Riptide by Michael Prescott

by Michael Prescott

Riptide, which is the third poetry book published by Author Michael G. Topping, represents the sea of emotions one could find themselves lost in at any given moment during their lifetime. We must tread the water and move against the current in order to overcome our obstacles lest we fall victim to our inner Riptide.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

Paperback

First published June 29, 2010

About the author

A pseudonym used by Douglas Borton, aka Brian Harper.

Douglas Borton grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published 25 thrillers, starting with horror novels in the 1980s and continuing with suspense and crime novels in the '90s and beyond. His latest book is Bad to the Bone (2015), a sequel to Blood in the Water (2014). After twenty years in traditional publishing, he went the indie route in 2011 and has become one of America's bestselling ebook writers.

Reviews

[Joe Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really two tales, one an autobiography by Jack the Ripper and the other an agonizing cluster of guilt and fear by suspected descendents of Jack living in modern day Venice, CA. Siblings Jennifer and Richard lived in a historical house allegedly built by their great grandfather and lived in by their family. Jack the Ripper was suspected to have either medical or butcher training. Jennifer and Richard's fore bearers had all been doctors and both Jennifer and Richard started Medical Degrees with Jennifer changing to an Dr. of Psychology degree while Richard completed an M.D.. Richard showed symptoms of mental illness by his mid-twenties but, was able to maintain it in control with medication. Jennifer's work as a criminal profiler and studies that included the history of Jack the Ripper primed her for an exposure to a trigger event when a portion of her basement wall collapsed during a small quake exposing a macabre cache of old bones and a diary of Edward Hare detailing his gruesome butchery and caching of the found bones. By this time, Richard was off his meds and both he and his older sister feared their suspected association with their infamous ancestor. Young girls were going missing in Venice and Jennifer agonized over sharing her fears with her police cohorts or trying to find Richard and safely rescuing him and making Venice safe. All the evidence points to Richard but, Jennifer feels the family responsibility of a protecting older sister and is determined to care for Richard even at the expense of her own life. As the story evolves with suspense and chair edging tension, outside elements make themselves known and the story stretches into unknown areas, making a twisting chilling ending to an action packed, engaging story.

[Ssspicher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read. I read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the story line. There was fact mixed with fiction surrounding Jack the Ripper and the story brought Red Jack home to the US. In fact, to Venice, CA. Interesting plot with an unexpected twist towards the end. Highly recommended to those who enjoy a fast-paced thriller linked to actual historical events.

[Michael Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riptide is a masterclass in psychological suspense, delivered with Michael Prescott’s signature blend of relentless pacing and unnerving atmosphere. At once chilling and thought provoking, the novel dives deep into the intersection of family secrets, inherited trauma, and the terrifying possibility that evil is never truly buried.

The premise alone is irresistible: Jennifer Silence, a psycholinguistic analyst skilled at uncovering the hidden meanings within murderers’ writings, finds herself confronting the ultimate text of darknes a leather bound diary attributed to Jack the Ripper. What begins as an academic curiosity spirals into a harrowing descent that links her family’s tragic past with a new series of brutal killings. Prescott layers this unraveling mystery with exquisite precision, keeping readers perpetually uncertain about whether Jennifer is deciphering truth, madness, or something that exists in the shadows between.

What makes Riptide stand out in a crowded field of thrillers is Prescott’s command of psychological nuance. Jennifer is not merely a protagonist in peril; she is a woman grappling with grief, legacy, and the haunting suspicion that evil might run in her blood. The diary is more than a plot device it’s a mirror, reflecting both the horrors of the past and the vulnerabilities of the present.

Prescott’s prose is lean and razor sharp, driving the story forward with cinematic clarity while never sacrificing depth. The suspense builds in waves quiet moments of dread followed by shocking revelations creating a rhythm that mirrors the very title: a riptide that drags the reader inexorably deeper into the abyss. By the final chapters, the novel becomes utterly unputdownable, its revelations as unsettling as they are unforgettable.

For fans of psychological thrillers that combine historical intrigue with contemporary dread, Riptide delivers in spades. It is not just a thriller; it is a meditation on the persistence of evil, the fragility of sanity, and the terrifying ways in which the past refuses to stay buried.

Verdict: A haunting, brilliantly executed thriller that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final line. Riptide secures Michael Prescott’s place among the finest voices in modern suspense fiction.

[Ethan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Prescott’s Riptide is a stunning exploration of the tides of the human soul its turbulence, its hidden depths, and its relentless push toward transformation. Every poem feels alive, like a current pulling you into waters both dark and luminous. What impressed me most was the universality of the themes: grief, longing, perseverance, hope. Prescott distills life’s most complex emotions into language that is elegant yet deeply accessible, creating verses that anyone can see themselves reflected in. Reading Riptide felt like being caught in a storm and then slowly realizing that the very waves threatening to overwhelm you are also carrying you toward shore. This is poetry that doesn’t just speak it grips, it challenges, it redeems. Prescott has given us a work that belongs on the shelves of all who believe words can change the way we see ourselves and the struggles we endure. Without exaggeration, Riptide is unforgettable.

[Maria N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Prescott has done it again! Riptide is a masterclass in suspense intelligent, chilling, and impossible to put down. Jennifer Silence is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve come across in recent years. Her work as a psycholinguistic analyst adds a fascinating layer of realism, and the discovery of Jack the Ripper’s diary hooked me instantly. The story is both harrowing and heartbreaking, especially as Jennifer grapples with her family’s tragic past. Prescott weaves atmosphere, dread, and emotional depth so seamlessly that I found myself holding my breath during entire chapters. If you want a thriller that not only terrifies but also touches your heart, this is the book.

[Tonny Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riptide is not simply a poetry collection it is an emotional voyage that captures the ebb and flow of the human spirit. Michael Prescott’s words are both delicate and powerful, evoking the sensation of being swept into a current of raw vulnerability and quiet strength. Each poem feels like a lifeline thrown into turbulent waters, offering readers a chance to reflect, heal, and resurface renewed. This book stands as a testament to poetry’s ability to mirror our innermost struggles while guiding us toward resilience. A beautiful and deeply moving work.

[Loveth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few poetry collections manage to capture the timeless struggle between despair and hope as elegantly as Riptide. Prescott’s words rise and fall like ocean waves, carrying readers into depths of grief, love, courage, and renewal. The imagery is vivid, the rhythm purposeful, and the emotional weight undeniable. What makes this book truly stand out is its universal appeal it speaks to anyone who has ever felt caught in life’s undertow yet longed to resurface stronger. A truly outstanding and unforgettable collection.

[Londa Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Riptide is how it balances pure suspense with raw emotion. Yes, it’s about old crimes and new madness, but at its core, it’s about family, grief, and the weight of history. Jennifer’s struggle with the shocking revelations about her father and brother brought tears to my eyes while still keeping me glued to the page with nail-biting tension. Prescott’s writing is cinematic every scene unfolds vividly, and the diary’s dark secrets feel almost too real. This is more than just a crime thriller; it’s a story that lingers with you long after the last page.

[Jean W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last, Riptide pulls you under like the force of its title. It’s not just the chilling murders or the ominous legacy of Jack the Ripper it’s the humanity Prescott breathes into his characters. Jennifer Silence’s journey is one of courage, vulnerability, and unyielding determination in the face of unthinkable darkness. Every twist tightened my chest, every revelation made me question what I thought I knew. Few thrillers manage to scare you and move you in equal measure, but this one does. A dark gem for fans of intelligent, heart driven suspense

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Prescott’s Riptide is a masterclass in lyrical expression. The poet uses the metaphor of the sea not just as a backdrop but as a living, breathing force that mirrors life’s chaos and calm. Each verse resonates with authenticity, reminding us that adversity is not the end but an invitation to rise stronger. The balance of vulnerability and hope within these poems makes this collection profoundly relatable. For lovers of poetry that both challenges and comforts, Riptide is a must read.

[Shirley Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very suspenseful book. I had a hard time putting it down. The characters and well rounded as is the action. It is a very well written book. If you like suspenseful books, you need to read this one!

[Tanya Kay Bertone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Prescott keeps you guessing at who the "Ripper" might be. Be ready for a few twists and turns that will leave you flipped upside down.

[Jan Bandich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ripping Good Story

This was well researched and well written, a clever blend of history and fiction, but it is not my typical read, maybe a little more gruesome than I prefer.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Read for the '2020 Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge' task: A self-published book

[Megan]

DNS 7/14/2021

[Jim Smallwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and enjoyable read.

This is a very quick and easy read with a slight surprising ending. I look forward to another title from this author.

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I downloaded to my Kindle and I'm glad I did. The fact this fictional story was based on Jack the Ripper was what peaked my interest. Basically anything regarding serial killers I find interesting but when it comes to one of the most notorious "villains" of all time I want to see what the author is able to come up with.

I found this book to be very realistic. From a psychological point of view it made total sense to bring in a mental disorder. I though it played perfectly into the few facts that we already know about Jack the Ripper and Prescott did a great job of weaving in the fictional with factual data.

I can't remember the names of the characters because it's been sooo long since I read this but I thought it was great how Prescott sets up the readers to believe different things about the Detective and the Forensics Analyst than what is actually true and the way the truth comes out in the end I found to be very entertaining.

Would definitely recommend this great whodunit!

[Karen Woo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good fictional take on Jack the Ripper and his legacy of crimes.

The familiar Prescottian features are all here: 1) great story arc and pacing, 2) gnarly murders, 3) a resourceful heroine who saves the day, and 4) healing and redemption for the heroine, who's often carrying the weight of emotional/physical trauma from years past, by way of solving the current crime mystery.

This novel's heroine, Jennifer Silence, isn't particularly likable, though. She's passive-aggressive, easily irritated, and prone to crossing the line from gutsy to stupid in dangerous situations. Compare her to previous Prescott heroines, notably, Abby Sinclair and Tess McCallum, who are direct, keep their cool, are angry when they need to be, and are resourceful and gutsy without the element of stupidity. You'd want Abby or Tess on your side, if you were in a jam. But Jennifer? Not really.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Silence is a police consultant, she is a psycholinguist. A psychologist who specializes in written documents that add to the profile of a murderer.

Living in Venice Beach, CA she is not surprised by an earthquake shaking her home. She is surprised by finding a bricked up section under the stairs of her cellar. She is surprised by finding the skeletons of several women. She is surprised by finding a journal hidden in a tin box, left with the skeletons. She is surprised when she begins to read the journal that it seems to have been written by Jack the Ripper detailing his crimes in London.

Her family has owned the house since the early 1900’s, is one of her ancestors, Jack?

A thriller that takes you from London at the turn of the 20th century to the present 2010’s in California. A fascinating tale of a serial killer.
Highly recommend!

[Nate Dietzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY COW. So good!! I don't think I have ever read a book as fast as I have read this one. And that at a time when I have very little time to read! I finished it in under a week, I really could not put it down! Extremely suspenseful, thrilling plot line, and smooth dialogue. My one disappointment was the characters. The main characters were fairly strong and believable, but some of the more minor characters suffered some from less than adequate development. I could not comprehend some of their motivations enough to make them seem real. They seemed empty and dry. But beyond that, the book was INCREDIBLY enjoyable. Interesting concept, and it's very clear the author did his research! I will definitely be reading more Michael Prescott in the future!

[Tabitha Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone that is a big ripper fan. I was transported back to the terrifying moments that brought fear to the streets of England. I found this book very interesting and at times disturbing. You are drawn into the mind of a very demented and sadistic killer. Not for the faint of heart. You are immerse in the dark side of a killer that revels in the sickness that plagues him. I felt the blood lust of the killer cause the hair on the back of my neck stand up and makes you wonder what evil lurks in the shadows. I was a roller coaster if a read. Praises for Michael Prescott!

[Reeannun · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry, I just couldn't get into this book. After 300 pages, I just can't continue. I was so very excited to read more from this author. The last two books that I read of his were fantastic! Unfortunately, I just couldn't finish, I found the heroine, Jennifer, boring and dull, the secondary characters undeveloped and the references to Jack the Ripper boring. Maybe I was looking forward to being on the edge of my seat as I was with the other books. This one, is not one of those books. :(.
That's okay, this book has NOT spoiled my appetite for more of Michael Prescott's books. Now, to decide which of his books to read next.....choices, choices, choices. :)

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was ok,a little surprise at the end. Unfortunately it was not good enough to give more than 2 stars. The whole Jack-the-Ripper does America thing was a little too much. I haven't read a lot about Jack, just know the bits that everyone knows, but I am willing to believe that he was schizophrenic. At the very least. I guess watching shows like Criminal Minds makes these kinds of people seem more possible as your neighbor. I find that creepy. To find a bunch of bones in your basement and a journal written by Jack, way creepy. I think maybe the author just ran out of of ideas and threw in a twist, and got the hell out of there. Don't blame him.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Jennifer comes to find this journal of a man from the past. It details his journey from London to the United States and his descriptions of these murders of women. There is new murders in her area that have striking resemblance to the ones in the journals. I didn't expect that person to be the murderer, completely thought it was this other person throughout the whole book. Awesome twist.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this review might be a little misleading. I don't think there are many "fans" of Jack the Ripper, but there are people are intrigued by the mystery and would like to know what really happened to the man. In "Riptide", although fictional, Mr Prescott offers a very interesting theory as to who Jack the Ripper was and why he was never caught. This is a fast paced novel with a very intriguing plot. Very well written.

[DIANE M JOHNSON · Rating 2 out of 5]

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[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting mystery about a California gal that makes an interesting discovery in her basement- old bones from 6 dead bodies and a diary possibly written by Jack the Ripper. She sets out to connect the murders in London, similar murders in California years ago and current murders. It has those twists and turns that keeps you reading and interested.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Very creative take on the Jack the Ripper legend. Just enough of the facts to make it interesting. Quite graphic - but I suppose when talking about Jack the Ripper you really don't have a choice! A couple of twists in the story that I really did not expect - and a couple I didn't care for. But all well-written and very enthralling. Highly recommended - but don't read it just after dinner!!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is slow moviing. I have read other Prescott books and really enjoyed them, this one however just took to long to get to the point. The character development seems weak at best and it was so slow that I acutally decided not to even finish it. Don't buy this book if you're used to fast paced novels.

[Nik Basta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall i liked the two stories and how he merged them into one, but i think he pushed it a little. I like a story with twists and turns, but I think he took one too many turns at the end of this one. Regardless it was a very entertaining read.