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The Dreadfuls
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26The darkly atmospheric and gruesome tale of Jack the Ripper unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian London reform school, as a young inmate sets out to find the identity of the elusive serial killer in a riveting new book perfect for fans of The Square of Sevens and Enola Holmes.
London, 1888. Committed to the Whitechapel Hall Reform School for “incurable delinquency” Adelaide “Dell” Morton is a precocious, defiant misfit. She’s also a voracious reader of true crime and detective fiction, including the sordid, sensationally popular Penny dreadful stories. In an unlikely stroke of luck, she’s found a kindred spirit in her poised, perfectionist roommate, Pippa. Their obsession is only further fueled by the Jack the Ripper murders blazing a trail of terror throughout London’s seediest streets . . . right outside Whitechapel Hall’s front door.
Desperate for adventure, they embark on their own investigation—and discover an ally in Noah, son of the local butcher. But Noah’s motives are not mere His father is the prime suspect. Noah is desperate to clear his name, and Dell and Pippa are only too eager to help.
Their budding spywork soon yields shocking they witness straightlaced Whitechapel teacher Miss Kaye escaping the school the night of the latest crime. Could Jack the Ripper be a she? Delving into Miss Kaye’s background, Dell is both horrified and thrilled to find that within Miss Kaye’s past lies a chapter dark enough to rival any Penny dreadful . . .
Dell’s fixation with Miss Kaye reaches dangerous heights while a series of suspicious events leave Miss Kaye in sole command of Whitechapel Hall. Trapped in their teacher’s ever-tightening web of control, the three devious detectives devise a risky plan to track her. But what ensues may only propel them ever deeper into secrets, lies, ruthless acts, and betrayals that go back decades—and a confrontation that will irrevocably change the fates of all involved . . . if they survive.
London, 1888. Committed to the Whitechapel Hall Reform School for “incurable delinquency” Adelaide “Dell” Morton is a precocious, defiant misfit. She’s also a voracious reader of true crime and detective fiction, including the sordid, sensationally popular Penny dreadful stories. In an unlikely stroke of luck, she’s found a kindred spirit in her poised, perfectionist roommate, Pippa. Their obsession is only further fueled by the Jack the Ripper murders blazing a trail of terror throughout London’s seediest streets . . . right outside Whitechapel Hall’s front door.
Desperate for adventure, they embark on their own investigation—and discover an ally in Noah, son of the local butcher. But Noah’s motives are not mere His father is the prime suspect. Noah is desperate to clear his name, and Dell and Pippa are only too eager to help.
Their budding spywork soon yields shocking they witness straightlaced Whitechapel teacher Miss Kaye escaping the school the night of the latest crime. Could Jack the Ripper be a she? Delving into Miss Kaye’s background, Dell is both horrified and thrilled to find that within Miss Kaye’s past lies a chapter dark enough to rival any Penny dreadful . . .
Dell’s fixation with Miss Kaye reaches dangerous heights while a series of suspicious events leave Miss Kaye in sole command of Whitechapel Hall. Trapped in their teacher’s ever-tightening web of control, the three devious detectives devise a risky plan to track her. But what ensues may only propel them ever deeper into secrets, lies, ruthless acts, and betrayals that go back decades—and a confrontation that will irrevocably change the fates of all involved . . . if they survive.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
11 people are currently reading
15620 people want to read
About the author
A. Rae Dunlap
2 books443 followersA. Rae Dunlap studied film and Victorian literature at Northwestern University and spends her days as a trailer editor at Disney, bringing to life the magic of the world’s most influential storytellers for audiences everywhere. She lives with her husband in a small mountain town in California and can be found online at ARaeDunlap.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Want to read
July 6, 2025*eyes this*
Wat is this? Is this a sequel to my favorite m/m grave robbing duo? Or an entirely new book? Please, let it be a sequel.
Wat is this? Is this a sequel to my favorite m/m grave robbing duo? Or an entirely new book? Please, let it be a sequel.
Want to read
October 18, 2025Can i have it right now thank you, also still desperately hoping for a sequel to her other book but i absolutely will be reading this one too
February 9, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dell Morton is a goth kid. Or as goth as you can be when you're 15yo and living in the Victorian era. Newly locked away in a reformatory school and bored out of her mind, Dell misses the gruesome tales of murder and detective work she used to read when she was free. "Thankfully," the district around her school becomes the stage for a series of terrible murders--and who better to investigate than Dell herself, who dreams of becoming the first Lady Detective?
I'll start with my biggest gripe, which isn't entirely about the book's content but more about my expectations going in: the book is listed in the LGBTQIA+ category on NetGalley. Over time, its Goodreads entry added and then lost the "Queer" and "LGBT" tags. So naturally, I was apprehensive going in: is there queer rep in the book or not? Especially since the author's previous book had an explicit romance between two men. If you're wondering the same, the answer is: there is queer rep, but of the most cowardly kind. It's supposed to be there, you can see its contour, you can pick apart the subtext. But it's definitely not present enough to offend conservative parents of bookish baby-queers, which, I imagine, might have been a deliberate choice given that the book is clearly geared towards a teen audience. Personally, I lost patience with "wink wink, nudge nudge" queer rep sometime around the 2000s; I want more, I demand more. It's just frustrating when representation is dangled in front of me like a carrot, never to be outright assumed. Now, this book isn't meant to be a romance, and I'm not demanding it to be; but so many scenes are crafted to hint at romantic subtext that it's maddening that, even in the epilogue (spoilers)
That's most of my rant out of the way. I did find a few parts a bit simplistic and spotted one or two small plot holes in the investigation (e.g., ). Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging story. The book shines thanks to its lush prose and vivid sense of setting. The pacing is excellent, especially in the first half, which flies by. But its biggest strength lies in its characters. It's easy to get attached to the whole cast, flaws and all. There were so many characters-building moments that said a lot about them, who they were, who they aspired to be; and I thought those were brilliantly woven into the narrative.
Special praise goes to the portrayal of teenagehood in all its splendor, frustratingly so. Dell is grandiose and self-important, sheltered her entire life and wholly removed from the real dangers of the world outside her (not quite golden, let's say bronze) cage. Like any teenager, she yearns for freedom from her guardians' control (her aunt and uncle first, then the reformatory staff) and she's convinced of her own worldly wisdom. After all, she knows all about the dreadful deeds of the "filthy degenerates" (her words) in the streets, she's a well-read woman! That illusion is shattered fast, forcing her to think before acting and lean more reasonably on the allies she finds along the way. Dell is at her best when she fails, and that's what makes her character so compelling, I think!
All in all, I found this book far more memorable than The Resurrectionist was. It shows real growth in the author's style and storycrafting skills, and I'm genuinely excited to see what she comes up with next. Hopefully, by then, she (or her publisher, who knows) will risk the outrage of a couple of rednecks in Alabama 👀
(Listen, I know it's a weird thing to get hung up on, it just matters to me 😁)
Dell Morton is a goth kid. Or as goth as you can be when you're 15yo and living in the Victorian era. Newly locked away in a reformatory school and bored out of her mind, Dell misses the gruesome tales of murder and detective work she used to read when she was free. "Thankfully," the district around her school becomes the stage for a series of terrible murders--and who better to investigate than Dell herself, who dreams of becoming the first Lady Detective?
I'll start with my biggest gripe, which isn't entirely about the book's content but more about my expectations going in: the book is listed in the LGBTQIA+ category on NetGalley. Over time, its Goodreads entry added and then lost the "Queer" and "LGBT" tags. So naturally, I was apprehensive going in: is there queer rep in the book or not? Especially since the author's previous book had an explicit romance between two men. If you're wondering the same, the answer is: there is queer rep, but of the most cowardly kind. It's supposed to be there, you can see its contour, you can pick apart the subtext. But it's definitely not present enough to offend conservative parents of bookish baby-queers, which, I imagine, might have been a deliberate choice given that the book is clearly geared towards a teen audience. Personally, I lost patience with "wink wink, nudge nudge" queer rep sometime around the 2000s; I want more, I demand more. It's just frustrating when representation is dangled in front of me like a carrot, never to be outright assumed. Now, this book isn't meant to be a romance, and I'm not demanding it to be; but so many scenes are crafted to hint at romantic subtext that it's maddening that, even in the epilogue (spoilers)
That's most of my rant out of the way. I did find a few parts a bit simplistic and spotted one or two small plot holes in the investigation (e.g., ). Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging story. The book shines thanks to its lush prose and vivid sense of setting. The pacing is excellent, especially in the first half, which flies by. But its biggest strength lies in its characters. It's easy to get attached to the whole cast, flaws and all. There were so many characters-building moments that said a lot about them, who they were, who they aspired to be; and I thought those were brilliantly woven into the narrative.
Special praise goes to the portrayal of teenagehood in all its splendor, frustratingly so. Dell is grandiose and self-important, sheltered her entire life and wholly removed from the real dangers of the world outside her (not quite golden, let's say bronze) cage. Like any teenager, she yearns for freedom from her guardians' control (her aunt and uncle first, then the reformatory staff) and she's convinced of her own worldly wisdom. After all, she knows all about the dreadful deeds of the "filthy degenerates" (her words) in the streets, she's a well-read woman! That illusion is shattered fast, forcing her to think before acting and lean more reasonably on the allies she finds along the way. Dell is at her best when she fails, and that's what makes her character so compelling, I think!
All in all, I found this book far more memorable than The Resurrectionist was. It shows real growth in the author's style and storycrafting skills, and I'm genuinely excited to see what she comes up with next. Hopefully, by then, she (or her publisher, who knows) will risk the outrage of a couple of rednecks in Alabama 👀
(Listen, I know it's a weird thing to get hung up on, it just matters to me 😁)
January 26, 2026
A. Rae Dunlap’s previous book was one of my favorite reads of last year, and the premise of her newest release, The Dreadfuls, immediately convinced me she might be writing books just for me. Victorian London, Jack the Ripper, Penny Dreadfuls – these are some of my most beloved topics.
While I didn’t enjoy The Dreadfuls quite as much as The Resurrectionist, I think historical fiction enthusiasts will find a lot to appreciate here. A. Rae Dunlap makes bold and interesting choices that help this book stand out among the many retellings of the Jack the Ripper story.
First and foremost, this is a love letter to true crime, specifically in its nineteenth-century form. The main character, Dell, is a fan of pulp fiction and Penny Dreadfuls, and dreams of becoming a detective one day. She finds kindred spirits in Pippa, a fellow student at a reformatory school for girls in Whitechapel, and Noah, a Jewish butcher’s son. Naturally, when a mysterious killer begins terrorizing Whitechapel, the trio wants nothing more than to uncover the murderer’s identity.
The dynamic between the characters is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Their youth gives the story a slight young-adult feel, although it is far removed from clearly YA novels like Enola Holmes. Dunlap does not shy away from showing the full scale of what it means to confront the actions of a serial killer.
Beyond the crime mystery, the book touches on important issues, including the experiences of minority groups, specifically Jews, in late nineteenth-century London and mental health in the Victorian era. The portrayal of Whitechapel itself, with all its complexity and atmosphere, is one of the book’s most compelling elements.
My biggest reservation about this book, and the reason I cannot give it five stars, is the way it handles the legend of Jack the Ripper. While I appreciate A. Rae Dunlap’s creativity and her exploration of the impact the murders had on the district, the author presents her own version of events, including the identity of the Ripper. At times, this felt like too heavy an intervention in history, particularly because it also involves, to some extent, rewriting the fates of the women who were tragically killed by him. To be clear, these women are not portrayed disrespectfully, but I believe that after so many years of overlooking their perspective, their stories deserve to be presented as accurately as possible.
That being said, I still really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for its inventive approach, meticulous research, and engaging plot. I will read everything A. Rae Dunlap writes – her ability to bring history to life through compelling characters and vivid settings is truly impressive.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
While I didn’t enjoy The Dreadfuls quite as much as The Resurrectionist, I think historical fiction enthusiasts will find a lot to appreciate here. A. Rae Dunlap makes bold and interesting choices that help this book stand out among the many retellings of the Jack the Ripper story.
First and foremost, this is a love letter to true crime, specifically in its nineteenth-century form. The main character, Dell, is a fan of pulp fiction and Penny Dreadfuls, and dreams of becoming a detective one day. She finds kindred spirits in Pippa, a fellow student at a reformatory school for girls in Whitechapel, and Noah, a Jewish butcher’s son. Naturally, when a mysterious killer begins terrorizing Whitechapel, the trio wants nothing more than to uncover the murderer’s identity.
The dynamic between the characters is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Their youth gives the story a slight young-adult feel, although it is far removed from clearly YA novels like Enola Holmes. Dunlap does not shy away from showing the full scale of what it means to confront the actions of a serial killer.
Beyond the crime mystery, the book touches on important issues, including the experiences of minority groups, specifically Jews, in late nineteenth-century London and mental health in the Victorian era. The portrayal of Whitechapel itself, with all its complexity and atmosphere, is one of the book’s most compelling elements.
My biggest reservation about this book, and the reason I cannot give it five stars, is the way it handles the legend of Jack the Ripper. While I appreciate A. Rae Dunlap’s creativity and her exploration of the impact the murders had on the district, the author presents her own version of events, including the identity of the Ripper. At times, this felt like too heavy an intervention in history, particularly because it also involves, to some extent, rewriting the fates of the women who were tragically killed by him. To be clear, these women are not portrayed disrespectfully, but I believe that after so many years of overlooking their perspective, their stories deserve to be presented as accurately as possible.
That being said, I still really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for its inventive approach, meticulous research, and engaging plot. I will read everything A. Rae Dunlap writes – her ability to bring history to life through compelling characters and vivid settings is truly impressive.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2026
When I saw that A. Rae Dunlap had a new novel releasing, I was so excited! I LOVED The Resurrectionists! It had everything I adore about a gothic horror/mystery - creepy atmosphere, a delightful sense of foreboding, and some body horror thrown in.
The Dreadfuls, unfortunately, did not live up to my very high expectations. The FMC, Dell, is very Wednesday Adams-ish, and I did find myself chuckling at her dry wit. However, this novel reads very YA. When the plot is about Jack the Ripper, I expected it to be way creepier than what it was. It took a long time to even get to the murders, and even then, I felt like a lot more could have been done with it.
I was expecting something more along the lines of Stalking Jack the Ripper, though while also YA, I think handled the subject matter a lot better.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (Very sadly)
I will still read Dunlap’s next novel as The Resurrectionists was fantastic.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Dreadfuls, unfortunately, did not live up to my very high expectations. The FMC, Dell, is very Wednesday Adams-ish, and I did find myself chuckling at her dry wit. However, this novel reads very YA. When the plot is about Jack the Ripper, I expected it to be way creepier than what it was. It took a long time to even get to the murders, and even then, I felt like a lot more could have been done with it.
I was expecting something more along the lines of Stalking Jack the Ripper, though while also YA, I think handled the subject matter a lot better.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (Very sadly)
I will still read Dunlap’s next novel as The Resurrectionists was fantastic.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Netgalley review, possible plot points mentioned below.
I was absolutely thrilled to see A. Rae Dunlap write another book about the 19th century, I had to read it as soon as I possibly could.
The author does a very good job at keeping the plot interesting in her books, I often find myself going back and forth between what I think is going to happen or who is the antagonist is and still she always finds a way to surprise me. In particular, The Dreafuls had me acting as a detective alongside Dell. Everytime I thought I caught onto who was Jack the Ripper I was thrown into more evidence.
Overall the characters are all so enjoyable especially the trio of detectives and Miss Kaye of course. Noah was truly my favorite character in the whole book, I was so invested in his personality, in his story, and the outcome of events. I applaud the author for how she made sure that the atrocities against Jewish people during this event were not washed away. What makes A. Rae Dunlap's books so appealing is that she always makes sure that the story is 1. Historically accurate and shares her research at the end 2. She doesn't glorify or wash away the History, she makes sure unheard voices during the time of events have their rightful place in the story.
The antagonist being Miss Kaye's brother in an act of revenge for unveiling his previous murder in search of money and power was a very interesting take on Jack the Ripper. That I haven't seen before.
I can't wait to see what A. Rae Dunlap writes next.
I thank the authors and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book.
I was absolutely thrilled to see A. Rae Dunlap write another book about the 19th century, I had to read it as soon as I possibly could.
The author does a very good job at keeping the plot interesting in her books, I often find myself going back and forth between what I think is going to happen or who is the antagonist is and still she always finds a way to surprise me. In particular, The Dreafuls had me acting as a detective alongside Dell. Everytime I thought I caught onto who was Jack the Ripper I was thrown into more evidence.
Overall the characters are all so enjoyable especially the trio of detectives and Miss Kaye of course. Noah was truly my favorite character in the whole book, I was so invested in his personality, in his story, and the outcome of events. I applaud the author for how she made sure that the atrocities against Jewish people during this event were not washed away. What makes A. Rae Dunlap's books so appealing is that she always makes sure that the story is 1. Historically accurate and shares her research at the end 2. She doesn't glorify or wash away the History, she makes sure unheard voices during the time of events have their rightful place in the story.
The antagonist being Miss Kaye's brother in an act of revenge for unveiling his previous murder in search of money and power was a very interesting take on Jack the Ripper. That I haven't seen before.
I can't wait to see what A. Rae Dunlap writes next.
I thank the authors and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE DREADFULS gave Wednesday Addams meets Enola Holmes vibes. If you've watched the Wednesday series on Netflix you will be distracted by the similarities.
If you loved THE RESURRECTIONIST and were looking for another macabre Gothic mystery this is not it. This second novel is more YA historical mystery.
It's not a bad novel but I was too distracted by the Wednesday similarities to be able to read it on its own merits. I was also expecting a darker, Gothic story and this was not.
If you loved THE RESURRECTIONIST and were looking for another macabre Gothic mystery this is not it. This second novel is more YA historical mystery.
It's not a bad novel but I was too distracted by the Wednesday similarities to be able to read it on its own merits. I was also expecting a darker, Gothic story and this was not.
dnf
December 22, 2025A DNF at 12% of “this one isn’t for me.” I really liked Dunlap’s The Resurrectionist, so I looked forward to this one. It’s a similar idea, taking real life crime and fictionalizing it.
Two teen girls end up (I assume) investigating Jack the Ripper. The “teen girl” part was what didn’t work for me. It brings a goofiness to the tone, especially given the voice of the narrator. Honestly, she’s fascinating - naive but worldly via her reading. She has fantastical ideas about herself, dreams of adventure.
But I don’t like reading from perspectives this young typically. Teens can work for me, but in this case she felt younger than her years due to some innocence despite her reading material.
I don’t think the book is YA, but you do have to enjoy a younger narrator to enjoy this, and that’s where it’s not for me. I’ll definitely try more from Dunlap in the future all the same.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Two teen girls end up (I assume) investigating Jack the Ripper. The “teen girl” part was what didn’t work for me. It brings a goofiness to the tone, especially given the voice of the narrator. Honestly, she’s fascinating - naive but worldly via her reading. She has fantastical ideas about herself, dreams of adventure.
But I don’t like reading from perspectives this young typically. Teens can work for me, but in this case she felt younger than her years due to some innocence despite her reading material.
I don’t think the book is YA, but you do have to enjoy a younger narrator to enjoy this, and that’s where it’s not for me. I’ll definitely try more from Dunlap in the future all the same.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have to start this review by thanking Kensington and NetGalley for the honor of receiving another ARC from A. Rae Dunlap! When I saw her Instagram post announcing this new story, I knew I HAD to get the ARC in my hands. I had such a good experience with her debut and I was sure I would love whatever stories she writes next. She became a favorite author of mine and I'm sure I will want to read everything this woman publishes!
Before getting to my review, I would like to disclaimer a few possible sensible topics that this book contain, so be aware:
- misogyny
- censorship
- gore
- blood
- murder
- child murder
- death
- religious intolerance
- xenophobia
- health problems (dementia)
- physical abuse
- suicide (mention of an off page case)
- pedophilia
- sexual abuse (mention of occurrence, not detailed)
- antisemitism
For the purpose of getting into this book without minimal spoilers (as I did on her first project) all that I knew from this second book was that it had mentions of the Jack the Ripper case and underling tones of a sapphic relationship (instead of a more explicit one from James and Nye on "The Ressurectiotionist"). And I gotta say I was SO surprised! I was NOT expecting Dell to be a adorable naive emo girl (the late 1800s version of one) and she conquered my heart on sight. Her passion for books and the way she dreams big, even in such restraining conditions that beging a woman in the XIX century, was so inspiring. We follow her journey of coming of age and how her taste of the real world crashes the conceptions the books she read painted to her.
Pippa is and amazing sidekick! She contains such joy of live despite being treated the way she was from her family. I LOVED seeing her breaking the misconceptions Dell had about her. It was so funny!
OMG, Noah was so adorable! And I still kinda think there was something more between him and Henry (and still kinda sad that was left in the air). The dynamic between the three of them was sooo cute.
This book is more of a Scooby-Doo vibe in terms of the mystery. Again, we are talking about three 16 years old trying to catch a serial killer. But it was not at all a bad execution or experience to read. Dunlap has this incredible way to mingle actual facts with captivating fiction characters (and I was SO glad the only thing I knew about the Jake the Ripper was that the culprit was never identified, because I saw everything that happened in the book as novelty, even though it's a known case) that you're just engulfed by this story she is presenting to you. Such a talented storyteller!
Miss Kaye... I can't say much about her and her story without spoilers, so I'm just gonna say here that I DID NOT saw that coming and I had to pause reading because I was sobbing during chapter 17. Dunlap did not had the right to surprise us with THAT, lol.
This book is a lot harder to read then Dunlap's debut, and I strongly think it should contain a trigger warning list (Sally's story was very disturbing to read, and it was only a retelling, we don't see anything happening on page). We see so much more of the rash realities of the lates 1800s, because we are following a young girl with no support, so it's NOT the same vibe we have in "The Ressurectiotionist". But both stories are excellent! Just a warning in case you are coming to this book after reading James's story. Dell has to deal with a lot of shit that did not cross path with James, unfortunately.
I loved how Dunlap used the Jack the Ripper case as an analogy to the society back then (and how it can be easily applied in today's world, saddly) and explored the problems it had. Her notes in the end of the book are a must read! It cements what she constructed in the narrative.
The ending was bittersweet. It was not exactly what I wanted, but it was a happy ending for the characters, so I'm not complaining. I only wished Dell and Pippa could join the boys in Australia, because I wanted the gang to stay together, but in my heart they stayed connected anyway. Oh! It was a delightful surprise what Miss Kaye decided to do with the school. She was definitely a character that grew on me. She deserved so much better.
I left this world already missing it. Dunlap broke and mend my heart in this book and now all it rests for me is wanting for her next story - that I CAN NOT WAIT!
Before getting to my review, I would like to disclaimer a few possible sensible topics that this book contain, so be aware:
- misogyny
- censorship
- gore
- blood
- murder
- child murder
- death
- religious intolerance
- xenophobia
- health problems (dementia)
- physical abuse
- suicide (mention of an off page case)
- pedophilia
- sexual abuse (mention of occurrence, not detailed)
- antisemitism
For the purpose of getting into this book without minimal spoilers (as I did on her first project) all that I knew from this second book was that it had mentions of the Jack the Ripper case and underling tones of a sapphic relationship (instead of a more explicit one from James and Nye on "The Ressurectiotionist"). And I gotta say I was SO surprised! I was NOT expecting Dell to be a adorable naive emo girl (the late 1800s version of one) and she conquered my heart on sight. Her passion for books and the way she dreams big, even in such restraining conditions that beging a woman in the XIX century, was so inspiring. We follow her journey of coming of age and how her taste of the real world crashes the conceptions the books she read painted to her.
Pippa is and amazing sidekick! She contains such joy of live despite being treated the way she was from her family. I LOVED seeing her breaking the misconceptions Dell had about her. It was so funny!
OMG, Noah was so adorable! And I still kinda think there was something more between him and Henry (and still kinda sad that was left in the air). The dynamic between the three of them was sooo cute.
This book is more of a Scooby-Doo vibe in terms of the mystery. Again, we are talking about three 16 years old trying to catch a serial killer. But it was not at all a bad execution or experience to read. Dunlap has this incredible way to mingle actual facts with captivating fiction characters (and I was SO glad the only thing I knew about the Jake the Ripper was that the culprit was never identified, because I saw everything that happened in the book as novelty, even though it's a known case) that you're just engulfed by this story she is presenting to you. Such a talented storyteller!
Miss Kaye... I can't say much about her and her story without spoilers, so I'm just gonna say here that I DID NOT saw that coming and I had to pause reading because I was sobbing during chapter 17. Dunlap did not had the right to surprise us with THAT, lol.
This book is a lot harder to read then Dunlap's debut, and I strongly think it should contain a trigger warning list (Sally's story was very disturbing to read, and it was only a retelling, we don't see anything happening on page). We see so much more of the rash realities of the lates 1800s, because we are following a young girl with no support, so it's NOT the same vibe we have in "The Ressurectiotionist". But both stories are excellent! Just a warning in case you are coming to this book after reading James's story. Dell has to deal with a lot of shit that did not cross path with James, unfortunately.
I loved how Dunlap used the Jack the Ripper case as an analogy to the society back then (and how it can be easily applied in today's world, saddly) and explored the problems it had. Her notes in the end of the book are a must read! It cements what she constructed in the narrative.
The ending was bittersweet. It was not exactly what I wanted, but it was a happy ending for the characters, so I'm not complaining. I only wished Dell and Pippa could join the boys in Australia, because I wanted the gang to stay together, but in my heart they stayed connected anyway. Oh! It was a delightful surprise what Miss Kaye decided to do with the school. She was definitely a character that grew on me. She deserved so much better.
I left this world already missing it. Dunlap broke and mend my heart in this book and now all it rests for me is wanting for her next story - that I CAN NOT WAIT!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I enjoyed this book a lot. It immediately reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events in both tone and its distinctly Gothic vibe. Overall, it reads like a Victorianized, Grimm Brothers–esque fairytale: dark, mischievous, and stylized rather than outright terrifying, which worked very well for me. I ended up rating it 4/5 stars.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is its narrative voice. The story feels like a reimagining of Victorian classics, but with the twist of being told through the perspective of a child, and, importantly, a believable one. The protagonist’s mischievous, curious outlook makes the world feel fresh, and the author does an excellent job conveying her age through word choice, sentence structure, and tone. The narration truly carries the novel.
The plot itself develops slowly and is somewhat predictable, but still satisfying. Because the story draws heavily from real historical events, most readers will already know what happens to Jack the Ripper’s victims, which removes some of the suspense surrounding the mystery. That said, the investigation scenes, especially when the children are actively involved, were engaging, and the action moments were some of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The setting and atmosphere are where the novel truly shines. The Gothic Victorian backdrop is not just decorative; it is fully immersive and integral to the story. The foggy streets, grim undertones, and stereotypical Victorian Gothic elements are used effectively and consistently, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and deeply intentional.
If I had one major critique, it would be the premise’s reliance on real historical events, specifically its use of Jack the Ripper as a central figure. This is less an issue of accuracy and more one of tonal expectation. The author’s narrative voice is not gritty, graphic, or rooted in realistic historical crime, but instead leans toward a Victorian Gothic fairytale style that is stylized, atmospheric, and slightly mischievous. Because of this, readers expecting a traditional or realistic historical mystery may find the approach at odds with their expectations. I personally think the story might have been better served by an “inspired by” premise rather than direct historical fiction, with a fictionalized killer and altered details. That approach could have preserved the same themes while better aligning with the author’s voice and maintaining suspense. I greatly prefer this stylized tone to realistic gore or true-crime–leaning historical fiction, so this aspect worked very well for me and was a pleasant surprise.
This book would be a great fit for children or teenagers, especially those unfamiliar with Jack the Ripper or those with an interest in gothic stories, mystery, and light true crime. Fans of The Addams Family, Wednesday, or A Series of Unfortunate Events will likely enjoy it as well. On the other hand, readers who dislike child narrators or antiquated, Victorian-style prose may struggle with the tone.
Overall, this novel showcases an author who is particularly well suited for children’s Victorian Gothic fiction, and I would be very interested in reading more work in this style.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is its narrative voice. The story feels like a reimagining of Victorian classics, but with the twist of being told through the perspective of a child, and, importantly, a believable one. The protagonist’s mischievous, curious outlook makes the world feel fresh, and the author does an excellent job conveying her age through word choice, sentence structure, and tone. The narration truly carries the novel.
The plot itself develops slowly and is somewhat predictable, but still satisfying. Because the story draws heavily from real historical events, most readers will already know what happens to Jack the Ripper’s victims, which removes some of the suspense surrounding the mystery. That said, the investigation scenes, especially when the children are actively involved, were engaging, and the action moments were some of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The setting and atmosphere are where the novel truly shines. The Gothic Victorian backdrop is not just decorative; it is fully immersive and integral to the story. The foggy streets, grim undertones, and stereotypical Victorian Gothic elements are used effectively and consistently, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and deeply intentional.
If I had one major critique, it would be the premise’s reliance on real historical events, specifically its use of Jack the Ripper as a central figure. This is less an issue of accuracy and more one of tonal expectation. The author’s narrative voice is not gritty, graphic, or rooted in realistic historical crime, but instead leans toward a Victorian Gothic fairytale style that is stylized, atmospheric, and slightly mischievous. Because of this, readers expecting a traditional or realistic historical mystery may find the approach at odds with their expectations. I personally think the story might have been better served by an “inspired by” premise rather than direct historical fiction, with a fictionalized killer and altered details. That approach could have preserved the same themes while better aligning with the author’s voice and maintaining suspense. I greatly prefer this stylized tone to realistic gore or true-crime–leaning historical fiction, so this aspect worked very well for me and was a pleasant surprise.
This book would be a great fit for children or teenagers, especially those unfamiliar with Jack the Ripper or those with an interest in gothic stories, mystery, and light true crime. Fans of The Addams Family, Wednesday, or A Series of Unfortunate Events will likely enjoy it as well. On the other hand, readers who dislike child narrators or antiquated, Victorian-style prose may struggle with the tone.
Overall, this novel showcases an author who is particularly well suited for children’s Victorian Gothic fiction, and I would be very interested in reading more work in this style.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I am a true crime fanatic, which is probably not something I should eagerly confess, but, hey, the macabre and unsettling goes hand-in-hand with the whole goth aesthetic, no? And, look. Murder is bad. I don’t idolize murderers or serial killers. So when I say “I love Jack the Ripper” I want you to understand that I love the mystery around it and the whole Victorian gothic sort of theme it portrays. JTR was only very recently identified, and, obviously, it’s awful for those poor women and their families that it took so long for the mystery to be solved, but it welcomed a whole new genre of mysteries for novels to come.
I don’t know if this book did as good of a job as others. That is no fault of the author’s. She clearly did her research on Whitechapel and the living conditions in 1888. But the characters ruined it for me.
Dell was so annoying. I get it. She’s a child. But you’d think that for a girl who loves to read and loves academics, she would…I don’t know…use her head more? She constantly jumped to conclusions without any evidence and after a point it started to get so annoying. I don’t care about Dell. I don’t like how she constantly puts people in danger because she’s too stupid to think past herself.
The “plot twist” of the Ripper’s identity could be seen a mile away. It was so clear to me from the beginning and the whole “big reveal” fell so flat.
Also, I’ve seen this labeled as “LGBTQ+.” While it’s implied that Dell is aro and/or ace, that’s…it. And even then, you’re made to infer that after a singular paragraph. Maybe I’m just picky, but I would not call this an LGBTQ+ book. It’s a middle YA historical mystery. No magic. No gayness. Just a couple of teens who think they’re the smartest, most brilliant detectives to ever live (they aren’t. They’re kids who are childish and naive and frankly quite annoying).
So, yeah. I love books about JTR. I did not love this version of the Whitechapel murder mystery.
I am a true crime fanatic, which is probably not something I should eagerly confess, but, hey, the macabre and unsettling goes hand-in-hand with the whole goth aesthetic, no? And, look. Murder is bad. I don’t idolize murderers or serial killers. So when I say “I love Jack the Ripper” I want you to understand that I love the mystery around it and the whole Victorian gothic sort of theme it portrays. JTR was only very recently identified, and, obviously, it’s awful for those poor women and their families that it took so long for the mystery to be solved, but it welcomed a whole new genre of mysteries for novels to come.
I don’t know if this book did as good of a job as others. That is no fault of the author’s. She clearly did her research on Whitechapel and the living conditions in 1888. But the characters ruined it for me.
Dell was so annoying. I get it. She’s a child. But you’d think that for a girl who loves to read and loves academics, she would…I don’t know…use her head more? She constantly jumped to conclusions without any evidence and after a point it started to get so annoying. I don’t care about Dell. I don’t like how she constantly puts people in danger because she’s too stupid to think past herself.
The “plot twist” of the Ripper’s identity could be seen a mile away. It was so clear to me from the beginning and the whole “big reveal” fell so flat.
Also, I’ve seen this labeled as “LGBTQ+.” While it’s implied that Dell is aro and/or ace, that’s…it. And even then, you’re made to infer that after a singular paragraph. Maybe I’m just picky, but I would not call this an LGBTQ+ book. It’s a middle YA historical mystery. No magic. No gayness. Just a couple of teens who think they’re the smartest, most brilliant detectives to ever live (they aren’t. They’re kids who are childish and naive and frankly quite annoying).
So, yeah. I love books about JTR. I did not love this version of the Whitechapel murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Dreadfuls by A. Rae Dunlop is a richly atmospheric historical mystery set in Victorian Whitechapel, where two young women confined to a reform school stumble into a dangerous investigation that pulls them far beyond the limits imposed on them by society.
Dell, a cheeky, sharp-witted, penny-dreadful-loving misfit (and honestly, who doesn’t love an FMC obsessed with penny dreadfuls?), and her composed, not-easily-shocked roommate Pippa form an unlikely detective duo, soon joined by Noah, the Jewish son of a local butcher. Each carries their own burdens of poverty, prejudice, and family betrayal, and together they push back against a system determined to silence them. As Jack the Ripper stalks the streets outside their school gates, curiosity turns into resolve, and the trio set out to uncover the truth the authorities refuse to see.
Dunlop’s Whitechapel is vividly realised, from the bustling markets to the Ten Bells pub, and the social tensions of the era, including misogyny, antisemitism, and class divide, are woven seamlessly into the mystery. Rather than glorifying violence, the novel reframes the Ripper narrative through empathy and social critique, centring the most vulnerable and questioning who power truly protects.
Despite its dark subject matter, The Dreadfuls is surprisingly hopeful and even wholesome. I so needed to read it this January. Justice matters here. Villains face consequences. Knowledge, friendship, and curiosity become acts of rebellion. It is a compelling blend of historical detail, sharp social commentary, and youthful defiance, and it gave me Enola Holmes energy in the very best way.
A commendable detective romp, feminist historical fiction, and a refreshing reimagining of a story too often told without compassion. I thoroughly enjoyed it. #pudseyrecommends
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Dell, a cheeky, sharp-witted, penny-dreadful-loving misfit (and honestly, who doesn’t love an FMC obsessed with penny dreadfuls?), and her composed, not-easily-shocked roommate Pippa form an unlikely detective duo, soon joined by Noah, the Jewish son of a local butcher. Each carries their own burdens of poverty, prejudice, and family betrayal, and together they push back against a system determined to silence them. As Jack the Ripper stalks the streets outside their school gates, curiosity turns into resolve, and the trio set out to uncover the truth the authorities refuse to see.
Dunlop’s Whitechapel is vividly realised, from the bustling markets to the Ten Bells pub, and the social tensions of the era, including misogyny, antisemitism, and class divide, are woven seamlessly into the mystery. Rather than glorifying violence, the novel reframes the Ripper narrative through empathy and social critique, centring the most vulnerable and questioning who power truly protects.
Despite its dark subject matter, The Dreadfuls is surprisingly hopeful and even wholesome. I so needed to read it this January. Justice matters here. Villains face consequences. Knowledge, friendship, and curiosity become acts of rebellion. It is a compelling blend of historical detail, sharp social commentary, and youthful defiance, and it gave me Enola Holmes energy in the very best way.
A commendable detective romp, feminist historical fiction, and a refreshing reimagining of a story too often told without compassion. I thoroughly enjoyed it. #pudseyrecommends
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 6, 2025
I knew I wanted to read this the minute I read I read the premise. A fierce and imaginative teen whose obsession with penny dreadfuls as landed her in a reform school and she dreams of escape to become an investigator just as Ripper is on the move. Yes, please. Well that and Dunlap’s 2024 release, “The Resurrectionist” was a five star read for me. So I was excited to get the arc approval for this and “The Dreadfuls” did not disappoint. Its a darkly atmospheric historical thriller set in Whitechapel, London during the Ripper murders. Its a wonderful mix of true crime and historical horror that leans into investigative thriller tropes such as secret identities, suspicious behavior, an environment of unsettling fear and a past that starts to unravel. Dunlap paints the reform school and the surrounding London slums so vividly and the mood never slips, not even once. I do wish some of the secondary characters like Noah and Pipa had a little more to their backstories and the ending felt a bit too fairytale compared to the rest of the story. I loved the gritty feel of the story and the ending seems to loose that but its still a satisfying ending.
Overall The Dreadfuls was a fun read from bringing to end. Filled with a growing sense of fear and dread and dripping with shadow and grit.
Overall The Dreadfuls was a fun read from bringing to end. Filled with a growing sense of fear and dread and dripping with shadow and grit.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a massive fan of historical fiction, and I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit reading basically anything to do with Jack the Ripper. Because I’ve spent so much time in that specific corner of the genre, I went into The Dreadfuls with pretty high hopes. Unfortunately, it ended up being a bit of a letdown.
The biggest issue for me was that the story felt really unimaginative. In a genre that's been done a thousand times, you really need a creative hook or some kind of fresh perspective to make a story stand out, but this one just didn't have that. It hit all the same beats as every other Ripper book I’ve read, and without any fun or unique twists, it felt pretty predictable.
On a technical level, the book was actually written quite well. The prose was solid and the setting felt authentic, but I still had a really hard time connecting to the stakes of the characters. Even during the more intense moments, I felt like I was just watching things happen from a distance rather than being invested in them. I really wanted to feel for the main character, but the empathy just wasn't there for me. I never quite bonded with them, which made the whole experience feel a bit hollow. If you’re new to Ripper stories, you might enjoy this more than I did, but for a seasoned fan, it just felt like a repeat of things I’ve seen before.
The biggest issue for me was that the story felt really unimaginative. In a genre that's been done a thousand times, you really need a creative hook or some kind of fresh perspective to make a story stand out, but this one just didn't have that. It hit all the same beats as every other Ripper book I’ve read, and without any fun or unique twists, it felt pretty predictable.
On a technical level, the book was actually written quite well. The prose was solid and the setting felt authentic, but I still had a really hard time connecting to the stakes of the characters. Even during the more intense moments, I felt like I was just watching things happen from a distance rather than being invested in them. I really wanted to feel for the main character, but the empathy just wasn't there for me. I never quite bonded with them, which made the whole experience feel a bit hollow. If you’re new to Ripper stories, you might enjoy this more than I did, but for a seasoned fan, it just felt like a repeat of things I’ve seen before.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
✨thanks to Kensington Books and Goodreads for this advanced copy✨
First let me get the things that didn’t quite work for me or could be improved upon. Truly my nitpicky-est complaint is the used of the word “juxtaposition”, personally, I would have preferred if they would have shown me that something was a juxtaposition instead of telling me it is. And I think the author could have touched on the lives of the victims more than they did. While these murders happened over a hundred years ago, it’s never too late to reinforce that the victims should be remembered more than the murderer.
That being said. I enjoyed the mystery of it all. Two teenage girls sequestered to a reform school trying to solve the murders that have befallen Whitechapel. Not only does the main character grow throughout the novel to learn that life is not always as predictable as their beloved penny blood novels but is often far worse than any fictional novel can be. Dunlap perfectly grasps the personality of a teenage girl that thinks they know everything but haven’t seen the world yet without being annoying.
The fast paced friendship reminds me of my own friendships. It’s a quick read with not a moment of down time as the mystery unfolds.
I’d recommend if you’re a fan of true crime without immense gory details, historical fictions, gothic themes and teenage girl POVs.
First let me get the things that didn’t quite work for me or could be improved upon. Truly my nitpicky-est complaint is the used of the word “juxtaposition”, personally, I would have preferred if they would have shown me that something was a juxtaposition instead of telling me it is. And I think the author could have touched on the lives of the victims more than they did. While these murders happened over a hundred years ago, it’s never too late to reinforce that the victims should be remembered more than the murderer.
That being said. I enjoyed the mystery of it all. Two teenage girls sequestered to a reform school trying to solve the murders that have befallen Whitechapel. Not only does the main character grow throughout the novel to learn that life is not always as predictable as their beloved penny blood novels but is often far worse than any fictional novel can be. Dunlap perfectly grasps the personality of a teenage girl that thinks they know everything but haven’t seen the world yet without being annoying.
The fast paced friendship reminds me of my own friendships. It’s a quick read with not a moment of down time as the mystery unfolds.
I’d recommend if you’re a fan of true crime without immense gory details, historical fictions, gothic themes and teenage girl POVs.
November 21, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book!! As someone who has a love and appreciation for the Victorian era, one of my favorite aspects of the time was the literature! Penny Dreadfuls are a large part of creating that thrill and terror that many Victorians loved to read about, especially with these collection of stories costing them a penny. Anyone could read and afford these stories and that is another reason why I love them!
As for this collection of stories, I really quite enjoyed them. They captured the factors I would look for in a Dreadful: suspense, intrigue, mystery, fantasy, and sometimes even murder. Some stories had endings, some cliffhangers. They bring back an art of storytelling that has lost its popularity and I love seeing the resurgence! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries, an appreciation for historical literature and revisit a time lost to antiquity.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
As for this collection of stories, I really quite enjoyed them. They captured the factors I would look for in a Dreadful: suspense, intrigue, mystery, fantasy, and sometimes even murder. Some stories had endings, some cliffhangers. They bring back an art of storytelling that has lost its popularity and I love seeing the resurgence! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries, an appreciation for historical literature and revisit a time lost to antiquity.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2025
Read as an ARC from NetGalley, to be published in March 2026
4.5 Star rounded up
Initially going into this book I didn’t know what to expect as I haven’t read any of the authors previous work and I fully judged a book by its cover, but wow am I grateful to have had the opportunity to read this.
Such an interesting take on an olden day murder mystery. Gives me Enola Holmes vibes but with more realness. It touches on many different aspects of life and its perils in the 19th Century (mental health, sexuality, religion), while also maintaining a lightness through the character development.
I think every character in this book was so well thought out and the contrasts between Pippa and Dell worked beautifully and made for a much more believable story.
What I think was done well was the reveal of the murderer, I was searching and searching for details and came up short until it was revealed and due to that I am impressed. Had me gripping the edge of my seat.
Would love to read more from this author in the future.
4.5 Star rounded up
Initially going into this book I didn’t know what to expect as I haven’t read any of the authors previous work and I fully judged a book by its cover, but wow am I grateful to have had the opportunity to read this.
Such an interesting take on an olden day murder mystery. Gives me Enola Holmes vibes but with more realness. It touches on many different aspects of life and its perils in the 19th Century (mental health, sexuality, religion), while also maintaining a lightness through the character development.
I think every character in this book was so well thought out and the contrasts between Pippa and Dell worked beautifully and made for a much more believable story.
What I think was done well was the reveal of the murderer, I was searching and searching for details and came up short until it was revealed and due to that I am impressed. Had me gripping the edge of my seat.
Would love to read more from this author in the future.
February 5, 2026
Gothic yet juvenile in the best way. A little Wednesday Addams x Nancy Drew.
I was ecstatic to read and review this book! I loved The Resurrectionist by Dunlap and had high hopes for this one. Dreadfuls maintains Dunlap’s gothic charm and eloquent diction.
The main character, Dell, sees potential for overly dramatic crime and mischief in every corner, thanks to “Penny Dreadfuls” (inexpensive, serialized Victorian-era British publications featuring sensational, gory tales of crime, horror, and adventure aimed at working-class readers). When a murderer begins to pick off local women, Dell is eager to put her reading knowledge to the test by trying to solve the crime.
I had slightly less emotional connection to the characters compared to Dunlap’s previous novel. That said, I am fond of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Definitely recommend!
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book will be published 3/31/2026.
I was ecstatic to read and review this book! I loved The Resurrectionist by Dunlap and had high hopes for this one. Dreadfuls maintains Dunlap’s gothic charm and eloquent diction.
The main character, Dell, sees potential for overly dramatic crime and mischief in every corner, thanks to “Penny Dreadfuls” (inexpensive, serialized Victorian-era British publications featuring sensational, gory tales of crime, horror, and adventure aimed at working-class readers). When a murderer begins to pick off local women, Dell is eager to put her reading knowledge to the test by trying to solve the crime.
I had slightly less emotional connection to the characters compared to Dunlap’s previous novel. That said, I am fond of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Definitely recommend!
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book will be published 3/31/2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I definitely liked The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap more. They're kinda sorta related, but also not really. (They're a similar type of story is what I'm trying to say.)
I liked the historical mystery, but I found it to be a bit flat. Especially the characters. The characters in The Resurrectionist were much more interesting and engaging to me.
This is another alternative Jack the Ripper story (and I am at the point of thinking that may be a bit overdone at this point, especially since we now know who most likely did it in real life, but that's a personal tangent).
I just wanted (and expected) a bit more from this book. I still had a good time and sped through it, but I wanted some more oomph.
And I do think the cover (and the sprayed edges) are so cool!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I liked the historical mystery, but I found it to be a bit flat. Especially the characters. The characters in The Resurrectionist were much more interesting and engaging to me.
This is another alternative Jack the Ripper story (and I am at the point of thinking that may be a bit overdone at this point, especially since we now know who most likely did it in real life, but that's a personal tangent).
I just wanted (and expected) a bit more from this book. I still had a good time and sped through it, but I wanted some more oomph.
And I do think the cover (and the sprayed edges) are so cool!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had a GREAT time with the book. The narrator’s predilection for “penny bloods” made for an entertaining framework, the writing was fast-paced, and I enjoyed how the characters and their relationships developed. The nods at queer romances were sweet and worked within the context of the overall mystery plot.
My main critique is that I wish the novel leaned more into being a play on a penny dreadful than a work of historical fiction based on the Jack the Ripper case. While I appreciate Dunlap calling attention to some (arguably) less known aspects of the Ripper investigations (i.e., antisemitism), the story didn’t have enough actual ties to the Ripper murders to work for me in that regard.
Despite that, I highly recommend for a fun, subtly queer historical detective romp! Thanks very much to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
My main critique is that I wish the novel leaned more into being a play on a penny dreadful than a work of historical fiction based on the Jack the Ripper case. While I appreciate Dunlap calling attention to some (arguably) less known aspects of the Ripper investigations (i.e., antisemitism), the story didn’t have enough actual ties to the Ripper murders to work for me in that regard.
Despite that, I highly recommend for a fun, subtly queer historical detective romp! Thanks very much to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to A. Rae Dunlap, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Dreadfuls follows Dell, a 15-year old recently imprisoned reform school inmate, Pippa, her roommate, and Noah, the son of a local butcher, as they try to solve the Jack the Ripper case and exonerate Noah’s father.
The premise and writing style are great but the narrative voice is so childish I had to dnf. This is completely mismarketed as an adult book. I feel Jack the Ripper retellings are a little overdone and the two main girls felt like a rip off of Wednesday Addams and her roommate (also blonde, sweet, family outcast) Enid Sinclair. I think this should be re-edited to be suitable for children / YA.
The Dreadfuls follows Dell, a 15-year old recently imprisoned reform school inmate, Pippa, her roommate, and Noah, the son of a local butcher, as they try to solve the Jack the Ripper case and exonerate Noah’s father.
The premise and writing style are great but the narrative voice is so childish I had to dnf. This is completely mismarketed as an adult book. I feel Jack the Ripper retellings are a little overdone and the two main girls felt like a rip off of Wednesday Addams and her roommate (also blonde, sweet, family outcast) Enid Sinclair. I think this should be re-edited to be suitable for children / YA.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Two young girls in a London reform school set out to trap the vicious Whitehall killer. When they befriend the butcher's son who shares their love of the gory penny dreadfuls detailing death, executions and horrors, the three join up to take on the dangerous task of stopping the killer. To make matters worse one of their prime suspects is a female teacher at the school. The grisly Victorian fascination with the macabre and violent crime is displayed front page along with the juxtaposition of ultra strict Christian morals and anti-semitism of London at the time. Secure a copy gentle reader if you are a fan of Caleb Carr or the escapades of Miss Enola Holmes. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
December 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and A. Rae Dunlap for an arc of this book!
In this book we follow Delly, Pipa, and Noah on their quest to find the Whitechapel murderer. Throughout the book they strengthen their friendship and find their identities as characters. The Victorian era is a huge theme of this book and there is mysterious vibe to the writing style and book in general. The author did a great job with keeping the readers on their toes with who the killer was and their quest throughout the book. I really appreciate the study of friendship and the theme of finding one's identity and gender throughout the book. Great for fans of the Victorian era and a good suspenseful murder mystery.
In this book we follow Delly, Pipa, and Noah on their quest to find the Whitechapel murderer. Throughout the book they strengthen their friendship and find their identities as characters. The Victorian era is a huge theme of this book and there is mysterious vibe to the writing style and book in general. The author did a great job with keeping the readers on their toes with who the killer was and their quest throughout the book. I really appreciate the study of friendship and the theme of finding one's identity and gender throughout the book. Great for fans of the Victorian era and a good suspenseful murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Great historical fiction piece! The story starts off developing the backdrop of old time London and slowly introduces characters.
I was able to visualize the story from page 1 and develop a connection with the story. At times I had to pause and remind myself, historical fiction.
Chapters are short enough to read one or two at a time. Though sitting through our latest snow storm I finished the book in just 4 days. Its a page turner that will keep you engaged for days!
#ReadTheDreadfuls
#ARaeDunlap
I was able to visualize the story from page 1 and develop a connection with the story. At times I had to pause and remind myself, historical fiction.
Chapters are short enough to read one or two at a time. Though sitting through our latest snow storm I finished the book in just 4 days. Its a page turner that will keep you engaged for days!
#ReadTheDreadfuls
#ARaeDunlap
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Dreadfuls has a great premise and some genuinely fun moments, especially the banter between Dell and Pippa, which was easily the highlight for me. Their dynamic kept the story moving and made the characters feel real.
That said, I was hoping for a much darker read. With its hints of Jack the Ripper, secret pasts, and obsession, the story felt like it was building toward something truly unsettling, but it never quite went there. Enjoyable overall, just not as chilling as I’d hoped.
That said, I was hoping for a much darker read. With its hints of Jack the Ripper, secret pasts, and obsession, the story felt like it was building toward something truly unsettling, but it never quite went there. Enjoyable overall, just not as chilling as I’d hoped.
November 20, 2025
4⭐️Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC. I was very charmed by our ragtag Scooby gang of penny dreadful enthusiasts at the heart of the story. Wonderfully atmospheric gothic setting with the reform school that served as a great backdrop for broader themes of class, religion, and sexism of Victorian England. This is labeled as Adult but reads much more like YA to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Kensington and Netgalley galley for the ARC copy to review!
First of all The Dreadfuls reads more as a YA book than for adults. However, it is well written and keeps you wanting to read til the very end!
First of all The Dreadfuls reads more as a YA book than for adults. However, it is well written and keeps you wanting to read til the very end!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
3.5 stars but rounding up to 4 on Goodreads. Review coming soon! Thank you to Goodreads and the author for this ARC.
February 7, 2026
This is more young adult, dark, mysterious and page turning.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I loved this Jack the Ripper retelling. It was fun and spunky and exactly what I wanted out of it. This YA novel really took me back to reading Nancy Drew and I adored it.
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