REVIEW of The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep

Maggie Lee is determined to stay hidden in her house at the end of the moor until escaped convict Oliver Ward comes crashing into her life. As Maggie conceals Oliver from a cruel and vindictive lawman, they both come to realize that Oliver’s unjust conviction for jewel theft and Maggie’s sudden flight from London are inextricably connected. Together, they decide to return to the metropolis and break free from the shackles that bind them. If they succeed, Maggie will be able to sing her arias without fear and Oliver will be able to find his way into Parliament once again. But when a powerful politician puts all his resources into overthrowing their plan, Oliver ruefully realizes that he must turn for help to the one man he never wanted to see again…his estranged father.

This quick read was filled with adventure, mystery, romance, and faith. Maggie and Oliver are bound together by circumstance, but will they give in to suspicion and fear or will they allow trust to build between them? The sadistic villain (who is given his own point of view in some sections) was a little bit over the top, but the plot surrounding the stolen jewels, paste replicas, and fraudulent insurance claims was an interesting one. All in all, this was a pleasant read and quite in keeping with Michelle Griep’s other novels set in England. If you enjoyed Griep’s Bow Street Runner series (beginning with Brentwood’s Ward), you’ll enjoy this one as well.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.