THIS BOOK HAS BEEN AWARDED “THE READER’S FAVORITE FIVE STAR SEAL”.For more than a century, Dr. Thomas Neill Cream has been listed as a potential ‘Jack the Ripper’ suspect. Indeed, he was a sinister character, preying on the unfortunate souls who were forced to make a living as streetwalkers in Victorian London, and ultimately led those poor women to an untimely and torturous death. These crimes … untimely and torturous death. These crimes eventually branded him the ‘Lambeth Poisoner’.
However, during the time of the heinous Ripper murders, Dr. Cream was incarcerated in Joliet Prison, Illinois. Over the decades, this fact alone has caused debate as to whether or not he deserves to be under suspicion of being the Whitechapel fiend. Was it possible that Dr. Cream bribed his way out of jail? Perhaps he used a doppelganger to take his place whilst secretly finding a passage to England with murder in mind?
This fascinating book, told from the standpoint of Cream himself, explains the twisted logic behind his actions. The author has done considerable and meticulous research, tracing Cream’s life from his adolescent years in Canada to his last moment on the gallows at Newgate.
more
People already know how big a fan I am of true crime and this is an absolute cracker of a book. Told through the eyes of the murderer, Neil Cream, it give a fresh perspective to his terrible deeds. Being a Scottish fan of both true crime, and the 19th century, I was already very familiar with the man’s crimes and life. He was monstrous and fascinating. I was not to be disappointed. The research put in by the author is meticulous. The detail, the sense of place and time, the way she populated the man’s psychology, is outstanding work.
I consumed this book in just a couple of days. I couldn’t put it down. This would make a wonderful drama for T.V. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I have a new favourite author.
This researched volume in story form outlines the evil intent of Dr. Cream. He has been stricken with syphilis and seeks his revenge on the harlots of any area where he dwells: London, Canada, or the United States. The customs and mores of the day are within the tale. There is also the mention of his mysterious friend R in London. He was incarcerated for the murder of the husband of one of his female patients and served time during the exploits of Jack the Ripper in London. What makes this tale different is the fiendish delight he takes in his murders. He finally escapes from prison because of an appeal and new witnesses. His inheritance allows him to return to London where he finally falls in love with a pure woman. His desire, however, to continue to destroy the harlots of the world drives him to murder again and again. Will he befoul his pure love or will the agents of the law bring him to justice at last? It’s a shame Vincent Price no longer lives to portray this evil man on screen.
Scottish-born Dr. Thomas Neill Cream is often suspected of being the face behind the Jack the Ripper murders, but has he been misrepresented? There’s no doubt he was responsible for several deaths, but does the fact that he spent time in an American prison during the Whitechapel killings let him off the hook, or could he have been otherwise involved in the legendary murders? Beginning with Cream’s early years in Montreal, the author of this fascinating book allows the Doctor himself to tell his own story, charting his many romantic liaisons as well as portraying his progression from supplier of dubious ‘cure-all’ remedies, to abortionist and murderer.
With a special interest in Victorian villains, Ms Griffiths-Jones has utilised extensive research, accessing previously unpublished photographs and documents to bring Dr Cream’s story to life. Adopting an unconventional autobiographical style, she perfectly captures the tone and style of the period, writing in a voice that screams with authenticity and truth.
I loved this book from the first page, found myself held in the Doctor’s evil grip, and was unable to put the damn thing down (expect for a little sleep!) until the very end. The author’s attention to detail only adds to the authentic feel of the work, sketching perfect images of the times, the people and the murderous killing spree.
A. J. Griffiths-Jones is a highly talented and clever writer and I’ll be looking out for the sequel to ‘Prisoner 4374’ with great eagerness.
Having stumbled across this book at a local book fair, I was quickly entangled in the complex and dark world of Dr Thomas Neill Cream. Told in the first person, the book unravels his story from his young days to his eventual demise. I won’t add any spoilers in case readers are not familiar with the case, or indeed, the man.
The writing is superb, the language used by the author capturing the snapshot of the era perfectly. From Ontario to Chicago, Liverpool to London, the reader is whisked along, following on the coat tails of the infamous doctor.
The book appears thoroughly researched, which I must commend Griffiths-Jones on. Each page is believable, many dark, with occasional light passages thrown in, all in keeping with the man’s personality.
A wonderful find, that I enjoyed immensely.
I would strongly recommend this book to lovers of crime, historical crime, general fiction or anyone who enjoys a dastardly tale.
Five stars.