I was drawn to this series from the very beginning. The first pages of Jackson and Kit in book one have me turning page over page. The same istrue for book 2. And in The sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, we find Jackson and Kit in other facets of their lifes, Jackson as chief inspector and kit as wife and mother of Bella, their baby girl, but also as a detective along with his father in the new agency both had open. But in this new stage of their lives, they will have to deal with their responsabilities and decisions, Jackson trying to fix the mess the former chief left and carrying the stress of it, which will affect in a way their marriage, and Kit, accepting a case which will put in danger their baby girl. A lot of action, twists and romance follow this two great characters.
Would they regret their decisions? Would they be able to come through all this difficult situations and find peace and happiness again?
Find out reading this book!
Great lecture as always with Michelle Griep´s books.

I love this series. Each book has kept me riveted to the ongoing story. (It also reminds me of a BBC show I used to greatly enjoy watching.) Kit and Jackson Forge are now parents of a baby girl, Bella. They are undergoing and adjusting to big changes in their careers. Kit is starting a partnership with her father as they form the Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion. It's a five-star read. I enjoy the Victorian London atmosphere and the way Michelle Griep's highly descriptive writing places the reader in the time period. Kit's character has developed so much from the first book. I understand her angst of new motherhood balanced with her love of the career she is embarking on. The plot is excellent. Charles Baggett and a few other colorful characters round out with additional stories that blend into a dangerous adventure for all involved.
I hope we see more Blackfriars Lane books!

We meet our favorite thief again: Kit Forge.

She has embarked on a new adventure, that of being a wife, mother and detective.
I loved this book, after two books, this third one shows us a new facet of the Blackfiars Lane series.
Here we also follow Jackson Forge and Kit Turner who face new challenges, Jackson as chief inspector and Kit as a detective alongside his father; both face conflicts that will have you going back and forth and you don't know where it will lead you.

Jackson continues to steal my breath away with the way he loves Kit.

His quirky pet has left me totally enchanted.

This story weaves a lace of threads where all the cases and adventures undertaken connect in a unique way that keeps you on your toes, with touches highlighted by Kit's vibrant personality and Jackson's sober personality; through lots of action and surprising twists you will be hooked and wrapped up in this intense story.

I have to add that I adored little Bella, it was so heartwarming, I love when there are babies or toddlers in the stories, they always add a touch for me.

Another detail I love about Michelle Griep's books, besides her wonderful pen, atmospheric and gripping, are the historical notes she gives us at the end, which finish giving me the touch to end up with my heart in my eyes and totally in love with this series.

For me it will be ten or more, because I need to continue to sigh with this wonderful couple and their adventures.

The literary genre of romantic historical mystery or however you label this type of story has me fascinated.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC. I totally loved this advance book.

#TheSleuthofBlackfriarsLane #NetGalley

The Sleuth oof Blackfriars Lane
by Michelle Griep
Pub Date: April 1, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that's not enough, she's partnered with her father to open a new detective agency.
I loved this book. I was pulled into this book and became more engaged as I turned the pages.
This book is the third in a series of books about Blackfriars Lane featuring Detective Jackson Forge and Kit Turner. If you haven't read the series I highly recommend them even though it is not required to understand this book. In this book the two characters are married and have a precious little daughter that calls everyone "ba-ba". Jackson is now the Chief Inspector and Kit is a detective. They each are pulled into conflicts and situations. It's like watching a roller coaster twist and turn and take huge plunging dips. You wonder if it will come back up but it does and that is the beauty of Michelle Griep's writing. She holds you captive until the very last word. I highly recommend this book and all of the other Blackfriars books.
5 stars

Kit & Jackson are my favorite! 💗
“Listen to me, Kit. I don’t want a
housewife. 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.” (Sigh 😌)

What a bomb of a story! An unexpected twist half way through that you won’t see coming. Full of suspense, keep you in your toes at all times! That’s why I love Griep’s stories, never a dull moment within the story. I believe that “expect the unexpected” could be her stories slogan.

Not a safe place in London to hide from the evildoers, opium smugglers, murderers, …scary! 🫣 You’re always suspicious of even the nice characters, you never know if they’re going to attack or be true friends. Vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there in the midst of the story, like you’re one of the characters. I wish it’d be made into a movie!
Also, I love that the author blends faith elements here and there. Her main characters are always acknowledging Him and always trying to find an opportunity to spread faith and gospel principles to the ones surrounding them.

*And for my history loving heart, I appreciate the historical notes of the author at the end of her books. Such fascinating facts! * 😊

And I couldn’t conclude this review without sharing some excerpts so you’ll get a glimpse on this amazing story 😉

“There is no problem too great that our good and gracious Lord cannot help us with.”

“God had reminded him to look past the darkness to see the light that yet remained in the world.”

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

“It’s easy to lose your way in this world, which is why it always comes back to trusting in God’s judgment plans. Rest assured that no matter what you do or don’t do, you will not thwart whatever our mighty Creator is up to. The best we can accomplish is to hold tight to our faith and keep walking towards eternity a step at a time.”

And how I love this excerpt, call it as you may, but acknowledging Him in all thy ways…
“The law of physics, momentum and whatnot, I suppose, though I prefer to think of it as a miracle.”

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

I really enjoyed the action of the story. Every corner, Kit and Jackson are dealing with some new twist or problem. There were several turns that I didn't see coming. Really enjoyed this book and I plan to find and read the other books in this series.

This is my first book into the series, but I did not feel like I was missing context.

You have Kit, an ex thief, now mother, a non housekeeper, running a private detective agency with her partner. They are awaiting their first case.

Her husband Jackson is busy trying to settle into his new role and make an impact in the police force.

The mystery is intriguing and written well. A good read

This was a lot of fun. It started a little slowly but once it picked up, I was hooked. I really appreciated the changing POVs - Kit, Jackson, and their friend Baggett. Baggett’s POV gave a change of perspective and a lovely subplot.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Michelle Griep takes the reader along for the ride with "The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane", the exciting conclusion of her Blackfriars trilogy. Now parents, Kit and Jackson Forge continue their quest for justice in the dark underbelly of Victorian London.

This is a fast-paced book, complete with murder, kidnapping and more. While the subject matter is serious, there are plenty of lighthearted moments. Kit's indifferent housekeeping skills are showcased from time to time. And Mr. Harvey, the "round ball with thick spectacles" is excellent comic relief. Even a pet armadillo plays a pivotal role. The various plot threads join together for a satisfying conclusion.

Griep's prose is crisp and descriptive. Faith is gently woven throughout. An impatient Kit is told, “Have you not yet learned to trust in God’s timing instead of your own?” There are a few innuendos here and there, but they're somewhat amusing and not graphic.

I greatly enjoyed this trilogy. I don't consider this a stand-alone novel. There is a developing relationship arc with Kit, Jackson, and her father that should not be missed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this engaging novel.

Kit and her Chief Inspector husband, Jackson Forge are fantastic together in this latest book from Michelle Griep, The Sleuths of Blackfriars Lane. Kit and Jackson now parents to a beautiful daughter, Bella that they both love and adore, a pet armadillo and Kit’s father and partner in the newly opened private investigator agency.

Both Kit and her father, agree that they discuss and agree on every accepted case, however, when a lady approaches the agency asking for help, Kit decides to undertake the case herself, even though her father feels very suspicious about this situation. The client’s daughter has been kidnapped by her husband and this pulls at Kit’s heart strings, and she decides to accept the job on her own.

Little does she know, by accepting this case, there are several cases that intertwine, including the one her father accepts and the one the police station is working is trying to solve as well.

I realise that some readers may be offended that Kit uses swear words but in my opinion, having grown up on the streets of Victorian London, chances are highly likely she would need some time to shake the habit completely. Very realistic depiction of life on the poorer side of things and how some of the minor characters eke out a living being homeless.

A truly brilliant book that had me on the edge of my seat. Many instances of the characters from time to time referring to needing the help of God, which was honest and realistic.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for allowing me to read an ARC of the book and submit my honest opinion.

Oh my blooming crikey! Another series I need to add to the TBR and this one is blazing! The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a very well researched, very well described, action-packed historical mystery.

Now, I must admit that I was a bit adrift at the beginning, but became utterly immersed into the narrative as it is abundantly clear that Griep is passionate about the era and knows what she is talking about, let alone creating characters that are reflective of the sensibilities of the time (which is exemplified by the dialogue used throughout and it is lively that is for sure)

Strong and immersive storyline, beautiful narrative creating a deep ambience and fantastic character development.

Thank you to Netgalley, Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction and the amazing author Michelle Griep for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Book 3 in a series but easily read as a standalone, THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LANE, by Michelle Griep, is an historical mystery that’s highly action oriented and borderline thriller; a thrillystery!

Even without reading the first two books, I was able to enjoy this fast paced story. It took some investigation on my part to fill in key relationship info between Kit and Jackson, the main characters. It’s for that reason that I gave 4 instead of 5 stars. If you have read either of the first two volumes, you’ll be more tuned in to references that are made. Griep does get the past retold but imo, it’s too late on her storyline. Solid characterizations are non negotiable for me.

That point aside, Griep keeps the cast to a manageable size. The players are unique and have individual voices rather than a nest full of parrots. Second to the action and driving the story is dialogue; IT IS FEISTY! Some of it is right on the verge of being a genre buster - right out of inspirational into cozy mystery. Depending on your personal POV, you’ll find that as realistic, (due to Kit being a redeemed Artful Dodger type), or find it potentially offensive and too close to commandment breaking. Just to be clear, there are no actual expletives uttered.

Historical research is very good and the inclusion of Historical Notes, (more like a reference guide), for key items and concepts of the times, is a very useful addition. Griep also provides some of her reference material that will be helpful to readers that are interested in diving deeper into the topics or location.

This is an author who is clearly in love with Victorian English everything. Her attention to detail will take you there: architecture, transportation, clothing, language, food, hairstyles, social mores and so much more. Gripe’s style is immersive and intense; full of action, adventure, family and faith without being preachy. Multiple twists to keep readers engaged and a bit of a taunt that has me wondering if there’s more volumes on the way. I’m a reader if they are 📚

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, the third book in the Blackfriars Lane series, returns us to the streets of Victorian London for a final exciting adventure with Kit and Jackson packed with mystery and danger. The cleverly plotted storyline twists and turns keeping you guessing at the outcome. A diverse cast of secondary characters plus a unique pet add interest and depth to the story. Besides Kit and Jackson’s dramatic adventures, which I thoroughly enjoyed, my favorite part of this book was the development of Charles and Martha’s romantic relationship! I also appreciate the gentle faith thread in the story. I think fans of historical romance will enjoy this book and the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was really excited to read the third book in this series as I loved the first two. The story line was interesting overall and there were a few unexpected twists that keep me on my toes. It was nice to see Kit and Jackson work through challenges as parents and then also to see kit working with her father. Michelle knows how to capture your attention and keep it till the very last page. However, I do wish that it was a bit cleaner as it is a christian book. There was a lot of cussing from the characters and some scene that were too much. Still looking forward to reading her books in the future as she is a great author!

AHHH! What an adrenaline rush! Perfect ending to one of my favorite historical series!

Kit and Jackson are back and married and busier than ever. Jackson is a new police chief, Kit is running a detective agency with her father...and they are now parents! But when a case puts their family in danger like never before, they must decide how to balance it all while keeping their family safe.

What you'll love:
Victorian era
Streets of London
Multiple POV
Kit & Jackson as parents
Non-stop suspense
Mystery to be solved
Crazy plot twists
Brooks
Swoony romance
Wit and humor
Great side characters!
Perfect ending
Light Christian fiction

Reading a Michelle Griep book is a full sensory experience - the sights, the sounds, the smells. I feel like I am there in the back alleys of Victorian London!

I fell in love with Kit and Jackson in their first book and each book of the series has drawn me in more. What I love about their characters is that they are so raw and real. They were flawed but they learn and love and work and grow together.

Such a well crafted story full of intrigue, mystery, danger, family, and some very sweet romance! Five stars for this conclusion to a wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

This book had me snickering and smiling at Kit's dilemmas. Now, what I LOVED about this book was that it addressed some issues of motherhood I've struggled with. How to balance being a mom and wife with the need to have a purpose of your own. I loved Kit and Jackson's relationship, how they both have grown from the couple who was about to get married to a couple with a baby. Their care for each other is so uplifting. Was happy to have Kit's father in this. It was an altogether pleasant read. Next, please.

#thesleuthofblackfriarslane

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is a well written suspense. Great plot and character dynamics. The plot kept me glued to the action. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

I love all the Michelle Griep books I’ve read, but Kit is my favorite character so far!
Kit is very street smart and she doesn’t always think before acting. But now that she is married and a mother, she is struggling to find her place in life.
This story is full of twists and turns. It is well crafted including a surprising pet at Kit’s home.
I would start with the first book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This is a delightful Christian historical fiction set in London. Was a wonderful mystery that is a fast action packed book. I enjoyed some of the Victorian slang. The book demonstrates a couple love stories and spends a small amount of time on God’s teachings. Wrestles with a wife and mother who is trying to also work for the good.

THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP is the third novel in the series but it can easily stand alone. I really enjoy this author’s novels for the gripping stories, wonderful characters and the strong Christian message running through them.
This book has a real Dickensian feel about it - in fact I can just see Charles Dickens with a coroner called Mr Morttis! The description of London in the late 19th century is superbly done and one can really feel the tension and danger that Kit, who is a partner with her father in the Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency, and her husband Chief Inspector Jackson Forge, feel as they try to bring justice into the poorer areas of London where the criminal element is alive and well. Kit is facing a dilemma in that she has a baby girl, Bella, with whom she is not spending enough time. Should she give up her work and befome a full time housewife? Both she and Jackson adore their offspring and each other….
There is another romance in the story and we wonder if Inspector Charles Baggett will ever have the courage to court the lovely Martha Jones…..
In amongst the murder and mayhem there are some interesting characters such as the very strange Ezra Catchpole and the rather useless Inspector Ira Harvey - both of whom are totally underestimated by Jackson, bringing to light the fact that one should not be quick to judge. The headstrong Kit also learns a lesson after she decides to help Mrs Charlotte Coleman, against her father’s advice and without praying for the Lord’s direction……
This exciting book, which is full of adventure, danger and suspense is a real page turner, and I cannot recommend The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.