Glass and Steele Boxed Set: Books 1-3

By: C.J. Archer

Narrated by: Emma Powell, Marian Hussey

This boxed set contains three books in the USA Today best-selling Glass and Steele series:

• The Watchmaker's Daughter.
• The Mapmaker's Apprentice.
• The Apothecary's Poison.

India Steele is desperate. Her father is dead, her fiancé took her inheritance, and no one will employ her, despite years working for her watchmaker father. Indeed, the other London watchmakers seem frightened of her. Alone, poor, and at the end of her tether, India takes employment with the only person who’ll accept her–an enigmatic and mysterious man from America. A man who possesses a strange watch that rejuvenates him when he’s ill.

Matthew Glass must find a particular watchmaker, but he won’t tell India why any old one won’t do. Nor will he tell her what he does back home, and how he can afford to stay in a house in one of London’s best streets. So when she reads about an American outlaw known as the Dark Rider arriving in England, she suspects Mr. Glass is the fugitive. When danger comes to their door, she’s certain of it. But if she notifies the authorities, she’ll find herself unemployed and homeless again–and she will have betrayed the man who saved her life.

With a cast of quirky characters, an intriguing mystery, and a dash of romance, this thrilling historical fantasy series will keep you listening late into the night.

©2016 C.J. Archer (P)2023 C.J. Archer

Should be an anglophile to fully enjoy the series

These stories have probably the slowest moving plotline I have ever listened to. That being said, as an anglophile, I am enjoying the nuances of British upper society and their behaviors. As an American, I could wish the heroine to be a bit more heroic and capable in times of stress. Nevertheless, it's like reading a Bronte or Austen novel, easy does it. If you like to savor your ice cream slowly, you'll love these stories. If you're expecting Harry Potter style excitement, look elsewhere.

whimsical detective stories

what an amazing writ of fantasy, detectives, mysteries, and hidden love story. a must read for those who appreciate G and PG rated stories with a whimsical air to detective stories. an adult version of hardy boys / Nancy drew books I grew up on and loved!

Well paced and thoroughly enjoyable

I was expecting an intellectual Victorian mystery, but what I got was a galloping romance with vivid characters and a strong female protagonist. I liked it a great deal. It was a little difficult to switch gears between the two narrators (the first book was all right, the other two were a little better). And the plots were a bit thin, but the fact that I didn't even mind says a lot about the quality of the writing. Don't expect High Literature, just enjoy the ride.

Great listen, entertaining with just enough romance

I enjoyed the characters, both main and side. I think it's worth the time and money

A thrilling romp full of mystery, romance, and magic.

The characters were engaging and the story was enjoyable with enough action to keep me turning pages/listening. I felt the books would have been as good or better without the profanity.

the main characters

I loved these series so good im excited that I have 10 more to read

Excellent series

The story line keeps you interested throughout all books and the actors bring the story to life. The performances are well done, I’ll listen to often.

For the first Book

A new favorite series! I was hooked from the beginning, and loved the story- I am just beginning the 2nd book, but the narrator has changed. I liked the first narrator much more. I find I keep having to rewind this one, and I just don’t like how it’s read. I am still hoping I can get used to this new narrator as I really loved this series so far. I hope the first narrator comes back for the rest of the books or that I can at least get used to this new one. It’s really frustrating as I really enjoyed the 1st book and couldn’t wait for more. I’m having trouble even just focusing on the narrators words in order to enjoy the story. I don’t dislike her voice (her voice is quite nice itself) or anything I just am really having trouble with following it for some reason.
I will also see if the first narrator has done any other books- maybe those will be as good as this series too. Thank you!

Update: I just can not get used to the way the new narrator reads the story. I’m so interested in the story I really want to keep going, but I just can’t deal with it. I’m going to return the other books I purchased on audible, I’ll need to purchase the hardback versions to read these on my own. Very frustrating. Love the story so far.

Slow burn

I love these characters, and this world. I love very few reviews. Im onto book 4. It is a great slow burn. So far there has been really good tension. Cant wait to read the rest of the series !!

Beautifully written

Very engaging. Great characters. The narrator was awesome. Ended up reading all three back to back