Take a run down the streets and back streets of Victorian London, even a circus. Detectives Kit, Jackson, Graybone and Charles have all lived lives fighting criminals and protecting the innocents, in such different ways that complement and make a great team. Throw in a new baby, mystery, murder and romance and you've got quite a story. A great one. Ice in their veins, deep love in their hearts. Good faith lessons throughout.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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An action packed historical mystery that is an amazing wrap-up to a wonderful series. In this thrilling conclusion to the Blackfriars series, Michelle Griep again takes the reader back in time. With wonderful, time period appropriate lingo and attention to detail 1887 London comes alive around the reader. The interaction between the characters is lively and so entertaining! The book flowed along, giving adrenaline highs and adventure around every corner. But with that adventure comes danger as well. Kit and Jackson are working to find their balance with married life and work. When Kit follows her heart on a new detective case, their family may be asked to pay the price for the answers she is trying to unearth. The constant through all this new danger though is the trust and love they have in each other and the God they know cares for them.
I loved the friendships and relationships brought to life in this book. They are so real and down to earth. Each character felt like a friend I was able to learn more about. And the detailed description makes the book feel more like a movie was able to watch unfold. Once I started reading I definitely did not want to put it down. The wonderful exchanges, the edge of your seat adrenaline, and excitement to get all the final answers kept the thrill going until the last page. One of the best series I have read in some time and can't recommend enough. Michelle Griep is a wonderful author that puts so much research and detail in each story that you get to go on a trip with each book she writes. Don't wait to start this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Responsibilities, missing people, complications, page turning heart-in-throat moments.

Married life could never be boring for Kit and Jackson, but they are off to an auspicious start in this continuation of the Blackfriars Lane series.

As a relatively new husband and now sleep deprived father, Jackson has also been recently promoted to the role of Chief Inspector! While he’s striving to gather up all the reins needed to run the station smoothly and efficiently, there seems to be no lack of complications, paperwork, and people vying for his attention, his help, and his job!

Kit meanwhile has been taking on the responsibilities of home and their small child, and now she’s beyond excited to once again help others in need as she opens a detective agency with her father! While the first case to walk into the agency would be better passed off to the police, the mother’s heart in Kit, not to mention her sense of justice, can’t simply sit on the sidelines and do nothing. What’s one more responsibility to shoulder for a bit? Except, the further Kit goes on the case, the more complicated and dangerous the situation becomes.

If you enjoyed the first two books in the Blackfriars Lane series, you’ll definitely not want to miss out on this continuation. Once again, Michelle Griep has continued the story of Kit and her husband Jackson in a way, that not only further develops the characters but switches the reader back and forth between laughter and tears and the need to read “one more chapter” until the very end.

Picking up this book was like checking in on friends, whom you’ve had the joy of knowing since the very beginning of their relationship. However for the first quarter of the Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, I was actually frustrated with Kit. Shouldn’t she be settling down instead of adding more roles to her current responsibilities or taking such risks? Then it dawned on me how complex Kit’s character actually is. Kit has lived her entire life in the rough parts of the city, perfecting the skills needed to survive and to protect others around her. A year plus of marriage, and the more recent role of motherhood, isn’t just going to turn off that sense of justice or the drive to fix everything herself, much less indue her with other skills she hasn’t really needed until lately. With that realization, I began reading with the hope that Kit would be able to find the balance between all her roles before anything serious happened to her or to those around her.
The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane was not a disappointment, but instead became my favorite adventure in the Kit and Jackson trilogy.

Kit is excited to be starting an enquiry agency with her father, but their first case is a difficult one - and takes her away from baby Bella for far too much of the day. Jackson loves both Kit and Bella, but insufficient sleep, burned food and an impossible tangle of paperwork at the office (with a short deadline!) isn't quite how he pictured marital bliss. And as the case unexpectedly turns dangerous - and reveals more and more layers - it becomes a question not only of whether they can solve it, but whether they'll come out alive at the other end...

An interesting new instalment of Kit and Jackson's story, with a dash of romance and a heaping serving of mystery, not to mention plenty of action as they try to solve it. I enjoyed seeing more of their married life and particularly watching Kit trying to work out her role. Jackson seemed oddly slow to recognise the uses of his 'useless' new detective, though one could easily understand his frustration and the pressure he was under. The 'layered-ness' of the mystery was at once a positive and a negative - it avoided things being over-simplified, but at times did feel a bit never-ending. However, the secondary romance was a nice addition, and it was satisfying to see the Sergeant finally accepting what everyone else already knew needed to happen. All in all, a good read, clean and with an interesting mystery and satisfying conclusion.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Great sequal! I loved reading the next part in Kit and Jackson’s story. This was my favorite of the three books. I liked all the different storylines we got to be a part of. How all the different facets of the story intertwined. Trusting in God throughout all the dangers of life was encouraging to read. If you enjoyed the others in this series then this book is definitely not to be missed!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fantastic addition to a favorite series! I sure hope this is not the last we will read of Kit and Jackson.

Kit's life has taken a change from when readers met her in the first book of the series. Now a wife and a mother, she must learn to juggle those roles with her sleuthing. Her irrepressible spirit, along with her street smarts makes her a force to be reckoned with, as she seeks to use her talents in her new detective agency.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane grabbed my attention from the very first page, delivering a fast-paced adventure, filled with danger and suspense. Ms. Griep's vivid descriptions had me walking the streets and back alleys with Kit, experiencing the sights and sounds of Victorian London. As danger hits close to home, Kit and Jackson find they need to rely on each other before they run out of time. With expert pacing, readers will be captivated until the exciting conclusion has been read.

While the underworld of Victorian London can be rather dark, Ms. Griep always has a strong message of hope and resilience, the perfect blend of mystery and romance. I love reading stories/ series where readers can watch the main characters' love continue to grow after the wedding vows and into the real life that follows. Hopefully this is not the last we will read of Blackfriars Lane and its cast of memorable characters.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book so much! I enjoyed seeing the obvious love between Kit and Jackson, and Kit's intrepid spirit was so endearing. Griep's sense of place and time was spot on and totally immersed me in the history and era. The tangled mystery kept me riveted as did the excellently crafted characters and the layers of relationship complexity. Well done!

“What a fine bucket of fish guts this was turning out to be. She’d hoped for an intriguing first case to solve— Not an impossible one.”

Ah, this story by Michelle Griep!! First, because it is a Griep, buy now, ask later. Seriously, my motto for her books. However, I must say you will want to have read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, so you feel like Jackson and Kit are close friends you respect, even if it's impossible to predict their actions. Common themes to Griep are forgiveness and trust, plus judging others and teamwork. Beautifully depicted.

Kit has so much spunk and impetuosity, plus a great nose for mystery solving that she has connived to get her father to open a detective agency with her. All is well and good if Kit stays where she belongs, according to her father and Jack, safe in the background, in the office. As if!

Kit finds that motherhood has changed her in so many ways. She yearns for her child, yet leaves her daily with her good friend, Martha. Can she put aside her mothering instincts long enough to be an unprejudiced part of the detective team? Can she remember she is a mother enough to be sure she avoids danger? Can we say Kate is very conflicted?!

Jackson has his own issues. He’d might not miss Kate’s shenanigans so much if he didn’t have a precinct to run, with multiple officers needing attention of various degrees, and a supervisor ready to shut the whole office down. Plus a nuisance vagabond hanging around. Oh, vey!

Jackson is fortunate to have a loyal friend in Charles Bagette, an officer who entered training when Jack did. But Bagette has two strikes against him. He’s charged with keeping Kit safe. And, he’s falling for Martha, a baker and soup kitchen cook. Martha just happens to be Bella’s ( Kit’s daughter)babysitter, in addition to Frankie’s mother. The same Frankie who either has a future as a thug or a detective, under Kit’s tutelage.

One thing I always love about a Griep novel is the multiple storylines woven in and out around each other. We have all the above, plus the very complicated mystery that Kit takes on against her father’s consent. So now we also have that relationship thread to follow.

Danger. Action. Twist. Repeat. Biblical truth. Short contemplation how that should affect the character’s action. Swift, short, cry-outs to God. Then start at the beginning of this paragraph with danger and repeat the scenario. My heart barely survived the action, but surviving the emotional tugs was worse!

I cannot do justice to this book. But it will be on the very short list for my fave book of the year!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley, plus I bought 2 paperbacks. This is a book to be shared! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

it always comes back to trusting in God’s plan. Rest assured that no matter what you do or don’t do, you will not thwart whatever our mighty Creator is up to.The best we can accomplish is to hold tight to our faith and keep walking towards eternity a step at a time.”

“ …love covers a multitude of sins. So, pursue that. Pursue love instead of dwelling in past failure. That path can only lead to a denial of the present and a forfeiture of the future.”

“But it’s God who brings beauty from ashes. Don’t push away that gift. It is never prudent or wise to stiff-arm God. “

The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency

Kit Forge (née Turner) has opened a detective agency with her Father, retired police sergeant Graybone.
Her husband Jackson, now Chief Inspector Forge, of course encourages her. He understands the gift Kit is. Oh, not your usual housewife. Oh no! Kit is a law unto herself, a child of the streets, a fighter who’s learned to lean on God and trust, albeit she sometimes goes her own route.
Kit takes on the plight of a mother whose husband has taken their babe and run. Her father is against it but Kit can only see through her own emotional response. How she’d react if her daughter Bella was taken from her.
There’s a murky situation evolving around Mrs. Coleman and Kit, with shadowy figures beyond the edges. Jackson has his hands full as the Chief, Graybone has taken on another enquiry. When the three cases dissect and overlap things become volatile.
Kit is going to be surprised, Jackson is going to be on full alert as his family is threatened. The chase is on with danger from every side.
A lively and astonishing read with the lives of secondary characters developing in a variety of ways. There’s Martha, baby Bella’s day care person, and Martha’s wonderful family. There’s Inspector Charles Bagget‘s whose heart lights up when he’s with Martha, but he’s scarred from a past relationship and can’t move forward.
Such a wonderful group, each a gift to us and to each other. The backdrop to Blackfriars Lane is a Dickensian London. To my mind Blackfriars Lane is somewhat akin to ‘Call the Midwife’, (I don’t know why—maybe because it’s the close community aspect) but on steroids, with faith and trust being central.
Another entertaining and intriguing read from Michelle Griep.

A Barbour ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Michelle Griep does it again with the Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane bringing mystery, intrigue and a little romance. Being that this book is the third in the series the main characters Kit and Jackson are married with a baby. The exciting yet humorous book weaves a story of them learning to trust God to take care of them as they struggle to balance the changes and challenges their life together brings. It is a wonderful book.

It's been a treat to follow Kit and Jackson from the very beginning of how they met to now having a family. I recommend you start reading this series with book 1 for a better reading experience.

In this story, Kit feels pulled in all directions and with so many things clamoring for her attention. Of course, Jackson supports her but he's busy as well. When she takes on a case that pulls at her heartstrings more than usual, they both become involved in more ways than they expected.

The setting is completely immersive, the secondary characters are balanced, and the writing is excellent, as always. The kind of book you can't put down!

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

4.5⭐The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is an action-packed historical mystery that is both exciting and dangerous. It is filled with humor, adventure, romance, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. In my opinion, it is the best book in the series so far. The ending had me screaming and my heart racing.

"What I want is you just exactly as God has made you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted …you’re
all I’ve ever wanted."

Kit and Jackson are trying to balance parenthood with their roles in Kit's newly formed detective agency, which she runs with her father. Meanwhile, Jackson has been promoted to Chief Inspector. Though Kit is street-smart, she sometimes acts impulsively. Now that she is married and a mother, she is struggling to find her place in life.

Against her father's advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child. However, she and Jackson become too emotionally involved and inadvertently put their own little girl in danger. The story explores the flaws of its characters; making it more real: Kit is not perfect and was raised on the streets. Kit and Jackson may struggle with their faith, but they learn and grow to recognize that God is in control.

A subplot about the romance between Kit's friend Martha and Inspector Charles Baggett was heartwarming.

This book is well-researched and well-described, which made me appreciate the story even more. Throughout the book, Michelle Griep never forgets her writing purpose, which is to lift the Lord. Exciting Read! I highly recommend it.

It can be read as a standalone story, but I would recommend reading the first two books it gives you a good background on the characters.

Content: language, cursing, mild sexual tone.

Posting Review: Goodreads, Bookbub, and Barnes and Noble immediately and on Amazon on Publication Date, April 1

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a a fun addition to a very enjoyable series. Kit and Jackson are such lovable characters! They are fighting crime on the streets of London, her as a detective and he as Chief Inspector of the police department. And the extra focus on some side characters, namely Charles and Martha, made this story even more fun.

I enjoyed the story very much, but I did not enjoy that the phrase "like a girl" showed up in a derogatory was in there places. I feel that one of the main themes of this book was Kit finding out what she wanted her role as a woman and mother to be. She shows strength and grit and serious girl power. And yet the author uses this phrase multiple times. It really bothered me.

You will enjoy this book more if you have read the previous books in the series!

Thank you to Net Galley for the arc. All opinions are my own.

First, let me say that overall I liked the book. Second, I need to say that in this third installment of the series Kit began to annoy me. She made so many decisions in book two that put her relationships in jeopardy and I thought she had learned her lesson. But she is infinitely human and, despite her brilliance in solving crimes, she charged right back into the mess of ignoring other people’s advice, wisdom and partnership. I do think she learned some lessons in this book…hopefully.

That said, the story was creative and engaging. As a mystery to unravel it was everything you could hope for. It was a fitting end to a well told tale and my irritation with Kit’s character is entirely my own.

I enjoyed this story a lot more than the previous two. Maybe it was the lack of romantic angst. I like the committed married couple that works through problems together and that’s what we have here. Kit and Jackson have begun their married life and now have a baby girl, but Kit struggles with being a good mother and housewife. She wants to continue to pursue justice with her dad in his inquiry agency. I thought I knew what to expect from this story but it surprised me quite nicely. I liked having inspector Baggett’s POV added to the mix. It added a new and unique romance to the series. The villains are especially wicked and not exactly who we think they are early on. Some parts of the story brought tears to my eyes while others are humorous. Overall I really liked this book.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

The third in the series, I found hard to get into the storyline. Readers who like reading about Victorian London will enjoy this series. The mystery will keep readers engaged but I found the back and forth a bit much. I recommend reading the previous books before this one. Loved the author's notes.

I really liked books one and two and set out expecting to like this third book in the series as well.

However, for me, the first half of the book was really going at a slow pace. It was only after the 50% mark when the pace, action, suspenseful moments increased along with my enjoyment of the story.

Included in this story were still the unique descriptive words the author is known for, along with all the weird quirky characters the author can come up with.

What I really loved about this book though, is how Kit grew into her new identity and had to discover how to still be her while taking on the new titles and responsibilities of being a wife and mother.

When I seen this book I knew I had to have it. I just love a good Michelle Griep novel. This one was no exception.
She definitely knows how to bring these characters to life!
I love Kit! She is very inpatient about certain things like opening her own business and getting her first client.
I love how her dad said to have patience and let tue clients come to her first and indeed they did!
After that, things took a turn and wow did the pace ever pick up!
I just couldn't put this book down.
Wow! I loved every minute of it.
Bella is just so adorable! She's my favorite character.
I love this quote from Kit's dad
What I think is that you should do some soul-searching. There is no shame in trying something new, and then when finding out it doesn’t work, admitting it.”
Thats where pride goeth before a fall.
Some great advice don't ya think? Too bad people don't really know how to use it or do it. Too proud so to speak.
There are many twists and turns and a lot of guessing who done it.
Griep is wonderful at this.
5 stars for an excellent adventure. I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a very entertaining book. It is filled with mystery and romance and just the right mix of humor. It will keep you guessing right till the end! I found this lighthearted book to be a very good read! I think you will too! (less)

It was wonderful to catch up with Kit and Jackson again in this third installment of The Blackfriars Lane series.

Kit and Jackson are now parents to baby Bella, and both are trying hard to be there for her, but with both starting new careers, that is a challenge. Kit has joined her father to open a detective agency, and Jackson is up to his eyeballs in paperwork as he becomes the new Chief Inspector. But as usual, things are going to take an interesting turn.

Kit is disappointingly still Kit. She is somewhat selfish, only thinking of solving cases and not taking the time to consider the feelings or safety of those she loves. For his part, Jackson is struggling to meet deadlines and deal with his wife. Plus, a strange gentleman will not leave him alone since he saved his life.

With a new case that she couldn't resist sniffing out, Kit once again sets off to do her thing, to the detriment of everyone around her. She is truly hilarious, for the most part. However, she now has a daughter and must mature. But, seeing as it is Kit, that might take a while. As usual, the story unfolds with comedy, danger, romance, and an unsolvable mystery.

While I enjoyed the story, I was somewhat put off by Jackson never calling Kit by her name and always referring to her as "wife." It just seemed disrespectful to me.

Martha and Baggett, however, were a delight to get to know better. Their romance was sweet, and it rounded out the novel quite nicely. There is also a nice faith element.

If you have never read any of the books in the series, you should be okay with reading this as a standalone. However, you would be missing out on the antics of Kit, and I don't recommend that.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for my honest review.