This is my fourth book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. I call it two stories in one book. A split timeline. The characters from each story were engaging. I loved Dini and Quinn’s story but I also loved reading Hedda’s story. I loved that the author let us know there were some facts that were real. A great plot, a mystery, a romance and intriguing with a faith thread. I recommend this book if you want to read something that will keep you flipping those pages. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All my opinions are my own.

Based on a true story, The Black Midnight hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. I never knew about the connection between Jack the Ripper and The Midnight Assassin. It made for interesting reading. Add in a female Pinkerton related to the queen and you have the recipe for a thrilling tale.

The characters were well developed and very true to life with their personalities and interactions. While romance can be a bit awkward in a murder mystery, author Kathleen Y’Barbo did a really good job of meshing the two. If you enjoy such books I recommend reading this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Black Midnight, written by Kathleen Y'Barbo was so well written I couldn't put it down. The historical aspect of a young Pinkerton Detective who is really the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria was fabulous. With her partner, Isaiah Joplin, they go on a hunt for what they believe is the Midnight Assassin. The case takes Annie across from one country to another, all the while she is dealing with telling Isaiah the truth about herself, hiding her profession from her family & finding herself involved in intrigue, deceit, and murder. This book really draws you in and keeps you guessing. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This was an interesting read. Obviously I have heard of Jack The Ripper but I was unfamiliar with the murders that took place a few years before in Austin Texas. Bringing those cases together made for a fun read. Annie and Isaiah were great characters and I really enjoyed the character of Hattie. The story was good and kept me interested. It's quick and easy, perfect for a weekend read. 

I received this book through NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a historical fiction with a few facts changed to meet the story needs. I am leaning more towards calling it a romance story with some history. Obviously a lot of research went into this book and thankfully details of the murders on both sides of the pond were not discussed. Lovely descriptions of the Palace, some of its rooms, homes, lanscape and buildings in Austin,Texas are included. The book cover gives enough information regarding the story, so I won't repeat. The characters are interesting and there is a lot of dialogue in the story. There seems to be more around the events in Texas than that of England. It is a little slow reading for my tastes but was overall a fun book to read. 
I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars 
Older High School Teens- Three Stars 
My personal Rating- Three Stars 

I didn’t necessarily really like or dislike the romance of this story, but I found the historical facts and the author’s note very interesting. I think I noticed more about that then their romance/relationship. As for the content of the serial killer, I wouldn’t consider it gruesome unless you have an active imagination. Or you look up pictures of the victims (I highly discourage doing this even if you have a strong stomach). This was an easier read because of the short length and it was fun that it was set around Christmas during part of the book.

This is book 7 of the True Colors series.  This book is part of the fiction based on strange but true history of American Crimes and covers Jack the Ripper serial killer murders back in 1889.  When Anne, great-granddaughter to the Queen teams up with Isaiah, detective from Texas to solve if these crimes are being done by the same person in America and England. They start to investigate and find clues that match a mysterious Midnight Assassin group, can they be the ones that know who the killer is?  Anne also doesn't want anyone to know her true identity and tries to keep it a secret, can she keep who she is away from reporters and everyone she is associated with?


I would recommend this to anyone that likes a good mystery.  I love these books and this one didn't let me down.  This story has so many twist and turns it was hard to give a full review of all that was going on and also to be careful not give away any spoilers.  The ending of this book is a shock and not what you expect at all.  It is (as told in the back of the book, fictional with some true events and some added changes to this story.)  a drama with a bit of romance that keeps you page turning until the end.... I could not put this down.... great read and would suggest to all......

This was a fun read!  At first, I thought I missed the first book of a series, but then I realized that the story has two different settings - Austin, Texas and London, England.  Annie and Ike are Pinkerton Detectives tasked with finding a killer that could be the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper.  In the meantime, they are trying to deny their feelings for one another.  Did I mention that Annie's great-grandmother is Queen Victoria?  Very enjoyable.

The Black Midnight kept my attention from start to finish. I loved the Christmas scenes in the story. The characters had so much fun with the decorations. I enjoy Annie and her investigating of the killer. Will she be able to figure out who the killer is?

The Black Midnight is another excellent book in the True Crime Series. I enjoyed it very much. A blend of romance while solving a crime.

Alice Anne von Wettin (great granddaughter of Queen Victoria) is asked by her grandmother to try to solve the Jack the Ripper murder case.  Alice (AKA Annie) returns to Austin, TX to ask her past Pinkerton agent partner Isaiah Joplin to help her solve the case.  Five years previously she had tried to solve the Midnight Assassin case in Austin with him but was unsuccessful.  Most of this book was set during Annie's Midnight Assassin investigation back in Austin, but it does flash forward again to Annie's Jack the Ripper murder investigation near the end of the book.  

Since neither one of these true crime cases were ever solved, it was interesting that the author was able to successfully make a plausible case for connecting the two murder sprees to one fictional murderer.  As usual, after reading a book from this series, I was able to come away with a little more knowledge of unknown American history that I didn't know.  I didn't find this book to be as suspenseful as compared to other books I have read in this series, nor did I find the romantic story line to be very gripping.  I think I would have found the book to be a little more believable if the main character wasn't related to the queen.  However, the book was still fun to read and I look forward to reading future books in the series. 

Thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book.

I found this book to be interesting and fast paced, the way the two merge is done extremely well. Another brilliant book for the True Colours Series. The characters draw you in and hold you captive as the story rolls on. Though based on fact the author is upfront about what she had created and what is fact.
Thank you to Netgalley/ Kathleen y’Barbo/ Barbour Publishing inc for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

"The Black Midnight" by Kathleen Y'Barbo is part of the True Colors series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

This series blends truth and fiction as we turn through history pages to ponder what might be. That is the journey that the author of "The Black Midnight" takes us on. Queen Victoria's Granddaughter, Annie, who works for Scotland Yard, has been investigating the Whitechapel murders. There is a series of killings happening in Texas that are very similar. Annie arrives in Texas to ask her former partner and beau, Isaiah, to help determine if her uncle is the culprit.

The mystery in "The Black Midnight" was more far-fetched than I would have liked. Anyone who is hoping to find an intriguing twist to Jack the Ripper Lore will be disappointed. Still, I could suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the story, and there is plenty to enjoy. The romance was fantastic. Not too heavy or dramatic. The language and the content were clean, as this is a Christian series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a dash of mystery and romance. I give "The Black Midnight" 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of "The Black Midnight" in exchange for an honest review. The views I’ve expressed are my own.

Okay, I’ll be honest. There are flaws with this book. There. I said it. The ending is a bit rushed, there are a few inconsistencies, the royalty aspect (which I was really excited about) was interesting but stretched the suspension of disbelief, and the way the “we don’t know what happened” was handled… eeeeh.. not so much.

Okay, now that I got the honest criticism out of the way, how about we talk characters?  Loved them. Queen Victoria cracked me up. I love when people write her as a person instead of just a personage. Y’Barbo DID.

What about settings?  Great!  I loved that the author both gave Austin, Texas its best setting possible (snow!) while acknowledging that the actual snowfall was a year before or behind (can’t recall which).  That kind of transparency makes storytelling so much better!.  We can accept it if we’re not expected to ignore fact without acknowledgment.

I think what I loved most about the book was that the author didn’t try to create conclusions that would alter history while presenting possibilities that, if proven, would. Add to that the sheer fun of juxtaposing Victorian London with Austin, Texas and two crimes that could have been connected, and you have a book you don’t want to put down.

Recommended?
If you enjoy true crime stories, Jack the Ripper stories, and clean fiction without the gore that usually goes with both of those, I think Kathleen Y’Barbo’s The Black Midnight is perfect for you. Not recommended for people who expect every historical reference to any person or event to be perfectly verifiable. This is a novel and is presented as one.

These books are all so good! This time, the story revolves around Jack the Ripper, and The Midnight Assassin. I love how these authors bring history to life. These stories are always so well written. I have always been fascinated by the Pinkerton Agency as well, and loved that focus in this storyline. I thought the balance between history, suspense, and romance was well done. Nothing about any of those aspects felt corny or forced. This was a highly enjoyable read, especially for those who love historical fiction. Definitely recommend it, and will look for more books by this author.

I have read several books by Kathleen Y'Barbo and I have enjoyed all of them.... except this one. The premise was okay. The writing was okay. The characters were okay. To be honest, I struggled to finish this one. I felt like I couldn't connect with the characters and I kept having to force myself to finish the book. I really hated that I didn't love this book, because I really do enjoy Ms. Y'Barbo's work. I will continue to read her work, just not from this series or sub-genre.

I love a good book that makes me think!  Sometimes the challenge of trying to figure out who-dun-it makes for a very satisfying and engaging read - even if I turn out to be wrong!  Couple that with historical fiction and that makes for a winning book!

I actually read this book twice.  I read it the first time when I first got it a month or two ago (I requested the book, received it for free, and am giving my honest opinion) and then again last night (which is a little more than a week before this book review is published).  I enjoyed it the first time, and I really enjoyed it the second time!  

The Black Midnight was a very engaging book!  Even though much of it is fiction, there were enough historical details to make it seem real.  Neither the Midnight Assassin nor Jack the Ripper was ever identified in real life and the story reflects this; however, I did enjoy the author's unfolding of who might have been involved (again, fictional, but believable).

I really enjoyed "meeting" Queen Victoria in this book.  There were one or two other secondary real-life characters, but she was the one who intrigued me the most with such characteristics as her using her third-person "we/us" instead of "I/me."  I noticed in reviewing my highlights of the book that she only uses the third-person when she speaks of herself as Queen; other times, she uses I/me when she is speaking on a personal level - for example, to Annie whom she calls Kitten.

In my second reading of the book, I realized that Annie is very much like her great grandmother Queen Victoria in this book:  commanding, in control, imperious in manner, yet very, very likable.
"She is the queen, Isaiah."  Annie sighed.  "She can do whatever she wants.  Just be thankful that she does not."
Another character that I liked (because I disliked him) is a journalist who does anything he can to get the scoop on the case of the Midnight Assassin.  Annie, who is extremely perceptive, catches onto him at once and puts him in his place:
"Thank you for that insight.  I see you are intent on proving yourself as good a detective as you claimed at dinner.  I fail to be impressed, but you have my permission to continue trying.  Good night, Mr. Blake."
Don't you just love that?  I would love to be as witty and direct as she is!

Annie's partner Isaiah is also very insightful and very thoughtful.  I love what he said to Annie:
"I see you in there," he said, his eyes on hers.  "I don't know who you are yet, but I want to.  And I am willing to wait."
I also love this interchange between Isaiah and the Queen:
"I have learned that patience is a virtue."  He paused.  "And that what is meant to be will be." 
One dark brow lifted.  "And what cannot be?" 
"Takes a little longer, ma'am," he said in his Texas drawl.
The Black Midnight is like a character in itself; as a matter of fact, it ..... I just realized that might be a bit of a spoiler.  Just get the book and read it.  You won't be disappointed!

I have been looking forward to reading The Black Midnight for awhile and love that I finally got the chance.  The Jack the Ripper or Whitechapel murders have always been a fascination with me, especially since they remain unsolved to this day, so reading about the Pinkerton detectives trying to solve these cases was a treat.  

I was instantly charmed by Alice Anne, or Annie as she is known throughout most of the book.  Though she is a member of the royal family, and great-granddaughter to Queen Victoria, she is not stuffy or pretentious, but is a woman with her own mind, and refuses to not live what she isn't passionate about, even if that means hiding the truth from the monarchy, her family.

Being paired with fellow Pinkerton detective Isaiah "Ike" Joplin is sheer perfection, their partnership filled with playful banter and undeniable chemistry.  The description of the murders are tastefully described and there are multiple players that keep the story shrouded in mystery and intrigue, keeping you constantly guessing who the killer could be.

My only complaint about the entire novel is my disappointment with the ending.  Building up on the hunt for the killer, as well as the will they/won't they of Ike and Annie's relationship, I was expecting more fireworks, so to speak.  The end of the investigation was lackluster at best, and Ike and Annie's story felt incomplete.  When I read the last sentence and turned the page to see the author's note I was heartbroken, having to leave many details to my imagination instead of the author's pen.  I would've loved to have heard her views instead of having to rely on my own.

Despite my disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed The Black Midnight!  It was a quick read for me with wonderful characters, decent writing, and a story that captures the imagination and makes me want to completely nerd out and do more research, not only on the Whitechapel Murders, but the famed midnight assassin as well.

Alice is the great-granddaughter to the Queen of England and a Pinkerton detective. She and Ike (fellow Pinkerton) are working to solve the murder spree that moved from London to Texas. Bodies are piling up and they have yet to determine the killer. The Midnight Assassin leaves no clues--only dead bodies. Alice and Ike have work to do!

i really enjoy Ms. Y'Barbo's work, and I really enjoyed reading this mystery. It had what I was looking for in this type of book.

I absolutely loved the merging of two different societies for this novel - the author successfully brings together the terror plaguing both cities in an enjoyable, suspenseful read about Jack-the-Ripper-esque killings and two headstrong, heart bound agents fighting to solve these historical crimes.  In true series fashion, I learned more about these awful occurrences than I had previously even considered.   This series, True Colours, wonderfully entwines historical true crime with tender romance and this title is no exception.   The pacing lends an element of racing against the clock and the elements of intrigue and danger up the risk factor.