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What Alice Knew
Under Certain Circumstances, No One Is More Suited to Solving a Crime than a Woman Confined to Her Bed
An invalid for most her life, Alice James is quite used to people underestimating her. And she generally doesn't mind. But this time she is not about to let things alone. Yes, her brother Henry may be a famous author, and her other brother William a rising star in the new field of psychology. But when they all find themselves quite unusually involved in the chase for a most vile new murderer-one who goes by the chilling name of Jack the Ripper-Alice is certain of two things:
No one could be more suited to gather evidence about the nature of the killer than her brothers. But if anyone is going to correctly examine the evidence and solve the case, it will have to be up to her.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2010
50 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
About the author
Paula Marantz Cohen
25 books66 followersPaula Marantz Cohen, Distinguished Professor of English, received her BA in English and French from Yale University and her Ph.D. in English from Columbia University. She is the author of seven books and numerous essays on literature, film, and culture.
Her most recent academic book, Silent Film and the Triumph of the American Myth (Oxford UP), was selected as a Choice Outstanding Book for 2003. Her first novel, Jane Austen in Boca (St. Martin's Press), was a Literary Guild/Book of the Month Club Featured Alternate and a Page-Turner of the Week in People Magazine.
She has articles and stories in many journals, including Yale Review, Boulevard, Iowa Review, Raritan, The American Scholar, and The Hudson Review. She is the Co-Editor of the Journal of Modern Literature and a regular reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement. She is the recipient of the Lindback Teaching Award.
Her most recent academic book, Silent Film and the Triumph of the American Myth (Oxford UP), was selected as a Choice Outstanding Book for 2003. Her first novel, Jane Austen in Boca (St. Martin's Press), was a Literary Guild/Book of the Month Club Featured Alternate and a Page-Turner of the Week in People Magazine.
She has articles and stories in many journals, including Yale Review, Boulevard, Iowa Review, Raritan, The American Scholar, and The Hudson Review. She is the Co-Editor of the Journal of Modern Literature and a regular reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement. She is the recipient of the Lindback Teaching Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 18, 2021
(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: A satire of Victorian high society, it uses the Jack the Ripper murders as a backdrop for a kind of comedy of manners.
Notes: A satire of Victorian high society, it uses the Jack the Ripper murders as a backdrop for a kind of comedy of manners.
December 7, 2012
I got about 4 pages into this before I had to go look up profiles of all 3 of the James siblings on Wikipedia (William, Henry, Alice), because I realized I knew nothing about any of them. After I read the profiles, and got a little farther into the book, I started questioning why this story was written as, essentially, Real Person Fanfiction instead of an original work with fictional characters. It seemed like the circumstances and narrative were stretched to hang over the framework of the James family dynamic, where a set of characters not based on historical figures could have offered a lot more flexibility. Unless – and this was not made clear on Wikipedia – the James siblings did actually investigate Jack the Ripper?
The character of Alice and her personal circumstances (an invalid solving crimes) are interesting, and she was my favorite character of the book. I wish she got more screen time, especially given the title, I was not prepared for her brothers to be featured so prominently. However – I think the concept – a shut in solving mysteries – has been done MUCH better previously, by Rex Stout, with Nero Wolfe.
One of the things that drove me crazy in this book was the rampant unnecessary namedropping. (To be fair, this also drove me crazy in March, another instance of (I felt) Real Person Fanfiction, but one that won the Pulitzer, so clearly I was alone in that opinion.) But in this book, it was like the names of other famous people were being used to authenticate the characters and the setting. Drove. Me. Nuts. Nevermind the number of literary figures of the time that were included - at least there was a flimsy excuse for having them all involved, due to Henry James. But William Minor? (The Madman of The Professor & the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity & the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary) Why was this necessary?
The writing style was also lacking - especially in dialogue between characters. For someone trying to give the impression of an author (Henry James) with a tendency towards verbose and lengthy speech (examples here), having the (fictional) Henry James speak in short simplistic sentences was just poor judgement on the part of this author.
For a book that is ostensibly a mystery/thriller, the plot is not mysterious or thrilling.
I will end with this statement, from the Wikipedia page on Henry James, which describes everything this book is not.
"James claimed that a text must first and foremost be realistic and contain a representation of life that is recognisable to its readers. Good novels, to James, show life in action and are, most importantly, interesting. The concept of a good or bad novel is judged solely upon whether the author is good or bad."
The character of Alice and her personal circumstances (an invalid solving crimes) are interesting, and she was my favorite character of the book. I wish she got more screen time, especially given the title, I was not prepared for her brothers to be featured so prominently. However – I think the concept – a shut in solving mysteries – has been done MUCH better previously, by Rex Stout, with Nero Wolfe.
One of the things that drove me crazy in this book was the rampant unnecessary namedropping. (To be fair, this also drove me crazy in March, another instance of (I felt) Real Person Fanfiction, but one that won the Pulitzer, so clearly I was alone in that opinion.) But in this book, it was like the names of other famous people were being used to authenticate the characters and the setting. Drove. Me. Nuts. Nevermind the number of literary figures of the time that were included - at least there was a flimsy excuse for having them all involved, due to Henry James. But William Minor? (The Madman of The Professor & the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity & the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary) Why was this necessary?
The writing style was also lacking - especially in dialogue between characters. For someone trying to give the impression of an author (Henry James) with a tendency towards verbose and lengthy speech (examples here), having the (fictional) Henry James speak in short simplistic sentences was just poor judgement on the part of this author.
For a book that is ostensibly a mystery/thriller, the plot is not mysterious or thrilling.
I will end with this statement, from the Wikipedia page on Henry James, which describes everything this book is not.
"James claimed that a text must first and foremost be realistic and contain a representation of life that is recognisable to its readers. Good novels, to James, show life in action and are, most importantly, interesting. The concept of a good or bad novel is judged solely upon whether the author is good or bad."
September 8, 2010
What Alice Knew fictionalizes the ultimate mystery - Who is Jack the Ripper? The end result is a whirlwind of action and intrigue that makes the familiar case new and exciting.
Author Henry James, his pioneer in the field of psychology brother William and their "professional invalid" sister Alice do their part to help hunt down the famed killer when a forward thinking official invites William to consult on the case.
While attempting to solve the mystery, each of the siblings puts for their own strengths to the group, both from their work and their society connections. A literary mind, another schooled in human nature, and the third a keen observer, make an rather interesting mix of crime-solvers. These three people see the same situation in three very different ways causing them to form viewpoints that don't always mesh, which occasionally leads to some extremely entertaining sibling bickering.
I've never read any works by Henry James, but didn't find that it detracted from the story. While I noticed nothing lacking from my lack of experience with his works, his readers may well find hidden treasures that weren't noticeable to me. Other literary figures, most notably Oscar Wilde and Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens, are involved in the story. Odds are, if you're a reader, you'll recognize someone in this story.
What Alice Knew is historical fiction at its best. The story, while fiction, is plausible. It makes case it was based upon more thrilling than any other account that I've read that tackled the subject. This book will definitely appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy Jack the Ripper tales, books that feature authors, those who enjoy early psychology and anyone who loves a thrilling mystery. In a word: wonderful.
Author Henry James, his pioneer in the field of psychology brother William and their "professional invalid" sister Alice do their part to help hunt down the famed killer when a forward thinking official invites William to consult on the case.
While attempting to solve the mystery, each of the siblings puts for their own strengths to the group, both from their work and their society connections. A literary mind, another schooled in human nature, and the third a keen observer, make an rather interesting mix of crime-solvers. These three people see the same situation in three very different ways causing them to form viewpoints that don't always mesh, which occasionally leads to some extremely entertaining sibling bickering.
I've never read any works by Henry James, but didn't find that it detracted from the story. While I noticed nothing lacking from my lack of experience with his works, his readers may well find hidden treasures that weren't noticeable to me. Other literary figures, most notably Oscar Wilde and Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens, are involved in the story. Odds are, if you're a reader, you'll recognize someone in this story.
What Alice Knew is historical fiction at its best. The story, while fiction, is plausible. It makes case it was based upon more thrilling than any other account that I've read that tackled the subject. This book will definitely appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy Jack the Ripper tales, books that feature authors, those who enjoy early psychology and anyone who loves a thrilling mystery. In a word: wonderful.
May 15, 2011
What a fantastic book! I haven't had a book snatch my attention and hold it like this for a long time. I started reading What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper by Paula Marantz Cohen last night. I snuggled down in bed with plenty of pillows and prepared to read just until I got sleepy. The next thing I knew it was 12:30 am. Not counting sleeping and chore-time, I read it straight through at a most amazing clip The historical details are right on target, the characters are interesting and engaging. And Cohen's solution is very convincing.
I had seen this book featured in reviews on several blogs and once I'd read the synopsis, I made sure that I didn't read any more because I was sure that I would want to read this one. Jack the Ripper is one true crime story that I can read about...if too much of the gruesome details are given, I just skim over them. I am fascinated at the number of solutions that have been offered over the years--some ingenious and some obviously not well-researched at all. I also am intrigued at the way the Ripper avoided capture and yet the crimes stopped. Various reasons have been offered for this--some more compelling than others. It is one of those historical moments that can be reinterpreted over and over again withoug losing any of its fascination.
Cohen has given us a well-researched look at the investigation from the viewpoint of the James family. Willaim, who is making a name for himself in the new field of psychology, is called in by Scotland Yard to examine the evidence and give his opinion of the psychological motives behind the horrible murders. His siblings, Henry and Alice James, soon offer their talents in the investigation. Henry mixes in society and, as an author, has a gift of understanding character. Alice has a sharp mind and, as an invalid, lots of time to apply it to the task. The three are soon led to believe that Jack will be found among the artistic classes.
The trio make a very credible "detective team" and Cohen makes them very real, three dimensional characters. There is sibling rivalry and real affection among them. In fact, all of her characters come to life under her pen and I was left wanting to know more about what happened to Archie, a street urchin picked up and given a job by William James in the course of the investigation. I became interested in all of the characters. Absolute first-rate story and a masterly handling of well-known events.
I had seen this book featured in reviews on several blogs and once I'd read the synopsis, I made sure that I didn't read any more because I was sure that I would want to read this one. Jack the Ripper is one true crime story that I can read about...if too much of the gruesome details are given, I just skim over them. I am fascinated at the number of solutions that have been offered over the years--some ingenious and some obviously not well-researched at all. I also am intrigued at the way the Ripper avoided capture and yet the crimes stopped. Various reasons have been offered for this--some more compelling than others. It is one of those historical moments that can be reinterpreted over and over again withoug losing any of its fascination.
Cohen has given us a well-researched look at the investigation from the viewpoint of the James family. Willaim, who is making a name for himself in the new field of psychology, is called in by Scotland Yard to examine the evidence and give his opinion of the psychological motives behind the horrible murders. His siblings, Henry and Alice James, soon offer their talents in the investigation. Henry mixes in society and, as an author, has a gift of understanding character. Alice has a sharp mind and, as an invalid, lots of time to apply it to the task. The three are soon led to believe that Jack will be found among the artistic classes.
The trio make a very credible "detective team" and Cohen makes them very real, three dimensional characters. There is sibling rivalry and real affection among them. In fact, all of her characters come to life under her pen and I was left wanting to know more about what happened to Archie, a street urchin picked up and given a job by William James in the course of the investigation. I became interested in all of the characters. Absolute first-rate story and a masterly handling of well-known events.
October 12, 2010
Why I read this: I was given a chance to read this by the publisher, it sounded fascinating and the author is new to me so I wanted to give it a try.
How is the novel driven: Primarily plot/action-driven though the character development is well-done also.
My thoughts: After the read-a-thon was done, this one was next on my list and I had a whole Sunday to myself (I have been sick, the kids were still at their grandparents and the hubby out of the house again), so I sat down to enjoy this novel. And enjoy it I did. I loved the look at the artist side of London in the late 1800s. Where groups of authors, painters and other artists and patrons of the arts often had meals together and had fun together and made fun of each other. The look into Henry James, his brother William and their sister Alice was a very interesting way to also look into the case of Jack the Ripper.
All of this wonderful backdrop was there, but that wasn't all, the story itself was very well-done. I was kept entertained throughout with the antics of society and the trio of siblings trying to solve the difficult case of Jack the Ripper. The mystery was fascinating and held my attention. I was constantly wondering who it might be and was kept wondering right up until the end. What Alice Knew was well-plotted, the characters well-developed and the setting was perfect. I loved learning more about the time period and the writers of the time.
I will definitely look for more of Paula Marantz Cohen's work, her writing is very interesting and her story was entertaining. The mystery is at the forefront but the characters steal the show and make this a magnificent book.
How is the novel driven: Primarily plot/action-driven though the character development is well-done also.
My thoughts: After the read-a-thon was done, this one was next on my list and I had a whole Sunday to myself (I have been sick, the kids were still at their grandparents and the hubby out of the house again), so I sat down to enjoy this novel. And enjoy it I did. I loved the look at the artist side of London in the late 1800s. Where groups of authors, painters and other artists and patrons of the arts often had meals together and had fun together and made fun of each other. The look into Henry James, his brother William and their sister Alice was a very interesting way to also look into the case of Jack the Ripper.
All of this wonderful backdrop was there, but that wasn't all, the story itself was very well-done. I was kept entertained throughout with the antics of society and the trio of siblings trying to solve the difficult case of Jack the Ripper. The mystery was fascinating and held my attention. I was constantly wondering who it might be and was kept wondering right up until the end. What Alice Knew was well-plotted, the characters well-developed and the setting was perfect. I loved learning more about the time period and the writers of the time.
I will definitely look for more of Paula Marantz Cohen's work, her writing is very interesting and her story was entertaining. The mystery is at the forefront but the characters steal the show and make this a magnificent book.
January 20, 2013
American philosopher William James is requested by Scotland Yard to come lend his expertise in the case of Jack the Ripper. Already in London are his brother and sister, novelist Henry James and Alice, a bedridden but intelligent woman. William has access to various pieces of information through his help in the official investigation, and each one of the James siblings has a unique perspective and expertise. Could this famed family have solved the case of Jack the Ripper?
• Mild language
• Sexual discussion: prostitution, adultery, and masturbation (in the context of this being a psychological problem). Nothing graphic.
• One character insinuates that he was sexually abused as a child
• Discussion of crime scenes, wounds of the victims, and their bodies being examined and photographed at the morgue.
• The James family is quite famous in literary history. Both brothers published many pieces of their writing and are still studied today. However, this book is completely fictional.
• Mild language
• Sexual discussion: prostitution, adultery, and masturbation (in the context of this being a psychological problem). Nothing graphic.
• One character insinuates that he was sexually abused as a child
• Discussion of crime scenes, wounds of the victims, and their bodies being examined and photographed at the morgue.
• The James family is quite famous in literary history. Both brothers published many pieces of their writing and are still studied today. However, this book is completely fictional.
July 29, 2023
This was not really a good story. The idea of it was good, but the author went on unnecessary tangents. There were so many different speculations about Jack the Ripper. I have read several different stories from several different perspectives. This one was probably the worst. There were places though, that I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
February 24, 2011
This book was okay. Not great. But okay. The author obviously knew a lot about Henry James and his siblings. I liked seeing their relationships but never felt like I was given enough information about their growing up life to really understand those relationships. It was almost like the author expected us to already be privy to everything she knew about them. The plot is an interesting premise - solving the Jack the Ripper murders through psychology. But I feel like the story breaks a rule of a good mystery - the villian has to be visible through out the whole book. The ending of this book was interesting but felt a bit too much like pulling a rabbit out of the hat. So I didn't like that. Despite the gory murders, I felt like the book was clean. One of the main characters is tempted but resists temptation (shocking, huh?) Its not a book I would read again or recommend to a friend but it held my interest enough to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2013
This was pretty good, I thought. The depiction of Alice, Henry, and William James, and their relations with each other, was very well done.
July 22, 2025
I truly wish this author spent more time developing the relationship between the characters and the relationship between the characters and reader, than going on anti-postimpressionism tangents.
While I expected a murder/mystery, I got a critical essay on the London elite and it’s hierarchy. Need I say, what a boring and unnecessary time?
All three main characters felt dissapointingly flat, shallow and uninteresting, when the premise provided an interesting backrground and foundation for an unforgetable and epic story. Their choices inconsistent and illogical was where I lost interest and any sense of sympathy. The relationship between them was emotionless and affectionate only in theory, and they were SIBLINGS. How you could mess up familial affection, I will never know.
If the author wanted to write historical fiction, they could have done so. Masking a critical essay as an interesting mystery novel (which it is not) is unfair and actually, kinda shitty. I also don’t care how extensive your vocabulary is, if you can’t write a decent story with deep character development through 350 pages. Do better.
While I expected a murder/mystery, I got a critical essay on the London elite and it’s hierarchy. Need I say, what a boring and unnecessary time?
All three main characters felt dissapointingly flat, shallow and uninteresting, when the premise provided an interesting backrground and foundation for an unforgetable and epic story. Their choices inconsistent and illogical was where I lost interest and any sense of sympathy. The relationship between them was emotionless and affectionate only in theory, and they were SIBLINGS. How you could mess up familial affection, I will never know.
If the author wanted to write historical fiction, they could have done so. Masking a critical essay as an interesting mystery novel (which it is not) is unfair and actually, kinda shitty. I also don’t care how extensive your vocabulary is, if you can’t write a decent story with deep character development through 350 pages. Do better.
September 21, 2021
Interesting and well written but I felt like it was fake....which it was. Only really finished reading to say I did.
September 7, 2010
From my book review blog, Rundpinne.
"What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper by Paula Marantz Cohen takes a look at Henry, William, and Alice James and how they each use their talents to help Scotland Yard find Jack the Ripper. While William James is the person Scotland Yard has summoned from Harvard to help assist them, it is his brother Henry James who circulates among the elite in London as well as the with the great artists of the time. Meanwhile, bedridden Alice is the one who collects what her brothers have learned be it through official channels or dinner parties and newspaper clipping and ponders the clues. Cohen beautifully captures the time period, dialects, behaviours and details to bring about this most extraordinary story. Each character has been carefully thought out and well written, down to the slightest detail. I found the novel impossible to put down, shushing my family so I could finish, so engrossed was I into the lives of the James siblings and the quest to track down Jack the Ripper. I without reservation recommend What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper to anyone who enjoys an excellent mystery told in a most curious manner."
"What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper by Paula Marantz Cohen takes a look at Henry, William, and Alice James and how they each use their talents to help Scotland Yard find Jack the Ripper. While William James is the person Scotland Yard has summoned from Harvard to help assist them, it is his brother Henry James who circulates among the elite in London as well as the with the great artists of the time. Meanwhile, bedridden Alice is the one who collects what her brothers have learned be it through official channels or dinner parties and newspaper clipping and ponders the clues. Cohen beautifully captures the time period, dialects, behaviours and details to bring about this most extraordinary story. Each character has been carefully thought out and well written, down to the slightest detail. I found the novel impossible to put down, shushing my family so I could finish, so engrossed was I into the lives of the James siblings and the quest to track down Jack the Ripper. I without reservation recommend What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper to anyone who enjoys an excellent mystery told in a most curious manner."
July 5, 2011
I was particularly drawn to this book because of its focus on Walter Sickert as the possible/probable Jack the Ripper, since I have been convinced the two are one and the same after reading Patricia Cornwell's well-supported examination of the evidence from which she draws the same conclusion. The intrusion of a Peter Newsome seems a red herring, but perfectly acceptable in fiction of this sort, and somewhat redeeming in keeping the novel from predictability. I enjoy historical novels that are peopled with cameos of real figures, as long as the behavior of such non-fiction characters is in line with their personality and likely experiences. I admit confusion at Alice's depiction; I have never understood her role as an invalid, unless it was for attention, not having achieved notoriety like her brothers' in any other capacity. I am no more enlightened through her portrayal here. Overall, though, a very laudable addition to the lore. I'd give it 3.5 stars.--RLB
September 18, 2023
In this historical mystery novel, Alice James, who has been an invalid for much of her life, is accustomed to being underestimated by others. However, when her brothers, Henry and William, become involved in the hunt for the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper, Alice refuses to remain on the sidelines. She believes that her brothers are uniquely positioned to gather evidence about the killer, but she is equally convinced that it will be up to her to examine that evidence and ultimately solve the case.
This book offered an engaging and entertaining take on the Jack the Ripper murders, presenting a fictional interpretation of the infamous case. The characters, particularly Henry with his wit and Alice with her enthusiasm, added depth to the story and made it compelling. For those who have an interest in Jack the Ripper stories and mysteries, I would highly recommend giving this book a read.
This book offered an engaging and entertaining take on the Jack the Ripper murders, presenting a fictional interpretation of the infamous case. The characters, particularly Henry with his wit and Alice with her enthusiasm, added depth to the story and made it compelling. For those who have an interest in Jack the Ripper stories and mysteries, I would highly recommend giving this book a read.
March 17, 2017
I have too many books going at one time, not even counting the one I'm writing. But I finally finished WHAT ALICE KNEW: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James & Jack the Ripper. It was the Henry James connection that drew me in. He had written WHAT MAISIE KNEW and I remembered it well from college. I liked his earlier works very much and ended up teaching DAISY MILLER and THE TURN OF THE SCREW and enjoying them each time.
So add to the James connection Victorian London, James' brother William and sister Alice, and Jack the Ripper, and I was hooked. Imagine the three James siblings on the trail of the ripper in the East End, as well as mixing with swells like John Singer Sargent, Oscar Wilde. Even Virginia Woolf had a fleeting walk-on. And what kind of an ending could it have? No giveaways here. All in all, it was a fine read.
So add to the James connection Victorian London, James' brother William and sister Alice, and Jack the Ripper, and I was hooked. Imagine the three James siblings on the trail of the ripper in the East End, as well as mixing with swells like John Singer Sargent, Oscar Wilde. Even Virginia Woolf had a fleeting walk-on. And what kind of an ending could it have? No giveaways here. All in all, it was a fine read.
April 9, 2016
Professor of philosophy/psychology, William James (author Henry James' brother) lives and teaches in the United States but is asked to come to London to help with the Jack the Ripper case. Henry also wants to help, as does their invalid sister, Alice, who is confined to her home.
It was ok, but anytime there was any focus that wasn't on Jack the Ripper, I got bored. The dialogue seemed very pretentious or maybe just too intellectual for me or something. I also had trouble getting past William being able to bring bits of evidence home to show Henry and Alice for discussion. Although I have at least one more fictional Jack the Ripper book on my tbr, I'm thinking the nonfiction is actually more interesting to read about than the fictionalized versions.
It was ok, but anytime there was any focus that wasn't on Jack the Ripper, I got bored. The dialogue seemed very pretentious or maybe just too intellectual for me or something. I also had trouble getting past William being able to bring bits of evidence home to show Henry and Alice for discussion. Although I have at least one more fictional Jack the Ripper book on my tbr, I'm thinking the nonfiction is actually more interesting to read about than the fictionalized versions.
December 20, 2011
A unique presentation of the typical Jack the Ripper story. Scotland Yard summons psychologist William James to cross the ocean to help with the case. In London he meets up with his brother, the novelist Henry James, and their invalid sister Alice. The three then put their heads together in order to solve the case. Of course, Alice comes up with the answer, one subtle and difficult to prove the still believable. An interesting book and one that is as much about the dynamic between siblings with very different personalities as it is about the crime.
October 9, 2023
I'm a sucker for historical novels in which historical people are characters. In this novel the famous Jameses--William, Henry, and Alice--solve the case of Jack the Ripper, which, historically, hasn't been solved. Many famous artists and writers who the Jameses knew come into play, including John Singer Sargent and Oscar Wilde. There's so much name-dropping in the novel that I had to keep switching to Wiki to see who they all were. I learned a lot! This novel is well-researched and loads of fun to read.
May 28, 2020
I liked the story and found the way it came together to be well done. We don't know who Jack the Ripper was, so it was interesting to see what the author did with the story and suspect. While reading this book I'd see a reference to an artist who I was unfamiliar which then led me to the internet. I also looked up information about suspects of the murders. I mention this because not only was the story good but I learned something new along the way.
March 29, 2023
I was rather disappointed. The characters honestly just made me want to slap them. Because of my frustration with the main characters, I couldn't even focus on the murder plot, which honestly seemed to be a side-show to the name dropping of famous people of the time. It seemed more like an attempt to write a historic fiction than a murder mystery and because it couldn't make up its mind, it failed at both.
July 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this. It's set in a time and place that's interesting and it's characters are people (Henry James, John Singer Sargent, Jack the Ripper) I'm interested in.
The author weaves the story around the Jack the Ripper plot skillfully. And she intersperses little bits of wisdom.
Now if only the real murders had been this easy to catch.
The author weaves the story around the Jack the Ripper plot skillfully. And she intersperses little bits of wisdom.
Now if only the real murders had been this easy to catch.
August 31, 2023
This book literally went nowhere. I don't know what Alice knew. It was basically just a book to name drop historical people that were around in the time of Jack the Ripper but no one did anything. Do not recommend.
November 21, 2010
Interesting take on the Jack the Ripper series using Henry James, William James and their bedridden sister Alice. Also making an appearance is Oscar Wilde, John Singer Sargent and Mark Twain.
December 5, 2010
Jack the Ripper...with Oscar Wilde as one of the characters! This should be fun.
Meh. It was ok.
Meh. It was ok.
January 20, 2020
What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper by Paula Marantz Cohen follows author Henry James, his psychologist brother William, and their bedridden sister Alice as they attempt to uncover the identity of the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. Their investigations lead them through the ate-1800s squalor of London's East End, to booksellers and antiques dealers, and into the inner circle of London's art scene.
As with any historical novel, the principal players are comprised of real-life figures, with a sprinkling of fictional personalities to pad out the cast. Prominent figures include the likes of impressionist painter John Singer Sargent, the playwright Oscar Wilde and his circle of like-minded authors and artists, and Inspector Frederick Abberline (who famously worked the Ripper case), all of whom play a vital role in solving the mystery.
Of course, the main cast enjoys a certain level of plot armor, and, owing to their nature as historical figures, they cannot pass before their time unless the author takes specific liberties with historical record. Still, there are enough unnerving moments to keep you on your toes, and though this is a work of fiction, there is enough fact in the story to make it enjoyable.
As with any mystery worth its salt, red herrings abound. The twists and turns function organically as the characters pursue their suspects, falter, reconsider, and resume the chase. Compelling evidence is presented and leads you further into the case until it is determined to be tainted by prejudice and preconceived notions. It is thrown out and new conclusions are drawn until the final piece of the puzzle falls squarely into place.
Although a previous reader I know was unsatisfied with the conclusion, the ending seems perfectly suited to this kind of story. Loss of momentum is never an issue. In fact, near the end, there is a sense of urgency in solving the case.
What struck me most was the sensibility and care with which the author discusses such themes as mental illness and its onset precipitated by social norms of the time. Antagonists are not villainized but are instead treated with an uncommon level of empathy. The novel touches on the topic of the suffragette movement, the efficacy of mental health institutions, and the greater effect social status and established taboos had on an individual basis.
Overall, this is a very good book: A historical novel that is on its head a mystery, but which delves deeper into the philosophical questions of humanity as constructed by society.
As with any historical novel, the principal players are comprised of real-life figures, with a sprinkling of fictional personalities to pad out the cast. Prominent figures include the likes of impressionist painter John Singer Sargent, the playwright Oscar Wilde and his circle of like-minded authors and artists, and Inspector Frederick Abberline (who famously worked the Ripper case), all of whom play a vital role in solving the mystery.
Of course, the main cast enjoys a certain level of plot armor, and, owing to their nature as historical figures, they cannot pass before their time unless the author takes specific liberties with historical record. Still, there are enough unnerving moments to keep you on your toes, and though this is a work of fiction, there is enough fact in the story to make it enjoyable.
As with any mystery worth its salt, red herrings abound. The twists and turns function organically as the characters pursue their suspects, falter, reconsider, and resume the chase. Compelling evidence is presented and leads you further into the case until it is determined to be tainted by prejudice and preconceived notions. It is thrown out and new conclusions are drawn until the final piece of the puzzle falls squarely into place.
Although a previous reader I know was unsatisfied with the conclusion, the ending seems perfectly suited to this kind of story. Loss of momentum is never an issue. In fact, near the end, there is a sense of urgency in solving the case.
What struck me most was the sensibility and care with which the author discusses such themes as mental illness and its onset precipitated by social norms of the time. Antagonists are not villainized but are instead treated with an uncommon level of empathy. The novel touches on the topic of the suffragette movement, the efficacy of mental health institutions, and the greater effect social status and established taboos had on an individual basis.
Overall, this is a very good book: A historical novel that is on its head a mystery, but which delves deeper into the philosophical questions of humanity as constructed by society.
August 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book on several levels. Although I seriously doubt it solved the Ripper killings, I like to read well thought out historical alternate scenarios. The characters were well defined. I especially liked the interaction between the siblings. It was very realistic. And young Archie was adorable. There were numerous famous personalities thrown in (Mark Twain, John Sargeant), and I'm not sure how accurately they were portrayed, but it was entertaining in any case, and it is fiction. At times it bogged down a little, but that was not often.
The James siblings (writer Henry, psychologist William, and bedridden essayist Alice) were all famous in their own way. When William is called from America to help solve the Ripper murders from a psychological view, he involves his brother and sister. Of course they solve it, but the process is interesting.
The James siblings (writer Henry, psychologist William, and bedridden essayist Alice) were all famous in their own way. When William is called from America to help solve the Ripper murders from a psychological view, he involves his brother and sister. Of course they solve it, but the process is interesting.
February 11, 2024
Rating: pg+ it’s a Jack the Ripper story. It’s got some gore. Strong suggestions of lgbtq relationships but no overt descriptions.
Well laid out, interesting story, makes me curious about the historical facts behind the fiction, but I was surprised at how much I already knew. Also makes me want to read some Henry James, I don’t think I ever have. I enjoyed the snark and the sibling relationships that were sometimes silly and sometimes sweet. I would recommend this book, with caveats about the descriptions of violence and the murder scenes and victims.
Well laid out, interesting story, makes me curious about the historical facts behind the fiction, but I was surprised at how much I already knew. Also makes me want to read some Henry James, I don’t think I ever have. I enjoyed the snark and the sibling relationships that were sometimes silly and sometimes sweet. I would recommend this book, with caveats about the descriptions of violence and the murder scenes and victims.
December 7, 2024
A friend loaned me this book. I love historical fiction, but I also love true crime. So this was a happy marriage of both. The story centers around Alice James, sister to the novelist Henry James and their connection with the Ripper murders. A quick Wikipedia search taught me Henry James did indeed have an invalid sister called Alice and that they did live in England during the time of the murders. Interesting outcome as well. The story flowed well and I did like it that the chapters were a manageable length. 1 or 2 chapters were feasible during lunchbreak.
August 13, 2025
Not sure why the reviews of this book aren’t better. I’m almost inclined to give it 4.5 stars. It really was an interesting book, an historical fiction/mystery, the premise being that William, Henry and Alice James work together to solve the case of Jack the Ripper. I remained very interested throughout the book. I enjoyed the three different points of view from each of the siblings, as well as the period setting with lifestyles and portrayals of their lives. I thought it was a great story and very well done.
October 9, 2020
2.5 stars.
Overall thoughts? Meh. It was okay.
I did appreciate the psychology aspect and the tidbits on if evil people are created or born. The book itself was slightly boring, the dialogue dull and long; it was descriptive, but it wasn't the right details. The plot was mysterious but not thrilling enough! I could definitely put it down and not return for days because of lack of interest. I did give it 2.5 stars for the little ways it surprised me.
But yes, overall, it was okay.
Overall thoughts? Meh. It was okay.
I did appreciate the psychology aspect and the tidbits on if evil people are created or born. The book itself was slightly boring, the dialogue dull and long; it was descriptive, but it wasn't the right details. The plot was mysterious but not thrilling enough! I could definitely put it down and not return for days because of lack of interest. I did give it 2.5 stars for the little ways it surprised me.
But yes, overall, it was okay.
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