This is another wonderful novel in the True Colors crime series. I love this series and look forward to each new entry as the various authors build a story around actual crimes. This book is no different. In this story, two Pinkerton Detectives — one of whom is the granddaughter of Queen Victoria operating undercover — investigate a series of murders in Texas and their possible relation to a series of murders in Victorian England. I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Rest assured, it will keep you engaged to the end.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are totally my own.

I am intrigued by the story of Jack the Ripper, but I had never heard of the Servant Girl Annihilator/Midnight Assassin in Austin, Texas. Because of that, I went into this book with much interest.

Annie Walters (Alice Anne von Wettin), the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria is requested by her great-grandmother to find the killer, Jack the Ripper. More specifically, to clear the name of Prince Eddy, Alice's uncle. But in order to do that she must create her team, her mentor - Simon Kent, and her ex-partner in Autin, Isaiah Joplin.

In December 1885, Annie and Ike find themselves working on the case of Austin's serial killer. Trying to find out who is responsible for killing several servants, a man, and a child. His victims becoming all the more radical, Annie and Ike, are determined. But on Christmas Eve their killer strikes again, and this time a woman they know. But why would he kill a woman of prominence, a servant, and try to kill her husband too. Alice wishes she had the chance, except for the unplanned visit from her father whisking her back to London.

As with all good mysteries, these both remain unsolved. I liked the similarities to the two crime scenes, and also how Queen Victoria was brought in. The relationship of Annie and Ike was one I enjoyed, their chemistry and her English pomp and wit, with his Southern charm and drawl played well together. I enjoyed Ms. Y'Barro's account of these crimes. Can't wait to read the next in this series.

Annie Walters, aka Alice Anne von Wettin, great-granddaughter to Queen Victoria, loves her work as a Pinkerton detective. The only problem? Her family has no idea she’s searching for criminals instead of a husband during her sojourn in the United States.

Annie and fellow agent Isaiah Joplin investigate the horrific murders of Austin, TX area women at the hands of the Midnight Assassin. Isaiah wants more than a working partnership with Annie, but Annie knows she must fulfill her obligations to her family by marrying a wealthy man.

Three years later, Queen Victoria tasks Annie with discovering the identity of a man known as Jack the Ripper and gives her carte blanc to form a team of investigators. Annie chooses Isaiah because she suspects the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper may be the same man.

Sparks fly as the two detectives rush to find a killer before more innocent lives are lost.

If you love well-written historical fiction, you’ll love this book. If you love true-crime books, even better. The True Colors series by Barbour Books features fictional characters interacting with people from the pages of history to create a unique genre.

Y’Barbo masterfully creates relatable characters and suspense that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my honest thoughts.

Jack the Ripper has fascinated and baffled people for nearly a hundred fifty years. It’s no surprise that this serial killer was featured in a book in the True Colors series about true crime stories.

This was a pretty good story and kept me intrigued most of the time. The reason I lowered my rating from four stars to three was that history was altered simply for the sake of creating a “better” or “more picturesque” setting. The snowy, slushy scenes that created such beautiful atmosphere during which two of the murders took place? Yeah, that snow happened the year before the murders in real life, which was freely admitted in the author’s note at the end of the book. This is a huge pet peeve for me. If the details were researchable, why alter them? Having lived in Texas my whole life, I’m very familiar with how rare snow is in this state. Since it’s so rare, when we get a good snowfall, it’s memorable to the point of remembering which year it was or how old we were when we got it. It’s disappointing to me that this was disregarded for the sake of a story.

The speculation about who might or might not have been Jack the Ripper or the Midnight Assassin did not bother me. These crimes have been long speculated (for nearly a century and a half), so it makes sense that any author writing about the crimes, whether fiction or non, would have to speculate at least a bit, along with doing a ton of research, to make the finale of an unsolved crime believable, even if it ends on an unfinished note (due to the crimes’ having never been solved in real life). This speculation was handled really well and in a realistic way.

I liked that the leading lady was a royal working undercover. Y’all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that done in a book before! Maybe there are others out there, and I would be interested in hearing your recommendations, because I found this incredibly fun and highly entertaining.

The history of the murders (when they happened, how many there were, where they were located) was interesting, and I was glad to read in the author’s note that these facts were true to history. I didn’t know the Midnight Assassin in Austin existed before Jack the Ripper in London. In fact, I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin before reading this book. I would say the author’s stated goal (in the author’s note) of inspiring readers to dig into the history of these criminals was successful already, because I’m now a lot more curious about these events and want to become more aware of serial killers such as these so that I may be more alert about potential dangerous events around me in the century I live in. This is the same reason why I like watching Forensic Files and crime dramas and reading true crime books (fiction or non) like this one.

Not only is Annie young and beautiful, she is also a Pinkerton detective. She is on assignment in Austin, Texas hunting the killer of several young women. Isaac, her co-detective is an attorney turned detective. The story eventually moves to England where several young women are killed in the same manner as in Austin. This story is filled with drama both personally and professionally for the two main characters as they try to solve these murders.
I like how Annie is portrayed. She is cool under pressure and self-assured, yet she does not come across as some sort of superwoman. Also, she is hiding a couple of personal secrets that she must guard carefully from Isaac.
The author uses wonder descriptions. For example, the Christmas scene is so vividly written that I want to drink hot chocolate and sit by a fire even though I’m reading this in August.
Thank you #NetGalley and #TheBlackMidnight for the advanced copy of this fantastic book. I highly recommend The Black Midnight.

A great book that was quite interesting. Fast paced and keeps you wanting to turn the pages. The characters and scenes are well developed and intriguing keeping your attention. A wonderful read.

My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Alice Ann is good at being a police officer; she loves bringing criminals to just and seeing justice served. The only catch is her politically powerful family doesn't want her to do it. At first, Alice Ann thinks it is because it would not reflect well upon her family. But, as she is brought into a case of grissly murders at the request of her great-grandmother the queen, she realizes this isn't true. She has to find the truth, no matter who is the killer. Eliminating Alice Ann uncovers a secret society of elite British intellectuals who are possibly harboring a murderous member.

Alice Ann (Annie) is aided by a team of hand-picked former Pinkerton agents that she worked with previously in America. The murders in Austin, TX and London, England seem to be connected and only those who worked with her before have the knowledge she needs to break this case. Once, she had to give up the colleague she loved for family, will she have to do it again?

I enjoyed reading this fictional tale of a series of true murders and the added dimension of a love story. I appreciated the background knowledge Ms. Y'Barbo shared with her readers; she gave additional books to read if you have an interest in learning more about them.

I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

I do like Pinkerton detective stories. This one is really 2 stories that merge and share the same 2 detectives. I like their interaction and romance. Annie's family adds a nice touch too. Women are dying in Austin and in later in London. Is the same killer guilty of all the deaths? This author weaves a great story. I was thrilled to read this book. I liked it.

I loved this next installment in the True Colors Crime Series! An intriguing twist in both Jack the Ripper and The Midnight Assassin crime theories. The portrayal of the Pinkerton Agency and England’s royal family in this thrilling mystery was a fascinating look at potential explanations. I love how the characters worked together and the back story of characters and events is explained early on. Annie and Isaiah forge a professional alliance, determined not to let their feelings get involved. The beauty of love stories though, is seeing it seep out through the cracks in all interactions and develop into what it was meant to be. Sigh. I loved the relational slow build, the mystery, and the way it was all wrapped up at the end. I really could not put it down until I knew the outcome. It is part of the True Crime Series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo is one of the most balanced and flawlessly written historical fiction books I have ever read. And that is quite an accomplishment when you consider that it is loosely framed about the infamous Jack the Ripper case. It can be difficult to suspend the reader’s disbelief or incorporate fictional characters around such a case, even with the holes in evidence.

As a murderino (a fan of the My Favorite Murder podcast), I was already familiar with the various theories about Jack the Ripper but completely forgot about the possible connection to murders in Austin, Texas. Having lived in Austin while I attended the University of Texas at Austin, it was thrilling to read about the city and the university from an imagined 19th century point of view. Beyond the obvious horse and buggy references, we have historic landmarks like the Driskill Hotel breaking ground and the capitol under construction. I always get a thrill from sartorial details that solidify the time period: pin watches, bowler hats, and sprigged patterned frocks.

Y’Barbo delivers a smart mystery and a touching love story all in one. She sets up the “present” time and jumps to the past to explain the tense encounter between the ex-Pinkerton partners. Y’Barbo also shifts seamlessly from Annie’s perspective to Isaiah’s, and even more smoothly transitions from the gumshoe to the heartstring moments.

As much as I enjoyed Annie and Isaiah, my favorite characters in the book were Queen Victoria and the housekeeper Miss Hattie. I couldn’t picture anyone’s face clearly in my head, but the dialogue and gumption of those two characters in particular made me smile every time. Normally, the lack of physical descriptions would bother me, but this novel contained minute details like tics and differentiated speech patterns that kept my attention focused on more important things.

I think that anyone who has an interest in historical fiction and unsolved mysteries would enjoy this story. Even though it is not categorized as a romance, I think that fans of the historical romance genre would like this one as well. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This was a great book. I enjoyed reading about Alice and Isaiah's adventures while in Texas and in London. The crimes were horrific and I had never heard of the midnight assassin until reading this book. The book was written in present time, but most of the book was in a flashback. Alice was tasked by Queen Victoria to work on the Jack Ripper cases. Alice decided that working with her former Pinkerton Detective partner, Isaiah. Sparks fly between Isaiah and Alice when they work together. They both struggle to keep their relationship professional, yet there is an attraction brewing under the surface. The brutal murders that the book is highlighting were not as graphic as they could have been. I believe the author did a great job of describing the scenes without being too detailed. I recommend to those that like a little suspense, mystery and romance.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

History brings us many fascinating tidbits, some of which are very hard to believe. We have all heard of Jack the Ripper, but the murders in Austin, Texas were new to me. The similarities between these murders can not be denied, but whether or not they were perpetrated by the same person remains yet to be discovered....or did our illustrious Pinkertons figure it out?

It is 1889 in London, England and Alice Anne von Wettin is called before Queen Victoria. This young lady has spent several years as a Pinkerton agent in the USA, already quite a feat for a woman and certainly much more so for the great granddaughter of the Queen! Isaiah Joplin is her partner from her tenure in Texas. Can they, along with a high-level officer of the Metropolitan Police, finally catch this murderer? Granny is counting on them...

This installment in the True Colors crime series keeps you wondering right up till the end. Toss in a little covert romance, plenty of suspense and you have a story you will long remember. I received this copy through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

When I finished this book I felt as though I was involved with Ike and Annie investigating the murders thought to be from Jack the Ripper!
The writing is so realistic with just enough details without overdoing to capture and hold my attention and tempt me to keep on turning the pages!
Between the murders in Houston and London, there was plenty to keep these investigators busy. And I'm thankful there was nothing gruesome in describing the murders.
This series, Step into True Colors -- a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime is so excellent. Each book in this series is so hard to put down, or in my case turn off my light to get some sleep.
I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The mystery aspect of The Black Midnight is really a backdrop to the romance between Annie/Alice, the royal turned Pinkerton detective, and Isaiah Joplin, another Pinkerton detective from Austin Texas. She is forbidden to marry anyone outside of English society, so a Texan is way out of the question. Black Midnight is a society that operates in both America and the UK and they are on the trail of Jack the Ripper. Various suspects are investigated and there is a bit a plot twist at the end. There are some heartwarming moments with Queen Victoria and with Annie being in Austin for Christmas.

The True Colors series is definitely a unique genre of Christian fiction, but I actually have enjoyed every one I have read. Each book has a different author and focuses on crimes from the past, weaving within them a story of characters from that era.

"The Black Midnight" is a book that draws you in, basing some of the story in Austin, Texas, and other portions in London, England. As the world reels from Jack the Ripper's crimes, Queen Elizabeth suspects his crimes began earlier--in 1884 Texas. She enlists the help of her wayward granddaughter, Alice Ann von Wettin, who chose to leave England to become a Pinkerton investigator. There is a catch, though--the Queen wants to send along some backup for Alice Ann.

The book is really interesting and harkens back to dark Victorian alleys with predators lurking around every corner. To learn about the Pinkerton Agency and its agents was a cool twist to link the characters, and the romance element was believable.

If you enjoy spooky books like those of Jaime Jo Wright's or Victorian suspense novels by writers such as Michelle Griep, this is a great mix of the two. I can't wait to continue to watch this series. It's captivated me from the first book and I hope it keeps going!

I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley and Barbour Books.

A captivating read, telling the story of a killer or killers; fictional, yet with some facts included.

In this work of historical fiction, Y’barbo poses the possibility of a connection between Jack the Ripper and a serial killer who terrorized Austin, Texas just three years earlier. Y’barbo’s obvious research creates a fascinating read. Skillfully interwoven into the facts of the cases is the investigation—and subsequent romance—of fictional Pinkerton agents Alice and Isaiah, whose banter will keep readers turn the pages as much as the killer they are hunting.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Not my favorite in this series. I loved Kathleen Y'Barbo's books that were part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't feel like Ike had enough conflict over the girl he seemed almost engaged to in the first chapter. It was like she just went out the window for the next 80% of the book. I kept wondering if I'd even read that first part correctly or missed something.
I didn't really like the 4 year time jump toward the end. It wasn't close enough to the end to be like an epilogue, and there was no catch-up on what had happened. Everyone just picked up where they left off, and their conversations seemed more like only a few weeks had passed.
I did like the historical aspects of the book, the investigation of various actual historical leads on the Whitechapel murders. I think the history was aptly researched.
I just found the story a little slow, and a few plot holes a little distracting.

The Black Midnight is the third of the True Color series that I have read and this is by far my favorite. Crime and suspense is part of the story but I was pleased that the relationship between the main characters was in the forefront. It helped lighten the weight of the crime and death of the story line and it was such a relief for me.

The characters were well written and had depth despite the short time that the story covers. It kept the reader in suspense what would take place although the reader was hoping for a particular ending to the story. The crime was not completely solved and left questions in the reader’s mind to determine the true events.

I really enjoyed the story and felt like it was an easy read. I felt as if it was well written and would like to read other books written by Kathleen Y’Barbo because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and her style of writing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

3 1/2 stars rounded up. I have heard of Jack the Ripper but didn't realize there was a possible connection to a string of murders in Austin Texas, as well as a possible link to the Royal Family in London.

This was a super fun little twist of a story about two Pinkerton detectives who are trying to solve a slew of unsolved mysteries. We travel from Texas to London and get to watch as these two friends come together in their work as well as personal relationships.

Possible Spoiler Alert:
I didn't realize these murders were never solved! So while I enjoyed the story overall, there was no resolution.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.