Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves magic, mystery, and romance into the gaslit streets of Victorian England—meet C.J. Archer! With over three million books sold, this USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author has enchanted readers with her historical fantasy novels. From her debut, The Medium, to the sprawling Glass and Steele series, Archer’s tales blend historical accuracy with a touch of the supernatural, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
Born in Darwin, Australia, Archer’s love for history and books sparked early, fueled by childhood favorites like The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Now living in Melbourne with her husband, two children, and a mischievous cat named Coco, she’s turned her passion into a prolific career, crafting stories that transport readers to a world where magic hums beneath the surface of Victorian society.
The Making of C.J. Archer
Growing up in the rugged outback of Queensland, Archer’s early years were steeped in the stark beauty of Australia’s landscape. Moving to Melbourne introduced her to the city’s rich history, igniting her fascination with old buildings and stories. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a librarian, IT support specialist, and technical writer—jobs she found less thrilling than crafting fiction. Writing under the pseudonym Carolyn Scott, she penned short stories for women’s magazines, but her heart lay in historical fiction. After years of honing her craft, Archer took a leap into self-publishing in 2011, a decision that launched her into global success.
C.J. Archer’s Unforgettable Stories
Archer’s novels are a seamless blend of historical detail, slow-burn romance, and subtle magic, set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Her breakout series, Glass and Steele, follows India Steele, a watchmaker’s daughter, and Matthew Glass, a mysterious American, as they unravel magical mysteries. The series’ 13 books, starting with The Watchmaker’s Daughter, captivate with their intricate plots and vivid characters. The Medium, her 2012 debut, introduced readers to her knack for blending paranormal elements with historical settings, following a spirit medium navigating love and danger.
Other notable works include the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries, cozy historical whodunits, and The Glass Library, a post-WWI spin-off from Glass and Steele. Archer’s writing shines for its restrained magic—never flashy, always believable—and her ability to craft heroines who are clever, resilient, and relatable. Her stories explore themes of class, repression, and discovery, wrapped in a prose that feels both immersive and accessible.
Why C.J. Archer Matters
C.J. Archer’s impact lies in her ability to make history feel alive and magical. Her novels have garnered a global fanbase, with readers praising her for blending fantasy with the social intricacies of the Victorian era. By self-publishing, she’s shown aspiring authors the power of creative control, publishing over 60 novels and selling millions of copies. Her stories resonate with those who crave escapism with substance, offering a window into a world where magic and manners coexist.
- Pen Name: Writes short stories as Carolyn Scott.
- Key Works: The Watchmaker’s Daughter, The Medium, Murder at the Mayfair Hotel.
- Award: Won RWAustralia’s Emerald Award in 2008 for Honor Bound.
- Hometown: Melbourne, Australia.
Ready to step into a world of gaslit streets and hidden magic? Snag The Watchmaker’s Daughter and dive into C.J. Archer’s spellbinding historical fantasies!