What a fun story. It led me through an underground world and a thief who may or may not have been a thief. There were so many social issues and it was fun to view this world through the lower classes rather than the upper class as so many historicals are set.

Constable Jackson Forge is new to the force and finds himself running into Kit Turner on his way to his first day which makes him late for work and causing his new career to start rather precariously. Later on, they find themselves depending on each other to solve what looks like a simple disappearance,.

Kit introduces Jackson to the seedy underground and Jackson helps Kit find things she hadn't actively been looking for.

This was a well-written book. I couldn't put it down and loved the words as the adventure came off the page. I was so wrapped up in the mystery, I noticed the romance, but it wasn't the focal point. I found myself right there with Jackson and Kit, desperately trying to solve the mystery before anyone else was murdered. Jackson and Kit are entirely complementary characters and make a good team. Starting with a friendship is always a good way to get me cheering them on.

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

This was an enjoyable book to read. It taught me about life in London when there was lots of crime. The characters were interesting and strong. I was pleased that there was a happy ending to this book.

This book is simply fantastic. The characters, the story, the atmosphere. Everything was perfectly done. I really can't think of any negative aspects to this book. The story never once got boring or dull. There were several twists and turns that kept me thoroughly hooked. This is one of the best written books I have read in a very, very long time. I had never heard of this author before reading this book, but I fully intend to find and read her other published works ASAP. I very rarely give out 5 star reviews, but this book is well deserving of the rating. This book has all the makings of being the start of a first rate series. I really hope the author agrees, and decides write more adventures with Kit and Jackson. My final word is that The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a MUST READ.

I just didn't love this book - I wanted to so much - but I just had a hard time getting through it. Normally Victorian era romances are my sweet spot in historicals. I love the more modern sensibility but with the old fashioned feel. This book definitely had that. I liked Kit and her Robin Hood ways - she is tough and understands the streets but has compassion and caring for others. I also liked Jackson and his naïve charm and enthusiasm for justice. He was a bit bumbling but had good instincts. By the end <spoiler>I was kind of with the Sergeant in not wanting Jackson and Kit to continue work as a team to investigate crimes - I worry that they really are too goodhearted for it all.</spoiler>.

So what was the problem? Well - I felt like the story was unnecessarily complicated. I kind of got lost in the details of the mystery and didn't 100% "get it." I think a lot of things were threads I lost along the way - like Jackson's brother and Kit's relationship as a child with a privileged family. They were background information that shaped the characters but not fully explained or delved into. This is also a Christian romance - which aren't my favorite - but that aspect to me really could have been cut out of the book entirely and seemed like it was shoehorned in. It really didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in the context of the book.

Overall - I was sold on the concept, but the execution just wasn't there for me.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.

A great refreshing, action-packed read I loved the characters, pacing, and setting. For more of my thoughts please check out my full review on December 28 at 9 am PST on www.Emilyslittlebooknook.net

If you are looking to read a book with page-turning action, captivating intrigue, and a sweet romance, you have found the right novel in Michelle Griep’s The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane. This inspirational historical romance set in Victorian London in the 1880s will have you turning pages and completing chapters faster than you realize, as it is so filled with nonstop activity and witty banter. Jackson Forge, a newbie constable with the London police, tries to make a name for himself and right some wrongs from his past while Kit Turner, a London street orphan turned angel-of-mercy, tries to improve upon her own past by helping others through unconventional means. When this unlikely pair are forced to team up together to achieve some common goals, loyalties are tested and sparks fly.

I loved the inspirational messages of forgiveness and trust that were adeptly woven throughout the story. Jackson and Kit not only had to learn to trust each other, but continually turn their plans over to the Lord instead of so often trying to do things their own way. So buckle up for an action-packed, inspirational read that will have you experiencing a wide array of emotions along the way including a sweetly satisfying conclusion!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Michelle Griep's latest novel, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, is an adventure you won't want to miss.

From the first pages I was hooked and enthralled. The bumbling constable and the feisty street skirt had me rooting for them the whole way. I found myself on the streets of London, following them on their ever fast paced journey.

Street wise Kit Turner finds herself helping newbie officer Jackson Forge in finding a missing cabbie. And the mishaps they encounter were real page turners. I could not wait to see what happened next.

Michelle Griep spun a great story, I think her best so far. Her research into the lives of Victorian London were well done. The story is well written and developed, clean romance, a mystery that really keeps you guessing. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jackson Forge is new to London and heading to his first day as a police constable when he is pickpocketed. However, a poor young woman and little boy return his purse. However, Jackson is late for his first day and gets on the bad side of his Sargent. It seems that some people have gone missing, but none of them have any tie to each other, a politician, a barrister, a cabbie. Jackson is determined to find out what happened to the cabbie that no one else seems to want to bother with. However, he has a limited time to prove himself and keep his job. Then Kit Turner enters his life for a second time and it turns out that this young woman may be a thief instead of the sweet young lady that returned his money. And she might be able to help him find the cabbie.

#TheThiefofBlackfriarsLane is a wonderful cozy mystery by Michelle Griep. It was fun to follow Jackson and Kit and watch as their partnership grew stronger as they worked together despite their pasts still haunting them. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest opinion, it was an uplifting read.

A historical romance with a mystery! The story follows new constable Jackson and feisty swindler Kit, who collide into each other and so begins their journey. Jackson is on the case and looking for a missing cabby and Kit joins along. The romance is a bit slow but its the building of it that is is fun. They bond over their case and by solving the mystery together they just might solve the mystery of each other. Great story and a lovely ending!

*Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Ready for a fast paced adventure through the backstreets of Old London? This latest book by Michelle Griep will take you along for a ride and leave you breathless! This unique story pairing a rookie constable and a streetwise young woman had me glued from start to finish, as they race around town trying to solve a mystery and catch the real culprit. Their mishaps and adventures pause enough to allow for a developing friendship and some inspirational moments. They are like oil and water at first, but appreciation and respect for each other's strengths helps bring a good combination in the end.
"It is often in tragedy where we find our life's purpose, and that purpose is to love God and man."
Highly recommend for fans of historical adventures with some faith and romance!

Fearless and gutsy Kit Turner meets novice police constable Jackson Forge in a humorous police chase. A veritable Victorian-era Robin Hood, with benevolence on her mind despite her unconventional methods, Turner finds herself joining forces with Forge to solve the mystery of several missing men. Naturally, the primary cause is serious and for me, quite surprising.

It was so refreshing to have the hero end up with virtual egg on his face, and more than once! Generally it's the heroine who falls down, or off something, or IN something, so this was a delightful change.

However, this book is not generally lighthearted. Victorian London could be dark, depressing, and dirty. The literal underground plays a part, and I could feel the slime and smell all manner of things. The imagery is vivid. A secondary plot conclusion is unexpected until the very end and it's very satisfying.

This novel is well-written, clean, and full of interesting characters. With clever dialogue and a fast-paced plot, "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" is sure to delight fans of the talented Michelle Griep. I found this author long ago and she has yet to disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this enjoyable novel.

When I read the author refer to the story as "Zootopia set in Victorian England minus the bunny and the fox", I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew it would be good.

But it's not good, it's actually amazing. The setting is quintessentially Victorian in the atmosphere and details. These are expertly woven in as to give a clear picture but not a heavy one.

When Jackson meets Kit, he doesn't realize who she is. He's a new constable starting out and he thinks she's in need of a helping hand. Later, he discovers she's a boss-lady who makes sure the poor of Blackfriar's Lane have what they need.

Soon they find themselves working together to solve the mystery of a missing cab driver. The stakes are high for each one of them, and the suspense and intrigue are page-turning.

The writing is superb, as always, and I read it in one sitting.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Oh my goodness great read and a page turner! Michelle Griep really gives a vivid historical look of London and you almost feel like you are there! The love story is oh so sweet and you will find yourself wondering how it will possibly work out. You will LOVE this story of heroism and fate...and might get a history lesson in the process! I call that a win/win!, A must read!

i really enjoyed the use of victorian london, I enjoyed seeing the romance grow and I liked that the characters felt like real people.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was not affected by the free copy.

I'm rounding down my rating, as for me this is a 2.5 star but there are some problems I can't overlook. I always get the negatives out of the way first so I can end positively. The biggest problem for me was how cliché this book was. Maybe I've just read too many books like this and I'm getting jaded, but I'm getting tired of reading the same tropes and scenarios every time. Right from the very beginning we get one of the most annoying clichés: one romantic lead sees the other and instantly sees them as "special" or more interesting than any other character... for no reason and without any prompting.

I also cannot stand the "we got caught being somewhere we aren't supposed to be so let's kiss to distract" cliché. It drives me crazy every time I read it. And we also got the "misunderstanding to get the couple to hate each other", as well as the "woman who has been bad-ass the whole book still needs to be saved by the man". Which reminds me: Kit as the leader of a gang was very difficult for me to swallow. I admit I don't know a lot about Victorian London, but it was hard to suspend my disbelief that any man during that time period would take orders from a woman.

On the plus side, it was well-written. The mystery is pretty good, even if sometimes I had to wonder why the constable didn't have a partner or any sort of help from the force. I liked that it put a good emphasis on trusting God whatever your circumstances without coming off as too preachy. Things turned out a little too well in the end, but that just may be my cynical mind wanting something a little more grey.

This book is not bad; I've just read so many with similar scenarios and clichés that I was tired of it.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Michelle Griep is a fabulous writer and if you like historical fiction with an inspirational message, this was a great book and I hope it’s the start of another series!

Jackson Forge is a “green” constable for the Met Police in Victorian-era London. After a series of mishaps his first few weeks, he had to find a missing hack drive, Joe, or else he’ll be fired. He teams up with a street thief Kit Turner and the story takes a lot of twists and turns from there involving a gun smuggling ring.

The details, both historical and character driven, and spot on and add depth to the story. There’s also a message oh hope and also how good things come to those who go through difficult situations.

I loved this and highly recommend it!

THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP is a really great historical romance novel with a definite Dickensian flavour.
The story takes place in 1885 in the seedier parts of Victorian London, with unforgettable characters and a great deal of suspense.
Jackson forge is a very new constable at the Old Jewry, serving under Sergeant Graybone, who is always threatening to fire Jackson whose enthusiasm to set the world aright leads him to make some serious mistakes. When Jackson takes it upon himself to find the missing hackney driver, Joe Card, he and the feisty trickster, Kit Turner, join forces to find the man who took her in off the streets when she was a child.
I am not going to tell you any more except to say that the story gripped me from start to finish. There is also a good Christian message of hope and of trusting God to bring good out of even the worst situations.
I cannot recommend the book highly enough.
I was given a free copy by NetGalley from Barbour Pub.ishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I was sent this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It was only recently that I read my first historical romance. After reading the synopsis for this book I was thoroughly hooked. That was all it took, a synopsis. The first line had me wavering, the writing seemed so formal and I was unsure that I would be able to really enjoy the book whilst trying to decipher every line. I was wrong, so very wrong. The first line lead me down the path of the adventures of Jackson and Kit. The female protagonist of this story, Kit, was independent, fiery and boss in her own right, literally. The male protagonist, Jackson, was smart, bit green behind the ears but full of enthusiasm and love for his job as a constable.

Kit and Jacksons relationship was slow going at first, which is to be expected when you first meet someone new, especially when there is such a difference in class between the two. But, as their story and adventure developed the bond between the two grew and a great story unfolded, one of the devious mystery happening in London that Jackson is tasked to solve and the other, well.... that's up to the reader to find out.

Overall the writing in this book was brilliant and the attention to detail (but not overtly so) was spot on. I would suggest this read to those who love a good mystery mixed in with a little romance.