Another amazing book by Griep! She is such a talented writer, making each book a world of its own!!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I loved this book! Michelle Griep is a master at writing Victorian fiction. She can capture the essence of the era in a way that makes it come fully to life in her novels. Her adventurous style of writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last page. Her tone is tough, yet is underscored with heart, offering her audience a rich reading experience.

I loved the lead characters, Kit and Jackson. Both were so endearing on their own, as well as together. Their banter was a delight and the love they had for one another practically leapt off the page. I loved the idea of a female Robin Hood type character that was paired with a straight-laced police officer. Both were very different people, yet were just what the other needed, bringing out the best in one another. I love this trope.

The Dickens-esque London setting feels so real, you feel as if you’re there on the damp cobblestone streets as horse-drawn carriages click by. Kit and Jackson’s adventures through this vivid Victorian backdrop will have readers flipping through the pages at breakneck speed. Once you pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down. 

This story simply sparkled. If you love Victorian fiction, you must needs read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
I had such high expectations for this book and all the ratings I saw were really high, but this really disappointed me. The plot was so boring to me and I wanted to give up on this book so many times. The only reason I kept reading it was the romance, which started out really well, but at the end it felt like there was something lacking.

What an absolutely delightful jaunt into Regency England! Jackson Forge is a rookie comfortable bent on proving himself with a slightly over-eager desire to bring justice to London’s darker sides. Along the way, he runs into the alluring Kit Turner, who rides the fine line between law-abiding citizen and Robin Hood. Her band of Merry Men bring such vivid color to an otherwise grey and dismal place. You won’t spend much time with the Ton in this one, but it’s impossible to stop the journey once you’ve started! I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, and was under no obligation to write a review.

I loved this book! It was so fun.
I think because of the cover, I kept seeing it as a movie in my head as I read.(I love the cover!)
The story takes place in London in 1885. It shows the streets of London rarely heard about.. It is a rip roaring adventure for Kip and Jackson with many twists and turns. There are mysteries, secrets, love and justice.
The lesson that we must give God control and place our faith in Him is the over riding theme.
I loved that I had already read the Roseanna M. White series with the thieves in London. Those are wonderful reads to accompany this one.
It has some great quotes:
"but I do know this...it is far better to be a failure at what you love than a success at what you hate."

"A reputation is what others think of you. Character is what matters. That is who you really are."

"Failure is but an instructor, not an undertaker."

This is a unique fast paced historical adventure that I definitely recommend!

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own

He'll catch a thief, but she'll catch his heart...

The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane is one of those super rare occasions when I would have picked up a book based on the cover alone, even if I didn't already like the author, w hich, of course, I do. I absolutely love the cover image! The colors, the ambiance, every bit of it is interesting and matches the book very well. Definitely one of my favorite covers of 2021!

Don't let my gushing fool you, though. I did initially choose the book because I'm a fan of Michelle Griep. I've read several of her books and now I pretty much want to read it if I see her name on the spine.

Once again author Michelle Griep skillfully weaves historical romance and suspense that is entertaining, engrossing, and very exciting. I felt like the tone of The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane was a little different than in previous books, especially the sometimes snarky humor, but I liked it. Jackson and Kit are both something else! They are young but both feel a burden to help others and they are both determined to do what is right, even if it seems a little questionable at times.

The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane was a fun a read with lots of twists and turns and a couple of surprises I totally did not expect. Michelle Griep successfully kept me guessing, which is something that I definitely enjoyed, and her sadly accurate depiction of lower class living in Victorian England tugged at my heartstrings.

This is a great book and if you are a fan of the author or the genre it should be a must read on our TBR shelf...

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

With each new book by Michelle Griep that I read, I fall more in love with her writing style. I have been a fan since the very first one but I sincerely believe that The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is definitely the best one yet!

I have been an avid reader for more years than I care to admit and I found this delightful tale to have an original plot with unique characters and enough twists and surprises to keep even the shrewdest reader guessing. The hero is a somewhat bumbling and naive young constable whose desire is to save the world from crime. Somehow everything he attempts turns out so wrong that he comes within inches of losing his job multiple times. Of course one of his first street encounters is with Kit Turner, a young woman wise to the ways of the street who prides herself on not stealing but isn't above conning some money to help those who are in desperate need. Somehow Jackson and Kit find themselves joining forces in order to find a missing man and what an adventure it is.

Through the author's vivid descriptions I found myself traipsing the sewers beneath the city streets or running down a darkened back alley alongside Kit and Jackson. I could almost smell the brine and fish from the Thames and the stench of the sewers. A number of notable characters filled the pages of this story and several of them had a surprise or two in store for its readers. This book is a must read so I will leave a few secrets for readers to discover on their own. Unless you absolutely hate historical fiction blended with action and suspense, you must buy this book!

Constable Jackson Forge is starting his new career and is ready to impress. He gets off to a bad start and is trying to find a way to redeem himself. A collision with a young lady on Blackfriars Lane adds to the chaos and begins to complicate things very quickly. When his job is on the line, he desperately tries to solve the mystery with very little leads.

From the beginning of the book, I was hooked and ready to dive in. I loved the dynamic between the characters. They felt realistic with true struggles and issues they were working through. The mystery of the book was full of webs for the reader to follow as they seek to solve before the characters do. It was fast paced and was hard to put down.

Michelle Griep proved an author can write an enjoyable novel without language and questionable scenes. I loved the historical notes at the end of the book. I felt as if I saw another part of London through the character’s adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It ended as if it actually the beginning of new adventures and I would sure love to join them!

I would really recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are three dimensional and relatable. The fun and fiesty Kit and the determined and loyal Jackson make a duo that one can't help but root for. The fast paced plot kept me engaged with adventure, relationships, subtle twists and surprises, and a heartrending backstory. I would not hesitate to recommend The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.

I liked this story, found it enjoyable and engrossing.
Good character and plot development, a vivid historical background.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Happy Days Are Literarily Here Again--Thank Goodness!

Most of the time in historical fiction, when you find yourself in 19th century London, it's not racing through the sewers as fast as your feet can fly through the sludge, clinging to the walls to avoid pursuers, or wedged in an alcove to avoid being flattened by trains.  

Can I just say it was wonderful to read something different?  (I wanted to say refreshing, but that sewer is still taunting my nostrils!)

With all the wit and banter I fell in love within the first Michelle Griep book I ever read, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane kicks off with a bang and at a quick clip and doesn't stop moving. I've seen some people say they found it difficult to get into the story, but I have to say that I was swept along from the first page.  The action only slows long enough for you to catch your breath and do a bit of thinking before the next thing hits.

The moral dilemma of deception as a way of convincing others to do what they should do anyway was played out well, I thought.  Kit had a fun twist on the "Robin Hood" mentality, and I loved that she worked hard not to break the law even while breaking the spirit of the law.  Her character growth also seemed realistic to me--not too neat and tidy, not too "justified."  She's awfully young, still.  And it takes years to mature enough to see past your thunderpuppy ideals at that age.

Writing style?

My complaints of last time--not here.  I didn't feel the draggy info-dumping or the jarring jump from one style to the next. It wasn't there this time.  My soul sings.

Characterization?

I loved Jackson and Kit.  I got a bit tired of a few of the "expletives" Kit and Jackson were fond of.  I'm not sure why. They weren't on every page.  Flit!  Pah!  Gah!  

Sigh.  Something about them really felt like they were overused, and I suspect that either it's just me and the time I read it OR it's that they're unfamiliar so they stood out more than other ones would.  I remember noting a "blast" that didn't bother me until something else followed and I remembered that.  Pretty minor, if you ask me.

Spiritual content?

Loved seeing Jackson's faith drive him, make him waver, drive him again, and then sharing it with Kit.  After a bit of misplaced sermonizing in her last book, I was cheering this time.

What was my favorite part of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane?

Aside from just the funness of it all, this book has kind of a Miss Phryne Fisher feel to it (but clean!).  Kit is clever, but she makes mistakes. She's not the heroine who does everything perfectly or comes up with the perfect ideas while the bumbling police officer looks like an idiot.  No, Jackson is a rookie and makes rookie mistakes, but he has a brain, he uses it, and together, they make a formidable team.  She has street smarts. He knows how to think outside the criminal box.  

I guess basically, the part I loved best is that neither is a "Mary Sue" character.  Both have strengths and imperfections, they play well off each other, and they'll each grow from one another.  And those things I loved.

Recommended?

Most definitely--for readers who love adventuresome historical fiction with a twist of faith and great banter. Not recommended for readers who expect the unsaved to act saved. It doesn't happen in here.  Thank goodness. So glad I requested the free review copy.  Pleased that I loved it so much.

Wow!! Michelle Griep has written another fascinating creation in her newest release The Thief of Blackfriars Lane! As with all professions, the more you do, the better you get, and Michelle Griep has proved that to be true again. I believe this is my favorite book of hers to date. (Not in any way saying the previous ones were not enjoyable, just that she is constantly perfecting her art :) ).

As the story opens, the author draws us in through an enticing plot line that progresses well throughout the story. The character building is great, and I became quite attached to a few of them by the end of the book. The world building is wonderful, and the author makes us feel as if we are truly in historical London through the scenery, language, and style of that period.

As Griep draws this book to a conclusion, we are left satisfied with the ending, but wishing the characters were real and we could meet them!

Courtesy of NetGalley, I received the ARC of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. This Victorian era historical novel, set in London, was a suspenseful and romantic mystery, spiced with risks and inspirational messages. I was immersed in the characters, loved the ambiance, dialogue, and attention to detail.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane By: Michelle Griep is a Historical Fiction book. I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed every single one of them. In this book it is set in London in 1885. Constable Jackson Forge needs the help of thief Kit Turner to track down a cabby. If Jackson does not find the cab driver - he will lose his job. So he tells Kit that if she does not help him - he will arrest her. Jackson knows that Kit has local connections and has reach that he cannot achieve.

I really enjoyed how the author wrote these characters. Jackson is fresh out of training - and has wanted to keep the streets safe since he was a child. Kit has had a rough life and also wants to keep the streets safe - but by assisting those who are less fortunate by taking from those who are. They are opposite ends of the spectrum - and when they are paired together it's an odd partnership. Both carry hurt and baggage from their past - and both have a lot riding on finding the cab driver.

The author will take you on twists and turns and you will enjoy this journey. Well written characters - intriguing story line - and a all around good time. Many thanks to the author and Celebrate Lit Blogging program for sending me this book to review.

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane is another fun, intriguing tale from Michelle Griep. She does so well at bringing to life Victorian London.
As I began reading, I actually did think "hmmm...Zootopia". (and now as I'm compiling my blog post, I see that the author did draw from that cute animated movie) What fun to have this plot set in this time & place.
I loved the characters. Jackson and Kit both were charming. Jackson is a new constable. And he's desperately trying to prove himself...but it seems like his attempts all go wrong. He meets up with Kit and tries to stop her from a robbery, or so he thinks...and this is how they meet.
Kit is....well, for lack of a better term, a 'robin hood' of her day. She takes money from willing donors (or so she says) and gives it those less fortunate.
In this story, Jackson must solve a missing persons case in order to save his position as a constable. So he joins forces with Kit and meets all kinds of characters in London's underworld. He sees places he wasn't even aware existed.
This book is quite the unusual, intriguing tale. I love mysteries, and I love victorian England. Having the two combined, well it is nothing less than delightful! I recommend this story for those who enjoy mysteries, as well as those who love historical fiction.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I adored this book. I've read pretty much this author has written and I was excited to get into this story too. I definitely wasn't disappointed with the story line. With vivid historical details that I've come to appreciate from her and and interesting pair of characters, this story kept me turning back pages wanting to know more about Jackson and Kit, their struggle for survival and their adventures through the pages. With its subtle nod to Zootopia, I loved every minute of this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit tours for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine

This book was fantastic! Whenever Michelle Griep releases a new novel, I eagerly scoop it up, thinking that she cannot possibly write a novel better than her last, but she does it—again and again! I loved the characters in this book. Jackson has such good intentions despite his slightly naïve view of thieves and Kit may be bitter and calloused to many hardships in life, but underneath lives a woman with deep compassion and love. The story is very interesting, the plot weaving and changing in complexity and unpredictability just as quickly as Jackson and Kit can outrun their enemies. The ending had a surprising twist that added a great additional element to the plot. I loved the incorporation of applicable spiritual themes expertly woven in the story and the fascinating historical details throughout the novel. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more great books by this author!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Past, meet the future

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane took me on quite an adventure through dark alleys, greasy streets, and smelly sewers. I know the setting was more of Victorian London but I envisioned a steam punk like setting. The descriptions were just vivid enough that the author transported me to those locations and my imaginary senses went crazy.

Constable Forage is adorable and steamy. I know that is an oxymoron of sorts but his character is so well developed that the reader will not only see, but feel his highs and lows. Forge seeks atonement from something he had no control over and constantly beats himself up when plans fail. But, dear me, he gets around a certain street urchin and he comes out of that scared little boy shell, becoming all man.

Kit is a victim of circumstances. Life has kicked her down from the beginning but people took her under their wing and loved her. The ever present feeling of abandonment hangs on her shoulders like an oil skin duster. She looks tough, but inside is a little girl longing for love. Her bravery is commendable but can be troublesome.

The overall lesson I picked up through this harrowing story is “we have a past but it does not have to define our future. God wants to see us overcome the hell of our past, so rise above.”

***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit publicity. The views expressed are entirely my own and a positive review is not required.

She grinned back. “I must say, sir, working with you is quite an adventure.”

In this adventurous tale fraught with danger on the streets of London, Kit Turner did her best to help those in need. Jackson Forge, as a new Constable, had a chance encounter with her that drew him into a web of intrigue and mystery. As they worked together to solve a crime in an unconventional way, they both learned there’s more to what they see in each other, and on the streets of London. It had a bit of a feel of Robin Hood in a reverse role that captured my interest and kept me hooked.

“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.

In the midst of adventure and danger, ”The Thief of Blackfriars Lane” also drew my heart to God and how he works in the midst of hard circumstances. I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow in their relationship with one another and grew in their faith. Highly intriguing and suspenseful, I was amazed at how alive the streets and society of London felt. There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. The romance was sweet, and I loved the reactions as they realized their feelings. As this Constable and the Blackfriars thief learned to trust each other, they also learned to trust God in getting them out of trouble.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep has never disappointed me with her historical fiction, and this one definitely meets her high standards. Set in Victorian London, Jackson Forge is a rookie constable, and Kit Turner is a Robin Hood thief from Blackfriars Lane. Headed to his first day at work, Jackson gets his pocket picked in a well developed scheme designed by Kit and her underlings. The action rolls from there and never stops til the last page of the book.

This story was filled with everything a reader would want in a good read: dialogue so appropriate to the time period of London and of the uneducated of Blackfriars Lane, non-stop suspense, humor, romance, shenanigans, and more. Jackson and Kit were well developed characters each with loveable characteristics as well as things they were trying to improve. This book delighted me with its touch of Oliver Twist, its hint of Robin Hood, and the rollicking ride from start to finish.

Don't miss this one because it gets better with every page.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.