Michelle GriepReseñas

What a great finale to this series. I recommend reading these books in order as you need the background of the characters to fully embrace them and how far they have developed. Very detail oriented and realistic, so much so that you are transported to the London Streets in 1887. You will feel you are in the miry streets with unpleasant smells and unsavory characters that want to harm others. Thanks to Kit and Jackson the streets are safeguarded but the situations they get into can keep you turning pages quickly to find out what happens next. I was glad to see Charles and Martha have a side story as I really enjoyed their characters. Baby Bella was a great addition to Kit and Jackson’s lives, especially when you see their protectiveness show. Kit was an admirable character from the beginning and I loved her strength and self confidence. Well written and engaging.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep is the third book in her Blackfriars Lane series. This is the continuing story of Kit and Jackson. Kit now runs a detective agency with her father and Jackson is the new chief inspector of his police station. When Kit accepts a case involving a missing child, all their lives are endangered! This was a very gripping story. There was so much going on. Kit and Jackson’s love for each other was very obvious through-out the story. The time period was very well described. You felt like you were actually there.

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

The Sleuth of Blackfriar’s Lane by Michelle Griep is Historical Christian Fiction. This book is the third book revolving around Blackfriars Lane. Kit Forge wears many hats, including wife, mother, daughter, and detective. With all that is going on in her life, she fails to realize she is neglecting her husband.

Her husband Jackson finds himself wrapped up in his job as the new chief inspector of a busy London station. He must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief, including cleaning up a lot of paperwork. One of my favorite characters is one of his officers. The officer initially seems like a lost cause but winds up finding the prefect position.

While you could read this book on its own, I recommend reading the other three in order. I loved the characters, the storylines, and how things developed.

So, if you enjoy Historical Christian Fiction, check out The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

This is a good historical fiction that keeps you wanting more. It is a good mix of faith, action and a good plot. Unique in that you have a woman Detective which is unheard of in this period of history and makes it more interesting. If I had any complaints it would be that it does move slow at times and gets kind of wordy. The book is a good read and I really like Kit the woman detective.
I like spunky characters and Kit sure fits the bill. She knows how to push people's buttons and also how to get in trouble while being a Detective with her father. I enjoyed the book.

This book will keep readers on their toes as our leading characters give us laughs, suspense and lessons on faith and trust we won’t soon forget. I love that Kit has opened an investigation agency with her father. This is quite a journey as Kit once again is determined to help someone her father disapproves of helping. As partners they are to agree to any client but Kit is set on taking this case on. This sets the stage for adventure, disagreements and unexpected twists in the story.

Jackson and Kit are finally married and join forces in fighting crime. Being the chief inspector Jackson has his hands full with trying to assign people to investigate crimes while dealing with an office that is falling apart. It doesn’t help that he is reprimanded in front of everyone. Coming home he knows Kit is up to something as he walks into a candlelight dinner waiting for him. I chuckled as Jackson tries to fire one of his men. After all the man has an excuse for not taking any assignments. The poor man has some issues that Jackson can’t quite figure out. When Jackson finds out who the man is related to, Jackson realizes he is stuck with the man. Oh this makes for some funny moments and shows how having patience is needed in situations.

Get ready for a great story that keeps you guessing as Kit and Jackson solve crimes. There are a few other characters in the book who are so fun to get to know. Is there another romance brewing ? Oh how I have loved this series. The author never disappoints with vivid characters , wonderful plots and faith that reminds us that God is in control.

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

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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.

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.

This one was a bit dark and distrubing, but got better as it progressed. I felt so bad for Colin though.

Content: deaths, medical experiments on humans, kissing

3 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 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.

It's been about one and a half years since we were last treated to a story about Jackson and Kit Forge. Jackson is now an over-worked chief inspector, and Kit is trying to balance motherhood and opening a new detective agency with her father. All of Kit's growing maternal instincts and feelings make it impossible to turn down the first case that comes to the new detective agency, that of a missing child, in spite of her father's objections. This lively story has more than its own share of chaos and mayhem. Even Kit and Jackson's close friends and colleagues get pulled into the maelstrom. Readers will likely feel that they've been sucked in as well. As in real life, there are lessons to be learned in the storm. Griep allows us to learn alongside her characters from the safety of our favorite reading spots as her characters face danger head on.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. In my opinion this book is quite worth the time spent between its covers.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane is the third book by Michelle Griep that chronicles the dangerous and rowdy adventures of Jackson and Kit. I adored this series and was excited to see how Jackson and Kit had settled into married life. And while there are still plenty of sparks between them, these two have not settled down at all! They are still romping around London streets, finding one pocket of trouble after the other. The big difference is their precious little girl, Bella. I loved seeing the cunning, street-hardened Kit soften over her baby girl. And I could relate to her as she struggled throughout the story with balancing being a mom and staying true to herself. Oh, the mom guilt. We’ve all felt it!
If you’ve read the other books (which you’ll want to do), then you expect mystery, action, and some half-crazy scheming from Kit. And let me tell you, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! From the mystery of Kit’s first case to the flying bullets of an assassin’s gun to the risk of undercover work–you know the danger is elevated when even Kit is scared!
If you are a fan of historical romance, you won’t want to miss the next adventure for Kit and Jackson. Michelle Griep does such an excellent job painting the London streets with her words and research, that you’ll feel like you’re right beside the Forges as they fight injustice. And you’ll love all the street slang and armadillo snorts, too.
I highly recommend The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane as the next book on your TBR.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

“What a fine bucket of fish guts this was turning out to be. She’d hoped for an intriguing first case to solve— Not an impossible one.”

Ah, this story by Michelle Griep!! First, because it is a Griep, buy now, ask later. Seriously, my motto for her books. However, I must say you will want to have read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, so you feel like Jackson and Kit are close friends you respect, even if it's impossible to predict their actions. Common themes to Griep are forgiveness and trust, plus judging others and trust. Beautifully depicted.

Kit has so much spunk and impetuosity, plus a great nose for mystery solving that she has connived to get her father to open a detective agency with her. All is well and good if Kit stays where she belongs, according to her father and Jack, safe in the background, in the office. As if!

Kit finds that motherhood has changed her in so many ways. She yearns for her child, yet leaves her daily with her good friend, Martha. Can she put aside her mothering instincts long enough to be an unprejudiced part of the detective team? Can she remember she is a mother enough to be sure she avoids danger? Can we say Kate is very conflicted?!

Jackson has his own issues. He’d might not miss Kate’s shenanigans so much if he didn’t have a precinct to run, with multiple officers needing attention of various degrees, and a supervisor ready to shut the whole office down. Plus a nuisance vagabond hanging around. Oh, vey!

Jackson is fortunate to have a loyal friend in Charles Bagette, an officer who entered training when Jack did. But Bagette has two strikes against him. He’s charged with keeping Kit safe. And, he’s falling for Martha, a baker and soup kitchen cook. Martha just happens to be Bella’s ( Kit’s daughter)babysitter, in addition to Frankie’s mother. The same Frankie who either has a future as a thug or a detective, under Kit’s tutelage.

One thing I always love about a Griep novel is the multiple storylines woven in and out around each other. We have all the above, plus the very complicated mystery that Kit takes on against her father’s consent. So now we also have that relationship thread to follow.

Danger. Action. Twist. Repeat. Biblical truth. Short contemplation how that should affect the character’s action. Swift, short, cry-outs to God. Then start at the beginning of this paragraph with danger and repeat the scenario. My heart barely survived the action, but surviving the emotional tugs was worse!

I cannot do justice to this book. But it will be on the very short list for my fave book of the year!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley, plus I bought 2 paperbacks. This is a book to be shared! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

it always comes back to trusting in God’s plan. 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.”

“ …love covers a multitude of sins. So, pursue that. Pursue love instead of dwelling in past failure. That path can only lead to a denial of the present and a forfeiture of the future.”

“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. “

This was a good story and I really enjoyed reading it. I love a good mystery and this one fit the bill! I loved the suspense. The setting back in time to 1887 in England was great and I loved the Detective Agency that Kit and her father began together as a family work. The story will keep you guessing and that is certainly a mark of a good suspense story. The characters were engaging and realistic. I have read one of the prior books of this series, and somehow missed one as well. But this book reads well on its own. It did take me a little longer to become engaged in the story but once I did, I am glad that I kept reading. Definitely worth it! There was even some humor in this book.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency

Kit Forge (née Turner) has opened a detective agency with her Father, retired police sergeant Graybone.
Her husband Jackson, now Chief Inspector Forge, of course encourages her. He understands the gift Kit is. Oh, not your usual housewife. Oh no! Kit is a law unto herself, a child of the streets, a fighter who’s learned to lean on God and trust, albeit she sometimes goes her own route.
Kit takes on the plight of a mother whose husband has taken their babe and run. Her father is against it but Kit can only see through her own emotional response. How she’d react if her daughter Bella was taken from her.
There’s a murky situation evolving around Mrs. Coleman and Kit, with shadowy figures beyond the edges. Jackson has his hands full as the Chief, Graybone has taken on another enquiry. When the three cases dissect and overlap things become volatile.
Kit is going to be surprised, Jackson is going to be on full alert as his family is threatened. The chase is on with danger from every side.
A lively and astonishing read with the lives of secondary characters developing in a variety of ways. There’s Martha, baby Bella’s day care person, and Martha’s wonderful family. There’s Inspector Charles Bagget‘s whose heart lights up when he’s with Martha, but he’s scarred from a past relationship and can’t move forward.
Such a wonderful group, each a gift to us and to each other. The backdrop to Blackfriars Lane is a Dickensian London. To my mind Blackfriars Lane is somewhat akin to ‘Call the Midwife’, (I don’t know why—maybe because it’s the close community aspect) but on steroids, with faith and trust being central.
Another entertaining and intriguing read from Michelle Griep.

A Barbour ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

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.

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.*

Take a run down the streets and back streets of Victorian London, even a circus. Detectives Kit, Jackson, Graybone and Charles have all lived lives fighting criminals and protecting the innocents, in such different ways that complement and make a great team. Throw in a new baby, mystery, murder and romance and you've got quite a story. A great one. Ice in their veins, deep love in their hearts. Good faith lessons throughout.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSleuthofBlackfriarsLane #NetGalley #MichelleGriep #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction

I was really excited when I saw this book was up for review on Netgalley as I had been watching for it for quite a while. Unfortunately, I was disappointed because of the sheer amount of negative content.

Things I liked: Jackson's and Kit's sweet daughter Bella and her darling interactions with her Grandpa Turner. Also, her pet armadillo named Brooks. Martha was also a favorite character of mine. She had so, sooo much on her plate, but she handled it marvelously, was a wonderful mother to her children and a good friend to all. She spoke up for what was right and good, but she used tact. A true role model.

Things I didn't like: Language. Kit swears and I mean, a LOT. It's not always written out, but it's mentioned 3 times that I remember right off that she was swearing like a sailor and/or saying oaths that would make a sailor or deckhand blush. While I know Kit raised herself on the streets and had a hard life, she's had time over the last book to mature and mellow a bit. This along with along with several inappropriate comments she makes or thinks about her and Jackson's love life was part of why I rated this lower than I otherwise would have.

Hellhole, hell, Hades, hell bent, fools, what the devil, etc are used by various characters.

Sexual Content
A trollop or tramp in a slum district sports a horrifyingly revealing top that cause her to practically spill out the top of it. She flaunts herself and tries to provoke a undercover cop into staying with her. He refuses of course, and she comes off with a very vulgar retort on how a man's face or head wasn't body parts she paid attention to. A mention of a bawdy house and a flash house. A mention of a circus woman's scandalous costume. A mention of a married Kit trying to seduce Jackson to get her way, the details which I won't mention.
Someone mentions the "scoundrel that spawned us.."
A mention of a man having an affair with another man's wife. A villain who is likely a rapist crudely "jokes" about how he wouldn't squeal to the cops, but that he sure makes the ladies squeal.

Triggers:
Brief mentions of alcohol and a couple cops waiting to go out for a pint after work. Mention of a violent girl dismembering rats to scare other children.
Blood, deaths, moderate violence.

Sorry to say, I can't recommend this book. If you want a cleaner read, pick up either of the previous books in the series and you'll be better off.

Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and thoughts above are my own.

Griep is one author I will always jump to read!

I was a little surprised by the fact this was a book about an opera singer. A different subject to be sure, yet it was done in a way that I was still gripped by the plotline.

I love the era of the setting, the descriptions were absorbing, and the characters ... Ooh, the characters, there is such an array points of view. I like how Griep isn't shy to show different characters from what some authors show in the Victorian setting.

Maggie Lee (A name that makes me think mob for some reason... *shrugs*), is not your usual heroine. Sure, she may have been in hiding much like some heroines but she is unique to the story, her story, and it is new to me. I'm not sure I've read a book featuring an opera star, I know very little of the art. Learning a bit about it was engrossing!

(*face desk* I had to look up character names. I read this book twenty books ago so that's all right, right? I mean no offense to the author since this book is spell bounding!)

Oliver was a hero I wasn't sure I would like, only from the blurb though. I mean once I started reading I couldn't help with like him. He was quite the hero!

Another character who I shall not name was an unexpected character it was an eerie to have his point of view.

The plot thickened as I rounded the fiftieth percent of the book and I loved it! As it ended I was sad that this book was not a part of a series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

RTC

My Review
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction.


My Rating: 3 and ½ Stars because of violence.

Recommendation: 14 and up, because of how some characters act.

My favorite character/s: Johanna Langley is a strong character, I love how she takes care of the people who she cares about.

My Verse for Johanna is Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. King James Version.

Alexander Moore is an okay character, I love how he acts with Thomas and he gets better through the book.

My Verse for Alexander is Romans 13:13
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. King James Version.

My thoughts: I enjoy this book, Historical Fiction is one of my favorite Genres and this book does not disappoint.

Slight spoiler,
Warning Some men are rude and disrespectful to Johanna, and there is a bit of violence.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review and the thoughts are my own.

My Review


Genre: Historical, Christian Fiction.


My Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars.


Recommendation: 15 because of violence.


My favorite character/s: Deliverance (Livvy) Hunter is just sooooo sweet and trusting, normally I don't like when writers throw in a younger kid to show how their characters act with kids, yet Miss Griep did great with Livvy. I loved her and how insightful she was.

My Verse for Livvy is Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.



My thoughts: There was a little too much violence for my taste, but it wasn't overwhelming. In all this was a very enjoyable book, and I hope to (soon!) read more by Michelle Griep.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. (And I am truly happy to provide it! :-) )