The Case of The Ripper's Revenge

Rating:
Summary: Nice idea, not so great execution. Pun intended!
Review: I revel in the lore surrounding Jack the Ripper! I discovered the prostitute-killing madman in all of his glory on the Jack the Ripper walking tour in Whitechapel, London. (A highly recommended tour for to develope Ripper intrigue, take the tour from "Tony from the Tower.") My point being, having loved the Ripper story, having been scared out of my wits, and wanting more gorey details, I was disappointed with this "return of Ripper" story. Is it a ghost? Is it a man? It doesn't matter because the facts aren't right. It wasn't Mary Kelly who's eyes were photographed to see if they could "catch the killer" because it was the last thing she saw. Ripper did that with an earlier victim... Mary Kelly's eyes were obliterated because of that fact. A female Sergeant in the Scotland Yard in 1917? Especially one with that much clout? Not likely. Ready access of telephone usage and automobiles in 1917? Although be it possible, also not probable. Penny with her keen interest in Catherine's acting lessons... well, it made it predictable what was going to happen in the end. I love the Ripper lore. I love the movies, "From Hell" and all of those. However, as long as the books keep the FACTS in order, I am going to like them. I don't want any one to try to solve the case and write it in blood, but what was documented as fact is necessary for an informed reader's pleasure. I'm afraid that with constant repetition and the predictable nature of this piece, I cannot recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Gritty, engaging WW I era mystery
Review: In the summer of 1917, London is not swinging with the war against the Kaiser in full bloom. However, if that is not enough to keep one sleepless in London, the murdering of prostitutes will. These killings cause a panic as much of the city wonders if Jack is back after a three decade absence.

Scotland Yard is baffled as the evidence point to the return of the Ripper thought to be dead since '88. The police turn to Professor John Darnell, renowned for his abilities to find the human factor in seemingly supernatural crime cases. John and his wife Penny accompanied by Scotland Yard methodically investigate the murders that strike very close in modus operandi to playwright George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion". Bringing GBS into the inquiries, John sets in motion a plan to catch what he believes is a human copy cat killer.

Though a bit more grounded and grittier than its delightful predecessors, the fourth Darnell novel, THE CASE OF THE RIPPER'S REVENGE, is a superb historical mystery. The story line centers on John's investigation while enabling the audience a glimpse at GBS, a real person intricate to the plot. John remains an engaging detective and his support cast provides light on his persona. Fans of early twentieth century who-done-its will enjoy this novel and the other books in Sam McCarver's strong series.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Reading !!!
Review: What a great addition to the John Darnell series and fantastic reading!!! I completely enjoyed The Case of the Ripper's Revenge and wholeheartedly recommend it. This is an excellent mystery with exceptional characters. I enjoyed the way this book not only stands alone, but also makes reference to previous cases that Darnell solved. I look forward to the next book in the series [...].