The Convent's Secret

Glass and Steele, Book 5

By: C. J. Archer

Narrated by: Marian Hussey

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

To find the one man who can fix the magic in Matt's watch, he and India are led to a convent where the nuns will do anything to keep their secrets private. Including murder? Matt and India must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies given to her care many years ago. But sometimes, the truth is painful and its exposure can have deadly consequences. With his magic watch slowing down, Matt needs all the help India and his friends can offer before time runs out. But his nemesis will do anything to bring about his downfall, including rock Matt's family with a scandal that can ruin them - and Matt and India's chance of happiness.

©2018 C.J. Archer (P)2018 C.J. Archer

Loved the first 3 books

Loved the first 3 books in the series but this one and the last one were a struggle. It feels like the author is trying to drag out the main story line as long as possible instead of taking the characters and story to new heights.

Too much of a not good thing

Really liked the series until it got increasingly bogged down with the daffy aunt and despicable English relatives. Our great hero has now been completely bested by these amateurs? Hard to believe him as a professional detective at this point. Let’s get back to the mystery, the magic and have our hero reclaim his spine and brain.

Still a good story

This was still a good story but I did not enjoy this one of the series as much as the rest. This story concluded a lot of things building up from all the other books and brought new problems to light. I just felt the writter/ author did Not do as well holding the audience attention, Was Not a page Turner like the others in the series. Just disappointed!!!!

Needs editing.

Still needs a bit of editing. While I listened, I came across many repeat phrases. the other books had one or two occasionally, but this book had at least 6. The book series is fun and the writing good, and the reader does a wonderful job.

Still no HEA, but an enjoyable adventure

India and Matt are chasing another clue to find the magical doctor. That clue leads to a mystery they investigate. There are side characters in this one but mostly pushing the subplot that continues to the next installment. I missed Willie and India's adventures. Willie was really barely present. Most if the side interaction was around the mystery and drama with Matt's relatives. I really wish Miss Glass would be more supportive of India. The narrator did a great job. The story flowed well. No progress in Matt and India's relationship...just drama. So on to book 6....

Love the series, but...

I love this series. The characters are wonderfully designed. I love that each book has it's own mysterious task to solve, plus the problems that have the multibook archs. However, I do wish that Ms Archer would make the decision to resolve the romantic issues in 4 books or less. There are so many characters, who each have potential for love stories. I wish she would realize that she can come to a happy resolution with Matt and India, while simultaneously creating new and similar anticipation in the other characters potential love lives. Too much of the same exact thing eventually gets boring.

This series has the potential for many more PI cases.

Disappointing

I have become extremely disappointed with this series. A time prospective - Matt was cured 5 years-ago with a magic watch. It has been months since Matt and India met to find a magic watch repairer and doctor.

When an author creates a world, it is disappointing when they use conflicting information. *** spoiler*** In this story, we find that the magic has a finite life span. To extend the magic time of the magic requires a watch magic user. India is highly prized because she can extend the life of the magic. Yet, India is able to sense magic in a box and crucifix after 27 years. That is in violation of the premise of the series.

As the story unfolds, we discover that magic is more prevalent than originally thought. A fierce debate takes place in the newspapers for the general population about the merits and evilness of magic. My question became why/when the government will become involved in magic. I find it highly unlikely that no one in the government had magic talent.

Much of the time in this series is wasted on getting Matt’s married to one of his cousins. India spends hours whining about not being good enough to marry him. As a reader of a myriad of historical novels, marrying above one’s station is not a serious taboo, especially when it is a man with the wealth.

India was kept out of the watch guild because she is female and a magic user. She has vigorously fought for her liberally views. Yet, when it comes to loving Matt, she cannot stand up to the societal prejudices of marriage. Predictably when Matt is presumed dead, she cries because she did not agree to marry him.

This story continues the search to find a child given up for adoption 27-years- ago. Our characters spend their time bullying nuns to reveal their secrets from the past. In a 9-hour story, approximately, 8.5 hours is spent on this point. The only action is the shrillness of India voice as she threatens nuns.

C.J. Archer has dragged out our desire to see Matt saved for 5 books to give us a very an anticlimax ending.

The last hour is precipitated with Payne, the antagonist, catching up with Matt. The long-awaited battle ensures. This story was drawn out much too long with so little action and magic. This is categorized as a historical mystery thriller. In the beginning, it did offers a few unique glimpses into the difference between American and Europe societies, Willie wearing man wears and carrying a gun offered amusing batter between her and Matt’s aunt.

FINALLY!!

I've been listening to this series on Audible and India has finally gotten her act together in regards to Matt. In the Audible version, there are a few editing errors but otherwise the performance is wonderful with continuity in character voices and inflection. The story itself is excellent in world building a magical scene in Victorian London. Highly recommend this series! I am totally addicted.

Such an enjoyable series.

I love all the characters, the adventures and the love story between Matt and India. I also look forward to listening to how Willy and Cyclops find their own paths to love.

I appreciate that the Narrator is also good at her reciting of the story. The characters voices are great and believable. It is easy to know when someone else is talking. I have listen to book - and returned them - where all the characters sound the same. You won’t have that problem with this series.

treasure hunt

loved it, fascinated with the characters and mysteries. the narrator does so well with changes.

Brilliant as expected.

I think this is my favourite Glass and Steel novel. Gripping to the end and still left me excited for the next book. Keep them coming Ms Archer.

Brilliant book

How the writer thinks of all the twists and turns amazes me. Great mystery plots each time. A few reviews not happy with this book, but I disagree. I was very happy with the ending. Of course there has to be a couple of loose ends to keep us reading, romance wise I felt finally satisfied. Big sigh of thank goodness at the end.
Another aspect of these books is the celebration of craftsmanship, as a potter myself this is what drew me to the title originally. Any old trades where things are made by hand gets me really enthused. I love any book that helps remind us/ fan the flame of crafting.
Well done! I will be very skint now, as I think I will have to keep buying the next book!

Can't get enough

Really enjoy this series. Well worth a read. Great writing can't wait for the last one