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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Content: language, cursing, mild sexual tone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are back in Blackfriars Lane with Jackson, Kit and baby Bella. Kit and her father have started an investigative agency and her first case pulls on all her heartstrings. Jackson has his hands full at the station. We have Charles, Martha and Frankie along with Mary's other children taking on some story points. We meet a meet a couple interesting characters, one of which is Catchpole. Kit takes on her case without her father's approval and it stretches her as she fights to work through the case and being there for her baby daughter. Her father's case seems to have some of the same players. Jackson has his own troubles, which due to Charles helping Kit, seem to spiral towards her case as well. Lots of plot twists as we are taken on this story's journey, clear up to the completion of the book.

The third and final adventure for Jackson and Kit! Now a wife and mother Kit's life is very different but that doesn't stop her fro being a great detective. Jackson now the new chief inspector is busier than ever. There are always so many funny, original characters in this series its such a fun time to get to know them. As Kit is following a new case danger is around every corner. She has to come to a conclusion to how will balance being a detective and a mother. And this is in 1887 when women are expected to stay home with the children.
Jackson and Kit's romance continue within the story as their love grows. The danger that ensues only makes them realize how much they mean to one another. A side story of the romance between Kit's friend Martha and inspector Charles Baggett was so endearing. This was a fun ride and I wish we would have more adventures with the Forges.

4 stars

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

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Who Knew that Opening a Private Detective Agency Would Lead to So Much Danger?

In "The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane", Michelle Griep sucked me in from the first riveting page, & pulled me deeper into her intricate, danger-filled plot!

This is MG's 3rd "Blackfriars" Historic Suspense Novel, set in Victorian London. Kit & Jackson now have a baby Daughter. Jackson has been promoted to Head Police Detective. Kit & her Father have just opened a Private Detective Agency.

Jackson & Kit can't handle all their responsibilities, & the danger that comes their way, without God's Help. I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Thrilling, Awesome, Engrossing, Action/Adventure 📗, to see how everything turns out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kit Forge has overcome many obstacles in her life—abandonment, hunger, and growing up on London’s streets, to name a few. Each experience has honed her observation skills and turned her into a woman who can read others (especially those with criminal inclinations) and bring justice to the streets.

After falling in love with Jackson Forge, one of London’s finest constables, Kit overcomes her fear of commitment and settles (sort of) into married life. Her unique upbringing makes her ill-suited for the life of a housewife; fortunately, Jackson has no desire to fit Kit into a mold.

A growing relationship with her newly found father turns into a detective agency partnership. Despite their pact to agree on clients, Kit can’t resist taking on a case for a client with a missing child. The deeper she delves into the case, the more danger Kit encounters.

Jackson has his own woes as the newly appointed chief inspector at a busy London station. His predecessor left him with a mountain of paperwork and chaos in every department. To make matters worse, the superintendent gives him a deadline, and the most incompetent new constable Jackson has ever seen on a police force.

As Kit unravels layer after layer in her case, she and Jackson struggle with the conundrum of spending time with each other, their baby daughter, and other family while meeting all their work commitments. When the case takes an ugly turn, Kit faces a decision that will change the course of her life.

What I Loved About This Book

Readers who struggle with Supermom Syndrome (even a little bit) will relate to Kit and her dilemmas. How does a woman cope with all the demands (and decide which are imposed by self, significant others, or society) in her life? Jackson, while more enlightened than the average male of this century or any century in the past, can identify why he fell in love with Kit and what makes her unique (it’s not her cooking skills).

Kit and Jackson show readers how love doesn’t stop growing and adapting once the bride and groom say their vows. Any lasting relationship takes communication, compromise, and trust. For Kit and Jackson, a little nail-biting adventure and dangerous intrigue help them learn the lessons of married life faster than the average couple.

I adored Michelle Griep's 2023 release, Man of Shadow and Mist. I was mesmerized by her beautiful writing style, and I couldn't wait to give another one of her books a try. Even though I hadn't read the first two books in this series, I went into it with high expectations, as certainly it was going to be as great as her last release was! Unfortunately, that ended up not being the case, and while I would still love to read more of her books in the future, I won't be picking up any of the other titles in this series unfortunately.

What I Liked:

The author has a unique way of setting up her mysteries, and I enjoy how thoroughly she's able to immerse the reader in its unfolding. While I had my suspicions, everything still came together in a way that left me quite surprised, and I always enjoy when an author is able to accomplish that.

It's always obvious to the reader that Michelle Griep spends copious amounts of time researching the historical time periods she's writing about, and I enjoyed leaving this title with many new to me tidbits about this time in history. It kind of had a Dickens-esque vibe for much of the story, and I thought that was pretty fitting.

Lastly, I adored Charles and Martha. Their romance was sweet and swoon worthy, and showcased the big hearts they had for each other and the world around them. Their story ended up being my favorite part of the book.

What I Didn't Like:

Unfortunately, this one ended up being nothing like what I was expecting, and mainly that was because of the following two reasons.

First, I'm sorry to say that I couldn't stand the main character, Kit. She was manipulative, selfish, rude, and willing to step on anyone or anything to accomplish what she felt she deserved to. It got monotonous pretty quickly to hear her constantly talk about she has no homemaking capabilities, and that it was basically Martha's responsibility to raise her child and/or provide her family with their meals and treats. This perhaps wouldn't have been the biggest deal, but the way she comes across during these passages is like she feels she's too superior to be bothered with such responsibilities, and almost felt like she was saying she was better than anyone who did concern themselves with such things. I ended up feeling like a lot of what goes wrong with the mystery plot never would have happened in the first place if she had just been willing to listen to anyone else's opinion besides her own. I'm sorry to say that her character never ended up growing on me, and I felt that she showed next to no character growth or remorse by the end of the story.

And lastly, I couldn't believe the amount of unnecessary content that the author felt inclined to include. The sexualized tension between Kit and Jackson seemed to go on and on in certain passages, and the reader begins to get the impression that Kit is manipulating her husband sexually to get what she wants from him. Kit's constantly "cussing like a sailor" in her words, and there's many passages about drugs, alcohol, and even some brazen references to prostitution.

All in all, I can't really recommend this one because of the content issues, and I would highly recommend checking out some of the author's other titles outside this series.

It wouldn't stop me from picking up another of her books, but I will definitely not be reading any more titles from this series.

Final Rating: 3/5.

Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hello! Many thanks, firstly, to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I always appreciate reading anything by Michelle Griep, and the books in the Blackfriars Lane series are no exception. I am super glad that the Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane continues the exceptionally-brilliant story and character development of the first two books. The names of Kit and Jackson Forge are perfect for these heroes and their endeavors. Particularly, the name of Forge says it all. That this third book juxtaposed and parellels a story of Kit's and Jackson's child with the prominent case of a missing child is compelling. Michelle is well able to capture the strength of a working mother in Victorian times, and her writing always gives me such a wonderful immersion and perspective of a time and place that is unattainable in reality but yet so close in our imagination. I highly recommend the Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane. Thank you! :)

Kit and Jackson are a truly delightful couple. Kit, full of passion, and often referred to as a fiery sprite, is facing a new phase in life. She believes in the pursuit of justice in the very core of her being and as a reformed street urchin, she’s quite successful. She can outsmart the best of crooks and add her own personal flare while doing so. Jackson, the straight-laced law man still doesn’t know what to
do with Kit on the best of days. Now, as the Chief Inspector his hands are quite full. Not to mention, there’s little Bella that both Jackson and Kit are quite enamored with. Jackson loves Kit exactly as she is, even though there’s nothing domestic about her. So he agrees to her desire to partner with her father in a detective agency. Kit being Kit, you better believe chaos ensues. However, Kit has grown and matured quite a bit and starts wrestling with who/what she needs to be. Jackson has his own struggles, but through it all, I love his steadfast devotion to his wife and his daughter. He’s a protector and he’s learned how to love Kit in a way that helps her flourish. She, in turn, supports him completely. Together, despite crazy chaos of everyday life, they show how to love each other well. I love the development of friendships and the Truth that is shared and encouraged between family and friends.
There are many twists and turns that kept me on my toes throughout. The last few chapters…wow! That was quite a ride. I adore this couple! Their chemistry, the balance to each other, their partnership, and their commitment to upholding justice.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is the third installment in the Blackfriars Lane series. I think I enjoyed the first two maybe a little more than this one but it was still good. At first I couldn't figure out who the bad guy really was, which was the author's intent. We started to get hints as the book went along but unfortunately for Kit, the reader can figure it out before she really does. The story is high drama and thrilling in terms of the mystery. There is still some romance but much of it is in the form of their marital relations. There is nothing on the page but from the innuendo, the reader is well aware that they are a rather frisky couple. It kind of fits their personalities though.
There are a number of evil villains and they are quite evil. And there is a body count but even so, the reader doesn't really see much of it. Some of it is the bad guys inflicting it upon others, off page, but some of it comes after the good guys are in pursuit but they don't actually kill anyone. They spend a lot of time in defense instead of offense. And there is a suicide that the reader does witness. It isn't graphic, thankfully. I was appalled by the police brutality. We should all be appalled by that.

I love that Kit and Jackson are so in love with each other and with their child. They, and the grandfather are rather doting. I love that Jackson has no real expectation of Kit becoming a dutiful housewife. I'm not quite sure why they don't hire a cook though. Or at least get Kit cooking lessons since she keeps attempting and miserably failing in the kitchen. I love that Jackson has no desire to change her from her true self and fit into a societal mold.

Mild-ish Christian themes
Potential triggers: kidnapping, suicide, police brutality

Sex: innuendo references to marital relations, references to prostitution
Language: no
Violence: yes, murder, suicide, potentially dangerous situations, kidnapping, emotionally threatening situations, police brutality
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Perhaps God didn’t intend for her to stop pursuing justice, but rather change the way she went about it?

Return to London in 1887 and join Kit and Jackson in their ongoing adventures. The author does a fabulous job of taking us right down the streets and into the lives of those who lived in and around Blackfriars Lane. Martha, who cooks and cares for her family and many others - keeping them all from starving. Charles Baggett, police inspector, who is always ready to ferret out the criminal element. And then there is Catchpole whose part in the story causes the reader to stop and consider where God fits in this life.

Kit and her father have started The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency. But how far is she willing to go to apprehend those whose sole purpose seems to be illegal? After all, she is now a wife and mother! Perhaps it is time to learn to trust in God’s timing and not her own and seek different ways to change the world they live in.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

4.5 stars
I read the first two books in the series and love them. So I have been looking forward to reading this book for quite some time. I did feel like it got off to a bit of a slow start, but I really like the characters of Jackson and Kit which propelled me onward. I was not disappointed. This author can weave a tale that keeps you invested to the very end. Murder, mystery, suspense, intrigue, romance, Victorian era make up most of this book. But watching Kit transformed to a mother was endearing, not withstanding her dangerous escapades. There are many interesting and quirky characters in this story, that were entertaining to read. The plot was intense and gripping.
I appreciate the authors attention to detail and decorum but also keeping it true to the timeline and circumstances. It can be read as a standalone story, but I would recommend reading the first two books it gives you a good background on the characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kit Forge starts a detective agency with her father. Her husband Jackson is the new chief inspector in London. Kits first case takes her & her family & friends into the heart of danger because she was driven by her emotions & charging into situations without help or thinking about the consequences. She ends up at a crossroad of which is more important - family or work. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.