The Imposter's Inheritance

Glass and Steele #9

by C.J. Archer

A sordid scandal rocks the Glass household and threatens to ruin Matt's family unless he can suppress it. But after word gets out, and a rare magical coronet is stolen, he and India find themselves scrambling to recover the heirloom and suppress the gossip before reputations are ruined.

To make matters worse, someone is sending threatening letters to the magicians of London, stirring up trouble between the artless and magicians. Tensions are rising, but India and Matt choose not to investigate - until the author of the letters is assaulted.

As if they don't have enough on their plate, Willie is jailed. The reason for her arrest is…complicated.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

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.

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Reviews

[Judi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series from the very first book and have looked forward to each new release. This latest addition however was such a disappointment. The story line was weak and it seemed like the book spent more time discussing the minor characters sexual exploits then developing/investigating the “crime”. I have always preordered any new book by this author but going forward I think I will wait till some of the reviews are in and then decide if I’ll bother continuing with the series.

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flat. Just flat. The only reason why I’m reading this series is because of the new book, ‘The Librarian of Crooked Lane’. I thought this series would dive more into India’s magic, how she learns to use it. Where it comes from etc. this is book 9 and there are only 13. The family drama is way to much. Plus, the author is turning India into a helpless snob. I’m dreading the next book to be honest. GET TO THE MAGIC

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuation of the storyline. I'm starting to feel like these are a bit formulaic. Someone close to them experiences a crime acted upon them. Law enforcement starts to investigate. Surprise! A magic item is involved. The investigating couple come in and save the day.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I found out this author was self- published, I wanted to like everything she had written. I'll admit, I've read quite a few of her books and will read more. She's got a real ability with characters and storylines. However, she needs a good, quality editor. She has a gold mine with the magic but barely touches on it. In some areas, she is painfully faithful to the language and customs of the time. In others like Willie, for example, she forces modern ideas into situations and rings fabricated and imposed. Her presentation of Willie's persuasions sounds straight out of 2020. Besides feeling like a political ploy, it just doesn't sound at all plausible. To be clear, I'm not stating that homosexuality didn't exist, but rather the language around it, even for Willie, is just all wrong. I, like others, was disappointed with the title, as well. There was no imposter. This book, in particular, had a pretty flat plot. As another reviewer mentioned, she also just forgot the maid from the previous story. I would have liked more resolution to the Cox problem. How is he going to get money? Finally, I came to this series through the Librarian of Crooked Lane. In that book, she describes the adventures Matt, India, and Professor Nash went on before that time. She describes India's work as a champion of magicians. This was what I'd hoped this series would be. She always leaves me feeling as if the real story is right around the corner.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do Matt and India feel so responsible for everyone?



They aren't responsible for what happened to Patience and her husband. It is not their fault. They didn't spread the rumor. And the fact that Patience was mad at her. Um, excuse me! You were manipulating Matt into marrying you! You can't be mad at her when she was still kind to you when you were trying to steal the love of her life!

It kind of bugs that they feel indebted to help everyone, like its their fault. Do it because you are nice and you care, not some misplaced guilt.

Once again I am bugged by Willy. Though I understand her fear of thinking Brockwell will judge her and she is nervous. I want him to accept her and for them to be together. I am a lover of happy endings where a couple gets together, but I think Willy might never settle down. I liked more focus on Duke, but I would like even more. He is quiet and the one we know least about.

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

I did not expect things to go the way they did. Given the title of the book I thought that the man claiming to be the rightful heir was going to be an impostor. But in the end it doesn't seem like he was. Which is sad because I do feel bad for Patience, but I am getting used to the idea. And I did end up liking them more. It makes me feel happy that India and Matt can have a good relationship with some of his family.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow once the romantic tension left the story with the marriage of Matt and India, the series became quite dull. I felt that the humour was also not as good.
The affair with being indebted to Lord Coyle is sorted out in this story so the next book in the series will be completely unrelated.
Also in the blurb there is a hint that Willie is arrested. But that incident is not a central part of the story at all, just a by the way happening - so the blurb is rather misleading.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m kind of tiring of India’s rigidity. I mean, I get that is part of who she is, but being around Matt and his American friends/family seems like it would have rubbed off some? At least her self doubt isn’t in this one that I recall. I feel like we got more of the Matt we came to love, he’s been so different in the past two books.

[Lennie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So after the most recent book I didn't get hopes up but I was pleasantly surprised.
Maybe it was because this book didn't revolve around murder and someone hunting Matt and India so it felt a bit refreshing but I loved seeing more of Willie, Duke and Cyclops as well.

I love how CJ always manages to weave a great mystery with such intriguing and 3D characters, even if you only meet them once. I genuinely never know who is the guilty party until she reveals it and she is brilliant at writing tension.

I also loved how Willie is now more open about her sexuality and how the family embrace her for it.

However my main gripe is the same as before and it's that since Matt and India got married we never see them interact on an intimate level. I always loved this series but my main attraction to it was the intense chemistry and sexual tension between the 2 main characters.
I don't understand why CJ feels that their romance needs to be in the background now that they're married 😥

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2...So, this is only the 2nd novel in this series I haven't enjoyed...which is too bad considering! These characters are worth a couple snoozers.

[Jonnae Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous mystery!

Unfortunately, I took a very long break with the series and there are many characters to remember, but I did well enough.

I imagine the secrets and events of this book will lead to further storylines in future books, which I love so much

Each book has a similar format, which some people dislike but I find it familiar and comforting.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending and groaned when it was over!! I so wanted more of Farnsworth!! He just may be my new favorite! I sincerely hope we have much more of him in the future books!! This was filled with eyebrow raising moments and shady characters came out from every corner! I did question a scene involving Willie as her actions (wrong as they were) seemed to be brushed aside much to readily. I'm seeing a whole new side and blindness to India that comes from falling in love with a family. She used to be quite the example of English standard in society at least in thinking if not always in action. These Americans have ruined her and it's absolutely delightful. Duke is stepping out some and it's interesting to see him in action in this way. I had high hopes that one day Willie would finally admit her feelings, but I don't think things will ever let that door open again. I'm rooting for a certain B for Willie but I'm just not sure that she deserves him. 🤷‍♀️ Just when you think you've got everyone pegged Ms. Archer changes it all up and the results are mesmerizing and make for one unputdownable read! Well done yet again!!! I'm eager for the next book (hurry up and write it!!)!

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Enjoyable

I'm still enjoying this series but miss the tension before Matt and India got married. This entry was still full of eccentric characters and plot twists and turns, I still revised my idea of the culprit over several times so still enjoyed the overall novel.
It was fun hearing a little more of Willie's life but the romance between Matt and India just doesn't seem as good as before.
I look forward to the next entry but hope it is more exciting than this one.
SPOILER ALERT:
I hate that Patience and Lord Cox had been to step down...she was my favorite of the sisters by far!
S

[Caitlin O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously love this series. Matt and India are amazing and the twists always keep me guessing. I can't wait for book 10!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series since I found the first book. Archer writes a good mystery with good character's. Looking forward to book ten.

[Quick · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) still an easy series to have playing whilst performing errands

[Jesica · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I’m still enjoying glass & steele this one was just ok. And seriously Willie is driving me crazy!!! So I hope the next one will be better!

[Sarah Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this series but I think I need to read something else for a bit.

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna be sad when this series ends

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
As much as I enjoy the characters read by the narrator, this book was just a bit boring. Matt is increasingly bullish and I have to force myself to remember that it is the late 19th century. But ick.
The most interesting character by far is Willy.
And I do hope to stick with the series long enough to see Cyclops and Catherine make it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed, I did not feel their was any closure on the story line.

[Katherine B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scope of this series seems to be widening, just a bit, and it’s very enjoyable.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to see this series produced as a Netflix or PBS series. Has all the right elements. And I appreciate the author’s unabashed broaching and normalizing of social taboos.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and India are at it again. A great magical mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Set in The regency period in England. 😍

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 + stars

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable installment in the Glass & Steele series.

[Veronika Vestberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10 börjat tröttna på att allt är samma i varje bok även samma som the librarian of crocked lane

[Reem Eisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and light book, happy for cyclops and duke for finding joy. The investigation wasn’t as fun as the previous ones.

[Kim Nielsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series started off very interesting and has gotten worse with each book. Could barely finish this one.

[Lindap · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 / 3 Stars

The mystery wasn't as captivating as others. Did revolve Matt's family and prospect of a marriage for Hope. Typical underhandedness because peers can get away with a lot in those days. In this book we have a theft of a priceless magical coronet and inheritance questions. When I was reading the book, to me, the "imposter's inheritance" title could have gone one of 2 ways within the story. In the end you find out which was it leans towards.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far my least favorite book of the Glass & Steele series, The Imposter’s Inheritance seems largely a tale of mixed morality and too many emotions. I was convinced that the imposter, a nice fellow, should inherit, rather than the contentious and magic-hating rightful heir. But I wasn’t convinced about the “moral” way that Glass and Steele handled the perp. Seemed out of character, not to mention illegal.

Much was made of Willie’s bisexual activity, and the seemingly silly lord who kept a black mistress. Who cares what all of the other characters think of these lifestyles? Get on with the plot!

And again, the machinations of the all-powerful evil lord. In this novel, he pulls strings (and ruins lives) in an attempt to get married to Glass’ equally manipulative and obnoxious cousin. Whatever. A rather unpleasant read, except for the magical golden crown, and even that’s not treated in a pleasing manner.

Can’t stop the series now though. Only 4 books out of 13 left!