The Black Midnight

True Colors #7

by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Two Series of Murders Seem Mysteriously Connected
Step into True Colors -- a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Could a series of murders in London in 1889 be related to unsolved murders in Austin, Texas, 1884? Queen Victoria wants to know and asks her granddaughter—who left the queen’s good graces by going off to America to become a Pinkerton agent—to quietly look for any connection. The catch is the queen doesn’t want her to do it alone. Alice Anne must find her former Pinkerton agent partner—now an attorney in Austin—and enlist him in the hunt. As the pair get closer to finding their suspect, their lives become endangered, but they refuse to be intimidated. Can this case be solved?
 

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Crime, Suspense, Fiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2020

About the author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than one hundred novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

To connect with her through social media, check out the links on her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Midnight is an exceptional fictional crime series based on true cases by Barbour Books. I have been reading it since the beginning and it always keeps my attention fully.
This case takes place in Austin, Texas but it may have a connection to the Jack The Ripper case in London.
I enjoy reading the notes in the back of the book detailing the research the author has done for this book and because of her extensive research the book is much better.
I always enjoy learning from what I read and this book has added to my knowledge.


Pub Date 01 Aug 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, the author gives us a delightful young woman, one who has really spread her wings, and is now a Pinkerton Agent. She is pared with a man who seems to have a lot of compassion, and opens his heart to a woman he can never have.
The story spans continents, and sadly a string of murders, unsolved, and happening as we enter Austin Texas, and then meet suspects. As the book unfolds we leave Texas and go to Buckingham Palace in England and more murders, are they connected?
We enjoy being with Isaiah's family, and then with Anne's and the contrast couldn't be more different. Family, yes, and we see these characters interact, and get too enjoy being with both. Will sparks fly between these two?
Be sure to read the Author's Notes at the end, it gives great information as to what led to this book!

I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am intrigued by the story of Jack the Ripper, but I had never heard of the Servant Girl Annihilator/Midnight Assassin in Austin, Texas. Because of that, I went into this book with much interest.

Annie Walters (Alice Anne von Wettin), the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria is requested by her great-grandmother to find the killer, Jack the Ripper. More specifically, to clear the name of Prince Eddy, Alice's uncle. But in order to do that she must create her team, her mentor - Simon Kent, and her ex-partner in Austin, Isaiah Joplin.

In December 1885, Annie and Ike find themselves working on the case of Austin's serial killer. Trying to find out who is responsible for killing several servants, a man, and a child. His victims becoming all the more radical, Annie and Ike, are determined. But on Christmas Eve their killer strikes again, and this time a woman they know. But why would he kill a woman of prominence, a servant, and try to kill her husband too. Alice wishes she had the chance, except for the unplanned visit from her father whisking her back to London.

As with all good mysteries, these both remain unsolved. I liked the similarities to the two crime scenes, and also how Queen Victoria was brought in. The relationship of Annie and Ike was one I enjoyed, their chemistry and her English pomp and wit, with his Southern charm and drawl played well together. I enjoyed Ms. Y'Barbo's account of these crimes and thus give this 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5). Can't wait to read the next in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This entire series which takes little known crimes from years ago and uses them to create a fictional story has been a great way to learn a bit about history.

The Black Midnight bridges together serial murders that occurred in London, England and Austin, Texas with a possible connection. At the center of this novel is Alice Anne von Wettin, great granddaughter of the queen. Alice travels to Chicago to become a Pinkerton agent and meets Isaiah Joplin, a fellow Pinkerton agent, while working on a case in Isaiah's hometown of Austin.

It was very plausible that Annie would want to be just a regular person and not make it widely known about her heritage. She was able to enjoy that experience for quite a while while in the United States.

Overall, this novel didn't fully pull in my interest. Some of the language I struggled with, such as sentences with this type of structure "My hat I would wear of this he was sure".

I very much enjoyed this author's novel The Pirate Bride and would read other novels by the author. I look forward to continuing the series and learning more about little known crimes from history.

My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Rachel McMillan]

from endorsement:

A thrilling, beguiling read rich in historical research and featuring many of my favourite ingredients: an atmospheric gas lit Victorian London, an assured voice and intelligent heroine, gripping suspense and things that go bump in the night. An imaginative plot laced with romance, royalty and a Ripper-esque twist. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright and Michelle Griep won’t be able to keep their hands off of it. I certainly couldn't! --Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of Kathleen Y'Barbo's True Colors suspense novels has been quite interesting. This one features a serial killer in Austin TX and the Jack the Ripper murders in London England. Could the same man be the murderer in both? That's what Pinkerton detectives, Alice Anne von Wettin great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and Isaiah Joplin, must determine along with figuring out if the mysterious Black Midnight group played a part in one or both.

I enjoyed that the romance played a backdrop in this storyline with most of the focus on the serial killer in Austin. Alice Anne is definitely trying to spread her wings and be known for her work rather than her relationship to the Queen. Isaiah (aka Ike) loves Alice Anne's spirit, keen observations, and dedication to her job, and they work well together. Full of historical detail on each of the serial murders, Y'Barbo handled them well without lurid detail which both the series of murders included. Suspects were eliminated; but since it is widely known that neither series was ever solved, the ending continued to leave the murders unresolved. The Queen Victoria touches were delightful.

Another good addition to the True Colors series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Kathleen Y'Barbo book I have ever read, but it looks like it is going to be the first of many! I absolutely loved her writing style! She made me feel as if I were living vicariously through Annie (who I absolutely loved) -- feeling, loving, and crime-solving right along with her.

Like I said, I absolutely loved Annie! She is so full of life and determination, yet we get to experience her feelings as she is torn between following her heart and doing what is expected of her by her family and society.

I also loved Ike as the other main character of the story! He is very much the opposite of Annie in that he is very down to earth and doesn't try hard to impress others. He is who he is and he doesn't change to please those around him. I absolutely loved that about him!

As far as the mystery, it was a gruesome crime-spree so I had to try hard not to picture it in my mind!!! Definitely not suited for young readers! That said, it was an interesting case that I thoroughly enjoyed despite having figured it out way back in Austin. 😉 The story was fast-paced enough to really enjoy it, but not so much so that it was hard to follow.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable read and left me wanting to not only read more books by Kathleen Y'Barbo, but also read more of the True Colors series! Very well written!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the mood for some crime-related books, I decided for my first read for 2022 to be The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y'Barbo. A bit of background first is that the True Colors series are books that can be read as standalones and each story features a true crime that happened somewhere in the world mainly US/UK and told in a fictional account. The Black Midnight though is an exception as the book features multiple crimes and is told over two continents. The initial story introduces us to Alice Ann who is a special detective but also the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The year is 1889 and a famous serial killer is stalking the streets of Whitechapel, UK aka Jack the Ripper, and the police are stumped. The Queen knows her granddaughter's skills and wants to on the down-low hire her granddaughter and her old friend to look at the case. Alice Ann takes a trip to Austin, Texas, and is face to face with her old partner and love interest Isaiah Joplin. Back in 1884, Alice took a job undercover as Ann with the detective agency The Pinkertons and was paired with Isaiah. During Austin, Texas was another series of murders similar to later Jack the Ripper - someone was killing and murdering Servant Girls - the media had a few names for him such as The Midnight Assassin and The Servant Girl Annihilator. He wasn't caught but there have been strong rumors that were talked about and portrayed in The Black Midnight, that the murders were connected and done by the same person aka Jack the Ripper. Another couple of murders that was talked about in Austin, Texas was the murders of society wives Eula Phillips and Susan Hancock. These were made to look like the same killer as the Servant Girl Annihilator but as they were society wives - their husbands were charged for the murders - Jimmy aka James Phillips and Moses Hancock. We, however, in all three of these crimes will never know the truth of the killers, but this book The Black Midnight was fun in speculating and helping me learn more about the cases. The True Colors series are perfect for any true-crime buff and beware - as it can lead you down a rabbit hole of exploration as like myself I hadn’t heard of The Servant Girl Murders / Society wife murders in Austin, Texas.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

I didn’t necessarily really like or dislike the romance of this story, but I found the historical facts and the author’s note very interesting. I think I noticed more about that then their romance/relationship. As for the content of the serial killer, I wouldn’t consider it gruesome unless you have an active imagination. Or you look up pictures of the victims (I highly discourage doing this even if you have a strong stomach). This was an easier read because of the short length and it was fun that it was set around Christmas during part of the book.


Link to Official Content Review:
{{Coming Soon.}}

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this enthralling tale about the Midnight assassin and Jack the Ripper. This story is based off of true crime. Annie is the great granddaughter of the Queen of England. She has a curious mind and wishes to be a detective. Women are not allowed into that profession during the late 1800's. However Annie has help going to America and becoming a Pinkerton detective from December 1884- December 1885. She is in Austin Texas investigating the gruesome murders of women. Working along with fellow detective Ike, they set out to find the killer. During their time together they fall in love. But Annie cannot act upon this due to her royal upbringing. Her father finds out about what she has been doing and immediately orders her to return home. Fast forward three years and we have Jack the Ripper committing heinous murders to women from Whitechappel. The Queen calls upon Annie to get a team together to find this madman. She heads back to America to ask Ike to help with the investigation. They return to England hell bent on finding this man. They believe his killing spree begun in Texas all those years ago.
I loved the character's, especially Annie (you go badass girl). She is who really carried this book the most. A crime story with a little bit of a love story made this book great!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my honest thoughts.

Jack the Ripper has fascinated and baffled people for nearly a hundred fifty years. It’s no surprise that this serial killer was featured in a book in the True Colors series about true crime stories.

This was a pretty good story and kept me intrigued most of the time. The reason I lowered my rating from four stars to three was that history was altered simply for the sake of creating a “better” or “more picturesque” setting. The snowy, slushy scenes that created such beautiful atmosphere during which two of the murders took place? Yeah, that snow happened the year before the murders in real life, which was freely admitted in the author’s note at the end of the book. This is a huge pet peeve for me. If the details were researchable, why alter them? Having lived in Texas my whole life, I’m very familiar with how rare snow is in this state. Since it’s so rare, when we get a good snowfall, it’s memorable to the point of remembering which year it was or how old we were when we got it. It’s disappointing to me that this was disregarded for the sake of a story.

The speculation about who might or might not have been Jack the Ripper or the Midnight Assassin did not bother me. These crimes have been long speculated (for nearly a century and a half), so it makes sense that any author writing about the crimes, whether fiction or non, would have to speculate at least a bit, along with doing a ton of research, to make the finale of an unsolved crime believable, even if it ends on an unfinished note (due to the crimes’ having never been solved in real life). This speculation was handled really well and in a realistic way.

I liked that the leading lady was a royal working undercover. Y’all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that done in a book before! Maybe there are others out there, and I would be interested in hearing your recommendations, because I found this incredibly fun and highly entertaining.

The history of the murders (when they happened, how many there were, where they were located) was interesting, and I was glad to read in the author’s note that these facts were true to history. I didn’t know the Midnight Assassin in Austin existed before Jack the Ripper in London. In fact, I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin before reading this book. I would say the author’s stated goal (in the author’s note) of inspiring readers to dig into the history of these criminals was successful already, because I’m now a lot more curious about these events and want to become more aware of serial killers such as these so that I may be more alert about potential dangerous events around me in the century I live in. This is the same reason why I like watching Forensic Files and crime dramas and reading true crime books (fiction or non) like this one.

[Camy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit upfront, I'm a huge fan of Kathleen Y'Barbo. There's something about her writing style that always completely engages me from the first page.

This book was no different. She hooked me as soon as she opened with the scene of the heroine having tea with her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, in Buckingham palace! How awesome is that????

The story jumps to Austin, Texas, and a series of late 19th century murders that I hadn't heard about before this book. The theory that the Austin murders are connected to the Jack the Ripper murders was really fascinating.

I really liked the heroine, and the kinds of issues she was struggling with. She had the burden of being expected to help contribute to her family's financial needs through an acceptable marriage, and the values instilled in her by her upbringing warred with her own desires for her career and marriage. She also found it difficult to keep such a huge secret from her Pinkerton agent partner as they grew closer and she wanted to share more of herself with him, but couldn't share everything. She also had to deal with trying to succeed as an investigator in a very male-dominated environment where women are often looked down upon, and I thought she did a good job in standing up for herself but not being bullheaded or arrogant or pushy, but being respectful, firm, and kind. She responded as a Victorian woman would, rather than a 21st century woman, which made the story more authentic.

Unfortunately, the hero was a little bland to me, but maybe that's because he was contrasted with the heroine and her colorful background. He was certainly good, kind, and admirable. His only flaw was in his impulsive confidence with his emotions that the heroine simply couldn't match, with her more subdued personality.

I also thought the pace of the novel was a bit rushed. I never felt I really got a good feel for the atmosphere of Austin or London.

However, the storyline was so interesting that I actually stayed up late to read the last 25% so I could find out how it ended. I really enjoyed the mystery and the suspects they had to collect and eliminate. The ending was not 100% conclusive, but enough was implied and obvious from the characters' actions that it made for a very satisfying ending to the mysteries.

Overall, another good book by Kathleen Y'Barbo with a neat take on the Jack the Ripper murders.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really fun, despite the dark subject matter! It was kinda second chance, but then it flashed back to when they first fell in love, so you may still like it even if you usually don't like second chance. It was so cool to have Queen Victoria's great-granddaughter as the protagonist, and the queen herself was such a great character!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for any fan of historic fiction or mysteries. The characters are well set and quite honestly made to be loved by the reader. Annie is amazing - strong, intelligent and confident. Love seeing well written characters.

The narrative build around the crimes happening in Texas and London fits perfectly and the added author's notes about the inspiration and real live events provides great insight.


I felt like the ending as a bit abrupt, I was really expecting a few more chapters of a cat and mouse chase before the story was wrapped up. Nevertheless I highly recommend this book, it's not too long and it's quite fast paced and easy to read.

This is a story I would revisit again in a year or so!


*** Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Barbour Publishing, Inc. for providing me with an electronic ARC of The Black Midnight in exchange of my honest review.***

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been catching up on this series and have enjoyed these books. The Black Midnight is based on a series of unsolved murders in 1884 in Austin Texas that seem eerily similar to a series of murders in 1889 in London, England. Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, moved to America to become a Pinkerton Agent and now the Queen wants her to investigate the murders in London to see if they are connected. She wants her to find her former partner, now an attorney in Austin, to work with her. As the pair get closer to finding their suspect, their lives become endangered, but they refuse to be intimidated. Can this case be solved? Of course as they spend more time together, their chemistry becomes hard to ignore as well.

Although the crimes in this book are a serial killer's crimes, the book doesn't spend time on that, but the solving of them. The story is set in both Austin, Texas and then heads off to London, England, although most of the story is set in Austin, Texas. Their investigation is well written and the romantic suspense is definitely there. Alice Anne is definitely trying to spread her wings and be known for her work rather than her relationship to the Queen, so she kept that a secret. She is dedicated to the job and has great powers of persuasion. She and Isaiah (aka Ike) work well together. I enjoyed seeing both of their families and how different they were from one another. Of course Isaiah couldn't marry into the Royal Family, could he? Full of historical detail on each of the serial murders, the book ends with the murders unsolved as they are in history. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end to get her inspiration for the book, as well as some details. Of course, I did head down that google rabbit hole to read more about these cases. Amy Scanlon narrated the audiobook and did a good job with the various voices and accents.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this author took readers along with Annie and Austin’s search for Jack the Ripper without making it gory. I enjoyed hanging out with the two Pinkerton agents, Anne, being the great granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the other agent was Isaiah Joplin. They work together trying to hunt down the man behind these horrific murders in Austin, Texas. Each of these agents takes this search serious but could not overlook the feelings they have for each other as their search goes on.

I enjoy this authors versatility in the novels she writes. I enjoyed this clever mystery with a sweet romance in the mix. I liked how the author talks about the research she did for this story, she says what is real and what she had to bend to make the story work in notes to readers. She says, “Because I’m a history nerd, I love sharing with my readers some of that mountain of research I collect…..”The term Jack the Ripper came from the signature on a letter sent by the purported killer to the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee, along with a preserved human kidney.”

This is just a peek at the fascinating information she gathered about these investigations. This novel is part of the True Colors series. Each book explores criminal activity through stories of historical romantic suspense. All this is intriguing. I look forward to reading more in this series. This novel would be good for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about...The midnight assasin and Jack the ripper. Could they be one and the same?!
I loved reading this story about these serial killings from the 1880s.
The story is well written and held my attention the whole way through.
The characters, Annie and Isaiah, were quite realistic and fun to get to know.
This might be my new favorite story in this True Colors Crime series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable murder mystery. The way the book started in 1889 and then went back in time 5 years was interesting. Though only 20% was in 1889. This was more of a mystery of following the clues with the Pinkertons on who the murderer could be.

Annie and Ike were interesting characters and I enjoyed the scenes with the Queen.

The murder mystery and romance was both mild. The romance ending was satisfactory but the murder plot left me with wanting more (but reading the author’s notes at the end I can understand why).

*I received a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own*

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have a friend in Chicago. Six words that had changed her life. And her address."

Being the great granddaughter of Queen Victoria definitely had its advantages when it came to lavender baths and plush carpets, but when one's independence was at stake, it took a miracle for Alice Anne von Wettin to slip across the "pond" unnoticed as a Pinkerton detective in the making. And a really fine detective at that! When her path crosses with fellow agent Isaiah Joplin, they form a duo tasked with solving a series of horrific murders in Austin, Texas . . . to no avail. What they did accomplish however, was a matter of the heart. Unfortunately, they were most emphatically interrupted by none other than Annie's father.

Three years later, murder strikes again. To everyone's surprise, the queen insists on reuniting Annie and Ike following a series of bloody homicides, attributed to none other than "Jack the Ripper", who has succeeded in blatantly terrorizing the streets of London. Is it possible for lightning to strike twice? What of the rumor circling about that there is a secret society hiding one of its own? So many questions . . . . and ultimately there's only one answer that Annie is tempted to change.

Wonderful book! The pacing was creatively flawless, and the characters were so at home with each other that it was easy to forget they were actually fictional, rather than real. Historical events were strategically absorbed in all the right places; and in the end, there was a love story that was worth reading every page. What a great addition to a fascinating series!

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. I liked the true crime aspect of this story and I enjoyed the main characters but it seemed a little slow in some spots. This was my first book by this author so I don’t know if it was just this book or her writing style that made it a little harder for me to get into this book.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review pending

[Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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The Black Midnight is a thrilling crime novel with a hint of romance, a large helping of intrigue, and a transatlantic mystery from Kathleen Y'Barbo! The narrative follows Alice Anne, Annie, a pedigreed Pinkerton agent with strong ties to the British Royal Family. Annie is asked to investigate a string of murders in London. She works to assemble her team of operatives for the case and travels to Austin, Texas to seek the help of Isaiah "Ike" Joplin, a former associate and almost lover.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was my first book by this author, but I will be seeking out other works to fill my shelves! I found Annie to be an incredibly intelligent, competent, and deliciously witty character! Isaiah was just the right amount of rough and tumble and loveable. The author struck a delicate balance between mystery, suspense, and romance. As a historian, I love novels that instill a love of history in their readers. I felt this novel provided a great amount of detail, while also providing an entertaining narrative. The twin mysteries of Jack the Ripper in London and the Midnight Assassin in Austin are compelling and expertly woven through the story. The pacing is great and I really can't find anything that I disliked about this book. This was a treat to read and oh so interesting!

Some historical fiction can be dry or too romance-y, but his novel has the exact right amount of detail and romance to break out of those problems that typically plague this genre. Kathleen Y'Barbo is a fantastic author and this is a great addition to the True Colors series! I would recommend this novel and series to fans of Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library series (female detective/spy with a hint of romance) or a more modern sleuth series like the Kate Carpenter series by Vanessa Robertson!

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our book club pick for this month.

This story is an interesting fictionalized accounting of Jack the Ripper tied to murders in Austin, Texas or at least that is the supposition by two Pinkerton detectives, Annie and Ike. Annie is the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England but is doing all she can to make a name for herself not tied to her family. Ike is a hardworking lawyer turned detective that develops an affection for Annie and she for him. However, her family holds her back from pursuing more with him because she doesn't think that great-grandma will approve and is concerned about possible ill effects it might have on her family.

A majority of the book is set in Austin setting the scene of the Midnight Assassin and Annie and Ike's investigation, albeit it off the books since the true Pinkerton agency was not hired, but they are there to discover the truth, if possible. I relished in the clues that were given and tried to decipher who the killer might be and while others in my book club honed in on the alleged killer, I did not. There were some questions we all had but it would be hard to share them with you without giving away some of the story since it was near the end of the book. Let's just say that security in the late 1800s was not the same as what we have now.

I really enjoyed reading the author's notes afterward because it gave me more insight into her thought process while writing the book and the research that she did so that she could portray citizens in the book that would have been prominent in society and names we might recognize. I like learning facts about history swirled in with a fictional story, but since neither killer was captured, who says this story couldn't have happened?

[Brandy {The Review Booth} · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started the book, I didn’t expect it to contain more than one true historical event and a secret society. I also thought that it would take place more in the timeframe of Jack the Ripper and London rather than the majority of it being a recounting of sorts with Alice Anne and Isaiah’s past working The Midnight Assassin case. Going into The Black Midnight I knew nothing of The Midnight Assassin (aka Servant Girl Annihilator) or the secret society from London. Like many, many others I am at least familiar with the broad aspects of the Jack the Ripper case in Whitechapel.

Annie is a woman whose honest wish is to be able to follow her heart – in all things. Since she is the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria that limits her options severely, so she’s had to become a little bit more sneaky in her endeavors. Isaiah is a hard-working and devoted detective who just happened to get blindsided by a certain lovely British Pinkerton detective. The romance aspect of this book is PG – just a wholesome love story. I loved Miss Hattie and her lazy impish wolfhound.

Every time I pick up a book from the True Colors series I end up learning at least one thing. So far this book is my favorite of the three that I’ve read. I connected more with Annie and Isaiah than the previous sets of characters. I enjoyed the historical setting of Austin which isn’t something that I usually find in the books I read and I enjoyed yet another trip to historical London.

This is the third book in the True Colors series that I’ve read and they have all been excellent. I would highly recommend this book (and series) to readers who enjoy historical fiction, Christian fiction, crime fiction about true events with a dash of old fashioned romance. I would like to thank Barbour Publishing, NetGalley, and Kathleen Y’barbo for the opportunity to read this excellent book – all opinions are my own. *Rounded from 4.5 stars*