This was a did not finish title for me. I gave up on the book when the policeman was continually portrayed in a bad light.

This series combines mystery, suspense and romance. Enjoyed this one and the others in the series! This book was provided to me through NetGalley for me to read and review. The opinionsvare my own.

This story was an absolute delight from start to finish, and a great addition to the series. Set in Victorian London, the story blends historical detail with a compelling mystery. The writing is atmospheric with a plot that is tight and plenty of surprises. I loved it!
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Michelle Griep never fails to deliver a great read! I love Kit & Jackson, I love that no matter the story, Griep's characters and their struggles are real and relatable. What woman hasn't struggled with a work- home- life balance, with or without kids? I was also excited to see a new quirky side character! I've wanted another Mr. Nutbrown every since the Innkeeper's Daughter.
The touch of humor but also the life lessons Griep teaches through her fun side characters are always a fun surprise.

This is a great book and I read it out of order. Still kept up with it without any problems. The author brings all the mysteries together and I was there for all of it. I enjoyed the relationships and real concerns that the couple had about their individual careers and how to fit everything into their life in an accepting way. Loved their humor and support of each other.

**Review of "The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane" by Michelle Griep**

The story is a riveting historical mystery set in Victorian London featuring Jackson Forge, a determined constable, and Kit Turner, a resourceful woman with a knack for solving crimes. Their partnership is dynamic and engaging, with both characters bringing unique strengths to the investigation.

Griep excels in creating a vivid and atmospheric setting, transporting readers to the gritty streets of Victorian London. The plot is intricately woven, full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The interplay between Jackson and Kit is particularly well-written, blending tension and camaraderie in equal measure.

With its well-developed characters, compelling mystery, and richly detailed backdrop, "The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries.

The third and final book in the Blackfriars series I think. I did enjoyed it, but I didn’t like it as much as I did the first books in the series. Kit didn’t seem to have her normal spunk. But I still enjoyed it to read another book in the series if the author writes another.

Kit and Jackson Forge are back to take down the bad guys on the streets of London, only this time they're doing it while navigating parenthood with their daughter Bella. Kit is working as a private detective with her father while Jackson is settling in as the new chief inspector, and both are struggling to find their footing. Against her father's advice, Kit accepts a job to find a missing husband and child but all is not as it was claimed to be. This leads both Kit and Jackson down a twisting path to discover what is really going on and who's behind it.

This is a thrilling conclusion to the Blackfriars Lane trilogy. I couldn't figure out who the baddie was or what their motive was. This kept me turning pages quickly so I could find out. I just had to know and I was trying to keep from peeking at future chapters. (Yes, I'm one of those, don't hate me.) I love Kit and Jackson's relationship--they're so cute together. I also loved seeing all the side characters again.

I recommend you read the other two books first so you'll get Kit and Jackson's backstories and know who the secondary characters are, but you don't have to. The author did a good job of giving you enough information that you won't be lost. I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book explaining a bit about the time period and the definition of some words. I always find that helpful.

Content: There are some moments of mild peril, and fights, and guns and carriage chases, and kidnapping. But it was all written very tastefully and clean. No swearing and nothing further than kisses.

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

"She'd hoped for an intriguing first case to solve - Not an impossible one.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane (2024, Barbour), third in the Blackfriars Lane series by Michelle Griep, is a standalone mystery - with a touch of romance - set in 1887's London, England. Even though the book can stand alone, it definitely would make sense to read the first and second books before this one to get a sense of the continuing story arc.

I requested this story from NetGalley because I try my best to read all of Griep's books!

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues? Some violence - not bad
Christian publication? Yes, but references to God are not heavy-handed.
Any reference to God or the Bible? Yes.

"Then we'll give 'em our prayers, eh? And by God's grace they'll manage. After all, 'tis not the job that provides their needs but the gracious God above what does."

The heroine: Kit Forge and her father, a retired police sergeant, have joined forces to create a private detective agency. Soon after hanging the shingle of The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency, a distressed woman comes to explain her situation: her husband has run off with their baby, and she hasn't seen or heard from him for a long time. Kit's father turns down the case, but this doesn't sit well with Kit. She feels quite the pull to help this woman, regardless of the fact that "They had agreed not to field a case unless they were both of one accord."

The hero: Jackson Forge is the new chief inspector of his station. While he appreciates the elevated position, it comes with stress. "The superintendent had made it abundantly clear that he was to unsnarl the paperwork fiasco left behind by the former chief, and he was to 'do so bloody well as soon as possible!' Or he'd be let go."

What I liked:

*I really liked the mystery for this one, and how it unraveled.

*Two of the secondary characters - Martha Jones & Charles Baggett, both of whom have made appearances in previous books in the series - are made for each other, and it's fun to watch their relationship progress throughout this story.

*I enjoyed the inclusion of historical notes at the end. I always gobble these up! Ms. Griep also posted several journal entries online on topics within this book. I particularly enjoyed the one expanding on the Victorian words she used in the story.

What I didn’t like:

*There were two short conversations that didn't ring true for me, both I think intended to show Kit and Jackson's emotional attachment to their child. In the first instance, Jackson flies off the handle when Kit asks him a question clearly qualified as hypothetical about their baby not being safe. In the second instance, Kit and Jackson need to leave their baby with someone else for several days. Kit's response just seems overly dramatic. The scene didn't completely sit right with me, because Kit frequently leaves her baby with her friend. It might just be me, though.

The bottom line: This book is a great ending to the series. Ms. Griep has confirmed that it's the last, but really, this is a trilogy that I wouldn't mind continuing to read. I like the secondary characters and the "world" created for this series quite a bit.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in cozy mysteries and historical fiction, but…

Before reading this book, consider trying: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane.

As always, I look forward to reading more by Michelle Griep. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of the book.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, by Michelle Griep, one of my go-to authors for Victorian-era romance fiction, is a delightful addition to the Blackfriars Lane series. Jackson and Kit are right back in the middle of investigations, Jackson as a London Chief Inspector and Kit, as a private detective. The author portrays realistic and relatable issues as the cases progress and converge. Kit begins to question the many hats she is wearing as a mother, wife, and detective and the dangers that she encounters. Intense action begins right at the beginning and is edge-of-the-seat until the end. I like how Ms. Griep finished the story, giving the reader a satisfying ending. I received a complimentary book from NetGalley and also listened to a library copy of the audiobook. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

Though this historical setting and time period is not my first choice, I have found that I very much enjoy Michelle Griep’s writing and have looked forward to reading all the books in this series. The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, like the others in the series has interesting, spirited, though flawed characters, plenty of action, mystery, amusing moments, and faith. I enjoyed this lively, page turning, action packed tale and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Blackfriars Lane series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romance with a little suspense thrown in.
Kit Forge keeps herself busy with her job as a detective while also being a wife and a mom. Sometimes she struggles to do them all well especially her relationship with her husband.
Her husband Jackson seems to barely notice because he is too busy as the new chief inspector trying to learn his job and trying to fix all of the problems that were left by the former police chief.
When Kit and Jackson take on a case together to find a missing child they both become too emotionally involved and endanger their daughter in the process. Now will they finally learn what their limits are and what is really important?
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is another wonderful addition to this series by Michelle Griep. Kit and Jackson are embarking on life as parents and their new work roles, with Kit starting a detective agency with her father and Jackson rising to Chief Inspector at the police station. The plot quickly heats up with mysterious and dangerous cases coming forward for the detective agency as well as the police department. I appreciated the author’s insight into the conflicting feelings of each character as they face e1ch new challenge in their battles against evil. Secondary characters, Charles and Martha, both add some good solid characters and show readers the importance of deeply loyal friendships. This well written story keeps the characters on their toes, thereby making it an action packed edge of your seat story for the reader. Historical notes at the conclusion of the book provide background information that enhances the story more for the reader. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and even to those who just enjoy a good action plot or mystery/suspense plot.

I requested a copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

A fun book to read and the lingo is refreshing because the book dates back to London of 1887. “Oy, What a day.” I, unfortunately couldn’t finish it completely as I am in the middle of intense work training with not much rest. Sorry. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It’s great that Kit opens a sleuthing company with her father, who by the way advice she should heed. And her husband, Jack has a full time job running the police London station. I feel for him because he has to deal with a new hiree who is not accommodating to his tasks given. You won’t be disappointed with what happens next in this story. It’s book three of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane with a reminder to wait on God. I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
“After all, ’tis not the job that provides their needs but the gracious God above what does.” All quotes from book.

What a journey it has been following Kit’s growth from organized thief to wife to mother! This novel explores a lot of struggles working moms have – that of balancing the demands of a job with the demands of motherhood. I thought Kit’s maturity in this novel shone and I loved how her emotional struggle was realistically written. The twists and turns of mystery kept me on the edge of my seat and I often found myself wishing I could ignore my own job and my own kids (only half kidding) to read more! I did find myself a little uncomfortable with the idea that Kit’s baby might be in danger (I have young kids), but other than that, I thought the book was wonderful from start to finish! With her trademark quirks, including a pet armadillo and a sweaty round assistant, Michelle Griep once again pens a delightful novel that took me on a wondrously crazy journey and concluded beautifully. Recommended to other lovers of historical fiction! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is the eleventh book by Michelle Grief that I’ve read and reviewed. Needless to say, but I will, I enjoy her writing style and her gift of storytelling.
Set in 1887 London, I was taken through the sometimes dark and sinister streets of this city where muggings and crime were frequently present. Kit Forge was a force to be reckoned with and she has just opened an enquiry agency with her dad as partner. Kit is very strong willed and they often disagree about which cases to take. Kit’s husband Jackson is the new chief inspector in a busy London station. He opens the door of his office to find everything in disarray left over from the previous inspector. He has a two week period to get everything in order and a report on the superintendent’s desk or he’ll lose his job. But crime and demands from all directions thwarts his progress.
Kit and Jackson face dangerous and conflicting cases or do they? Could they possibly intersect? This story had heart stopping danger, intrigue, murder, bombs and greed. It also had family, love and strong faith with prayer seeking God’s will. All these elements came together for an entertaining and time well spent reading adventure for this girl. An interesting side note, Kit and Jackson had a pet armadillo in their home named Brooks!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

The Sleuth of Blackfrairs Lane by Michelle Griep.

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

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

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

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

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


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