The Spy Master's Scheme

Glass and Steele #12

by C.J. Archer

With knowledge of magic becoming more widespread in London, magicians find themselves highly sought after. Consumers want to buy their wares and so seek out magicians among their acquaintance. India’s rare magic is in demand from Matt’s family, the Collector’s Club, and other magicians who want her to extend their magic.

But it’s wise to be wary of the attention.

When the wool magician who helped India create a flying carpet spell disappears, his wife is worried for his life. India and Matt are worried for the country. If the person who stole the spell also kidnapped the wool magician, they could use flying carpets as vehicles of war. The closer they get to finding him, the more they realize they can’t trust anyone, not even the government. When it’s revealed that England’s spy master has plans for India’s talents, she refuses to cooperate.

But Matt knows it’s not as simple as refusing. Every decision has a repercussion.

And repercussions can be deadly.

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

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2021

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

[Michelle Messner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just like all the other ones on the series but it is getting a bit repetitive. Another magician gets in trouble Indy and Matt help them, Indy and Matt's life is in danger.
I love Matt and Indy and wish there would be more about the two of them, in regards to their relationship, in the books. I know they want to have kids too so I wish that would happen soon as well.

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it is just that I don't really like most of these characters, specifically India and Willie. There is one more in the series, so I will finish the series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the books in the beginning but I’m starting to get reaaaal annoyed with how wimpy and reserved India is about using her magic. Stop being such a stick in the mud girl! I’ll try the next book but if it’s more of the same I’ll stop reading them. They need some excitement.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ***

Hoopla audio

Repetitive, boring and flat. It's the same old stuff with Lord Coyle, Matt's relatives and Abercrombie's angsty, pointless cameo.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glass and Steele just keeps surprising me. I love the wit, the manners and the time period. The magical mayhem is captivating making this both unforgettable and mesmerizing. This is gripping literature and the mystery will keep you turning those pages.

These characters will draw you in. They're complicated and possess very human like qualities. They fall in love, they mourn, they problem solve and they know how to command a room.

CJ Archer is a skilled sorry teller who will give you vivid details, entertaining dialogue and unforgettable scenes.

[Lindap · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

***HOOPLA Audio***

I have to say the mystery really wasn't very riveting this time and all the basic villains, and the accusations are getting old. I'm ready for some kind of conclusion. Also, I'm so over Matt's family conniving to marry off another daughter. This time we're dealing with trapping a man for Charity. She didn't trap one this time, but I'm sure we'll be reading about it in book #13.

[Janene Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

The only thing I dislike about the Glass and Steele books is that they have to end. I absolutely love the storyline and the style of writing in all of this series. I'll be ready for the next one when it's available 😊📖

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up to a four. Only one book left. Excited to see how the series will conclude given the crescendo were are at now. Aunt Letitia has now taken over Willie’s first place in my heart as best character, and Hope actually is showing a sliver of integrity! Will be sad after the next and final book.

[Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook)

[Lyndal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trio

I have just finished book 10/11 & 12 of the Glass n Steele series. Now I must wait till next year for 13. I have been saving them up and it was so worth it. They were an excellent read and I could nit put them down. I flattened my kindle app several times. The stories of this couple and extended family together with Magic thrown in is hard to put down. For those following the series they are a great read and don’t disappoint.

[Tracey Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series so far. The characters are just that....characters with interesting personalities. The Glass home is filled with love and trust, and they are from very different stations in life. It shows people can live together even if they are different. The relationship between Matt and India is solid and special. Look forward to more from the Glass and Steel series.

[Amber Capotosto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

[Sophie C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lord have mercy! This book was such a dud! Yawner....boring.....nothing happened. Such.a.waste.of.time.

I've been enjoying the Glass and Steele series and went back to see how many stars I've given along the way. What I'm discovering is that as I go, my star rating is diminishing. I think at this point I am reading just to see what happens to the characters. Will Matt & India have a baby? Will Willie marry Brockwell? Will Cyclops and Catherine get married? Will Lord Farnsworth find love? Is Coyle as evil as we thought? Yeah, the series was fun at first, but I'm anxious for this to be over.

Book

[Lauren - Find me on Fable! · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of things I liked about this book that make me excited to see how they resolve in the next one but MY GOD, it seemed like all of them had their moments of being entitled snobs.

One of the things that I like more about this series than in the spinoff series is that Willie is not NEARLY as insufferable but boy is she insufferable in this one.

Matt’s blatant disregard for Brockwell’s orders about not meddling in the investigation regarding Lord Coyle was just annoying. Like, Brockwell EXPLICITLY told you to stay out and WHY you need to stay out, and yet … good god the entitlement.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing how the series wraps up in the next book!

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the evolution of this story. Politics and magic, power and magic, how magic should be wielded, all come together in this episode. We are getting closer to a resolution for Cyclops and Willie, even Hope is showing some integrity. I’m looking forward to the final instalment to see how it all ends.

[Toni Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read 80 percent of this book in 2021. I enjoyed portions (the flying carpet) but was just ready for it to be done. I enjoy C.J. archer’s books, and enjoy the ensemble of characters she creates.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pangram!! O H A S J U

[Frieda]

This was one of the better books in the series.

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

penultimate novel and all I want is to see Willy's love life.

[M.E. E. May]

I love this series!

[Lissa Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot Twists Galore

A great read as usual. Lots of unexpected in this. MR. Pyke the wool magician takes front and center at the beginning. While they are trying to solve that mystery there is the fact that whoever is trying to kill Matt is still on the loose but not for long. Once both those mysteries are solved there is still more. The story stays very interesting all the way through.

[Rachel Durazo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started out enjoying this series so much but for some reason I have a really hard time always liking the characters. It feels like as the series goes on they just seem to annoy me more and more. It frustrates me not only because I don’t like being annoyed but also because I’m not entirely sure that what annoys me about them is out of character. Matt’s annoying with all of his no one can know about India and must protect India at all costs even though that’s a trait I usually like in my main male characters. And India feels so wishy washy she wants to be a powerful magician but then she’s too scared of the repercussions but she’s happy to be a policy maker but oh no must not give anythjng in return. She has to control everything and have it her way or no way at all. And Fabian’s sudden villainous turn seemed cheap and used only because it wasn’t expected. I’m going to read the next one because I want to see how this connects to the glass library series but as a whole I enjoyed that one much more.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artless are rioting against the magicians in London as a new book on magic hits the shops, and as the book flies off the shelves, and people want magical articles, deception, plots, blackmail and murder are afoot.
India and Matt's lives are in danger, but an investigation beckons and Willie and Cyclops's love lives continue to have complications, but as everyone's lives twist and turn, the situation becomes worse and people's lives are threatened, can India and Matt find out what is really going on and who is behind these plots and the murderous outcomes, only time will tell as the plot thickens.
C.J. keeps you turning the pages until the very end with her clever and sometimes amusing story, as she brings to life Victorian London and its strict etiquette.
Really Enjoyed it.

[Flecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, the Glass and Steel series keeps fulfilling the reader's spirit with the comfort of it's historically magical world. I have long found myself a part of their investigative team (& circle of friends)! C.J. Archer is a great storyteller and honestly I cannot believe that there will only be one more book for the series. This series has been my "go to" between other stand alone novels/duology/trilogy releases for awhile now. I will definitely miss the beloved India & Matt. Along with the rest of the gang that bring such humor to these books. Yet, I'm eager to read the mystery that concludes Glass and Steel, and to find out how the lives of these authentic characters are wrapped up in their finale! Much thanks to C.J. Archer for gifting us readers with this unforgettable series.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less annoying but still had plenty or annoying moments. Magic is out. People know. Matt and India think the best course of action is to go back into hiding instead of fighting for their rights. And takes it upon herself to start a list of magicians because she's prejudiced against her own people, but plays it off as a way to protect magicians.


I would have preferred the main characters actually want to and strive to make change. Instead of be know it all cowards who know many magicians who disagree with them, but they're certain they know best regardless! They're too thick headed and set in their ways to listen to what others want.

I'm curious how it will all tie together in the end. I liked this more than the last two books, which will make moving forward easier.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this series are wonderful! The family issues are real, particularly for the Victorian time period. A missing magician leads Glass and Steel on a chase and involved with both the county's spymaster and some old villians. More strife between magicians and the artless is stirred up, especially after India was able to make a carpet fly. So now even more people want to possess India's magic.

[Wendy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read! This was my second series for this author and she has a fan. To start with, I’m not a big fantasy reader. But this was gifted this and I thought, “why not?!” The main male character brought me visions of Henry Cavill. How can you put that down?

The only thing that I found annoying was the character of Willy. She’s an American who possesses all the stereotypes that a Brit could come up with. Kind of annoying. But it did not stop me from reading through the entire Glass Library series and then picking up the this prequel to the series. Willy is in both. Wouldn’t get rid of the character as she does add to the whimsy. But I’d like her better if she wasn’t so rough and tumble.

I have read most of the CJ Archer’s books now and loved them all with the exception of the Cleopatra Fox series which I haven’t found as interesting as the others. They aren’t magical.

Each series does stand on its own. But, I have enjoyed them in order. I’ve plowed through all of these one after another. I was so satisfied with them I was disappointed to be done! Thank goodness this author is so prolific.

I think my favorite series is the After the Rift series. I have enjoyed both audio and ebook formats. The readers are wonderful with exception of Book 1 of the Freak House series. I’m glad I pushed through as the reader was replaced with a much much better one. Seriously i stopped listening to book one initially because I disliked her so much. I only went back and put up with it because I bought the three-book series via audible. What can I say, I’m cheap.

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spellbinding Mystery with High Stakes – 4 Stars

C.J. Archer delivers another gripping adventure in The Spymaster’s Scheme, where magic’s growing visibility in London makes India and Matt more valuable—and more vulnerable—than ever. As magicians find themselves in high demand, India’s unique abilities draw the attention of powerful figures, including Matt’s family, the Collector’s Club, and even the government. But when a wool magician vanishes after helping India create a flying carpet spell, the stakes turn dire. If the wrong hands have taken both the magician and the spell, the consequences could be catastrophic.

This installment expertly weaves suspense, political intrigue, and magical mystery, keeping readers on edge as India and Matt uncover dangerous secrets. The looming presence of England’s spymaster adds another layer of tension, forcing India into difficult choices that could cost more than just her freedom.

While the novel is packed with twists and a thrilling pace, some plot elements feel predictable, and the ever-present conflicts between India and those who seek to control her magic tread familiar ground. Even so, the chemistry between the characters and the unfolding mystery make this a compelling read.

For fans of historical fantasy with a dash of espionage, The Spymaster’s Scheme is an engaging and fast-paced addition to the series, proving that power—magical or political—always comes with a price.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geez. Book Twelve.
It's hard to believe that this was the twelfth book in the series. That's definitely more than the average, yet the characters are still interesting and the storylines continue to entertain.

This story brings back a magic artifact that just won't seem to go away. Yep, the magic carpet, AKA the flying carpet, is still centermost in the minds of some unscrupulous people. There's certainly no shortage of them in these tales. Therefore, Matt and India have plenty of people to suspect in the carpet theft.

The case takes some pretty crazy turns as the fearless inquiry agents continue their quest. Friendships will be tested to the breaking point. There are moments of victory as well as points of despair; hope and helplessness share center stage in this novel as the story unfolds at its customary breakneck pace.

If you're new to this series, no worries. It is possible to enjoy this novel as a stand-alone, although some of the characters may seem a bit outlandish if you haven't followed them from previous tales. Personalities like Willie, Cyclops, Chronos, and the Glass cousins may seem a little odd if not taken in the context of the series as a whole. Yet they'll still be entertaining and engaging, even if you're new to them. Either way, this is another enjoyable tale in an epic and delightful series.