This was an excellent book, 3rd in the series, I’m which Mr Glass and Ms Steele (in a simmering forbidden (and unconsummated) relationship) investigate a murder. In doing so, they dig more deeply in the equally simmering underground world of magic. Is someone killing magicians, or is someone wanting to out them? The mystery deepens. Addictive. ( )

{Third of 13 in Glass and Steele series; fantasy, magic} (2017)

With their search for 'Chronos' stymied and knowing that Matt will need a magical doctor as well as a magical watchmaker to fix his watch, he and India have been focussing on searching for such a doctor when a newspaper article catches their attention. They visit Dr Hale, who is said to have performed a 'medical miracle' but he is later murdered and they have to investigate to clear Matt of the murder charge. In the process they discover more magicians - and more people determined to hide the evidence of magic, which puts their lives in danger.

The 'will they, won't they' nature of their YA-rated romance continues as Matt refuses to tie anyone into a relationship while his life could end at any time while India, her confidence shaken by Eddie Hardacre, feels she is undesirable as well as Matt's social inferior (as Matt's aunt apologetically keeps reminding her).

Still fun, though I started finding it hard to keep track of the suspects in this one, since some of them first appeared in the previous two books. Though it's set in Victorian England, the manners aren't as formal though Archer doesn't make the mistake other authors do of emphasising some old fashioned manners while introducing glaring anachronisms.

Though there are copious amounts of tea. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling rather thirsty ...

(June 2023)
3-3.5 stars ( )

3.5 stars. I am loving this series. ( )

OH. MY. GOD. So many feels right now guys! That ending?! How can you end it on such a cliffhanger and why was I silly enough to not order the next in the series BEFORE I was on the last few chapters?! Rookie mistake...

A local doctor has been murdered, poisoned in fact, shortly after Matt and India paid him a visit to inquire about a recent "miracle" that had occurred and was reported on in the local papers. As Matt and India were some of the last people to see Dr. Hale alive, they are suspects in his murder. In an effort to help clear their names, the two embark on their own investigation to find the real killer. As they discover that he was murdered with an elixir infused with magic, the two investigate the apothecary's guild, customers, and business partners alike. Suspects are piling up, and Matt and India find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations as someone tries to get them to back off the investigation. The two must race the clock (quite literally as Matt has yet to locate the mysterious Chronos to fix his life giving watch) and locate the real killer before they are taken in by Scotland Year or worse, murdered by the real killer.

Holy geez guys. This series continues to grow and expand in ways that leave me an insane reading machine, tearing through chapters with abandon. The Matt/India relationship is literally KILLING ME. I will seriously spontaneously combust if this next book doesn't have them communicating their feelings. And fracking Miss Glass! Can you please just give India your blessing already and cut it out with the "you have to marry into society crap"?! You're killin me smalls! They compliment each other so well and their loyalty and devotion to one another is so apparent. Stupid high society London....

I enjoy watching these two work cases together and I can see the beginning to a great segue into a career for the two of them together. They are both smart and clever, balancing out each others shortcomings and drawing on each others strengths to make a pretty dynamic duo. As far as the plot, the plethora of suspects kept my wheels turning and there was no lack of action in this book. Our main characters were placed in plenty of heart stopping (some quite literally) situations which left me sweaty and anxious. You know that's some good writing when you feel physical symptoms after an intense scene.

I suppose I will now be forced to stalk my mailbox as I anxiously await the delivery of book 4! With that shocking cliff hanger I would suggest just going ahead and buying the next one before you start this one! ( )

In "The Apothecary's Poison," book three of the Glass and Steele series, C.J. Archer has hit her stride. I can't even begin to convey how much I enjoyed this book. Every aspect of it, from the plot to the pacing, dialogue and characters, just flowed together flawlessly. I love the world and the magic of this series and it definitely stands out among others in a similar genre. For readers of the series, we get a little glimpse into the background of some of the recurring characters, as well as an increase in the romance department. And, as always, there is a revelation at the end that just makes me want to read more immediately. I know you'll want this book anyway because of the beautiful cover; however, you'll be very pleased and surprised at what's in store for you within.

**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review** ( )