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.

Interview with Michelle

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

I have a secret addiction to thrift stores and antique shops.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Quirky, Driven, Trustworthy

What book is currently on your bedside table?

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey? 

Hearing from readers that something they read in one of my books has drawn them closer to God.

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

There is a secondary character who came out of nowhere and surprised me. Jackson was on his way to work one morning, and I needed something to happen to him (which I had no idea what that would be) and voila! Up popped a quirky someone who was in the middle of trying to commit suicide. Turns out this character is way more important to the story than I ever thought he’d be.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

Hands down it’s got to be Kit. All her impatience, her can-do attitude, her great love and sometimes frustration with her husband are the very same things that are part of me, so yeah, I can totally relate to this woman.

What were the highlight or key challenges you faced when writing this book?

My daughter and son-in-law, along with their 1 ½ year old twins, moved in with me and my husband for six months…right when I was in the middle of trying to get this book finished. Having my grandbabies here was awesome but, yes, it was a challenge—a good challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

It’s never a good idea to run ahead of what God wants you to do.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

www.michellegriep.com is where you can find out more about me and sign up for my quarterly newsletter. Plus I’m all over the usual social media outlets such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Absolutely! I’ve got a new series I’m working on called Times Lost Treasures. The first book features a feisty Egyptologist heroine and the most eligible bachelor in all of England. Here’s a blurb:

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, “The Shadow Broker.” 

After eight years in India, England’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor’s determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin—rumored to bear the Curse of Amentuk—surfaces and they’re left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows.

And be sure to stay tuned for the final book in my Of Monsters and Men series that will riff off of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 26

Live. Love. Read., April 27

Vicky Sluiter, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 29

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Sylvan Reads, April 30

Pause for Tales, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Wishful Endings, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Daysong Reflections, May 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 5 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 6

The Lofty Pages, May 6

Cover Lover Book Review, May 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 7

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Back Porch Reads, May 8

Lily’s Corner, May 9

Life of Literature, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b146/the-sleuth-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway