The Thief of Blackfriars Lane - by Michelle Griep (Paperback)

About the Book

"Newly commissioned officer Jackson Forge intends to clean up the crime-ridden streets of Victorian London even if it kills him, and it just might when he crosses paths with the notorious swindler Kit Turner--but Kit's just trying to survive, which is a full-time occupation for a woman on her own"--

Book Synopsis

There's Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that's Kit Turner's domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way--conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit's help. If Jackson doesn't find the cabby, he'll be fired. If Kit doesn't help Jackson, he'll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Review Quotes

"Griep delivers a charming story about a talented thief, a bumbling constable, and their reluctant partnership . . . Jackson's eagerness and Kit's boldness prove to be a perfect match, allowing Griep to explore both the tribulations of Victorian poverty and the powers of salvation. Fans of Kristy Cambron should take a look."-- "Publishers Weekly" (11/2/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Griep is such a talent and she shines in The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. Well-told, romantic and clever, this is one you don't want to miss. It will delight you!"
-Rachel Hauck, New York Time Bestselling author

"The Thief of Blackfriars Lane will take you on a romp through Victorian London, from the black-as-night sewer tunnels to glittering parties at the Lord Mayor's mansion. With Kit and Jackson as your guides, you'll be breathless to keep up with their fast-paced wit and clever intrigues. This whip-smart duo sparkles on the page as they right wrongs, fight for the light, and pursue God-given purpose in every life. A vibrant and thoroughly enjoyable ride!"
-Jocelyn Green, Christy Award winning author of Shadows of the White City

"Come with me to Blackfriars Lane, run the underground rails and sewers, and if you're the police, just try to keep up! Gosh, this book was a fun, feisty, and female-empowering story. I thoroughly enjoyed the spots of humor, the mystery, and the action. A little bit of Enola Holmes and a lotta fun! You won't want to miss it!"
-Jaime Jo Wright, author of Christy Award-Winning The House on Foster Hill, and Christy Award-Nominated Echoes Among the Stones

"A Charles Dickens-like Victorian tale full of intrigue, adventure, and romance. Delightful!"
-Morgan L. Busse, author of the award-winning Ravenwood Saga

"If there is an it quality to writing Victorian fiction, Michelle Griep has it! Action? Check! Setting? Check! Snappy dialogue? Check, check! Meticulous research meets impeccable story crafting in this fast-paced, many-layered novel. I give it an A-plus!"
-Erica Vetsch, author of the Serendipity & Secrets Regency series

"An adventure and a half! I've never before rooted for a thief, but Michelle Griep has magical storytelling power that will convince you to join her in whatever escapade she's thought up. Never one to settle for hitting the typical story beats, Griep takes readers on a twisting, turning ride that will surprise even the most avid reader. The unexpected plot and unlikely but dynamic leads pop with the color and life of a Dickens novel, but with a style that is uniquely--and delightfully--Griep's own."
-Joanna Davidson Politano, author of The Love Note and other Victorian-era mysteries

"Take one earnest and well-meaning but slightly bumbling hero matching wits with a smart, nefarious female villain--or is she our heroine in disguise?--and you have the perfect recipe for a delicious romp across (and underneath) Victorian London. I loved Jackson and Kit! A slightly different sort of story for Griep, but her voice is a natural for the setting and era. Too fun to miss!"
-Shannon McNear, 2014 RITA(R) finalist and author of The Rebel Bride and The Blue Cloak

"What an absolutely delightful mystery! A fast-paced adventure through the underbelly of Victorian London led by a smart heroine you can't help but fall in love with. Exceptional research. Characters that sizzle off the page. Highly recommended!"
-Abigail Wilson, author of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey


An impressively original, exceptionally entertaining, deftly scripted, and simply riveting read from first page to last, in the pages of her novel, "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane", author Michelle Griep deftly blends elements of Mystery, Suspense, Romance, and Historical Fiction. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.19) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Oasis Audio, 9781640914780, $14.99, CD).
--James A. Cox "Midwest Book Review" (12/21/2020 12:00:00 AM)