This book is worth listening to just for the narration alone.

Tropes: Robin Hood

Content: fighting, characters shot, found body, kissing

4 Stars

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

What a fun, non-stop action story! I love Michelle Griep’s books and this one grabs you right from the first and doesn’t let go. Jackson and Kit are wonderful character who meet in the most unlikely of circumstances. As the two unlikely allies work together, they forge a delightful friendship that leads to love. It’s a story filled with action, mystery, inspiration, witty dialogue, and heartfelt romance that was definitely hard to put down.

Jackson is the no nonsense constable who wants to keep the streets of London safe from ruffians like the ones who hurt his brother. Kit is a thief who was left to her own devices when she was young. She has a Robin Hood like persona where she robs from the rich to help the poor among her. She has a good heart which Jackson begins to see the more he encounters her. There’s a dastardly villain who remained a mystery to me for most of the book. With each clue, I’d go back and forth as to who the suspect was.

It’s a great story historical mystery lovers will enjoy! I listened to the audiobook version and highly recommend it. The narration is so well done and was easy to listen to. I loved how she distinguished each of the characters and the perfect amount of emotion she used. So excited to read the next book in the series! ( )

April 1885 London. Can his first days as a constable get any worse. which results in Jackson Forge been given one last chance before he is sacked, by finding the missing cab driver Joseph Card within the next 48 hours. Thankfully for him events led him to a partnership with Kit Turner and her knowledge of the criminal world.
An enjoyable historical story with its mix of adventure, mystery and romance. Though Forge seems to be too eager at times in his duties. Over all a decent start to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Readers who are looking for a combination of history, mystery, suspense, and romance will find it all in "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane." Constable Jackson Forge finds himself in hot water with his superior after a series of mishaps. When he vows to find a missing person, Jackson does not expect to become involved with the underworld of thieves in London. Assisted by Kit Turner, one of the occupants of Blackfriars Lane, Jackson embarks upon adventures that take him from ballrooms to the docks on the Thames, as well as through underground passageways and pawnshops, right to the very door of the Lord Mayor of London.

I learned a great deal about the underworld of London by reading this historical novel. It reminded me of a Dickens novel, with its unique characters and settings. The Christian message is present although not preachy, and serves to guide the characters in their interactions with others. The novel contains adventure, without resorting to strong language, graphic gore, and sexual situations. Readers should be prepared for a surprise ending! End notes and bibliography provide additional information regarding the constabulary, criminal underworld, and geography of London. Highly recommended.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is a stand-alone novel set in 1880’s London, England. Constable Jackson Forge is new to the constabulary but he has high hopes of making the streets a safer place for everyone. Kit Turner and her crew roam those streets looking for easy marks to swindle. When Jackson is tasked with finding a missing cabbie, he enlists Kits help. What they find could cost them both their lives. This story takes you on a journey through the streets of London during Victorian times. From ball rooms to prison cells, back alleys to grand avenues you get a feel for the time period. The drama between Jackson and Kit was quite entertaining. I liked Kit’s resourcefulness, her compassion and her ability to take care of herself. The suspense through-out kept you turning the page to find out what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book.

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