Tag Archives: Mystery Series

Author Spotligh: CJ Archer

About two years ago, I stumbled across a book that completely drew me in: The Librarian of Crooked Lane by CJ Archer. I believe I first discovered it due to a Kindle Unlimited recommendation. The premise caught me right away: A librarian with a mysterious past, a war hero with a secret, and the heist of a magic painting. All set in London during the 1920s, but with a magical twist? Count me in.

In Archer’s world, people are born either as magicians—each with their own unique affinity, whether that’s paper, silver, ink, etc.—or as non-magicians. Those affinities allow them to enhance the properties of everyday man-made goods. It was such a clever, fascinating idea that I couldn’t resist downloading it… and within a few chapters, I was hooked.

I tore through the remaining Glass Library books that were available at the time. And when I ran out? I quickly discovered that CJ Archer has a very extensive backlog. From there, I dove straight into her After the Rift series (a sweeping fantasy with a healthy dose of romance) and A Secret Life, the first book from her Shakespearean romance series. After the Rift has now become one of my all-time favorites, and I was pleasantly surprised by her historical romance, A Secret Life, which was much steamier than anything I had read from her so far.

Since then, I’ve completed the Glass Library and After the Rift series, started her eleven-book (and counting!) Cleopatra Fox Historical Mystery series, and I have downloaded at least one book from each one of her multiple series, because I have every intention of making my way through her entire backlist.

From supernatural adventures to fantasy epics, from historical mysteries to romance/romantasy, CJ Archer truly writes something for just about every type of reader. Even her romances range from sweet to spicy (both are always swoon-worthy), showing just how versatile she can be with her writing.

What I especially love in her writing is that Archer has a gift for atmosphere and characters you just want to keep coming back to. Whether it’s a smoky London street, a tucked-away magical library, or a far-off land, you feel transported. Her stories also balance whimsy with deeper themes—grief, belonging, and finding strength in unexpected places.

Next up on my list is her Glass and Steele series, the prequel to Glass Library. I can’t wait to remeet some of my favorite characters from the Glass Library series as their younger selves! I’m also eagerly awaiting the upcoming spin-off that follows a side character from After the Rift.

Finding CJ Archer’s books has been such a joy for me as a reader. Her stories are exactly what I love—rich in atmosphere, brimming with magic, mystery, romance—and always impossible to put down.

If you’re curious where to begin, I think you should start with the series that sounds the most appealing to you. But fair warning: once you step into Archer’s worlds, you may not want to leave.

Where to Start with CJ Archer ✨

  • Historical Fantasy with Magic & Mystery → The Glass and Steel Series and the Glass Library series
  • Fantasy + Romance (Romantasy) → After the Rift (my personal favorite so far)
  • Cozy Historical Mystery → Cleopatra Fox Mysteries (light, clever, and fun)
  • Victorian Historical Paranormal/Fantasy Romance → The Freak House Series, The Ministry of Curiosities, or Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy
  • Steamy Historical Romance → A Secret Life (Lord Hawkesbury Players series) or The Assassins Guild
  • Historical Fantasy + Spice → The Witchblade Chronicles

The Lady Darby Mysteries

Rating: 4-5/5 stars
Author: Anna Lee Huber
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Publisher: Berkely
Release Dates: 2012-2019

Synopsis:

Scotland, 1830. Following the death of her husband, Lady Darby has taken refuge at her sister’s estate, finding solace in her passion for painting. But when her hosts throw a house party for the cream of London society, Kiera is unable to hide from the ire of those who believe her to be as unnatural as her husband, an anatomist who used her artistic talents to suit his own macabre purposes.

Kiera wants to put her past aside, but when one of the house guests is murdered, her brother-in-law asks her to utilize her knowledge of human anatomy to aid the insufferable Sebastian Gage–a fellow guest with some experience as an inquiry agent. While Gage is clearly more competent than she first assumed, Kiera isn’t about to let her guard down as accusations and rumors swirl.

When Kiera and Gage’s search leads them to even more gruesome discoveries, a series of disturbing notes urges Lady Darby to give up the inquiry. But Kiera is determined to both protect her family and prove her innocence, even as she risks becoming the next victim… 

Review:

I love a good mystery, but I’ve never been hooked on an entire mystery series — until now. Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby Mysteries pulled me in from the very first book, The Anatomist’s Wife, and have kept me enthralled through every installment since.

What sets this series apart is its perfect balance of historical atmosphere, intelligent plotting, and character depth. Huber’s attention to detail brings 1830s Scotland vividly to life — from its windswept landscapes to its social customs. The research shines through without ever weighing the story down, making the setting feel immersive and authentic.

Kiera Darby herself is a remarkable heroine. Burdened by a painful past and the weight of scandal, she is intelligent, fiercely independent, and refreshingly complex. Her partnership with Sebastian Gage is one of the highlights of the series — the tension between them, both professional and romantic, gives the mysteries an added emotional pull. The slow-burn romance is especially well done, never overshadowing the central mysteries but adding depth to both characters.

The mysteries themselves are well-constructed and never formulaic. Each book offers fresh intrigue, with twists that feel both surprising and earned. Huber doesn’t shy away from gruesome or unsettling details, but they never feel gratuitous; instead, they serve to underscore the brutal realities of the time and the dangers faced by her characters.

That said, a small caveat: the titles of the books can sometimes feel a little melodramatic, but don’t let that fool you. The writing inside is far from cheesy — it’s thoughtful, layered, and gripping.

Series Order

  1. The Anatomist’s Wife (357 pages)
  2. Mortal Arts (384 pages)
  3. A Grave Matter (421 pages)
  4. A Study in Death (323 pages)
    4.5. A Pressing Engagement (83 pages)
  5. As Death Draws Near (342 pages)
  6. A Brush with Shadows (383 pages)
  7. An Artless Demise (372 pages)

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of historical mysteries that combine rich atmosphere, smart plots, and compelling characters, the Lady Darby series is absolutely worth picking up. It’s a perfect fit for readers who enjoy Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell mysteries or C.S. Harris’s Sebastian St. Cyr series.

I recommend starting at the beginning with The Anatomist’s Wife, not only because the mystery is strong but also because it lays the foundation for Kiera and Gage’s dynamic — one of the series’ greatest strengths.

For me, these books were a delightful surprise: atmospheric, engrossing, and emotionally satisfying. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

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