In this latest release, readers will be immersed in this intriguing and engaging story from the start! This book was well written and readers will be wanting to finish as soon as they start. I loved the main characters of the story and even the mystery that is written within. Kit and Jackson are both out to make the world a better place just in different ways. Each learn from each other and realize that working together they can accomplish more. Both come from different backgrounds and experiences that have led them to their current places in the world. Due to different reasons, both Kit and Jackson are on the hunt for what is occurring with several men having gone missing in the town. Jackson seeks to prove himself in determining what happened and Kit just wants to find her missing friend. This historical fiction book has a great storyline that focuses not on the historical aspect, but a mystery and romance as well. Additionally, there are a few other unknown facts that are revealed later in the book as well. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed! Even if you do not like historical fiction, this book is so exciting and engaging. I would really encourage all readers to read this book!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane
This was just a fun book to read. I loved both of the main characters. They were fun to watch come together to try and sort out the disappearance of a cabby among other things. Along the way we meet some people that are barely getting by that get helped out. Bad guys get caught. It’s just a really fast, fun read. I would highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I've read that was written by Michelle Griep, and if her writing style is like this in all books, I know I will continue to look for her books! And since it appears that there may be more books with these two characters in them, I look forward to following their adventures. The way that the author develops the characters, with not giving away everything about them until further along in the books, and yet giving us enough that we know there is so much more to their personal story, keeps the reader wondering about them. Kit Turner and Jackson Forbes have sparks right from their very first meeting....he as a constable and she as a thief. How their stories intertwine and take them into crazy and foolhardy escapades to solve a mysterious crime and missing person, keeps their story rolling right along. Into their challenges is interwoven Jackson's deep faith and beliefs, which he shares with Kit, and Kit comes to know the importance of those beliefs. The dark despair of the streets of regency London is well-described and brings a mental picture to the scenes. I foresee this to be a popular book among those who like historical fiction with a touch of romance and faith woven in. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. #NetGalley #TheThiefofBlackfriarsLane #BarbourPublishingInc

Y’all, this book. 😍😍😍😍 I finally was able to step away from responsibilities long enough to finish it. You have to buy a copy. It is the perfect delicious mix of danger, mystery, history, romance, and God’s perfect love. I have long been a “super-fan” of Michelle Griep, and guys it was such a blessed relief to sink into another one of her amazing stories. No matter how crazy the world turns, I can always count on her books to leave me satisfied and hopeful. 💕

This is another of Michelle Griep’s masterpieces! It blows my mind how she can write a story that could be plainly written by the one and only Charles Dickens, such is the written style, the way of talking, the ambience of London’s dark streets and characters, etc., but with a bit of lightheartedness, funny banter, and such a sweet and endearing romance!
Her talent is truly admirable! I was completely gripped by the plot, the mystery and intrigue, the witty banter, the charming characters, even the raw pain that makes them stronger, yet always compassionate and kind, behind the façade of independence and control.
Constable Jackson Forbe has made a mistake and need to prove his work at his job, or else he will be fired. So he must excel in his new assignment of finding a cabby driver that has gone missing. That same cabby driver is the closest thing Kit Turner has had for a father, who along with his wife, took her in when she was a street urchin. So she has to find him even if it’s at the cost of her life. And Kit has important connections, since she is a strongminded swindler that runs a crew who take money -in a supposedly legal way- from the rich to aid the the poorest of London’s slums. It’s what gives her purpose, since God hasn’t deigned to come down to the aid of these lost and hopeless people. So here is where Jackson needs Kit and her connections to fulfill his mission, and Kit needs Jackson because he has a special token that belongs to her and won’t give back if she doesn’t help him. As you can imagine these two different personalities clash and forge a friendship at the same time. As they follow clues to find old Joe, that take them to unexpected revelations, they both get to know one another and the walls they had erected slowly melt until they get to know what they hide in each other hearts, and to their surprise, they find a kindred spirit, and maybe so much more? But their lives couldn’t be more opposite, even if they both seek to make a better world. Will they let their hearts speak for themselves? Do they have a chance? And will they find the missing man and solve other connected crimes?
As I said, I found this book totally captivating! It has everything I love in a book: a great plot mixed with mystery and intrigue, fast paced action, a sweet and difficult romance, and some lighthearted banter. All this, in a very realistic style of the era, totally transported me to the Victorian streets of the Blackfriars area. I felt I was in a kind of Oliver Twist movie, but with a different twist and characters, and a wonderful romance!
The characters are now favorite of mine. So endearing! I loved they both were strong and determined, yet kind and compassionate to the core. And with humor!
Definitely a story I couldn’t put down and highly recommend! Can’t wait for Michelle’s next book!
I received an Advanced Copy of the book from the Publisher, via NetGalley, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This book - THIS BOOK! - What a ride. Griep takes us from the opulence of the ballroom down into the very sewers of London, then back into the constable's station, tumbling out into the dark alleyways of Blackfriars Lane. This madcap adventure reads like a rollercoaster, following two impetuous individuals as they race against the clock (and - whoops - maybe even towards each other). It was refreshing to have the plot focus on the mystery rather than the romance; we watch their relationship develop as they work together on their mutual goal, but it isn't the primary focus.

There is a fairly lengthy cast list, but the number of developed characters simply adds to the plot. Through their complexity, we learn that the richness of London comes from people in all walks of life, not just the wealthy or powerful. Kit in particular also reminds us to guard against judging people by their appearances alone, and to not place too much emphasis on first impressions. She may be wounded and scrappy, but she has a heart of gold; she just needs a companion willing to challenge her sometimes reckless decisions. Likewise, Jackson - a green Constable - seems to be naively idealistic, but we learn later that he has been formed by past wounds and grief just as much as Kit. Both Jackson and Kit have intensely personal reasons for making London a better place. Their quote, "To us - unlikely and unstoppable", perfectly describes the pair: powerful as individuals, unstoppable as a duo. How I would love to read more of their adventures.

Christian themes softly weave through the story (moreso in the second half than the first). There is violence, but it is not glorified nor graphically described. Character interactions are squeaky clean.

What an adventure! I absolutely loved my time with Jackson & Kit. Feisty, loving, strong, struggling characters carry you through this poorer side of 1885, London. Griep carries on her ability to take the reader into the London of the 1800's (see her Bow Street Runners Trilogy) with adventure and intrigue, with genuine characters and heart issues that carry across the centuries. I have so many highlights of insight and "oh, I needed to hear that." This is a book is worthy of being on my shelf--and since I'm running short on space, that says something. Thank you Michelle and Babrour Team for another fantastic read. I've already got an extra copy to give as a gift.

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for review; the thoughts expressed here are honest and solely of my own opinion.)

Fast-paced, mystery, adventure, romance, historically well researched, inspirational: all these words and more describe the latest from Michelle Griep. Never disappointed with one of her books. I should add a little humor too, since I often smiled at the reactions of Jackson and Kit. And, assumptions – how often we assume what another person is like because of a first impression. He, a new constable in London, 1885, and she, a street wise woman. I’d have to say their working together was a God thing. Definitely one you don’t want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane
by Michelle Griep
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 01 Jan 2021 | Archive Date 01 Mar 2021

This is a great book! Michelle Griep is a fantastic author. If you like Historical Fiction with an inspirational message you will enjoy this book. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I will recommend it to our patrons.

5 star

My first read by Michelle Griep and it was wonderful! I highly recommend this book; it is a Must Read.
The author captures the world of early London, you can almost smell the underworld and your heart speeds as you imagine their fright. Michelle's descriptions are vivid, you become a bystander watching, almost like a movie.

Jackson is beginning his career as a constable on the police force when he is pickpocketed and a lovely woman returns his coin. The two continue bumping into one another and soon find themselves working toward the same goal. She's not on the same side of the law as he and it's a challenge for him to remain undiscovered by the force.
He, an eager officer of law fighting the underworld that destroyed his family. She, a woman alone trying to survive a dangerous life on the streets of London. They are powerfully driven to defeat the unlawful activities and the unjust, manipulative destruction and use of the poor.
Kit is a courageous woman whose boldness serves to make men reconsider their forwardness.
Jackson, a man to be admired for his determination to see justice served.
A beautiful attraction begins to unfold as the two search for Joe.

I have deep appreciation for a book that can pull me into its characters and setting. This book is clean and scattered with glimpses at a life who leans on God. I love the setting, Blackfriar Lane. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for making this available to me.

Weaving through the labyrinth of London’s sewer system, investigating and engaging dangerous and unscrupulous men are just a few of the things that Kit Turner and Jackson Forge find themselves embroiled in as they search for a missing man. This search leads them into a more complex plot of criminal activity than either had imagined. Fast paced, adventure filled, and crime solving with a romantic element made this book a quick page turner. I truly enjoyed this book and I hope to see more of Kit and Jackson in future stories.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for the ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As I began reading this, I said to my sister, "He has a moustache!"

So yes, Jackson has a moustache and it suits his character. And the cover shows it off quite well. I was quickly pulled into Jackson and Kit's story from the beginning, a sweeping mystery in the city of London. I felt like I could see everything and the Britishness felt real and not contrived. There's a great mix of romance, intrigue, and dashing about the cobblestones of London that really made me feel a bit breathless.

The romance is to be expected, some desires shown throughout and the learning to see each other in a better light. The spiritual content was also great and fit well with both characters. The ending brought a little surprise, which was very satisfying. There are a few British swear words used, as well as a few coarse words by various rough individuals in the back streets.

Overall, I'm pleased with this story and I definitely plan to read more by this author in the near future. Her style of writing was enjoyable to read.

What a fun read! Jackson Forge is a new constable on the London police force. He intends to make society a safer place. On his way to work the first day, he runs into Kit Turner, who works at swindling people to help support the needy. They end up teaming together to find a missing person without realizing that the case has considerably more consequences than either can imagine.

This book was so well written and kept me enthralled the entire way. I could see some of the plot playing out early on, but not all of it. How they got there was great. Definitely no language issues.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was such a delightful surprise as it was my first from the author. Set in 1885 London, it focuses on the dark, gritty areas of the city, and thanks to the descriptive language, I could easily place myself among the dock hands, ne’er-do-wells, pickpockets, and constables in the novel.

The plot was the perfect combination of history, intrigue, action, and romance. I’d love to watch the movie inspired by the world of Jackson Forge and Kit Turner. I will definitely check our Ms. Griep’s backlist novels.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the gifted copies of the novel. I was under no obligation to write a review; all thoughts are my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep takes readers on an adventure through the dirty and crime-ridden streets of London with an idealistic new police constable and his non-ideal partner – a swindler set on taking care of those no one else sees.

Michelle Griep has become quite good at crafting stories that take readers beyond surface tellings to those that both teach and entertain. Her latest foray into the world of literature is one that harkens back to her first Dickensian styled story but veers into the world of swindlers and street runners. Jackson Forge is an idealistic young man, set on becoming a London police constable and preventing others from becoming victims of violent crimes as his brother did as a boy. Late to his first morning on duty, Jackson finds himself a bit off-kilter with his sergeant and determined to correct that view. His chance comes with the news that a street cab driver has gone missing, leaving his wife penniless and distraught. Jackson knows there is something up as it’s the third disappearance in as many weeks. His sergeant gives him 48 hours to solve the missing cabbie’s case or Jackson must turn in his badge and uniform for good. Jackson’s search will lead him into the path of Kit Turner, street swindler extraordinaire, who he has been searching for since she tricked him into giving her money the week before. Kit has no desire to work with this arrogant constable to find Joe but given he holds her ID necklace and could turn her in if she refuses, she has little choice. Agreeing reluctantly, Kit will bring Jackson along into her world of thieves, stolen goods and perpetually hungry people looking for a better way of life. As Jackson works with Kit, he will find that what he thought he knew about the poor is not quite right. Why does Kit stay in these slums when she could clearly find a job in any number of places in London? Learning more about those she helps and the ways of street teaches Jackson that loyal contacts are the way he will become the best police constable. As they dig deeper into the missing Joe, they will each have to take on unexpected roles and risks if they are to keep both themselves and Joe alive and catch those responsible. But each answer leads to more questions and time is quickly running out for Jackson and Kit to stop the culprits. If they can stay alive long enough to present their evidence, they might have a chance to help more people than themselves. And they just might find the love they both long for but never hoped could be. I loved the development of this high-action story and the main characters. Jackson has high ideals but no way to accomplish those while Kit had ways to get things done but relatively no ideals beyond caring for the needy around her. Their stubbornness of what they believe is right and necessary made for some snappy conversations and adventures. You could just imagine them running through the streets, sewers and train systems, talking to those who make their living off the refuse of the wealthy and conning information from the gullible. The disappearance of the cab driver was the catalyst that brought them together but their shared need to protect the innocent is what drives them to work together in spite of what they each think of the other. They also discover that they need more than their own strength to bring down the powerful people preying on others – they need to rely on God to be victorious. I will certainly be recommending this book to others in the hope that they will enjoy this adventurous story as much as I did. I hope this is not the only book that Ms. Griep will have with this theme and that she will make this into a series so we can find out what happens to Constable Baggett.

I received this temporary complimentary E-Book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This was one of my favorite books by Michelle Griep. I loved Jackson and Kit. These two characters each grew up in different ways but they both needed each other to bring out the best in each other. This made me laugh and cry and I did nit want to put the book down. This is wonderful historical fiction. I loved the descriptions of the underworld of London. I received a copy of this book Barbour publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

What a fun, rollicking adventure tale! Michelle Griep takes readers on a wild ride throughout the cobblestone streets of London in 1885 where pickpockets were aplenty and corruption rampant.

Constable Jackson Forge wants to right all the wrongs and haul to jail the thieves and criminals roaming the streets. He meets his match with Kit Turner, a crusader of the poor and downtrodden, who uses her wits and street smarts (along with a little bending of the rules) to buy food and medical supplies for those in need. Jackson and Kit join forces in an effort to solve a case of a missing jarvey. Jackson needs to find the man in order to save his career and Kit, with her reputation and savviness is able to get them wherever they need to go. Their investigation takes them all over the streets of London, even into the belly of the sewers as they leave no stone unturned in their quest to find the man and bring him back home to his anxious wife.

Full of fast-paced action (and more than one wrong turn), The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was easily one of my favourite, entertaining reads of 2020. Looking forward to more novels from this author!


Many thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for an advance copy of this book to read and provide my true and honest opinion thereof.

Mischief, mayhem and misunderstandings abound in this who done it by Michelle Griep. I fell in love with Jackson and Kit. Both just want to do the right thing, motivated by very different reasons. Together they find common ground to work out a case that is bigger than anyone suspected. I loved Jackson’s charm and seemingly inability to get anything right. Kit’s quick wit and street smarts will draw even the most cynical critic. Michelle writes in a way that transports you to the streets of London: the sights, smells and sounds of various cultures represented there. A reminder to all that God remains “steady and dependable” even when people let us down. A fully engaging and captivating book that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane by award winning author Michelle Griep is a captivating Victorian English tale. It is a combination of romance, intrigue, mystery, adventure, and even fun! Within the first few pages, I was invested in the story and characters. My interest held all the way until the end.

This is the story of Kit Turner and Jackson Forge. These two prove that opposites can and often do attract. Kit is a thief that wants to help those in need by robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Jackson is a down on his luck police officer who is at a pivotal point in his life and career.

Their paths have crossed a few times. Now through a series of unfortunate events, it seems they each need the other person’s help. Words and sparks fly as they try to solve a mystery. What a thrilling adventure this was!

I appreciated the attention to detail in this story. Obviously the author did research before starting her writing. The story is well planned and well written. The characters are quirky and multi layers. It was easy to feel what they felt because I was so invested in the story. There are plenty of twists and turns to make things interesting.

I loved this book. It is perfect for a winter escape to Victorian London. There are life and spiritual lessons heavily woven throughout this story. I highly recommend it. A reading group would love this as a selection. There is much to discuss with friends. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my own honest opinions.

Once again Michelle Griep captured me with a tale that I couldn’t put down. Intrigue, mystery, determination and desire to do their part to make the world a better place draw Kit and Jackson together, though a constable and a con-artist are a most unlikely pair.

The creativity of the story, with its twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I could appreciate the humanity of Jackson’s character and how his over-zealous nature led him to make mistakes, yet also gave him the tenacity to not give up.

If you like a page turning mystery, along with a smidge of romance, then I recommend The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.

I received a free digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.