The Women of Whitechapel and Jack the Ripper

Rating:
Summary: Re-wrapped Ripper
Review: I followed an online recommendation to this book. As a lover of Alan Moore's From Hell (a graphic novel about Jack the Ripper) and a lover of London's dark side, it caught my interest. But for me the writing was ultimately more turgid than dense, more aligned with the author's inner thoughts than the character's - and somewhat too clever to easily digest. (For example - and this is from memory since I don't still have my copy - if you can work out the exact meaning of "He knew he would finally act when his hands were firmly in his pockets", then you might enjoy this book more easily than me. Otherwise I can't recommend it.)

Rating:
Summary: Can't satisfy Ripper-ologists, but...
Review: the book is much more than a slash-and-gore filled crime genre mystery. West gives the Women of Whitechapel voice here and plumbs to the depths of a world of sordid artists and royals. There's a harrowing psychological tale to be told here, no matter who committed the murders. And besides, it's much more interesting to imagine the royals doing it than your average guy on the street.

Rating:
Summary: Same Old Stuff
Review: This novel is an interesting read (I agree with the other customer reviews to a certain extent, but I'm always eager to learn new words and read with a dictionary close at hand) but rehashes the same old theory of the Royals' involvement. Sir William Gull was aging, in poor health, and debilitated from a stroke at time of the murders. I seriouly doubt he was physically able to murder anyone. He has been discounted as the Ripper MANY times as have the Royals, John Netley, and Walter Sickert, who is the Ripper according to Patricia Cornwell. Her theory will be detailed in her forthcoming book.

I attended the Jack the Ripper Conference in April and chatted with Donald Rumbelow, author of "Jack the Ripper: The Complete Casebook," as well as other Ripperologists. Don is of the opinion that the Ripper was "John Smith" or "Joe Schmoe," definitely no one famous, and his identity will never be discovered. I tend to agree with him.

I would recommend this book for its entertainment value but not for actual Ripper information.