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Glass and Steele #8
The Prisoner's Key
India's study into the language of spells is interrupted by the arrest of her teacher for an unpaid debt. Before Matt can repay it for him, the powerful magician escapes from his prison cell. To make matters worse, the moneylender is murdered and the magician is implicated.
Convinced of his innocence, India and Matt must discover who really killed the moneylender before the police find the magician. Their investigation leads them down a path littered with lies, betrayal, scandal, and interference from people they don't trust.
Meanwhile, Matt's relatives accuse Cyclops of ruining their daughter, and plan to marry off their manipulative youngest to someone even more manipulative and far more powerful. Should Matt and India support the union, or try to stop it? And how will they stop Cyclops from being deported back to America?
Convinced of his innocence, India and Matt must discover who really killed the moneylender before the police find the magician. Their investigation leads them down a path littered with lies, betrayal, scandal, and interference from people they don't trust.
Meanwhile, Matt's relatives accuse Cyclops of ruining their daughter, and plan to marry off their manipulative youngest to someone even more manipulative and far more powerful. Should Matt and India support the union, or try to stop it? And how will they stop Cyclops from being deported back to America?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
1437 people are currently reading
2582 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,624 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:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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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 271 reviews
January 25, 2020
This was a great series! I listened to them back to back and looking forward to the next book to release in February. I hope her other series' are just as good.
February 9, 2021
This is where I saw Glass and Steele ending up. It is a lot like my favorite British murder mystery shows. I kind of hope C.J. Archer just continues to write them forever. It is a little sad the big obstacle is over. But I like India and Matt as a married couple solving mysteries together. Although, I kind of wish they were like a detective agency instead of always solving crimes for people they know.
I also want more focus on people other than Willy. She just bugs. I can't explain it. I do like Brockwell though. And I love Cyclops. I want to focus more on him and Duke. Though, I think Archer might be saving that for later. I enjoy the magic work India is doing and I am glad we are getting back into that.
I also want more focus on people other than Willy. She just bugs. I can't explain it. I do like Brockwell though. And I love Cyclops. I want to focus more on him and Duke. Though, I think Archer might be saving that for later. I enjoy the magic work India is doing and I am glad we are getting back into that.
September 8, 2024
Someday I will finish this series.
Probably.
Probably.
June 27, 2021
I enjoyed this novel a lot more than the last. I'm afraid that for me, the novels were starting to feel formulaic, but The Prisoner's Key brought me out of that slump.I'm hoping for a continuing upswing
October 20, 2023
These audiobooks are like catching up with old friends. The narrator does a great job of all of the voices and bringing the story to life. While the plot is not always titillating, I always enjoy listening to these as they become available. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 11, 2019
4 Stars
Matt and India are back from their honeymoon and are looking forward to simply being man and wife. Only with the Glass and Steele books that never happens. Upon their return Matt's cousins are at it again, but this time Cyclops is in their snare. On top of that, Hope is in a snare herself.
What India wants to do now is work with a magician friend that can teach her the magical language she needs to be a master magician. Only he gets blamed for murder. India Matt need to prove he didn't commit the crime.
There's a lot going on within the book. Duke, Cyclops, Willie, Matt and India are always there for one another. To understand the dynamics between these characters, Matt's family, and all the magicians you need to start with the first book The Watchmaker's Daughter. These stories build upon each other to create a wonderful world of magic.
Matt and India are back from their honeymoon and are looking forward to simply being man and wife. Only with the Glass and Steele books that never happens. Upon their return Matt's cousins are at it again, but this time Cyclops is in their snare. On top of that, Hope is in a snare herself.
What India wants to do now is work with a magician friend that can teach her the magical language she needs to be a master magician. Only he gets blamed for murder. India Matt need to prove he didn't commit the crime.
There's a lot going on within the book. Duke, Cyclops, Willie, Matt and India are always there for one another. To understand the dynamics between these characters, Matt's family, and all the magicians you need to start with the first book The Watchmaker's Daughter. These stories build upon each other to create a wonderful world of magic.
April 30, 2021
3...Again with the family interference, I thought we were over this...Matt's Aunt is the only one worth the writing time! Again I felt the drama more than the case, and I am either ready for the crew to go to America or for Matt's cousin need to go there...
August 11, 2021
Meh
This one in the series didn't really move quite fast enough for my liking and felt more like a means to an end most of the time, as it felt like it was primarily setting the stage for something else. At least I hope it was and that the rest of this series isn't going to feel this flat anyway.
This one in the series didn't really move quite fast enough for my liking and felt more like a means to an end most of the time, as it felt like it was primarily setting the stage for something else. At least I hope it was and that the rest of this series isn't going to feel this flat anyway.
September 30, 2019
Cannot wait for the next one!
January 26, 2022
(3.5) (Audiobook)
September 22, 2021
Excellent continuation of this historical magical mystery series
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: yes
SUMMARY
All but Aunt Letitia help Catherine and Ronnie clean and move into the shop. India claims a long clock and the one that won't keep time to take home. Abercrombie is no longer the guild master.
India asks Matt to accompany her home before she meets with Fabian for lessons. She tells him she made the deal with Coyle to get Cox to marry Patience. Matt is angry.
Lady Louisa is at Fabian's house. She says Hendry married last week. India sets rules about Louisa's involvement in spellcasting lessons (can watch but not listen or take notes). Creditors arrive to reclaim furniture. India wonders if Fabian's been cut off.
The friends again make Matt and India make up. India, "You're wrong if you think Coyle would leave me alone if I hadn't gone to him about Cox. He would have found something else to trap me, or made something up. At least this way we can face him together. If I'd never gone to him, and you married Patience, I would be on my own against him." Hugs and commitment. Aunt Letitia says Beatrice and the girls are coming for tea next week.
Studies with Fabian continue for a week, then Fabian has to move to Chelsea. India overhears an argument: Louisa wants Fabian to marry her, she has loads of money. He would never be welcome home if he does.
Afternoon tea with the ladies becomes family dinner. Aunt Beatrice asks India about Fabian, learns he's not the eldest son. Charity pulls India aside, asks about Cyclops because they kissed in the stables while India was on her honeymoon. Hope wants to know how India got Cox to marry Patience. Aunt Beatrice asks about Coyle. She knows people are talking about Cox's and Patience's back-and-forth wedding plans, worries about Patience's secret. She wants Hope married well and soon so people will forget about the circumstances leading up to Patience's wedding. India will arrange the dinner.
Cyclops tells them all how Charity accosted him in the stables. Matt and India think, because Charity thinks Cyclops is a servant, she wants him dismissed so he'll come begging her for help. The butler brings a note that Fabian is in prison.
Because Fabian's family has the means to pay his loans, he was put in prison. His family cut him off because he won't marry an American industrialist's daughter to join businesses. His older brother married a magician, so continuing the magic lineage isn't a concern. But for Fabian, magic is his passion, so he wants to marry for magic. India asks to pay his debts; Louisa arrives, offers the same. Fabian assures them he'll be out soon.
The next morning, India is helping in the shop when Matt comes, says Fabian has escaped from prison and is now the prime suspect in the murder of Douglas McGuire, the man he owes money to, because his handkerchief was found at the scene.
EVALUATION
So many times, I found myself singing, "Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no no." Cyclops, Charity, and Catherine. Hope and Coyle. Louisa's hunt. Coyle and Cox. Plus the murder with its dangers. And again, I didn't get it figured out.
An excellent story! I'm glad it didn't end when Matt got healthy or when they got married. I like these people. I want more about Duke.
FAVORITE QUOTES
India asks Cyclops, "May I see your fingernails? Charity says they're lovely."
"You're a nasty little wasp who likes to sting. It was you who came in search of Cyclops and waited until he was alone in the stables. It was you who backed him into a stall."
"We'd be happy to answer your questions, Inspector. Anything to clear Fabian's name. What do you want to know?" "Why do you meet with him every afternoon?" "I can't tell you that."
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 16 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: sexual assault, spousal abuse, arson, kidnapping, assault and battery, gun threat, strangulation, gunshot
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: yes
SUMMARY
All but Aunt Letitia help Catherine and Ronnie clean and move into the shop. India claims a long clock and the one that won't keep time to take home. Abercrombie is no longer the guild master.
India asks Matt to accompany her home before she meets with Fabian for lessons. She tells him she made the deal with Coyle to get Cox to marry Patience. Matt is angry.
Lady Louisa is at Fabian's house. She says Hendry married last week. India sets rules about Louisa's involvement in spellcasting lessons (can watch but not listen or take notes). Creditors arrive to reclaim furniture. India wonders if Fabian's been cut off.
The friends again make Matt and India make up. India, "You're wrong if you think Coyle would leave me alone if I hadn't gone to him about Cox. He would have found something else to trap me, or made something up. At least this way we can face him together. If I'd never gone to him, and you married Patience, I would be on my own against him." Hugs and commitment. Aunt Letitia says Beatrice and the girls are coming for tea next week.
Studies with Fabian continue for a week, then Fabian has to move to Chelsea. India overhears an argument: Louisa wants Fabian to marry her, she has loads of money. He would never be welcome home if he does.
Afternoon tea with the ladies becomes family dinner. Aunt Beatrice asks India about Fabian, learns he's not the eldest son. Charity pulls India aside, asks about Cyclops because they kissed in the stables while India was on her honeymoon. Hope wants to know how India got Cox to marry Patience. Aunt Beatrice asks about Coyle. She knows people are talking about Cox's and Patience's back-and-forth wedding plans, worries about Patience's secret. She wants Hope married well and soon so people will forget about the circumstances leading up to Patience's wedding. India will arrange the dinner.
Cyclops tells them all how Charity accosted him in the stables. Matt and India think, because Charity thinks Cyclops is a servant, she wants him dismissed so he'll come begging her for help. The butler brings a note that Fabian is in prison.
Because Fabian's family has the means to pay his loans, he was put in prison. His family cut him off because he won't marry an American industrialist's daughter to join businesses. His older brother married a magician, so continuing the magic lineage isn't a concern. But for Fabian, magic is his passion, so he wants to marry for magic. India asks to pay his debts; Louisa arrives, offers the same. Fabian assures them he'll be out soon.
The next morning, India is helping in the shop when Matt comes, says Fabian has escaped from prison and is now the prime suspect in the murder of Douglas McGuire, the man he owes money to, because his handkerchief was found at the scene.
EVALUATION
So many times, I found myself singing, "Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no no." Cyclops, Charity, and Catherine. Hope and Coyle. Louisa's hunt. Coyle and Cox. Plus the murder with its dangers. And again, I didn't get it figured out.
An excellent story! I'm glad it didn't end when Matt got healthy or when they got married. I like these people. I want more about Duke.
FAVORITE QUOTES
India asks Cyclops, "May I see your fingernails? Charity says they're lovely."
"You're a nasty little wasp who likes to sting. It was you who came in search of Cyclops and waited until he was alone in the stables. It was you who backed him into a stall."
"We'd be happy to answer your questions, Inspector. Anything to clear Fabian's name. What do you want to know?" "Why do you meet with him every afternoon?" "I can't tell you that."
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 16 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: sexual assault, spousal abuse, arson, kidnapping, assault and battery, gun threat, strangulation, gunshot
December 20, 2023
I've avidly read this series and loved every bit of it. Then Archer had to come out here and make a disabled, nonverbal character and make India call the disabled person a "creature" and suggests that he has the inability to think. India has always been understanding and caring. She was kind to a gay man when very few were, but she sees a disabled person and calls them a CREATURE. She could have shown sympathy for how he was manipulated and used. How did this seem like the right writing choice?
September 4, 2019
Another winner
I love this series! I was so intent on reading the book, that I was done in no time. I felt like I should have been reading longer. That is what CJ Archer's books do to you, they pull you in and before you know it you are parting again from characters that have worked their way into your heart. They are like family & you wonder what will happen next.
India and Matt are back from their honeymoon & before they know it, are pulled into another mystery involving the magical community. This time, India's friend & teacher of lost magical language is accused of murder. India, Matt, Willie, Duke, and Cyclops are on the trail of a killer. And that's just one item to sort out!
You will laugh & growl at the antics of Matt's family. Worry about what Lord Coyle is going to do with his debt from India. Want to send Chronos to the corner with a spank! The characters are richer & development of the side stories are great.
I highly recommend this book & all the books in the Glass & Steele series. To get the most out of your reading, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning! Character development & learning the background of the individuals is important. Trust me, you do not want to miss a thing!
This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love this series! I was so intent on reading the book, that I was done in no time. I felt like I should have been reading longer. That is what CJ Archer's books do to you, they pull you in and before you know it you are parting again from characters that have worked their way into your heart. They are like family & you wonder what will happen next.
India and Matt are back from their honeymoon & before they know it, are pulled into another mystery involving the magical community. This time, India's friend & teacher of lost magical language is accused of murder. India, Matt, Willie, Duke, and Cyclops are on the trail of a killer. And that's just one item to sort out!
You will laugh & growl at the antics of Matt's family. Worry about what Lord Coyle is going to do with his debt from India. Want to send Chronos to the corner with a spank! The characters are richer & development of the side stories are great.
I highly recommend this book & all the books in the Glass & Steele series. To get the most out of your reading, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning! Character development & learning the background of the individuals is important. Trust me, you do not want to miss a thing!
This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 19, 2025
For some reason it feels like a deja vu, it reminded me of one of her books in the series that is starred by Mat and Sylvia son. But anyways it’s a good light story to read if you wanna chill out and clear your mind. Also the amount of bad that lord coyle have done and will continue doing. At some point he should be brought down, just a suggestion.
January 6, 2022
I really think if another character had committed the murder it would've been better. This guy was too obvious. But it was still a fun book, and the ending had me ready for the drama in the next book.
January 10, 2023
Another excellent installment
India and Matt are embroiled in another investigation to clear a friend's name.
Plenty of magic, intrigue and colourful characters. Highly recommend if you have enjoyed the series' previous books.
India and Matt are embroiled in another investigation to clear a friend's name.
Plenty of magic, intrigue and colourful characters. Highly recommend if you have enjoyed the series' previous books.
September 25, 2019
Love this series. C.J Archer is one fine writer. Enjoy reading her books. Glass and Steele my favorite series from her to date. London, Autumn 1890. Matt and India have returned from their honeymoon, wanting a nice quiet autumn. Well, that's not going to happen. enjoy.
September 10, 2021
This was really enjoyable and bounced back completely from book number 7 which I did find disappointing.
Once again loveable characters, lots of drama and ended on a brilliant cliff hanger which has me desperately searching for the next book.
Once again loveable characters, lots of drama and ended on a brilliant cliff hanger which has me desperately searching for the next book.
September 17, 2021
Another enjoyable audiobook in the glass and steel series.
August 9, 2022
Review to come
August 24, 2022
Really enjoying this series. The characters are great. Me being completely blindsided by “who did it” in every single book has not diminished my enjoyment.
April 2, 2023
SMOES, ESSOM, OMSSE!!
April 14, 2023
Charity and Hope are driving me up the wall. But I also need Cyclopes to get it together
January 31, 2024
Obviously I’m a fan of this series and this writer. I’m more than halfway through the whole series, and I’m so sad to think it’s quickly coming up a conclusion.
August 23, 2024
Good! Cyclops drove me a little crazy this book, but is still a good man. The ending… yet another surprise!
October 27, 2024
Excellent
January 25, 2025
This is such a good mystery series with romance and characters that feel utterly real. I own them all and I've done several re reads.
September 9, 2019
Still going strong
It's great to get more of all the characters that we love. This instalment dives deeper into some of the characters that have been pushed to the store de in past books.
It's great to get more of all the characters that we love. This instalment dives deeper into some of the characters that have been pushed to the store de in past books.
October 31, 2019
Another good book by C.J. Archer in the Glass and Steele series! Love the characters and their interactions, and the mysterious magic of some of them. Look forward to number 9!
January 10, 2024
This is the eighth in the series & I’m still reading so that says quite a bit. Although the storyline wasn’t quite as exciting as the past books, it was still compelling and ended with a cliffhanger. The author does a great job with the characters and weaves side stories into main stories throughout the series. A good solid read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews