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Glass and Steele #6
The Ink Master's Silence
It should be a happy time for India and Matt, but forces beyond their control conspire to ruin their future. A distraction from their troubles comes in the form of murder.
When the editor of The Weekly Gazette is killed, controversial journalist and ink magician Oscar Barratt asks India and Matt to investigate. As the recipient of threatening letters written on magic paper, he believes he was the intended target. With suspects ranging from Oscar’s brother to guild masters and London’s elite, India and Matt have a lot of investigating to do.
But the more they dig, the more dark secrets they uncover. Secrets that involve blackmail and an exclusive club of magic collectors who want to preserve the value of their collections. When one of the secrets can give India and Matt the future they desire, will they give in to blackmail or sacrifice their happiness?
When the editor of The Weekly Gazette is killed, controversial journalist and ink magician Oscar Barratt asks India and Matt to investigate. As the recipient of threatening letters written on magic paper, he believes he was the intended target. With suspects ranging from Oscar’s brother to guild masters and London’s elite, India and Matt have a lot of investigating to do.
But the more they dig, the more dark secrets they uncover. Secrets that involve blackmail and an exclusive club of magic collectors who want to preserve the value of their collections. When one of the secrets can give India and Matt the future they desire, will they give in to blackmail or sacrifice their happiness?
Audible Audio
First published September 4, 2018
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About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,631 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
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
February 29, 2024
Book six in the Glass and Steele series and at last movement is being made towards India and Matt becoming a couple. So many obstacles seem to have been in their way but with luck a wedding may even be possible in the near future!
In The Ink Master's Silence they are investigating a murder which may be an attack on a magician. Now that magic is widely known to exist there are the haters and there are also collectors who are seeking magic artefacts for themselves. I keep wondering when India will be abducted as a much sought after item herself!
I enjoyed this episode in the lives of Matt, India and the rest of the gang and look forward to book 7.
In The Ink Master's Silence they are investigating a murder which may be an attack on a magician. Now that magic is widely known to exist there are the haters and there are also collectors who are seeking magic artefacts for themselves. I keep wondering when India will be abducted as a much sought after item herself!
I enjoyed this episode in the lives of Matt, India and the rest of the gang and look forward to book 7.
September 30, 2018
3.0 - 3.5 boring ***
I listened to the audio of this book. Matt is healed and the future should be bright for him and India. Unfortunately Matt still is being blackmailed by his Uncle to marry his cousin. I am so very tired of this sub-plot. Matt being encourage / coerced to marry one of his cousins has been an issue since the beginning of the series. Matt seems like such a strong character until he’s faced with his Uncle then he becomes a doormat. I waited and waited for him to tell his relatives to bugger off. Never happened. It was up to India to save the day and no doubt she’ll have a steep price to pay in the next book.
The mystery wasn’t that great and was overshadowed by Matt’s family problems. Even Matt and India’s relationship seemed forced. When the murderer was caught he readily explained in minutia why and how he committed the crime. It was too simplistic and juvenile.
The series started out very strong, however; each installment has gotten weaker in mystery and stronger in family angst.
Fans of the series can easily skip this book and not miss a thing.
I listened to the audio of this book. Matt is healed and the future should be bright for him and India. Unfortunately Matt still is being blackmailed by his Uncle to marry his cousin. I am so very tired of this sub-plot. Matt being encourage / coerced to marry one of his cousins has been an issue since the beginning of the series. Matt seems like such a strong character until he’s faced with his Uncle then he becomes a doormat. I waited and waited for him to tell his relatives to bugger off. Never happened. It was up to India to save the day and no doubt she’ll have a steep price to pay in the next book.
The mystery wasn’t that great and was overshadowed by Matt’s family problems. Even Matt and India’s relationship seemed forced. When the murderer was caught he readily explained in minutia why and how he committed the crime. It was too simplistic and juvenile.
The series started out very strong, however; each installment has gotten weaker in mystery and stronger in family angst.
Fans of the series can easily skip this book and not miss a thing.
September 5, 2018
Yawn....
What happened? The other books in this series were full of action and magic. This one felt forced, like, it was written under pressure. I found myself putting it down from lack of interest, and having to re-read whole pages to keep track of the very thin story line. Very thin. There was no magic, anywhere. Oh, except when a guy made a piece of paper fly up and give a paper cut. Seriously? Even now, after finding out 'who did it', I really didn't care. The book just ends at 80%. Kind of felt ripped off. I can get a lot of free books on Unlimited, so when I actually pay for one, please give me my money's worth. I dislike paying for 20% of the book so you can advertise your new series. And, PLEASE, stop with the 'purring ' and 'growling ' with the main character. The earlier books portray him as a manly cowboy type, very masculine and swoon inducing. Now, he's what, part cat? Don't believe I've ever heard a man purr. Seems a lot of authors, lately, could use a good thesaurus.
What happened? The other books in this series were full of action and magic. This one felt forced, like, it was written under pressure. I found myself putting it down from lack of interest, and having to re-read whole pages to keep track of the very thin story line. Very thin. There was no magic, anywhere. Oh, except when a guy made a piece of paper fly up and give a paper cut. Seriously? Even now, after finding out 'who did it', I really didn't care. The book just ends at 80%. Kind of felt ripped off. I can get a lot of free books on Unlimited, so when I actually pay for one, please give me my money's worth. I dislike paying for 20% of the book so you can advertise your new series. And, PLEASE, stop with the 'purring ' and 'growling ' with the main character. The earlier books portray him as a manly cowboy type, very masculine and swoon inducing. Now, he's what, part cat? Don't believe I've ever heard a man purr. Seems a lot of authors, lately, could use a good thesaurus.
February 9, 2021
A lot of people didn't like this book as much because it kind of moved away from the main plot thus far. Matt's health has been somewhat fixed, magic is out now, and Matt and India's lives are different. However, I find that this book was a transition into what this story was meant to be all along.
I don't know why but I have always thought that this series was moving towards a married detective couple solving mysteries with added magic. Fixing Matt's health and overcoming relationship problems was just on the way to get there. Now I feel like we have hit our stride and this book was the transition in between.
I don't know why but I have always thought that this series was moving towards a married detective couple solving mysteries with added magic. Fixing Matt's health and overcoming relationship problems was just on the way to get there. Now I feel like we have hit our stride and this book was the transition in between.
December 13, 2023
Matt, my dude, please stop purring.
February 22, 2023
SPOILERS- SORTA
I'm having a REALLY hard time with Matt. I don't even like him at this point. He's an asshole. I think India could do so much better. There is zero and I mean ZERO reason why Matt HAS TO Marry Patience. And I hate that they keep saying how kind and good Patience is, but yeah, she's just horrible too. Saying, sorry, not sorry, my happiness is more important than yours or Matt's. She's not a nice person, stop saying she is. She's horrible too.
Also at least India finally got a bit of a spine with Aunt/miss Glass. She claims she/miss glass likes/loves India, but really all she did was orchestrate her niece marrying Matt, even though Miss Glass claims she hates/really dislikes them. Yeah, no. She's not just a confused old lady, she's insanely manipulative. Horrible. I don't like her at all.
I'm having a REALLY hard time with Matt. I don't even like him at this point. He's an asshole. I think India could do so much better. There is zero and I mean ZERO reason why Matt HAS TO Marry Patience. And I hate that they keep saying how kind and good Patience is, but yeah, she's just horrible too. Saying, sorry, not sorry, my happiness is more important than yours or Matt's. She's not a nice person, stop saying she is. She's horrible too.
Also at least India finally got a bit of a spine with Aunt/miss Glass. She claims she/miss glass likes/loves India, but really all she did was orchestrate her niece marrying Matt, even though Miss Glass claims she hates/really dislikes them. Yeah, no. She's not just a confused old lady, she's insanely manipulative. Horrible. I don't like her at all.
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.]
September 4, 2018
Well this ended much too quickly. I was very excited for the release of this new book and ended up reading it all in one night. Now the waiting begins again.
As much as I hate waiting for the next book, I’m still very happy the series is continuing. I was afraid it would end once Matt’s watch was fixed and he and India declared a mutual love. But there’s still so much potential with the overarching plot of the existence of magic along with India’s magical powers. I feel like there are lots of hints being made of things to come and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story is going.
Of course now that India and Matt are finally openly together, I’m hoping that Matt doesn’t fall into the boring role of overprotective/jealous partner who spends all his time doting on his lover. I really enjoy his passion for India and his quiet romantic ways, but there’s obviously more to him than that. He plays the gentleman well, but he was also someone else before coming to London. That person can’t simply disappear even if he wanted him to. Matt is probably going to be hurt when he finds out that India went behind his back with Coyle, but I also can’t help but feel like there is more from Matt’s past than he is telling India.
Likewise, I’m hoping India doesn’t fall into the role of reckless heroine who can do no wrong while getting into unnecessary dangerous situations. I’ve seen it happen to good characters and it’s annoying. So far I’ve enjoyed her narrative, how her self confidence wavers but not her self respect. She can stand her ground with Matt even when he loses his temper, but she can also question her own judgment about a case or become shy and turn red at his flirting. And she is always the intelligent and proper English lady. A good balance to Matt’s quick temper and cynicism. I just hope her bit of blackmail doesn’t spiral into a book full of self sabotage for her new happiness. I feel like she would be too smart for that and I hate when characters are dumbed down just for plot.
As much as I hate waiting for the next book, I’m still very happy the series is continuing. I was afraid it would end once Matt’s watch was fixed and he and India declared a mutual love. But there’s still so much potential with the overarching plot of the existence of magic along with India’s magical powers. I feel like there are lots of hints being made of things to come and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story is going.
Of course now that India and Matt are finally openly together, I’m hoping that Matt doesn’t fall into the boring role of overprotective/jealous partner who spends all his time doting on his lover. I really enjoy his passion for India and his quiet romantic ways, but there’s obviously more to him than that. He plays the gentleman well, but he was also someone else before coming to London. That person can’t simply disappear even if he wanted him to. Matt is probably going to be hurt when he finds out that India went behind his back with Coyle, but I also can’t help but feel like there is more from Matt’s past than he is telling India.
Likewise, I’m hoping India doesn’t fall into the role of reckless heroine who can do no wrong while getting into unnecessary dangerous situations. I’ve seen it happen to good characters and it’s annoying. So far I’ve enjoyed her narrative, how her self confidence wavers but not her self respect. She can stand her ground with Matt even when he loses his temper, but she can also question her own judgment about a case or become shy and turn red at his flirting. And she is always the intelligent and proper English lady. A good balance to Matt’s quick temper and cynicism. I just hope her bit of blackmail doesn’t spiral into a book full of self sabotage for her new happiness. I feel like she would be too smart for that and I hate when characters are dumbed down just for plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Weakest one in the series so far. The ridiculously bad decisions made throughout the book made me grind my teeth.
June 5, 2021
Hints of an end and new beginning.
I really do feel like this relationship has been dragged on long enough. I don't find the characters as likable as I have with other series. We have a woman who is essentially in a relationship with a publicly engaged man. We have a man who is willing to have the woman he loves be seen as his mistress while he is engaged to another, and he will not publicly deny the engagement. I really do think that if they had not planned on running away that he would have married his cousin. All of this really has overshadowed the mysteries they are solving for this entire series. Hopefully in the next book, all this will be set aside and the characters will have a stronger will and a bit more likable.
I really do feel like this relationship has been dragged on long enough. I don't find the characters as likable as I have with other series. We have a woman who is essentially in a relationship with a publicly engaged man. We have a man who is willing to have the woman he loves be seen as his mistress while he is engaged to another, and he will not publicly deny the engagement. I really do think that if they had not planned on running away that he would have married his cousin. All of this really has overshadowed the mysteries they are solving for this entire series. Hopefully in the next book, all this will be set aside and the characters will have a stronger will and a bit more likable.
October 20, 2021
Gah! I hate it when characters walk headlong into a bad decision…
October 25, 2024
⭐️2.5⭐️
Same old repetitive stuff🙄 at least we kinda got some progress at the end ig
Same old repetitive stuff🙄 at least we kinda got some progress at the end ig
September 4, 2018
Good but missing something...
Actually 1/2 Stars because I loved all the lovey-doves stuff between India and Matt, but I felt the mystery wasn’t as urgent or dire as the other books. I love the developing relationships between other characters and India’s growing confidence, but the Rycroft family need to get some morals, kindness, or courage. Overall, compelling love story, but mystery was lacking.
Actually 1/2 Stars because I loved all the lovey-doves stuff between India and Matt, but I felt the mystery wasn’t as urgent or dire as the other books. I love the developing relationships between other characters and India’s growing confidence, but the Rycroft family need to get some morals, kindness, or courage. Overall, compelling love story, but mystery was lacking.
October 1, 2018
I'm sorry to say that I'm so disappointed with the author and I'm going to quit this series. I was a fan and I've read it from book one and I've loved it so very much because it seems like a mix of Pride and Prejudice and Sherlock Holmes. And magic! So I thought, "Finally! Here comes my dream book!!"
BUT I feel that I've to put a stop in this series because, first of all, Matt's character thoroughly annoyed me. He was a badass, clever, and charming man but it seems so ridiculous that he kept up with his very annoying English relatives that pressed him to marry to their likes. Not only that it makes him looks like he can't grew a spine and stand toe to toe with his uncle and tell him to fuck off, but also this problem is getting old and boring and I'm sure you'll lose more readers of this series if you keeps dragging this shit up forever.
And India oh India, still drowning in the same hole of insecurity since the first book, despite whatever she said about woman's freedom and dreams et cetera. Took her long enough to stand up against that old hag of an aunt of Matt. With all those magic she possesses and the intelligence that'smentioned a lot, she's still a turtle afraid of come out of her shell. She didn't even get any ambition, or dream whatsoever, for herself. My goodness, girl.
And what about the concept of magic?? I keep waiting for an amazing action involving great magic and a better change for the londonese magicians at least, but oh well the book is mostly about Matt and the girls he doesn't want to marry.
I QUIT.
BYE.
OHHHHH GOOD RIDDANCE.
BUT I feel that I've to put a stop in this series because, first of all, Matt's character thoroughly annoyed me. He was a badass, clever, and charming man but it seems so ridiculous that he kept up with his very annoying English relatives that pressed him to marry to their likes. Not only that it makes him looks like he can't grew a spine and stand toe to toe with his uncle and tell him to fuck off, but also this problem is getting old and boring and I'm sure you'll lose more readers of this series if you keeps dragging this shit up forever.
And India oh India, still drowning in the same hole of insecurity since the first book, despite whatever she said about woman's freedom and dreams et cetera. Took her long enough to stand up against that old hag of an aunt of Matt. With all those magic she possesses and the intelligence that'smentioned a lot, she's still a turtle afraid of come out of her shell. She didn't even get any ambition, or dream whatsoever, for herself. My goodness, girl.
And what about the concept of magic?? I keep waiting for an amazing action involving great magic and a better change for the londonese magicians at least, but oh well the book is mostly about Matt and the girls he doesn't want to marry.
I QUIT.
BYE.
OHHHHH GOOD RIDDANCE.
November 13, 2022
My eye roll count per chapter has gone up exponentially with each book in this series. I thought that since they FINALLY got his magic watch fixed and dealt with Sheriff Payne (not sure on spelling as I listened to the audiobook) in Book 5 that this book would at least be something different. Somehow it just got worse. Matt and India are working to solve yet another murder, but their detective skills lack all tact and subtlety. They discover a new clue and immediately go confront a new (or the same suspect) to get them to confess. As a result they end up terrorizing and harassing several innocent people.
Additionally, this book was exhausting to read because the characters would continually repeat each plot point every single time there was someone who needed to be brought up to speed. If you got rid of every time the author repeats themselves in this book you would be left with a book half the size. It’s just incredibly disappointing because there is so much potential for an amazing story in this cool world the author created. I will not be continuing with this series. I can only imagine that the only reason the rest of the series has decent reviews is because all the people who see it for what it really is stopped reading several books back.
Additionally, this book was exhausting to read because the characters would continually repeat each plot point every single time there was someone who needed to be brought up to speed. If you got rid of every time the author repeats themselves in this book you would be left with a book half the size. It’s just incredibly disappointing because there is so much potential for an amazing story in this cool world the author created. I will not be continuing with this series. I can only imagine that the only reason the rest of the series has decent reviews is because all the people who see it for what it really is stopped reading several books back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2018
Actual Rating: 2.5/5
Something really irked me about this latest book. I felt wholly unsatisfied with the romance and the mystery. Don't get my wrong I love Matt and India's relationship. And I'm really glad that India finally stood up for herself against Miss Glass' prejudices. While I really want for India and Matt to have a happily ever after, I just felt that aspects of their relationship are being forced. Also there was much face palming for me in this book. I know India's decisions will lead to huge consequences and drama down the line. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it (like HELLO?! WHAT DID YOU EXPECT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN??). Also I'm a bit bothered by the fact that it's getting really repetitive where India goes "Oh! I had a feeling that was the case but didn't voice my thoughts about it." (aka when she found about Willie's lover and the issue with Mr. Hendry). I still plan to continue with this series, but, I will be honest and say I'm starting to feel a bit burnt out (I hope it's not the case for Ms. Archer as well for I truly enjoy this series and her other books). Hopefully the next book will reinvigorate my love for this series.
Something really irked me about this latest book. I felt wholly unsatisfied with the romance and the mystery. Don't get my wrong I love Matt and India's relationship. And I'm really glad that India finally stood up for herself against Miss Glass' prejudices. While I really want for India and Matt to have a happily ever after, I just felt that aspects of their relationship are being forced. Also there was much face palming for me in this book. I know India's decisions will lead to huge consequences and drama down the line. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it (like HELLO?! WHAT DID YOU EXPECT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN??). Also I'm a bit bothered by the fact that it's getting really repetitive where India goes "Oh! I had a feeling that was the case but didn't voice my thoughts about it." (aka when she found about Willie's lover and the issue with Mr. Hendry). I still plan to continue with this series, but, I will be honest and say I'm starting to feel a bit burnt out (I hope it's not the case for Ms. Archer as well for I truly enjoy this series and her other books). Hopefully the next book will reinvigorate my love for this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2018
Everything that drew me in with this series seemed to dissipate with this installment of the Glass and Steele series. The other books I devoured quickly, while this one took me too long to read.
I am so disappointed.
I am so disappointed.
November 27, 2018
Love this series, except for the cliffhanger at the end, but that just means there will be a Glass and Steel # 7, I am ready.
October 14, 2018
3.50 / 3 Stars
The editor of a newspaper is murdered (because of the magic articles) and much of it revolves around an Ink Master, his brother, and other's who feel the magicians will ruin non-magician's businesses. I found the mystery rather weak and the resolution of the mystery wrapped up rather quickly. Too much time was spent on Matt's forced impending wedding by his aunt and uncle to to their daughter. There really was no further character development between Matt and India. I also missed the magic (PNR) element of the original storyline....like the searching they were doing to find the doctor's magic to fix Matt's watch. There just seemed to be something missing in this book....
The editor of a newspaper is murdered (because of the magic articles) and much of it revolves around an Ink Master, his brother, and other's who feel the magicians will ruin non-magician's businesses. I found the mystery rather weak and the resolution of the mystery wrapped up rather quickly. Too much time was spent on Matt's forced impending wedding by his aunt and uncle to to their daughter. There really was no further character development between Matt and India. I also missed the magic (PNR) element of the original storyline....like the searching they were doing to find the doctor's magic to fix Matt's watch. There just seemed to be something missing in this book....
July 20, 2022
A fast read magical mystery. I still enjoy the Glass and Steele series. I feel I've become part of the story so far. I like the new elements that C.J.Archer put in this book, like the lgbt characters and how she portraits the 1890's English society. I also like how well she describes the character's feelings and thoughts, so the reader can understand their actions. And at least things start falling into place and Miss Glass accepts the protagonists' affair. I put 4 stars, because I liked some of the other books more. Keep on reading, we have much more to 'see'...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
It was great that the Patience issue was finally resolved, however the favour that India owes Lord Coyle is now hanging over her head. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, especially Willie as she tries to live her best life despite society expectations. The issue of magicians, and who should control or influence them continues to simmer along, it is a good sub plot that makes each book interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
4.5 for a whirlwind story! This book was great. It focused more on personal problems than on the investigation, but it was still an exciting adventure. Some of the resolutions to those issues are going to have reprisals and I can't wait to see what they are and how the gang handles them! Now off to read The Cheater's Game!
January 30, 2024
I thought I would like those one as much as the others, but actually, it was just ok. Maybe because the others were so much more fun, this one may have felt a little bit lesser. Nonetheless, the story arc progresses, and I’m looking forward to book 7.
September 5, 2024
I have been so annoyed the last two books with Matt’s stupid loyalty to his family who literally would sell him to the highest bidder without thinking twice. I will keep going because I feel like I’m invested at this point, but if the next book doesn’t come up with some new story lines…I’m OUT.
March 7, 2019
I very nice continuation.
May 28, 2024
This one was good!
October 10, 2024
Excellent series. Like stalking Jack the Ripper with a touch of magic
May 29, 2025
But WHY don't I like these as much??? I think I might stop since Matt and India are engaged now.
December 2, 2025
4.5/5 stars. One of my favorites in this series so far. We’re finally picking up the pace with mysteries to solve and the relationships
December 18, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews