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.

It was wonderful!!! I love reading books by Michelle Griep! She knows how to write a plot that will pull you in and not let you go until the very end. And her characters are so well developed that you can't help but feel like they are your friends and you could be sitting there having tea with them or out chasing around the streets of London searching for clues and answers!

I've loved the adventures I've taken with Kit and Jackson throughout this trilogy and am sad to see it end. But what an ending!!! I was swept up in trying to discover whodunnit! I had several guesses and kept changing them when more information was revealed. I loved the atmosphere of the story, which added another wonderful level to the book!

I would recommend reading the books in order for the greatest enjoyment and understanding but I feel like the author wrote this is such a way that you could pick it up without having read the others.

Get ready for a merry chase around London in search of criminals, discovering secrets, meeting old friends, making new friends, budding relationships and so much more!!!

Content: Clean. This is a Christian fiction novel. 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 the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

The adventures of Kit and Jackson Forge take a dangerous turn as Kit and her father, Henry Graystone, open a new inquiry agency.
It was a joy to read such an entertaining story full of memorable and colorful characters especially when Ms. Griep used amusing words and phrases from the era. It fits right in with the type of story Dickens wrote.
Kit is now a mother of one year old Bella and is not quite settled into domestic pursuits as evidenced by her horrible cooking skills. But the romantic sparks still fly between Kit and her husband. Kit is torn between staying home with Bella and bringing justice to evildoers. It is a good thing her husband is Chief Inspector of police at the local precinct.
There is comic relief on several fronts in the form of a pet Armadillo, a lazy member of the police squad and the unusual Mr. Catchpole whose life changes when he meets Inspector Forge.
I love the way the author infused the story with Christian elements. Kit and Jackson may stugle a bit in their faith but they grow and recognize that God is in control.
I do hope there are more adventures in store for this intriguing duo.
* I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the other books in this trilogy. It was good to see Kit as a mother and watch her try to figure out what to do with her life. Should she continue pursuing justice for everyone she possibly can? Or, should she stay at home and just care for her child? How could she juggle all her responsibilities and still make the best use of the talents she has been given? There was just the right mixture of danger and intrigue, and daily life, for me. What I did not appreciate about this book, though, was the allusions to the physical side of marriage. That was just a little too much for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

The Sleuth of Blackfriar's Lane is the third book in the series. Each book in the series continues Kit and Jackson's story, as such, I think it's best to enjoy them from the start so as to have the best understanding of their history and relationship. That said, I had not read both of the previous books and found I was able to enjoy this one just the same. In this story, we catch back up with them as Kit is adjusting to balancing life as a new mother and her career as a detective--- a career that can be rather dangerous at times, as their current case goes to show.

This story was filled with twists and turns that kept me captivated in the story and wanting to see what would happen next. The characters were flawed, but I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. This truly was such a great blend of mystery, romance, history and a beautiful message of faith too. It was quite interesting to see some of the historical facts the author included at the end... which just helped me appreciate the research that went into bringing this great story to life all that much more.

If you're looking for a good historical mystery, this is one you'll want to check out for yourself.


**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

I almost didn’t finish this book, but I powered through to give an honest review. My thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the free eARC.

Story: 3/5
Worldview: 3/5

First things first, the mystery plot was fine. This is a trilogy, and though I never read the first two books, I was never confused. There was a big reveal at the 50% mark that just dropped my interest entirely and that’s where I skipped to the end. There was a lot of repetitive scenes, with Kit dropping her baby off with her friend, Jackson going to the station and being distracted, and then the third friend being head over heels for another character. So by the 50% mark, I was expecting the twist and it didn’t surprise me.

Worldview is where I was most let down. I liked that Kit and Jackson both believe in God. From the beginning, I knew Kit was going to have to confront a big flaw in her character, but there was a lot more going on that wasn’t discussed. Kit has a problem of cussing like a sailor (her words). She also tries to seduce her own husband to manipulate him, and as time went on, she just got more selfish. It’s hard to take “God, help me!” seriously when you’ve ignored all the warnings from those who love you and plowed right into the barrel of a gun. The ending pulled together a theme of how God holds our lives in His hands, but by the time Kit almost died four or five times, it rang hollow.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I am interested in trying another novel of hers, but not from this series.

Note: mention of blood, assassins, dismembering a rat, hurting a baby, and a few (3+) moments of Kit and her husband talking about what they’re going to do when they get home later.

In the third book of this series (oops again) wife, mother, and former street criminal Kit Forge partners with her father at an enquiry agency. Her father finds their first potential case suspicious, but Kit takes it behind his back. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of a massive case that endangers her and her family and friends several times over.
Unique characters (including a pet armadillo). Love the friendships between characters. Very interesting plot with several twists, including one massive one that I didn't see coming. Love the explanations of terms and slang at the end. I had two issues with the book, and they are significant. First, there were a lot of innuendos and thinly veiled sexual references. Even though most were between husband and wife, it feels extremely awkward and TMI. Plus, things like this can often cause stumbles into sin. I'm surprised to be seeing this more and more. The second is a couple references to animal deaths, which were sad.

Have you not yet learned to trust in God’s timing instead of your own?”

What an exciting adventure this series has been! 
I love being transported back in time to Victorian London for a time, while still enjoying the comforts of indoor plumbing! Michelle Griep always makes me feel like a bystander in her immersive storylines. I would fall off my chair if, one day, she wrote me in ... but please, Michelle Griep, don't make me eat eel pie!

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane could technically be read as a stand-alone, but I think it would increase your enjoyment of the story if you read the previous ones first.  Or at the very least, the first book, where you will glean the bulk of the important backstory facts. However, every book has been a fast paced adventure, so why not enjoy them all!

Each novel is unique and throughout the series the main characters have done a lot of growing. From street theif and very green police officer to a young couple in love and now parents of a baby girl. As a mother, Kit struggles with a dilemma many women battle through today -- how to balance work and family. 

The action is practically non-stop in this explosive race against time.  I was glued to the pages for the latter seventy-five percent of the book, eager to find out what would happen next. The plot has more than one mysterious case that is being investigated and it was intriguing how Michelle wove them together into one "mega-case".  I enjoyed the bloom of a new, sweet romance between two of the secondary characters and the quirky masked man who kept popping into the story making me suspicious of his role and character.

There was a part of the story, that I found distressing and wished it hadn't been as descriptive or diabolical as it was, but evil is actually E.V.I.L. and it bothered me. A lot.  Probably more-so because it involved a child and it tore at my own mother-heart.  I would still recommend the story, just steel your own mother-heart before you begin.

Read if you like:
Complex mystery
Victorian London
Mulitple POV
Loveable Characters
Faith thread

If you enjoy Miss Scarlet and the Duke, or enjoyed Pepper Basham's Grace and Freddie mystery series (this one is more gothic) there is a good chance you will also enjoy The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane.

Thank you, Michelle Griep, Barbour Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

So good! I have enjoyed this entire series and The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane did not disappoint. Kit and Jackson are happily married but that has not slowed them down one bit! All the adventure you would expect is there and there is a big twist in the story that I didn't see coming and it was done so well. It is a series I would definitely suggest to others. And also one I was strong recommend be read in order.

Although a touch slow at the beginning, simply because a basic foundation needs to be laid, once the story gets going, there's none stop action. On top of that, Kit needs to learn how to balance her desire to work and bring justice to her part of the world with being a mother to an infant she dearly loves. Well well researched and written, it was hard to put down as it was engaging and easy to imagine the scenes based on the descriptions. Well worth the read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane takes the reader on quite a journey through the underworld of London in the late 1800’s. But and her father have partnered to start a private investigation firm. Their first case
turns out to be anything but what it appeared to be at first. Kit’s husband Inspector Jackson Forge along with the entire police force are needed to solve this mystery.
This story is very well written and I often was on the edge of my chair during extremely intense moments. This is the third book in this series and it does not disappoint. It is as exciting and full ofadventure as the first two. You can also feel the love for family and friends as well as worry that some may be in grave danger. This book wraps up the case, no cliffhangers but the stories of the main characters crosses over from book to book so you may want to read them in order. This is definitely a 5 star book
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is undoubtedly my favorite from the Blackfriars Lane series. Kit and Jackson have to navigate parenthood along with their roles in Kit's newly formed detective agency with her father and Jackson's promotion to Chief Inspector. Kit's first case, involving a missing child, pulls at her mama heartstrings. Will her normal investigative tactics with Jackson's help be enough to solve the case while keeping her family safe?

What I loved about this third book in the series is how real the character struggles are. Although this novel is placed in 19th century London, I felt like many of the topic translate well to modern day. Griep realistically portrays how flawed people lean into God's grace and mercy, all while encouraging each other to do the same. As a mom who also works, I understand Kit's struggle between being there for her child and also having a job to do.

As a special plus, the character development with Martha and Inspector Charles Baggett (minor characters from the first two books in the series) was much welcomed, as it added another layer to the plot. This installment was faster-paced than the first two; I couldn't put it down! Well done!

A special thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for sending an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is definitely the best of the three books in this series! The first two were good, and this book just ties it all up in a neat bow! I just love Kit's character: the fierce ambition and passion for her work, her love for her family, and the imperfect muddled mess she is as she learns to surrender all of it to The One in control of it all anyway. Jackson is a husband who loves his wife through and through, exactly as she is even as she exacerbates him. Oh and Mr. Baggett...his struggle with failure that he has allowed to impact his future...how we can all relate! The mystery throughout the book will keep you on your toes and the subplots are back, forth and all over the place til they all come together cohesively at the end. Epic adventure and writing that captures you and keeps you until the end.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.

What a fun and breathtaking ride this series takes the reader on! I love each story! This is one series I recommend reading in order. I have thoroughly enjoyed every step of the adventures of Kit Turner and Jackson Forge on Blackfriars Lane.

Kit wants to keep using her sleuthing skills to make her corner of the world a better place, instead of taking on all of the traditional roles of motherhood. She teams up to run an agency with her father. Their first case brings unexpected dangers, and while she is accustomed to danger, she now has a family. Kit struggles with how to juggle her duties to her husband and baby daughter, and wanting to continue using her talents. When danger closes in, she begins to rethink her ideas. Loved the appearances from their good friends Charles and Martha.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is a page-turning, perilous, on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense story that keeps you glued to your chair until the very end. I highly recommend this story and this series by the very talented author Michelle Griep!

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Another phenomenal read in the Blackfriars Lane series! This is one my favorite series and this was a stunning installment that continued in the true feeling of the story. In it, both Kit and Jackson have matured into a loving adult couple with a beautiful baby named Bella. The investigation was thrilling and continued to leave me guessing. The dynamics throughout the book with between Kit and Charles as well as Kit and her father was so fun to explore. Additionally, we also got to experience the romance between the best side characters, Martha and Charles. Overall, a stunning story!

It was good to catch up with Kit and Jackson and little Bella in this 3rd Blackfriars novel. Kit struggles with how to be a working mom and how to protect her family and have a happy healthy home. Jackson has some of the same struggles compounded by difficulties at work. I particularly enjoyed watching the relationship between Martha and Charles unfold. Satisfying conclusion to the series.

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

This is a very exciting fast paced adventure story. Quite a few cliff-hangers, so probably not a great book to read before bed. It is the 3rd in a series, but it is not essential to have read the first two. I did read the 1st one, but not the 2nd and I felt like I still got the story with no problem.
I appreciated the Christian perspective throughout the book, but it was never preachy in any way.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for this ARC Copy.

I really love this author and she pulls a story together. There were a few twists and turns I did not expect.

I highly recommend reading the first 2 books in the Blackfriars Lane series. Then read this book as Kit and Jackson are now ,arrived with a child.

It’s a great “Who dun it?” Where you learn to care about all of the characters- not just the main 2.

I just reviewed The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. #TheSleuthofBlackfriarsLane #NetGalley

I really enjoyed the action of this story. I really enjoyed that it was realistic and felt like i connected with the characters throughout the novel. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Thank you Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.