Cover Image: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

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Member Reviews

THE BRIDE OF BLACKFRIARS LANE is the second novel in the Blackfriars Lane series by MICHELLE GRIEP Rich in descriptions of London in the 1800’s, especially the seedier parts, and rich in unforgettable characters, some more to be trusted than others, full of suspense and surprises, and with a strong Christian message running through it, this book has all that you need for a truly enjoyable read. I also love the humourous banter, especially between Kit Turner and her fiance, Inspector Jackson Forge, who watch each others’ backs in the crime ridden streets of London.
When Kit’s independent streak causes her to miss her wedding and infuriates Jackson, she fails to listen to her friend Martha who advises her to show humility and apologise to him because “Pride preserves yerself, humility preserves yer relationship.” Her father says to her, “You never know what good God will birth out of the darkness, Daughter.” I like to see how Kit talks to God so naturally and really wants to be free of pride and become someone Jackson can trust. After being alone on the streets for so long she loves the thought of becoming part of Jackson’s family, which does not seem to be likely to happen any more.
Add to all this, findng the body of a woman who has been dead for twenty four years, digging up stolen property while working incognito in a dust yard, and escaping someone who wants you dead, and you have a real page turner.
I cannot recommend The Bride of Blackfriars Lane highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing.The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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Simply put, this book was just so good!

Kit and Jackson are back in this lovely follow-up to "The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane", and they're up to more wild hijinks than ever before!

Kit Turner, soon to be Mrs. Jackson Forge, seeks to right the sins and mysteries of the past as a wedding present to her loving Jackson.
As streetwise as she may be, will this mystery be more than she can handle?

Newly installed Inspector Jackson Forge can't wait to marry Kit, and start their new life together far from the hustle and danger of the rough London streets she's grown up on. He's trying to wrap up loose ends and mismatched pieces of cases and crimes but Kit is hot on the trail of something, but what exactly?

I didn't know how much I needed this book, but it's absolutely smashing! I do quite love the lingo and rich flavor, and in my opinion this book beats the Regency stuffiness of so many other English/British novels today.

Michelle Griep brings to life the London of old in pristine color, and makes you feel as though you're traipsing down the cobblestone streets right alongside Kit, Jackson and the gang.

This is a positively brilliant sequel, and I would love to see this become a full series what with Jackson and Kit being such a cracking detective team and all!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Barbour Publishing for a e-copy of this book. A positive review was not required, and the thoughts above are my very own.

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The first one is awesome and this one is awesomer!

You'll need to read the first book in this duology (series?) so you can see how Kit and Jackson met. There's a lot to pack in their relationship and their insecurities come right to the top during this story.

But wow! So so much going on in this book! The mystery, the page-turning action and suspense, the tender moments and the deep trials. So much in the balance!

The writing is fabulous! Nobody can do imagery like Michelle Griep. The setting is quintessentially Victorian and the characters grip you from the beginning.

Go read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and then read this one.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

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The Bride of Blackfriars Lane is a fun story to read, especially if you have read Thief of Blackfriars Lane. Jackson is a hardworking police detective working on different cases throughout London, and Kit, his streetwise fiance often helps him. Everything seems to go okay, until Kit falls into a broken floor to below and finds an old corpse in the hole. Unfortunately, it makes her miss her own wedding. Jackson of course, is furious with her that she would choose to work on her own wedding day. They separate over this, even though what she was investigating was the men that had attacked his brother years ago. Exciting tale I enjoyed greatly! No doubt I'll read this one again!

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The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep was a delightful historical mystery with two unyielding characters who must put their love and their future joyment on the line. The plot was a little more mystery than her previous novels, which I really loved. I loved the opening chapter where Kit and Jackson are headed toward their wedding, and of course, the wedding does not go off as planned. A predictable reality if readers are familiar with the first book, The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane, and would expect nothing less from these two. I really enjoyed the concept of returning characters as they go past the engagement moment that the first book left readers in. This moment happens a lot, but it was nice to see the plot move past this moment. A brave and interesting romance as the two discover what they really want versus what they think they want. I would not feel disappointed if Griep writes another story with these two characters. Definitely another hit out of the park from a historical mysteries writer that I have come to devour.

I received a complimentary copy of The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

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Page-turning Victorian Mystery and Romance!

Like its predecessor the Thief of Blackfriars Lane, this book was chock full of action with the first scene setting up a curious mystery that would continue to unravel throughout the story. Along with this mystery there were other detective cases to solve which contributed to the nonstop action and well-written period dialogue. Kit and Jackson’s relationship went through many trials and I read with much interest to find out how these two could possibly reconcile their differences. Would they be able to put aside their hurts, mistrust, and communication issues in favor of forgiveness and love? Reading how they got to their happily-ever-after made for quite the page-turning read. Although this book can be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend reading The Thief of Blackfriars Lane first, as it will provide very useful background information for this story. I know I am in for some riveting storytelling when I pick up a book by Michelle Griep and this novel did not disappoint. Well done!

I received an advanced review copy from the publisher via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit Bloggers and Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

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THIS BOOK! Hear me out: this sequel was everything I wanted and everything I didn’t know I needed in a story. An action packed, victorian era mystery, with a romance between two partners at its core, the pages turn themselves.

The partnership between Kit and Jackson was one of my favorite aspects. They played off of each other’s strengths while on the job, while trying to juggle wedding plans. It was truly entertaining to watch unfold.

However, as the much awaited for wedding day draws closer, the case Kit is secretly working rises tensions that test the relationship between them. Things grow even more complicated when Jackson is assigned to a case that may be connected to Kit’s past, and he has promised to keep Kit out of it. Also, there may be someone trying to kill him. Needless to say, it’s stressful time for Jackson and Kit.

Jackson and Kit’s need to see justice served takes them into the darkest corners of Victorian London. The history tidbits are cleverly weaved into the story. The mystery subplots keep you guessing and wondering how it will all be resolved in the end ! The emotional moments between Jackson and Kit tug at the heart strings, and the cast of side characters bring in humor and sage advice.

And that last chapter? The cherry on top, a most fitting ending.

The bride of Blackfriars Lane is not one to be missed!

I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. A big thanks to the Publisher for allowing me to read this title before it’s publication date.

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