What do you think?
Rate this book
The Women in the Shadows
The world's most famous unsolved serial killer mystery, told from the perspective of a gang of women.
London, 1888. A monster prowls the gaslit streets, and the police are looking in all the wrong places, at all the wrong suspects. But three women refuse to stay silent.
Emma, the chief detective’s sharp-witted wife, sees the investigation failing. Maggie, a private investigator, exposes men’s darkest secrets. Bet, a police station cleaner, overhears what others ignore.
Together, they form an alliance to hunt down the killer dubbed Jack the Ripper. But as the women weave through the slums, brothels, and smoke-filled parlours of London’s underworld, they uncover corruption more sinister than they ever imagined.
The city belonged to men – until now.
London, 1888. A monster prowls the gaslit streets, and the police are looking in all the wrong places, at all the wrong suspects. But three women refuse to stay silent.
Emma, the chief detective’s sharp-witted wife, sees the investigation failing. Maggie, a private investigator, exposes men’s darkest secrets. Bet, a police station cleaner, overhears what others ignore.
Together, they form an alliance to hunt down the killer dubbed Jack the Ripper. But as the women weave through the slums, brothels, and smoke-filled parlours of London’s underworld, they uncover corruption more sinister than they ever imagined.
The city belonged to men – until now.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 2, 2025
As soon as I heard about this book I knew I had to read it. A story set in Victorian times, in Whitechapel when Jack The Ripper was at large. Fascinating.
But this book is not so much about the killer, but about the victims, and 3 women who wanted justice for them where the police were failing them. Emma, the wife of the lead detective, Bet, a young cleaner with a good eye and Maggie , a female private detective. These women worked together to stop the Ripper, finding themselves in danger along the way.
What I loved about this book was the friendship between these woman, they were strong, independent women which was not the norm at this time. They wanted better for women, for those that had been murdered.3 women who would not normally be friends found each other formed a strong bond. It was interesting to see some real life people from the time in the story as well, the author captured the time so well, the fear that the women were feeling, the way the community banded together to protect each other.
Yes it is fiction and of course we need an ending. I throughly enjoyed reading The Women in the Shadows, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Thank you so much to HQ on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. Out October 1st.
But this book is not so much about the killer, but about the victims, and 3 women who wanted justice for them where the police were failing them. Emma, the wife of the lead detective, Bet, a young cleaner with a good eye and Maggie , a female private detective. These women worked together to stop the Ripper, finding themselves in danger along the way.
What I loved about this book was the friendship between these woman, they were strong, independent women which was not the norm at this time. They wanted better for women, for those that had been murdered.3 women who would not normally be friends found each other formed a strong bond. It was interesting to see some real life people from the time in the story as well, the author captured the time so well, the fear that the women were feeling, the way the community banded together to protect each other.
Yes it is fiction and of course we need an ending. I throughly enjoyed reading The Women in the Shadows, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Thank you so much to HQ on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. Out October 1st.
October 29, 2025
The book is based on the Jack the Ripper murders, Mixture of fact and fiction however the overall story is fiction.
We meet Bet, Maggie and Emma who all come together to try and solve the murders as they believe the police aren’t doing what they should.
There are some close shaves for the ladies and some blunders along the way however they get there in the end.
The 5 victims are portrayed well by author, they have a chapter just to themselves leading up to their awful fate which allows us to empathise, the last murder for me was the one that hit the hardest.
It was a good read, keeps you guessing.
We meet Bet, Maggie and Emma who all come together to try and solve the murders as they believe the police aren’t doing what they should.
There are some close shaves for the ladies and some blunders along the way however they get there in the end.
The 5 victims are portrayed well by author, they have a chapter just to themselves leading up to their awful fate which allows us to empathise, the last murder for me was the one that hit the hardest.
It was a good read, keeps you guessing.
October 24, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. It's not my usual genre of reading, I'm more of a psychological thriller reader but I thought I'd give this one a go and glad I did. Loved each of the three women characters and the setting descriptions made me feel like I was there with them. Only thing I didn't like was that I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, I would have liked it to have gone on a bit longer. Other than that a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC.
March 2, 2026
The Whitechapel Murders of 1888 have been covered in numerous factual and fictional books over the years. In The Women in the Shadows author Harriet Fox puts a new feminist spin on the mystery, which works quite well.
The author's research is good and she blends fact and fiction pretty well. I do have one main criticism. When a particular incident happened (no spoilers here!) it's fine. However, when it happened more than once it became silly and spoilt the otherwise sensible narrative.
Overall, The Women in the Shadows is a decent thriller, let down by some very stupid coincidences.
The author's research is good and she blends fact and fiction pretty well. I do have one main criticism. When a particular incident happened (no spoilers here!) it's fine. However, when it happened more than once it became silly and spoilt the otherwise sensible narrative.
Overall, The Women in the Shadows is a decent thriller, let down by some very stupid coincidences.
December 30, 2025
4.5 stars.
As soon as I heard about this historical fiction novel set in 1880s Victorian London (and involving Jack the Ripper murders), I knew I wanted to read it as it sounded fascinating.
Told in alternating viewpoints by three women (Maggie, Emma, and Bet) who band together to try and find out the identity of Jack the Ripper, the story focuses on the lives of women at the time, including the murder victims, and not on the killer himself. I liked that the author chose this focus.
The setting rang true (see the author’s notes about her research). Women were treated as second-class, inferior citizens with little power. But there were some - the three main characters - who refused to be cowered and who sought to take control over their lives. I loved these three independent-minded, strong women and how much they were underestimated. There near misses and mishaps as they investigated were entertaining. While built around the investigation, this story was also about female friendship and community.
My only small quibble is that the ending seemed abrupt and just trailed off. I would have enjoyed seeing an epilogue.
I enjoyed this one! Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
As soon as I heard about this historical fiction novel set in 1880s Victorian London (and involving Jack the Ripper murders), I knew I wanted to read it as it sounded fascinating.
Told in alternating viewpoints by three women (Maggie, Emma, and Bet) who band together to try and find out the identity of Jack the Ripper, the story focuses on the lives of women at the time, including the murder victims, and not on the killer himself. I liked that the author chose this focus.
The setting rang true (see the author’s notes about her research). Women were treated as second-class, inferior citizens with little power. But there were some - the three main characters - who refused to be cowered and who sought to take control over their lives. I loved these three independent-minded, strong women and how much they were underestimated. There near misses and mishaps as they investigated were entertaining. While built around the investigation, this story was also about female friendship and community.
My only small quibble is that the ending seemed abrupt and just trailed off. I would have enjoyed seeing an epilogue.
I enjoyed this one! Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
1888, Whitechapel London and women are being murdered. Three women join forces to investigate who is doing the murders.
I have always had an interest in Jack the Ripper so was looking forward to reading this book. It follows three woman, Emma Abberline wife to Fred the inspector, Maggie a private detective and Bet who cleans the police station. All three start to investigate the Ripper killings and have a few mishaps along the way.
I liked the concept of the story although I did feel that the it was edging on the cozy crimes. I thought the relationship between the women was done quite well and could easily see more books featuring the characters.
There are the real life facts and characters in the story but of course it is a work of fiction. I'm on the fence with the ending but it being a fictional account of true events I suppose it can be gotten away with.
My first time reading a book by the author and I would give another book ago if there were to be one in the future. It would be fun to see the three women again investigating another real life crime.
I had received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley so thank you.
I have always had an interest in Jack the Ripper so was looking forward to reading this book. It follows three woman, Emma Abberline wife to Fred the inspector, Maggie a private detective and Bet who cleans the police station. All three start to investigate the Ripper killings and have a few mishaps along the way.
I liked the concept of the story although I did feel that the it was edging on the cozy crimes. I thought the relationship between the women was done quite well and could easily see more books featuring the characters.
There are the real life facts and characters in the story but of course it is a work of fiction. I'm on the fence with the ending but it being a fictional account of true events I suppose it can be gotten away with.
My first time reading a book by the author and I would give another book ago if there were to be one in the future. It would be fun to see the three women again investigating another real life crime.
I had received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley so thank you.
November 12, 2025
A female detective book about Jack the Ripper was something that I knew I would be interested in. A mixture of true facts and some fictional female characters made for a really fascinating take on the well known story. Bet,Maggie and Emma were really well written and all from different ways of life. I’ve read lots about the 1888 serial killer and found this ranks well amongst them.
March 5, 2026
I like Jack the Ripper stuff so I was really looking forward to this, but sadly, I am left disappointed. It was so sloooooow and drawn out. Pick up the pace a bit and lets get on with it.
April 18, 2026
This was a random book club pick and I really loved it! Such a good murder mystery with amazing female main characters. I would definitely recommend!!
October 21, 2025
A new take on the “Jack the Ripper” murders in Whitechapel in 1888, presenting an alternative history where three women — police station cleaner Bet, private detective Maggie, and Emma, the wife of the senior investigating officer — band together to find the killer. Imagining the stories of the real-life victims, the novel shows women taking a stand, albeit making a few false turns on the way.
May 7, 2026
What a lovely book, such an easy read (when I actually sat down and read). I appreciate at the end the author making a historical note and breaking down how this book uses real life suspects and information from the time!
October 24, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overview
The Women in the Shadows is a historical crime fiction novel that blends real-life history specifically the Jack the Ripper case with a fictional narrative centered around three female detectives determined to uncover the truth behind the murders terrorizing London. Drawing inspiration from the infamous unsolved crimes, Fox imagines a version of the story in which women step forward to investigate, challenge the system, and seek justice where men have failed.
The novel sits at the intersection of historical mystery and women-led detective fiction, featuring tropes such as multiple POV investigation, feminist detective work, and true-crime inspired fiction. While the Ripper murders remain unsolved in real history, this book aims to present a more conclusive outcome, offering narrative closure that the real case never had.
My thoughts
I found The Women in the Shadows to be an interesting and engaging take on the Jack the Ripper narrative particularly in the way it weaves together real events and people with fictional detectives shaping the outcome. The multiple perspectives made for a dynamic reading experience, and I really enjoyed how the story gave voice to women during a time when they were rarely acknowledged in criminal investigations.
However, certain elements did stretch believability for me. The fact that the three women detectives repeatedly and accidentally caused the deaths of men they suspected, four times in total throughout the story, felt a little unrealistic, especially for a genre that often leans on gritty authenticity and procedural logic. As a reader who loves historical fiction specifically for its grounded nature, I would have preferred a more plausible investigative process.
That said, the book was well written, with consistent pacing and strong atmosphere, and I genuinely enjoyed the story overall. It offers a bold reimagining of one of history’s darkest mysteries with a satisfying sense of resolution that true crime lovers may appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overview
The Women in the Shadows is a historical crime fiction novel that blends real-life history specifically the Jack the Ripper case with a fictional narrative centered around three female detectives determined to uncover the truth behind the murders terrorizing London. Drawing inspiration from the infamous unsolved crimes, Fox imagines a version of the story in which women step forward to investigate, challenge the system, and seek justice where men have failed.
The novel sits at the intersection of historical mystery and women-led detective fiction, featuring tropes such as multiple POV investigation, feminist detective work, and true-crime inspired fiction. While the Ripper murders remain unsolved in real history, this book aims to present a more conclusive outcome, offering narrative closure that the real case never had.
My thoughts
I found The Women in the Shadows to be an interesting and engaging take on the Jack the Ripper narrative particularly in the way it weaves together real events and people with fictional detectives shaping the outcome. The multiple perspectives made for a dynamic reading experience, and I really enjoyed how the story gave voice to women during a time when they were rarely acknowledged in criminal investigations.
However, certain elements did stretch believability for me. The fact that the three women detectives repeatedly and accidentally caused the deaths of men they suspected, four times in total throughout the story, felt a little unrealistic, especially for a genre that often leans on gritty authenticity and procedural logic. As a reader who loves historical fiction specifically for its grounded nature, I would have preferred a more plausible investigative process.
That said, the book was well written, with consistent pacing and strong atmosphere, and I genuinely enjoyed the story overall. It offers a bold reimagining of one of history’s darkest mysteries with a satisfying sense of resolution that true crime lovers may appreciate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Set during the time of the Ripper murders, this novel sees three women band together to investigate the crimes. Emma is the wife of Inspector Abberline, a good detective who's doing his damnedest to find the killer, while Maggie is a private detective and Bet is a cleaner at the police station. I loved the blend of real and fictional characters and the bond between the women. The author chooses her own solution for the killer and avoids any of the men actually suspected. An excellent work of historical fiction.
February 22, 2026
This was an easy to read romp of a fictional tale of how three women tried to solve the Jack The Ripper murders as they thought the police force (all male) weren’t making a serious job of investigating the horrific deaths of the female victims. Emma, Bet and Maggie were a great team and the story had me gasping at female victims deaths and smiling at a couple of the men’s! The author has shown respect to the actual victims while taking us on the women’s adventures trying to stop any further women being killed.
April 19, 2026
This is a tough book to review. It started out really good, and has some very interesting aspects. It also had a couple of things that disappointed me a bit. Overall, though, I enjoyed this. It started out as a 4-star read, but ended up with 3 stars from me.
I really liked the clever and creative angle this author brought to a story that has been told, retold and re-approached many, many times.
The reframing the story from the perspective of three fictional (well, mostly - Emma Abberline was the actual Inspector Abberline's wife but there's little known of her, and everything in the book about her is a creation of the author's) women living in Whitechapel at the time and banding together to investigate the murders was very creative and inventive. The author does a very good job of reimagining how that would have gone and most of what happens is plausible even in that time, which I liked.
The three main characters are well-written, believable and likeable, again, mostly. The Emma character is a bit prissy at points, but one can put that down to her privilege making her clueless. She means well, and she tries. The other two women are believable as having the knowledge, access and spunk to do the things they do and I especially liked Maggie.
The big disappointment is something I won't specifically discuss to avoid spoilers for anyone who is going to read the book. What I will say is that "it" happening once is plausible, but it happening a second time was a bridge too far and created an eye-roll moment that was what lost the book the 4th star read I was thinking this story was until that point.
The ending is also a bit of a stretch in the believability category, though it is certainly a much more satisfying conclusion to the Jack the Ripper case than the true reality leaves us with.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading this story. It's a fast, easy-reading and well-paced book and for most of it I was all in. There are some aspects that stretched one's credulity but this was not at all a bad read. Especially if you get it from the library for free, as I did, if you have a fascination with this unsolved case and a willingness to entertain a story that takes a unique perspective on reimagining how it "might" have happened instead.
I really liked the clever and creative angle this author brought to a story that has been told, retold and re-approached many, many times.
The reframing the story from the perspective of three fictional (well, mostly - Emma Abberline was the actual Inspector Abberline's wife but there's little known of her, and everything in the book about her is a creation of the author's) women living in Whitechapel at the time and banding together to investigate the murders was very creative and inventive. The author does a very good job of reimagining how that would have gone and most of what happens is plausible even in that time, which I liked.
The three main characters are well-written, believable and likeable, again, mostly. The Emma character is a bit prissy at points, but one can put that down to her privilege making her clueless. She means well, and she tries. The other two women are believable as having the knowledge, access and spunk to do the things they do and I especially liked Maggie.
The big disappointment is something I won't specifically discuss to avoid spoilers for anyone who is going to read the book. What I will say is that "it" happening once is plausible, but it happening a second time was a bridge too far and created an eye-roll moment that was what lost the book the 4th star read I was thinking this story was until that point.
The ending is also a bit of a stretch in the believability category, though it is certainly a much more satisfying conclusion to the Jack the Ripper case than the true reality leaves us with.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading this story. It's a fast, easy-reading and well-paced book and for most of it I was all in. There are some aspects that stretched one's credulity but this was not at all a bad read. Especially if you get it from the library for free, as I did, if you have a fascination with this unsolved case and a willingness to entertain a story that takes a unique perspective on reimagining how it "might" have happened instead.
May 7, 2026
As someone who loves true crime, especially anything connected to the Jack the Ripper murders, I really enjoyed The Women in the Shadows. I really liked how well it blended historical fact with fiction. The references to the Canonical Five victims, the use of real detectives and historical figures (especially George) and the gritty depiction of Victorian Whitechapel made the story feel immersive and authentic. It avoided the overly romanticized version of old London and instead captured the fear, poverty, and danger women faced during that time.
I especially loved the three main female characters, Emma, Bet, and Maggie. Their determination to investigate the murders and protect the women of Whitechapel made them easy to root for. Even when their investigation led to mistakes and dangerous situations, they never abandoned each other, which added to the strong emotional connection I felt to the story. If you’ve listened to the Morbid Podcast series on Jack the Ripper, you already know how terrifying this period would have been for women, and I think the book captured that tension really well. (If you like true crime & haven't listened to Morbid, go do it now and start with their 5 part series on Jack).
As an avid reader, I did figure out the twist and culprit fairly early on (even telling my coworkerwho I thought it was), but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The atmosphere, historical details, and character dynamics kept me invested. While this is very different from my usual dark romance reads, it was a refreshing change of pace and a book I genuinely enjoyed from start to finish.
4 out of 5 Ripper slashes
I especially loved the three main female characters, Emma, Bet, and Maggie. Their determination to investigate the murders and protect the women of Whitechapel made them easy to root for. Even when their investigation led to mistakes and dangerous situations, they never abandoned each other, which added to the strong emotional connection I felt to the story. If you’ve listened to the Morbid Podcast series on Jack the Ripper, you already know how terrifying this period would have been for women, and I think the book captured that tension really well. (If you like true crime & haven't listened to Morbid, go do it now and start with their 5 part series on Jack).
As an avid reader, I did figure out the twist and culprit fairly early on (even telling my coworkerwho I thought it was), but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The atmosphere, historical details, and character dynamics kept me invested. While this is very different from my usual dark romance reads, it was a refreshing change of pace and a book I genuinely enjoyed from start to finish.
4 out of 5 Ripper slashes
July 26, 2025
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an e-ARC via NetGalley. That hasn’t influenced my review and all opinions are my own!
I’ve recently been reading more historical fiction books, and I can’t even begin to describe how many Jack the Ripper books I’ve read. But there are no books like this, and I’m so in love with the premise of it.
A lot of people know about Jack the Ripper, but a lot of focus seems to go to him instead of the victims. My favourite thing about this book is that it humanises the women. The author’s note at the end reports that Harriet did some research about the women and what their lives were like, and that’s reflected throughout the book. There’s a good mix of ‘real events’ as well as some embellishment of fiction which really gives the reader a glimpse into those women before the atrocities. As a society, we are so obsessed with crime but we don’t really spend time thinking about the victims. So this book really put that idea into perspective for me. The use of the different chapters *as* the women is so clever; a lot of those chapters end very quickly which is an accurate representation of how quickly and unexpectedly the crimes happened. I also love the 3 main women, and their courage and outgoing nature is inspirational.
Overall, this is a great historical fiction novel that dives into the lives of all the women affected by this tragedy, and it is both heartbreaking and entertaining.
Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
I’ve recently been reading more historical fiction books, and I can’t even begin to describe how many Jack the Ripper books I’ve read. But there are no books like this, and I’m so in love with the premise of it.
A lot of people know about Jack the Ripper, but a lot of focus seems to go to him instead of the victims. My favourite thing about this book is that it humanises the women. The author’s note at the end reports that Harriet did some research about the women and what their lives were like, and that’s reflected throughout the book. There’s a good mix of ‘real events’ as well as some embellishment of fiction which really gives the reader a glimpse into those women before the atrocities. As a society, we are so obsessed with crime but we don’t really spend time thinking about the victims. So this book really put that idea into perspective for me. The use of the different chapters *as* the women is so clever; a lot of those chapters end very quickly which is an accurate representation of how quickly and unexpectedly the crimes happened. I also love the 3 main women, and their courage and outgoing nature is inspirational.
Overall, this is a great historical fiction novel that dives into the lives of all the women affected by this tragedy, and it is both heartbreaking and entertaining.
Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
September 14, 2025
Loosely based on the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper this is a fascinating look at this infamous killer through the eyes of three women, Emma, Bet and Maggie. A Victorian murder mystery with a twist. It’s 1888 and women are being viciously murdered on the streets of Whitechapel, East London. The police, led by Inspector Fred Abberline, are getting nowhere. Well researched with many characters from the actual case, including all the victims and some of the police, included in the story.
Briefly, Emma Abberline sees how her husband is struggling with this case, bored at home she thinks she can do better. Bet is a local 19 year old who knew the victims and Emma hires her as a cleaner. Bet also cleans at the police station. Maggie runs a detective agency. The three hook up and decide they can put their individual skills together to help the police. Unfortunately they have a knack of leaving dead bodies in their wake! All accidental. But bit by bit they start uncovering clues which they believe could lead them to the killer.
One of many historical fiction stories written around the factual story of Jack the Ripper but this is told from a different perspective and makes for a very enjoyable read. The treatment of the victims was inexcusable, based largely on their lives as prostitutes, I wonder whether the killer would have been caught had he chosen more ‘respectable’ victims? An engaging thriller with a remarkable twist. It would be good to see the 3 ladies in action again.
Briefly, Emma Abberline sees how her husband is struggling with this case, bored at home she thinks she can do better. Bet is a local 19 year old who knew the victims and Emma hires her as a cleaner. Bet also cleans at the police station. Maggie runs a detective agency. The three hook up and decide they can put their individual skills together to help the police. Unfortunately they have a knack of leaving dead bodies in their wake! All accidental. But bit by bit they start uncovering clues which they believe could lead them to the killer.
One of many historical fiction stories written around the factual story of Jack the Ripper but this is told from a different perspective and makes for a very enjoyable read. The treatment of the victims was inexcusable, based largely on their lives as prostitutes, I wonder whether the killer would have been caught had he chosen more ‘respectable’ victims? An engaging thriller with a remarkable twist. It would be good to see the 3 ladies in action again.
October 8, 2025
There are endless conspiracy theories around Jack the Ripper and many books, both fictional and non-fictional, have been written about him. Women in the Shadows takes what is already known about the murders and weaves them into a very readable fictional story about three women, from different backgrounds, who come together to try and solve the murders. Emma is the wife of Inspector Abberline who is in charge of the Ripper investigation, Maggie is a clever female private detective, and Bet is a feisty young woman for whom the streets of Whitechapel are achingly familiar.These intrepid women are a great bunch of characters, brought to life so clearly that you walk the streets alongside them as they do what they can in order to bring a killer to justice. However, I did suspend belief a little at some of the outcomes of their investigations but that added to the overall dynamic of the story.
The Women in the Shadows is a fascinating story which keeps true to the murder victims without sharing any of the more gruesome details and yet gives a plausible explanation for could have happened during the Ripper’s killing spree in the latter part of 1888. Well written, and with a realistic sense of time and place, the dark, and shadowy streets, around Whitechapel come alive, highlighting the poverty of its inhabitants, the desperate nature of those who seek comfort in a gin bottle and of the true vulnerability of those women who walked the streets at nights in fear of their lives.
March 30, 2026
I found it to be a twisted and gruesome story blended with comedy, romance, and a strong sense of sisterhood. I especially appreciated the elements of historical significance woven throughout the narrative. What stood out to me most was the ironic portrayal of the victims—they were not depicted in a particularly sympathetic light. Perhaps, it is to challenge traditional expectations of victimhood and to emphasize the complexity and moral ambiguity within the story.
I also noticed that the book didn’t have many plot twists. Most of the key elements were laid out pretty clearly from the start, which made it feel like it wasn’t a story that required much critical thinking. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it did make the reading experience feel more straightforward than I expected.
I did find it a bit odd that Green wanted to court Bet—was there an actual reason behind it, or did it feel more like a side quest he randomly decided to pursue? 😆
The aspect of sisterhood was something I enjoyed the most throughout the book, as well as their uncanny “luck” in ridding the world of evil men. I also appreciated how the author incorporated real historical figures into the story, which added an extra layer of intrigue and made the narrative feel more grounded.
This was, for lack of a better term, a comfort book for me—despite the dark and unsettling backdrop of the story. 🥲
I also noticed that the book didn’t have many plot twists. Most of the key elements were laid out pretty clearly from the start, which made it feel like it wasn’t a story that required much critical thinking. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it did make the reading experience feel more straightforward than I expected.
I did find it a bit odd that Green wanted to court Bet—was there an actual reason behind it, or did it feel more like a side quest he randomly decided to pursue? 😆
The aspect of sisterhood was something I enjoyed the most throughout the book, as well as their uncanny “luck” in ridding the world of evil men. I also appreciated how the author incorporated real historical figures into the story, which added an extra layer of intrigue and made the narrative feel more grounded.
This was, for lack of a better term, a comfort book for me—despite the dark and unsettling backdrop of the story. 🥲
September 28, 2025
I am in awe of authors who seemlessly blend historical fact with fiction. I know the basics of the Jack the Ripper murders but not enough to recognise the actual facts in this story. Did it matter? Not a bit. Three ladies from completely different backgrounds come together and all have one aim - to stop the killings. As women were totally undermined in Victorian times, their investigations were unnoticed or even ridiculed. This helped them to observe and discover evidence that meant they were often ahead of the police. It wasn’t all plain sailing, of course and they found themselves in extremely dangerous circumstances more than once. Devious twists meant suspicion fell on more than one person and trust was something that was hard to come by as absolute fear gripped the deprived Whitechapel area. As the murder count increased, the ladies felt under pressure to find this evil man who brought terror to this devastated community. An excellent story that highlighted the extreme poverty of the era and the desperate lengths women have to go to just to survive. The characters were a great representation of the different classes but friendship was more important than the financial disparities. A well researched book that cleverly told the story from a completely different angle. I would be very interested in reading more from this talented author.
November 25, 2025
wow!!!
What a clever, atmospheric, and refreshingly different take on the Jack the Ripper mystery. Harriet Fox drops you straight into the gaslit, grimy streets of 1888 London, but instead of following the usual suspects, she hands the narrative over to the women who were never allowed a voice and I loved every second of it.
Emma, Maggie, and Bet are three women who should’ve been invisible in their time, yet Fox makes them the true force of the story. Their courage and resilience shine through as they navigate corruption, danger, and the suffocating limitations of their world.
I adored how each woman brought her own strength: Emma with her sharp observations, Maggie with her grit and investigative instinct, and Bet with her access to secrets no one else notices.
The book blends historical detail with tension filled mystery beautifully. The atmosphere is vivid, the pacing keeps you hooked, and I couldn’t help rooting for these women as they tackle a case the men around them continuously mishandle.
A feminist, clever, compelling twist on one of history’s most infamous murder cases. Dark, immersive, and so well done.
What a clever, atmospheric, and refreshingly different take on the Jack the Ripper mystery. Harriet Fox drops you straight into the gaslit, grimy streets of 1888 London, but instead of following the usual suspects, she hands the narrative over to the women who were never allowed a voice and I loved every second of it.
Emma, Maggie, and Bet are three women who should’ve been invisible in their time, yet Fox makes them the true force of the story. Their courage and resilience shine through as they navigate corruption, danger, and the suffocating limitations of their world.
I adored how each woman brought her own strength: Emma with her sharp observations, Maggie with her grit and investigative instinct, and Bet with her access to secrets no one else notices.
The book blends historical detail with tension filled mystery beautifully. The atmosphere is vivid, the pacing keeps you hooked, and I couldn’t help rooting for these women as they tackle a case the men around them continuously mishandle.
A feminist, clever, compelling twist on one of history’s most infamous murder cases. Dark, immersive, and so well done.
October 18, 2025
The book's main strength was the dynamic between the three main characters. I love stories of female solidarity, so this was right in my alley.
I liked that the story didn't make the obvious choice regarding the identity of the culprit and how it highlighted the contributions of Victorian women detectives.
That being said, the writing style was pretty generic and the story didn't feel as immersive as it should have. Sometimes, the dialogue was a little childish.
This was also very bleak, with a lot of violence against women. I know this should be expected given the topic, but it was really everywhere. During their investigation, the protagonists are confronted to many violent and deranged suspects Thankfully, there's nothing too graphic, especially as far as the murders are concerned.
I liked that the story didn't make the obvious choice regarding the identity of the culprit and how it highlighted the contributions of Victorian women detectives.
That being said, the writing style was pretty generic and the story didn't feel as immersive as it should have. Sometimes, the dialogue was a little childish.
This was also very bleak, with a lot of violence against women. I know this should be expected given the topic, but it was really everywhere. During their investigation, the protagonists are confronted to many violent and deranged suspects Thankfully, there's nothing too graphic, especially as far as the murders are concerned.
October 12, 2025
⭐3.75- thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before the release date.
This was my second ever historical fiction book and also about Jack the Ripper.
I really enjoyed having a different perspective into this, and the whole story being led by the 3 main women. It was very cool to see them trying to solve the case and finding themselves in rather unfortunate situations.
It felt almost as if I was there with them, in Whitechapel witnessing it all firsthand.
I appreciated that the language used wasn't too old fashioned that it would get me lost and confused while following along.
I don't think I've realised the twist as early as I thought but also I knew that it was pretty obvious as soon as it got discovered.
The ending seemed quite abrupt as well, I found myself wanting to keep reading.
Nonetheless, a very interesting and captivating read from the genre I wouldn't normally pick.
This was my second ever historical fiction book and also about Jack the Ripper.
I really enjoyed having a different perspective into this, and the whole story being led by the 3 main women. It was very cool to see them trying to solve the case and finding themselves in rather unfortunate situations.
It felt almost as if I was there with them, in Whitechapel witnessing it all firsthand.
I appreciated that the language used wasn't too old fashioned that it would get me lost and confused while following along.
I don't think I've realised the twist as early as I thought but also I knew that it was pretty obvious as soon as it got discovered.
The ending seemed quite abrupt as well, I found myself wanting to keep reading.
Nonetheless, a very interesting and captivating read from the genre I wouldn't normally pick.
December 20, 2025
AN INTERESTING FICTITIOUS TAKE ON JACK THE RIPPER
It took me a while to get through this book. It was well written and the author did do homework on the facts of the case. But having a lifelong interest in the subject made me find fault with some of her characters. It was necessary to make Aberline sympathetic and competent to carry the story forward. Unfortunately he was not. He botched the case very badly, so it was hard to suspend that knowledge while reading. The three women characters were likable, well drawn out, smart and amusing. It was just very sad the way women were treated and dismissed back then. Nothing more than second class citizens. The atmosphere of Whitechapel was well captured and accurate. I wish I didn’t, but I knew who the Ripper was right from the beginning, so there was no tension or surprise. Still, the premise was quite different and made the story interesting.
It took me a while to get through this book. It was well written and the author did do homework on the facts of the case. But having a lifelong interest in the subject made me find fault with some of her characters. It was necessary to make Aberline sympathetic and competent to carry the story forward. Unfortunately he was not. He botched the case very badly, so it was hard to suspend that knowledge while reading. The three women characters were likable, well drawn out, smart and amusing. It was just very sad the way women were treated and dismissed back then. Nothing more than second class citizens. The atmosphere of Whitechapel was well captured and accurate. I wish I didn’t, but I knew who the Ripper was right from the beginning, so there was no tension or surprise. Still, the premise was quite different and made the story interesting.
March 8, 2026
Very enjoyable read. The blend of fact and fiction was very well done and reflects the author’s dedication to research. I got a kick out of the ‘wicked women of Whitechapel’ and how their prime suspects kept coming to untimely ends in almost slapstick fashion. Kind of silly in the context of the story, but also a nice way to sort of lighten the mood as it were.
One thing that stood out for me was how the author gave each of the victims their own chapter to allow us a window into their lives and their humanity. They were real women with family and friends and dreams and flaws, all of which gets overshadowed by the sordid details of their deaths and the sensationalism of the Ripper story. I appreciated getting to see them and see the world through their eyes.
Definitely a good read. Now on to read “The Five” by Hallie Rubenhold as recommended by the author AND which I coincidentally already have on my TBR shelf! 😁
One thing that stood out for me was how the author gave each of the victims their own chapter to allow us a window into their lives and their humanity. They were real women with family and friends and dreams and flaws, all of which gets overshadowed by the sordid details of their deaths and the sensationalism of the Ripper story. I appreciated getting to see them and see the world through their eyes.
Definitely a good read. Now on to read “The Five” by Hallie Rubenhold as recommended by the author AND which I coincidentally already have on my TBR shelf! 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher. This was an intriguing lens on the Jack the Ripper investigation told from the perspective of women adjacent to the case. The female camaraderie was what made this book feel special as we see these women supporting each other and looking out for one another even though they are from different walks of life and face derision and dismissal from some male characters. That said, there were some helpful men who showed genuine concern and care making this feel fairly balanced. I particularly liked the portrayal of Frank Abberline and his genuine love and admiration for his wife Emma.
This book is putting a fictional spin on real life crimes and I did feel the author has shown respect to the women affected, treating them as real human beings and not just victims. There were some references to the grisly details of the crimes, but largely this steered away from revelling in horror and visceral details. The focus is on the women in the community and how they felt they had to step up to protect each other when the males in authority were not treating this predator with enough seriousness and concern.
This did run a little long, there were a few moments that required suspension of belief but overall it was an intriguing mystery, with characters you can root for, that was considerately written.
This book is putting a fictional spin on real life crimes and I did feel the author has shown respect to the women affected, treating them as real human beings and not just victims. There were some references to the grisly details of the crimes, but largely this steered away from revelling in horror and visceral details. The focus is on the women in the community and how they felt they had to step up to protect each other when the males in authority were not treating this predator with enough seriousness and concern.
This did run a little long, there were a few moments that required suspension of belief but overall it was an intriguing mystery, with characters you can root for, that was considerately written.
November 16, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Set during the time of the heinous Ripper murders, this book is a historical fiction and describes the result of three women; Emma, Maggie and Bet and their fight to uncomfortable er the identity of one of the worst and most viscous, serial killers in history.
This is a great read, the characters are well written and very likeable. You want the women to succeed and I really enjoyed reading about their thoughts, ideas and journey to try and find the identity of the illusive murderer. There were a couple of occasions where it lost it slightly for me, but not enough to stop me reading or spoil my enjoyment.
This is a great, all rounder and I really loved the female characters.
I’d like to thank HQ Digital, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set during the time of the heinous Ripper murders, this book is a historical fiction and describes the result of three women; Emma, Maggie and Bet and their fight to uncomfortable er the identity of one of the worst and most viscous, serial killers in history.
This is a great read, the characters are well written and very likeable. You want the women to succeed and I really enjoyed reading about their thoughts, ideas and journey to try and find the identity of the illusive murderer. There were a couple of occasions where it lost it slightly for me, but not enough to stop me reading or spoil my enjoyment.
This is a great, all rounder and I really loved the female characters.
I’d like to thank HQ Digital, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 23, 2026
🎧 The Women in the Shadows
Harriet Fox
Narrated by Bronwen Price
Foggy London, the Ripper murders, and women who refuse to stay in the shadows 🕯️
This delivered exactly the kind of historical mystery I’m always chasing.
Foggy London, gaslight shadows, and a cast of women who are distinct, capable, and just a little dangerous. The tone hits that balance I love—dark, but never joyless, with just enough dry humor woven through.
The story centers on the Jack the Ripper murders, but what really stood out to me was the way the women are brought into focus. It adds depth and perspective while keeping the investigation front and center.
While this is a work of fiction, I highly recommend The Five if you’re interested in learning more about the real women behind the history.
Give me atmospheric settings and women who can handle a body or two… I’m in 🖤
Harriet Fox
Narrated by Bronwen Price
Foggy London, the Ripper murders, and women who refuse to stay in the shadows 🕯️
This delivered exactly the kind of historical mystery I’m always chasing.
Foggy London, gaslight shadows, and a cast of women who are distinct, capable, and just a little dangerous. The tone hits that balance I love—dark, but never joyless, with just enough dry humor woven through.
The story centers on the Jack the Ripper murders, but what really stood out to me was the way the women are brought into focus. It adds depth and perspective while keeping the investigation front and center.
While this is a work of fiction, I highly recommend The Five if you’re interested in learning more about the real women behind the history.
Give me atmospheric settings and women who can handle a body or two… I’m in 🖤
September 10, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book! Really enjoyed this one, it was very interesting, written in a lovely way and really captivated me.
I love reading about Jack the Ripper as it is such a fascinating mystery, this book really was satisfying and a good idea to write.
I love Bet, Emma and Maggie as characters. They were strong, independent and full of character which is nice to see for women in the Victorian era. The book was nicely paced, written in a clear and concise way and the descriptions of streets and places really made me feel like I was part of the story as an observer.
I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you HQ publishing for sending me a copy of the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I love reading about Jack the Ripper as it is such a fascinating mystery, this book really was satisfying and a good idea to write.
I love Bet, Emma and Maggie as characters. They were strong, independent and full of character which is nice to see for women in the Victorian era. The book was nicely paced, written in a clear and concise way and the descriptions of streets and places really made me feel like I was part of the story as an observer.
I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you HQ publishing for sending me a copy of the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews