Two Series of Murders Seem Mysteriously Connected Step into True Colors — a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds as The Midnight Assassin terrorized the citizens of Austin, Texas. Now, with suspicion falling on Her Majesty’s family and Scotland Yard at a … family and Scotland Yard at a loss as to who the Ripper might be, Queen Victoria summons her great-granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, a former Pinkerton agent who worked the unsolved Austin case, and orders her to discreetly form a team to look into the London matter.
The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find the The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.
Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.
more
While I am not as familiar with the case of Jack the Ripper as I am with modern day serial killers, as a true crime fan, this book instantly demanded my attention! I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin nor the possible connections to Jack the Ripper, but the author’s knowledge and extensive research was seamlessly interwoven into the mystery elements to craft a richly drawn work of historical fiction. You don’t need to know anything about either of those cases to appreciate how well the author has bent the truth ever so slightly to tell a completely riveting piece of fiction that showcases the terror such killers wreck on communities.
I’m not always sure how I feel about romance within a story that centers on so much violence and death; however, it is this very romantic aura that works so well in creating a more ethereal tale rather than the creepy and larger than life drama it is loosely based on. Ike and Annie’s feelings develop from the mutual respect and admiration they have for one another. Each is competent, trustworthy, and values a sense of duty to solving the crimes. Their interactions with one another speak volumes to the high regard they hold for the other, and blending touches of romance into the story added so much to their characterization. They are both multi-dimensional and complicated, torn between their obligation to others and the love they wish to share. At times, their romance seemed to overshadow the actual mystery, but their bantering wit demonstrated such a unique crime-fighting duo, while also providing a glimpse into the police procedures of the time. This love story requires patience, but it is very much worth the wait.
“Her family would heartily disapprove, not because of his reputation or character – both of which were stellar – but because he was American. And worse, Texan.”
Not only is the secondary cast filled with highly suspicious characters that added some interesting twists and turns, the inclusion of the Royal family was an unexpected and charming surprise. What at first seems worlds apart is brought closer together by the most unlikely of sources!
As part of the True Colors series, this concept of exploring criminal activity through stories of historical romantic suspense was incredibly intriguing, and I can’t wait to read more! What a fantastic way to integrate such captivating and atmospheric fiction into the truth that was surprisingly so hopeful!
Many thanks to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me with a free copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful opinion.
I think this is my favorite book of this whole series so far.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I did think it took awhile for the story to play out. I would like to see a series with Isaiah and Annie.
Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
The Black Midnight is the seventh book in the True Colors series. I have read five other books in this series and enjoyed them all. The Black Midnight is a fictional account of the investigation of two still unidentified serial killers in the late 1800s in Austin, Texas (the Midnight Assassin) and in London, England (Jack the Ripper) which may or may not be related. The story features a steady-paced, romantic plot and well developed characters, but not as much action as I expected. Real people and events are skillfully incorporated into the fictional story. I enjoyed this read and recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my
I have been looking forward to reading The Black Midnight for awhile and love that I finally got the chance. The Jack the Ripper or Whitechapel murders have always been a fascination with me, especially since they remain unsolved to this day, so reading about the Pinkerton detectives trying to solve these cases was a treat.
I was instantly charmed by Alice Anne, or Annie as she is known throughout most of the book. Though she is a member of the royal family, and great-granddaughter to Queen Victoria, she is not stuffy or pretentious, but is a woman with her own mind, and refuses to not live what she isn’t passionate about, even if that means hiding the truth from the monarchy, her family.
Being paired with fellow Pinkerton detective Isaiah “Ike” Joplin is sheer perfection, their partnership filled with playful banter and undeniable chemistry. The description of the murders are tastefully described and there are multiple players that keep the story shrouded in mystery and intrigue, keeping you constantly guessing who the killer could be.
My only complaint about the entire novel is my disappointment with the ending. Building up on the hunt for the killer, as well as the will they/won’t they of Ike and Annie’s relationship, I was expecting more fireworks, so to speak. The end of the investigation was lackluster at best, and Ike and Annie’s story felt incomplete. When I read the last sentence and turned the page to see the author’s note I was heartbroken, having to leave many details to my imagination instead of the author’s pen. I would’ve loved to have heard her views instead of having to rely on my own.
Despite my disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed The Black Midnight! It was a quick read for me with wonderful characters, decent writing, and a story that captures the imagination and makes me want to completely nerd out and do more research, not only on the Whitechapel Murders, but the famed midnight assassin as well.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Barbour Books through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
In The Black Midnight, Kathleen Y’Barbo takes on two historical serial killers in two countries, Jack the Ripper in London and the less well known Midnight Assassin that terrorized Austin, Texas five years before.
Queen Victoria tasks her fictional great-granddaughter, a former Pinkerton agent, with discovering the identity of Jack the Ripper – even to the extent of investigating members of the royal family. The team Alice Ann von Wettin chooses consists of her mentor in the London Metropolitan police and Isaiah Joplin, her partner in the Midnight Assassin investigation whose romantic interest in “Annie” was not approved of.
As the story moves back in time to the Austin investigation, the events that unfold and the growing relationship between Alice Ann and Isaiah are the main focus, until the plot line returns to their present day in late 19th century London.
Taking these two timelines and the theoretical link between the two killers, wrapping a romance around the events, and altering a bit of history to include other theories, the author has crafted a compelling story that holds the reader’s interest. I was slightly hesitant to read a Jack the Ripper story, but with a majority of the actual crimes described being that of the Midnight Assassin and most of the blood and violence off-page, it became a highly readable and enjoyable read – as expected with a Kathleen Y’Barbo story.
The Black Midnight is part of a multi-author series from Barbour Books that blend stories of true historical American crimes with romantic suspense. It stands out from the rest with the two timelines and for having not one, but two Pinkerton agents in a slow burning first and second chance romance, along with a sometimes amusing portrayal of an elderly Queen Victoria. Recommended.
This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo is part of the True Colors series. This series brings to life historical true crime with romantic suspense. Ms Y’Barbo is a brilliant author and I am always delighted to read her books because they are so entertaining and well written. I was definitely not disappointed with this book. This story, set in the US, is a historical serial killer story that is absolutely suspenseful. Readers will not be disappointed. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
“The impossible just takes longer.”
Alice Anne von Wettin, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria was a police personality until such a time as her family interfered. Then, with the help of a mentor, she ends up in the States and Annie Waters has become a stalwart member of the Pinkerton Agency; at present working in tandem with Isaiah Joplin, an Austin Texas agent to try to find the perpetrator of a number of gruesome ax murders in the area. Thwarted by Joplin’s father and a persistent reporter who seems to be at every turn, Annie and Ike feel the attraction that has developed and may change the breadth of this assignment. Will they be able to work together and deny the obvious? What will happen when similar cases are found in Whitechapel London? Is this a mystery or a love story?
When I won this book a year or so ago, I put it on the shelf and forgot it was there until recently when I’ve been hearing about Pepper Balsam’s “Red Ribbon” and discovered that it was part of the *True Colors* collection as well. I am a big mystery aficionado, so I decided it was high time I read this, and I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Kathleen Y’Barbo is an intelligent thorough historian, well versed in her subjects and obviously loves sharing the stories she writes. This may have been my first book of hers, but it won’t be my last. Highly Recommended 5/5
Based on a true story, The Black Midnight hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. I never knew about the connection between Jack the Ripper and The Midnight Assassin. It made for interesting reading. Add in a female Pinkerton related to the queen and you have the recipe for a thrilling tale.
The characters were well developed and very true to life with their personalities and interactions. While romance can be a bit awkward in a murder mystery, author Kathleen Y’Barbo did a really good job of meshing the two. If you enjoy such books I recommend reading this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
London, romance, and a murder mystery. It seems weird to say these are the points that drew me into this book but there you go. I loved the strong, intelligent heroine, Annie and Isaiah’s attitude that impossible takes a little longer was delightful. A fine and enjoyable read.
The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo
(True Colors Book 7)
Two Series of Murders Seem Mysteriously Connected
Step into True Colors — a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds as The Midnight Assassin terrorized th
The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find the The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.
Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.
This is Alice Anne von Wettin and Isaiah Joplin’s story.
The lush carpets kept her footsteps from being heard, but the thudding of Alice Anne von Wettin’s heart surely echoed throughout the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace. Though Queen Victoria was her great-grandmother, she had spent very little time in Her Majesty’s presence of late.
late. Somewhere between being the little girl unaware of protocol and the young woman who was keenly aware of the importance of who Granny was, the relationship had
suffered. Their last contact had been some three years ago through palace messengers who delivered the news that Her Majesty was most distressed upon learning of her great-granddaughter’s flirtation with the American who had garnered such attention in the newspapers.
Whether Isaiah Joplin would be willing to help was a question that could not be answered with a telegram or letter. For that conversation, Annie would have to speak to him in person. Not easily done, though she expected the trip to Austin, Texas, would be less taxing than trying to convince the most frustrating man she had ever met to listen to what she had to say.
would have to speak to him in person. Not easily done, though she expected the trip to Austin, Texas, would be less taxing than trying to convince the most frustrating man she had ever met to listen to what she had to say.
The last person Ike Joplin expected to walk into his law office on the first decently sunny day in almost a month was former Pinkerton detective Alice Anne Walters.
The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Y’Barbo.
I won this book in a giveaway.
Okay, I’ll be honest. There are flaws with this book. There. I said it. The ending is a bit rushed, there are a few inconsistencies, the royalty aspect (which I was really excited about) was interesting but stretched the suspension of disbelief, and the way the “we don’t know what happened” was handled… eeeeh.. not so much.
Okay, now that I got the honest criticism out of the way, how about we talk characters? Loved them. Queen Victoria cracked me up. I love when people write her as a person instead of just a personage. Y’Barbo DID.
What about settings? Great! I loved that the author both gave Austin, Texas its best setting possible (snow!) while acknowledging that the actual snowfall was a year before or behind (can’t recall which). That kind of transparency makes storytelling so much better!. We can accept it if we’re not expected to ignore fact without acknowledgment.
I think what I loved most about the book was that the author didn’t try to create conclusions that would alter history while presenting possibilities that, if proven, would. Add to that the sheer fun of juxtaposing Victorian London with Austin, Texas and two crimes that could have been connected, and you have a book you don’t want to put down.
Recommended?
If you enjoy true crime stories, Jack the Ripper stories, and clean fiction without the gore that usually goes with both of those, I think Kathleen Y’Barbo’s The Black Midnight is perfect for you. Not recommended for people who expect every historical reference to any person or event to be perfectly verifiable. This is a novel and is presented as one.
Pinkerton detective Alice Anne, great-granddaughter to Queen Victoria, investigated a series of murders in Austin, Texas in 1884, along with her partner Isaiah Joplin. The perpetrator was never caught, but the pair team up four years later to try to solve a similar series of murder in the Whitechapel district of London. Are the killers the same, and will a culprit be caught for either case?
I think the biggest issue with this book was in the subject matter. Each of the books in the True Colors series focuses on a different true crime from history, with real historical facts melded with fictional characters and situations. The difficulty, though, is in making an interesting, fulfilling story out of a crime that was never solved, as is the case with the real murders this book is set around. While I understand the author’s desire not to make up a conclusion that didn’t really happen, I think I would have preferred fictionalized closure to the “we really don’t know anything,” hemming & hawing mess this book devolved into.
As the detectives investigate, we are constantly presented with theories followed by, “But maybe not.” Over and over, this is all that happens in the case. It made the story feel slow and pointless, and as if the entire investigation was just a wash (which I realize might have been how the real investigators felt back then, but it doesn’t make for interesting fiction). My favorite example of this is said by the queen herself: “‘The truth always has its day,’ Granny said with a shrug. ‘Until it does not.’” What is even the point of making a statement like that?
There were some strange inconsistencies throughout the book too–for example, early in the book it says that Alice Anne (known as Annie for most of the book) was using an American accent, I assume to blend in, since she was keeping her identity a secret. But later in the book, a reporter muses about the oddity of this Pinkerton detective with the British accent. This is one example of a few things that made me stop and look back to see if I’d missed or mis-remembered something.
Overall, the book was a quick read, but not a very satisfying one for me. The ending was muddled and felt very rushed, after a climax that I don’t even get the purpose of. I think a majority of what I disliked about the book was due to the unsolved crime it was based around, but like with a previous True Colors book I read, perhaps this was simply a bad choice for the subject of a fictional romance book. I found it difficult to care about the relationship, and especially the culmination of the romantic storyline, because the rest of the book was so confusing and underwhelming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me a copy of this book to review.
“The Black Midnight” is an Engrossing, Inspirational Romantic Thriller, by Kathleen Y’Barbo. This Story is written about actual real, and similar series of unsolved murders; that occurred in Austen, Texas, then in London, England. KY wondered: “What if the Jack the Ripper committed both sets of murder?”
Isaiah meets Annie/Alice Anne on her Austin, TX murder case. He falls for her, without knowing she’s a member of England’s Royal Family. Should he work with Annie again in London, when she asks? Can he keep her safe, as they close in on the murderer?
Alice Anne fell for Isaiah in Texas; but hated that he got hurt by her secret identity. She needs Isaiah’s smarts to help her solve the Jack the Ripper murders; and she trusts him. Can she keep her safe, by keeping Isaiah at an emotional distance, as they work the case?
Are Isaiah & Annie fated to be “star crossed lovers”? Do they identify the murderer? I Highly Recommend You Read This Story to find out!
The Black Midnight continues the True Crime series of fiction based on actual crimes. This book is based on eight unsolved murders in Austin, Texas in 1884-85 and five women who were killed in London during a 3 month period in 1888 (Jack the Ripper). You will be fascinated by Annie Walters a Pinkerton agent aka Alice Anne von Wettin, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria! No one is more surprised at Annie’s royal connections than her Pinkerton partner and admirer, Isaiah Joplin. Annie and Ike work to find if members of the secret organization The Black Midnight are protecting a fellow organization member. Romance blossoms during the investigation in Texas but Annie knows she can only marry someone Granny approves and that certainly won’t be a Texan! I recommend The Black Midnight to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
Based on a true life crime story taking place in Texas and London England I really enjoyed this story following two Pinkerton agents as they tried to solve the cases of the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper. Mystery, intrigue, a little romance and the Royal Family made this a story that was interesting and some ‘really’ moments! Searching for these killers was another great addition to this True Crimes series.
I was gifted a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Are murders on both sides of The Pond connected?
The Black Midnight is one of the True Colors books that I’ve most looked forward to, especially when I found out that Kathleen Y’Barbo was the author. I’ve read a couple of her other Barbour books and they’ve been amongst my favorites in those series.
Aside from one glaring error I really enjoyed this book. Using historical dates and clues from the book Queen Victoria couldn’t have been Annie’s great-grandmother as her children would have been between the ages of 21 and 4 when they become a grandparent.
I had never heard of the The Midnight Assassin (or the Servant Girl Annihilator) murders before but I’ve done a little online reading into Jack The Ripper. So, a story that connected these two historical serial killers had to be interesting. And it was!
Honestly, when I started I wondered how Kathleen Y’Barbo would handle the fact that both of the serial killings have remained unsolved over the 130+ years since they occurred. But she did it, fictionally yes, but she did it well and I was satisfied that the novel had a conclusion instead of being left open-ended.
I loved the characters in The Black Midnight! And right off I felt like they were my friends. Well, except for the two people I was suspicious of, and it turned out it was for good reason on the one. Annie and Isaiah were great, and I really liked them, but, I think it was Miss Hattie and Alfie who stole the show for me.
True crime and historical romance blend well in Kathleen Y’Barbo’s exciting addition to the chilling True Colors series. Read The Black Midnight and find out what was and what might have been…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
A Ripper kind of mystery
I have always been intrigued by the Ripper mystery, so when I seen this was just before the famed London terror, I knew I wanted to read The Black Midnight.
This wonderfully written mystery pulls you right into the heart of the story of Annie and Ike as they hunt for answers that only seem to elude them. All the while, you feel the heartache of their own desires toward each other that they do not have the liberty to explore. Their banter is fun at times and you can feel the tension building between them. The fear of the supporting characters is just a palpable at times as each new murder comes into focus.
Again, another reason why I love this series. I have not been disappointed once by these books, no matter the gruesomeness of the event. They have all been entertaining and enthralling.
**I was given a copy from the publisher to CelebrateLit. Opinions expressed repeatedly my own and a positive review was not required.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
The Black Midnigh is Book Seven in the True Crimes Series from Barbour Publishers. And Kathleen Y’ Barbo does a fantastic job with this one. With the two murders going on, and the vivid descriptions it is clear to see the extensive research that has been done in writing this book.
I really enjoyed following Ike and Annie on their mission to find who is involved in the murders of all of the people. I have read lots of books with Pinkerton agents as characters and always love them!! And this one is no different. There are a lot of characters involved and each one does a fantastic job in playing their part in the story. And I love Miss Hattie! She brings the warm cozy family feeling to the story. And I’ll not go into the story any deeper. I don’t like ruining stories for anyone. I will say I would love to read more about Annie and Ike and their detective adventures as Pinkerton agents. Annie’s spunky personality along with Ike’s dry sense of humor makes for a fun and interesting pair and another story would be awesome!! The Black Midnight gets 5 stars in my book!!
If you enjoy a good clean crime mystery, this would be the one you want to read. And check out the other books in this series as well for some really great reads.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What does Jack the Ripper have to do with a true American crime? Maybe something, maybe nothing. But The Black Midnight opens up and explores some connections that I never even heard about before.
This story takes place over two time lines- just four years apart- but the same main characters. A man and woman team in the Pinkerton Agency. Isaiah Joplin is a Texan through and through and he like the rest of the town does not like the fear that has arisen due to the Midnight Assassin’s cold-blooded killing of innocent women. He teams up with British agent, Alice Anne von Wettin, Annie for short, to try to break this case wide open.
Not only do we have a very chilling murder mystery, but to balance it out we have a romance brewing that between these two agents might just not work out. Annie has some secrets of her own that she has been keeping from Isaiah, and her family.
I enjoyed both timelines, especially how the past set us up for the present one and the pace kept moving throughout. There was a lot of interesting facts sprinkled throughout and with these stories the author’s notes in the back are priceless.
I think the whole True Colors series should be picked up as a drama series. They do a nice job of balancing the disturbing with the romance.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Kathleen Y’Barbo’s contribution to the True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime, The Black Midnight is brilliant! It is such a clever blend of true, unsolved crimes with fictional characters and imaginary scenarios that I was captivated by it. It is evident by the way both Austin and London came to life on its pages that this author has done her research and done it well. And how inspired was it to feature a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria as a Pinkerton detective!
Once again this author has contributed to an evening of my reading pleasure with a well-balanced combination of mystery, danger, suspense, and romance. It was fun to imagine the possibilities behind both the Jack the Ripper and the Midnight Assassin unsolved cases and how they might be connected.
I highly recommend The Black Midnight to all lovers of true crime fiction. I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series but this one is a must. Do pick up a copy for yourself soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.