A #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller.From New York Times bestselling author Patricia Cornwell comes Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert, a comprehensive and intriguing exposé of one of the world’s most chilling cases of serial murder—and the police force that failed to solve it.Vain and charismatic Walter Sickert made a name for himself as a painter in Victorian London. But the ghoulish … painter in Victorian London. But the ghoulish nature of his art—as well as extensive evidence—points to another name, one that’s left its bloody mark on the pages of history: Jack the Ripper. Cornwell has collected never-before-seen archival material—including a rare mortuary photo, personal correspondence and a will with a mysterious autopsy clause—and applied cutting-edge forensic science to open an old crime to new scrutiny.
Incorporating material from Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed, this new edition has been revised and expanded to include eight new chapters, detailed maps and hundreds of images that bring the sinister case to life.
Note: This book contains images that some readers may find disturbing.
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At the time this book was first published, I saw an exciting “investigatiive reporting” TV show review, that was absolutely fasinating! I knew i couldn’t wait for the public library to purchase it because I had to read this book immediately. I let my family know, and I happily received it as a gift soon after.
I enjoy reading but am not a fast reader, except in this case. I was blown away by how many interesting paths this author took “to get her man”; and I truly believe she did.
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars, is because we will probably never know for sure; now will we?
Patricia Cornwall takes a very in depth look at the man she believes to be Jack the Ripper and provides documentation as well as commentary. Very engrossing, but sometimes too much information. You could read her Kindle Single “Chasing the Ripper” and get pretty much the same information without the pictures.
I’ve been going through a phase of reading true crime stories and the rise of writers as investigative journalists that hit it big recently with I’ll Be Gone In The Dark. As a long time fan of Patricia Cornwell’s this has been on my radar forever. Don’t pick it up expecting her usual Kay Scarpetta fayre or you’ll be disappointed, but if you understand what Cornwell was trying to do here you’ll be nothing but impressed. The time (and her own money that was poured into this investigation is incredibly impressed. Intent on finding the real Ripper, Cornwell unpicked the thread of the original investigation, examining the evidence first hand and applying today’s forensic techniques. The writing is no less compelling than in her novels, and I enjoyed this immensely. The processes and procedures, lateral thinking, dedication and persistence shine through. The ultimate cold case. I loved it.
I love everything Ms. Cornwell has written. But this non-fiction book on Jack the Ripper is, in my opinion, one of the best scientific examinations of who the Ripper very well might have been. Honestly had an extremely difficult time putting it down.
I’ll be honest: when I first picked up “Ripper,” I thought it was a faction type of novel but I had no idea that I was in for such a treat! “Ripper” is basically scientific, multi-year research of Jack the Ripper’s identity which includes not only already well-known facts but the most meticulous research of the tiniest details supported by evidence – at least in the majority of cases. Cornwell’s portrait of Walter Sickert, the supposed Ripper, is truly fascinating. One can tell that she spared no time or resources to research him to the point where, through her presentation, you feel like you know the man personally by the end of the book. The timeline of events, the victims, the conspiracies, and the other suspected “rippers” (who were all excluded in the course of the investigation) – all these aspects made this book truly stand out amongst all others dealing with the same subject. I also appreciated the author including copies of original photographs, notes, Sickert’s sketches etc. into the book – they not only helped support many of her claims but allowed me to better visualize the whole story. One of the best books I’ve read this year and I’ll definitely be reading more by Ms. Cornwell! Highly recommended.
although she may not have definitely proved that her candidate for Jack the Ripper was guilty, she made a very strong case.
This author wether her writing is fiction or nonfiction she has great detail and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This was an riveting investigative piece that held my interest. Ms. Cornwell presented a very convincing fact finding expose that is truly believable. It was informative and well structured. It certainly did not feel like fiction. I was convinced.
Love this author have read them all.
Worst book could not even finish it, not the Patricia Cornwell I’m use to reading.
New info on the Jack the Ripper
Interesting speculation, but now proven false by DNA.
Since I was expecting a Scarlpetta mystery I am disappointed in this researched book about Jack the Ripper
Not as good as her usual.
Not her best. Old story.
Can’t quite get into it
Loved this book. Not the outcome I agree with thru years of small scale Ripper research, however very convincing and well thought out
Information overload & hard to follow. Repetitive
Lost my attention. Didn’t finish.
Patricia Cornwell has always been one of my absolute favorite authors but I am just having great difficulty getting through this book. I expected a story but it’s more of an informational fact finding book regarding extensive research to prove that Walter Sickert was truly Jack the Ripper– something no one could ever truly prove. Her facts and research are fascinating but a lot of the same information is presented over and over again in different chapters . It’s truly brilliant, just not what I thought it would be.