The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

i really enjoyed the use of victorian london, I enjoyed seeing the romance grow and I liked that the characters felt like real people.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Michelle Griep is a fabulous writer and if you like historical fiction with an inspirational message, this was a great book and I hope it’s the start of another series!

Jackson Forge is a “green” constable for the Met Police in Victorian-era London. After a series of mishaps his first few weeks, he had to find a missing hack drive, Joe, or else he’ll be fired. He teams up with a street thief Kit Turner and the story takes a lot of twists and turns from there involving a gun smuggling ring.

The details, both historical and character driven, and spot on and add depth to the story. There’s also a message oh hope and also how good things come to those who go through difficult situations.

I loved this and highly recommend it!

THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP is a really great historical romance novel with a definite Dickensian flavour.
The story takes place in 1885 in the seedier parts of Victorian London, with unforgettable characters and a great deal of suspense.
Jackson forge is a very new constable at the Old Jewry, serving under Sergeant Graybone, who is always threatening to fire Jackson whose enthusiasm to set the world aright leads him to make some serious mistakes. When Jackson takes it upon himself to find the missing hackney driver, Joe Card, he and the feisty trickster, Kit Turner, join forces to find the man who took her in off the streets when she was a child.
I am not going to tell you any more except to say that the story gripped me from start to finish. There is also a good Christian message of hope and of trusting God to bring good out of even the worst situations.
I cannot recommend the book highly enough.
I was given a free copy by NetGalley from Barbour Pub.ishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I was sent this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It was only recently that I read my first historical romance. After reading the synopsis for this book I was thoroughly hooked. That was all it took, a synopsis. The first line had me wavering, the writing seemed so formal and I was unsure that I would be able to really enjoy the book whilst trying to decipher every line. I was wrong, so very wrong. The first line lead me down the path of the adventures of Jackson and Kit. The female protagonist of this story, Kit, was independent, fiery and boss in her own right, literally. The male protagonist, Jackson, was smart, bit green behind the ears but full of enthusiasm and love for his job as a constable.

Kit and Jacksons relationship was slow going at first, which is to be expected when you first meet someone new, especially when there is such a difference in class between the two. But, as their story and adventure developed the bond between the two grew and a great story unfolded, one of the devious mystery happening in London that Jackson is tasked to solve and the other, well.... that's up to the reader to find out.

Overall the writing in this book was brilliant and the attention to detail (but not overtly so) was spot on. I would suggest this read to those who love a good mystery mixed in with a little 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.

When I read the author refer to the story as "Zootopia set in Victorian England minus the bunny and the fox", I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew it would be good.

But it's not good, it's actually amazing. The setting is quintessentially Victorian in the atmosphere and details. These are expertly woven in as to give a clear picture but not a heavy one.

When Jackson meets Kit, he doesn't realize who she is. He's a new constable starting out and he thinks she's in need of a helping hand. Later, he discovers she's a boss-lady who makes sure the poor of Blackfriar's Lane have what they need.

Soon they find themselves working together to solve the mystery of a missing cab driver. The stakes are high for each one of them, and the suspense and intrigue are page-turning.

The writing is superb, as always, and I read it in one sitting.

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

Oh my goodness great read and a page turner! Michelle Griep really gives a vivid historical look of London and you almost feel like you are there! The love story is oh so sweet and you will find yourself wondering how it will possibly work out. You will LOVE this story of heroism and fate...and might get a history lesson in the process! I call that a win/win!, A must read!

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.

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!

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.

What a fantastic book. Loved the plot and the Victorian England setting. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Michelle had me hooked from the beginning. Connecting two unlikely characters in the streets of Victorian London, a novice constable who wants to save the streets of London with a tough con -woman of the streets. Together they seek to find the missing, maybe dead and save their reputations and career. Jackson and Kit share many suspenseful moments keeping one wondering what will happen next! Michelle's novel definitely is unpredictable with surprises all the way through.

Tally Ho! You are off for one delightful jaunt through Victorian London in Michelle Griep’s newest novel, “The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane,” to be published January 1, 2021. Beware, not everything is as it appears to be!

Constable 3rd Class Jackson Forge is a new hire for the London Metropolitan Police at the Old Jewry Road precinct. Unfortunately, in addition to being late on his first day, Forge has an uncanny ability to get himself in trouble. His superior officer, Seargent Graybone, has had enough of this newbie and has issued an ultimatum. Forge has 48 hours to find Joe Card, a missing jarvy, or he’ll be dismissed. Forge joined the police force to make the world safer on the streets of Victorian London. Will he find Joe? Will he be stripped of his opportunity before he even gets his career started?

Kit Turner, knows about seizing an opportunity. This radical and fearless girl is a swindler; the head of a crew of people who take advantage of others. True, she knows how to pick a pocket, just ask Constable Forge, but what you don’t know is that she cons the rich to give to the poor. You see, she is a foundling. She’s got nothing to lose if caught. Or does she? What’s that bauble around her neck? I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Kit’s path and Forge’s intersect for a second time in a week. Kit is sleuthing; attempting to find the father figure in her life, a man who uncharacteristically didn’t return home at the end of his shift. It just so happens, it’s the same man Forge is looking for. The two team up in the most unlikely partnership to scour London’s underworld in search of the missing jarvy. Unfortunately, this missing man is the least of their worries. Will this dynamic duo, a con artist and a constable, be successful? Forge’s career is hanging in the balance.

Griep immediately captivates and engrosses her readers because she creates such fantastic characters and crafts an equally amazing and historically accurate storyline. Her characters and the atmosphere she creates are paramount to the book’s success. You’ll soon find yourself rooting for Kit and Forge as they face insurmountable odds. Their witty banter, bold and non-stop action will hold your attention and you’ll be wishing for a successful ending to their union. How lovely to read a clean romance expertly meshed together with a heart-stopping adventure set in Victorian London. This is my first Griep novel and it won’t be the last. A fantastic novel to jump-start a new year! Like Kit and Forge, we need things to make a turn for the better and, like them, we shouldn’t sit back and wait for it to take shape. Let’s unite and make it happen!

Do you ever wonder what you would do to survive if you lived on the streets? Or if you knew people who needed basic things like food? Where is the line of right versus wrong?

Kit Turner knows what she'd do because she lives this life. She grew up in an orphanage and wants to make sure her friends never want for food. She has a line drawn of what they will and won't do and a band of men to help her. Oh and some kids too.

Kit knows the area she works in like the back of her hand and can even access the sewers to help her out. Plus she knows how to get information about of people.

Jackson Forge wants to be a policeman. It's a life goal for him since his brother was killed in front of him as a child. But his first day on the job doesn't go so well.

When murders start happening and they're connected to both the police and the area that Kit lives in can Jackson figure out who's behind it? Can he convince Kit he's a stand-up guy even if he's a police officer? And can he find out the mystery behind who Kit is?

A great novel that I really enjoyed reading. It read quickly and made me want to not take any breaks. The characters drew me in and I'd love to see a sequel.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. 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.

I like how Michelle seems to flip flop between a juicy gothic type novel and a more light hearted one. In my opinion The Thief of Blackfriars Lane falls under the more light hearted category...although there are definitely dark elements in it. The main characters were just too fun for me to characterize it as anything else.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is about a staunch rule defender and a consummate rule bender, and when they team up there are a lot of sparks, adventure, rule redefining and mystery solving. The character Kit made me smile, full of spunk and street smarts she was my favorite character on Blackfriars Lane. The story was fast paced since they were on a time line to solve this mysterious disappearance and that kept me engaged and eagerly turning pages.

If you are a fan of Michelle Griep or you just enjoy a fun, fast paced mystery sprinkled with a bit of romance than you would probably enjoy this book.

Thank you Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the free copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep has an amazing way with words. Honestly, she could make the most mundane event seem completely riveting. But there was absolutely NOTHING mundane about this book, another excellent adventure, gripping, and exciting. Both Jackson and Kit, the main characters are incredibly interesting people with such different backgrounds, but both are driven by compassion and concern for those less fortunate. I always hesitate to say too much, because I don't want to slip in a spoiler. Sufficient to say, this is an awesome story, will keep you turning pages, til the end.
I received this book as a gift, with no obligation to provide a positive review and no compensation other than a really great read!!

This book was given to me in exchange for a review. If I'm honest, if isn't one I would have naturally chosen for myself without it being brought to my attention but that could be because I've become set in my ways, so with that thought, I decided to give it a go!

Based in Victorian London, the book focusses on the main characters of Kit and Jackson. Jackson has something to prove to himself and Kit is a bit like Robin Hood (swindling and giving money to those in need). I won't go further on the plot, as I don't want to give any spoilers - you will have to read it!

This is a mystery story and like any good mystery, there is a side plot thrown in and drama. It also uses the vernacular of the time. If you enjoy mysteries with those elements and some romance on the side, you will enjoy this book.

My goodness what a fun romp that was through Victorian England. It shouldn’t surprise me though because Michelle Griep always delivers a winner. This is a slightly different genre than I normally read so I thoroughly enjoyed the expertly depicted setting. I felt as though I was a spectator of Kit and Jackson’s dealings around Blackfriars.

Speaking of Kit and Jackson, they were quite the pair. I enjoyed the banter and playfulness they exhibited towards each other almost from the beginning. How they managed to find themselves in one sticky situation after another I’ll never know but it was entertaining to watch them figure out how to escape each time. They were both well developed characters who had personality flaws but ultimately good hearts. Definitely a book I will recommend to friends.

I received a free copy from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is full of action and romance amid the setting of the dangerous streets of London in the late 1800’s. Jackson Forge is a rookie constable. When he meets up with Kit Turner, a purported pickpocket, in his quest to find a missing man she also is desperate to find both their lives are turned upside down. They an unlikely team for sharing information but will it lead to sharing more? If they solve the case will be able to protect Kit from possible prosecution? Will it cost Jackson his dream of becoming a constable?
This book is very exciting and the story moves along at a fast pace. There are many what most people of the time would describe as unsavory characters. Some are dangerous and some are just quirky. Their quest leads them into very dangerous situations that may cost one or both of them everything they have ever wished for. I recommend this book and believe it will appeal to a wide reading audience. I give it a solid 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rookie constable Jackson Forge’s first assignment is to find a missing cabby. To do that, he needs thief ringleader Kit Turner’s local knowledge and connections. In this unlikely alliance both have to trust each other with their lives as they unravel criminal activity with ties to City public office.
The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is the standalone novel written by Michelle Griep, published by Barbour Fiction. The plot is set in London 1885, and we follow fresh-out-of-training Constable Jackson Forge who is assigned to find the missing cab driver who is thief ringleader Kit Turner’s foster dad. With her extensive local knowledge and connections, Jackson gets to experience an underworld of dangerous cutthroats and cheats while orphan Kit has to learn to trust again. They deal with life threatening situations connected to criminal activity with ties to City public office.

Main character is rookie Constable Jackson Forge who seems to be a well rounded character from a relatively secure family background. He seems the voice of reason in this story and tries to keep Kit away from the worst of the life threatening madness she gets into.

Supporting character is thief ringleader and orphan Kit Turner who is a feisty, brave and very resourceful young woman hiding her loneliness and vulnerability. She is complex and struggles to trust, which makes her realistic and appealing character my favorite.

I loved how this plot was action packed and drew me into underworld London of 1800s. The stunning descriptions, particularly of the London underground (before tubes), made me feel a part the plot. I felt the characters were relatable and I enjoyed how Jackson and Kit kept meeting cynical, dangerous characters scheming to make big money and get one over on competition.
The excellent research built an exciting plot offering all my favorite elements of a story. One part mystery and one part romance all tied together in a historical setting. With the Dickensian feel, the amusing writing and dialogue made it one of the most entertaining reads in a very long time.
My favorite part was description of how the relationship between Jackson and Kit developed from the initial friendship to budding romance, as they faced mortal danger together. The descriptions of the extreme poverty, fear and despair of a woman who tries to support her children while suffering illness, was not my favorite. But I appreciate the dramatic effect. Michelle Griep is fast becoming one of my go-to-authors in historical romance, because I enjoy her action packed plots so much. I’ll be eagle-eying booksellers for her next release.
Anyone who enjoys action packed historical romance with a Dickensian twist would love this. As will fans of Michelle Griep’s other work. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or Sarah E. Ladd. Thank you to Barbour Fiction and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is the packed and exiting story about rookie Constable Jackson Forge and thief ringleader Kit Turner who team up to find her foster dad. They get in life threatening situations while unraveling criminal activity with ties to City public office.

This story has it all: historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure, all mixed together in an uplifting story taking place in late nineteenth century London.

This is a really good mystery set in the City of London in the late 1800s. Kit skirts the edges of the law, but her intentions are good and her heart is in the right place. Jackson is a new constable who is eager to prove himself, but finds his job is in great jeopardy. Their first meeting was congenial, but when Jackson learns Kit duped him, he sets out to arrest her. A turn of events now has them workIng together to discover the whereabouts of a missing man.

The story moved a little slower for me than I typically like, but it did hold my interest. There is a little romance thrown in and it is quite humorous in places. I really liked the setting. There are religious overtones, but it is not preachy. I appreciated that it is a clean book free of foul language and sex scenes. There are several occurrences of violence, but they are not graphic. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and/or a London sitting.

I enjoyed this read immensely. I felt as if I were experiencing England in bygone days, trying to right some of the poverty and bring justice to the streets. The author does a fine job of describing the realities of the book’s time period.
Join Kit, street smart and underground tunnel savvy needing to depend on Jackson, a fired constable, as they search for Kit’s adoptive father, and so much more. There is a mix of mystery and suspense that drew me to keep turning the pages.

This is the first by Ms Griep that I have read and was very surprised by this book. I have been enjoying reading historical mysteries and this one turned out to be one of the best I have read in a while. I found it hard to get into in the first chapter because I didn’t really like the hero Jackson but once I got into it, I found it very hard to put down and Jackson did grow on me. There was so much in this story but it didn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary details. There was action, mystery, murder, suspense, twists and turns that you didn’t see coming and of course, romance and to cap it all off encouragement from a Christian point of view. It was such a lovely change but it wasn’t heavy, just enough to make the book just that more enjoyable. I am sure to be reading more by this author. I received this as an ARC and freely do my review.

First of all, can I just say how fabulous this book cover is? I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover but this cover really drew me in as I scrolled through netgalley and I'm so glad that I requested to have an opportunity to read an arc of this book. Thank you netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book! All thoughts are my own. I really enjoyed the two main characters and their unique backgrounds in this story. The plot was well done, the mystery was complex enough to prevent easy predictablility but not so complex that it was too difficult to follow along with. There was a lot that both the main characters could learn from one another. I enjoyed the strong, independent female main character who captured the interest of the male lead, not by her beauty (although he certainly noticed her beauty) but because of her skill, her adeptness and her aptitude to survive and help those around her in poor living conditions. This has a great social justice theme mixed with mystery. I liked the faith elements to the story and appreciated that that theme was present in the story without overpowering/dominating the storyline. The lesson that Kit learned in the story as far as trust is very relatable and relevant during this pandemic, that's for sure! I also enjoyed that there was alot of action (on the run, facing bad guys, that sort of thing) and a realistic, gradual romantic development. The only thing I wasn't super enamored with about this book was that to felt like it took a while to get where it was going. The story started to feel like it was lagging 1/2'- 2/3 of the way though the book but once it picked up into the final dilemma/plan to solve the mystery and catch the "bad guy" so to speak, I was hooked and riveted until the conclusion. This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm now interested in checking out more of her writing in the future.

Michelle Griep is truly one of my favourite authors. Reading this book confirmed that. I would buy any book I see with her name on it, no need to even read the back cover. I couldn’t say that about many authors. This was a captivating Victorian era romance set in London, full of romance, mystery and intrigue. Yes, please! The characters were well thought out and highly entertaining. Griep’s stories are always well paced, not allowing the reader to grow bored, and have a solid ending. I honestly have no negatives to mention here. This is an excellent book that I highly recommend to any historical fiction fan.

This book was so good! It's a clean romance with mystery and action and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author brings the book to life with her words and makes you feel like you are there. This book was a great read! Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really liked this book! Jackson Forge is trying to make it through his first few weeks as a constable when he has a run in with a thief, Kit Turner. He eventually realizes that there is more to her that meets the eye. When his job is on the line, he relies on her to lead him through the seamier streets of London to solve not just one case, but a conspiracy that has mystified the entire department. I've read a lot of books set in Victorian London lately, but I really appreciated that this one was very unique! Neither Kit nor Jackson are wealthy aristocrats; neither of them seem "too" perfect, which makes them feel real. This also isn't solely a marriage plot book. Griep uses the dialogue to plunge us into the London streets (the very opposite of posh Downton Abbey), which took me some time to follow along but overall goes a long way towards building the world of the book. It's very entertaining to follow Kit and Jackson through all parts of London and see what they do to try and blend in. It did take me a few chapters to get into, but I'm glad I kept with it! Once I was hooked I couldn't put it down. It was a well-written mystery that kept me guessing. I really appreciated the twist at the end too-I did not see it coming. A great read!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Another captivating treasure from storyteller extraordinaire Michelle Griep!
The Thief of Blackfriars Lane has it all: a fast-paced plot with surprising twists and turns that keep you turning the pages; well-crafted, endearing characters who come alive and capture your heart; and vividly described settings that transport you to the scene of the action. Historical people and places are believably infused into the fictional story. The use of the street vernacular of Victorian London adds credibility and flavor to the narrative. The witty banter between the “unlikely and unstoppable” hero and heroine pair is delightful. Faith flows naturally throughout the story focusing on trusting God and His perfect timing for your life regardless of the circumstances. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Jackson Forge is a police officer a fresh and new addition to London's constabulary force he wants to make a good impression on his superior, make his father proud and be the best officer that he can be (his beat is a little boring). Kit Turner is a thief, a foundling she was taken in by a kind couple her foster father goes missing and Kit is using every resource at her disposal to find him. Investigating another string of disappearances Jackson gets caught up in a web that might end his career before it is truly begun. Kit is a woman used to fending for herself but Jackson is a useful guy to have around. They grow to rely on each other in many ways but when their intersecting investigations puts them on a dangerous path can they stay the course?
This book was an amazing read. It felt very much of the time, smells, daily life, the going to and fro in the day felt very much of the time it was set in. Kit and Jackson were interesting characters that had their own tragedies and felt very authentic go their lives and stations. I will heartily recommend this book to anyone who love a good historical or mystery or historical mystery.

This is a fun historical adventure romping through Victorian England. This tale takes a street smart young lady and a new constable teaming up to find a missing man and to uncover deception and the culprit behind it. There is a sweet and light romance too.
I enjoyed this book and thank Barbour publishing for giving me a copy of it. This is my honest opinion.
4 .5 stars.

When I read the premise, I was so so hooked. I really loved the writing although I had some problems following the story (that's probably just me). In my Zoom classes, all I could think about was reading this book. I was really hooked from the beginning. The characters are lovely and I love how Kit is super b@d@ss.
The story in general was really good, I was invested in the story from start to finish. However, I personally feel like there could have been more romantic moments. Also, I'm not a religious person, so when I read the scenes where they talk about God, I just couldn't relate. That's on me. I knew this book was Christian when and I picked it up. It really didn't make me hate the book.
Therefore, if there's a second book, I would totally read it. It ended in a way that I want to know more about what happens in the future for the characters.

Overall, great book!!

Christian-fiction, historical-novel, law-enforcement, London, verbal-humor, situational-humor*****

Kit heads a gang of petty thieves in a dark area of London, the twist is that the money is used for the needs of the poor, the sick, and the unwanted. Forge is a young man who desperately wants to be a policeman, but he already flubbed it twice. They work together to find a special cabbie and encounter unknown dangers. I thought it was a very pleasant read for a cold afternoon.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Barbour Publishing, Inc./Barbour Fiction via NetGalley. Thank you.

I am sad. I tried downloading this book after being approved to read it but I was unable to see the book in my shelf.

I hope it is a technical glitch because my phone has been faulty these last few days.

I really would love to read this book.

In the meantime, a proper review might come out in the nearest future.

Happy reading and what a beautiful cover!

Newly hired Jackson Ford is determined to prove himself a worthy constable and protect the people of London. Meanwhile, Kit Turner is the local Robinhood, taking from the rich and giving to the needy. When Jackson is swindled by Miss Turner, he's determined to find bring her to justice. But, when a local cab driver goes missing, he's forced to team up with Kit to find the missing man. Along the way, they stumble upon bigger trouble that could cost them both their lives.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not one to ever read historical or Christian fiction but this book has me wondering why I never looked more into the genres before. The characters were interesting. I liked the chemistry between Jackson and Kit. The plot twists were alright, though most of them are kind of obvious. I do agree with another reviewer that the Christian aspect suddenly appeared in the novel. I wasn't even aware it was a Christian novel because it's mentioned so abruptly, like it was forgotten and suddenly thrown into the rest of the book. Though his faith is so important to Jackson, it isn't apparent at all in the beginning - just his strong sense of justice seems to be a driving factor in his decisions. Kit's lack of faith in God is mentioned once in a while. That was the only part that didn't seem consistent to me. The rest of the book was well tied in together.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

Y'all this book!! When I seen Greip's new book, I just had to have it! I wasn't disappointed. Not by far! She is one of my very favorite authors!!
I just have to brag! So good!
So many adventures in this tale that I could hardly keep up with! Every time I turned the page something exciting happens!
Michelle Greip does that to you.
In my opinion this book will take first place as her best book yet!
I never thought about it being a
zoo topian kind of style I just enjoyed reading it!
Miss Kit and Jackson are soooooo awesome! I loved the mystery part of this book.
I just adore the cover of this book! They are just exactly how I would picture them!
You know, my favorite scene was the train scene. The way Greip wrote it I actually felt the wind and heard the train going by. Whew!!! Too close for me lol!
I loved being in the book with Kit and Jackson. I didn't want to leave.
The book was over too quickly for me because I was so engrossed in it. I finished it in one day!
If you like Michelle's books then you'll love this one. I sure did!
It is worth rereading again!
I'll be adding this one to my list of favorite books! I only have three others so far.
My thanks to Barbour/Netgalley for a copy of this eBook. I so enjoyed this book! 5 stars!
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a very fun adventure story set in Victorian London. It has action as I mentioned but also mystery, humor, sass and a lot of other wonderful moments. I really felt like I go to see the entire city of London in this story and go to know the characters well. I was enticed from the first chapter and found myself really enjoying the fast paced plot. It has the perfect balance to keep readers interested and enough twists and turns that one cannot guess what will happen next. This is a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, clean stories and those who love a grand adventure. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Barbour Fiction and I am leaving an honest review.

What a thrilling ride this book turned out to be! Michelle Griep's books are always at the top of my favorites list, and this one is no exception. This fast-paced story was filled with so many great plot twists; I never knew what was around the corner, and I loved that! When I read the description of the book, I was afraid the main character dynamics would be stuck at "naive and bumbling policeman meets know-it-all street-smart young woman," but I should have known better. Griep always does a masterful job of creating characters with true depth. Through their partnership, both Jackson and Kit grow and develop a deeper faith in God. It was so fun to watch their relationship develop and see how they each helped the other change for the better. Jackson tells Kit, "Your station in life is not fixed any more than mine is. You do not have to play the part of a thief just because others assume you to be one. Things can change. You can change. God can make all things new."
I highly recommend this well-plotted, fast-paced mystery that will take you from the stinking sewers to the sparkling mansions of Victorian London. Fingers crossed that this is the beginning of another series!

Initially, I was drawn to reading The Thief of Blackfriars Lane simply because of the cover, I had read previous novels by Michelle Griep but this one really drew me in.

I loved the banter and blossoming relationship that was between Jackson and Kit. They both had spunk in spades, the action was non-stop and it kept my attention the whole time. I wanted to have more time to read this but I had time restraints otherwise I would've finished this sooner. Other reviews have described The Thief of Blackfriars as a romp through Victorian London and I would definitely agree with that. It was a fun and entertaining read.

My gratitude to Barbour Fiction and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a fun historical mystery!

Following a childhood tragedy, Jackson Forge aims to be a part of the police force that keeps the streets of London safe.

Kit Turner grew up on the streets and walks the line of legality in her efforts to help the poor in London.

When their paths cross, they merge an unlikely and shaky partnership. Over time, Jackson and Kit find the core of good in each other.

This novel has several comical moments and the mystery itself was interesting to see unfold.

Another winner by Michelle Griep!

First off, can I say that this book cover is beautiful? (Of course, combine Big Ben and shades of blue on pretty much any material, physical or electronic, and I’m happy. Still. I love this cover.)

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was actually suggested to me to read; it hadn’t originally been on my radar as I’m on an ongoing contemporary kick. But hey, I’ll check out a lot of things … especially when there’s a beautiful cover involved. And, I mean, the cover art for Jackson Forge doesn’t hurt, either.

Blackfriars Lane is a delicious romp through Victorian London (sometimes not-so-delicious, when sewers are involved). Griep brings to life the era, its history, and lively characters who simply leap off the page. Forge (what a great name) has a strong sense of justice, which I naturally find appealing (especially as an ISTJ; he’s defo a swoon-worthy hero, for this and many other reasons). Kit, in turn, is much more Wonder Woman or Black Widow than helpless damsel in distress. So when they run into each other and the plot gets going … watch out, in the best way!

The historical note at the end reiterated just how much research Griep did in the writing of this novel, something you see on just about every page. She obviously did her homework, and it shows in this lengthy read perfect to really settle in on a cozy afternoon. (We’re going to have enough of those here soon enough in the Pacific Northwest!) Amazon calculates the book at 294 pages; it felt longer (in a good way), allowing Griep to really examine and flesh out the characters and setting.

Excellent read (with plenty of highlights I look forward to carrying over to the final copy post-release).

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Constable Jackson Forge is bound and determined to make his area in London crime free. Then he meets Kit Turner. She is a young woman that hustles on the streets. A kind of female Robin Hood. Taking what she can from the wealthy to help the poor of Blackfriars Lane. This is a slum like place where the poor and disenfranchised live.
How can one whose life is about having order and peace get along with another who leads a pack of wild people to help the poor get along?
The chance will come for two people of very different backgrounds to work together.
Great storyline and strong characters.

What a fun novel! Newly installed Constable Jackson Forge and “orphaned thief” Kit meet in Blackfriars Lane during a scam. As Jackson tries to impress his commander, he seems to bungle each opportunity (and Kit seems to be connected to all of them). As they learn to trust each other they make a surprising crime solving team. I had already figured out one of the twists in the ending, but Griep tied everything up with a lovely bow. The novel focuses on a part of Victorian London not often seen in movies or books (except for Oliver Twist).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Thief at Blackfriars Lane was such a fun book. It’s about a rookie constable and a swindler that have to learn to work together to solve a missing persons case, and it’s set in 1800s London! Jackson Forge is a new constable who has a lot to prove. He is desperate to prove himself and save London from the criminals threatening it. And maybe to help redeem his own past. Kit Turner is not a thief, but no matter what she says no one will believe that. She’s learned to not trust anyone, not Jackson and especially not God. When they are thrown together, to help solve a missing person cases sparks fly. But they will have to work together if they want to solve and get out of this case alive.
This is actually my first book by Ms. Griep, and I really enjoyed the action packed and romantic tale. There were so many twists and turns, and the mystery just kept up until the very end of the book. The depictions of them going into the darker parts of London were exciting and exhilarating without being too scary. And there was another very important shock at the end of the book that I did not expect at all!
Additionally, the slow burn romance and friendship were adorable. Jackson had to learn how to trust that he has not failed and God is still working things out for good. And Kit definitely helped him realize that where he helped her see that she could only rely on God. I also loved how even in the 1800s of London, Jackson appreciated Kit’s strength and determination. It was sweet to see them banter and learn how to work together. The romance was super clean which is nice because those are hard to find.
I also enjoyed the spiritual side of things. It’s one of the hardest things to let go and trust that God will do His work. Kit and Jackson had to learn that. No matter how hard they tried ultimately, they could only trust that God would do His work. I think that it was well woven through the book, so it fit with the plot as well. I would have loved if Ms. Griep had made sure that Kit understood the fact that she could only truly trust God not even Jackson. But, it was still a lovely character growth that was wonderful to read about. I would definitely recommend this romantic, exciting, and encouraging book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Fans of Christian historical romance will not be disappointed with Michelle Griep's new book The Thief Of Blackfriars Lane. This is a delightful action packed adventure that takes place in the Victorian era in London, mostly on the dark or impoverished side of town. Suspenseful yes, while reading I often found myself holding my breath.
When rookie Constable Jackson Forge bumps into Kit Turner, the ringleader of Blackfriar's thieves, he does not realize his life will soon be changed completely.
I so enjoy reading Michelle Griep's novels. When I see one of her books, I do not hesitate to purchase it. I know it will be well written, exciting, often amusing and always clean and well worth the read. I love the way she weaves a thread of Christianity throughout her story. The romance, although not the main part of the story-line, is very well done and quit believable.
I thank Barbour Books for allowing me, through NetGalley, to read this great book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I am always a huge fan of Michelle Griep - and I've been waiting for this book for-EVER! This time period is one of my top two favorites, and Michelle Griep's historical research and attention to detail never fail to impress.
Although all of her books have elements of mystery, romance, and Christian characters who have some sort of crisis of faith, each story has its own individual elements, twists and turns, and they never get old.

I loved that its our heroine - Kit - who is the rough-and-tumble character this time. She has a heart of gold, and serves as a sort of Robin Hood to the denizens of Blackfriars Lane. But it seems to Kit that she's just trying to pick up the pieces where it seems God is turning a blind eye.
Enter Jackson Forge - newest constable on the force, and out to prove himself worthy of his badge. Despite his efforts to follow the letter of the law, he quickly learns that things aren't always black and white. When he finds himself in trouble, it's Kit he has to rely on. Can his faith teach him to see Kit and her work through God's eyes? And can Jackson's unshakeable faith help Kit find her way back to a God she's come to doubt?

Don't miss this one. Recommended for any fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries, Christian fiction, and especially page-turning adventure.

Michelle Griep is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed this story. Jackson Forge is a naive lawman, with high ideals and a lot of integrity. He encounters a young woman, Kit Turner, whom he judges a thief and resolves to bring her to justice. Through unforeseen circumstances, they find themselves both on the same mission to find a missing man. As Jackson enters Kits world, he begins to see who she really is, and the work she does. While his career as a lawman comes into question, he wrestles with what it means to do the right thing, when it looks a different way.

A very enjoyable read, packed with mystery and suspense.

Kit was left at a foundling hospital with only a medallion that might offer a clue to her parentage. She lives in the Blackfriars, a rough area of London, where she leads a crew of desperate people, young and old. They don’t steal, but if they can make folks believe they are contributing to a worthy cause, so much the better. Kit’s philosophy is “Sketch a careful word picture and the listener will see a full image of his own making.”
Jackson is a naïve, optimistic rookie constable with no idea of the struggle to survive in Blackfriars. He must work with Kit to find a missing cabbie. She fascinates him, and he finds himself stretching his principles.
The story took a while to hook me in. Then it became a page-turner with a wild finish.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is Christian Historical Fiction but this book is so much more. Michelle Griep books have plenty of action, thrills, mystery, romance, unusual characters and unexpected story plots. I love that I just never know what will happen next. There is a Christian theme including an encouraging gospel message of trust and faith in the Lord. The historical details are excellent throughout and the book includes an afterword with even more information that will please any history lover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

This book was intense and took me along the streets of London to try to solve the mystery!

Jackson's first few days as a constable are not going so well. He is given 48 hours to solve the crime of a missing man.

Kit has had a rough life but seeks to help those in her neighborhood.

These two characters come from completely different backgrounds in an attempt to solve the crimes that are happening throughout London.

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 is a well-crafted tale of a bumbling constable and a cunning swindler. With fantastic world-building and witty dialogue, Michelle Griep transports her readers to the streets of London and engages them in a satisfying romance.

Jackson is not your typical hero. He’s bumbling, eager, and at times clumsy. But goodness, it just made me love him more. His tenacity serves him well, even if he does annoy his sergeant more often than not.

Putting him opposite capable and street-smart Kit was genius on Griep’s part. They complement each other well, even if they don’t realize it at first.

And Kit herself is an interesting character. Tender-hearted yet tough as nails. Though originally viewed as a villain by Jackson, readers quickly see her softer side and understand her motivation.

Both of these characters quickly get you invested in their adventures through sewers, ballrooms, and London’s underbelly. By upping the suspense throughout the novel, Griep keeps you invested, not just with the mystery but with the characters themselves.

And there’s a great spiritual arc about being loved and seen by God and His role in our lives. Watching the characters grapple with guilt over their past or feeling unwanted not only made me relate with them but also got me to thinking about God’s place in my life. An excellent thought for Christians to consider whether they’re new believers or mature Christians.

Overall, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an engaging read historical romance readers will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

This book was so much fun! I read it in just one afternoon/evening because I simply couldn’t put it down. The mystery was exciting, and the romance moved at just the right pace. And though it’s a mildly Christian-based story, that doesn’t stop the two leads from admiring each other’s physique in evening wear ;)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It is one escapade after another in Michelle Griep's latest "The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane"! I have only read one other book by Michelle but enjoyed it so I figured I'd like this one too.

I found Kit and Jackson to be likable characters and I enjoyed their romance. She is a "thief" similar to Robin Hood and he is a rookie constable in Victorian London who always tries to do the right thing. They have lots of adventures together and he is an upright man who wants to protect Kit through it all. I would love to see more books about these two.

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

I enjoyed this book. The differences between the main characters added an extra layer to the book that made the book much more enjoyable. Jackson had a life-changing event in his childhood that makes him see life in black and white. Kit had to grow up fast and learn how to survive on the streets of London. Kit walks on the fence between legal and illegal. Jackson and Kit must work together to find the same missing person. Sparks fly, danger lurks around every corner, lines between right and wrong blur, mystery and intrigue all work together to make an amazing story. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery and opposites-attract romances.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

My favorite thing about this book is the characters. Kit is spunky and independent, as non-conformist as they come. Jackson is straight-laced and loyal, with a heart for justice. They come together with all the sparks you'd imagine. Their banty is witty and fun. A nice romp to read when you need a story to make you smile.

The author did a wonderful job with the verbiage of the time period and descriptions of the way of life during that time. It helped make the story come alive. The storyline is filled with intrigue, suspense, and a chase through 1885 London's underground into a world of treachery and crime.

The main character, Jackson (a constable) goes on an adventure to capture whoever is behind the crime of some important missing men. What he finds is something more than he bargained for. He is led on a chase when he partners up with Kit, a woman with ties to the underground, but is a version of Robin Hood helping the poor.

The characters were quirky, humorous, going on unexpected adventures fraught with danger. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and times of great courage to do the right thing. A sweet romance starts to grow between Kit and Jackson as they fight for their life. The ending was surprising but wrapped everything up nicely and was an absolutely entertaining and inspirational read. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it.

I really enjoyed this story except for the Christian preaching. Thankfully, that was really only in one small section that went heavy into God’s grace (2 or 3 paragraphs) which I ended up just skimming through. This is my first book by this author, so I was not/am not aware if this is her normal fare. The story itself was entertaining and atmospheric. Lots of action and mayhem and a definite spark between Kit and Jackson. I liked that Kit was the more dominant person as the setting of the story was in her stronghold. Jackson, a new and eager police recruit, had to follow Kit’s lead most of the time. This did not mean he was a weak character, not at all. There is a chaste but believable romance that develops between the two main characters. A couple mysteries answered but with the feeling that this is the start of a series. Entertaining!

"The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" by Michelle Griep
Can a story be intense and fun and filled with danger at every turn and still be light and tinged with romance all at the same time? The correct answer is YES. There is nary a moments rest from the action in this historical suspense romance. It was a spell-binding read and I learned a few things too. I am ever so glad I was only in many of the scenes as the reader of a well written story. I look forward to reading other stories by this author. Happy Reading ! ! This is my honest review.
Note: The publisher offered me an ARC of this story, I am so glad I accepted this read.

I was introduced to Michelle Griep when I read Brentwood's Ward that I thorughly enjoyed. So when provided an opportunity to read another of her books, I was interested. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was very enjoyable and had me engaged from beginning to end. I love the storytelling by the author as she develops her characters in the story. The Hero is a constable trying to meet the praise of his supperiors and the heroine, Kit is a young woman who knows the streets of London. The two are slowly welded together making their love story very nice although there is poverty, sadness and hope that backdrops the lives of the characters.

The characters jumped right off the page and became true to form for this reader. Another well plotted and written story by Ms. Griep.and I recommend this book if you are looking for a clean historical and sweet romance that have page-turning mystery and intrigue.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing this ARC for a fair and honest review. All comments made are my own.

With each book by Michelle Griep, I become more and more impressed. Her latest, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, completely engulfed me. From the start, I was gripped in the tale of a man striving to make a name for himself as a constable in Victorian London, while a street smart female Robin Hood of sorts leads him on a not so merry chase to solve a devious crime. It’s the perfect set up for constant tension and romance that will hold you captive. I found myself devouring the tale as I fell more in love with the story and characters every step of the way.

If you are looking for clean romance and historical suspense, this book is your ticket. I cannot recommend it highly enough!


I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Well that was an enjoyable read, filled with intrigue, swindles and mad dashes. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a fast paced, suspenseful read that mixes hijinks, madness and daring together into the form of one Kit Turner.
I enjoyed the teaming up of thief Kit with law abiding Constable Forge, and seeing how they worked together and learned from each other. The pacing was great, thought the beginning was a bit tricky to get into, but once past those first few chapters the story really opened up into a adventurous mystery packed with double crossers and unexpected villains.

Michelle Grief did an amazing job taking us back to a historical time. This book is based on love and hate relationship where both characters must learned to trust in a way they never thought possible!

What a wonderful adventure, Michelle Griep takes us on, through the underbelly and darkened ally’s of London. Thievery is as common as meat pies, how does one come out unscathed? This story has so many twists and turns, mystery, suspense and intrigue. The main characters are constantly getting into one skiff or another, but very well executed. The historical aspects are very interesting and you really don’t want to put it down. The characters are strong and engaging. The draw between Kit and Jackson is magnetic. Their banter and snarky-ness is so fun. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a book I would recommend to anyone that enjoys historical, mystery, suspense and romance.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. This is my honest review..

I adore London. Even though I have never been there. I adore mysteries. I adore historical romance novels that allow me, as the reader, to be taken to a different place and time. I love learning about history through fiction novels. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep includes all the elements of a historical mystery that I look forward to reading. I love the idea of a constantable, who is trying to find his detective legs, running around through the underbelly of London, trying to prove himself. As for the heroine, she was brave, resourceful, and a delight to read. The plot showed the side of London that is not glamorized, but I enjoyed it for that reason. Griep’s story twisted and turned, allowing me to keep my attention focused on the storyline. As an avid reader of mysteries, it was an entertaining way to pass the time. The story was well-written. My favorite part was the trek through the tunnels near the underground train stations. As the reader, it was fun to follow the characters through these disgusting tunnels filled with sewage. Overall, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep was an engrossing tale of the underdog, and I loved spending time with these characters and the plot.

I received a complimentary copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep from Barbour Publishing through Celebrate Lit tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane will immerse the reader into the back alleys and sewers of the underworld of Victorian London. While one would envision the dark underworld of Dicken's novels, readers will find it filled with the light of hope that Griep's readers have come to expect.

As danger seems to follow Kit's endeavors, she teams up with an inexperienced constable to find a missing cabbie. As they work together, they uncover a web of deceit that leads to the glittering ballrooms of Victorian London.

Expertly plotted, their action-packed adventure is a clever combination of mystery and romance. I loved the playful, witty sparring between Kit and Jackson. Woven between the adventure and romance was a beautiful message of hope that comes for the reliance upon God.

A delightful read!

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.

A story that is full of surprises, some good, some not so good, and as I was reading I was reminded of the TV show Leverage, so many things happen here that are reminiscent of that show.

The author gives us an eager young constable, and we meet him on his first day, and he runs headlong into Kit Turner, now Jackson is trying to get to work, but also wants to stop crime, and thus we are off.

While Jackson's impression at the Police Department is very shaky, and he is given a hopeless task to save his job! Thus enter a partnership between the thief and the law, and what a journey you are about to begin.

We get to parts of London that most people never see, and this part never sees the light o day! Kit is very familiar here, and she has a heart for the less fortunate, thus taking from the rich and giving to the poor.

Will these two find the missing men? Well, hang on this journey get bumpy, and boy are there surprises, most you won't see coming!

Enjoy!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

An exhilarating, flawlessly written story from Michelle Griep! The Thief of Blackfriars Lane captivated me from the beginning; I constantly had a smile on my face while reading, it was so good. Griep’s wonderfully authentic diction and dedication to character and setting never failed to amaze me. I was easily transported to the streets of Victorian London, which was appreciated more than ever in a year such as this. Kit and Jackson’s relationship left me laughing, smiling, and enchanted. I’ve never been disappointed by one of Griep’s stories, and The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is certainly one for the keeper shelf! 5/5 stars

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

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

For a book to grab my interest, it must have a mystery. This book did not disappoint. And it was full of surprises right up to the end. For sure, the bad guy was a surprise. And there were some interesting twist and turns as the main character, Jackson gets caught up in catching him. Certainly he was thwarted in that endeavor over and over. But to his credit, he didn’t entirely debunk the help he received from Kit. I also thought Ms. Griep was very creative as she went about solving the crime. I do think the book was very well researched for the time period that it covered.

To be honest, the love/attraction of the two main characters was a bit much for me. Thought it wasn’t surprising since this was considered a historical romance. But if it’s must be a romance it’s nice to have it be a good clean romance.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and net galley for a copy of this book. The comments are my very own

I enjoyed this story thoroughly. The characters, the voice, and the vivid world made for the perfect adventure story.

Taking place in the streets of London Jackson Forge is a new constable is assigned finding a missing hack driver, . When a street thief Kit Turner runs a scam on him and ends up getting caught by him and they find they are both looking for the same man. Full of action and missteps this is a quick paced and interesting story that kept my attention and I loved the ending!

Now here is an interesting read.
The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an unexpected treat from author Michelle Griep. Perhaps it was the unfair challenges the good guy had to face which left him without great options to get the job done. Or maybe it is Kit, the feminine Robin Hood heroine. And of course, the twist of connections between loveable and unlikeable characters at the end.
Readers can expect vivid descriptions that take one into historical London – invoking the sights and smells of a bygone era. Intrigue and suspense are sprinkled with romance throughout the pages one can stop turning. Fans of Michelle Griep will enjoy this upcoming release.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

My schemes to help the needy of Blackfriars may be unorthodox, Mr. Forge, but sometimes they have little else. - Kit

This author never disappoints! An action-packed adventure with a little romance on Blackfriars Lane, this story full of mystery and intrigue leading to danger will keep you awake far into the night. Kit, a young lady who grew up in the foundling home, hopes to make a difference in the lives of the needy and downtrodden in her part of London.

Jackson Forge is a newly hired constable, who wants to redeem what he sees as his failure from years earlier. His enthusiasm and Kit’s novel methods had me laughing until there were tears in my eyes. Can they or will they let God redeem their failures and turn them into something good? Will their search for one missing man be successful? What other information will they uncover?

This fabulous adventure that you don’t want to miss was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

Michelle Griep does it again with another great adventure! This book has something for everyone-mystery and crime, romance and is a historical Christian fiction. Constable Jackson Forge is tasked with finding a missing cab driver in order to save his job. Along the way he crosses paths with Kit Jackson who is also trying to find the missing cab driver. Lots of crazy antics result along the way and it was entertaining as the mystery of what happens is uncovered.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

#BookReview : THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by Michelle Griep

I can’t believe I haven’t read a Michelle Griep book before! Historical fiction, mystery, a bit of romance and with inspirational messages all in one book. I was treated to numerous adventures with Jackson and Kit. Jackson being a constable and Kit who grew up in Blackfriars Lane were both apprehensive about their deal to find Joe Card together. I was as relieved as them when they got out from the London underground railway alive.

I thought that was it but no. They discovered a dead body in the river that led to more near death experiences. I couldn’t put it down with all the suspense going on. I wanted to know who did it. I like how Jackson tried to keep his faith alive despite his hardships. I admire that he has shared with Kit to trust in God. The #romance just grew as they spent more time together and uplifting each other.

This is the perfect last book to read for 2020. Just like Jackson and Kit, we experienced a lot of unexpected obstacles this year but with God and our resilience, we will come out victorious. 5 stars

Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Law enforcement officer's dream job meets trouble!

Victorian London of 1885. A young woman with Robin Hood overtones who runs a street gang gets under the collar of a bright spanking new Constable.
Jackson Forge has only ever wanted to become a policeman. Now his first day arrives for his posting down near London docks at Blackfriars and he's late. If he hadn't stopped to help an old gentleman he'd have been on time--and still have had his purse!
Jackson's new career seems to only go down hill from here on. His track record is definitely not winning any accolades. Late for the very annoyed Sergeant Graybone, outspoken when he shouldn't be, and suspicious about the Lord Mayor, he has a targeted painted on his back as far as his superiors are concerned. Talk about angels charging in!
Two important men have gone missing and now a third. The last is a poor hansom driver. Are the three linked? Forge thinks so. Someone else is concerned about the cabbie and Jackson finds himself with a most unlikely partner, that's after he's in trouble once more with the Sergeant.
A dangerous Intrigue, chases through both dubious and disgusting parts of Blackfriars, an unlikely and unlooked for partnership--all are just part of this story where the various plots and subplots keep the action moving along a tightrope of focused action.
Kit and Jackson turn out to both be in tune and supportive actors when death threatens and daring play is called for.
A fresh look by Griep at these beloved Dickensian seedy backdrops, the underbelly of nineteenth century London, that historical mystery writers seize upon as the canvas for dark doings, albeit through Griep's slightly different lens.

A Barbour Publishing ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Will this dangerous pursuit lead the wolf out of its den and be the end of them ...

One more name to add to my long long list of authors to follow.
The author has a talent to describe in great many details the environment surrounding her characters, the many chases are vividly detailed, so much I was out of breath like her heroes, and while it was a dark time, I was able to imagine all the colors of this period, but I chose to let out the odors. There was a very Dickensian feeling burdening along the pages.
Jackson chose to become a constable to try in some way to right the wrong he feels he had do in the path, his guilt eating at him so much he makes rookie mistakes in his eagerness to prove his worth.
Kit is a survivor, she grew in the slums of Victorian London, she learned the hard ways al the tricks and scams this part of the city uses to fool its inhabitants. To survive she had to be cleverer and outsmart all those who thought to take advantage of a little girl then young woman.
When they are paired by their very personal circumstances, they walk both on an new path, as their past impedes their ability to work together, yet along the road they will have to work on their issues, she to trust other, him to believe in himself.

The author provides us a tale of faith and confidence with two young heroes who will find the answers of their inner quest in the most unexpected way.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : a few kisses.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Barbour Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Jackson Forge is a newly minted constable in Victorian London, England on his first day to work when he gets swindled by a lovely woman (Kit Turner) and her young side-kick. Various events lead him to end up having to join forces with Kit Turner to find out where several missing individuals have gone. At the beginning of the novel, the reader is almost given the impression that Jackson is a bit of a bumbling constable, and may not make it on the force ... in fact at one point, he is "fired" and actually banned from the city, but he goes on to prove himself pretty handily, and he and Kit make quite the crime fighting team!

This book had quite a bit of action and adventure, and sometimes I had troubles keeping all the various players straight -- but I think that is purely me and not an issue with the writing. I found myself rooting for both main characters, that they would be successful in their quest to figure out the mystery and to figure out what their place in life was to be, and of course to realize that they loved each other and were perfect for each other.

This title is set to release on January 1, 2021, and the library will be purchasing a copy as soon as we can! I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, and I'm rather surprised this is the first book by this author that I have read. I can tell you .... it won't be the last!!

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

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane
Series: Standalone (but it would be awesome if we were able to get more books)
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was a very unexpected read for me. It took me by surprise of how good the story was. Honestly I did not know what to expect, since this is the first book I read by this author.
This book has action, mystery, suspense and best of all romance. The romance was very subtle and I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. They both had great chemistry, even when they were butting heads.
I enjoyed the criminal investigation process they both went through. There was never a dull moment.

The problem with having favourite authors is that you have higher expectations of their books than others. Michelle Griep's latest work, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, however did not disappoint, it passed my expectations with flying colours!

This story takes you on a high speed adventure through the slums of London as Kit and Jackson race against time to find a missing person before he ends up dead. Kit and Jackson were such well written characters, both so strong and passionate about their causes. It was so refreshing to have a female lead with a stronger personality than the male lead. The wit and banter between the two was fun and enjoyable to read.

In the first half of the book, the storyline went as I expected and then - BAM - it took so many unexpected twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end. It had the most heartwarming ending that was wholly satisfying. Another fantastic release from Michelle Griep!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is Michelle Griep’s newest release. I have read all of her previous books and this one is by far my favorite to date. I adored Jackson and Kit. They were a fabulous duo and am so glad to get to know them. I found their scenes together to be delightful and full of adventure. I enjoyed the vivid historical details that made me feel as though I was right being transported back in time. I thought it was so very good and should not be missed.

I am giving The Thief of Blackfriars Lane a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction. I look forward to reading more like this one by Michelle Griep in the future.

I received The Thief of Blackfriars Lane from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Michelle Griep has another masterpiece on her hands! With gripping, artistic imagery she takes the reader to another time and location. London in the 19th century comes alive in this story of intrigue, suspense, danger, and romance. Kit has grown up with no family of her own, forming attachments with the people of Blackfriars Lane. But money and work are scarce here and Kit helps the only way she knows, with cunning and deception the tools of her trade. She has a strict code to never break the law, but to bend it to help her provide for so many needing families. Kit and her crew create situations to convince people of fortune to part with coins. One such situation brings Kit face to face with Jackson Forge, a newly hired constable in the City of London. While Jackson is happy to part with a few coins when he believes Kit has returned his dropped coin purse, he has a change of heart when he realizes one of her crew has first lifted his coin purse. With 2 strong and stubborn personalities, Kit and Jackson are set to butt heads. When a cabbie goes missing, a dear friend of Kit's and Jackson's last chance to keep his job, they must team up to find and follow the clues to find him. But danger lurks around every corner, with Kit trying to follow her own plan and Jackson trying to keep up with her while maintaining the law. Dodging cut-throats and thieves in the sewage tunnels, conning black-hearts, and hiding from other constables who would stop their hunt. Nothing is as it seems, with highly ranked officials under suspicion and clues leading in too many directions to make sense. While the hunt is on, Kit and Jackson find their admiration growing against their better efforts. Can they avoid the danger while growing their admiration into something more?
Michelle Griep has penned a novel bursting with suspense, shadows that have you jumping, and characters that jump off the page. From the first encounter I was pulled into Kit and Jackson's world, trying to help them figure out the clues and unearth the culprit behind the missing men. This is a story that should not be missed, keeping the reader entertained from beginning to end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was non stop adventure and fun. I very much loved the strong female lead, and our mostly naiive hero. I loved the descriptions of the environment, the city, the muck! This book was a great escape from reality.

I am not an avid reader of historical fiction. I took a chance on a new author to me and I am glad I did. Griep came through on many of my requirements for a good novel.

I liked how the characters were developed. Jackson is a flawed young man with a wonderful heart. Because of childhood mistakes, he wants to correct wrongs and desires to be a constable efficient in eradicating evil. He's a bit naive, however, and gets into all kinds of trouble confronting those who live on and below the streets of London. He has to match wits with the other well crafted character, Kit. She is a smart gal, having learned how to survive and thrive on those very dangerous streets. Can the two work together to solve the mystery of a missing cab driver? We are taken through the underworld of historical London, meeting those who inhabit the darker side of the city.

Griep's writing style is one thing that makes this novel an engaging one. The interaction between Jackson and Kit is well done with snarky dialogue. I also appreciate the many issues Griep brings up in the course of the plot. What is failure? Jackson's father gave him this advice: “...it is far better to be a failure at what you love than a success at what you hate.” (2434/3768) And, “...the only true failure in life is refusing to do what God has asked of you.” (2463/3768) That is some good food for thought.

Griep provides another of my requirements for a good historical novel, a good author's note enlightening readers to historical facts and important cultural information. She has even included a bibliography in case readers want to know more.

I am impressed with this novel, the first I have read by Griep. She is a good story teller, adding humor and a budding romance to a good mystery. I get the impression Jackson and Kit have just begun their adventures so I will be looking for the next novel in this series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Oh I loved this book!! It was so well written, the characters were loveable, and the plot was fast-paced without feeling rushed. It was a very enjoyable read, and I am hoping for more books to make a series!

I loved the dynamic between how Kit saw herself and those she was helping, and how Jackson saw them. (At first, at least.) Kit didn't care about her reputation at all, but cared more about helping those around her who were in a bad way. She was clever, and resourceful, and trustworthy.

Jackson was a good man who had a bit of bad luck trying to become a constable. Meeting and then trying to apprehend Kit turns into something much more than he bargained for! But he learns a lot about himself in the process, and learns not to judge too quickly. I really appreciated his gentleness, and his unwavering faith.

I thought the book was great all the way through. It kept me wanting to read more, even though the beginning was a little bit slow. Definitely worth working through. I will read more books by this author for sure!

Love historicals of the Victorian era? Love a Christian message seamlessly woven into the narrative? Michelle Griep has such a “silver pen” (compare to a “silver tongue” that our heroine Kit Turner has), that I could easily follow her into the underbelly of London. Not many authors could describe the shenanigans of Constable Jackson Forge and his enemy-turned-conspirator Kit the way Griep does. Griep tucks historical fact, English geography, and mystery, romance, and suspense into one mesmerizing, achingly beautiful story. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane grips you and refuses to be expunged from your mind much like the horrible smells of the sewer refuse to leave our unlikely hero’s clothes. For those who love surprises, there are plenty of twists and turns. There are also some very thought-provoking questions raised. Why does God allow failure and tragedy, instead of rescuing us from them? Kit doesn’t understand, and Jack helps console her:

“Yet it is often in tragedy where we find our life’s purpose, and that purpose is to love God and man.”

Are right and wrong clear-cut and absolute? Jack thinks they are. Can Kit teach him to think differently?

“...most of life dwells in the murky grey between right and wrong. Misfortunes will come and go, but through it all, our main duty is to keep loving God and keep loving man.”

Can you judge a book by its cover? If we’re referring to people, Griep proves that to judge based on the apparent cover is faulty at best, dangerous at worst. If we are referring to a book, I judge any of Michelle Griep’s books by one criterion: if her name is on it, it bears the mark of excellence. You would do well to buy it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher. I also bought a copy, because a Griep is too good not to share. I am voluntarily leaving my opinions, which are solely my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane
By Michelle Griep
4 stars

*Book Blurb: There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint
Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.*

Griep takes us on a wild ride down the dark streets of Victorian London. Jackson and Kit have to work together to find missing persons, both with their own agenda, but coming together these two clever characters come to respect each other even though they are vastly different and come from different side of the tracks. Good faith content! Themes of redemption. Failure isn't final. And your past doesn't define your future.
I love the world and characters that the author creates. All the people we meet along the way are so wholly their own. From seedy swindlers to loving fathers. Adventure awaits in this novel!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

As expected, the author delivers her signature Dickensian type novel filled with adventure, faith and romance. The author's writing style is unique in its description and her ability to bring alive this time period in the reader's mind. I always feel like I have traveled back in time to another era and experienced an accurate portrayal of London at this time in history. The plot was filled with twists and turns and none of it was predictable. There are many beautiful lessons to pick up while reading this novel, like a treasure hunt to enjoy.

About a month ago, Barbour Punlishing sent me an email inviting me to join the review crew for The thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. Without hesitation I accepted this invitation because this far I have enjoyed books written by Michelle Griep!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a fantastically written historical fiction of the late 1800s in London. A Constable and a swindler happen to be looking for the same cabbie, for different reasons. Yet they seem to work together in their own ways with many challenges along the way to achieve their goal.

Two protagonists here, Kit Turner (the swindler) and Jackson Forge (the Constable). Kit grew up as an orphan, learning to take care of herself through the years and is now the leader of men who hope for more while Jackson’s past is full of guilt for allowing his older brother to get beaten up when they were just kids.

It’s interesting how these two happen to meet then unexpectedly end up creating their own path towards finding this missing cabbie. I do love how these two interact and seem to support one another so effortlessly. When while sometimes throwing the other under the bus, it seems they each are impressed with the other.

I do love both characters! They each could be an amazing story on its own but together they’re unstoppable! An important supporting character is Baggett, the first friend Jackson makes as a Constable. Without Baggett, much would not have gone the way Kit and Jackson hoped it would.

There were more twists in this book than I was expecting. While it seemed the book was ending, it didn’t! There was so much more to learn still!! I love a great read that keeps me guessing!

A digital copy ARC of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep was provided complimentary by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. While not expected to write a review, I appreciate the opportunity to do so.

What a great story! At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of these two main characters. But by the end of the story, I found them endearing. Griep does a wonderful job setting the scene in the streets of the City of London. Her research on Victorian culture and customs is evident and appreciated. The mystery was engaging with some unexpected turns. All the while, the two main characters are surprised to discover attributes about the other that they had missed at first. I was glad to see lessons about trusting God with your circumstances and surrendering control to Him. Such an interesting tale that I would love to read a sequel about these characters. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book was fantastic! There was a crime to be solved, mystery, a bit of romance, and historical London. The slang/terminology of the time was so much fun. I did not want to put this book down!

Four stars! I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their chemistry, and it was a great mystery. One star taken off for all the English slang because I only knew what half of it meant because of context. Will be reading more by this author!

Growing up as a foundling on London's unforgiving streets taught Kit Turner a thing or two about survival. Now she plies those techniques to make a living for herself and others less fortunate on Blackfriars Lane.

Jackson Forge wants nothing more than to make the world a better place by stopping evil in its tracks as a police constable, but everything seems to go against him. With his job at stake, joining forces with the likes of swindler Kit Turner is a desperate move.

Little do either of them know what lies in store for their future and their hearts.

As always, author Michelle Griep knows how to turn a phrase. Her descriptions put you right in the story, and her characters certainly have no cake walk to make it through. Twists and turns abound just when you think you've figured it all out.

A very enjoyable read, although perhaps lacking a bit of the depth of some of Griep's other books. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a fun read that pulls at your heartstrings and reminds you God is in control. Recommended.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#thethiefofblackfriarslane #netgalley

This was an amazing historical fiction book which is set in Victorian London. It has a robin hood kind of feeling to this book. It has lots of action and a bit of romance too!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a great historical fiction set in Victorian london with kind of a robin hood type feeling to it. Well written with lots of action and a bit of romance too!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a historical fiction novel written by Michelle Griep.

Summary: Jackson Forge has become a constable to right wrongs. And, maybe, just maybe, make up for his past mistakes.

Kit Turner wants to help people too-by swindling the rich to help the poor.

But when their paths collide in a missing person’s case, will they be able to work together to find the man before it’s too late?

My Thoughts: This book is entertaining. It has an interesting and intricate plot, fun and quirky characters, and lots of action. It isn’t my favorite by this author so I probably wouldn’t read it again, but it was a fun read overall.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

What an interesting and full of twists book this was! Michelle Griep is one of my new favorite authors. This book is a perfect example of why! Her character’s are amazing and her storylines will keep your attention and not leave you until you finish the book. I love learning more about where the book took place and other things by reading the Historical notes she includes at the end. The Historical Notes are actually really fascinating

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane Is every bit action as it is romance. You will find yourself swept up in the setting of 1800s London and working alongside the compelling main characters.
Jackson Forge is a rookie constable who is eager to catch the bad guys. Kit Turner is a fearless swindler who lives on the bad side of the city. Two worlds come crashing together when Jackson is given a missing person case, and the victim happens to be someone close to Kit. Together, they unravel a case much bigger than they thought, and realize the attraction they have for each other.
This story is an exciting read, but also touching as the characters both realize they are not their pasts and that they can trust in God. This is a perfect mix of crime story, inspiration and love.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thank you #BarbourPublishing ! )
#TheThiefofBlackfriarsLane
#netgalley

I was immediately drawn into this book. "For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today--or at least the city of London. Now he'd be lucky to save himself" (location 24). It was fascinating seeing naive constables and the underworld criminals interact. Kit was so lively and fun. I even enjoyed how she tricked Jackson into standing over a soot vent.

There was a lot of action including running from trains and racing through sewers. There was no end to sinister villains trying to influence things. I appreciated Jackson's dogged nature to try to right injustices. There was a very satisfying conclusion. I would love to see more books that follow Jackson & Kit and their adventures.

I can't end without saying how much I enjoyed the writing style. It flowed so well. I enjoyed the well-crafted sentences and phrases like this one. "Some days should be wadded up and thrown in a dustbin before they are finished" (location 323). I think everyone who's lived through 2020 has some days like this.

I would highly recommend this story. Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This author has a gift of dropping readers into an era and have them walk in the shoes of the characters and their situation, simultaneously engaging readers in her incredible stories. The main character Constable Jackson Forge says this about his morning,” Some days should be wadded up and thrown in a dustbin before they are finished. This was one of them….” Trouble never came alone,” That’s what Jackson was afraid of.

I liked these characters, setting and era. I adored some the dialogue that made me chuckle like this phrase, said after a boy ran into an older man …”Tut, tut, young man! I’ll tell you what you were doing.”..You were bib-bobbing about, not caring a fig-nackety for who might be in your way. That’s the trouble with people these days. Rushing! Always rushing.!”

I also liked the natural spiritual thread in this authors novel, “…Measuring God by how people-even godly people – have mistreated you is not a good measuring stick. Man will always betray, forget, malign, misjudge, abandon – but God remains steady and dependable. Of course, that requires you depend upon Him to begin with. Do you?”

“I am no heathen, Mr. Forge. I was taught Scripture at a young age.”
“Then you also know that perfect love casts out fear. Bidden or unbidden, God is with you always.”

I learned so much when the author shares some of her research, what happened and what didn’t as she had to re-work things to make the story flow. This way readers learn the truth about the event they have read, making for a very satisfying ending. This novel would work well for your book club pick there is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date January 1, 2021.***

🌟🌟🌟🌟
4 - 4.5 stars

Where do I start with this story? The characters were very well written (main AND secondary), and the story line had a nice steady pace that didn't leave me bored.

Definitely wanting to read more about Kit and Jackson!! 😊

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 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.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an absolutely delightful and entertaining historical mystery. Constable Jackson Forge has just begun his dream job...making the streets of London a safer place to be, when he runs into Kit Turner, a crew leader who swindles people out of their money to help the poor. When a close friend of Kit's goes missing and Jackson's job is on the line, they join forces to find him before it's too late. Their adventures, near scrapes with death, and witty banter lead them into a growing appreciation of one another and a desire to keep each other safe. I really enjoyed the progress of their relationship along with their own personal growth. The story had really good pacing and just enough action to hold my complete interest. This was an excellent read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Warning – this one had me from the very first page; be ready to drop everything else! Set in 1885 London, this follows the story of a young, ambitious constable, Jackson Forge, as he takes on “petty” thievery, not realizing what a major ring he’s stumbled onto. I loved the character of Kat Turner and the interaction between her and Jackson, and the many dangerous escapades they endured took my breath away! The author’s descriptive language made me feel like I was right in the underground tunnels, the grimy warehouses, and the creepy boat docks late at night. This one will keep you thinking long after the last page – does the end really justify the means?

I received this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

I was given an e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased, honest opinion.

Constable Jackson Forge has a singular desire to save the world following a childhood accident. Unfortunately, he runs into Kit Turner, a genius swindler, and his world takes an unexpected twist. Forge is assigned to searching for a missing jarvey, and Kit is searching for her friend. If Jackson doesn't find the cabbie soon, then he will be fired. If Kit doesn't find him, then her friend is simple lost forever. Working together seems to be the only option for both.

Everything was so attention grabbing from the beginning. The combination of history and mystery was spellbinding. I felt like I could smell the tunnels from Jackson and Kit's descriptions.

I enjoyed Kit, because of her ferocious determination and her loyalty to her friends. She is everything that a strong woman should portray. However, there were times her attitude put her and Jackson in danger. As for Jackson, he had more whiney qualities as well as a naivety that I just could not believe in a London constable. What saved his character was his stubbornness. Being someone who is perpetually stubborn, I could relate to that one aspect of him.

I rate this story 4 out of 5 stars, and will continue to follow Michelle Griep.

A real surprise and a reading treat! Readers will feel the grit and grime of Blackfriars Lane, and will enjoy the witty dialogue and suspenseful mystery until the very last page. Good luck figuring out who the culprit is! Looking forward to more from this author.

Michelle Griep is a fantastic storyteller. I have loved every book she has written, and I always look forward to what’s next from her. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is a great story! I loved every minute spent in her fictional Victorian London. The plot of this story is highly engaging — the pages flew by! The characters are spectacular. Every character gives off the unique, multi-faceted flavor of Victorian London, but none come off as mere caricatures. I absolutely adore Jackson and Kit. They have big hearts, they care deeply for justice being served, and they are pretty selfless. I love how even though they come from vastly different worlds they are able to come together and work as a great team. I enjoyed heartily the action of this story. Kit and Jackson find themselves in some seriously crazy situations. And, I very much appreciated the themes and messages discussed throughout the narrative. This book got me to stop and think about quite a few things. I love when a book does that!

So, what’s one thing this book got me thinking on? Well, one thing I thought about A LOT is my independence. I am a pretty capable person. I’m healthy. I’m strong. I have skills. I work hard. I pay the bills. If I’m not careful, I could really get into the mindset that it’s me who is the cause of my capabilities and abilities. Add to this that I have basically been left to my own devices most of my life, and have therefore had to figure a lot of life out on my own, and I really could think that I alone am responsible for my successes, my progresses, my talents, and my place in the world. Kit is in the same boat. She has been on her own for a long time and grew up in the rough and tumble world of London surviving through her own intelligence, wit, and skill. God doesn’t even figure in her life, not really. But then she meets Jackson and he upends her life as she knew it. He gets her thinking about God and her relationship to Him. She does come to realize that God is more present in her life than she gave Him credit for, and, if she is honest, maybe a few of the negatives in her life came from rushing into things before checking in with Him. But it’s often difficult to know what God wants from us in a single given moment. There is this great moment where Kit has to act, but she questions herself: “Was she running ahead of God again? Or had He provided this opportunity for a reason?” You’ll have to read this wonderful story to find out what Kit decides. For me, though, these questions stuck in my craw. How do we know when we are doing something of our own volition or because it’s God’s will? I mean, every single day things are put into our lives. Are those things consequences of our actions or things God has ordained? I’m guessing I’ll be working on the answers to these questions my whole life, but I think it is pretty amazing the deep questions The Thief of Blackfriars Lane has gotten me to consider. I love when a novel is more than just a good story — and, man, is The Thief of Blackfriars Lane more than just a good story!

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an excellent Victorian Romantic Suspense novel that I highly, highly recommend. If you are a fan of superb storytelling, Romantic Suspense, and Historical fiction, then this is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Michelle Griep, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Mystery and Romance with a Dickensian Background

Jackson Forge is a likable, but rather naive young man. A newly minted police constable, he dreams of cleaning up the criminal elements of Victorian London. On his first day on the job, he suffers a sham robbery used to get money from him. First rob the mark than return the purse for a reward.

Kit Turner is the ringleader of the gang. She’s an orphan who tries to help her neighbors with her ruse to get money. She’s a complex character. Lonely and vulnerable, she tries to hide it beneath a brave and feisty front.

Jackson, who is in some trouble with his superiors for being late to his first briefings as a constable, is given the job of finding a missing cabby. The cabby is Kit’s foster father. Although unwillingly at first they team up to find him. This leads them into a dangerous underworld of cutthroats and thieves.

The background is Victorian England and there is a definitely Dickensian aura. I thought the author did an excellent job of capturing the mood of the time. She obviously did a great deal of research to achieve the effect.

Jackson and Kit are likable characters. Both are strong and have much to learn. Together they make a great team and romance follows.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing for this review.

From the minute I saw the author describe this book as, “Think of Zootopia set in Victorian England minus the bunny and the fox,” I knew it was going to be great!
Honestly, this story has it all - mystery, romance, faith, adventure - wrapped up in one extremely well-written story. Michelle Griep is an author that can write anything and it will be amazing; The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is no exception!

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley but these opinions are 100% my own. This book is great!

Delightful and exciting. I was most frustrated when the clock said it was 1:00 am and I still had about 2 1/2 hours of reading to go. I was dying to know what would happen next. I hadn't been able to predict much correctly so every time Jackson and Kit hit a roadblock I wondered how in the world they would get around this one. Jackson and Kit are both good people wanting to right the wrongs of the world yet they take very different paths to achieve the goal. I loved them both.

This is Christian lit but I didn't find the messages to be too "in your face". The theme is along the lines of put your trust in God.

I definitely recommend this read.

Sex: Leering creep types
Language: no
Violence: yes
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

An incident in Jackson's childhood filled him with a desire to become a constable, keeping the streets of London safe. Now at last it's his first day - and he manages to earn the ire of his superior. Another blunder almost gets him kicked out, but he is given one last chance: find a missing cab-driver within 48 hours and he can keep his job. The hunt brings him into contact with a woman he discovers to be the leader of a local Blackfriars gang, but she's on the same quest as him and he is forced to team up with her rather than dragging her to justice as he desires. Will they solve the mystery in time to save Jackson's job? And can spending time with Kit help Jackson to come to terms with his past?

Another great character-driven story from the author - as I've come to expect. This foray into the streets of London has a fascinating setting, an intriguing cast of characters, and a mystery to tie it all together. Watching Jackson and Kit gradually face the demons of their respective pasts is inspiring, and the skilled storytelling makes the book quite difficult to put down. Highly recommended.

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.

If an author wanted to combine the sleuthing of Sherlock Holmes, the culture of Charles Dickens, and the charity of Robin Hood, the resulting book could very well be The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.

Michelle Griep has written one of the most satisfying faith-based mysteries that I have read. As I finished reading late last night, I was able to lay down knowing that all was right with the world. Kit was a lady of the streets who had spent years building her reputation. Jackson was a newly hired constable that appeared to be a massive failure as he was dismissed from the constabulary and told to never return to London. The book weaves together the story of these two broken people who must work together to find the four very different men who had gone missing from the streets of late 19th century London. The author has done a marvelous job of building a story of grace, mercy, and love, that will speak to the souls of many.

I appreciate the brief appendix that the author includes highlighting the historical context of the book and the bibliography the author used to describe 150-year-old London. The book easily has a place in the church and public library, both for its literary appeal and its historical perspective. I easily give it 5-stars and wish I could give it more.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane
by Michelle Griep
Back of the Book: “There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint
Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.”
Impressions: I loved every moment of this adventure! This was so easy and fun to read. There was a perfect balance of mystery and suspense as well as romance. Well done Michelle Griep!
Rated: murder, physical fights
Liked: There were so many elements to this story but everything worked together so well. The characters and scenes were painted so well with words sucking you into the book.
Quotes: “Even with the extra funds Bags Gleason so freely handed over, I fear your help is nothing more than a short-term fix. A bandage if you will.” – I often feel this way when I’m working on where to tithe and volunteer my time. We live in a broken world and it can be so very discouraging to look at all the broken things. A later quote says, “Perhaps I cannot save the world. But that does not mean I cannot make it a better place.” – Don’t lose hope in doing what is right friends! The chain effect of your actions sends ripples through generations.
“Oh Son, failure is fatal only to those who refuse to learn from it, for only One has lived who is perfect. The question is not if you will fail. Rather, will you let God redeem your failure for good, turning your end into His beginning?”
“It is often in tragedy where we find our life’s purpose, and that purpose is love God and man.”
“…the only true failure in life is refusing to do what God has asked of you.”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

While it took this book a while to grab my interest, once it did I was totally hooked. The story is centered around the exploits of a rookie constable and a street swindler and con-woman who strives to stay just barely on the side of right in her efforts to care for the poor of Blackfriars. Through no desire of their own, they join forces toward a common goal, finding a missing jarvey, a taxi driver of the day in 1885 London. What caught and held my interest was the author's ability to plan out convincing cons, and her knowledge of the types of manipulation to be employed. Throughout the second half of the book, I found myself highlighting points of wisdom relating to finding and pursuing God's purpose for one's life and the positive role failure may play. I was struck by the comment that failure is but an instructor, not an undertaker.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley, without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

"𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧." - Michelle Griep
"The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" by Michelle Griep was really good!! 5⭐. This book is now one of my all time favorites by Michelle. I loved Jackson and Kit! This was a quick and easy read. I couldn't put it down. A story of overcoming failure and discovering who you are!

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

(4.5 stars) - an entertaining partnership of determined earnestness with streetwise savvy

This story's Victorian setting, which pays some tribute to the works of Dickens & Gaskell, introduces us to Jackson Forge, an earnest young man seeking to become a constable, and Kit Turner, a streetwise young woman who is trying to help her neighbors in need the best way she knows how.

Jackson is a likeable hero, but he is kind of naive, while Kit is a strong & capable heroine who's more likely to rescue than need rescuing.

When the cabbie who has been a father figure to Kit disappears, she and Jackson each try to press the other into service as they try to find him. Their initially reluctant alliance leads them to develop a friendship, then more, as they go thru some gripping and suspenseful situations - and some unexpected twists.

The story does have a few moments when it drags a little as it's setting up the next step in the case's progress, but the payoff is worth it. The ending is both a satisfying conclusion and a promising new beginning. Definitely worth the read!

*Romance level: sweet kisses, a bit gritty but nothing really graphic

*Religion: Christian, with themes of forgiveness & trusting in God, not preachy

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, by Michelle Griep, will be officially released January 1, 2021, to an already primed group of reader-fans, who know to expect a great story, skillfully woven and usually (but not always) set in Victorian England, and this book is no different. We, as readers, are plunged into an exciting tale that introduces the amorphous “Turner” and the very green constable, Jackson Forge, as they become wary and unwilling partners, trying to find a missing cabbie.Forge’s inexperience is evident and convincing, but he nonethless secures our wanting to see him succeed in an unlikely situation with an even more unlikely companion.
Griep’s characters, frequently endearing, are even more life-like than in previous tales. She creates a situation with the inept deputy with remarkable weapons skills which required a significant suspension of disbelief, which readers will willingly embark upon to keep pace with this page-turner. The book is reminiscent of both Robin Hood and Oliver Twist, and both new and seasoned readers will greatly enjoy her craft and storytelling skill in what borders on a thriller of a novel. This tale also begs a sequel (or three or four), which we hope will eventually materialize.

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.)

The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane by Michelle Griep is an adventurous romp through the streets of 1885 London. From the smelly, grimy sewers to the opulent mansion of the Lord Mayor, following Kit and Jackson on their quest to find a missing cab driver is sure to entertain--with laughs, intrigue, danger, and romance.
I absolutely loved this story, and I felt like it kept getting better the more I read. I loved how Kit, with her intimate knowledge of the city, worked alongside fresh-from-country constable, Jackson. They may make an unlikely pair, but their search for the truth forces them together. And the results are plenty of witty barbs, electrifying scapes with death, and a blooming admiration for each other.
I loved Kit, her independent spirit, and her compassion for others. I laughed more than once at her enthusiasm at jumping headfirst into danger to find her friend. She is truly fearless, and it was entertaining to see the more logical Jackson get flustered at following her into one dire situation after another.
Jackson’s story of struggling to succeed was touching. So many can relate to not measuring up to the standards we set for ourselves. It warmed my heart to see how he dealt with his disappointments and the idea that even our failures are God’s way of shaping our paths in life.
Overall, I enjoyed this action-filled, twisty-mystery of a story. There was never a dull moment with Kit and her schemes. I would recommend this novel to any fan of historical Christian fiction. It is a real treat!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A rollicking adventure that takes you from the grimy streets London to the lush ballrooms of the upper crust, as a constable fighting to save his job and a clever thief work together to uncover what really is happening on Blackfriars Lane.

Newly minted Constable Jackson Forge is thrilled to finally be able to take his place as a man on the side of the law, fighting to bring justice to the streets of London. He has dreamed of this day for years, but everything seems to be unraveling faster than he can make sense of it as his dream starts to disintegrate before his eyes. I admired his passion for justice, his dedication to his job, and finding the truth. He is clever and good at thinking on his feet, and I admired his strong faith.

Kit Turner is a street savvy thief, she knows how to prey upon people's emotions and their better angels. She is cunning, always thinking one step ahead, but she knows when to bluff it and when she is outfoxed, and I liked that she also has a softer side.

This is such a fun and entertaining read, with fantastic protagonists who have excellent rapport and dialogue with each other. I loved the author's evocative style that brings a sense of place and action packed storytelling that crescendos into a thrilling climax. A twisting plot, filled with intrigue, makes for a worthy romantic adventure full of faith.

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

This is the first book I have read which has been written by this author. From her list of titles, I sensed she mostly wrote romance novels, which did not interest me. However, this title was classified as historical fiction and seemed to have a bit of a mystery storyline so I decided to check it out. I am glad I did. The author does a really nice job of blending mystery, romance and history into this work. The storyline moved quickly and was entertaining and interesting. I don't know if she plans to continue this as a series or if this is a standalone work. It comes to completion, but allows for an easy transition to a serial work. I look forward to seeing where she takes this from here forward.

A sweet story laced with adventure, romance and mystery. Jackson Forge finds himself in the bustling streets of London as a inexperienced constable. He’s living his dream job and can’t get anything right. Mysteriously people are disappearing and he is going to find out why. Kit Turner’s show up in the story and her presences is a force to be reckoned with. She’s fearless, smart and dangerously protective.
There was a little bit of what I call, “we can’t be together” thing going on, but I pushed past it. I dislike reading about people who spend most of a book doing that.
I recommended this to fans of historical fiction that like Laura Frantz and Jody Hedlund.
Thank you Barbour Publishing via Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own. And I’ve voluntarily given my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really liked the setting of this book-Victorian London. The characters were believable with lots of action thrown in. It was a good story!

4.5 stars- I always enjoy Michelle’s books. Her books have any elements: intrigue, adventure, humor, romance, history. She does a great job of transporting her readers back to Victorian England or earlier and helping them really sense the smells, sounds and tastes of that time.
This latest book was a fun romp through lesser known, less savory parts of London. From the moment I opened this book I felt like I was reading “Zootopia” set in 1880’s London. That actually made the story more fun, comparing characters and scenes. Jackson and Kit were both such great characters. They made such a great team and their chemistry and connection was so fun to read. I could definitely see them solving more cases together. My fingers are crossed that the author turns this into a series.
Another great read by Michelle Griep. I look forward to the next tale she pens, knowing I won’t be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jackson is a young man who’s come to the city to make his mark on the police force as a constable and save people from crime. It isn’t as easy as he expected, and he fears being sent home a failure.

We meet Kit Turner right away, though it’s not flattering. Kit heads a gang of con artists in a seedy section of the city. However, she prides herself on never having technically stolen anything.

When the two of them are thrown together to solve a series of disappearances, her street smarts and his wisdom just might save London afterall.

Overall, I enjoyed this somewhat-Robin-Hood story and the action. At first, I wasn’t too sure about Jackson. He comes across as a complete bumbler. So much so, I couldn’t imagine looking on him as hero material. It seemed everything he did went sideways. But he turned out to be more competent than I gave him credit for at the beginning.

On the other hand, Kit was totally in control—smart, independent, and quick-witted – a little too much of each for her own good.

Bottom line: I’m giving The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane 4.5 stars for characterization, setting details, and the semi-twist at the end. (I’d figured that out long before the reveal.)

Wow!! Michelle Griep has written another fascinating creation in her newest release The Thief of Blackfriars Lane! As with all professions, the more you do, the better you get, and Michelle Griep has proved that to be true again. I believe this is my favorite book of hers to date. (Not in any way saying the previous ones were not enjoyable, just that she is constantly perfecting her art :) ).

As the story opens, the author draws us in through an enticing plot line that progresses well throughout the story. The character building is great, and I became quite attached to a few of them by the end of the book. The world building is wonderful, and the author makes us feel as if we are truly in historical London through the scenery, language, and style of that period.

As Griep draws this book to a conclusion, we are left satisfied with the ending, but wishing the characters were real and we could meet them!

Courtesy of NetGalley, I received the ARC of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. This Victorian era historical novel, set in London, was a suspenseful and romantic mystery, spiced with risks and inspirational messages. I was immersed in the characters, loved the ambiance, dialogue, and attention to detail.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane By: Michelle Griep is a Historical Fiction book. I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed every single one of them. In this book it is set in London in 1885. Constable Jackson Forge needs the help of thief Kit Turner to track down a cabby. If Jackson does not find the cab driver - he will lose his job. So he tells Kit that if she does not help him - he will arrest her. Jackson knows that Kit has local connections and has reach that he cannot achieve.

I really enjoyed how the author wrote these characters. Jackson is fresh out of training - and has wanted to keep the streets safe since he was a child. Kit has had a rough life and also wants to keep the streets safe - but by assisting those who are less fortunate by taking from those who are. They are opposite ends of the spectrum - and when they are paired together it's an odd partnership. Both carry hurt and baggage from their past - and both have a lot riding on finding the cab driver.

The author will take you on twists and turns and you will enjoy this journey. Well written characters - intriguing story line - and a all around good time. Many thanks to the author and Celebrate Lit Blogging program for sending me this book to review.

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane is another fun, intriguing tale from Michelle Griep. She does so well at bringing to life Victorian London.
As I began reading, I actually did think "hmmm...Zootopia". (and now as I'm compiling my blog post, I see that the author did draw from that cute animated movie) What fun to have this plot set in this time & place.
I loved the characters. Jackson and Kit both were charming. Jackson is a new constable. And he's desperately trying to prove himself...but it seems like his attempts all go wrong. He meets up with Kit and tries to stop her from a robbery, or so he thinks...and this is how they meet.
Kit is....well, for lack of a better term, a 'robin hood' of her day. She takes money from willing donors (or so she says) and gives it those less fortunate.
In this story, Jackson must solve a missing persons case in order to save his position as a constable. So he joins forces with Kit and meets all kinds of characters in London's underworld. He sees places he wasn't even aware existed.
This book is quite the unusual, intriguing tale. I love mysteries, and I love victorian England. Having the two combined, well it is nothing less than delightful! I recommend this story for those who enjoy mysteries, as well as those who love historical fiction.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I adored this book. I've read pretty much this author has written and I was excited to get into this story too. I definitely wasn't disappointed with the story line. With vivid historical details that I've come to appreciate from her and and interesting pair of characters, this story kept me turning back pages wanting to know more about Jackson and Kit, their struggle for survival and their adventures through the pages. With its subtle nod to Zootopia, I loved every minute of this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit tours for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine

This book was fantastic! Whenever Michelle Griep releases a new novel, I eagerly scoop it up, thinking that she cannot possibly write a novel better than her last, but she does it—again and again! I loved the characters in this book. Jackson has such good intentions despite his slightly naïve view of thieves and Kit may be bitter and calloused to many hardships in life, but underneath lives a woman with deep compassion and love. The story is very interesting, the plot weaving and changing in complexity and unpredictability just as quickly as Jackson and Kit can outrun their enemies. The ending had a surprising twist that added a great additional element to the plot. I loved the incorporation of applicable spiritual themes expertly woven in the story and the fascinating historical details throughout the novel. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more great books by this author!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

She grinned back. “I must say, sir, working with you is quite an adventure.”

In this adventurous tale fraught with danger on the streets of London, Kit Turner did her best to help those in need. Jackson Forge, as a new Constable, had a chance encounter with her that drew him into a web of intrigue and mystery. As they worked together to solve a crime in an unconventional way, they both learned there’s more to what they see in each other, and on the streets of London. It had a bit of a feel of Robin Hood in a reverse role that captured my interest and kept me hooked.

“Measuring God by how people—even godly people—have mistreated you is not a good measuring stick. Man will always betray, forget, malign, misjudge, abandon—but God remains steady and dependable.

In the midst of adventure and danger, ”The Thief of Blackfriars Lane” also drew my heart to God and how he works in the midst of hard circumstances. I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow in their relationship with one another and grew in their faith. Highly intriguing and suspenseful, I was amazed at how alive the streets and society of London felt. There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. The romance was sweet, and I loved the reactions as they realized their feelings. As this Constable and the Blackfriars thief learned to trust each other, they also learned to trust God in getting them out of trouble.

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

Michelle Griep has never disappointed me with her historical fiction, and this one definitely meets her high standards. Set in Victorian London, Jackson Forge is a rookie constable, and Kit Turner is a Robin Hood thief from Blackfriars Lane. Headed to his first day at work, Jackson gets his pocket picked in a well developed scheme designed by Kit and her underlings. The action rolls from there and never stops til the last page of the book.

This story was filled with everything a reader would want in a good read: dialogue so appropriate to the time period of London and of the uneducated of Blackfriars Lane, non-stop suspense, humor, romance, shenanigans, and more. Jackson and Kit were well developed characters each with loveable characteristics as well as things they were trying to improve. This book delighted me with its touch of Oliver Twist, its hint of Robin Hood, and the rollicking ride from start to finish.

Don't miss this one because it gets better with every page.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

This has been an adventure that I didn’t want to end. The author does a great job of exploring London during Victorian times. I loved feeling like I was there and watching as pickpockets scurried from one person to another. Kit was fascinating and funny to read about. She sure doesn’t seem intimidated by the Constable Jackson.

Jackson I think could be over his head as he tries to prove himself worthy to uphold the law. When he and Kit join forces to find a missing person, shenanigans abound. I did laugh in several places as Kit outsmarts Jackson. The twists in the story are just enough to keep readers guessing. The most endearing quality Kit has is her heart for those less fortunate. She goes out of her way to help them although it may not always be within the law. Her heart is in the right place, she just needs to refocus herself on what is right and wrong.

Jackson sometimes irritated me because he didn’t seem to have it all together. I’m not sure he is cut out for the job as a Constable. As they both work together Kit and Jackson forge a friendship. I began to wonder if there was more feelings they weren’t sharing about each other. The adventure is fun and full of danger as they two try to find the missing man. There is a great theme of faith in the story and I liked seeing how one character found a relationship with God. This is one of the author’s best stories to date.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I could talk about this book all day, but I’ll give you just a quick peek. So the story is about Kit Turner, a kind-of like Robin Hood swindler, who cons the rich and then gives it to the poor families on Blackfriars lane. She takes her job of providing for the poor very seriously, so that’s why she doesn’t want the super eager Constable Jackson Forge to mess everything up. She isn’t sure how he found her or why he needs her help, she just knows that he needs to go – the only problem is that he has something very valuable to her (which can also be evidence to put her in jail). After reluctantly agreeing to work with him (basically, he blackmailed her!)Kit and Jackson go on an adventure that neither of them were prepared to go on, and one that would change both of their lives forever.

This has to be my FAVORITE book that Michelle Griep has written so far!! Ever since I heard that this book was inspired by Zootopia, I’ve wanted to read it and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Both Kit and Jackson were such likeable characters and I really could see the similarities between the characters in this book and the characters in Zootopia. I also loved seeing both sides of London and learning a bit more about the both the higher and lower classes of people. The story reminded me that things are not always as they seem and people are not always who we think they are – we can’t just judge them by what they look like, or where they live. Overall, I LOVED the book and give it 5 out of 5 stars (and would give it more if I could).

Special thanks to Michelle Griep, Celebrate Lit, Net Galley and Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.

Kit and Jackson, best meet cute ever.
These two stole my heart from the very beginning. Could not read fast enough but tried to slow down for the simple pleasures of enjoying the author's amazing ability to turn a phrase.
I loved Jackson's faith and the way he presented it to Kit at the perfect moment when she could see the truth in his words, even though she didn't want to listen. Kit's personality and her feisty banter took the book to another level. I'd give it a million stars if I could.
My only wish is to see more of Kit's relationships with others.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

My Thoughts: Another winner for Michelle Griep. The author has spun a wonderful historical mystery that takes the reader to London in the year 1885. Full of humor and action, this novel will keep the reader on edge until the very end. A constable and a thief, can the two mix at all? The reader will enjoy the camaraderie of Kit and Jackson as they search for the missing cab driver. Well written and easy to follow this will be a great read for those who like historical fiction.

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane is a gritty look at life on the streets of London in the 19th Century. Michelle Griep weaves a delightful story that keeps the reader turning pages and longing for more. I hope this is just the beginning of a new series for her. I truly enjoyed the character growth throughout this book. It's a story that won't disappoint.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2021)

Jackson Forge came to London to make a difference, but a chance encounter on Blackfriar’s Lane upends all his carefully laid plans. Kit Turner is just trying to provide for herself and those who depend on her to survive—in the only way she knows how. When a series of deadly kidnappings throws them together, will they be able to trust one another long enough to stay alive?

With rapier sharp wit and a richness of period details, Griep’s writing will leave you with a cockney accent ringing in your ears and the feel of cobblestones under your feet. The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane is a lively romantic sprint down the streets and through the alleyways of old London.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“There’s a fine line between a criminal and a saint.”

I have read all of Michelle Griep’s books, and enjoyed each one of them. However, this book has now become my favorite among all her excellent stories.

Kit and Jackson, the main characters in this particular story, came to life on these pages and I could see this entire story playing in my mind like a movie. The author’s description helped me travel the streets of Victorian London along with Kit and Jackson. Both of these characters had courage, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. The humor that sparkled between them as they raced against time to solve a mystery and rescue a friend lifted this book to another level. But it was the faith element of this book that touched my heart the most. Jackson was a young man of faith, trying to atone for a tragic situation in his past. Kit felt that God had abandoned her long ago, and that she alone had to take care of herself and others. Both come to a point in this story that they realized trusting God is the very first thing they should do. Kit’s coming to faith was the highlight of this book for me.

This is a fun, entertaining story that’s full of mystery, action, and just the right amount of clean romance. I hated to leave these characters behind, and this is a story I’ll be reading again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"It is far better to be a failure at what you love than a success at what you hate... A reputation is only what others think of you. Character is what matters. That is who you really are."

Such an intriguing story in the underbelly of 1885 London! I love Michelle Griep's historical fiction and totally enjoyed her newest offering that has more mystery and suspense than her previous books. I loved the complex plot with its twists and turns that had me guessing at who the villain might be. Jackson, with his concrete sense of justice, is an intensely likable hero though he is very naive in the ways of the world. His determination and desire to do the right thing are endearing. Kit is a street-wise woman who is intelligent and cunning, yet compassionate and tender. This mismatched pair of investigators leads us all through the dark alleyways of London where smugglers do business in order to find Joe who has disappeared. There are many moments of wisdom and spiritual truths that dot the pages even as Jackson and Kit race against time to unravel the mystery. Though their past often threatens to choke them, Jackson and Kit are constantly reminded that "failure is but an instructor, not an undertaker." If you enjoy a well-written, satisfying historical mystery/suspense, look no further; this book will absolutely delight you.

I received the book from Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation. All comments are solely my own.

Preposterous is the only way to describe the situation Jackson Forge finds himself in. Not only is he trusting a thief to solve a mystery, but he also finds himself sneaking around through sewage tunnels, holding information from his Sargeant, and coming face-to-face with London's bandit chain of crime without incarcerating a single one. But, as Kit Turner teaches him, sometimes unconventional behaviour is called for.

This is my first Michelle Griep book and I do not know why! She is proficient in the Victorian world and language. The story comes to life as you read the book, which makes it impossible to put down. And I dare say Griep shows she has total control over her plot, though if I follow her train of thought in this novel, I should say she completely surrenders herself. I'll let you read to figure out for yourself what I mean ;)

Strap yourself in for an rollicking ride.
As you read this you'll feel the book humming with mystery and a little romance and I guarantee you'll be intrigued as you read this tale set in Victorian England.
Constable Jackson Forge has the eager beaver mentality of trying to prove his worth being new on the force but he ends up bumbling and fumbling around and just mucking everything up he tries to do on the important case he's taken on. He kind of reminds me of Mr. Magoo and truthfully I kind of feel sorry for him.
The dark underbelly of Victorian England is where the case takes us from the stench of the sewers to the jails and everywhere in between that you don't even want to imagine.
Forced to work with a woman, Kat who is a swindler , taking from the rich to give to the poor. She has information he needs . The friction between them is real as they are forced to work with each other for different reasons for the one common purpose of finding a man.
This book reminds me of when my son started out on the police force but he didn't make a bumbling mess of things.
The Thief of Blackfriars Lane was a fast read and kept me intrigued the whole way through. Every book I read by this author just gets better and better.

I'll admit, normally it's the hero that catches most of my attention. Not thus time! The heroine is the star of this show! A good thing if you like strong female leads.
The story had lots of twists and turns to keep you reading but not enough to lose you. And the message is spot on. In short, it is everything you'd expect from a Michelle Griep novel- an intelligently written page-turner. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received my copy from the publisher but as always, my opinions are my own.

Anytime I pick up a book by Michelle Griep, I know I am in for a treat. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is no exception. The story is sensory-rich. It pulls the reader smack dab into the scenes of Victorian London--the underground tunnels and sewer, and the murky waters of the Thames. Kit, a sassy Blackfriars street brat, and Jackson, a straightlaced police constable are an unlikely and unstoppable pair as they team up to find a missing man. Jackson's only hold over her is a special trinket that she desperately wants returned. Their escapades take them to meet with individuals from the dregs of society to the Lord Mayor of London and reveal political intrigue and interesting, life-changing information. And then that first kiss--wow. Readers who enjoy action-packed historical fiction, coupled with an enchanting romance, will not want to miss the Thief of Blackfriars Lane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Constable Jackson Forge is a new rookie and his first assignment is to find a missing cabby. He needs the information that street savvy Kit Turner, ring leader of a band of "thieves" has. These two must work together to solve his case.

Set in Victorian England, this book got my attention at the beginning and didn't let go until I was done. I read it in about a day and a half. The author has said "Think of Zootopia set in Victorian England minus the bunny and the fox. Mayhem abounds in this action-packed adventure to parts of London you rarely read about." She's not wrong, although Jackson would've been the bunny and Kit the fox. This book took me to parts of the city I'd never gone to in a book--tunnels and places people of ill-repute hide and conduct their business dealings. There's mystery, suspense, and adventure as Jackson and Kit work together.

Jackson and Kit are both wonderful characters. Jackson wants to help the people in the city, but was so out of his element I don't think he would've solved the case without Kit's help. Kit is far more than she appears to be, which I loved. I also loved their back and forth banter and wondered how long it would take for these two to realize they were developing feelings for each other.

I discovered Michelle Griep's books almost two years ago and look forward to reading more books by her.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Jackson Forge is a new constable and exited to set to rights any thievery or wrongdoing. Kit Turner is someone who duped him, originally. Forge’s time on the force is threatened from the beginning, due to his being late after his coin pouch was returned by Kit. When he’s given a last chance to stay on the force, he winds up pairing up with Kit to find the missing person, Joe Card. We meet Sargeant Graybone, Officer Baggett, Frankie, Poxley, Lord Mayor, Miss Shaw and a few others are introduced throughout this story. Set in London in the late 1800’s this story will reels you in quickly and keeps a steady pace of adventure to keep the pages turning.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour through NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Griep always knows how to pen an intriguing literary ride. Fresh characters, a lyrical plot, twists and turns all the way through. A merry ride, to be sure!

My personal preference is that the male MC has a little more grounding/depth to his backstory and isn't quite so fresh-faced and sometimes naive as Jackson as a character was. But again, this is totally a personal preference and not a problem on the author's part.

*I was given a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Even when a title doesn't call to me, a good story will sweep you away. It wasn't so sure about this one, but I have read the author before. Boy, I'm glad I didn't skip this book. Victorian London is quite alive in the pages of this novel. It was fantastic! Kit was a worthy heroine and the 1850s were just so well done in this book! From the police to the mystery and crime, to God's great grace with unlikely people and places, this book could be a movie. It also reminds me a tad of Oliver Twist or another classic, which made it even more fun!

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.

Oh, how easy it is to be deceived! So many things are not as they appear. The Thief of Blackfriars Lane has so many examples of this. The bumbling, newly hired constable. The thief who so cunningly acquired the constable's money, the ... Sorry - can't give too much away here, now can I?

Jackson was so fun! Idealistic. Confident. Naive. I just knew he was in for trouble from the very start as he confidently made his way to the briefing his first day on the force. And I was far more right than I had imagined. He was so gallant, too. But I think I mostly loved his zeal for protecting. Or perhaps his confident faith in the Lord. Mistake after mistake, embarrassing himself and the constabulary, he managed to worm his way into my heart in a big way.

Kit was a different story. Sly. Conniving. In charge of a ring of swindlers. Oh, but then there is the way everything she did was to help those in need. And how many there were! I loved getting to know her better and seeing her true character emerge. To see her go from fighting against the hope that God truly cared about people - because if He did, why didn't He care about her - to seeing that she needed to surrender to Him.

Mystery and mayhem abounded in this delightful romp through the Victorian streets (and sewers!) of London as Jackson and Kit wended their way through the seedy underground seeking answers regarding the missing cabby. All the while, finding they were deeper in intrigue than they realized.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun story! If you enjoy fiction set in the Victorian era with Dickensian characters, be sure to pick up a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.

This was a wonderful story from the very beginning. The story and characters had depth and the story moved at a fast pace so there was no lagtime in the story. This story offered drama, suspense, murder, romance and so much more. While there was a criminal element to the story, it wasn't unseemly or unpleasant to read and added to the development of the story.

Jackson had been involved in a terribly tragic event as a young man and someone he loved was seriously harmed. He was determined, now that he was an adult, to rid the world of the criminal element. So, off to London he went to become a constable. Unfortunately, his first few days on the job didn't go as planned. He was in danger of losing his job before really starting it.

On the way to work the first morning, he came across a woman who intrigued him. He discovered the second morning that she was part of a pickpocket scheme and he was determined to make her pay. He learned very quickly that it was her who could provide him with a way to solve a crime and keep his job. The trick would be if they could work together without killing each other.

I was given an arc copy of this book by NetGalley and I willingly offer my honest review.

In The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, Michelle Griep takes readers to parts of Victorian-era London rarely read in books. From tunnels to police stations and everywhere in between, Griep immerse readers in her setting and brings them along for the ride.

And what a fun ride it is!! Kit is smart and determined but underneath the tough exterior lies a heart of gold. Jackson is also determined and focused but plays by the rules, which Kit snubs her nose at. When these two get together, there is plenty of clashing of wills, but with the witty banter in almost every situation, I couldn’t help but enjoy each and every scene.

Add in the mystery that kept me guessing and the romance that builds at just the right pace, and this is my favorite of Griep’s books yet.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Everything and more! The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep, my first five-star read of the year!

“For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today—or at least the City of London. Now he’d be lucky to save himself.”

With this beginning as an indicator, I had a feeling that I was in for a great read. And it was everything! Every raving review I had read, every five-star rating, everything I was hoping for and more. Rarely do I form a final opinion about a story until I finish, but this was an exception. I rated it a five-star read from the first page and by the time I was halfway finished, I was ordering a paperback copy, knowing that it would be an instant favorite. From interesting characters and thrilling plots, to surprising twists and unexpected conclusions, this story was a non-stop adventure from beginning to end. The author’s writing style has a unique tone that perfectly balances detail and dialogue to fully immerse readers into the characters’ lives. I love Jackson and Kit and would enjoy reading more of their adventures!

Another reviewer wrote this story is reminiscent of Zootopia without the animals and it is true. I thought the resemblance was neat since Zootopia is another favorite of mine.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is the first book I have read by Michelle Griep and I am excited to read more of her past and future releases!

Suspense, drama, intrigue, precarious situations
with shocking twists and turns put the characters
to the test. This is a truly enjoyable read full of
antics and interesting, well created characters.
The story takes the reader on a scary trip through
London’s underground in 1885. Intrigue, suspense,
dynamic circumstances add drama and twists to
keep the reader’s full attention.
The book has three dimensional and multifaceted
characters in a complex, fast paced plot.
A young man, Jackson has come to London to
become a Constable on the police force. On his
first day, he finds himself late after being run into
on his way to work. This was part of a con. Little
does he realize what results will occur from this
meeting of fate.
Kim, the Thief of Blackfriars Lane is an orphan
who has grown up in the streets. She runs a ring
of con-people who con the rich to give to the poor.
Then the man who is like a father to Kim disappears.
Where has he gone? Who has taken him? His wife
turns to Kim.
When the case comes to the police, Jackson says
he will find him in order to keep his job. To find the
cabbie Jackson and Kim will need to pool resources.
A thrilling drama that will take you through the
dreads of society then mix you with society’s elite.
I throughly enjoyed reading this tale of historical
fiction.
I would highly recommend reading this book.
I volunteered to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing via NetGallery for
the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane gives readers a trip to Victorian London with a twisted mystery to solve. Jackson Forge’s training to be a constable is hanging by a thread. He gets one last chance prove himself by solving the crime of the missing cab driver. He teams up with Kit Turner, whose streetwise attitude is the opposite of Jackson’s law-and-order stance.

The characters in this story are charming and witty, and the pairing of the cop and the con artist works well as they con the bad guys so Jackson can close the case. The story wasn’t action-packed, but read more like a cozy mystery. The author added lots of details that makes readers feel like they’re running around the streets of London helping Forge and Turner track down clues, meeting lots of shady characters along the way. It’s a fun and quirky mystery story.

Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)

Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The heroine Kit is such an interesting mix of responsbile and unexpected. And the hero? Jackson is so determiined to do everything right that it becomes hillarious as he's thrust in different situations with the heroine in an attempt to salvage his job as a constable in London. A fun caper with quite a few twists. Good characters and a different look at London. A good read for those who love romance, history, and 19th Century England.

I really enjoyed this book. It has intrigue, mystery, and romance all wrapped in one. I loved the trail of clues left for the reader to try to solve the mysteries on their own. Fun characters and perspectives.
#thethiefofblackfriarslane #netgalley

I enjoyed this action-packed read from Michelle Griep! I loved both Jackson and Kit. They were both realistic and relatable. What happens when a rookie constable has to team up with a spunky street thief to solve his first case? Chaos ensues and it was an enjoyable ride for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. My opinions are my own.