"The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" by Michelle Griep

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.

A green constable and a purported thief working together to solve a mysterious disappearance--what could possibly go wrong? 

A lot of things, that's what. 

This was an entertaining romp around London (or, rather, the City of London--according to the author's note at the end, they are not entirely the same thing). It has something of a dime novel feel (or would that be a penny dreadful, being Britain?), giving it a fun if over-the-top atmosphere. From the rooftops to the sewers, exciting escapades abound.

At first Jackson put me in mind of Constable Carrot from Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, with his earnest country manner and utter greenness, but Jackson grew into his own--working hand-in-hand with a purported thief can do that, it appears. And Kit was all things charming and spunky, just as one would desire in a London street girl. I was glad the villain didn't turn out to be quite so gullible as it initially appeared (I vastly prefer a smart villain; it's so much more satisfying when the heroes best the knave). Overall, it was a light-hearted and entertaining story. 

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.