"The Black Midnight" is an Engrossing, Inspirational Romantic Thriller, by Kathleen Y'Barbo. This Story is written about 2 actual real, and similar series of unsolved murders; that occurred in Austen, Texas, then in London, England. KY wondered: "What if Jack the Ripper committed both sets of murders?"

Isaiah meets Annie/Alice Anne on her Austin, TX murder case. He falls for her, without knowing she's a member of England's Royal Family. Should he work with Annie again in London, when she asks? Can he keep her safe, as they close in on the murderer?

Alice Anne fell for Isaiah in Texas; but hated that he got hurt by her secret identity. She needs Isaiah's smarts to help her solve the Jack the Ripper murders; and she trusts him. Can she keep her heart safe, by keeping Isaiah at an emotional distance, as they work the case?

Are Isaiah & Annie fated to be "star crossed lovers"? Do they identify the murderer? I Highly Recommend You Read This Story to find out! ❤️📖 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wonderfully done, definitely recommend, and will be reading more by this author!
Thank you NetGalley and Kathleen Y'Barbo for the opportunity to review this book.

Discovering various historical crimes with this series has been fun for me. I never fully know what historical mystery to expect when I open the pages of a True Colors book.

If you like forbidden-love stories, then this one will fit your fancy. It wasn’t one of those “uncomfortable” romances where they were too involved or comments were made or lustful thoughts were had. It was just flirtations and stolen kisses that continued throughout the book.

Now that I have finished the story, I’m trying to remember if there was any Christian content, and I’m not remembering any. Looking for it specifically, one character made a comment about the Bible commanding to leave vengeance to the Lord, but that was honestly the only Christian content there was. It was a clean read, but I wouldn’t consider it a Christian read.

I’m not much of a spoiler person—often not even reading the back cover copy—so when the first two chapters were established and then about 60% of the book was “4 years before,” I felt like I was reading backstory.

I was personally expecting a bit more mystery than what these pages held. In all honesty, I sometimes forgot there was even a mystery going, because their relationship took precedence. For being Pinkertons, they seemed very inept with information that was practically handed them. Information was just passed around (which was a good way to get accurate historical elements in the story) and in the end, the bad guy practically revealed himself before the detectives had settled on who it was.

I did find the facts about the Black Midnight groups quite fascinating and the historical note was very intriguing. I can only imagine the challenge of writing a book in which you historically do not know if the mystery was solved. So having it left open-ended for me wasn’t a problem.

*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review*

This book is one of the True Color Series that is a historical fiction of a high profile crime. This book was about the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper. The theory being that they were one and the same. The books major focus was the murders that were committed in Austin, Texas in 1885 and how they were very similar to those that happened in England 1888. The story of the Pinkerton Detectives that were investigating the murders is entwined with events from those times. The story is interesting, the characters are well formed and interesting. The only small issue I had with this book was the last chapter. It just ended in a way that left readers wondering what happened to the two main characters of the story. If felt unfinished in a way, the reader can guess what takes place but doesn't know for sure. Other than the last chapter this was a wonderful book.

This is the second book in the True Crimes series that I’ve read. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance between Pinkerton detectives Annie and Isaiah. Kathleen Y’Barbo does a great job weaving fiction with fact and I appreciated the history she gives at the end of the book.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

The True Colors series of stories are all fictional but based in true crime. They are all great stand alone books that have excellent authors telling the compelling stories in such a manner that you will keep checking to make sure the book is fiction.

The Black Midnight is written around a series of murders of young women in Austin, Texas just prior to London's Jack the Ripper starts his campaign of terror. The Queen tasks a young detective, in this case a woman detective, with assisting in the Ripper investigation because the detective had assisted in the Texas investigation, even though it had not been solved. The American detective will also join the British investigation but his reason may not all be the noble one of catching a killer.

This series of books has been very entertaining reads. I've enjoyed every one of them with each keeping the story moving and interesting from 1st to last pages. True Crime with a fictional twist....is that a new genre??

I've been hooked on the True Colors series since I read The Blue Cloak last year, so when I got the chance to read The Black Midnight, I was thrilled. This book did not disappoint.

The Black Midnight is a historical suspense novel based on true crimes that actually happened in Austin, Texas, and London, England in the 1880s. Alice Anne, aka Annie Walters, is hiding her true identity as a member of the royal family so that she can follow her dreams as a Pinkerton agent in America. Another agent, the charming Isaiah Joplin, also known as Ike, has joined her in finding the man responsible for the brutal nighttime murders of a growing number of innocent people. Can she manage to keep her secrets while juggling finding a criminal and trying to avoid the distractions of a relationship with a fellow agent?

As a huge fan of suspense and true crime, I couldn't put this book down. The ending was the only part I was a little disappointed with, as it seemed to come to an end very abruptly. I would definitely read it again, however, and will be recommending this one to my friends.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Black Midnight through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I loved how this author took readers along with Annie and Austin’s search for Jack the Ripper without making it gory. I enjoyed hanging out with the two Pinkerton agents, Anne, being the great granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the other agent was Isaiah Joplin. They work together trying to hunt down the man behind these horrific murders in Austin, Texas. Each of these agents takes this search serious but could not overlook the feelings they have for each other as their search goes on.

I enjoy this authors versatility in the novels she writes. I enjoyed this clever mystery with a sweet romance in the mix. I liked how the author talks about the research she did for this story, she says what is real and what she had to bend to make the story work in notes to readers. She says, “Because I’m a history nerd, I love sharing with my readers some of that mountain of research I collect…..”The term Jack the Ripper came from the signature on a letter sent by the purported killer to the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, along with a preserved human kidney.”

This is just a peek at the fascinating information she gathered about these investigations. This novel is part of the True Colors series. Each book explores criminal activity through stories of historical romantic suspense. All this is intriguing. I look forward to reading more in this series. This novel would be good for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I am loving Barbour Publishing’s True Colors Crime Series and the streak continues with The Black Midnight.

Through Pinkerton agent Annie and her crime-solving partner, Ike Kathleen Y’Barbo brings two mystery murder investigations together: The Midnight Assassin in Austin, and London’s Jack the Ripper.

Annie and Ike work well together professionally despite their personal feelings for each other. But Annie has not been completely honest about her royal relationship—she’s the granddaughter of the Queen. Will that interfere with the investigation when Ike finds out, or will it be business as usual? These two characters have wonderful chemistry, and I loved how the author threaded the slow burn of their romance so naturally into the story. It balanced the heaviness of the brutal reality of these heinous crimes.

I appreciate the intense research the author explored to bring such a detailed account of these historic events, and how the similarities were connected despite the distance in locations.

Highly recommend The Black Midnight and am very excited about the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the read of Kathleen Y’Barbo’s, The Black Midnight.

Opinions expressed are my own.

The excitement flowing through me when I learned about The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo! I have read one other book by Kathleen Y’Barbo, The Alamo Bride of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and absolutely loved that book, too! This book is part of the True Colors series and an excellent addition to the collection and I am so pleased with this read!

This story takes readers back to the late 1800s, beginning in Austin, Texas and the rest in London, England. I’ve recently read several books that mention the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and this story is my first read with Pinkerton detectives as main characters. And one of the detectives happens to be the great-granddaughter of none other than the Queen; you know, of England!

I love the simplicity placed in the crime scenes themselves since the story is more about the detectives’ relationship than about the crimes themselves. Intimate moments between the two show their interest in each other. And the protectiveness they seem to have for the other among admirers who attempt to spark some chumminess is evident.

This story is absolutely lovely! I was really drawn to the main characters and kind of weary of a few. I even felt a comfort with close family members as if they were my own family. Books are extra special to me when I feel like the characters are my close friends or family; so, this ones a keeper!

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo was provided complimentary by NetGalley and Barbour Books in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book so I give it five out of five tiaras and I’ve decided Kathleen Y’Barbo is among my favorite authors!

This book was scary , mysterious and entertaining . Everything I had hoped for in a book. I hope to read more from this author and in the same genre.

The Black Midnight continues the True Crime series of fiction based on actual crimes. This book is based on eight unsolved murders in Austin, Texas in 1884-85 and five women who were killed in London during a 3 month period in 1888 (Jack the Ripper). You will be fascinated by Annie Walters a Pinkerton agent aka Alice Anne von Wettin, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria! No one is more surprised at Annie's royal connections than her Pinkerton partner and admirer, Isaiah Joplin. Annie and Ike work to find if members of the secret organization The Black Midnight are protecting a fellow organization member. Romance blossoms during the investigation in Texas but Annie knows she can only marry someone Granny approves and that certainly won't be a Texan! I recommend The Black Midnight to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

This historical fiction story was an interesting read regarding the subject and the police procedure that it included. I really enjoyed the case and the telling of the happenings but didn't love the book. It was certainly well written and well researched, however, I didn't like the angle of the investigator being Queen Victoria's granddaughter and her helping Annie keep her job. I know royal family members have regular jobs often enough but this seemed to far-fetched for my imagination. And while the romance between Ike and Annie was good, it seemed too rushed at the end of the story. So I would recommend this book for the crime drama part of it but not so much for the rest of it.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I’m loving these True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime as they are enlightening as well as entertaining. I had never heard of The Midnight Assassin in Austin Texas and love how the speculation entwined the similarities with Jack the Ripper. I always feel more knowledgeable after reading these well researched novels. Full of history, romance, suspense, and woven together seamlessly you will not want to put it down. I especially enjoyed the authors notes at the end of the book. A must read.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Based on a true life crime story taking place in Texas and London England I really enjoyed this story following two Pinkerton agents as they tried to solve the cases of the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper. Mystery, intrigue, a little romance and the Royal Family made this a story that was interesting and some 'really' moments! Searching for these killers was another great addition to this True Crimes series.
I was gifted a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

Are murders on both sides of The Pond connected?

The Black Midnight is one of the True Colors books that I've most looked forward to, especially when I found out that Kathleen Y'Barbo was the author. I've read a couple of her other Barbour books and they've been amongst my favorites in those series.

Aside from one glaring error I really enjoyed this book. Using historical dates and clues from the book Queen Victoria couldn't have been Annie's great-grandmother as her children would have been between the ages of 21 and 4 when they become a grandparent.

I had never heard of the The Midnight Assassin (or the Servant Girl Annihilator) murders before but I've done a little online reading into Jack The Ripper. So, a story that connected these two historical serial killers had to be interesting. And it was!

Honestly, when I started I wondered how Kathleen Y'Barbo would handle the fact that both of the serial killings have remained unsolved over the 130+ years since they occurred. But she did it, fictionally yes, but she did it well and I was satisfied that the novel had a conclusion instead of being left open-ended.

I loved the characters in The Black Midnight! And right off I felt like they were my friends. Well, except for the two people I was suspicious of, and it turned out it was for good reason on the one. Annie and Isaiah were great, and I really liked them, but, I think it was Miss Hattie and Alfie who stole the show for me.

True crime and historical romance blend well in Kathleen Y'Barbo's exciting addition to the chilling True Colors series. Read The Black Midnight and find out what was and what might have been...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

This series has become one of my favorites. This is the 7th book in the True Colors series - and I have read the others. However, each story can be read as a standalone. This book is based off The Midnight Assassin who was terrorizing and killing women in Austin Texas. Potentially connected to Jack the Ripper. In this book, we see the great grand daughter of Queen Victoria, Alice Anne von Wettin who had previously worked as a Pinkerton Agent, asked to form a team to look into it. Once she gets to Chicago, she meets up with Isiah Joplin, another Pinkerton agent. Alice does not want her heritage to get tied up with her ability to dissect the events and doing her job. There is romance weaved into the suspense. This book will draw you in within the first few pages.

The author, who I have read before, has done extensive research to make this as real feeling as possible The characters are well written, the storyline is intriguing. Be warned, you will not want to put the book down.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own..

A Ripper kind of mystery

I have always been intrigued by the Ripper mystery, so when I seen this was just before the famed London terror, I knew I wanted to read The Black Midnight.

This wonderfully written mystery pulls you right into the heart of the story of Annie and Ike as they hunt for answers that only seem to elude them. All the while, you feel the heartache of their own desires toward each other that they do not have the liberty to explore. Their banter is fun at times and you can feel the tension building between them. The fear of the supporting characters is just a palpable at times as each new murder comes into focus.

Again, another reason why I love this series. I have not been disappointed once by these books, no matter the gruesomeness of the event. They have all been entertaining and enthralling.

**I was given a copy from the publisher to CelebrateLit. Opinions expressed repeatedly my own and a positive review was not required.

Intriguing characters people this historical true crime suspense novel. Annie, a Pinkerton detective, just happens to be the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Her partner, Isaac, is also a capable detective and they work well together. In fact, their relationship begs to move beyond friends and coworkers, but Annie knows the queen would never allow her to marry an American commoner. This adds another level of tension as they strive to uncover the serial killer terrorizing Austin, Texas, and stop his rampage. Three years later, a murderer nicknamed Jack the Ripper leaves Londoners trembling. Could these two crime sprees be connected to one person? The intrigue mounts as the story unfolds taking readers on a compelling journey of investigating murders that, to this day, have not been solved. The author did a great job at developing the plot and showing the action without being too gruesome. Anyone who likes a good mystery should enjoy this one. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

What does Jack the Ripper have to do with a true American crime? Maybe something, maybe nothing. But The Black Midnight opens up and explores some connections that I never even heard about before.

This story takes place over two time lines- just four years apart- but the same main characters. A man and woman team in the Pinkerton Agency. Isaiah Joplin is a Texan through and through and he like the rest of the town does not like the fear that has arisen due to the Midnight Assassin's cold-blooded killing of innocent women. He teams up with British agent, Alice Anne von Wettin, Annie for short, to try to break this case wide open.

Not only do we have a very chilling murder mystery, but to balance it out we have a romance brewing that between these two agents might just not work out. Annie has some secrets of her own that she has been keeping from Isaiah, and her family.

I enjoyed both timelines, especially how the past set us up for the present one and the pace kept moving throughout. There was a lot of interesting facts sprinkled throughout and with these stories the author's notes in the back are priceless.

I think the whole True Colors series should be picked up as a drama series. They do a nice job of balancing the disturbing with the romance.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.