in it because she is the most horrible, self-centered, I-think-I-know-better-than-anyone character I've read since I was 13 and obsessed with fanfiction written by other 13 year olds. The only thing better than India getting over her self-pity would be if the author brutally kills Willie off (which i know she won't because I've read the next series which is basically a copy/paste of this one with a few tweaks).
It's honestly such a shame because the idea of a magic world like this is really interesting but it's completely ruined by the author barely even exploring it. Instead we're slogging through pages of watching some of the absolutely worst "detectives" attempting to muddle their way through a murder investigation, making wild assumptions and illogical leaps all over the place.
The author is pretty good at highlighting how all poor people are greedy or disgusting (why is everyone from the slums always wiping their nose on their sleeves and spitting? Is this how she pictures poor people?).
The relationship between the characters is also very flat. It's implied that they're friends at this point but as soon as something happens where it seems like India has done something they don't like they turn on her, even if it's only for a brief moment. I don't understand wanting to be in a relationship with someone who you have to tip toe around in fear of setting them off and who has a habit of grabbing you tightly by the arm/wrist. It all seems very shallow. I've never wanted to punch so many characters in a book as I do this one.
It's honestly such a shame because the idea of a magic world like this is really interesting but it's completely ruined by the author barely even exploring it. Instead we're slogging through pages of watching some of the absolutely worst "detectives" attempting to muddle their way through a murder investigation, making wild assumptions and illogical leaps all over the place.
The author is pretty good at highlighting how all poor people are greedy or disgusting (why is everyone from the slums always wiping their nose on their sleeves and spitting? Is this how she pictures poor people?).
The relationship between the characters is also very flat. It's implied that they're friends at this point but as soon as something happens where it seems like India has done something they don't like they turn on her, even if it's only for a brief moment. I don't understand wanting to be in a relationship with someone who you have to tip toe around in fear of setting them off and who has a habit of grabbing you tightly by the arm/wrist. It all seems very shallow. I've never wanted to punch so many characters in a book as I do this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
⭐️2.75⭐️ bruh it’s the fourth book in this series and so much yet so little has happened. There is absolutely no reason to drag the story and romance between Matt and India out this long 😭 it’s just frustrating and dumb at this point. The fact that these two aren’t communicating with each other is killing me. Literally their feelings/ india’s hesitancy to admit her feelings to Matt could just be resolved if they just talked to each other!!! (Tbh I’m not really the biggest fan of Matt. He has his moments, but overall he’s not my fav) It feels like whenever there’s progress in this series, several steps are taken backwards. And from seeing a few reviews from the next books, this drags on for so long. Despite my frustrations, I’m somehow still invested💀
December 8, 2021
There was decent story arc development in this installment which made it easy to hand wave away the lingering romantic angst between the two characters. It actually helps that the romance is really downplayed in this series since the ongoing barrier between the two of the MCs is really annoying.
I did not see the twist at the end coming and that's what bumped the rating up a star. To be honest, the series has lost a bit of its shine for me; many of the characters have really started to annoy me: Willie, Miss Glass, Lady Rycroft and her daughters, etc. But the twist at the end has successfully hooked me into at least the next installment. I hope that the romance is figured out soon and that serious headway is made in the world of magic.
I did not see the twist at the end coming and that's what bumped the rating up a star. To be honest, the series has lost a bit of its shine for me; many of the characters have really started to annoy me: Willie, Miss Glass, Lady Rycroft and her daughters, etc. But the twist at the end has successfully hooked me into at least the next installment. I hope that the romance is figured out soon and that serious headway is made in the world of magic.
May 30, 2021
The search continues
India is beginning to irritate me a little. Her refusal to talk to Matt is ridiculous, and I think it is a shame that all those around him are telling her she is not god enough. I did like the intrigue around Jack Sweet. It was a very b unexpected twist in this story. I was hoping to either shave the watch or their relationship solved at this point as I don't want it to be the focus of every single book. That will only make them repetitive.
India is beginning to irritate me a little. Her refusal to talk to Matt is ridiculous, and I think it is a shame that all those around him are telling her she is not god enough. I did like the intrigue around Jack Sweet. It was a very b unexpected twist in this story. I was hoping to either shave the watch or their relationship solved at this point as I don't want it to be the focus of every single book. That will only make them repetitive.
March 28, 2019
The plot was a bit predictable, to me at least.
June 21, 2023
Still think it's a fun read but the books are starting to get repetitive and nothing in the main story is getting moved along. For the love of all can these 2 just get together already?
February 6, 2021
Fourth book in the series very similar to the other two. The Magician's Diary continues to focus on the overarching mystery of finding out someone to help Matt fix his watch. I was glad to get back to the main mystery and want it to be solved soon!
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Okay, little angry that India is doing the whole, we can't be together because of our social status, thing. Her character seems to fight against all of these societal things holding her back. She has never been too concerned about it before, but is in regards to Matt. It just bugs!!! I just want them to get together and I hate that the aunt is acting all self-righteous about it. First it was because he was too sick and now this. And he can't even tell why! Come on!
The same thing is happening with Matt and his watch. Each time they think they have figured it out, there is something else in the way. It just gives me panicked vibes. I want him to just be healed and the two together. I mean there is the whole other mystery and struggle with magic coming out in the open. That should be the focus, but I can't concentrate when there are these other problems.
And once again India opens her mouth and shares too much information. Obviously the news reporter was going to write about it. It shouldn't have come as such a shock.
I liked the fact that Eddie ended up being a bigger part than we thought. Mainly I am just glad he is out of the picture. Now if they could only get rid of Abercrombie. I also don't understand why Chronos left. His character was interesting and I wanted to see what else was going to happen.
I do like that as the books progress we get to know more and more about the side characters. I really like Cyclops, but I feel bad for Duke because I have some ideas about what Willie is hiding and I don't think he will get his happy ever after. If I get to book eight and Matt and India aren't together and Matt isn't healed, imma be angry.
re-read 2/6/2021
I really like this one in the series. I feel like the mystery is one we can go along with and solve. I find the fact that the villain is a twist we don't necessarily see coming, but makes sense.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Okay, little angry that India is doing the whole, we can't be together because of our social status, thing. Her character seems to fight against all of these societal things holding her back. She has never been too concerned about it before, but is in regards to Matt. It just bugs!!! I just want them to get together and I hate that the aunt is acting all self-righteous about it. First it was because he was too sick and now this. And he can't even tell why! Come on!
The same thing is happening with Matt and his watch. Each time they think they have figured it out, there is something else in the way. It just gives me panicked vibes. I want him to just be healed and the two together. I mean there is the whole other mystery and struggle with magic coming out in the open. That should be the focus, but I can't concentrate when there are these other problems.
And once again India opens her mouth and shares too much information. Obviously the news reporter was going to write about it. It shouldn't have come as such a shock.
I liked the fact that Eddie ended up being a bigger part than we thought. Mainly I am just glad he is out of the picture. Now if they could only get rid of Abercrombie. I also don't understand why Chronos left. His character was interesting and I wanted to see what else was going to happen.
I do like that as the books progress we get to know more and more about the side characters. I really like Cyclops, but I feel bad for Duke because I have some ideas about what Willie is hiding and I don't think he will get his happy ever after. If I get to book eight and Matt and India aren't together and Matt isn't healed, imma be angry.
re-read 2/6/2021
I really like this one in the series. I feel like the mystery is one we can go along with and solve. I find the fact that the villain is a twist we don't necessarily see coming, but makes sense.
September 5, 2017
Love this world and characters! Great addition to the series
Good installment. The characters continue to grow. Another mystery to solve. Tension continues between Matt and India. Some interesting twists. Not the end of the series so there is a teaser at the end with some character's stories still needing to be told. This is a series with an overall story arc continuing but an individual mystery resolved in each book. Great addition to the series and I really enjoy this author.
Good installment. The characters continue to grow. Another mystery to solve. Tension continues between Matt and India. Some interesting twists. Not the end of the series so there is a teaser at the end with some character's stories still needing to be told. This is a series with an overall story arc continuing but an individual mystery resolved in each book. Great addition to the series and I really enjoy this author.
November 2, 2017
I enjoyed the 1st book of this series but although the book is easy to follow and the storytelling is engaging, there is little or no character development, which has been the case for each volume. In addition, the plot of each book follows a similar pattern and consequently I have the sensation that I have read the same book several times.
April 13, 2023
I loved the twist. Although the beginning had you running in a circle of suspects but the ending was great with some aha moments and then a noooooo moment haha. And I loved the transition of magic in their world, the way its transforming within their lives.
March 31, 2022
I am enjoying the series very much.
April 13, 2023
Great plot twist on the main storyline
April 14, 2023
Getting to be a bit much in the romance department. However, I’ll keep reading the series to see how it ends.
July 7, 2023
This is my FAVORITE of the series to date.
Chronos is alive and he IS India's paternal grandfather. However, there is no heartwarming reunion between grandfather and granddaughter. In fact, Chronos makes it perfectly clear that he never wanted to marry and never wanted a child. He and India forge a rather contemptuous relationship as he teaches her the magic he knows about and talks about what happened after he and the doctor saved Matt's life five years previous.
Matt and India finally share some more passionate moments, but it's still one of the slowest slow burn romances I've ever read.
I dislike Hope even more than I did before! Her and her mother! Thank God India was smart enough to pay close attention and figured out what was going on before scandal could scar Matt.
I have to say, I didn't see the ending coming at all. It never occurred to me who the killer really was, though I did think that Wilson was most likely the vagrant's FIRST name, not his last. I absolutely did not even consider that Eddie was a complete fake.
I wasn't surprised that Chronos had left. I hope that we come across him again in the future.
Chronos is alive and he IS India's paternal grandfather. However, there is no heartwarming reunion between grandfather and granddaughter. In fact, Chronos makes it perfectly clear that he never wanted to marry and never wanted a child. He and India forge a rather contemptuous relationship as he teaches her the magic he knows about and talks about what happened after he and the doctor saved Matt's life five years previous.
Matt and India finally share some more passionate moments, but it's still one of the slowest slow burn romances I've ever read.
I dislike Hope even more than I did before! Her and her mother! Thank God India was smart enough to pay close attention and figured out what was going on before scandal could scar Matt.
I have to say, I didn't see the ending coming at all. It never occurred to me who the killer really was, though I did think that Wilson was most likely the vagrant's FIRST name, not his last. I absolutely did not even consider that Eddie was a complete fake.
I wasn't surprised that Chronos had left. I hope that we come across him again in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
4 Stars
Matt and India are slowing pulling the pieces together in their search. They have one part of the duo needed to repair Matt's magical watch. The other still eludes them. Eddie, her ex-fiance plays a larger roll in The Magician's Diary, and of course he and Abercrombie do their best to thwart their investigation. This time Matt and India are trying to solve a murder that happened 27 years ago, and it has to do with the death of the doctor that help Coronas with his experiment.
Again...the story is good. The characters likable. Although the aunt didn't do a lot of pushing of young women (and a widow) onto Matt, his niece Hope is a sneaky, conniving girl. She will do anything to trap him. The fact that Matt gives her such leeway is a bit irritating, he's smarter than that. As a friend of mine said in her review "the romance needs to be resolved", it is taking away from the story itself.
Matt and India are slowing pulling the pieces together in their search. They have one part of the duo needed to repair Matt's magical watch. The other still eludes them. Eddie, her ex-fiance plays a larger roll in The Magician's Diary, and of course he and Abercrombie do their best to thwart their investigation. This time Matt and India are trying to solve a murder that happened 27 years ago, and it has to do with the death of the doctor that help Coronas with his experiment.
Again...the story is good. The characters likable. Although the aunt didn't do a lot of pushing of young women (and a widow) onto Matt, his niece Hope is a sneaky, conniving girl. She will do anything to trap him. The fact that Matt gives her such leeway is a bit irritating, he's smarter than that. As a friend of mine said in her review "the romance needs to be resolved", it is taking away from the story itself.
November 7, 2017
3,5 Stars
It was all fun and games but it kind of left me frustrated. The tension between Matt and India is just simply killing me. I honestly don't know if I can take any more of this. The ending simply killed me...
The plot was pretty engaging in this one. I liked how everyone was looking for the diary, also the character of Chronos was an interesting one, for the lack of a better word (well I hated the guy if I'm being honest, but he was a great addition to the action).
Overall I liked it, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
It was all fun and games but it kind of left me frustrated. The tension between Matt and India is just simply killing me. I honestly don't know if I can take any more of this. The ending simply killed me...
The plot was pretty engaging in this one. I liked how everyone was looking for the diary, also the character of Chronos was an interesting one, for the lack of a better word (well I hated the guy if I'm being honest, but he was a great addition to the action).
Overall I liked it, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews