Initially, I was drawn to reading The Thief of Blackfriars Lane simply because of the cover, I had read previous novels by Michelle Griep but this one really drew me in.

I loved the banter and blossoming relationship that was between Jackson and Kit. They both had spunk in spades, the action was non-stop and it kept my attention the whole time. I wanted to have more time to read this but I had time restraints otherwise I would've finished this sooner. Other reviews have described The Thief of Blackfriars as a romp through Victorian London and I would definitely agree with that. It was a fun and entertaining read.

My gratitude to Barbour Fiction and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a fun historical mystery!

Following a childhood tragedy, Jackson Forge aims to be a part of the police force that keeps the streets of London safe.

Kit Turner grew up on the streets and walks the line of legality in her efforts to help the poor in London.

When their paths cross, they merge an unlikely and shaky partnership. Over time, Jackson and Kit find the core of good in each other.

This novel has several comical moments and the mystery itself was interesting to see unfold.

Another winner by Michelle Griep!

First off, can I say that this book cover is beautiful? (Of course, combine Big Ben and shades of blue on pretty much any material, physical or electronic, and I’m happy. Still. I love this cover.)

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was actually suggested to me to read; it hadn’t originally been on my radar as I’m on an ongoing contemporary kick. But hey, I’ll check out a lot of things … especially when there’s a beautiful cover involved. And, I mean, the cover art for Jackson Forge doesn’t hurt, either.

Blackfriars Lane is a delicious romp through Victorian London (sometimes not-so-delicious, when sewers are involved). Griep brings to life the era, its history, and lively characters who simply leap off the page. Forge (what a great name) has a strong sense of justice, which I naturally find appealing (especially as an ISTJ; he’s defo a swoon-worthy hero, for this and many other reasons). Kit, in turn, is much more Wonder Woman or Black Widow than helpless damsel in distress. So when they run into each other and the plot gets going … watch out, in the best way!

The historical note at the end reiterated just how much research Griep did in the writing of this novel, something you see on just about every page. She obviously did her homework, and it shows in this lengthy read perfect to really settle in on a cozy afternoon. (We’re going to have enough of those here soon enough in the Pacific Northwest!) Amazon calculates the book at 294 pages; it felt longer (in a good way), allowing Griep to really examine and flesh out the characters and setting.

Excellent read (with plenty of highlights I look forward to carrying over to the final copy post-release).

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Constable Jackson Forge is bound and determined to make his area in London crime free. Then he meets Kit Turner. She is a young woman that hustles on the streets. A kind of female Robin Hood. Taking what she can from the wealthy to help the poor of Blackfriars Lane. This is a slum like place where the poor and disenfranchised live.
How can one whose life is about having order and peace get along with another who leads a pack of wild people to help the poor get along?
The chance will come for two people of very different backgrounds to work together.
Great storyline and strong characters.

What a thrilling ride this book turned out to be! Michelle Griep's books are always at the top of my favorites list, and this one is no exception. This fast-paced story was filled with so many great plot twists; I never knew what was around the corner, and I loved that! When I read the description of the book, I was afraid the main character dynamics would be stuck at "naive and bumbling policeman meets know-it-all street-smart young woman," but I should have known better. Griep always does a masterful job of creating characters with true depth. Through their partnership, both Jackson and Kit grow and develop a deeper faith in God. It was so fun to watch their relationship develop and see how they each helped the other change for the better. Jackson tells Kit, "Your station in life is not fixed any more than mine is. You do not have to play the part of a thief just because others assume you to be one. Things can change. You can change. God can make all things new."
I highly recommend this well-plotted, fast-paced mystery that will take you from the stinking sewers to the sparkling mansions of Victorian London. Fingers crossed that this is the beginning of another series!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a very fun adventure story set in Victorian London. It has action as I mentioned but also mystery, humor, sass and a lot of other wonderful moments. I really felt like I go to see the entire city of London in this story and go to know the characters well. I was enticed from the first chapter and found myself really enjoying the fast paced plot. It has the perfect balance to keep readers interested and enough twists and turns that one cannot guess what will happen next. This is a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, clean stories and those who love a grand adventure. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Barbour Fiction and I am leaving an honest review.

April 1885 London. Can his first days as a constable get any worse. which results in Jackson Forge been given one last chance before he is sacked, by finding the missing cab driver Joseph Card within the next 48 hours. Thankfully for him events led him to a partnership with Kit Turner and her knowledge of the criminal world.
An enjoyable historical story with its mix of adventure, mystery and romance. Though Forge seems to be too eager at times in his duties. Over all a decent start to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a mystery set in Victorian London. Jackson Forge is a brand new constable who needs to prove himself by finding a missing cab driver. Problem is, he’s new to London and doesn’t know his way around the seedier parts of town, so he enlists a thief he’s (almost) captured to help him. Kit Turner is a foundling turned the leader of thieves who insist she’s not a criminal and who helps the poor in her spare time. Together they stumble on a larger mystery of missing men.

This is a book that should work, but quite doesn’t. The writing is good, the mystery is interesting if convoluted, and the characters of Jackson and Kit are likeable. But it’s as if it takes place in a vacuum. It’s supposed to be a historical novel, but it’s tasteless, soundless and odourless, and for the most part, sightless too. There are barely any descriptions of anything—places, interiors, clothing, people or food—and what is described is so random and vague it could be anywhere, anytime—or plain incorrect (the hansom cabs in use in London, for example). At no point did I get the feeling I was in Victorian London. And nothing ruins a historical novel faster than incorrect use of money. There are several sites where one can check not only how much a coin is worth in current times, but more importantly, how much were people paid at any given time and what they could buy with it. A constable giving a sovereign to a poor person, when neither of them would see such a coin in their lives, let alone could use it where they live, is only one such example.

The events were set in the special place within London, the City, which is a self-governing entity separate from the rest of London with its own leadership, taxation—and police. But at no point in the book were things like jurisdiction or rivalry between the City police and the Scotland Yard brought up. The investigation took Jackson and Kit to the docks well outside the City, for example, and they were given orders by the Home Office. The City would be such an interesting place with its medieval streets and rookeries that it is a pity it wasn’t utilised better here.

This is also marketed as Christian fiction. God was mentioned several times and Kit especially tended to question God for allowing people to suffer. However, in historical fiction this kind of thinking is sort of default and one of the few things that made it feel historically accurate. The characters weren’t especially religious and there was no greater power in play anywhere in the book or affecting the plot. So if you’re looking for a book with particular devotion and a plot where God’s grace plays a special role, this isn’t it.

All in all, this was a bit of a miss for me. The ending was sort of satisfying, though I wasn’t happy with who turned out to be Kit’s father, and it lays the setting for a series. But I don’t think I’ll be following Jackson and Kit further than this.

I like how Michelle seems to flip flop between a juicy gothic type novel and a more light hearted one. In my opinion The Thief of Blackfriars Lane falls under the more light hearted category...although there are definitely dark elements in it. The main characters were just too fun for me to characterize it as anything else.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is about a staunch rule defender and a consummate rule bender, and when they team up there are a lot of sparks, adventure, rule redefining and mystery solving. The character Kit made me smile, full of spunk and street smarts she was my favorite character on Blackfriars Lane. The story was fast paced since they were on a time line to solve this mysterious disappearance and that kept me engaged and eagerly turning pages.

If you are a fan of Michelle Griep or you just enjoy a fun, fast paced mystery sprinkled with a bit of romance than you would probably enjoy this book.

Thank you Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the free copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep has an amazing way with words. Honestly, she could make the most mundane event seem completely riveting. But there was absolutely NOTHING mundane about this book, another excellent adventure, gripping, and exciting. Both Jackson and Kit, the main characters are incredibly interesting people with such different backgrounds, but both are driven by compassion and concern for those less fortunate. I always hesitate to say too much, because I don't want to slip in a spoiler. Sufficient to say, this is an awesome story, will keep you turning pages, til the end.
I received this book as a gift, with no obligation to provide a positive review and no compensation other than a really great read!!

What a fantastic book. Loved the plot and the Victorian England setting. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Michelle had me hooked from the beginning. Connecting two unlikely characters in the streets of Victorian London, a novice constable who wants to save the streets of London with a tough con -woman of the streets. Together they seek to find the missing, maybe dead and save their reputations and career. Jackson and Kit share many suspenseful moments keeping one wondering what will happen next! Michelle's novel definitely is unpredictable with surprises all the way through.

The title is a misnomer because the heroine is no thief although she runs to the ragged edge of the law and is accused of thievery. This is at heart a Christian tale of doing good when surrounded by evildoers and against overwhelming odds. The author generously salts her dialog with cant and the slang adds a vividness to the tale that is rewarding. What happens when a rooky officer and streetwise pick pocket coordinator join forces to uncover what has happened when people start disappearing off the streets of London.

This was a fun and light read. We follow Constable Jackson Forge, a new recruit to Victorian London’s force, and Kit Turner, a leader of a group of Robinhood-like swindlers, as they navigate a precarious relationship and the mystery of the disappearance of a local cab driver.

The two MCs are an unlikely duo and begrudgingly work together to solve the aforementioned crime. Their partnership began rocky, but, as it is wont to do within close proximity and similar goals, leaves the tenuous state and becomes more akin to friends and then lovers. The romance was prominent, but the adventure and mystery were the driving forces of this novel.

I enjoyed, considering the genre, that along with a sense of historical veracity, there was also present the grittiness and vile aspects of Victorian London; it was a difficult time and many injustices were present. I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from the more obscene or troublesome topics.

At the heart of this story is the shared desire to bring about a better world. Although both characters initially chose different paths, this story shows their devotedness to the improvement of the human experience and demonstrates the goodness that can be seen in the world.

This was a fun read, and I would recommend this to anyone interested in a clean romance, fun adventure, and intriguing mystery.

Tally Ho! You are off for one delightful jaunt through Victorian London in Michelle Griep’s newest novel, “The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane,” to be published January 1, 2021. Beware, not everything is as it appears to be!

Constable 3rd Class Jackson Forge is a new hire for the London Metropolitan Police at the Old Jewry Road precinct. Unfortunately, in addition to being late on his first day, Forge has an uncanny ability to get himself in trouble. His superior officer, Seargent Graybone, has had enough of this newbie and has issued an ultimatum. Forge has 48 hours to find Joe Card, a missing jarvy, or he’ll be dismissed. Forge joined the police force to make the world safer on the streets of Victorian London. Will he find Joe? Will he be stripped of his opportunity before he even gets his career started?

Kit Turner, knows about seizing an opportunity. This radical and fearless girl is a swindler; the head of a crew of people who take advantage of others. True, she knows how to pick a pocket, just ask Constable Forge, but what you don’t know is that she cons the rich to give to the poor. You see, she is a foundling. She’s got nothing to lose if caught. Or does she? What’s that bauble around her neck? I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Kit’s path and Forge’s intersect for a second time in a week. Kit is sleuthing; attempting to find the father figure in her life, a man who uncharacteristically didn’t return home at the end of his shift. It just so happens, it’s the same man Forge is looking for. The two team up in the most unlikely partnership to scour London’s underworld in search of the missing jarvy. Unfortunately, this missing man is the least of their worries. Will this dynamic duo, a con artist and a constable, be successful? Forge’s career is hanging in the balance.

Griep immediately captivates and engrosses her readers because she creates such fantastic characters and crafts an equally amazing and historically accurate storyline. Her characters and the atmosphere she creates are paramount to the book’s success. You’ll soon find yourself rooting for Kit and Forge as they face insurmountable odds. Their witty banter, bold and non-stop action will hold your attention and you’ll be wishing for a successful ending to their union. How lovely to read a clean romance expertly meshed together with a heart-stopping adventure set in Victorian London. This is my first Griep novel and it won’t be the last. A fantastic novel to jump-start a new year! Like Kit and Forge, we need things to make a turn for the better and, like them, we shouldn’t sit back and wait for it to take shape. Let’s unite and make it happen!

Do you ever wonder what you would do to survive if you lived on the streets? Or if you knew people who needed basic things like food? Where is the line of right versus wrong?

Kit Turner knows what she'd do because she lives this life. She grew up in an orphanage and wants to make sure her friends never want for food. She has a line drawn of what they will and won't do and a band of men to help her. Oh and some kids too.

Kit knows the area she works in like the back of her hand and can even access the sewers to help her out. Plus she knows how to get information about of people.

Jackson Forge wants to be a policeman. It's a life goal for him since his brother was killed in front of him as a child. But his first day on the job doesn't go so well.

When murders start happening and they're connected to both the police and the area that Kit lives in can Jackson figure out who's behind it? Can he convince Kit he's a stand-up guy even if he's a police officer? And can he find out the mystery behind who Kit is?

A great novel that I really enjoyed reading. It read quickly and made me want to not take any breaks. The characters drew me in and I'd love to see a sequel.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I absolutely feel in love with these characters! Kit is fierce, sassy, full of confidence with street smarts who teams with Jackson who needs confidence and sorely lacking any street smarts but can act and bluff himself out of any situation. This is a book that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat up until the very end. I’m so besotted over this story with all of its twist and turns. Every page is filled with so much action and nail biting scenes, not a single dull page. This is quite the adventure with all of the danger and shady characters, not to mention a deadline to solve this case. Two people living very different lives who together are a menace to every thief in London, and have an ever growing affection for each other. The growing romance, mystery and secrets tie this story together in one incredible read!

I recently have been on the lookout for more unique historical romances. This was it. I had a phenomenal time reading this book. The premise was unlike any I had seen in recent historical romances. The main characters were great to read and had phenomenal chemistry. The dialogue between Kit and Jackson was super engaging and filled with chemistry. The story was able to send positive messages while still staying gritty, engaging, and fast-paced. I loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

This book was given to me in exchange for a review. If I'm honest, if isn't one I would have naturally chosen for myself without it being brought to my attention but that could be because I've become set in my ways, so with that thought, I decided to give it a go!

Based in Victorian London, the book focusses on the main characters of Kit and Jackson. Jackson has something to prove to himself and Kit is a bit like Robin Hood (swindling and giving money to those in need). I won't go further on the plot, as I don't want to give any spoilers - you will have to read it!

This is a mystery story and like any good mystery, there is a side plot thrown in and drama. It also uses the vernacular of the time. If you enjoy mysteries with those elements and some romance on the side, you will enjoy this book.