My thanks to Michelle Griep, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and Netgalley for the ARC of THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE.
This is a fun romp through Victorian London, with a sassy girl, Kit who looks after those who can't look after themselves, and Jackson, who is a new police constable who wants to put the world to rights.. Their relationship gets off to a bad start when she talks him into parting with a sovereign to help her and her young accomplice without actually robbing him. Jackson gives chase but she's too clever for him, and when their paths cross again they find they have a common goal, They join forces and between them they discover who the guilty party is. I really enjoyed it and I hope there's more to come for Kit and Jackson.

Newly minted Constable Jackson Forge can’t wait to bring justice to the filthy, merciless streets of London City. If he can make it to work on time. And if he can keep his job. He almost loses it for arriving late on his first day of work when he chases down a pickpocket and ends up flat on his face splattered with filth.

Jackson knows he has the fortitude and drive to bring criminals to justice and right wrongs—like the one his family suffered years ago at the hand of ruffians. But his sergeant doesn’t share Jackson’s opinion. Of course, missing merchants, barristers, and MPs keep the constabulary busy and provides Jackson with a chance to redeem himself.

Kit Turner learns early in life to fend for herself and never display weakness on London’s mean streets. Left at birth at a foundling house, Kit has only one tie to her mysterious past—a button she wears around her neck with an engraving on the back. But she loses it when an over-eager constable chases her through the streets.

She runs a crew of reformed pickpockets and thieves who paint stories for an often-unsympathetic public in order to earn money to keep her band of misfits, widows, and orphans alive. Kit has never stolen and has vowed to never stoop so low.

But she does know the streets of London—as well as myriad passages and tunnels beneath the bustling city’s surface. Kit has connections and fiercely protects those she calls her own. When the only father figure she has ever known joins the list of missing persons, Kit strikes a bargain with a fresh-faced constable who has her token.

If only keeping a job and redeeming a token were their only worries. Kit and Jackson start peeling back a plot involving corruption at the highest levels. And it might just cost them their lives.

Why I Love This Book

Michelle Griep has meticulously researched London—both above and below ground during Victorian London. Her details allow the reader to feel and smell the pathos of a city that glitters for the rich and grinds for the poor. Griep’s unique characters never come from the wealthiest sectors of society but from the ordinary working classes. This fresh approach brings life to her period tales.

The witty dialogue and suspense keep the reader hooked from the first line to the last.

Get ready for a journey into Victorian London on the streets of Blackfriars Lane. Newly hired constable Jackson Forge discovers a group of swindlers led by Miss Kit Turner--or so he thinks. He gets way more than he bargained for in Kit, though. Way more! When they team up to find a missing cabbie, Jackson learns a lot about the underworkings of this area of London. Things he never even knew existed, but well known to Kit.

I never miss a Michelle Griep novel. Ever. She is a master storyteller and makes every every genre she writes come alive for her readers. I loved these two main characters. Griep molds them into 'get off the page and come alive' characters for me every time. Jackson Forge was a hoot as he was guided into the underbelly of Blackfriars Lane by the world-wise Kit Turner, who is so street savvy, she stunned me. I finished in one day! Now I'm sitting here wishing for another Michelle Griep novel. I received this book from Barbour Publishing through Net Galley and was not required to leave a review. All opinions in this review are expressly my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is an excellent historical fiction that has a little bit of everything: murder, mystery, romance, intrigue, and excellent characters. This is a Victorian London setting that puts together two initial opposites: Kit Turner- a on-the-sly petty thief and Jackson Forge- down on his luck police officer that is at a pivotal point in his life and career. They are both thrown together, their fates entwined, and are forced to join together to solve a crime.

There is grit and darkness that is balanced out nicely with wit, humor, banter, great chemistry, light moments of redemption, and romance.

I loved the interplay of the two main characters, I loved the setting, the plot, and the ending. A great read!

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Fiction/Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

This fast paced Dickensesque suspense novel set in the slums of London caught my attention straightaway and never lost me. Griep writes gripping novels that make me want to live in 1880s London, even when the characters are trudging through sewers Les Miserables style.
A cop with a job at stakes and a female thief ban together to figure out what happened to a missing person. From the Lord Mayor's ball to the sewer sludge this novel never stops moving. If you like Oliver or the recent novel, Olivia Twist, or any of Griep's other books you will love this one too!

I received this novel from netgalley for my honest review.

GLORIOUS & INTRIGUING ROMP THROUGH 1885 LONDON!
Loads of surprises as Kit Turner & Constable Forge try to solve the mystery of Joseph Cad, a missing jarvey.
He's new to the force and eager to prove himself at 23. She's spent her whole life trying to prove herself and survive the streets and maybe make a better life for those around her. But, as they search out clues there is danger at every turn. These 2 strangers are forced to work together particularly as they get deeper into the puzzle.
"here he was again, chasing the little pixie through the streets of Blackfriars, this time in the shadows of a day on the cusp of breaking."

Surprisingly there is only 1 refc to tea but it paints a fun picture: "Left untreated, Martha might take tea with her Maker this very afternoon."

FAITH QUOTE: “Then you also know that perfect love casts out fear. Bidden or unbidden, God is with you always. And though I daresay it is a small consolation, I shall be with you the whole way as well."

A well-written and tantalizing bit of diversion from regular life. 4 stars (=very good).

I was gifted an eBook from NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

If not already done, reviews will be posted closer to the release date to my blog, AMZN, B&N, BAM, CBD, Goodreads, Google Play Books, KOBO, & Pinterest.

Really enjoyed this historical mystery! It had a little bit of everything and a setting that kept my interest! The dynamic between the characters was great and there was plenty of action to keep the plot moving! Wondering if this one is going to be a series? I think the feel of the Victorian era was well displayed in this book and it make me enjoy the story even more. The romance was sprinkled in throughout the story and it was perfectly balanced to make it enjoyable and also believable for the characters and setting. This was a great read and I’m hopeful we might see more of this character pairing in future books!

What a fun book! I really enjoyed reading Kit and Jackson's adventure! Jackson is a new constable, trying his best to be a good officer, but there are misunderstandings that he gets into that keep him in trouble with his boss. Kit is a street girl that doesn't actually do anything illegal, but she is a girl that finds herself always being accused of being a thief. She even gets arrested! Excellent clean story that I enjoyed!

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!

Michelle Griep is a really great storyteller. Jackson is a baby constable, who can't seem to find favor with his superiors. In a last ditch effort to save his job, he meets up with Kit, a young woman who grew up in the streets of London. Ms Griep develops this story beautifully, and we have a tale of sadness, poverty, and hope. The characters are so real, and I found myself worrying about them till the very end!

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.