This has been an adventure that I didn’t want to end. The author does a great job of exploring London during Victorian times. I loved feeling like I was there and watching as pickpockets scurried from one person to another. Kit was fascinating and funny to read about. She sure doesn’t seem intimidated by the Constable Jackson.

Jackson I think could be over his head as he tries to prove himself worthy to uphold the law. When he and Kit join forces to find a missing person, shenanigans abound. I did laugh in several places as Kit outsmarts Jackson. The twists in the story are just enough to keep readers guessing. The most endearing quality Kit has is her heart for those less fortunate. She goes out of her way to help them although it may not always be within the law. Her heart is in the right place, she just needs to refocus herself on what is right and wrong.

Jackson sometimes irritated me because he didn’t seem to have it all together. I’m not sure he is cut out for the job as a Constable. As they both work together Kit and Jackson forge a friendship. I began to wonder if there was more feelings they weren’t sharing about each other. The adventure is fun and full of danger as they two try to find the missing man. There is a great theme of faith in the story and I liked seeing how one character found a relationship with God. This is one of the author’s best stories to date.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I could talk about this book all day, but I’ll give you just a quick peek. So the story is about Kit Turner, a kind-of like Robin Hood swindler, who cons the rich and then gives it to the poor families on Blackfriars lane. She takes her job of providing for the poor very seriously, so that’s why she doesn’t want the super eager Constable Jackson Forge to mess everything up. She isn’t sure how he found her or why he needs her help, she just knows that he needs to go – the only problem is that he has something very valuable to her (which can also be evidence to put her in jail). After reluctantly agreeing to work with him (basically, he blackmailed her!)Kit and Jackson go on an adventure that neither of them were prepared to go on, and one that would change both of their lives forever.

This has to be my FAVORITE book that Michelle Griep has written so far!! Ever since I heard that this book was inspired by Zootopia, I’ve wanted to read it and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Both Kit and Jackson were such likeable characters and I really could see the similarities between the characters in this book and the characters in Zootopia. I also loved seeing both sides of London and learning a bit more about the both the higher and lower classes of people. The story reminded me that things are not always as they seem and people are not always who we think they are – we can’t just judge them by what they look like, or where they live. Overall, I LOVED the book and give it 5 out of 5 stars (and would give it more if I could).

Special thanks to Michelle Griep, Celebrate Lit, Net Galley and Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.

Kit and Jackson, best meet cute ever.
These two stole my heart from the very beginning. Could not read fast enough but tried to slow down for the simple pleasures of enjoying the author's amazing ability to turn a phrase.
I loved Jackson's faith and the way he presented it to Kit at the perfect moment when she could see the truth in his words, even though she didn't want to listen. Kit's personality and her feisty banter took the book to another level. I'd give it a million stars if I could.
My only wish is to see more of Kit's relationships with others.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

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.

My Thoughts: Another winner for Michelle Griep. The author has spun a wonderful historical mystery that takes the reader to London in the year 1885. Full of humor and action, this novel will keep the reader on edge until the very end. A constable and a thief, can the two mix at all? The reader will enjoy the camaraderie of Kit and Jackson as they search for the missing cab driver. Well written and easy to follow this will be a great read for those who like historical fiction.

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane is a gritty look at life on the streets of London in the 19th Century. Michelle Griep weaves a delightful story that keeps the reader turning pages and longing for more. I hope this is just the beginning of a new series for her. I truly enjoyed the character growth throughout this book. It's a story that won't disappoint.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2021)

Jackson Forge came to London to make a difference, but a chance encounter on Blackfriar’s Lane upends all his carefully laid plans. Kit Turner is just trying to provide for herself and those who depend on her to survive—in the only way she knows how. When a series of deadly kidnappings throws them together, will they be able to trust one another long enough to stay alive?

With rapier sharp wit and a richness of period details, Griep’s writing will leave you with a cockney accent ringing in your ears and the feel of cobblestones under your feet. The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane is a lively romantic sprint down the streets and through the alleyways of old London.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“There’s a fine line between a criminal and a saint.”

I have read all of Michelle Griep’s books, and enjoyed each one of them. However, this book has now become my favorite among all her excellent stories.

Kit and Jackson, the main characters in this particular story, came to life on these pages and I could see this entire story playing in my mind like a movie. The author’s description helped me travel the streets of Victorian London along with Kit and Jackson. Both of these characters had courage, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. The humor that sparkled between them as they raced against time to solve a mystery and rescue a friend lifted this book to another level. But it was the faith element of this book that touched my heart the most. Jackson was a young man of faith, trying to atone for a tragic situation in his past. Kit felt that God had abandoned her long ago, and that she alone had to take care of herself and others. Both come to a point in this story that they realized trusting God is the very first thing they should do. Kit’s coming to faith was the highlight of this book for me.

This is a fun, entertaining story that’s full of mystery, action, and just the right amount of clean romance. I hated to leave these characters behind, and this is a story I’ll be reading again.

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

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a fun, lighthearted caper set in 1885 City of London. Jackson Forge is a green recruit, overzealous for his first day as a constable. Kit Turner is a female Robin Hood whose crew operates on Blackfriars Lane.

Kit and Jackson’s first meeting sets the stage for a fantastic, sparring relationship that only builds as they work together to find a missing cab driver. The push and pull of the law versus justice and where tangibly caring for the needy fits in is excellently laid out. And the mystery has many threads that twist and wind until the ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Perhaps that’s because it combined every element that makes my perfect recipe for a story: equal parts history, romance, and suspense. Plus a heroes who must walk the fine line between following the rules and breaking them. I also liked how faith was woven through the story in a real-life way. Kit and Jackson challenged each other’s beliefs, neither having the corner on being a better Christian than the other.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable historical novel with great heroes, delightful romance, and intriguing mystery, definitely check out The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. The year is young, but it’s one of my favorite recent reads thus far.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

This is the sixth Michelle Griep novel I’ve picked up and the only one I haven’t loved. I think it was a little too light on the mystery for me. The writing is elegant and, if you enjoy Victorian London, the scene is well set. I didn’t connect with the young Constable or the sassy Kit but I can see a younger audience enjoying both.

Constable Jackson hasn’t been on the job long and doesn’t cope well with his first couple of assignments. Trying to prove himself, he takes on an investigation in which he is far out of his depth! Kit has always taken care of herself and those around her. She’s seen by the law as a common thief but she’s far more than that. Soon, Jackson and Kit see that to achieve their own goals, they best work together and an unlikely partnership is struck. Their relationship felt a little predictable to me.

If you enjoy historical mysteries, then give this one a try. It’s a three out of five for me on the enJOYment scale.

"It is far better to be a failure at what you love than a success at what you hate... A reputation is only what others think of you. Character is what matters. That is who you really are."

Such an intriguing story in the underbelly of 1885 London! I love Michelle Griep's historical fiction and totally enjoyed her newest offering that has more mystery and suspense than her previous books. I loved the complex plot with its twists and turns that had me guessing at who the villain might be. Jackson, with his concrete sense of justice, is an intensely likable hero though he is very naive in the ways of the world. His determination and desire to do the right thing are endearing. Kit is a street-wise woman who is intelligent and cunning, yet compassionate and tender. This mismatched pair of investigators leads us all through the dark alleyways of London where smugglers do business in order to find Joe who has disappeared. There are many moments of wisdom and spiritual truths that dot the pages even as Jackson and Kit race against time to unravel the mystery. Though their past often threatens to choke them, Jackson and Kit are constantly reminded that "failure is but an instructor, not an undertaker." If you enjoy a well-written, satisfying historical mystery/suspense, look no further; this book will absolutely delight you.

I received the book from Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation. All comments are solely my own.

Preposterous is the only way to describe the situation Jackson Forge finds himself in. Not only is he trusting a thief to solve a mystery, but he also finds himself sneaking around through sewage tunnels, holding information from his Sargeant, and coming face-to-face with London's bandit chain of crime without incarcerating a single one. But, as Kit Turner teaches him, sometimes unconventional behaviour is called for.

This is my first Michelle Griep book and I do not know why! She is proficient in the Victorian world and language. The story comes to life as you read the book, which makes it impossible to put down. And I dare say Griep shows she has total control over her plot, though if I follow her train of thought in this novel, I should say she completely surrenders herself. I'll let you read to figure out for yourself what I mean ;)

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep has Jackson Forge off to a bad start on his first day as a constable with the Metropolitan Police in April of 1885. When Forge arrests the wrong the man, Sergeant Henry Grayborne is ready to give him the sack. A woman searching for her missing husband gets Constable Third Class Forge a reprieve. He has forty-eight hours to locate Joseph Card a jarvey who frequents Blackfriars Lane or will be canned. Inquiries lead Forge to the Grouse and Gristle where he gets picked up by two goons who take him to their boss. Kit Turner runs a crew on Blackfriars Lane and recently swindled Forge. Kit is concerned about Joe Card as well and she has the contacts Forge needs to locate the man. Forge and Turner come to an agreement that benefits both of them. Neither of them are aware that their search for Joe will lead them to something much bigger. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a well-written historical novel. The story has developed, colorful characters. I liked Jackson Forge and Kit Turner. Kit is a strong, smart, and wily woman. Michelle Griep did her research for this book. She captured the time-period with the language, attitudes, clothing, food, shops, conveyances, etc. I felt like I was transported back in time with the authors descriptive writing. I liked all the action in The Thief of Blackfriars Lane which kept the novel moving forward. I enjoyed watching Kit and Forge go from enemies to much more. Faith is beautifully woven into the story. There are good life lessons learned along the way. The mystery was intriguing and enjoyable to solve. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane has mystery, romance, drama, and humor. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a compelling tale with missing men, a stern sergeant, a jolly jarvey, a terrible trickster, a callow constable, and a sweet swindler.

Strap yourself in for an rollicking ride.
As you read this you'll feel the book humming with mystery and a little romance and I guarantee you'll be intrigued as you read this tale set in Victorian England.
Constable Jackson Forge has the eager beaver mentality of trying to prove his worth being new on the force but he ends up bumbling and fumbling around and just mucking everything up he tries to do on the important case he's taken on. He kind of reminds me of Mr. Magoo and truthfully I kind of feel sorry for him.
The dark underbelly of Victorian England is where the case takes us from the stench of the sewers to the jails and everywhere in between that you don't even want to imagine.
Forced to work with a woman, Kat who is a swindler , taking from the rich to give to the poor. She has information he needs . The friction between them is real as they are forced to work with each other for different reasons for the one common purpose of finding a man.
This book reminds me of when my son started out on the police force but he didn't make a bumbling mess of things.
The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was a fast read and kept me intrigued the whole way through. Every book I read by this author just gets better and better.

A fun, entertaining story with a little bit of something for every reader. A little history, old English London, a little crime, a young Constable investigating a missing cab driver, a little daring, a young woman spends her time and energies to help the poor, and a little romance, two young people who could not be more different yet find they have so many things in common.
Well written and interesting back stories kept me reading this through my favorite Tv programs. It's a good thing this was a fast read for me or I would not have gone to sleep at all.

I'll admit, normally it's the hero that catches most of my attention. Not thus time! The heroine is the star of this show! A good thing if you like strong female leads.
The story had lots of twists and turns to keep you reading but not enough to lose you. And the message is spot on. In short, it is everything you'd expect from a Michelle Griep novel- an intelligently written page-turner. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received my copy from the publisher but as always, my opinions are my own.

Anytime I pick up a book by Michelle Griep, I know I am in for a treat. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is no exception. The story is sensory-rich. It pulls the reader smack dab into the scenes of Victorian London--the underground tunnels and sewer, and the murky waters of the Thames. Kit, a sassy Blackfriars street brat, and Jackson, a straightlaced police constable are an unlikely and unstoppable pair as they team up to find a missing man. Jackson's only hold over her is a special trinket that she desperately wants returned. Their escapades take them to meet with individuals from the dregs of society to the Lord Mayor of London and reveal political intrigue and interesting, life-changing information. And then that first kiss--wow. Readers who enjoy action-packed historical fiction, coupled with an enchanting romance, will not want to miss the Thief of Blackfriars Lane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Michelle is such a good author. I find her books easy and engaging reads. This book is full of mystery and romance.

At first Jackson is a bumbling man, making mistake after mistake in his over eagerness to prove himself. But as the book goes along he gains his confidence and the reader starts to trust him a bit more.

Kit is a feisty character who is easy to root for. Jackson and Kit could not be more different as things begin but has you continue to read you see how they compliment each other.

Overall, a very good read that I read very quickly.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Constable Jackson Forge is a new rookie and his first assignment is to find a missing cabby. He needs the information that street savvy Kit Turner, ring leader of a band of "thieves" has. These two must work together to solve his case.

Set in Victorian England, this book got my attention at the beginning and didn't let go until I was done. I read it in about a day and a half. The author has said "Think of Zootopia set in Victorian England minus the bunny and the fox. Mayhem abounds in this action-packed adventure to parts of London you rarely read about." She's not wrong, although Jackson would've been the bunny and Kit the fox. This book took me to parts of the city I'd never gone to in a book--tunnels and places people of ill-repute hide and conduct their business dealings. There's mystery, suspense, and adventure as Jackson and Kit work together.

Jackson and Kit are both wonderful characters. Jackson wants to help the people in the city, but was so out of his element I don't think he would've solved the case without Kit's help. Kit is far more than she appears to be, which I loved. I also loved their back and forth banter and wondered how long it would take for these two to realize they were developing feelings for each other.

I discovered Michelle Griep's books almost two years ago and look forward to reading more books by her.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Jackson Forge is a new constable and exited to set to rights any thievery or wrongdoing. Kit Turner is someone who duped him, originally. Forge’s time on the force is threatened from the beginning, due to his being late after his coin pouch was returned by Kit. When he’s given a last chance to stay on the force, he winds up pairing up with Kit to find the missing person, Joe Card. We meet Sargeant Graybone, Officer Baggett, Frankie, Poxley, Lord Mayor, Miss Shaw and a few others are introduced throughout this story. Set in London in the late 1800’s this story will reels you in quickly and keeps a steady pace of adventure to keep the pages turning.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour through NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Griep always knows how to pen an intriguing literary ride. Fresh characters, a lyrical plot, twists and turns all the way through. A merry ride, to be sure!

My personal preference is that the male MC has a little more grounding/depth to his backstory and isn't quite so fresh-faced and sometimes naive as Jackson as a character was. But again, this is totally a personal preference and not a problem on the author's part.

*I was given a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*