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Sam Smith Mystery #4
Ripper: The Sam Smith Mystery Series, Book 4
Someone was murdering prostitutes, placing their bodies in the Bay and covering them with roses. To the media, he was "Cardiff Jack", to the rest of us he was a man to avoid and fear.
Meanwhile, I was searching for Faye Collister, a prostitute. Why was Faye, a beautiful woman from a privileged background, walking the streets? Why had she disappeared? And what was her connection to Cardiff Jack?
As questions tumbled into answers, I made a shocking discovery, a discovery that would resonate with me for the rest of my days.
Ripper - the story of a week in my life that reshaped the past, disturbed the present and brought the promise of an uncertain future.
Meanwhile, I was searching for Faye Collister, a prostitute. Why was Faye, a beautiful woman from a privileged background, walking the streets? Why had she disappeared? And what was her connection to Cardiff Jack?
As questions tumbled into answers, I made a shocking discovery, a discovery that would resonate with me for the rest of my days.
Ripper - the story of a week in my life that reshaped the past, disturbed the present and brought the promise of an uncertain future.
- GenresMystery
Audible Audio
First published July 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 11, 2018
Book #4 of the Sam Smith Mysteries is my favorite so far. There’s suspense, tension and danger in the whodunit part of the story, and the heroine’s personal journey takes an interesting turn in this installment.
Sam is investigating a string of murders after a friend becomes the latest victim of “Cardiff Jack,” who specializes in knifing prostitutes to death. And, as usual, Sam puts herself in harm’s way. But the identity of the serial killer is a real surprise. Don’t want to reveal too much, but suffice it to say it’s an engrossing story. The threads of Sam’s personal and professional lives are tightly interwoven in this episode of the Sam Smith series.
Sam is investigating a string of murders after a friend becomes the latest victim of “Cardiff Jack,” who specializes in knifing prostitutes to death. And, as usual, Sam puts herself in harm’s way. But the identity of the serial killer is a real surprise. Don’t want to reveal too much, but suffice it to say it’s an engrossing story. The threads of Sam’s personal and professional lives are tightly interwoven in this episode of the Sam Smith series.
December 26, 2018
Sam's story continues to engage the reader. Looking forward to Book 5.
December 9, 2017
Ripper, Book Four in The Sam Smith Mystery Series (Hannah Howe) sees our young female detective (Sam Smith) on the hunt for a brutal killer. Prostitutes are being picked off of the streets, only to meet their doom at the hands of someone the Cardiff authorities call The Cardiff Jack.
As usual, I found nothing to fault with Hannah Howe's work. Each Sam Smith novel hooks me from the start, drawing me deeper into Sam's world. I now feel like I've known Sam all my life: her successes and failures are now my own. Her sense of spirit always works to lift my mood, as does Howe's beautifully detailed work, in general.
Howe also has a particular gift for imagery and makes excellent use of the five main human senses, to give the reader the sensation that they are actually present in the events of her stories.
Howe had me guessing the whole way through. I had no idea who our mysterious killer was and found myself shocked upon the discovery of the killer's identity.
If you enjoy tales of love, loss, and deadly revenge, then I'd definitely recommend Ripper.
My rating? 5 stars.
Recommended For: Lovers of Thrillers, crime, and mystery novels.
As usual, I found nothing to fault with Hannah Howe's work. Each Sam Smith novel hooks me from the start, drawing me deeper into Sam's world. I now feel like I've known Sam all my life: her successes and failures are now my own. Her sense of spirit always works to lift my mood, as does Howe's beautifully detailed work, in general.
Howe also has a particular gift for imagery and makes excellent use of the five main human senses, to give the reader the sensation that they are actually present in the events of her stories.
Howe had me guessing the whole way through. I had no idea who our mysterious killer was and found myself shocked upon the discovery of the killer's identity.
If you enjoy tales of love, loss, and deadly revenge, then I'd definitely recommend Ripper.
My rating? 5 stars.
Recommended For: Lovers of Thrillers, crime, and mystery novels.
August 13, 2018
Removed Sam Smith Books From TBR List
This mystery set in Cardiff, Wales, features Samantha “Sam” Smith, an enquiry agent, who is asked to find a missing prostitute. Time is of the essence, because a murderer named Cardiff Jack has knifed seven prostitutes, covering victims’ bodies with roses, and floating them in Cardiff Bay.
From the numerous 5 star reviews, I was sure I’d found myself a new police procedural series. When I got into this story, the police personnel seemed written as mostly ineffective. Their actions at a murder scene lacked clarity, there were no high visibility foot/auto patrols at the waterfront, no possibility bruited about use of decoys, and no action on the red and white roses.
As in many cozies, the protagonist takes TSTL actions alone, even though she has a tough on call. She goes to the waterfront where Jack hunts and walks into “swirling mist” whilst saying “visibility was non-existent.” She hears heavy footsteps and has no idea who’s about, but she does NOT draw her gun. She leaves it in her handbag and gets slammed by Jack.
But in the low visibility of the swirling blanket of mist, Sam sees that Jack’s “. . . eyes were dark, almost violet, and speckled, a strange combination that I’d not seen before.” She has Vampire eyes?
IMHO, the late-ish reveals about Sam’s personal life and the hostage situation strained credulity. No more Sam Smith books on my TBR list.
This mystery set in Cardiff, Wales, features Samantha “Sam” Smith, an enquiry agent, who is asked to find a missing prostitute. Time is of the essence, because a murderer named Cardiff Jack has knifed seven prostitutes, covering victims’ bodies with roses, and floating them in Cardiff Bay.
From the numerous 5 star reviews, I was sure I’d found myself a new police procedural series. When I got into this story, the police personnel seemed written as mostly ineffective. Their actions at a murder scene lacked clarity, there were no high visibility foot/auto patrols at the waterfront, no possibility bruited about use of decoys, and no action on the red and white roses.
As in many cozies, the protagonist takes TSTL actions alone, even though she has a tough on call. She goes to the waterfront where Jack hunts and walks into “swirling mist” whilst saying “visibility was non-existent.” She hears heavy footsteps and has no idea who’s about, but she does NOT draw her gun. She leaves it in her handbag and gets slammed by Jack.
But in the low visibility of the swirling blanket of mist, Sam sees that Jack’s “. . . eyes were dark, almost violet, and speckled, a strange combination that I’d not seen before.” She has Vampire eyes?
IMHO, the late-ish reveals about Sam’s personal life and the hostage situation strained credulity. No more Sam Smith books on my TBR list.
November 8, 2015
An engrossing read I just couldn't put down. Private Investigator Sam is asked to find the missing friend of a woman so down on her luck that she must go on the game to pay her bills. The friend, Faye, is in a different category, having chosen to be a call girl, despite coming from a rich background. Sam shows her compassion by taking on the case pro bono, despite the risk to herself investigating on such turf as there is a serial killer of prostitutes on the loose. The killer strikes close to home when he gets Sam's client.
What makes this book stand well above the rest of detective thrillers is the attention to the little details that makes everything so real. Sam wears a skirt in the first few pages, immediately identifying her as a woman. Alan, Sam's fiancee, a psychologist, gives a clear profile of a serial killer and in the process I learned a nicety in definition of two different types of mental problems that had previously seemed similar to me.
I love that Sam is not a perfect person and has a past of varying sorts of abuse piled on her, not to mention a missing father she has never seen and doesn't know anything about. This makes her a rounded and very real character and shows where her choices come from. Yes, she has a hard edge, but also a very deep empathy for others. This is a character to follow and I note there are other books with her. Wonderful read!
What makes this book stand well above the rest of detective thrillers is the attention to the little details that makes everything so real. Sam wears a skirt in the first few pages, immediately identifying her as a woman. Alan, Sam's fiancee, a psychologist, gives a clear profile of a serial killer and in the process I learned a nicety in definition of two different types of mental problems that had previously seemed similar to me.
I love that Sam is not a perfect person and has a past of varying sorts of abuse piled on her, not to mention a missing father she has never seen and doesn't know anything about. This makes her a rounded and very real character and shows where her choices come from. Yes, she has a hard edge, but also a very deep empathy for others. This is a character to follow and I note there are other books with her. Wonderful read!
October 8, 2015
Ripper: A Sam Smith Mystery is the fourth book in this series, and although I hadn't read any of the previous books I was able to jump in to the story without a problem. And what a story it is! I enjoyed it so much, I went back online halfway through the read to download the first book in the series. I fully intend to read all of them; the story and the writing are that good. I love the character of Sam--she is smart, funny, stubborn and scrappy. I especially love her aura of calm when everything is hitting the fan! I think my favorite character would have to be Mac, though; a big Scotsman with a ginger moustache and a penchant for chocolate bars and dangling bad guys over a railing. He is just priceless. Although this book is technically a mystery, it is also about love, family, redemption and healing. If you love a good mystery with fantastic characters, you won't go wrong with this one!
March 4, 2016
In this the fourth book of the Sam Smith Mysteries, we follow Sam on an investigation to find a missing call girl, who is daughter to a wealthy family.
New characters are introduced and, as always, they are very well developed.
The author manages to maintain a tense pace throughout whilst giving us insight to the minds of serial killers and her own personal relationship with a doctor.
As always with Ms Howe's books, I was captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the style of writing that keeps me turning pages.
A very smart, well written book, keeping up the high standards of the previous three.
New characters are introduced and, as always, they are very well developed.
The author manages to maintain a tense pace throughout whilst giving us insight to the minds of serial killers and her own personal relationship with a doctor.
As always with Ms Howe's books, I was captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the style of writing that keeps me turning pages.
A very smart, well written book, keeping up the high standards of the previous three.
December 15, 2015
Another great thriller in this excellent series. Sam Smith is a lead character that can maintain a series easily with her inner turnmoil and issues but each of the stories I have read so far has had a great story, and so has this one.
The Cardiff Ripper goes after prostitutes and Sam goes after him. Lovely Welsh local flair, great plotting and a thrilling pace make this a riveting read. This should do well with crime fiction readers, whether with specialised taste for Welsh noir or those after psychological components. Truly enjoyable.
The Cardiff Ripper goes after prostitutes and Sam goes after him. Lovely Welsh local flair, great plotting and a thrilling pace make this a riveting read. This should do well with crime fiction readers, whether with specialised taste for Welsh noir or those after psychological components. Truly enjoyable.
October 12, 2016
I'm really enjoying the Sam Smith series. I read the first one and I was hooked. This, the fourth in the series did not disappoint. It's gritty and gets into some philosophical issues at times, but never for a moment fails to entertain completely. I couldn't put it down. Now some new characters [no spoilers] have been introduced, I'm really looking forward to seeing where she goes with the next one.
August 4, 2019
Interesting story with a familiar ring...
In this installment of Sam Smith, we find ourselves experiencing back alleys, ghettos, and dimly lit waterfronts as well as the lush extravagance of the rich. As with previous books in this series, the author does a great job of developing characters with real-life problems that you can relate to. The story begins with Sam overworked, but still intrigued by the mystery of Cardiff Jack; a Jack the Ripper style serial killer. When Julie — a friend who saved her in a previous book — asks for Sam’s help to find a missing friend, Sam can’t say no. The search pulls her into the mystery of Cardiff Jack.
Sam is still messed up, but with her fiancé Alan’s help, she is slowly finding balance. In addition to the mystery of the serial killer, Sam uncovers the answer to a personal mystery that has always plagued her. I like how Alan understands her need to maintain control, but he also loves her and can’t resist stepping in when she truly needs it. Conversely, Sam is stubborn and wants to make it on her own but knows when to turn to Alan for support.
Ripper was a quick mystery that draws you in and keeps you interested until the very end. It was an enjoyable read with fun and interesting characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the lives of Sam, Alan, Mac and Sweets.
Melanie P Smith
In this installment of Sam Smith, we find ourselves experiencing back alleys, ghettos, and dimly lit waterfronts as well as the lush extravagance of the rich. As with previous books in this series, the author does a great job of developing characters with real-life problems that you can relate to. The story begins with Sam overworked, but still intrigued by the mystery of Cardiff Jack; a Jack the Ripper style serial killer. When Julie — a friend who saved her in a previous book — asks for Sam’s help to find a missing friend, Sam can’t say no. The search pulls her into the mystery of Cardiff Jack.
Sam is still messed up, but with her fiancé Alan’s help, she is slowly finding balance. In addition to the mystery of the serial killer, Sam uncovers the answer to a personal mystery that has always plagued her. I like how Alan understands her need to maintain control, but he also loves her and can’t resist stepping in when she truly needs it. Conversely, Sam is stubborn and wants to make it on her own but knows when to turn to Alan for support.
Ripper was a quick mystery that draws you in and keeps you interested until the very end. It was an enjoyable read with fun and interesting characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the lives of Sam, Alan, Mac and Sweets.
Melanie P Smith
September 9, 2018
This is an unabashed series from a truly female voice.
I discovered Hannah Howe's work in SAVING GRACE. That was based on a true story set in the Victorian Age.
This series is contemporary and set in Wales. The series seem to each be one week in the life of her protagonist Sam Smith. Sam comes from a troubled background that she uses as a springboard to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. The stories are part Perils of Pauline, that is, if Pauline were a hard headed inquiry agent and part Stephanie Plum.
There is a good balance of well developed characters that come and go from Sam's life. Each has a life and voice of it's own from a sweet little part time street walker, an abusive ex-husband, a hulking candy eating gaurdian angel, plus a too good to be true fiance.
I appreciate the modern female voices that her characters possess. They embody some of the tenor of today's #Me Too movement with not as much of the anger. There is more a survivor sense than victim. I recommend them highly.
I discovered Hannah Howe's work in SAVING GRACE. That was based on a true story set in the Victorian Age.
This series is contemporary and set in Wales. The series seem to each be one week in the life of her protagonist Sam Smith. Sam comes from a troubled background that she uses as a springboard to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. The stories are part Perils of Pauline, that is, if Pauline were a hard headed inquiry agent and part Stephanie Plum.
There is a good balance of well developed characters that come and go from Sam's life. Each has a life and voice of it's own from a sweet little part time street walker, an abusive ex-husband, a hulking candy eating gaurdian angel, plus a too good to be true fiance.
I appreciate the modern female voices that her characters possess. They embody some of the tenor of today's #Me Too movement with not as much of the anger. There is more a survivor sense than victim. I recommend them highly.
December 11, 2017
Who is Cardiff Jack? That’s what my favorite private detective Sam Smith needs to find out. Actually, what she sets out to find out is where Faye Collister disappeared to. However, since Cardiff Jack is murdering prostitutes in a gristly Jack the Ripper style and Faye fits his victim type, Sam’s investigation could put her in the path of a dangerous killer.
In this installment I was so happy to see that Sam is getting comfortable in her own skin. Not entirely, it’s a realistically depicted process, but she seemed much more self-assured. There is a revelation thought that blew me away and I hope it doesn’t set Sam back too much. I was so stunned and the tragic way it… well, I just wanted to take Sam into my arms. I’m so glad she has Alan.
This series continues to get better, with each part adding a new layer to Sam’s character and those around her. I look forward to the next part when I can see my good friends: Sam, Alan, Mac, and Sweets again.
In this installment I was so happy to see that Sam is getting comfortable in her own skin. Not entirely, it’s a realistically depicted process, but she seemed much more self-assured. There is a revelation thought that blew me away and I hope it doesn’t set Sam back too much. I was so stunned and the tragic way it… well, I just wanted to take Sam into my arms. I’m so glad she has Alan.
This series continues to get better, with each part adding a new layer to Sam’s character and those around her. I look forward to the next part when I can see my good friends: Sam, Alan, Mac, and Sweets again.
July 25, 2020
While a serial killer preys on prostitutes in Cardiff (capital of Wales), stabbing them and earning the comparison to Jack the Ripper and the nickname “Cardiff Jack,” a part-time prostitute and friend of Sam’s asks her for a favor. A prostitute friend of hers named Faye has gone missing. Faye comes from a wealthy family, yet for some reason she is working the streets. Sam sets out to find her, and in the process, she finds a lot more than she expected to find.
This is the fourth Sam Smith book I’ve read. I started with the seventh book in the series, and now I’m working backward before I work forward because I definitely want to read them all. The stories are always good, but it’s the characters I love the most—Sam, of course, but also Alan, Mac, Faye, Sweets…and let’s not forget Marlowe! I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys the private investigator sub-genre of mystery.
This is the fourth Sam Smith book I’ve read. I started with the seventh book in the series, and now I’m working backward before I work forward because I definitely want to read them all. The stories are always good, but it’s the characters I love the most—Sam, of course, but also Alan, Mac, Faye, Sweets…and let’s not forget Marlowe! I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys the private investigator sub-genre of mystery.
March 28, 2018
Another enjoyable story in the Sam Smith series, which involves murder, abuse and love.
Sam is a private investigator and is asked to look into the disappearance of a young woman...
It is a well-written and fast-paced story with great characters and descriptions that are believable and realistic...a worthwhile sense of humour, too. The relationships are portrayed well and, with a mystery to solve, it all makes for a compelling read.
I do like Sam's 'voice' and her character development, which allow her to be tough and vulnerable as well as relatable.
It's great to read English-English, too.
Another winner for me.
Highly recommended.
Sam is a private investigator and is asked to look into the disappearance of a young woman...
It is a well-written and fast-paced story with great characters and descriptions that are believable and realistic...a worthwhile sense of humour, too. The relationships are portrayed well and, with a mystery to solve, it all makes for a compelling read.
I do like Sam's 'voice' and her character development, which allow her to be tough and vulnerable as well as relatable.
It's great to read English-English, too.
Another winner for me.
Highly recommended.
December 3, 2018
Another fantastic book in the Sam Smith series. As always, both the character development are plot are fantastic and I love the way Sam's personal life is interwoven with the mystery. The mystery here is a dark one and I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Sam and street-worker Faye. A great addition to the series.
November 8, 2020
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Once again a very good read from this author. Something happening from the opening pages to the end of the book. Well worth my time and now we’ll see what’s next on the list. Again, my thanks to author Hannah Howe for a job well done.
I think we’ll meet again in the near future.
Once again a very good read from this author. Something happening from the opening pages to the end of the book. Well worth my time and now we’ll see what’s next on the list. Again, my thanks to author Hannah Howe for a job well done.
I think we’ll meet again in the near future.
August 30, 2025
Some great twists in this story
Sam finds herself involved in trying to find a serial killer who is preying on young street walkers. One of the victims was a friend who had saved Sam's life. Of course Sam puts herself in harm's way to discover and stop the serial killer.
Sam finds herself involved in trying to find a serial killer who is preying on young street walkers. One of the victims was a friend who had saved Sam's life. Of course Sam puts herself in harm's way to discover and stop the serial killer.
March 10, 2018
Continued excitement
A detective book filled with twists and turns that just keep you guessing. Along with a great detective novel you get a tour guide of Wales, thank you.
A detective book filled with twists and turns that just keep you guessing. Along with a great detective novel you get a tour guide of Wales, thank you.
June 16, 2018
Vvery good
It was smooth and moving. Just wish it was a little longer. I wanted to know more about her father and brother.
It was smooth and moving. Just wish it was a little longer. I wanted to know more about her father and brother.
August 14, 2018
Intriguing mystery with a surprising ending. This is the first book I've read in the series and plan to read more. Now I wish I hadn't started in the middle!
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
June 15, 2016
One of my favorite things about this author is the way she addresses vexing social issues that need more attention, weaving them into the substance of her stories. In this case, centering her lead character’s investigation around the disappearance of a prostitute. She makes you cringe at the unfair government policies that allow situations like this to arise with predatory lenders that can charge so much interest on a loan that a relatively small amount borrowed turns into a lifetime of indentured servitude. Driven to a life of prostitution as a result, once in that character’s world we get yet another rude awakening regarding yet another social injustice, the refusal to provide universal basic income for people so that when circumstances turn dire and a person finds themselves out of resources, this is the result. The trick of course is to push people’s buttons to where they act—hopefully flushing all the self-serving Republicans out of office by actually taking the time to vote—without bogging the story down and making it feel like a class on social injustice. All of which the author does well.
There are also mysteries within mysteries here, such as why is a prostitute, in this particular case, a prostitute, when her mother is clearly wealthy and admits to being willing to take her back under her protective wing? And how is her case connected with another serial killer’s?
The author continues to develop her craft, particularly when it comes to character development. Personally, I found the characters in the first installment more like caricatures than characters. This time out, it was just the opposite. The characters were vividly drawn, memorable, and realistic, at times, disturbingly so.
I also like how there is a character arc of sorts across the book in that our heroine undergoes trials and tribulations that leave her permanently changed at the end of each book. This is realistic, but not a factor that’s often worked into series, where the fear is if they change too much, you lose the essence of the series. I get that it’s a fine balance, but one wants to push limits to a degree as is done here.
There are also mysteries within mysteries here, such as why is a prostitute, in this particular case, a prostitute, when her mother is clearly wealthy and admits to being willing to take her back under her protective wing? And how is her case connected with another serial killer’s?
The author continues to develop her craft, particularly when it comes to character development. Personally, I found the characters in the first installment more like caricatures than characters. This time out, it was just the opposite. The characters were vividly drawn, memorable, and realistic, at times, disturbingly so.
I also like how there is a character arc of sorts across the book in that our heroine undergoes trials and tribulations that leave her permanently changed at the end of each book. This is realistic, but not a factor that’s often worked into series, where the fear is if they change too much, you lose the essence of the series. I get that it’s a fine balance, but one wants to push limits to a degree as is done here.
March 24, 2016
Highly recommend to fans of the mystery/crime thriller genre and especially the sub genre of Private Investigators.
This is Sam Smith's 4th case of the series and my firm favourite (to date!). With all the main characters introduced in previous books this book jumps straight into the action as Sam tackles the case of Cardiff Jack. In solving the case she uncovers some truths that will have a deep and lasting impact on her future.
The book maintains the high standard of the previous books. I have mentioned the strengths of this series in previous reviews so I'll just give a quick re-cap. The central character is an intriguing, complex and very likeable character. The setting of Cardiff is very well described and comes to life as a distinctive character in its own right. The deceptively simple writing style has a natural flow and is a pleasure to read.
The author has achieved something rather special in this series and completely avoids an increasingly popular technique of cliff hangers which I personally hate. Each book relates to a central case that Sam Smith is investigating. At the end of each book not only is the case solved but as each case impacts on Sam Smith's life and/or perceptions in some way there is the additional resolution of side issues which gives a satisfying and rounded ending. At the same time each book reveals a new layer to the main characters and their relationships with one another which gives a sense of a different level of character development across the whole series.
Great read. Looking forward to the next one.
This is Sam Smith's 4th case of the series and my firm favourite (to date!). With all the main characters introduced in previous books this book jumps straight into the action as Sam tackles the case of Cardiff Jack. In solving the case she uncovers some truths that will have a deep and lasting impact on her future.
The book maintains the high standard of the previous books. I have mentioned the strengths of this series in previous reviews so I'll just give a quick re-cap. The central character is an intriguing, complex and very likeable character. The setting of Cardiff is very well described and comes to life as a distinctive character in its own right. The deceptively simple writing style has a natural flow and is a pleasure to read.
The author has achieved something rather special in this series and completely avoids an increasingly popular technique of cliff hangers which I personally hate. Each book relates to a central case that Sam Smith is investigating. At the end of each book not only is the case solved but as each case impacts on Sam Smith's life and/or perceptions in some way there is the additional resolution of side issues which gives a satisfying and rounded ending. At the same time each book reveals a new layer to the main characters and their relationships with one another which gives a sense of a different level of character development across the whole series.
Great read. Looking forward to the next one.
October 12, 2016
If I could rate this more than five stars I would. Hannah Howe's Sam Series just keeps getting better and better!
I absolutely love how she entwines a mystery, thriller with the drama of Sam's personal situation. There are some real surprises in this story (and I'm not revealing any of them), but as a reader, the more I read in each series, the more engaged I am in Sam Smith, her loved ones, and the author cleverly reveals snippets of her life that open you up more and more, wanting more and more from the next book.
The Ripper story itself is great! Its a story we well know off, there is a killer, someone out there after prostitutes and leaving a deadly trail in their midst. But there is more to this story than meets the eye and that's what makes the Sam Smith Series truly wonderful.
I listened to this on audible and the narrator does an excellent job!
A must read in any format!
I absolutely love how she entwines a mystery, thriller with the drama of Sam's personal situation. There are some real surprises in this story (and I'm not revealing any of them), but as a reader, the more I read in each series, the more engaged I am in Sam Smith, her loved ones, and the author cleverly reveals snippets of her life that open you up more and more, wanting more and more from the next book.
The Ripper story itself is great! Its a story we well know off, there is a killer, someone out there after prostitutes and leaving a deadly trail in their midst. But there is more to this story than meets the eye and that's what makes the Sam Smith Series truly wonderful.
I listened to this on audible and the narrator does an excellent job!
A must read in any format!
September 25, 2015
Sam Smith sets out to find a modern-day Jack the Ripper, who's murdering prostitutes, then leaving them floating in a river with rose petals strewn around. When a murder victim is a friend, she digs deeper, uncovering truths about herself and the murderer that she might have preferred to never know.
This story is written in first person, which makes you feel as if you are investigating the murders right along with Sam. It's well written, thought-provoking with its psychological insights, and keeps you wanting to read through the night.
The story includes tidbits from previous books, but it's a stand-alone novel. You'll want to curl up in a comfy chair and read cover to cover, then go back and read the earlier books if you haven't already done so.
This story is written in first person, which makes you feel as if you are investigating the murders right along with Sam. It's well written, thought-provoking with its psychological insights, and keeps you wanting to read through the night.
The story includes tidbits from previous books, but it's a stand-alone novel. You'll want to curl up in a comfy chair and read cover to cover, then go back and read the earlier books if you haven't already done so.
July 22, 2016
The Sam Smith Mystery Series moves up a gear with Ripper. This is a fantastic book, beautifully written with vivid, memorable characters. The psychological insights lift this book, and the series as a whole, above mainstream mystery novels and place Hannah Howe in the select band of quality mystery writers. The author doesn't litter her stories with characters, she populates them with people, and that's what makes this series so special.
October 26, 2015
Excellent read. I quite enjoyed this installment. Great job and I hesitate to say more because I really don't want to spoil this one. Great character and I like the good doctor just fine.
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August 28, 2018I'm loving the Sam Smith series
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