I've read 6 or 7 of this author's books and loved every one of them. When I first picked this one up, I was in one of those nothing-is-interesting-me modes. So I put it down for a couple weeks then gave it another go. I loved absolutely everything about it. Suspense, mystery, romance, lots of history about early London. Good guys, bad guys, double crossers, families doing what they needed to survive - It had a little of everything. It kept me reading long into the few nights it took me to finish it. This book lived up to all my expectations of Ms Griep's writing. I received a complementary copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. This are my own thoughts and opinions.

“Will you trust him despite your circumstances? Will you depend on him rather than yourself? For in the end, everyone else will fail you—including yourself.” ~ Michelle Griep

The connection someone makes with a book is unbreakable. Absorbed into the storyline, a reader not only becomes one with the characters but dives into the pages, encompassing the new world around them. Though bookworms, such as myself, jump from book to book, our hearts hold onto the stories that make a lasting impact, forever changed by a plot or lesson learned through incredible works of fiction. The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane was one of those books for me.

“Failure is fatal only to those who refuse to learn from it, for only One has lived who was perfect. The question is not if you will fail. Rather, will you let God redeem your failure for good, turning your end into His beginning?” ~ Michelle Griep

London, 1885. Jackson Forge has just arrived in the big city to report for duty for the very first time. Haunted by a horrific attack that took place when he was a boy, Jackson is determined to become a renowned constable, keeping the streets of London safe from danger. However, his first day on the job gets off to a rocky start, and it seems that Jackson is doomed to fail before he’s even begun. With men going missing by the day and his job hanging by a thread, Jackson jumps at the chance to locate a missing jarvey, hoping to prove his worth and secure his place on the force. Will Jackson be able to find the man in the allotted time? And, what of the bargain he made with the woman who swindled him days earlier? Has he made a deal with the devil, or has God guide them to one another?

"His blue eyes bored into hers. 'I am not certain, Miss Turner, if you and your skills are an answer to prayer, or if you are merely a temptress designed for my downfall.'" ~ Michelle Griep

Kit Turner is angry. At the world. At God. Abandoned as an infant, she had no choice but to fight for survival in the unforgiving streets of London. Becoming a Robin Hood-like figure, Kit is often falsely accused of thievery as she uses her deftness to provide for the poor living in Blackfriar’s Lane. All she yearns to do is the right thing, so when her friend goes missing, Kit will do whatever it takes to track him down — even if that means joining forces with a man of the navy blue cloth.

"Just as there were no angels on Angel Lane, neither did God visit this squalid corner of the earth, leaving Kit to do His work." ~ Michelle Griep

Embarking on a journey that will take them into the heart of the city, Jackson and Kit will need to work together to unravel the mysteries hidden in the darkest, often smelliest, parts of London. Throughout this perilous mission, the pair’s inner doubts and convictions will challenge their faith and allegiance, compelling them to decide whether or not they will embrace God’s purpose and love promised to all who trust in Him!

“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?” ~ Michelle Griep

The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane was riveting! My first 5-star novel of 2021, I found it engaging, thrilling, mysterious, and addictive! Every time I closed my Kindle, I wanted to reopen it, shrugging away the need to sleep for one more chapter (or maybe three)! The writing was extraordinary; each word perfectly describing every emotion, action, and scene! I could feel the grime on my skin and smell the filth as I walked with Jackson and Kit through sewers and docks. Their chemistry was electric, and the suspense kept me enthralled the entire way through!

As an introduction to Michelle Griep’s work, I must say that she has me hooked! The way she incorporated faith into the storyline allowed me to resonate with the characters and added an element to the story-telling most Christian authors miss. Reading The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane reminded me why I write — for the glory of God — and the importance of openly speaking the truth rather than glazing over it. I couldn’t be more impressed with this thrilling tale and cannot wait to dive into Michelle Griep’s other work! Will there be a part two? Pray, tell me it is so!

Positive content: 5⭐️
Language: 1⭐️
Sexual content: 1.5⭐️
Violence: 2⭐️
Age: 14+

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

One of my favorites of the author, besides the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Of late, I have not appreciated the violence and graphic detail (and even heard of some cursing in a recent book), so I was a little apprehensive about starting this one. But there was very little blood in this one. I was pleasantly surprised.
The plot kept me guessing. I was able to guess the ultimate villain before it was revealed, but not before incorrectly guessing several times. And the revelation at the last chapter? Did not see that one coming.

At first, I didn't really relate to either the hero or the heroine. But as the story went on, I found out about their pasts, and I began to feel for them and with them. I eventually came to love both of them.

While I felt that a few of the scrapes they got into were a bit too dramatic and frequent to be believable, the history of the places was fascinating. I thought that the romance developed a little too quickly – although I guess some could argue that being in life-threatening situations would open hearts more quickly than normal. But the romance was sweet and thrilling.

I just am tired of both hero and heroine being so good-looking. I can't relate to that. And not all romances need to have physical attraction as the first thing that grabs their notice.

Favorite quotes:
“Jackson started … but he quickly schooled his face to a bored sort of distraction. That was how the rich appeared … didn't they?” (p. 117)

“'But by all means, let the chase begin.'” (p. 309)

(I received a copy for free from the publisher. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)

*An overly eager police rookie makes some major mistakes and faces loosing the one job they’ve always dreamed of having. Presented with one last chance – to solve an unsolvable case in 48 hours – they must work with an unlikely ally from the streets. Will they solve the case or will they lose their dream?*
Synopsis from Zootopia or The Thief of Blackfriars Lane?

Whichever you picked; you were right. They are nearly identical.

The first third of the book had me rolling my eyes at all the similarities. I stuck with the book, though, because I wanted to see if the author was just starting out this way and then would pull out a plot twist to make it all different. No such luck.
This story was cute and it was a good read, but it was just like Zootopia.

Stars 3
Would I Recommend? Yes

With her latest, The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane, Michelle Griep has shown me once again why she’s one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She always manages to create a story that is easy to get lost in.

Griep’s descriptions of Victorian London, and some of the intricacies of life in the City during that time, made London almost a character unto itself, which was wonderful. But I really did enjoy her characters, and I was quickly swept up in Kit’s plight and Jackson’s determination, cheering them on through all the mishaps, mystery, mayhem, and magnetism.

Filled with twists, giggles, and a dash of romance, The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane is a great read. It’s a historical fiction I highly recommend. 4.5 out of 5 stars! 🙂

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The heroine Kit is such an interesting mix of responsbile and unexpected. And the hero? Jackson is so determiined to do everything right that it becomes hillarious as he's thrust in different situations with the heroine in an attempt to salvage his job as a constable in London. A fun caper with quite a few twists. Good characters and a different look at London. A good read for those who love romance, history, and 19th Century England.

I really enjoyed this book. It has intrigue, mystery, and romance all wrapped in one. I loved the trail of clues left for the reader to try to solve the mysteries on their own. Fun characters and perspectives.
#thethiefofblackfriarslane #netgalley

With Griep's characteristic depth of research and sense of place, London sparks alive in this welcome addition to the talented author's repertoire.


I am a sucker for the gal being able to hold her own even while needing protection and found that Jackson and Kit were the type of characters that could have an off-shoot series.


Fans of Miss Scarlet and The Duke will find lots to love in this feisty look at a London not often visited in inspy romance.

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept my interest from the beginning to end. I also liked the chemistry between Jackson and Kit and how well they worked together as "detectives". The twists also kept me entertained enough to keep me guessing where it was going.

I didn't like the cover at all. It makes Jackson and Kit look much older than their 23 and 20ish.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy. 4.5 stars

Time for me to gush about Michelle Griep’s newest book, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane 🤎. At first I wasn’t really sold on Jackson Forge, as he seemed too straight laced and a little boring. Then enters Kit Turner, who instantly won me over with her street smarts and winsome persona. Kit and Jackson become a great crime solving pair in a story that had some fun twists and turns. I loved the mild suspense and moments of romantic tension. I would categorize this as a historical Christian fiction novel. I've never been disappointed when reading a Michelle Griep novel, and would definitely recommend this 1800s Victorian Christian fiction novel 🔍 .
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*Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book for an honest review!
Set in Victorian London 1885. Two Characters Constable Jackson Forge and Street Smart Kit Turner, join forces to look for a local cab driver gone missing. This book had me hooked. The detail of the history of London during this time was thorough and very well written. It has it all ,Mystery, History, Romance. and Adventure. A christian based Novel. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I debated between giving this book 3 or 4 stars. I really like Kit Turner. She's a strong, fiery woman who fights for what's right and knows what she wants. She's also resourceful and quick-witted. I also like Constable Jackson Forge's perseverance. Together, Kit and Jackson make an exciting crime-fighting team. The problem I have with the book is the romance. It's just not my thing and took away from the story.

Confession: I don’t read much Christian fiction, but I’m trying to find things that I like. This wasn’t it for me. I thought it was fun reading, but there was a little too much to annoy me personally for me to invest time to finish it. That being said, I expect to recommend it through readers advisory. It is a fun mystery set in Victorian London where an honest thief and a brand-new police constable team up to find a missing man. The tone is light and fun with plenty of romance. I’m sure it will be a great read for people who love fun historical Christian fiction.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Readers who are looking for a combination of history, mystery, suspense, and romance will find it all in "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane." Constable Jackson Forge finds himself in hot water with his superior after a series of mishaps. When he vows to find a missing person, Jackson does not expect to become involved with the underworld of thieves in London. Assisted by Kit Turner, one of the occupants of Blackfriars Lane, Jackson embarks upon adventures that take him from ballrooms to the docks on the Thames, as well as through underground passageways and pawnshops, right to the very door of the Lord Mayor of London.

I learned a great deal about the underworld of London by reading this historical novel. It reminded me of a Dickens novel, with its unique characters and settings. The Christian message is present although not preachy, and serves to guide the characters in their interactions with others. The novel contains adventure, without resorting to strong language, graphic gore, and sexual situations. Readers should be prepared for a surprise ending! End notes and bibliography provide additional information regarding the constabulary, criminal underworld, and geography of London. Highly recommended.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Such an interesting and fun book. The banter between the main characters was great and humorous. I enjoyed learning about London during this time period. There was mystery involved and action! Definitely a must read book! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

Fans of Charles Dicken's books will be sure to love The thief Of Blackfriars Lane. While other authors focus on the rich and infamous of the Regency period, Michelle Griep chooses to show the seedier side of London. With footraces through the crowded alleys, slopping through the sears, and hanging out on the docks, She shows what life was like for those at the bottom of society. I loved the word pictures she painted. I also enjoyed learning some of the street language of the time. So grab a copy of The thief of Blackfriar's Lane and enjoy Jackson and Kit's story.
Grab a mug of tea and a packet of roasted chestnuts while you settle in for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

The main characters In this story were an improbable duo. From different sides of life, they team together to find a missing cabby. The writing style was atmospheric of London’s underworld in the 1800’s. I enjoyed the setting as it is not somewhere that I am familiar with. This was an exciting novel.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Michelle Griep has now made it to my list of to read authors. If a book has her name on it I now automatically want to read it. Her books have overtones of Charles Dickens but carry her own unique style as well. There's a little bit of mystery and a little bit of romance that add up to a captivating story.

If you are looking for a fun book with a bit of danger, a touch of romance and a Dickensian feel, look no further than The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep.

I feel like I've just been through a labyrinth of tunnels, smelled the Thames in London and been charmed by a cheeky thief/not a thief who is an angel in disguise. Kit Turner is the ultimate Robin Hood, and she has beguiled Constable Jackson Forge with her beauty, wit, quick thinking and soft heart. She is not one who will easily place her trust in someone, but Jackson Forge has something that she wants, and while the good Constable is wary of trusting Kit and her crew, he must if he wants to keep his job.

This book is filled with humour, plot twists and a beautiful theme of trusting in God, something our two main characters have to learn first hand during challenging circumstances.

My only disappointment is that it appears to be a standalone novel. I was looking forward to more escapades by these characters. I will miss them!

If you haven't read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, do yourself a favour and pick it up. You won't regret it!

Michelle Griep always writes engaging stories with unique characters, and this book certainly follows through on that promise! The author expertly combines a mystery that kept me turning pages as fast as I could with a romance that begged me to slow down and savor every interaction between the main characters, creating a pull and tug that wouldn’t let me put the book down!

Kit and Jackson start at opposite ends of the law but, through working together, find out they really aren’t very different from each other. It got me thinking that if we mingled more with those who don’t look like us or live in the same place, we might understand each other better and mitigate some of the problems we are experiencing. Their romance is swoon-worthy, and sparks fly from early in their acquaintance, even as they attempt to determine if the other can be trusted.

The historical detail is amazing in this novel; read the author’s notes at the end to gain a greater understanding of some of reasons things happened the way they did in the story. I personally learned quite a bit about life for those who were not considered the upper classes of Victorian society and the author gives further resources for learning even more for interested readers.

This is a great book for fans of Victorian era stories, and readers who have enjoyed Griep in the past will not be disappointed in her latest novel. The writing is beautiful, the history well-researched, and the story compelling. I highly recommend it for teens and up.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.