The Watcher

by Sam Croft

In 1888, two brothers, Jack, a criminal recluse, and John, a society gentleman, live in opposite ends of Victorian London. When John falls in love, unspoken bonds are tested, unwittingly exposing secrets guarded since his childhood. Horrified by links to London's underworld, and appalled by the extent of his brother's jealousy, John soon realises that these secrets not only affect his past, but also threaten to affect his future. The Watcher is constructed around facts of the Jack the Ripper case, incorporating popular myths and theories. Through fiction, it examines the Whitechapel murders in a way that has never before been explored. Why did the murderer have commit such terrible crimes? What might have made him into such a monster? Why did the murders start then just as swiftly end?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Mystery Thriller

282 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2012

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Watcher" is well-researched with respect both to the bizarre case of Jack the Ripper and to the conditions in late 19th century London. It is a clever story and an interesting theory, although the conclusion is certainly no surprise. It needs one or two more proofreads, but overall the book is well-written. If you are the kind of reader who can't see past a few editorial glitches, you might want to wait for the next edition. Although I can't give this book more than 4 stars, I'd give 5 to Sam Croft's future potential as an author, and I'll watch for her work. I also have one more caution. If you're easily depressed, skip this book. There are no winners in this story, only losers; everyone, both the good and the bad, suffer and lose, but considering the subject matter and the deplorable conditions of the times, could any other depiction be justifiable? In fact, the story's ability to so thoroughly impact the reader's emotions is one the reasons I rate the author's future potential so highly. As painful as it is to read, I wonder how well Ms. Croft held up to writing it. I, for one, hope she is well and writes again soon.

[Michelle Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply engaging

What a remarkable story this turned out to be. The story starts off with John Saunders, who comes from an affluent family in East London. He has been set up to court and marry Catherine. Catherine overheats discussions about the Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechurch and is concerned for her well-being. Elizabeth is one of the maids that works for Catherine's family and becomes ill with the flu. John is a former doctor that helps nurse Elizabeth back to health and falls in love in the process. Meanwhile, women are still coming up dead in the streets of London. Can John protect Elizabeth from the monster that walks the streets of London looking for his next target?
This book has a surprising twist also. Really enjoyed this.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little different take on the Jack the Ripper case. An interesting take on what could have happened. The author takes you on an adventure where you cringe at the cruelty of Jack and then a turn in the story makes you feel sorry for the protagonist. I liked the family background that lets you delve into why a person might be this way.

The descriptions of London during this time period make you feel as if you're in the filthy ally or street looking at the poor people who are just trying to make ends meet. You can almost smell the smells. I'll look for more by this author.

[Nicki · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a terrible book. Poorly written, with a plot turn so obvious it's barely a kink, never mind a twist. The characters are universally unappealing and two dimensional. Don't waste your money on this.

[4cats · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I'll apologise, chose this as a group horror read and it's not really horror. It's dark, psychological read, doesn't even fit really into crime genre. Dual plot line, easy to read, I enjoyed it.

[Connie Willett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

I chose this rating because it was a good story. I liked how there was truth written in this story. It made me want to learn more of Jack the ripper.

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free kindle copy of The Watcher: A Jack the Ripper Mystery by Sam Croft from Amazon for fair review. I gave it four stars.

Even though I've read several books on Jack the Ripper, this book had some new twists & turns. It held my attention & I read it straight through. I'd suggest not starting it until you have the time to do a reading marathon with it: un-put-down-able!

This book explores a different theory. It's about two brothers. One is a criminal recluse & the other a gentlemen acceptable in society. What created this evil brother? Could this be the answer to years of questions about Jack the ripper? There's tremendous jealousy between the brothers & the evil one doesn't want the gentleman to ever have any love besides the one for himself.

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Watcher-Jack-Ri...

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Journalists sensationalized a series of gruesome murders in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The murderer, a still unidentified individual, became known as Jack the Ripper. Multiple theories, folklore, and works of fiction exist about this serial killer and Sam Croft uses some facts from her vast research on the murders to craft her work of fiction.

I saw early on what direction she was going with the story and I was initially disappointed. My fairly recent Jack the Ripper London walk greatly influenced my initial dissatisfaction with her story. Ms. Croft takes a different approach in exploring the who and why of the famous story. She writes in a concise flow that enables a quick, enjoyable read once you let go of your own preconceived notions about Jack the Ripper. I also appreciated that she does not draw out the grisly details of the murders.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Lack of editing. Very cool twist on Jack the Ripper. Loved how the factual details and dramatic license meshed so well. The epilogue, while interesting, I felt was unnecessary. It really added nothing to the story and had it not been included it would've had zero impact.
I am intrigued by stories of Jack the Ripper and the like. I believe because it will never be solved, it offers a lot of speculation. Allowing for "reality" and fantasy to come together.

[Sharon Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing concept of the Jack the Ripper myth, utilising the device of split personalities, one of which has no knowledge of the other, and the other who is the protective defender of the first. But somewhere along the way, the desires of the protector become subsumed by a desire for blood.

[Edwina Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Ripper

I have always thought that Jack the RIPPER was mentally ill. But I like this story because you could relate with the characters. They were brought to life and seemed like people who lived during that period.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but predictable.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictional theory about Jack the Ripper...good read, interesting theory

[Jeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I figured out main plot twist. Totally missed the cowardice end and was left wanting confirmation of the graveside visitor.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many details wrong.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the parts about Elizabeth and John, they were both well written characters, as was Jack. I just personally found it hard to read about what he did.

[Kary · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting take on who Jack the ripper was and how his story unfolds

[Kerry Amburgy-Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent twist on a Jack the Ripper story.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept, quite an easy read so fairly enjoyable.