The Watchmaker's Daughter

Glass and Steele, Book 1

By: C. J. Archer

Narrated by: Emma Powell

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, The Watchmaker's Daughter is the start of a thrilling new historical fantasy series from the author of the best-selling Ministry of Curiosities, Freak House, and the Emily Chambers Spirit Medium books.

©2016 C.J. Archer (P)2016 C.J. Archer

Outstanding Start to Historical Fantasy Series!

Any additional comments?

Words cannot adequately express how much I truly enjoyed this audiobook. I started listening this morning on my day off and I couldn't stop listening to it until I was finished nine hours later! It has everything that I look for in a story -- part romance, part mystery, and part mystical fantasy.

Set during Victorian Era London, the story has several amazing characters. The heroine is the watchmaker's daughter, India Steele, who is smart and resourceful, but who has fallen on hard times after the death of her father. If that was not bad enough, her fiancé dumps her the following day after inheriting her father's business. The hero is American Matthew Glass who owns a home in Mayfair and who is the grandson of an Earl. Matthew hires India to help him find the watchmaker of his unique timepiece, which has special powers and emits a purple glow. And Mr. Glass's cousin Willie is a gun-toting gambler, as if she was Annie Oakley from America's Wild West. Not only are they trying to find the watchmaker, but they explore who tried to break into his home, and why the members of the watchmakers guild refuse to talk with India.

I listened to the Audible version of the story narrated by Emma Powell and enjoyed it tremendously. In fact, I felt like I was watching a movie and couldn't help but remember how I felt the first time I watched the Librarian or Warehouse 13, where objects possess special powers. Thankfully the Watchmaker's Daughter is the first book in a new historical fantasy series, Glass and Steele, so I can look forward to listening to other great adventures in this compelling new series!

significant plotholes, but interesting

I kept wondering why a didn't lead to b, and thinking the lead character seemed too sheltered.

Wow, so good

This was riveting. Excellent characters, Fascinating story. I've read a lot of books in my life,many fantasy, many romance, 1 or 2 mysteries. This does have a touch of all 3.

supurd

really good. didnt want to turn it off when i needed to. excited to hear the next book.

nicely done!

very entertaining and a refreshing change from scifi! will keep and eye out for the next publication.

Historical Romance Fantasy with Potential

The story has a strong opening bringing focus to the plight of India Steele. I found the story line intriguing, although it seems to drag a little as the story progresses. The
narration is good for the main character, but weakens as the cast expands. I felt the story & character development needed more depth, but still enjoyed the book. I look forward to the next installment expanding on both the relationships & the action.

Loved it!

The story was exciting and fun. The characters were colorful and had depth. A mystery/suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.

I love this series!!!!

I've listened to all 13 books and the link on series, The Glass Library, and enjoyed that as well. I like that there is a story line that isn't just the romance, which is unusual for me. The story lines are captivating and the characters are relatable and developed nicely. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes mystery and romance and a well written book.

Great Series!

So glad this is a long series and the story keeps going to the next generation of magicians!

Love love love!!

Finished in a day such a great book!! Loved the performance great job!! Fun and mysterious very enjoyable listen!