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Glass and Steele #10
The Kidnapper's Accomplice
To investigate the source of gossip about Cyclops, Willie does the unthinkable – she dons a dress. However her plan goes awry when she’s kidnapped by a disgruntled magician with the power to detonate gunpowder at will. The magician forces India and Matt to race all over London in the hunt for her before the bombs go off.
Meanwhile, powerful members of the Collectors Club are trying to find out what new spell India has created with Fabian, and with India’s attention focused elsewhere, they might just succeed.
Meanwhile, powerful members of the Collectors Club are trying to find out what new spell India has created with Fabian, and with India’s attention focused elsewhere, they might just succeed.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
1395 people are currently reading
2258 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
103 books5,474 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 225 reviews
August 15, 2021
I'm losing interest in this series, and most of that is due to lack of interest in the characters. I feel India keeps making the same dumb decisions over and over again and continues to be very easily !manipulated. I don't find Solid charming as much as I find her annoying. There is no character growth for anyone except maybe Cyclops in his willingness to begin a relationship with Catherine. I'm wondering how long this series is going to drag on.
January 30, 2021
I've never seen a more inaccurate synopsis. Willie's kidnapping doesn't even go beyond the first 100 pages. Honestly, I think this series is getting duller with every book and being stretched for no clear purpose. It would have been better if it was packed into lengthier books and without just the repetitive actions. I am so bored at this point of the whole India gets into danger, Matt risks everything for her. This series should just end in the next book. At first it was fun and then it was just meh.. I only have a current interest for Cyclops and Catherine as well as Willie and Jasper.
February 11, 2021
Ummmm did CJ Archer say there are only a couple more books in the Glass and Steele series?
How am I supposed to go on without them! I kind of thought she was just going to keep writing them forever (or prayed she would). I enjoyed this one. I thought the storyline was interesting. I liked that it centered more on magic and how it would be perceived in society. There was less of the personal and relationship drama in this one. This was a little less about the mystery and more about the adventure which was a fun change of pace.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Okay I just have to say one thing... MAGIC CARPET RIDE! Come on, that was the best part of the book!
Also, Can i say how much I love Fabian and Farnsworth! I need more of them! And Willie didn't bother me as much in this one! I really hope C.J. Archer changes her mind one day and keeps writing them!
How am I supposed to go on without them! I kind of thought she was just going to keep writing them forever (or prayed she would). I enjoyed this one. I thought the storyline was interesting. I liked that it centered more on magic and how it would be perceived in society. There was less of the personal and relationship drama in this one. This was a little less about the mystery and more about the adventure which was a fun change of pace.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Okay I just have to say one thing... MAGIC CARPET RIDE! Come on, that was the best part of the book!
Also, Can i say how much I love Fabian and Farnsworth! I need more of them! And Willie didn't bother me as much in this one! I really hope C.J. Archer changes her mind one day and keeps writing them!
March 25, 2021
Does no one edit these books?
"Between he and I"
"With he and I"
Needle scratch every time.
I can’t decide if India is supposed to be an idiot or it’s just me.
"Between he and I"
"With he and I"
Needle scratch every time.
I can’t decide if India is supposed to be an idiot or it’s just me.
May 4, 2021
2...Seriously? The synopsis for this book was over in like 5 seconds, and it wasn't even good this time around! More magic politics and repeating storylines...This series is slowly losing me...
August 31, 2022
Ok, the honeymoon is over I guess. This book annoyed me a bit.
Would someone really be willing to go through all this just so his leather goods last a little longer? Leather looks better with a little wear!
Since I’m going to mark this with spoilers I’ll go on…. the gunpowder magician & the leather magician didn’t appear to have some special relationship yet she was willing to kill so that he could make nicer boots??
And, Willie wearing a dress really made no sense & her “kidnapping” was over so quickly it seemed like a silly thing for the villains to do & accomplished nothing.
I haven’t been this nitpicky with the previous books because I enjoyed the characters and their stories. But nothing has really moved forward with the characters! Of course I’ll read the next books in the series but it’d be nice if something happened with the side characters.
Would someone really be willing to go through all this just so his leather goods last a little longer? Leather looks better with a little wear!
Since I’m going to mark this with spoilers I’ll go on…. the gunpowder magician & the leather magician didn’t appear to have some special relationship yet she was willing to kill so that he could make nicer boots??
And, Willie wearing a dress really made no sense & her “kidnapping” was over so quickly it seemed like a silly thing for the villains to do & accomplished nothing.
I haven’t been this nitpicky with the previous books because I enjoyed the characters and their stories. But nothing has really moved forward with the characters! Of course I’ll read the next books in the series but it’d be nice if something happened with the side characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2022
(Audiobook)
February 12, 2021
This time, the plotline couldn't quite convince me. Perhaps it was a fun idea that Willie was finally wearing a dress, but the way things developed seemed a bit far-fetched to me. Overall, I find Willie a rather stagnant character, put in for diversity and maybe comic relief. Unfortunately, I cannot relate to her at all, not because of her rebel character or her sexual leanings, but because she's always the same.
Apart from that, the story was entertaining to read, though not quite as good as the previous ones.
Apart from that, the story was entertaining to read, though not quite as good as the previous ones.
March 19, 2024
3.5 stars. I just didn't connect with this storyline as much because the people threatening them were just... honestly, so freaking stupid. Their threats didn't make sense, their plan was ridiculous, and it just didn't seem thoughtful at all. Which just gave the entire thing a "I'm a bridge to the next plot line" vibe instead of "I'm a well-rounded villian that you can sympthasize with and whom you wouldn't mind having come back in another book."
May 11, 2024
Entertaining and fun as always.
September 1, 2021
Spoiler Alert
I feel like the series could be put in one whole book (like a chapter book). The character development is very slow, if not non-existent in most. It seems characters have been thrown is as mere tokens - Willie, a token LGBT+; Cyclops, a token black man; token crazy aunt and relatives. India keeps making the same mistake every time. And why doesn't she tell other people about the consequences in a bid to educate them about what would happen with magic once known? And other than a magic carpet spell, what's the deal with Fabian? Or Duke? Where is his story? Sigh.
And the resolution? Amelia runs into a knife? And India says she felt no remorse over Amelia's dead body? Why the hell didn't she throw her watch at Amelia in the first place? Why the hell didn't she just say, "No. I won't do it." Or threaten that she would kill herself since the outcome would have been worse of she agrees. I am really hating on India's character. So contrary and no real backbone whatsoever.
Another series down that gets added to the 'just to pass the time' shelf.
I feel like the series could be put in one whole book (like a chapter book). The character development is very slow, if not non-existent in most. It seems characters have been thrown is as mere tokens - Willie, a token LGBT+; Cyclops, a token black man; token crazy aunt and relatives. India keeps making the same mistake every time. And why doesn't she tell other people about the consequences in a bid to educate them about what would happen with magic once known? And other than a magic carpet spell, what's the deal with Fabian? Or Duke? Where is his story? Sigh.
And the resolution? Amelia runs into a knife? And India says she felt no remorse over Amelia's dead body? Why the hell didn't she throw her watch at Amelia in the first place? Why the hell didn't she just say, "No. I won't do it." Or threaten that she would kill herself since the outcome would have been worse of she agrees. I am really hating on India's character. So contrary and no real backbone whatsoever.
Another series down that gets added to the 'just to pass the time' shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
3.75 / 4 Stars
India is experimenting with another magician to create new casting spells. This collaboration could cause issues for India. In the meantime the case India and Matt are pulled into is in regards to a magician who can make fireworks last longer and detonate bombs from afar. Who needs a timer when one can simply cast a spell. Only this particle magician is dangerous. I enjoyed getting back to the interesting characters in the Glass and Steele series.
India is experimenting with another magician to create new casting spells. This collaboration could cause issues for India. In the meantime the case India and Matt are pulled into is in regards to a magician who can make fireworks last longer and detonate bombs from afar. Who needs a timer when one can simply cast a spell. Only this particle magician is dangerous. I enjoyed getting back to the interesting characters in the Glass and Steele series.
August 5, 2023
This series has really gone downhill since Matt and India got married. Kinda wish they hadn’t gotten together. They are quickly becoming the worst characters in the book. India says she’s a strong independent woman who has her own mind, but she doesn’t and follow Matt way too much. And Matt is so annoying about the magic.
I believe that if you can do amazing things you should then even if their is a risk. India sucks
I believe that if you can do amazing things you should then even if their is a risk. India sucks
September 7, 2020
3.5 - 4.0 ⭐
This was a good addition to the series. Word of India's abilities are spreading and some magician's want India to use her spells to enhance magical crafts and goods. When India refuses Willie is kidnapped. There's a fair amount of action in the story and at times I felt like Matt and India were spending way too much time impulsively reacting to situations as opposed to investigating or thinking through the plans.
This was a good addition to the series. Word of India's abilities are spreading and some magician's want India to use her spells to enhance magical crafts and goods. When India refuses Willie is kidnapped. There's a fair amount of action in the story and at times I felt like Matt and India were spending way too much time impulsively reacting to situations as opposed to investigating or thinking through the plans.
March 7, 2022
3.5 stars
Nice book, more action in this story.
But it does feel kind of repetitive.
I appreciate that we keep seeing India and Matt together even after they got married (most books end when the main characters get together) and they solve mysteries.
But the "villains" act almost the same and sometimes I get confused by all the lords and titles.
Anyway, an enjoyable book. I know there are 3 more in the series and I can't wait to see how it ends.
7/10 would recommend
Nice book, more action in this story.
But it does feel kind of repetitive.
I appreciate that we keep seeing India and Matt together even after they got married (most books end when the main characters get together) and they solve mysteries.
But the "villains" act almost the same and sometimes I get confused by all the lords and titles.
Anyway, an enjoyable book. I know there are 3 more in the series and I can't wait to see how it ends.
7/10 would recommend
January 31, 2024
This one was solved early and went on and on. The others were significantly better. I still loved the charm that make up India and Matt and fine myself wanting to meddle like Aunt Leticia when it comes to Willie’s love life too. Lol.
July 23, 2025
A fun splash of magic in this book.
I’m just trying to figure out how CJ Archer is going to wrap everything up in these next three books!? This underlying magic theme with India has been dragged out for so long, I’m interested to see the ending.
I’m just trying to figure out how CJ Archer is going to wrap everything up in these next three books!? This underlying magic theme with India has been dragged out for so long, I’m interested to see the ending.
May 14, 2023
Pangram (2 words) A Y N U S I B E
January 18, 2024
Matt, the husband, is really bland? His personality seems to be being American, being nobility and helping the law by breaking the law, and being obsessed with India.
Meanwhile, India’s successes in her field have been majorly exploited over the books, and now, her work is jeopardized andddd people are asking her where the baby is!! Why isn’t she pregnant? How so extremely typical in colonial England and modern times, everywhere everywhen.
Meanwhile, India’s successes in her field have been majorly exploited over the books, and now, her work is jeopardized andddd people are asking her where the baby is!! Why isn’t she pregnant? How so extremely typical in colonial England and modern times, everywhere everywhen.
March 21, 2024
4 stars for an explosive story. I enjoyed this story and the mysteries that are hinted at. I wish Hope would just exit the story, though. I find her to be an annoyingly unnecessary character, just put there to make readers roll their eyes and be annoyed.
August 27, 2022
Review to come
October 23, 2024
When I first started reading this series, India was a strong character with a willingness to take risks. She has become a total wilted flower, with none of her own opinions, terrified of doing the wrong thing and SO easily influenced by Matt, who has turned into a judge mental bully. He hates any guy who might steer India away from his viewpoint. I can't see how India becomes the savior of magicians if she continues to be a doormat. I will finish the series but I am wholly disappointed in ALL of the stilted, one-dimensional characters. Willy is annoying and ridiculous. And the whole storyline about will they or won't they have a baby is gag worthy.
April 19, 2021
3.5 stars. Another fun detective story where Matt and India find themselves trying to stop a fervent believer in magician’s rights, who can control explosives. Of course they save the day, which involves an interesting magic carpet ride, and the woman is killed. But all of this convinces India that she should stop trying to make new spells with Fabian. He gets upset, but understands her position. What if the spells get out and fall into the wrong hands? The ending is a lovely Christmas gathering and there is talk of Matt and India having a baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2022
This one gets a 2.5 star rating since the poaching seems off on these last few books.
My rating system:
5 stars: The best I've read in a while & for sure will re-read in the future.
4 stars: Still a great book, and will re-read in the future... just didn't knock it out of the park completely.
3 stars: Good book, but probably too predictable.
2 stars: Finished the book, but didn't like it.
1 star: Hated it; wouldn't even finish it.
My rating system:
5 stars: The best I've read in a while & for sure will re-read in the future.
4 stars: Still a great book, and will re-read in the future... just didn't knock it out of the park completely.
3 stars: Good book, but probably too predictable.
2 stars: Finished the book, but didn't like it.
1 star: Hated it; wouldn't even finish it.
October 12, 2023
Why does India seem to becoming meek and boring when she started out so headstrong and independent? She got married and became snobbish and weak. I’m so disappointed. India from book one is sooooo much more interesting and amazing than this India. She went from storming the guilds for answers and being courageous to being an absolute drip. I’ll finish the series but only because I’m hoping she wakes up and grows a friggin backbone. Really disappointed.
September 10, 2020
I'm still obsessed with this series and cant wait for more, although this may have been my least favorite of the series. For some reason the tension between Matt and India before they were married added something extra to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
Tedious read. I enjoy this series but this book dragged.
March 5, 2025
C.J. Archer delivers another thrilling installment in The Kidnapper’s Accomplice, filled with mystery, magic, and high-stakes adventure. This time, Willie takes center stage as her attempt to uncover gossip about Cyclops leads to an unexpected and dangerous turn—being kidnapped by a vengeful magician with explosive abilities. Meanwhile, India and Matt are in a race against time to find her before disaster strikes, all while the ever-persistent Collectors Club lurks in the background, scheming to steal India’s newest magical discovery.
The action in this book is fast-paced, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Willie’s predicament adds an extra layer of tension, and it’s great to see her in a more prominent role. As always, the chemistry between India and Matt is engaging, and the magical elements continue to be one of the strongest aspects of the series. Archer’s writing makes 19th-century London feel alive, and the mix of humor, danger, and intrigue keeps the story moving at a gripping pace.
The reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that some parts of the plot felt a bit predictable, and I wished for a little more depth in certain character moments. However, the overall adventure was still highly enjoyable, and fans of the series will no doubt be entertained.
If you love historical mysteries with a magical twist, this book is definitely worth reading!
The action in this book is fast-paced, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Willie’s predicament adds an extra layer of tension, and it’s great to see her in a more prominent role. As always, the chemistry between India and Matt is engaging, and the magical elements continue to be one of the strongest aspects of the series. Archer’s writing makes 19th-century London feel alive, and the mix of humor, danger, and intrigue keeps the story moving at a gripping pace.
The reason I’m giving this four instead of five stars is that some parts of the plot felt a bit predictable, and I wished for a little more depth in certain character moments. However, the overall adventure was still highly enjoyable, and fans of the series will no doubt be entertained.
If you love historical mysteries with a magical twist, this book is definitely worth reading!
August 2, 2025
There were many times the “holes” in the plot got a little obvious. Bunn thought he could blackmail India into helping with his business with a bomb? And somehow walk away to a thriving business? Sadly I don’t think even a desperate “horns-waggled” businessman could be that naive.
But they needed a new plot device that would push India away from her research. A villain that would convince her that it was really “too dangerous”. I liked the impression it was inspired by the Irish independence group. How do you push a people to accept some reality they really don’t want to but force. Those trying to block magic from entering the world are using violence to keep it underground. And those who want it out will likewise use force. But who is willing to go the furthest for their cause. And why isn’t India pregnant yet.
The magic flying carpet was crazy. A train derailment and a bomb threat and suddenly she is taking off with all those passengers to Brighton. Just crazy talk. But fun. And I will suspend the disbelief because Willie still has to marry Lord Farnsworth… will it be for a dare?
But they needed a new plot device that would push India away from her research. A villain that would convince her that it was really “too dangerous”. I liked the impression it was inspired by the Irish independence group. How do you push a people to accept some reality they really don’t want to but force. Those trying to block magic from entering the world are using violence to keep it underground. And those who want it out will likewise use force. But who is willing to go the furthest for their cause. And why isn’t India pregnant yet.
The magic flying carpet was crazy. A train derailment and a bomb threat and suddenly she is taking off with all those passengers to Brighton. Just crazy talk. But fun. And I will suspend the disbelief because Willie still has to marry Lord Farnsworth… will it be for a dare?
December 31, 2023
Well, holy flying carpet, Batman! I can see why they wouldn’t want to continue meddling because after this book with a terrorist (and no unsolved murder again, just terrorism), the point could be made that those committing acts of terrorism never consider what they’re doing terrorism, sort of like how no one is truly the villain in their own story. What seems obvious to those of us who refuse to drink the Kool-Aid of groupthink can see quite clearly is the opposite of anyone who does drink it. Trying to argue someone out of an ideology or belief is pretty pointless. Even if you have actual evidence, there’s those who deny scientific facts. Humanity has too many people who fall into that indoctrination category and many are misguided. That’s why a utopia is fantasy but anti-utopian literature can be so chilling. It’s far more possible for that to come true than an actual utopia. Humanity would never be able to accept utopia…they’d get bored and then someone would turn the tables and make it bad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews