5 stars, Impetuous Sleuth

THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LAND (BLACKFRIARS LANE BOOK 3)
by Michelle Griep

Kit Forge has started a new detective agency with her father. It is also helpful to their business, that Kit's husband Jackson is a chief inspector in London.

When you start a business, you must have guidelines for what kinds of things you will or will not do. Kit finds that distinction muddied, rather than clear as her first case comes up.

Kit strikes me as impetuous, but she wants to help people. Martha is my favorite character. She is always busy.

This is the third and final book in the Blackfriars Lane series. Each is a standalone and can be read in any order, but you would enjoy it more, if you did read them in order. I've enjoyed them.

I received a complimentary copy of #thesleuthofblackfriarslane from #barbourfiction #barbourpubinc #barbourbooks I was not obligated to post a review.

#police #England #sleuths #self employed #family #Inspirational #Christian #historical fiction #mystery #victorian ( )

Another exciting adventure with Kit & Jackson Forge! Michelle Griep knows how to write a compelling series. I’ve loved each book in the Blackfriars Lane series and highly recommend starting with book 1! The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is book 3 and I’ve loved watching Kit & Jackson fall in love, marry, and now experience parenthood all while solving crimes and bringing ne'er-do-wells to justice.

In this story, Kit experiences the conflicts of balancing motherhood with her desire to be a private investigator. She and her father have opened up a detective agency while her husband works as the new Chief Inspector of one of London’s busy police stations. While Jackson’s under pressure to meet the demands of his superiors, Kit’s struggling with whether or not she should stay home with their darling one year old daughter Bella. When she’s presented with a case of a missing husband and child, the mother’s plight tugs on Kit’s heartstrings. Though her father’s suspicious, Kit vows to locate the missing child. But, all is not as it seems and as Kit & Jackson unravel the mystery, they find more than they bargained for, putting many lives in danger including their own daughter.

Kit & Jackson are such a fantastic team. It was fun seeing their domestic life mixed in with solving crimes. Kit’s a terrible cook though she tries, but her sweet affection for her husband more than makes up for it. They’ve acquired a pet armadillo whose antics provide some funny, lighthearted moments. Bella’s adorable and both Kit & Jackson are in a competition to get her to say mama & papa. The secondary characters bring another fun dynamic to the story. I enjoyed the budding romance between Martha & Inspector Baggett. I also liked the quirky characters in the police station including Mr. Catchpole & Harvey.

The mystery was complex with several twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending was especially intense. It’s very much a Dickens-like story that doesn’t shy away from Society’s gritty aspects. I loved the way faith was naturally woven in and the lessons learned such as paying attention to the talents of those around you and recognizing you can’t do it all.

This is definitely a must read series for historical mystery/romance fans! Though I think this is the last book, I’m not ready to let these characters go. I’m hoping there’re more mysteries and adventures in store I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )

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. ( )

Wedded Bliss?

This is a lively mystery that takes place in 1887 London. Kit starts off wrong the first day she and her dad, Henry, open a detective agency. She immediately takes a case she was not supposed to, and everything goes downhill from there.

Despite working with false information, Kit uncovers things that get her in hot water. Her husband, Jackson, is already overworked as the police chief inspector, but he gets pulled in to help.

Clandestine work uncovers a dangerous drug ring, but they are determined to find the leader behind it all. Their lives are threatened, and a hired assassin is after them.

An eccentric character, Ezra Catchpole, seems like a homeless man, but he is found frequenting an exclusive men's club. He may be the one behind things, or truly a down-on-his-luck man. Trusting his information may mean life or death.

Just when Kit and Jackson think things are wrapping up, a twist pops up that endangers all their lives, most importantly that of their little baby, Bella.

This is an exciting tale full of all kinds of peril. It is a clean page turner whose characters discuss their faith. Although part of a series, this story stands on its own. Fans of mysteries and thrillers will love this five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own. ( )

We were introduced to Kit Turner and Jackson Forge in The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, and we've watched their relationship evolve from a thief being pursued by a rookie constable, to a respectable wife married to the chief inspector. Kit and Jackson have an adorable baby and they're determined to make London a haven for their family, but it doesn't look like it's going to be easy!

Author Michelle Griep shares another story set in London during the late 1880s and we're gifted with more of her amazing imagination. There's an intriguing mystery, the ever-evolving relationship between Kit and Jackson, and a work partnership involving Kit and her father. Kit and Jackson's love continues to deepen, and her life should be filled with joy, but Kit is plagued by a concern that's familiar to many women. Should she continue to hunt criminals or choose to be a full-time wife and mother?

If you enjoy exciting romantic suspense that's laced with humor and faith, grab a copy of The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane. Some think that this is the end but I'm hoping for more Victorian mysteries with this super-couple. I highly recommend this satisfying addition to the Kit and Jackson saga!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. ( )