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The Uncensored Memoirs of a Book Hunter #1
Laws of Witchcraft
Fans of the GLASS AND STEELE and THE GLASS LIBRARY series will delight in the new magical historical mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, C.J. Archer. Set in the years between the two series, the first volume of Professor Gavin Nash’s memoir features beloved characters on a quest for a rare book.
When Gavin travels to Edinburgh with his good friend Oscar Barratt, he’s eager to acquire a centuries-old book on witchcraft for the soon-to-open Glass Library. Even with ruthless railroad magnate John J. Defoe in the bidding, the victory comes easily. Perhaps too easily.
Hours later, the book is stolen.
A single clue links the theft to the recent abduction of two women, both magicians. Desperate to recover the book, Gavin and Oscar find an unexpected ally in Defoe’s enigmatic assistant, Miss Wheeler. But as they delve into the mystery, they uncover far more than they bargained a secretive sect, a descendant of the Witchfinder General, and forbidden love letters.
With time running out for the kidnapped women, can the unlikely trio untangle the lies from the truth before the magicians—and the book—are lost forever?
When Gavin travels to Edinburgh with his good friend Oscar Barratt, he’s eager to acquire a centuries-old book on witchcraft for the soon-to-open Glass Library. Even with ruthless railroad magnate John J. Defoe in the bidding, the victory comes easily. Perhaps too easily.
Hours later, the book is stolen.
A single clue links the theft to the recent abduction of two women, both magicians. Desperate to recover the book, Gavin and Oscar find an unexpected ally in Defoe’s enigmatic assistant, Miss Wheeler. But as they delve into the mystery, they uncover far more than they bargained a secretive sect, a descendant of the Witchfinder General, and forbidden love letters.
With time running out for the kidnapped women, can the unlikely trio untangle the lies from the truth before the magicians—and the book—are lost forever?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
190 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
106 books5,747 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 4, 2026
Enjoyable read for Glass and Steele fans
This is a fairly short story compared with the Glass and Steele books, and takes place following those books end but before the Glass Library books. It follows the adventures of Oscar Barrett and Professor Nash as they collect books on magic for the Glass Library… and apparently have Sherlock Holmes-style adventures solving mysteries along the way.
We even get to see a glimpse of Willie’s married life.
This is a fairly short story compared with the Glass and Steele books, and takes place following those books end but before the Glass Library books. It follows the adventures of Oscar Barrett and Professor Nash as they collect books on magic for the Glass Library… and apparently have Sherlock Holmes-style adventures solving mysteries along the way.
We even get to see a glimpse of Willie’s married life.
March 10, 2026
Off to a Good Start
Nice to find many old friends from previous Glass book series briefly seen. There were previous references to Professor Nash’s travels so enjoyed reading this first one. Also interesting to watch him blossom into a skilled detective while being teased by his companion. See another book promised and hope there will be more as the author further develops the two lead characters and sends them on new challenges.
Nice to find many old friends from previous Glass book series briefly seen. There were previous references to Professor Nash’s travels so enjoyed reading this first one. Also interesting to watch him blossom into a skilled detective while being teased by his companion. See another book promised and hope there will be more as the author further develops the two lead characters and sends them on new challenges.
March 12, 2026
A cozy read spanning the two worlds of Glass and Steele and the Glass Library. I doubt there will be a ton of book spanning intrigues in this series like there are in the other two since it’s a prequel of sorts to the Glass Library, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless for the quirky personality of Professor Nash as the narrator and another chance to enjoy this world built by CJ Archer with appearances by some of our favorite characters!
March 9, 2026
I loved loved LOVED this for so many reasons. The nostalgic feeling of revisiting the Glass and Steele characters, the insight into the early lives of some of the characters of the Glass Library and of course the story. CJ Archer, you are a true story magician yourself! Roll on September for the next book
March 13, 2026
Loved this story
Its so much fun to read of Professor Nash and his adventure with Oscar. I can't wait to read the next one. I've read all of the companion series Glass and Steele,and the Glass Library. Definitely go back to read these gems. CJ Archer is an excellent historical writer.
Its so much fun to read of Professor Nash and his adventure with Oscar. I can't wait to read the next one. I've read all of the companion series Glass and Steele,and the Glass Library. Definitely go back to read these gems. CJ Archer is an excellent historical writer.
March 15, 2026
Laws of Witchcraft
Another winner from C.J. Archer. Her books with the intrigue and such excellent characters are always winners. This book started a little slow but definitely picked up in pace. It was enjoyable to read something that occurred during the other books that she wrote.
Another winner from C.J. Archer. Her books with the intrigue and such excellent characters are always winners. This book started a little slow but definitely picked up in pace. It was enjoyable to read something that occurred during the other books that she wrote.
March 5, 2026
Glad to be back
Aaaahhhh....So happy to be back in the world of Glass & Steele...I missed it mightily....And it gives us a little more insight into Professor Gavin....loved it...cannot wait til sept
Aaaahhhh....So happy to be back in the world of Glass & Steele...I missed it mightily....And it gives us a little more insight into Professor Gavin....loved it...cannot wait til sept
March 8, 2026
Archer picked two good secondary characters to lead this new series. I like that this takes magic outside of England and shows how the Glass Library acquires some of its books. I also enjoyed the cameos from the original (and future) characters for her other two series.
March 6, 2026
Enjoyable read for those who love the Glass and Steele series
March 6, 2026
Oh how I’ve missed these characters! So elated to see another series related to Glass and Steele!
March 7, 2026
Very much enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next one.
March 10, 2026
*Audiobook. I was expecting more witchy magic. Instead it’s more of a cosy mystery novel. The narration was very well done.
March 11, 2026
Professor Nash and David Barratt's first adventure in search of a magical boo.
March 15, 2026
Another perspective from the world of glass and Steele. Oscar and Gavin go to Edinburgh to get a magic tome for the Glass Library…. They help solve the case of 2 missing magicians.
March 13, 2026
Two of CJ Archer’s worlds combine in this one with the World of Glass and Steele softening slightly into the cozy mystery world of Cleo Fox.
Oscar and Gavin are great parallels to Sherlock and Watson in this story. It’s true CJ Archer formula, where each book will have its own individual mystery to solve but will have overarching plot lines that you’ll enjoy exploring as you read.
Quick read as well so perfect for a weekend!
Oscar and Gavin are great parallels to Sherlock and Watson in this story. It’s true CJ Archer formula, where each book will have its own individual mystery to solve but will have overarching plot lines that you’ll enjoy exploring as you read.
Quick read as well so perfect for a weekend!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews