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.
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Intriguing characters people this historical true crime suspense novel. Annie, a Pinkerton detective, just happens to be the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Her partner, Isaac, is also a capable detective and they work well together. In fact, their relationship begs to move beyond friends and coworkers, but Annie knows the queen would never allow her to marry an American commoner. This adds another level of tension as they strive to uncover the serial killer terrorizing Austin, Texas, and stop his rampage. Three years later, a murderer nicknamed Jack the Ripper leaves Londoners trembling. Could these two crime sprees be connected to one person? The intrigue mounts as the story unfolds taking readers on a compelling journey of investigating murders that, to this day, have not been solved. The author did a great job at developing the plot and showing the action without being too gruesome. Anyone who likes a good mystery should enjoy this one. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
The latest installment of the True Colors series takes readers to Texas and a spree of murders that took place over a year’s time in the city of Austin.
While this is Kathleen Y’Barbo’s first book in the series, she is well-qualified to write about Texas history. The Black Midnight combines fact with fiction, royalty with Pinkerton agents, and suspense and romance in an engaging tale that held my interest from start to finish.
Y’Barbo’s research is evident, and while the reader knows the murders were grizzly, the details are left to the imagination. The author notes at the end inform the reader of the facts of the book, a few additional facts, and what was made up/adjusted for the sake of fiction.
Like with every other book in this series, when I was finished with the fictional story, I immediately went to research further facts about a part of American history that I knew little about.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a marvellous historical murder mystery novel. It is part of the True Colors series which is fabulous.
The author has woven her story around the Whitechapel murders of 1889 and the Austen, Texas murders of 1885. It is believed, in reality and in fiction that these murders may have been committed by the same person. As a historian living in England, I have read widely around the crimes of Jack the Ripper so I found the whole story absorbing and fascinating.
Underneath the surface a romance bubbles away. The reader senses the tension between being a professional and the attraction for another.
Wonderfully crafted characters help to bring the story to life. The reader travels from Buckingham Palace to Whitechapel and to Texas. There is a real contrast between the locations from the very poor to the very rich.
The Black Midnight was a totally absorbing read that I greedily devoured in just one sitting. It was superb.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The black midnight
The Black Midnight kept my attention from start to finish. I loved the Christmas scenes in the story. They had so much fun with the decorations. I enjoy Annie and her investigating of the killer. Will she be able to figure out who the killer is?
The Black Midnight is another great book in the True Crime Series. I enjoyed it very much. A blend of romance while solving a crime.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. This book review is my own opinion.
What an interesting read! This is my first time reading this author but it definitely won’t be my last!
While I am a huge mystery/suspense fan, true crime stories aren’t usually my cup of tea, but after having read and really enjoyed the first book in this series (The White City by Grace Hitchcock) I was definitely looking forward to reading another and when I read the description of this one I knew I had to read it, so of course I jumped at the chance to request a review copy!
This story is very good. I knew a few historical basics about Jack the Ripper, but I had no idea about these murders in Austin, Texas a few years earlier, and it was interesting and very chilling to learn that it’s likely all of these murders were also committed by Jack the Ripper! I hope and believe that one day, somehow, these horrible crimes will be solved.
I loved Alice Anne, it was so cool that she was a Pinkerton Detective and such a fun twist that she was the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria!
Isaiah was a great character too! I loved the second chance romance aspect of their story, as that is one of my favorite tropes!
The Black Midnight is a great addition to the True Colors series, and I recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next True Colors book, The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
This story is one of the things I love about historical fiction—fact and fiction overlap so seamlessly that this reader couldn’t tell which was which.
I liked Annie, feisty and no nonsense, she cut to the chase. In an era when women were seen and not heard, Annie roared, fighting both the stigma of her gender and the dictates of her status as a royal.
Ike was a trooper. Taking Annie willingly as a partner, no questions or qualms about working with the weaker gender. And the Queen! The man wasn’t intimidated at all. #kudos
For all the tension of the crimes, I felt the story dragged at times. The [SPOILER] interlude built the romance, but lost the crime story thread altogether.
This reader, however, was unaware of the Black Midnight crimes in Texas, and therefore the tie to Jack the Ripper. What a twist, truly truth is stranger than fiction.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Black Midnight, Kathleen Y’Barbo, True Colors Crimes, Celebrate Lit Tours
I have loved every title in this True Crime series and I can’t wait for more to come out. This one is equally as thrilling. It read fast and furious and I couldn’t put it down! I may have stayed up way too late reading this one.
In America there are killings. They seem random and the killer keeps getting bolder. But then he stops and disappears. Plus there is some secret society going on who are covering up for the killer who is one of their own.
Two Pinkerton agents are sent to unofficially work the case. One of them just happens to be the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Nothing can go wrong with that!
When her identity is discovered in America and she is also forbidden to have anything else to do with the handsome agent she’s in love with, Alice Anne goes back to England. But her days of solving cases aren’t behind her.
When her grandmother asks her to look for a connection between the murders in America and the killings that have been happening in London she jumps at the chance. And she enlists her handsome Pinkerton agent to come over and help her.
It’s just a bonus that her presence back in his life makes his fiance run for the hills and he’s single again. Now if only she can solve this case, stay alive, and get her family to approve of her match.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Reading another installment in Barbour’s True Colors series never fails to be an exciting experience. In recent years, I haven’t read much true crime, although the investigations and forensics have always interested me, so this series has rounded out my reading in a sense. What I appreciate most, though, is that it is Christian-based. While I do not recall any specific mention of God in this story, it is a clean read, which is quite an achievement given the subject matter. It’s refreshing to be able to read an (albeit fictionalized) account of historical crimes that includes enough detail to get the point across without devolving into vulgarity. The fact that this segment of the story is built around a personal connection between the fictional main characters ups the ante.
Because the focus of this series is American crime, almost 70% of Kathleen Y’Barbo’s “The Black Midnight” centers on the serial killer active in Austin, Texas from December 1884-December 1885 and known to history as the Midnight Assassin or the Servant Girl Annihilator. This part of the narrative is told as a flashback, flanked by an investigation into the infamous Whitechapel murders of 1888. Usually I am not fond of this technique, but Y’Barbo makes it work here. She drops enough hints in the beginning to raise interest in the backstory of Alice Anne (Annie) von Wettin and Isaiah Joplin, both former Pinkerton detectives. At the behest of Queen Victoria herself, they investigate the Jack the Ripper killings, taking the reader first back to their initial partnership in Texas. There is enough suspense to intrigue without delving into the realm of horror, at least in my opinion, and with such unique character backgrounds, Y’Barbo explores a range of possibilities regarding the crimes themselves.
Not being very familiar with the Midnight Assassin case, learning about the speculated connection between it and the Whitechapel murders captured my interest. Y’Barbo does a fine job of weaving together fact and fiction in a compelling narrative about two intelligent individuals with a complicated past, one which involves the British monarchy and a mysterious secret society. I will not give away whether or not a culprit is discovered, but I did enjoy reading the author’s notes at the end of the book, in which she discusses how and where she twisted the historical record for the purpose of the story. These are found in each book of this enthralling series, and I always greatly appreciate them. As long as the true identity of the perpetrators (or perpetrator) remains a real-life mystery, there will be plenty of material for series such as this one, just as there will always be a light of faith shining in the darkness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I’m loving these True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime as they are enlightening as well as entertaining. I had never heard of The Midnight Assassin in Austin Texas and love how the speculation entwined the similarities with Jack the Ripper. I always feel more knowledgeable after reading these well researched novels. Full of history, romance, suspense, and woven together seamlessly you will not want to put it down. I especially enjoyed the authors notes at the end of the book. A must read.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I am really enjoying this series and love finding new historical facts that enhance the stories. Each book is a stand alone but I encourage you to read each one. I had no idea about the murders in Austin during the late 1880s. I am a Texan so I thought I was well versed in our history, but to my surprise there had been grizzly murders taking place in Austin. The murders became known as The Midnight Assassin . The details were gruesome and it is hard to believe that someone was capable of such a crime.
I instantly liked Annie and loved reading about her royal background. Being a detective was something Annie kept from the Queen and I thought it added an element of mystery to the story. When Annie teams up with Isaiah to investigate the murders in Austin the story begins to take shape. The author delivers a riveting account of what happened as a murderer was lose. The author gives us clues as to who the guilty person could be. It is sad to know that the crime has never been solved. I can’t image after all these years someone was able to get away with murder.
I enjoyed how the author incorporates the famous Jack the Ripper murders into this story. The question does arise that could the same person be guilty of both crimes? The notes at the end of the book are well worth reading. It gives facts about both crimes and the author explains some of the liberties she took in writing this fictional account of a true crime.
There is romance in the book which at times I wished wasn’t so highlighted. I liked how the author develops the relationship but I think it took a bit away from the story. At the end of the story it felt a little rushed as Annie is summoned back to England and Isaiah travels there as well. I understand that the author needed to remedy their relationship but perhaps it was rushed a bit more for my taste. Overall the story is good and the details kept me interested in the story.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This is the seventh book in the True Colors series and once again readers are introduced to a true crime from the past. This time, the crimes committed were three years apart and on two different continents but a possibility existed that they might be connected. Was it possible that the young women murdered in Austin, Texas in the mid-1880s were the victims of the same killer who took so many lives in 1888 London? Were the Midnight Assassin and Jack the Ripper the same person?
These are the questions posed in The Black Midnight and I was fascinated with the historical details that author Kathleen Y’Barbo has woven into her fictional story. Jack the Ripper is a well-known person but I wasn’t aware of the The Midnight Assassin’s killing spree in Austin and, even though the connection between the two cases has never been proven, it does provide an intriguing theory. Annie von Wettin and Isaiah Joplin are the very likable characters involved in both cases and the fact that Annie is the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria adds a wonderful complication. I also enjoyed the sweet romance between Ike and Annie: the connection that they had experienced three years earlier seemed lost but were those feelings just sleeping, waiting to be awakened?
The Black Midnight has mystery, suspense, violence, and death but the romantic chemistry and humorous dialogue offer relief from any gruesome details. Y’Barbo has written an entertaining and informative story and it is a worthy addition to True Colors, the Christian suspense series from Barbour Publishing.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review and I am sharing my own opinions.
The Black Midnight is a good addition to the True Colors multiauthor series from Barbour. Each of the novels is a standalone and takes a real crime in American history and spins it as a fictional novel. This one is unique in that, like what really occurred, spanned two countries/ continents over a period of several years.
Pinkerton Detective Annie Walters has a secret that only one person in America and one person in England knows. Ike Joplin is also a Pinkerton Detective, and he and Annie have been sent to work together on a special case in Austin. A series of murders has taken place. There are similarities between each death, and a serial killer is suspected. Even though Annie knew nothing could ever come of a romance with Ike, the two lost their hearts to each other. It was devastating to both when she had to turn down his proposal. Over the course of the investigation, a reporter discovered the secret Annie has, and she had to return to England.
Three plus years later, a similar series of murders were committed. The suspected serial killer is nicknamed Jack the Ripper, based on a letter he sent to the police. Annie was requested to put together a team of investigators to free Whitechapel and England of this vicious killer. Despite the risk to her heart, one of the two men she wanted on the case is Ike, since they had worked that still unsolved case in Austin. The killings there had stopped, but based on certain information, Annie believes it is possible the two killers are one and the same.
Ike had since opened his law practice, and was stunned the day Annie came in. He was dating a young woman who had political aspirations for him and had thought he had gotten over her. One look, and he knew he never had. Willing to risk the wrath of his girlfriend, Ike departed for England to assist in the investigation.
I have mixed feelings about this novel. Both sets of crimes are based on real series of murders, and the premise of one killer in both places is fascinating. The investigations are handled well, the mystery is intriguing and well-written. The characters are well defined and likable. For my preference, there was a little too much focus on their mutual attraction, but again, that is a personal preference. I also missed seeing the faith of Annie and Ike. While they are both upstanding, moral people, I anticipated seeing prayers, or church attendance, or some indication of their priority of the Lord, and would describe it as clean historical fiction. And there is nothing wrong with that!
Both sets of murders are well-written and researched, and as always in this series, I appreciate the research the author shows indicating truth versus fiction. The killer is well-hidden within the lines, and I did not guess whodunit until a short time before revealed. Overall, I enjoy this series and the all-star authors who contribute to it, and the twists that are in each novel. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written historical mysteries with likable characters, a basis in facts, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
I always love Kathleen Y’Barbo books. This one is no exception. This historical suspense novel takes two events that happened in two different countries and ties them together. I loved the characters, and the red herrings were so believable.
Another great story in the true colors series. Each one just seems to get better and better. The fact that they are inspired by true historical crime makes it even more fun to read and learn. And each story has author notes in the back giving what’s real facts vs bent truth.
The Black Midnight is set in the late 1800s. The story begins in Austin Texas where women are being murdered. Then progresses to London a few years later where more are being murdered. The question on Annie and Isaiah’s minds is who is doing this and are they in any way connected although an ocean apart. These two very likable characters are working together as Pinkerton detectives. As they get deeper into the mystery, their romance grows as well. Austin dubs the killer as The Midnight Assassin and London’s is named Jack the Ripper. Reading along I tried to figure out what I thought was happening but the clues and mystery continued throughout. A very great read but just be advised to not be reading it after midnight.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
As I started the Black Midnight, #7, True Colors, by Kathleen Y’Barbo, I was shaking in my boots. What kind of grisly murder story was I in for this time? The True Colors series has been very interesting, as different authors take turns spinning factual historical crimes into a fascinating, but often gruesome story. The inclusion of a romantic thread often collides against the seriousness of the crimes.
Y’Barbo has taken on the story of “The Servant Girl Killer“ which occurred in Austin, Texas in 1884-1888 added it to the story of Jack the Ripper in England, starting in 1888.
I was glued to the pages as Annie, a distant royal, and a Pinkerton tried to keep her sleuthing job hidden from her Granny, the Queen. Ike, also a Pinkerton, is obviously in love with Annie, but can the two locate the killer in Austin while falling in love?
Y’Barbo did a tremendous amount of research and it was so neat that she shared so much of it with us in fiction form, including a certain room in the Palace, crime scenes, and the many varied rumors about the possible perpetrators of the murders. I found my reading speed increasing as the story wound up, my heart beating way too fast. There are author notes at the end that separate fact from fiction and allow the reader to be doubly educated. For those who enjoy mysteries and crime thrillers with a touch of romance, The Black Midnight is a good choice. But be loyal and have your other society member’s backs!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Kathleen Y’Barbo has added her talent to the True Colors series, with her The Black Midnight. I have loved the books in this series and this one does not disappoint. I have, also, read her books previous and had no doubt her work would fit in perfectly with the series. I thought it was fun to find a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria becoming a Pinkerton detective. The mystery and suspense left me on the edge of my seat. I could not put the book down until I read the last page. It was so very good.
I am giving The Black Midnight a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean and quick suspense filled stories. It is definitely not one to be missed.
I received The Black Midnight from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Historical mysteries are a big hit. At least for me. I have been fascinated with the murders done by Jack the Ripper for a long time. So when I read the synopsis for The Black Midnight, I couldn’t wait to read the story. While I like my mysteries to focus on the solving of the crime, The Black Midnight does that at times, but to me, it read more like a contemporary romance with a hint of the mystery. Not a lot of thrills. It did jump from London to Austin, Texas and ended up in London. I am obsessed with London and hope someday to visit, but for now, I visit through stories. I wanted some more of the setting too. It seemed to not be that important. Overall, the mystery is safe with plenty of romance. I just wanted a little more to satisfy my taste. I’m sure others will love this story.
I received a complimentary copy of The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
The Black Midnight is a part of Barbour’s True Colors Series telling of historical romance and American history. I have really enjoyed this series and this was no exception. In this story we have Alice Anne (Annie), Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, who’s an excellent Pinkerton agent. She loves solving crime and is quite good at it. When a killer comes to England, the queen asks Annie to look into it…but not alone. So Annie must find her former Pinkerton partner, Ike, and convince him to help her. I really enjoyed this part of the story. Annie is a believable character with strength and growth. I liked her personality and gumption. Ike was also a fun character. He obviously loves Annie and has great compassion for her. I really enjoyed following their relationship. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The True Colors series has been so creative! This particular book allows us a fictional perspective on the true murders in Austin, Texas, and London often thought to be committed by Jack The Ripper. I liked that the author first introduced the characters in 1889 during their reunion before jumping back four years to Texas to detail their initial friendship and first set of crimes that they worked on together. I was momentarily confused by the timeline, but once I understand where she was going, it was the perfect way to get to know the characters before once again jumping forward four years to London to read about them once again trying to solve the murders. I liked the settings in both Austin and London and enjoyed reading about the crime solving skills of English Pinkerton detectives. The plot held my attention with its multiple murders and suspicions of who the real murderer might be. I thought the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly for my taste, which meant the climax felt a bit rushed, but nonetheless, I overall enjoyed this story and thought it a great addition to a wonderful series. I recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction based on true events, and those who don’t mind a bit of murder and mystery in their stories!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the Barbour Publishing and Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Black Midnight is the latest in the True Colors series which features true crimes in history. By using two timelines that follow two similar murder sprees, Y’Barbo explores the possibility that the unsolved cases may be connected, even if they’re a continent apart.
The story begins in 1889, then goes back four years in the third chapter. At first, this jump backward confused me. But when the time jumped forward again, I began to realize why Y’Barbo chose this. She drops hints about the main characters in the first two chapters, and by taking you back in time, you see what actually happened between them. This isn’t just smart from a romance perspective but a mystery perspective as well.
While I wasn’t completely sold on the dialogue, I was sold on the characters. Stories about female Pinkerton agents are not new. But English ones? That’s an idea that’s fresh and intriguing. I enjoyed watching Annie and Isaiah work together. They’re a wonderfully matched couple on the page, and their relationship shined from the beginning.
As I mentioned before, though, the dialogue lost me at times. While Annie had the ability to be witty, and Isaiah could equally counter her, that didn’t always come through.
My only other complaint was that the ending felt a bit rushed. Not that it doesn’t wrap the romance and the mystery up. But I think more time could have been spent on the resolution.
Overall, The Black Midnight is a good novel that romance lovers and suspense readers alike will enjoy.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)