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Dawn of the Ripper: Book One
A serial killer is loose on the streets of Victorian Brighton.
When two women are found brutally murdered, their deaths are so horrifying that fear and panic grip the entire town. It is only a matter of time before the killer strikes again— and only two people stand in his way.
Elsbeth Hargreaves and Inspector Abberline are in a race against time.
Elsbeth, a renowned spiritualist who speaks with the dead, and Inspector Abberline, an evidence-driven detective, must work together to find Brighton’s most elusive killer. Aided by a corrupt mortician, the pair know that should they fail, their adversary’s murderous reign will continue, unchecked.
The Makings of a Monster.
Through winding, narrow streets of the North Laine, into Brighton’s network of underground sewers, and The Dead House, Elsbeth and Abberline must put aside their differences to track down the psychotic maniac terrorising Brighton. In this gripping, fast-paced thriller, discover the untold early crimes of Jack the Ripper. Years before the horrors of Whitechapel, his terrifying rule begins. Buried evidence and police corruption pave the way for an infamous legend to be born.
The year is 1883. The Ripper begins his dark, twisted journey towards destiny.
When two women are found brutally murdered, their deaths are so horrifying that fear and panic grip the entire town. It is only a matter of time before the killer strikes again— and only two people stand in his way.
Elsbeth Hargreaves and Inspector Abberline are in a race against time.
Elsbeth, a renowned spiritualist who speaks with the dead, and Inspector Abberline, an evidence-driven detective, must work together to find Brighton’s most elusive killer. Aided by a corrupt mortician, the pair know that should they fail, their adversary’s murderous reign will continue, unchecked.
The Makings of a Monster.
Through winding, narrow streets of the North Laine, into Brighton’s network of underground sewers, and The Dead House, Elsbeth and Abberline must put aside their differences to track down the psychotic maniac terrorising Brighton. In this gripping, fast-paced thriller, discover the untold early crimes of Jack the Ripper. Years before the horrors of Whitechapel, his terrifying rule begins. Buried evidence and police corruption pave the way for an infamous legend to be born.
The year is 1883. The Ripper begins his dark, twisted journey towards destiny.
322 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 13, 2025
I bought this book before a holiday as I wanted something new and different, away from the usual books I would choose.
Then I panicked in the airport and picked to the latest John Grisham paperback as a dependable standby with quotes about 'making the reader gasp'! Still nervous about my decision, I read that book first...
I can honestly say that Dawn Of The Ripper was way more gripping on every page and much better written!!
It felt fresh, with an engaging, brilliant plot that felt both believable and expertly researched. The descriptions painted fabulously detailed pictures of the events and locations, with mesmerising characters who were deep, relatable and compelling.
Then there was the pace and drama of the story itself...wow! I devoured it in a third of the time that I took to read my paperback. I couldn't wait to find out what happened and how the characters would fare. I felt a real connection to them all; the tension they endured at times was almost unbearable. One scene (that I won't spoil by revealing) actually gave me goosebumps like a jump scare in a horror film!
Gritty, unique, sinister, clever, fast-paced, frightening and thoroughly engrossing from beginning to end. A masterful piece of writing that I heartily recommend...if you dare! Outstanding!!!
Then I panicked in the airport and picked to the latest John Grisham paperback as a dependable standby with quotes about 'making the reader gasp'! Still nervous about my decision, I read that book first...
I can honestly say that Dawn Of The Ripper was way more gripping on every page and much better written!!
It felt fresh, with an engaging, brilliant plot that felt both believable and expertly researched. The descriptions painted fabulously detailed pictures of the events and locations, with mesmerising characters who were deep, relatable and compelling.
Then there was the pace and drama of the story itself...wow! I devoured it in a third of the time that I took to read my paperback. I couldn't wait to find out what happened and how the characters would fare. I felt a real connection to them all; the tension they endured at times was almost unbearable. One scene (that I won't spoil by revealing) actually gave me goosebumps like a jump scare in a horror film!
Gritty, unique, sinister, clever, fast-paced, frightening and thoroughly engrossing from beginning to end. A masterful piece of writing that I heartily recommend...if you dare! Outstanding!!!
July 19, 2026
About as interesting as 6th formers homework where they were tasked with writing a a short story on historical events and the history events and they asked ChatGPT to come up with a plot on Jack the Ripper. I am amazed that other readers rated this highly ; it honestly reads more like fan fiction. Having said that, the author has written more books than me, so what do I know. The title and core idea was good I suppose.
December 28, 2025
Dawn of the Ripper
Excellent read. Couldn't put it down.
Could he really have existed in another town, perfectly feasible.
We know now, we think who he was, but still Jack The Ripper still fascinates us.
Have purchased the next book, hoping for another exciting and excellent read.
Excellent read. Couldn't put it down.
Could he really have existed in another town, perfectly feasible.
We know now, we think who he was, but still Jack The Ripper still fascinates us.
Have purchased the next book, hoping for another exciting and excellent read.
October 14, 2025
This was my first horror and I really enjoyed it, I was gripped. A really well written book. I am fairly local to Brighton and it was interesting to read about this time in history. Well researched and informative. This is the author’s first book and I am looking forward to the sequel!
January 17, 2026
Gripping Read
Excellent book that holds your attention from page one throughout. Well written,look forward to reading book 2. No doubt it will provide compelling reading
Excellent book that holds your attention from page one throughout. Well written,look forward to reading book 2. No doubt it will provide compelling reading
March 10, 2026
This book is AWESOME, brilliant story, great characters, just thrilling, has you on the edge of your seat. Cannot wait to read book 2!
April 20, 2026
Really great well well researched and the characters are good ,
May 20, 2026
Great book
It's one of my favourite crime books. It's very well written. I couldn't put it down. I go for book 2
It's one of my favourite crime books. It's very well written. I couldn't put it down. I go for book 2
August 1, 2026
Excellent starting next book straight away.
The two main characters are brilliant
The two main characters are brilliant
March 4, 2025
“Dawn of the Ripper” is a page-turning crime novel, set in Victorian Brighton, tracking Jack The Ripper before his series of murders in Whitechapel as Matt Ross crafts a well-paced story. The author’s descriptive style is evocative and clearly the product of extensive research.
As he pits the reason of the day in Inspector Abberline against Elsbeth’s intuitive approach using her connections to the spirit world, he shows that in the end, it will take the skills of both to solve the gruesome murders of women of varying status in life.
As he pits the reason of the day in Inspector Abberline against Elsbeth’s intuitive approach using her connections to the spirit world, he shows that in the end, it will take the skills of both to solve the gruesome murders of women of varying status in life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews