Member Reviews

About a month ago, Barbour Punlishing sent me an email inviting me to join the review crew for The thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. Without hesitation I accepted this invitation because this far I have enjoyed books written by Michelle Griep!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a fantastically written historical fiction of the late 1800s in London. A Constable and a swindler happen to be looking for the same cabbie, for different reasons. Yet they seem to work together in their own ways with many challenges along the way to achieve their goal.

Two protagonists here, Kit Turner (the swindler) and Jackson Forge (the Constable). Kit grew up as an orphan, learning to take care of herself through the years and is now the leader of men who hope for more while Jackson’s past is full of guilt for allowing his older brother to get beaten up when they were just kids.

It’s interesting how these two happen to meet then unexpectedly end up creating their own path towards finding this missing cabbie. I do love how these two interact and seem to support one another so effortlessly. When while sometimes throwing the other under the bus, it seems they each are impressed with the other.

I do love both characters! They each could be an amazing story on its own but together they’re unstoppable! An important supporting character is Baggett, the first friend Jackson makes as a Constable. Without Baggett, much would not have gone the way Kit and Jackson hoped it would.

There were more twists in this book than I was expecting. While it seemed the book was ending, it didn’t! There was so much more to learn still!! I love a great read that keeps me guessing!

A digital copy ARC of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep was provided complimentary by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. While not expected to write a review, I appreciate the opportunity to do so.

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What a great story! At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of these two main characters. But by the end of the story, I found them endearing. Griep does a wonderful job setting the scene in the streets of the City of London. Her research on Victorian culture and customs is evident and appreciated. The mystery was engaging with some unexpected turns. All the while, the two main characters are surprised to discover attributes about the other that they had missed at first. I was glad to see lessons about trusting God with your circumstances and surrendering control to Him. Such an interesting tale that I would love to read a sequel about these characters. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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This book was fantastic! There was a crime to be solved, mystery, a bit of romance, and historical London. The slang/terminology of the time was so much fun. I did not want to put this book down!

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Four stars! I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their chemistry, and it was a great mystery. One star taken off for all the English slang because I only knew what half of it meant because of context. Will be reading more by this author!

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Growing up as a foundling on London's unforgiving streets taught Kit Turner a thing or two about survival. Now she plies those techniques to make a living for herself and others less fortunate on Blackfriars Lane.

Jackson Forge wants nothing more than to make the world a better place by stopping evil in its tracks as a police constable, but everything seems to go against him. With his job at stake, joining forces with the likes of swindler Kit Turner is a desperate move.

Little do either of them know what lies in store for their future and their hearts.

As always, author Michelle Griep knows how to turn a phrase. Her descriptions put you right in the story, and her characters certainly have no cake walk to make it through. Twists and turns abound just when you think you've figured it all out.

A very enjoyable read, although perhaps lacking a bit of the depth of some of Griep's other books. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a fun read that pulls at your heartstrings and reminds you God is in control. Recommended.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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#thethiefofblackfriarslane #netgalley

This was an amazing historical fiction book which is set in Victorian London. It has a robin hood kind of feeling to this book. It has lots of action and a bit of romance too!

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Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a great historical fiction set in Victorian london with kind of a robin hood type feeling to it. Well written with lots of action and a bit of romance too!

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The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a historical fiction novel written by Michelle Griep.

Summary: Jackson Forge has become a constable to right wrongs. And, maybe, just maybe, make up for his past mistakes.

Kit Turner wants to help people too-by swindling the rich to help the poor.

But when their paths collide in a missing person’s case, will they be able to work together to find the man before it’s too late?

My Thoughts: This book is entertaining. It has an interesting and intricate plot, fun and quirky characters, and lots of action. It isn’t my favorite by this author so I probably wouldn’t read it again, but it was a fun read overall.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

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What an interesting and full of twists book this was! Michelle Griep is one of my new favorite authors. This book is a perfect example of why! Her character’s are amazing and her storylines will keep your attention and not leave you until you finish the book. I love learning more about where the book took place and other things by reading the Historical notes she includes at the end. The Historical Notes are actually really fascinating

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

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Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

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The Thief of Blackfriars Lane Is every bit action as it is romance. You will find yourself swept up in the setting of 1800s London and working alongside the compelling main characters.
Jackson Forge is a rookie constable who is eager to catch the bad guys. Kit Turner is a fearless swindler who lives on the bad side of the city. Two worlds come crashing together when Jackson is given a missing person case, and the victim happens to be someone close to Kit. Together, they unravel a case much bigger than they thought, and realize the attraction they have for each other.
This story is an exciting read, but also touching as the characters both realize they are not their pasts and that they can trust in God. This is a perfect mix of crime story, inspiration and love.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thank you #BarbourPublishing ! )
#TheThiefofBlackfriarsLane
#netgalley

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I was immediately drawn into this book. "For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today--or at least the city of London. Now he'd be lucky to save himself" (location 24). It was fascinating seeing naive constables and the underworld criminals interact. Kit was so lively and fun. I even enjoyed how she tricked Jackson into standing over a soot vent.

There was a lot of action including running from trains and racing through sewers. There was no end to sinister villains trying to influence things. I appreciated Jackson's dogged nature to try to right injustices. There was a very satisfying conclusion. I would love to see more books that follow Jackson & Kit and their adventures.

I can't end without saying how much I enjoyed the writing style. It flowed so well. I enjoyed the well-crafted sentences and phrases like this one. "Some days should be wadded up and thrown in a dustbin before they are finished" (location 323). I think everyone who's lived through 2020 has some days like this.

I would highly recommend this story. Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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This author has a gift of dropping readers into an era and have them walk in the shoes of the characters and their situation, simultaneously engaging readers in her incredible stories. The main character Constable Jackson Forge says this about his morning,” Some days should be wadded up and thrown in a dustbin before they are finished. This was one of them….” Trouble never came alone,” That’s what Jackson was afraid of.

I liked these characters, setting and era. I adored some the dialogue that made me chuckle like this phrase, said after a boy ran into an older man …”Tut, tut, young man! I’ll tell you what you were doing.”..You were bib-bobbing about, not caring a fig-nackety for who might be in your way. That’s the trouble with people these days. Rushing! Always rushing.!”

I also liked the natural spiritual thread in this authors novel, “…Measuring God by how people-even godly people – have mistreated you is not a good measuring stick. Man will always betray, forget, malign, misjudge, abandon – but God remains steady and dependable. Of course, that requires you depend upon Him to begin with. Do you?”

“I am no heathen, Mr. Forge. I was taught Scripture at a young age.”
“Then you also know that perfect love casts out fear. Bidden or unbidden, God is with you always.”

I learned so much when the author shares some of her research, what happened and what didn’t as she had to re-work things to make the story flow. This way readers learn the truth about the event they have read, making for a very satisfying ending. This novel would work well for your book club pick there is so much to talk about.

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

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***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date January 1, 2021.***

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4 - 4.5 stars

Where do I start with this story? The characters were very well written (main AND secondary), and the story line had a nice steady pace that didn't leave me bored.

Definitely wanting to read more about Kit and Jackson!! 😊

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I’ve read several of this author’s books and I think it’s my favorite! It was fast paced, kept my interest. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It was a good story, I wonder if it will become a series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

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The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is Christian Historical Fiction but this book is so much more. Michelle Griep books have plenty of action, thrills, mystery, romance, unusual characters and unexpected story plots. I love that I just never know what will happen next. There is a Christian theme including an encouraging gospel message of trust and faith in the Lord. The historical details are excellent throughout and the book includes an afterword with even more information that will please any history lover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

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Set in Victorian London, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane features Jackson Forge and Kit Turner. Forge is a newly-hired constable looking to prove his worth to his boss. Turner is a conwoman ala Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. After an eventful first meeting, Jackson and Kit team up to find a missing cab driver and uncover a much bigger mystery than anticipated.

Kit and Jackson are very likable characters and I enjoyed the banter between them. The mystery itself had so many threads tangled together that it was difficult to follow. The number of minor characters involved in the mystery were also difficult to keep track of. While this book wasn't a great match for me, I enjoyed it enough that I will try another book by the author.

Thanks go to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This book was intense and took me along the streets of London to try to solve the mystery!

Jackson's first few days as a constable are not going so well. He is given 48 hours to solve the crime of a missing man.

Kit has had a rough life but seeks to help those in her neighborhood.

These two characters come from completely different backgrounds in an attempt to solve the crimes that are happening throughout London.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a well-crafted tale of a bumbling constable and a cunning swindler. With fantastic world-building and witty dialogue, Michelle Griep transports her readers to the streets of London and engages them in a satisfying romance.

Jackson is not your typical hero. He’s bumbling, eager, and at times clumsy. But goodness, it just made me love him more. His tenacity serves him well, even if he does annoy his sergeant more often than not.

Putting him opposite capable and street-smart Kit was genius on Griep’s part. They complement each other well, even if they don’t realize it at first.

And Kit herself is an interesting character. Tender-hearted yet tough as nails. Though originally viewed as a villain by Jackson, readers quickly see her softer side and understand her motivation.

Both of these characters quickly get you invested in their adventures through sewers, ballrooms, and London’s underbelly. By upping the suspense throughout the novel, Griep keeps you invested, not just with the mystery but with the characters themselves.

And there’s a great spiritual arc about being loved and seen by God and His role in our lives. Watching the characters grapple with guilt over their past or feeling unwanted not only made me relate with them but also got me to thinking about God’s place in my life. An excellent thought for Christians to consider whether they’re new believers or mature Christians.

Overall, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an engaging read historical romance readers will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

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This book was so much fun! I read it in just one afternoon/evening because I simply couldn’t put it down. The mystery was exciting, and the romance moved at just the right pace. And though it’s a mildly Christian-based story, that doesn’t stop the two leads from admiring each other’s physique in evening wear ;)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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