Sunday, April 28, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

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. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

More from Michelle

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

MY REVIEW

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.