The Convent's Secret: Glass and Steele, Book 5

Max and India are a great team. India is a wonderful person as is Max. I enjoy these books. Nice and cle

Thrilled we moved forward from the watch fixing saga. I like where this is headed. A little drama, love triangle, and a fresh storyline!

I love how the characters are portrayed and life issues interconnect with magic. Its thrilling to be along for the mystery and to see the characters grow and hurt. There is a depth to this story that grips you.

MY RATING SYSTEM5 stars--WOW4 stars--would read again3 stars--was good, won't read again2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it1 star--didn't finish, it was so awfulDo I need to read books before this one: yesCliffhanger: the relationship isn't resolvedSUMMARYMatt sneaks into Lady Buckland's house and finds the name of the convent. When Matt and India visit, they learn that the previous mother superior, Alfreda, disappeared 27 years ago; 2 children went missing just shortly before. Including Phineas. Their records are gone, too. Another nun, Francesca, quit at the same time.They visit Inspector Brockwell to ask him to look through police archives for Alfreda. They learn Father Antonio reported Alfreda missing. The day after he reported her missing, he says the nuns got a letter that she's fine and won't be coming back. But they know that's a lie because the administrative nun thinks she's still missing.They get the worldly name of Francesca, learn Abigail left pregnant and that she now works in the silk industry. Payne is following them.Abercrombie assisted a reporter with The Times, writing an article about magic that reveals, by name, what Gideon Steel and Dr Millroy did to Mr Sweet. India gets a dinner invitation from Lord Coyle.EVALUATIONGreat continuation of the story! I'm glad to see some issues resolved, to learn where Willie has been going, and still on tenterhooks about other issues. Aack! On to the next book!This one definitely has a theme. Say "I love you" frequently and sincerely because you never know when it will be the last time.RECOMMENDATIONTo everyone who likes urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, historical England, romance: READ THIS!FAVORITE QUOTES"At least now I know it will be futile to break in [the convent] and search the filing cabinets." Gasp. "I wouldn't have harmed anyone." "I know that." "And, if it helps, I'd feel guilty about it."POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)Sex: kissesLanguage: 0 F words, 22 Lord's name in vain, 0 S wordsViolence: kidnappings, murders, attempted murders, assault, threats

This is one of my favorite books in the series. Such secrets in the convent! And new magicians on the scene. A huge, terrifying scene between the odious Sheriff Payne, Glass, Steel, and one of newly found magicians. Quite well done by Ms. Archer. Really an excellent addition to the series. Recommended!

Bah! I read The Convent’s Secret way too fast. I swear, one minute I opened my Kindle to read and the next, I was done. Now I have to wait until the next book comes out. There has to be a legit word or group of words that describes these flu-like symptoms a reader gets during the wait between books in a series.Series sickness maybe? When is the next darn book coming out syndrome?Of course, C.J. Archer ended this addition of the Glass and Steele series with a moment that had me giddy as a girl and freaking livid, almost ugly crying, that it was over.For me, The Covent’s Secret read differently than the others. There wasn’t nearly as much action and adventure, but the story seemed more solid. I think it’s because I felt the other ones had scenes and dialogue that really didn’t need to be there; it was extra fun stuff to read. This one didn’t have those scenes; every single scene felt like it belonged. I enjoyed it immensely.Matt’s reason for adventuring to London has been resolved in this one. Well, as resolved as it can be. There are only a few things left to clean up. A realization that leaves me dreading the possibility that the next book will be the last in this series.

The books show the nuances of India & Matt's relationship as it develops. Each book adds spice & character to the players in the series. Twists, turns & even a murder or two to solve. Talk about excitement & learning about each other!

The manner in which CJ Archer puts the stories of this series together keeps this reader enthralled. I cannot seem to get enough of them. In each book one or more new people of magic abilities is introduced. In this story we meet wood and satin magicians while helping Matt and India look for another doctor magician who can combine with time magic in order to save Matt. Magic is also being introduced to the world through newspapers so the reader learns more about the boundaries and possible problems if magic is real. This is such a well written, intriguing series filled with suspense as well as romance.

India Steele, the Time Magician brought up in ignorance of her magic by her parents, who were frightened by the anti-magic power of the Craft Guilds. Her partner in crime (solving) Matt Glass, who is in turns a dead man given a second chance by magic, an American outlaw turned inlaw, the next Lord Ryecroft and the unattainable love of her life. Set forth on another crime-solving exploit involving the Church and a Convent of nuns with a secret or two to hide.Set in roughly Victorian London, India, Matt and their friends are tangled in this tale of murder and Victorian upper-class manners.

I enjoyed this next stage of the story for Glass & Steele. Following the mystery of what happened to the missing children and Mother Superior was entertaining and the final denouement of the wicked sheriff was welcome. It was fun reading. Definitely a light holiday read.

This carries on with the issue of Matthew’s watch and the stories of the people who have magic whose lives are interwoven into theirs in an effort to find an answer. I love the way the characters interact with each other and how we learn more about them every book. I fondly keep hoping things between Matt and India, Cyclops and Catherine will have a happy ending but attitudes are not accepting of differences. By this book five I am heavily invested in their lives and continue to hope.

I loved the first two books of this series, but it feels now as if it's being dragged out a bit too much. A trilogy would have been enough - this is the 5th book and there is still 6th to get through before we have a conclusion.

Murder mystery and magic, there's just an element of required love but with problems! Exceptional writing and full and wonderful characters.