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Glass and Steele #5

The Convent's Secret

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To find the one man who can fix the magic in Matt’s watch, he and India are led to a convent where the nuns will do anything to keep their secrets private. Including murder? Matt and India must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies given to her care many years ago. But sometimes, the truth is painful and its exposure can have deadly consequences.

With his magic watch slowing down, Matt needs all the help India and his friends can offer before time runs out. But his nemesis will do anything to bring about his downfall, including rock Matt’s family with a scandal that can ruin them, and Matt and India’s chance of happiness.

270 pages, ebook

First published March 6, 2018

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2974 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Archer

95 books5,605 followers
C.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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5 stars
4,614 (38%)
4 stars
5,234 (43%)
3 stars
1,970 (16%)
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1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
4,022 reviews2,722 followers
July 29, 2023
I keep reading this series because basically I do like the characters, the magic system is entertaining, and there is a reasonable amount of action going on. I would also like to see how everything turns out but, when I see how many books there are still to read, I feel I may never reach the conclusion.

This is the fifth book in the series and unfortunately the author is now stretching things a bit too thin. Matt's illness has become tedious and it slows the story down. India's resolve to keep him at arm's length may have been explained in an earlier book, but I have forgotten the reason by now and just want them to get together. And as for Matt's reason for not marrying her - really?

Three stars because I liked it enough to finish it, but I have reservations about moving on to the next book.
Profile Image for L.J. Evans.
Author 32 books1,319 followers
March 11, 2018
I love India and Matt. This series was my 1st by the author and since I read the first one, I have pretty much devoured everything she's written, and love it all, but Matt and India will always be special to me. Their banter, their back and forth, the female struggles for independence in the 1800s. It is all amazingly wrapped up in a set of lovely paranormal mysteries that keep you guessing but don't ever feel rushed or false. Her writing is a joy. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Lindap.
1,496 reviews
April 28, 2019
3.50 / 3 Stars

My main complaint about this series is the excessive interference from Matt's English family. Constantly trying to force Matt to marry one of his cousins (His uncle's daughters) in order to keep the estate within the family and to insure they always have a home. We found out in the previous book that Patience once had a dalliance with a man and this could cause her current fiancé to break the engagement, if he finds out. Of course Sheriff Payne is hell bent on ruining Matt and he'll use any family member or friend to do it. When Patience's fiancé does find out, his uncle forces Matt to marry her because he said all this is Matt's fault. He's also holding something over Matt's head. All that had my eyes rolling because the person who's responsible for all this is Patience...but Matt has to pay the price. It really bothers me that Matt has no backbone in this matter.

So...for me, although there are investigative aspects in The Convent's Secret I felt the issues with Matt's uncle (edited: I originally said "brother") continuing the forced marriage to one of his daughters in yet another book, and it was too large of a percentage of the book, it's disheartening. Again, I love the writing, I like Matt, India and the American friends/cousin....but I couldn't rate this one 4 stars. I know I'm in the minority with this review...but it's only the hunt for the magical doctor that keeps me coming back. This story could have been wrapped up in 3 books if it wasn't filled with so much family angst.
Profile Image for Lovely Day.
996 reviews168 followers
April 22, 2022
3⭐️

The weakest in the series so far, with some disappointing social agenda pushed ☹️
Profile Image for Erin.
457 reviews186 followers
February 6, 2021
Since this is the 5th book in a series, I'm gonna skip the rehash and go straight to...

SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This epitomizes my feelings at the end of this book

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I mean I am really happy that Matt finally found the doctor that could finally fix his watch. I was getting tired of this mystery and worrying about his health. The fact that he is still probably gonna have to have it fixed again in five years is worrisome. I hope in the next few chapters they find a way to fix it even more so that he doesn't need it as much. They never did explain that the watch was fixed. Does this mean he is only going to need it every couple of weeks like he did when he first got it?

The storyline was interesting, I am always intrigued with British convent mysteries (they are a thing).

However, I cannot believe that Matt would have agreed to marrying Patience. I hate the fact that this is still a problem. I am glad that India finally got over herself and told him that she loved him. Hopefully she starts to fight back. I cannot stand the uncle and the cousins. They are so selfish. And don't get me started on Miss Glass. She used to be fun and interesting, but now I just hate her. She hated the cousins, but loved India and now she is helping them! Its ridiculous. If I were India I would not feel any sympathy for her.

Obviously the uncle has something on India, otherwise I don't think Matt would have agreed to the marriage. I just don't know what it is. Probably about her magic, but it better be a good reason or i'm going to be mad. Okay, there are three more books to go and if they don't figure it out in one of them I really will be angry. Lets focus more on the magic now and less causing trouble in their relationship. There is enough trouble for Duke, Willie, and Cyclops. I hope there is still a chance for Willie and Duke. Although, I am not the biggest fan of Willie. She kind of annoys me. I do like Duke however and I want him to end up happy.

My one wish is that India and Matt don't go back and be all self-sacrificing in this next one. Stick to your guns and find a way to be together!

Re-read 2/6/2021

After reading this the first time I took a break from the series. I just felt so angry after this one. Also back then there were only 8 books in the series and now there are 12! And it has only been 2 years! C.J. Archer is a writing machine!

I don't understand why Matt felt like he needed to save Patience. It is not his responsibility and I don't see it that way at all!

Also can the aunt just be quiet!

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I really can't stand her! Even if she eventually decides that India is good enough for Matt she will never not be annoying. I honestly hate her! There is just so much heartbreak in this one that I just couldn't handle it and needed a break. Now it is two years later and I finally feel like I am ready to get through this. I mean I feel like I know its all going to work out(especially knowing there are 12 books! She can't string it along much longer), but I don't want to have to read all of this sad stuff in between. It just infuriates me!
Profile Image for Becky.
92 reviews
March 6, 2018
Best Yet!

Oh the tension, the suspense! Stayed up to read it because I couldn’t put it down. India’s secret is almost out and I can tell it will cause more problems and heartaches. Lots of action, romance, and magic. I think this is my favorite of the series so far, and that’s saying a lot. I like the side plot stories she’s developing, even a possible new suitor for India (although we all know there is no one for her but Matt). Ms. Archer has never steered her readers wrong, so I’ll trust that she gets India and Matt out if any trouble she puts them in and make them better for it. Read it now!

I don’t know how I’ll wait until next September when the new installment comes out.
Profile Image for Mari.
1,520 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2018
I was glad the main story arc has been resolved. I'm wasn't enthusiastic over the ending or the turn the series is taking. Matt is being blackmailed to marry his cousin. His Aunt and other relatives keep reminding India she's not good enough. India needs to woman up and tell them to shut up. Matt needs to set them all straight. His relatives have been trying to trap him for 5 books and I'm tired of it. Matt hopes that he'll find a way out of marrying his cousin so he and India can be together. If the next book centers around familial angst I don't think I'll read it. I love Matt and India together, I like the mystery. The stories are better when Matt and India can work together to solve mysteries without the emotional distractions.

3.5 - 4.0 ***
Profile Image for Wonda.
1,146 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2021
4...Finally an ending to the watch storyline! Still enjoying all the characters, even the ones that are asshats (mainly Matt's family and their interference)!!! I know it fits with the time, but damn that must have sucked! I am excited to see how this "wedding" turns out! Poor Matt!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
23 reviews
March 21, 2018
Well, I'm very relieved that the story of finding the medical magician was wrapped up because it was dragging on for far too long. What started off as a great story really should have ended after book three. Five books of India and Matt looking for people was incredibly excessive. As much as I wanted to love this series, I think I'm finally calling it quits after book 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Quick.
574 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2021
(3.5) (Audiobook)
combination mystery - love story - fantasy/magic
this series seems to have no end… I imagine that o would stop reading if it weren’t in audiobook form but it’s engaging whilst winterising the yard and garden :)
Profile Image for D Call.
666 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2021
So many secrets

MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: yes
Cliffhanger: the relationship isn't resolved

SUMMARY
Matt sneaks into Lady Buckland's house and finds the name of the convent. When Matt and India visit, they learn that the previous mother superior, Alfreda, disappeared 27 years ago; 2 children went missing just shortly before. Including Phineas. Their records are gone, too. Another nun, Francesca, quit at the same time.

They visit Inspector Brockwell to ask him to look through police archives for Alfreda. They learn Father Antonio reported Alfreda missing. The day after he reported her missing, he says the nuns got a letter that she's fine and won't be coming back. But they know that's a lie because the administrative nun thinks she's still missing.

They get the worldly name of Francesca, learn Abigail left pregnant and that she now works in the silk industry. Payne is following them.

Abercrombie assisted a reporter with The Times, writing an article about magic that reveals, by name, what Gideon Steel and Dr Millroy did to Mr Sweet. India gets a dinner invitation from Lord Coyle.

EVALUATION
Great continuation of the story! I'm glad to see some issues resolved, to learn where Willie has been going, and still on tenterhooks about other issues. Aack! On to the next book!

This one definitely has a theme. Say "I love you" frequently and sincerely because you never know when it will be the last time.

RECOMMENDATION
To everyone who likes urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, historical England, romance: READ THIS!

FAVORITE QUOTES
"At least now I know it will be futile to break in [the convent] and search the filing cabinets." Gasp. "I wouldn't have harmed anyone." "I know that." "And, if it helps, I'd feel guilty about it."

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 22 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: kidnappings, murders, attempted murders, assault, threats
Profile Image for Hope Sloper.
113 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2018
Bah! I read The Convent’s Secret way too fast. I swear, one minute I opened my Kindle to read and the next, I was done. Now I have to wait until the next book comes out. There has to be a legit word or group of words that describes these flu-like symptoms a reader gets during the wait between books in a series.

Series sickness maybe? When is the next damn book coming out syndrome?

Of course, C.J. Archer ended this addition of the Glass and Steele series with a moment that had me giddy as a girl and freaking livid, almost ugly crying, that it was over.

For me, The Covent’s Secret read differently than the others. There wasn’t nearly as much action and adventure, but the story seemed more solid. I think it’s because I felt the other ones had scenes and dialogue that really didn’t need to be there; it was extra fun stuff to read. This one didn’t have those scenes; every single scene felt like it belonged. I enjoyed it immensely.

Matt’s reason for adventuring to London has been resolved in this one. Well, as resolved as it can be. There are only a few things left to clean up. A realization that leaves me dreading the possibility that the next book will be the last in this series.
Profile Image for Zen.
2,960 reviews
May 31, 2021
Hoping the next is better

I am glad that the crisis with Matt's watch has been resolved, but this relationship thing has been dragged out was way too long. Matt tells India, I don't know why you won't accept me and I will find out. Um, why don't you think about the fact that for four books now, your aunt has been telling her, Girl, you know I love you, but you're just not good enough for him. Or your favorite cousin has been whispering in her other ear, I know we're besties, but you're just going to hold him back. It is stupid, really, how much of that India has put up with.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,569 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2025
Aw, this is where Gabe got his name!! That's all I got, lol.

(It is really fascinating watching magic get exposed to the world though.)
58 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
Another brilliant Glass and Steel book. A bit of a nail biter this time. When it was getting to the end I presumed it would be the last in the series (can't give any spoilers). Thankfully there will be another book to follow.
Profile Image for Bernadette Rowley.
Author 16 books68 followers
May 10, 2018
I loved this book as I enjoyed all those leading up to it. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to befall Matt and India next. Can't go any further owing to spoilers but it's a wicked tale!
Profile Image for Jen.
475 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2018
I'M SO STRESSED WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK?!
Profile Image for Lncropper.
433 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2018
This is the fifth in a series. I reviewed the first one and have not reviewed the others. I love these stories. They combine mystery, romance, and magic, set in London in the late 18 or early 1900s. They are not great literature, but lots of fun. There is no sex and any violence is not graphic (usually they solve murders that are decades old.) I am very disturbed, though, that they have a little profanity. No F-words, and by no means constant, but just enough of the other to annoy me. It is unnecessary to the story. A couple of the characters are intended to be rough people, but there are other ways to show that. I don't remember that the first book had much. 2 and 3 had a little; 4 seemed to have more, and 5 somewhere in between. I thought 5 was going to be the last, but now I know there will be a book 6. I love the story and the characters, but I wish the author had skipped the salty language.
Profile Image for Alexandra G..
922 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2018
5 stars



What's better than reading a new book from one of the series you adore? For me, not much.

I love how the author creates complex mysteries with seemingly random details that make so much sense in the end. I rarely know who's the killer in any of her books.

So, 'The Convent's Secret' brings some much needed answers and conclusions, while also presenting new problems and, in my case, frustrating situations. God, I really hate this time period where people, especially women, can't don whatever the hell they want with their lives!

I'm really curious, and excited , to see what the next book will be about since the main problem in the book has been resolved. It seems like it would focus on Matt and India's relationship, in which case I'm so in .



'The Ministry of Curiosities' and 'Glass and Steele' are two of my favorite series and I hope the author will continue to feed my addiction to her books.

That said, if you liked the other books in this series, this one is a must read .
Profile Image for Elenariel.
406 reviews53 followers
January 24, 2019
This time I'm disappointed.
While the narration still manage to engage in the collateral mistery, there was absolutely no need to drag the main quest resolution for so long.
No need for two whole chapters involving Sheriff Payne as a lead.

No need for Matt to (almost) die a third time in a row, and he being able to do all that stuff while on the brink of death felt very forced. .
What annoyed me further is the ending: that is not an epilogue.
this new vague impediment to the main couple finally being together - when everybody knows is going to happen anyway - is a deliberate attempt to just sell one more book.


Since I already have the 6th book, I'll read it but I don't think I'll try this author's other series: as a reader, I feel cheated.
Profile Image for Skyler Buendia.
323 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2023
Can Matt & India ever catch a break?? I would love one book where they just have a day to themselves. No danger. This book definitely kept me on my toes. I was not expecting the twist with the nuns so that was a pleasant surprise. I am so glad they finally found a doctor magician, however when will they ditch Matt’s family. I’m so over their incessant need for Matt to marry his COUSINS!!! Let that man marry India and get over it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,902 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2021
This was a solid installment. I was happy to read all of the story arc development but was kind of still annoyed by all the angst. Hopefully that'll be resolved in the next book.

ETA: I do have to admit that I wish the author would stop saying that Matt purred something to India. I understand what she means but it makes him sound like a cat!
Profile Image for Barb.
935 reviews54 followers
August 14, 2022
Some of the characters really dislike Catholics! If you are an easily offended Catholic stay away! So scandalous!! It is Historical FICTION so I didn’t take offense. I enjoyed the story. There were some clues that may have helped a more astute reader figure things out. I didn’t figure things out. I went ahead and got the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Monica David.
27 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2022
A good read, but I would prefer more honestly between Matt and India.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,375 reviews33 followers
March 21, 2023
This isn't the most exciting book of the series thus far, but we do finally get to the bottom of some of the mysteries driving the storyline to this point.
Profile Image for Nancy Duhaime.
228 reviews
July 9, 2024
Another good story about Matt Glass and India Steele. Secrets, secrets, and more secrets.

Matt and India were determined to find a magical baby that was sent to a convent 27 years ago. During their journey to find this baby, I was glad the author did not go into too much detail about one of the missing babies and how he died. Even knowing in a broad sense what happened left me feeling mortified for the child.

It is an interesting concept when in history if women were not married and did anything to ruin their reputation, how difficult life could be for them. Even marrying someone from a different class was not allowed.
Profile Image for Aimee.
1,819 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2023
We get rid of one huge obstacle and one huge pain in the ass only to be confronted with ridiculous social conventions and rules. However, there’s still a chance that things will work themselves out now that they’ve solved some more immediate obstacles. Maybe the asshole uncle will choke to death on his spite and arrogance. Here’s hoping.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews

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