The Sleuth of Blackfrairs Lane by Michelle Griep.

What a phenomenal follow up to The Thief of Blackfrairs Lane and The Bride of Blackfrairs Lane. I have had the honor of reading all three books and not once have I been disappointed. A steadfast hero and a precocious heroine join forces to fight crime while trying not to fight each other. Now there is a baby in the mix and poor Kit can’t seem to settle down to be a mother. Fighting crime and bringing justice to the victims of London is her mission in life.
I have always felt a bit of a kindred bond with Kit—when she see innocence being threatened, she goes to work on behalf of the victim. And her husband, Jackson, always seems to be right there to aide while bringing things back into perspective for Kit.

I would recommend that if you like historical fiction with plenty of mystery and a bit of comedy, that you pick up a copy of The Sleuth of Blackfrairs Lane now.

This is the third book in the series. I have to state that I'm fond of this series and this book was so much fun! I was thrilled to find Kit and Jackson opening their own PI-style business so that Kit can do what she's good at doing. Kit and Jackson's romance continues into married life and is so lovely. Little Belle is still young and I relate to Kit with cooking being so much of a challenge! Everything I loved about the prior books, it's here and there's even more of it. There are two romances, danger and suspense, and most of all, wit and such a good, well-written story! Faith is never left out with this author, and I am so fond of how realistic her characters are. I couldn't wait to read this story and it's easily a five-star read.

I enjoyed catching up with my favorite pair of mystery solving sleuths! I love where the author has taken the characters in this series, and the overall themes and story lines.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is the third book in her Blackfriars Lane series. This is the continuing story of Kit and Jackson. Kit now runs a detective agency with her father and Jackson is the new chief inspector of his police station. When Kit accepts a case involving a missing child, all their lives are endangered! This was a very gripping story. There was so much going on. Kit and Jackson’s love for each other was very obvious through-out the story. The time period was very well described. You felt like you were actually there.


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

I have enjoyed this series. It's been fun seeing Kit use her unique skills in more honorable ways to bring justice. However, she's a wife and mother now and, like so many women, she struggles with balance and wanting to do well in all areas of her life which sometimes just isn't possible. When a case puts their whole family in danger, the struggle becomes even more intense.

I really liked the Baggett and Martha storyline as well. I was glad to see someone taking an interest in the hardworking mother of seven. Baggett has always been so likeable. It was nice hearing some of his backstory.

There was danger and urgency, high speed chases albeit with carriages, deception and thievery. It was a solid mystery with a twist or two along the way. I'd recommend it.

Thank you to Barbour fiction for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane” is a little different than the previous two books in the series. It’s a little seedy(?) for Christian fiction. (That’s probably not the word I’m trying to think of, but it’s somewhat fitting.) Still, the mystery, danger, romance(s), humor, and elements of faith kept me turning pages.

There are so many fun and quirky characters. Kit was a bit challenging to connect with in this book of the series. She’s one of those rare characters that I don’t really like but enjoy just the same. (i.e. Scarlett O’Hara.)

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I love how they worked together to get the bad guys. I have enjoyed the other books in the series and I love that in this book we got to see how Kit tried to balance being a wife and mother with her need to see justice done. I l loved seeing her growth and her and Jackson learning how to balance things in their lives. I would love to see more books with these characters and see them catch more bad guys. This is definitely a series I will read over and over again.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is such a great conclusion to this series! It has been a fun read just as the previous two. Kit, as usual, dives headlong into fighting crime that's going on in Blackfriars Lane. She and her police officer husband, Jackson, have adorable Bella and an armadillo pet. It's one scrap after another for Kit as she struggles to balance being a mom and wanting to be a detective with her father.

I loved the historical notes at the end of the book. You can tell that Michelle Griep does a lot of research and does it really well too!

I read/listened to the audio book. Nan McNamara did a wonderful job as narrator

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 April 2024

Kit and Jackson are just fabulous characters. I've love them since book 1. I love seeing how Kit grows as a person to explore MANY sides of herself and to see that she is capable of things she never imagined. I enjoy the obvious love between them AND the witty interactions that they have. As usual, the author kept me embroiled in the mystery which is always a plus. Additionally, there is a lovely depth of Christian faith woven throughout. Even when Kit and Jackson have low points, they still remember that they need to trust God.

It is absolutely necessary to read all three of these books in order! You cannot just jump in or you will definitely miss EVERYTHING. Additionally, I must say that Michelle Griep is extremely talented in creating the Victorian England world in her books.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this ARC by the publishers and NetGAlley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all words are my own.

What an adventure with Kit, Jackson, Graybone, and Baggett! This trip into Blackfriars is action packed.
Jackson is such an intriguing man. He loves the Lord, is completely stretched to his limits, and has a temper that he is constantly trying to reign in. Kit is still a fireball! Poor girl is just trying to balance all of her responsibilities. Seeing these flawed people solving crime with God’s help was so enjoyable.
I am so happy that we got Charles Baggett and Martha Jones’ story as well.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I couldn't be happier to read another book of this wonderful series. Kit is quite a character. Jackson, her husband, knows he can't stop her when she is determined to solve yet another mystery. But this time the whole family is in danger!

The story is based in Victorian England, one of my favorite time periods. Kit is not your typical Victorian housewife. She would much rather be out in the streets solving crimes than in her kitchen. She can't cook. She's not good with a needle and thread. But give her a case to solve!

I received this wonderful story from Celebrate Lit to review.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is an amazing third book in a series. I could not put it down and loved every last bit! This is one of those series that you truly do need to read all the books in order. If you don’t read books one and two before this one you will have missed out on a lot of valuable information. Like who Kit is, her relationship with her father, and how she came to marry her husband.

I am in love with this family and need another novel. We have to see if Bella gets another sibling. And what happens to the investigation agency? And so much more! These characters become family and I can’t just leave them!

Okay. So in this novel, we have Kit. She’s a bit bored being just a stay-at-home mom. She is so used to running the streets that she feels stifled at home. Plus she’s not exactly the homemaking time. She’s not very good at baking either.

But she is happy in her marriage. And she does love being a mother. Maybe being a mother has made her view life differently though. She’s now swayed by emotions which she never was before. And that causes her to take a case she never would have taken before.

ONE ABOUT A MISSING CHILD.
What happens if she can’t solve this case? And why does she have some uneasy feelings? Who does the woman remind her of? Can she keep herself and her baby safe as well as get the bad guys?

This moved very quickly. It was like meeting back up with some best friends. I could not put it down. Of course, I had to keep hiding it though because two of my children kept trying to steal it from me because they couldn’t wait to read it either. And let me just say it didn’t disappoint.

Oh, and they’re stuck with the armadillo. Not gonna tell you why and how but I loved it!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. 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.

What could be better than a new adventure with Kit and Jackson? The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, the final installment of the latest series by Michelle Griep fully met my expectations and more.

Kit and Jackson have settled into married life and now have a much loved daughter. Kit’s dreams of her own detective agency have been realized with a partnership with her father. Jackson has become the new chief inspector of his station. But sometimes there is a price to pay when achieving dreams. Kit finds there does not seem to be enough hours in the day for everything she needs to do as detective, wife, mother, and homemaker and she feels that she is missing important moments of her child’s life. Jackson is overwhelmed with the disaster his predecessor left behind and the paperwork keeps piling up while he attempts to act as administrator and continue his work solving crimes. A new case taken on by Kit against her father’s advice puts them all to the test.

The historic streets of London came alive as I followed the exploits of the multi-dimensional characters. Plenty of drama, action, danger, and suspense fill the pages. A secondary romance developed that added an extra bonus and I hope I will have a chance to find out how it resolved. Interaction between characters was natural and made me want to get to know them better. I was quite happy with the way Jackson and Kit eventually resolved their issues, especially the paperwork problem!

I am sorry to see this series end. The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is a must read book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane
by Michelle Griep
Pub DateApr 01 2024
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


A copy of The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane was provided to me by Barber Publishing and Netgalley for review:



A new masterpiece from Michelle Griep, you won't want to put this book down!

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and she's set to open a new detective agency with her father. There's no way Kit can be everything to everyone, but she never gives up. In spite of her efforts and good intentions, some things slip through the cracks.
 
Her husband, specifically.


However, Jackson barely notices. He's too busy dealing with his own problems. The new chief inspector of a busy London police station must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief - a challenge made harder by the superintendent's ultimatum.
 


Against her father’s advice, She and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved in a case involving a missing child. .and end up endangering their own daughter as a result.
 


Do Kit and Jackson understand that just because they can say yes, it doesn't mean that they should?


I give The Sleuth of Blackfriar Lane five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Michelle is such an excellent story teller. The mystery and adventure are top notch.

The banter is excellent.
I loved having both Kit and Jackson’s continuing (married) romance and the side character romance. Married love is so under utilized in the story world and Michelle knocked it out of the park. “I’m just keeping you on your toes…” 🤣

Also, I felt so seen in Kit’s character: wanting to support her family, live out her passion, and fulfill her calling as mother and wife. I loved that dynamic being wrestled with throughout the book.

I loved it so much. I will always look forward to Michelle’s next book.

If you love Scarlett and the Duke, you’ll love this.

This is a good historical fiction that keeps you wanting more. It is a good mix of faith, action and a good plot. Unique in that you have a woman Detective which is unheard of in this period of history and makes it more interesting. If I had any complaints it would be that it does move slow at times and gets kind of wordy. The book is a good read and I really like Kit the woman detective.
I like spunky characters and Kit sure fits the bill. She knows how to push people's buttons and also how to get in trouble while being a Detective with her father. I enjoyed the book.

A great finale to the Blackfriars Lane series!

I think this has been my favorite Michelle Griep series so far. Kit and Jackson are such relatable, well-developed characters, and I've really enjoyed following along on their adventures and "seeing" them grow over the course of three books. I thought the side plot of Charles and Martha's developing romance was sweet, but Charles's POV was my least favorite (just because I wanted more of Kit and Jackson).

The plot had plenty of action, suspenseful moments, and high stakes. As far as the romance went, there were a few suggestive comments I could've done without, but I wasn't terribly offended or anything. There may have been a less-than-respectful use of God's name, and of course, there was the requisite British slang.

Overall, I found The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane to be an exciting read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance. I'm looking forward to reading what Michelle Griep writes next!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I have really been enjoying this series and I am so glad that we get a whole book about Kit and Jackson and their baby girl, Bella, and how they are managing their lives. Especially now that Kit and her father have opened their own detective agency and along with this new venture, they do have some growing and trusting to do as father and daughter. Not only that, but Kit is especially wrestling with her role as a mother and a detective. The author shows Kit's feelings, doubts, and wavering's as most mothers are faced with these choices. Kit's first case is not helping matters in the self-doubt she is struggling with at all either.

Jackson is not having a real easy time of it either. His job is being threatened if he does not figure out the mess that the former police chief left. Paperwork upon paperwork needs to be sorted in two weeks' time, and the crime in the city will not slow down for even that. I did really like how supportive and protective Jackson was of Kit's endeavor outside the home, but he also was not going to put up with her endangering herself. It was a good balance of character for him, supportive yet reasonable.

We do get another love story with Inspector Charles Baggett and the widow Martha Jones and her seven children. I enjoyed their caring and banter with one another. If only they will open their eyes and see just how perfect they are for one another.

This story has is all, mystery, danger, family love, romance, and firm resolves and unbreakable wills. This one of my favorite series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I loved this book and entire series. Michelle Griep is an excellent author! I really wish this series could continue.

This was book #3 in the series, but I do not believe it impacted my read at all. If I had read the other two, it may have given additional background on the characters, but the story was easy enough to follow. I struggled with the first half of the book and didn't know if I wanted to finish, but once the pace and action picked up in the second half of the book, I became invested as a reader. Otherwise, this would have only gotten 3 stars from me.

At first, I did not enjoy the main character Kit Forge. She was overbearing and full of herself, which I did not enjoy. I enjoyed her much more once the action ramped up, then her personality seemed to match the situation. Also, I had qualms early on with her crime solving abilities. For example, at one point, she was willing to entertain a strange idea that she described as "a leap of faith" that deserved consideration, but she wasn't even questioning some of the original facts of the case.... I was like, really?

The story was full of humor, adventure, and suspense -- at least in the second half. There were many interesting and colorful characters. Some more integral to the story than others. I particularly enjoyed the developing relationship between Martha and Charlie, which was the best part about the first half of the book!

Overall, this story was slow to pull me in, but once it did I was in it for the long haul! However, I don't think I will be reading any of the other installments in this series, this one was enough. But, I would be game to give this author another try.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review**