The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

 

GIVEAWAY

GRIEP, MICHELLE

THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIARS LANE

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.

My Review:

*In honour of this stupendous tale I've researched some Victorian slang to incorporate into my review. Seriously, how did these words go out of fashion? Mini dictionary provided at end of the review but I think you'll understand from context. (I know this is all kinds of bookish nerdiness but, really, is anyone surprised?)

I am awash with 'enthuzimuzzy'over this captivating story as my 'gigglemug' surely testifies. I can't stop grinning. Or swooning. In between bouts of the 'morbs' because it's all over for me now. :-( 

If you are a fan of Sarah M. Eden's Dread Penny Society series or even Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England series (though this one is in a later time period), you will love The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!

Griep weaves a tantalizing tale of struggle and survival in Victorian London's treacherous underworld. Jackson is thrust into the 'skilamlink' dealings of nefarious characters -- including one very beguiling and elusive female Robin Hood. The connection between these two is why toe-curls were invented! The banter caged in their fiery stand-offs is delicious! And the way they warily circle around each other, gradually learning to trust is all kinds of romantical divine!

Tons of action and adventure and a complicated plot fraught with danger and betrayal along with some very clever surprise twists kept me in a 'mad as hops' state right through to the exciting conclusion.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Nan McNamara and loved every blessed second!

*Victorian Slang mini-dictionary

enthuzimuzzy - enthusiasm 

gigglemug - habitually smiling face

got the morbs - temporary melancholy

skilamalink - secret, shady, doubtful

mad as hops - excitable

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Thief of Blacfriars Lane, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 9 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!