Laws of Witchcraft

A Novel from the World of Glass and Steele (The Uncensored Memoirs of a Book Hunter, Book 1)

By: C.J. Archer

Narrated by: Marian Hussey

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 for: 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?

©2026 C.J. Archer (P)2026 C.J. Archer

Enter the Book Hunter

After having read the entire series of Glass and Steele, I was a little disappointed in the plot development of this book at first. It didn't seem to have the same amount of "getting to know" the character as the other books. For the 1st book in the Series, I wanted to learn more about the main character more that I already knew from the other books. It was a good plot for the book hunter, but I would have liked to fall in love with the character more than I did. I liked him already from the other books. I wanted the tea on the character....it didn't quite hit that part for me. I'm still a fan though so I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2.

Not long enough

Loved being back in the Glass and Steel world but the book was not nearly long enough.

The beginnings of a library

I loved meeting Oscar and hearing a small inkling on the beginning of the library but the book seems a little “dodgy”. Just rambling along like 2 old men. It’s under 6hours. These characters and possible story line have so much more to offer us, over what we’ve received. I want to hand back the book and have written in red ink - do over -it’s good - but I know you can do better.

Time Travel with a dose of Humor

Lightly explored characters from a wonderful series solve a foreboding mystery. Set in London and Edinburgh!

Excited for a new series

I loved revisiting some of our favorite characters while getting more in depth with some who have stood more often to the side. Marian did a brilliant job as usual, and it was fun to visit Scotland since the other books were all in London. My only wish is that it were longer, but I doubt any length would be enough for me.