The Whitechapel Full Moon Society: A Novel

by Elizabeth DeLozier

Set in Victorian London during Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror, this gripping, original novel is perfect for fans of V. E. Schwab, Dana Schwartz, and Sarah Penner.

When Caroline Foster arrives at the Whitechapel Full Moon Society in search of her missing brother, she finds a dilapidated façade belying an interior as opulent as any exclusive gentlemen’s club. In exchange for room and board, Caroline is hired as the Full Moon’s maid, where she is given three don’t ask personal questions, stay out of the iron-barred room on the second floor, and remain in her bedroom from sunup to sundown on the full moon.

But when it is revealed that the previous maid was murdered—an early victim of Jack the Ripper—and her brother has left behind no answers, only more questions, Caroline begins to suspect her hosts might be hiding something. As more bodies turn up with a connection to the Society, Caroline fears she may have unwittingly stumbled into a bedtime story, the kind with monsters and curses, family secrets and ancient lore.

Tantalizing and pulsing, Elizabeth DeLozier’s sophomore novel gives an exciting alternative look into the infamous Jack the Ripper story with a major, supernatural twist.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Historical, Victorian, Thriller

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Elizabeth DeLozier holds a BA in Spanish literature, a BS in biological anthropology, and a doctorate in physical therapy. An avid traveler, animal lover, and history nerd, she lives in Southern California with her husband, twin sons, and rescue dogs. Eleanore of Avignon is her debut novel. For more, follow her on instagram at @elizabethdelozierwrites.

Reviews

[Saranya ⋆☕︎ ˖ [hiatus]]

Why is it so slow? I think this is getting me into a reading slump.

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:

I received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and the Dutton Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date: 25 Aug 2026

[lorenzodulac · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re cooking with gas now!! I enjoyed this one a lot.
The setting is London in the late 1880s, the time of Jack the Ripper. In fact, scattered throughout the book there are letters written by the Ripper himself. Caroline is hired as a maid at the Whitechapel Full Moon Society, where the woman before her was killed by, you guessed it, Jack the Ripper. All the while she’s looking for her brother Charlie who’s disappeared, but her investigation leaves her with more questions than answers.
She even gets attacked at a point as things start to evolve. The twist I didn’t see coming, it left my jaw on the floor.
Which brings me to the only thing that’s lowering my rating a bit: the fantasy-ish element. I don’t know, it kind of read like a cop out, I thought it would work but it didn’t really in the end, it took me out of the story. It could’ve been left out and I would’ve liked the book more overall. But that’s fine because everything else was top tier.
And I do know it’s an important part of the book. I just didn’t like it lol.
I would still wholeheartedly recommend though. If you like Victorian London with a murder-y, paranormal twist, this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier was a great historical fiction novel centered on the hunt for Jack the Ripper. The author did an excellent job immersing the reader in Victorian England. I truly felt like I was there alongside the characters. I especially enjoyed the main character’s storyline and found it engaging and well developed.

That said, I did wish the gentlemen attending the Full Moon events weren’t tied to mythical creatures. I think it would have been more impactful if their secret society was rooted in something more realistic…such as being 🏳️‍🌈 and having a safe place to gather during a time when society wasn’t accepting. That angle could have added even more emotional depth and realism to the story.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in this time period. 👏👏👏

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished an ARC on The Whitechapel Full Moon Society from Netgalley and wow! 5 Stars!

spoiler free review.

There was a huge twist at the end which definitely took me by surprise. I'd like to think I'm usually pretty good at guessing characters intentions but this one I completely missed and genuinely had me gasping out loud when I read it. I always enjoy rereading books to see if I can pick up on any clues I missed the first time so I can't wait to reread this one.

I will definitely be purchasing this when its released August '26.

Now off to read Elizabeth DeLozier's other book!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished The Whitechapel Full Moon Society in less than 24 hours. This novel carried a quiet, persistent pull that made setting it down feel almost impossible.

While it begins a bit slowly, around page 53 I realized I was itching to return to it whenever I put it down.

Delozier does a delightful job of feeding us bits of information, one drop at a time, just enough to keep our curiosity involved, but not too much to overwhelm us. They effectively humanize the women of this period: figures so often overshadowed by the frenzy surrounding the mysterious Jack the Ripper. While some elements of the story were predictable, they were predictably satisfying. Like a well-constructed music box, the narrative gradually clicks into place, each turn more gratifying than the last.

There was a moment in the story where I feared Delozier might lead us a certain way, but to my delight, the author took us on a much more effective, timely, and engaging journey.

This book is extremely readable. A true delight for readers who enjoy historical fiction, folklore, crime novels, or all three.

[Larissa Soares · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not an avid true crime consumer, nor do I know much details about the Victorian era, but I was completely sold for this!

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society follows the story of Caroline Foster, a young woman who has recently sold all her goods to pay for her dead father’s death, and moved to London to live with her brother. However, as soon as she arrives in London, not only does she realises that her brother is missing, but the infamous the Jack the Ripper is lost in Whitechapel (same neighbourhood her brother lives in) making victims.

The mystery in the book doesn’t try to jump out and scare you like modern thriller. DeLozier doesn’t lean on thrills or high-speed chases, she just keeps dropping these subtle, weird hints that creates a slow build up until you’re slammed with the truth. It felt like watching those trippy folk-horror movies from the 70s and 80s. The book has that hazy, dreamlike middle ground where you aren't sure if the supernatural is real or if the characters are just caught up in a collective fever dream. Like that classic Gothic trope where the "monster" might just be a metaphor for the period's unexplained violence.

When it comes to the setting, everything felt solid to me; the boarding house dynamics, the class differences, how women had to navigate the world, the way people talked about the murders. I’m not a Victorian expert (very far away from it actually), but it all felt right, you know? And even if some details weren’t 100% historically accurate, I wouldn’t care. This is historical FICTION with FANTASY elements, so judging it for being “inaccurate” would be ridiculous.

Now, I’ve seen people complain that the supernatural element wasn’t needed, but I completely disagree. The fantasy hints made the mystery so much more thrilling. As I’ve mentioned, you’re constantly wondering if Caroline’s questionings are actually real. That edge of “wait, could this be true?” was what kept me hooked. That said, I get why some readers might be frustrated. The supernatural isn’t the focus, it’s more like this undercurrent of mystery that doesn’t fully reveal itself until near the end. If you’re expecting a full-on Victorian fantasy, you might be disappointed by how little you actually see. And if you hate fantasy entirely, even these hints might annoy you. But for me? It was good. I don’t think I would’ve been this engaged if this was just a historical mystery about Jack the Ripper.

Now, one thing that really bothered me was how long it took for the story to actually get moving. To be honest, it felt like the plot didn't truly start until the halfway point. Since the book is so character-driven, the story just hits a wall whenever the main character isn't focused on the mystery. I found myself stuck reading pages of errands, kitchen chores, and petty arguments between guests when I really just wanted to get to get back to the mystery. I kept wishing Caroline would take a more active role. If she doesn't seem to care about finding her brother, it’s hard for me to stay invested in it.

I also felt like I was being told how to feel instead of being allowed to decide for myself. We constantly hear Caroline saying she doesn't trust the men at Full Moon or that there’s "something wrong in the air," but her experience doesn't really back that up. Most of the people in the boardinghouse are actually perfectly nice to her. Because we don't see them doing anything genuinely suspicious or shady, her distrust is unearned. It felt like the author was trying to force a specific mood onto the scene rather than building a situation where I’d naturally feel uneasy on my own.

Despite the elevated vocabulary and complex sentences (the Victorian writing style is normally not my favourite), the book never feels hard to read or understand. DeLozier manages to capture the rhythm of a 19th-century classic while keeping the language clear enough for a modern audience. To me it felt like watching a theater play: dramatic, hyper-focused on sensory details, and exaggerated. I would also say that the style isn't just a decorative choice, but fundamental to the story. If it were written like a standard modern thriller, the whole "Victorian London" vibe would disappear, and the experience wouldn't be nearly as effective.

So, even without having extensive knowledge of Jack’s story and victims, or how London worked in the 1880’s, I still enjoyed it!

[Elizabeth Hailwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Whitechapel Full Moon Society from NetGalley, thank you so much!

The gorgeous cover and the intriguing title are what first caught my eye when browsing. Jack the Ripper? The full moon? Sign me up!

I went into the book mostly blind (after forgetting what I’d read in the blurb) and I was hooked pretty much straight away. There were lots of questions raised fairly quickly (Where’s Charlie? Why is Charlie a secret? What’s Jack the Ripper got to do with all this?) but in a readable, not overly complicated way.

I loved how the author stayed as true to 1888 London and the story of Jack the Ripper as possible before interweaving and reimagining it as the story progresses. I think, once I’d figured out where we were going with the “full moon” part of the book, I perhaps expected there to be a bigger reveal, it felt a little bit rushed at the end. But it almost didn’t matter as I was so invested in the other side of the story.

I think the characters are likeable and the book was overall an easy, enjoyable read. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of The Whitechapel Fullmoon Society: A Novel in return for a review from Netgalley.

This is the author’s second novel. The Whitechapel Fullmoon Society: A Novel is set in Victorian England and centres around the main character, Caroline Foster. She is a young woman who finds herself with nowhere to go when her father dies and leaves the family in debt. She travels to London in search of her brother who has stopped all communication with her. This is also a very dangerous time in London as Jack the Ripper is killing his way through Whitechapel.

While working as a maid at the Whitechapel Full Moon Society boarding house for men, she investigates her brother’s disappearance. Everything is not as it seems at the boardinghouse. There are secrets and Caroline finds herself in danger.

This was a good read!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book - I am always drawn to Jack the Ripper content, and I liked that the author made a shout out to The Five in her authors note.

The writing really shines in its setting and description - I could picture Whitechapel well. Some of the "supernatural" elements were unnecessary and predictable and I dont know if the Jack the Ripper cases were the correct framework for this mystery, but I did enjoy it. I did not connect with the main protagonist in the way I hoped to - that being said, it was a good length for a slow burn mystery. Not too grisly, fairly respectful and diverse. No complaints at all!

[Sarah Harney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Dutton for an ARC of The Whitechapel Full Moon Society via NetGalley.

This was a bit outside my usual genre but the mix of historical fiction, paranormal, and mystery made for a fun and unique read! I loved that Caroline was a strong female main character who took charge of her own destiny even when her situation was grim. I also enjoyed uncovering the secrets of the Full Moon Society. A great choice if you are looking to branch out and try something other than the "typical" mystery book.

4 stars

[sylvia ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

{ received an arc of the book }

I loved the cover, and the description of the book sounded right up my alley, so I was happy to get my hands on a copy.

As for the story itself, I was pretty invested during the first half of the book. It was an easy read, and I found myself anticipating where the story might go.

I actually forgot it was classified as fantasy until the fantasy element appeared, and that’s where the book lost me. The fantasy aspect felt unnecessary and didn’t add much to the story. The mystery was also very predictable, with a lot of it explained directly by the characters; told rather than shown. There wasn’t much buildup to the final events, and unfortunately, the ending wasn’t very satisfying either.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing spin on the story of Jack the Ripper with a paranormal twist. The characters were well-written, and the descriptions of Whitechapel were historically accurate. I found myself ignoring other things I should have been doing because I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to her next novel whenever that happens!

[Michelle R · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we first meet Caroline Foster, she is on a train traveling to London on a search for her mysterious and missing brother, Charlie. She is traveling alone and bears all the markers of being young, inexperienced, and quite naive, a risky combination in late 19th century Britain. We learn that Charlie's existence is a secret that Caroline has kept from her father, as his headstone marks him as having died as an infant, and we learn that he existed in her life intermittently, visiting her sporadically over the years but still forming a loving bond that prompts her search. We also learn that she is a riches-to-rags story, her late father having squandered his fortune on a gambling addiction, and that she was recently forced to sell her childhood home in order to settle her father's debts. So, she is penniless and her last hope is finding her brother in London to have a stabilizing male presence in her life. It is clear at this point that she has no other option that her late father made no efforts to establish her with a husband before his passing, and she is looking for Charlie to whisk her away and start a new life together when they finally reunite.

Caroline travels to the address included on the envelope of Charlie's letters, the WhiteChapel Full Moon Society, where she manages to install herself as the household's new maid, effectively an assistant to the owner, the headstrong and hardworking Mrs. Easton. Mrs. Easton runs a fairly tight ship; the tenants are fed and tended to round the clock and there is always some meal in the process of being prepared. In exchange for her services, Caroline receives a meager pay and is only asked to follow 3 rules: do not ask personal questions, do not enter the East Wing, and on the night of the full moon supper, and she is to lock herself in her room after dinner and not come out until the next day. And, of course, she proceeds to break all three over the course of the book. Because, would Gremlins have been the same movie if those infamous 3 rules not been broken? I think not.

When Caroline first shows up, the tenants and Mrs. Easton all deny knowing where Charlie is, which Caroline immediately suspects is not true. So she resolves to use her newfound access to the private quarters of each tenant, since she is now responsible for tidying up their spaces, changing linens, and emptying out their chamberpots (yuck), to do her best at snooping, trying to sniff out as many clues as she can get, little by little. She proves herself to be a competent housemaid, having adapted quickly despite her cushioned upbringing, and eventually integrates herself into the daily coming and goings of the house. We meet the enigmatic Robert Ridley, or Rab, who is immediately positioned as the love interest and every one of their interactions is tenser than a bomb defuser deciding which wire to cut. And, as the story moves along, we generally are taken on the ride with Caroline as she tries to solve this mystery and find her brother.

On the whole, Caroline is a foolhardy character and her constant and tiresome dreams of reuniting with her brother hint at an almost incestuous fascination. Too much time is spent with her imaging Charlie's arms around her, his smell, the curve of his face, etc. It got a little bit creepy and regardless of that, much of the time, it was just hard to like her. It is hard to sympathize with someone who spends all of their time snooping, eavesdropping, crossing boundaries, violating personal space, lying, and keeping secrets. She spends the majority of the book collecting bits of information illicitly and we are painfully walked through her thoughts as she forms erroneous conclusions out of context. Plus, when you remember that she used to be rich, the word "entitled" inevitably enters the mix somewhere. And it was frustrating to watch her take risk after risk and form wildly inaccurate conclusions when the evidence presented the exact opposite.

Despite all of this, I was completely enveloped in this story. Not only are we given the fictional mystery of Caroline's missing brother, the author centers the story on a real life mystery by placing it in East End London 1888 - the stomping grounds of old Jack the Ripper himself. In this partly fictional/partly factual version, Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the neighborhood where the Full Moon Society house is located and the mutilated bodies of women are turning up down darkened alleyways on a monthly basis. The city is frightened, the police are stymied as to the identity of the killer, and unhoused and working women are terrified to be outdoors at night.

On the whole, this was an excellent period piece and a great mystery. The story was well-written and so engaging that it was easy to forgive Caroline's faults when you knew she would be uncovering clues. As much as I disliked Caroline for being such a nosy snoop, as much as I held my breath thinking that she was going to get caught, and as much as I was silently cursing her never to do that again, I could not wait for the reveal of the fruits of her labor. A lot of what made the book so appealing to me was the fact that we were walked through the clues at the same time as Caroline and we were also given pieces to the puzzle that were only solved by continuing to read. And it was such a rewarding experience.

This is a 5-star book for me for sure. It was not just a good story, it was well-told, well-written, and well-imagined. I'll be checking out this author's other works very soon.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy and much luck to the author when this gets published.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I give 5 stars because not only did I start and finish it two days, and essentially one sitting (I had to sleep in between). But the premise, the writing, the characters and the plot twists in a story I thought I knew, all kept me on my toes and wanting more.

As an avid true crime nerd and a lover of historical fiction, I picked up this ARC (through NetGalley) with high expectations. I wanted to see a new spin on a gruesome tale that has left many wondering for over 100 years. It is safe to say my expectations were met and thoroughly exceeded. A historical fiction, that remains mostly true to the events and time period in which is covers, but with a supernatural twist one I did not see coming until nearly 80% of the way through the book.

I think why it works so well is because (at least up until very recently and there is still some doubt) the case of Jack the Ripper has gone unsolved with no real evidence pointing to who did it, and the time since their - presumably his - crimes have long since passed so there is room to take creative liberties. I think the way it was handled, with the names of the victims kept, but giving them more dignity than they were offered at the time - and still are in many of the things written about it today - labelled as prostitutes and sex workers was refreshing.

The pacing was well done, though there were times when I wished it would move faster simply because I wanted to reach the next plot point, but it felt almost intentional. As the reader, I was forced to slow down and wait things out with Caroline so when the stakes were high, but there was nothing she could do but mull over things again and again, her frustration could be felt.

The characters, were all written in a way that gave them a lot of depth despite all being portrayed through the perspective of Caroline. We as the reader are only given as much as Caroline can gather about each of them through what possessions they have in their rooms and her interactions with them. And of herself we are only given the amount of information she actually knows or has been told and therefore believes. We are left wondering is she reading things wrong? Is what she's been told correct, misremembered over time? Is there something she's not picking up on? Which yes there was, to all of these questions that I had. Which brings me to my next point

There were parts of the story, carefully threaded and laid out that I picked up before they were confirmed (GO ME, detective at work!!). It truly felt like a true crime podcast - my favourite form of true crime consumption - where the events and people are introduced in a way that you can't trust anyone, not even the narrator in this case. I spent so much of the book doubting Caroline's voice and trying to figure out if she was the paranoid one, or maybe it was me.

I kept a note next to me, writing down all my inner commentary and burning questions at just what the hell was happening... to which they were later revealed and boy was it satisfying to be able to look back and say I knew it - there was also some times of kicking myself for not realising other things until Caroline herself figured them out. The constant, who do I believe, and who do I trust, the why so many secrets and the why are you so interested in this or that really made me think.

More on being made to think, I found myself having to go and look up the definition of a number of words, some more because they were historical descriptions that I wasn't familiar with, others because I simply did not know the meaning. A process that I - maybe an unpopular opinion - love. To be intellectually stimulated and forced to broaden my vocabulary is something I thoroughly enjoy. And is something that I have not found for a while in the books I've found myself reading, so it was a pleasant change. This alongside the content of the book following a pre-existing timeline, with real people, but integrated with fictional elements was captivating.

ARC received through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I FLEW through this book. I picked it up one night, just to get a taste of what the narrative felt like….and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Wondering what was going to happen next. Where was Charlie? What was he entangled in? How the heck was Caroline going to figure this out, penniless and alone in the world? The authors did an excellent job of drawing the reader in, painting a vivid picture of late 1800s London and sketching the portrait of an intriguing cast of characters. For me, everything jumped off the page. I also appreciate the prose, there were some beautiful turns of phrase that seemed unique to the authors s style. As this was a Netgalley ARC (thanks for honoring my request) I am not sure I’m allowed to pull a quote.

I have more to say however, I feel I need a moment to ruminate on this tale. I think my greatest delight was when I read the author afterword and she directly referenced The Five by Hayley Rutherford. This is one of my favorite past nonfiction reads. It focused solely on the victims of Jack the Ripper and humanized them. Painted a picture of White Chapel and the difficult, oft impossible circumstances women of a certain station faced. The choices they had to make when they had little to no choices left. That resonated throughout the book, as the author treated the victims with grace. Highly recommend honoring those women by reading that book!

I enjoyed this exploration of this time in history and a plausible, if fictional, take on who The Ripper may have been. I found it believable and I also enjoyed watching Caroline navigate this world that was so new to her. The fall from noblewoman to penniless orphan could have been a death sentence in that era. That she used her wits and secured a position as a maid was highly fortunate. Also to understand the workload of someone of that station and the bone tired drudgery of the Victorian era in general was well done.

I also enjoyed how the mystery of the Society slowly unfurled as well, and mysteriously and curious as monkshood. The authors observations and how well she paints outcasts,humanizes those who are a little different. Really well done.

My only complaint is that I feel slightly bereft to part from these characters so suddenly. We only just scratched the surface of the enigma that is the Whitechapel Full Moon Society and we did not get to revel in the supernatural, like I so longed to do. Simply a taste. Therefore, dear author: I beseech you for a sequel. Hear me out: yes, you wrapped this story up nearly, and efficiently, however, I think there is room to elaborate on other sensational crimes of the time or unique happenings of the era. I’ll draw a list together, happy to support this endeavor . ;-)

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery that skillfully reimagines Victorian London at the height of Jack the Ripper’s terror, blending historical intrigue with folklore and a restrained supernatural edge. Elizabeth DeLozier creates a story that feels both familiar and fresh, grounding its suspense not just in murder, but in secrecy, grief, and the dangerous act of asking questions in a world determined to keep women silent.

Caroline Foster is an easy protagonist to root for—resourceful, observant, and quietly determined. Her search for her missing brother provides an emotional anchor to the story, giving weight to every risk she takes while working as a maid inside the enigmatic Whitechapel Full Moon Society. The house itself is one of the novel’s greatest strengths: opulent yet claustrophobic, governed by rigid rules that immediately signal danger. Each restriction, each unanswered question, deepens the sense that something ancient and unsettling lurks just beneath the surface.

DeLozier excels at atmosphere. The fog-soaked streets of Whitechapel, the constant fear of violence, and the ever-present shadow of Jack the Ripper create a sustained unease that never fully lifts. The pacing is deliberate, favoring tension and immersion over spectacle, which allows the mystery to unfold gradually and keeps the reader locked into Caroline’s limited perspective. When the supernatural elements do emerge, they feel purposeful rather than gratuitous—woven into the narrative in a way that complements the historical setting instead of overwhelming it.

The novel’s handling of the Ripper murders is notably respectful. Rather than sensationalizing violence, the story acknowledges the humanity of the victims and situates the crimes within a broader social context, reinforcing the novel’s emotional and ethical grounding. While some plot developments may be anticipated by seasoned readers of historical mysteries, the execution remains satisfying, and the final revelations bring the threads together with confidence and care.

Ultimately, The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is a richly textured blend of historical fiction, mystery, and folklore that prioritizes mood, character, and restraint. Fans of gothic settings, secret societies, and reimagined history will find much to admire here. DeLozier delivers a compelling and immersive read that lingers long after the final page, offering a haunting and thoughtful alternative take on one of history’s most infamous eras.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is a historical murder mystery set during Jack the Ripper's reign of terror in Victorian London. There's a dash of fantasy sprinkled on top, and the hints of a budding romance which are not the focus of the book. It's an enjoyable read which handles its real world historical subjects respectfully. Readers of historical mysteries are likely to enjoy it.

The book follows Caroline Forester, a sickly young woman of a posh upbringing who finds herself in diminished circumstances after the death of her father. She travels to London to find her semi-estranged brother who hasn't written or visited in months. There in Whitechapel she finds the Full Moon Society, a mysterious boarding house her brother previously lived. Making it her home base while she investigates his disappearance, she gets a job there working as a kitchen maid.

London is described with rich, vivid prose. A great deal of care has been paid to historical accuracy. The language throughout is well chosen and a pleasure to read. There is a strong sense of time and place that's complimented by good narration. Like the streets of Whitechapel, the boarders at the Full Moon Society are fully rendered, with each of the retinue becoming a distinct character in only a few scenes. The characters alongside Caroline with more attention are well-rounded and likeable. I'd happily read another book following the same motley cast.

Where this book falls down a little is in the structure and pacing. You can likely guess what the dash of supernatural flare in the book is merely from the title, and if not, most readers will pick up on it in an early chapter. Caroline, meanwhile, never picks up on it despite the hints being woven throughout the book. The big reveal (the "well, it's about time!" of it all) doesn't come until the very end of the book, at which point it feels a bit rushed and like Caroline is catching up to what we all already guessed. Additionally, the mystery that drives Caroline—what's happened to her missing brother—is solved as an afterthought to the book's central mystery, the identity of Jack the Ripper, which is only ever of background interest to Caroline. These issues fumbled a bit at the end of what was otherwise a very strong book that I devoured quickly. I still enjoyed it despite that, but lovers of tricky mysteries might be let down by the twists.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier
Thank you to NetGalley for the early ARC.

A captivating historical fiction novel centered on the hunt for Jack the Ripper and a missing brother. The author excels at immersing the reader in Victorian England, creating an atmosphere so vivid that I felt as if I were standing alongside the well-developed characters. As a fan of true crime and historical fiction, I had high expectations for a new spin on this gruesome, unsolved tale, and DeLozier met them.

The story remains mostly true to the historical events of the period but introduces a supernatural twist about 80% of the way through the book. This creative liberty works well because the original Ripper case remains unsolved, allowing room for such imaginative shifts. I found it particularly refreshing that the names of the victims were kept, yet they were afforded more dignity than they are usually given in historical accounts or modern retellings.

The pacing is intentional, occasionally forcing the reader to slow down and experience the same frustration and "mulling over" as the main character, Caroline. Because the entire story is told through Caroline’s perspective, the reader only knows what she knows or believes. This creates a sense of profound doubt, questioning if she was misremembering events or if I was missing clues, making for an intellectually stimulating experience.

🍵Final Verdict
The narrative structure mirrors the feel of a true crime podcast, where no one—not even the narrator—can be fully trusted. Overall, integrating real people and timelines with captivating fictional elements. This is a must-read for those who love a meticulous historical mystery but crave a daring, unexpected payoff. DeLozier honors the victims of the past while spinning a supernatural web that is both intellectually satisfying and genuinely surprising.

[J. Myersmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is described as "...a bedtime story, the kind with monsters and curses, family secrets and ancient lore" and "...[an] alternative look into the infamous Jack the Ripper story with a major, supernatural twist." Instead, it is an extremely slow burning mystery (around the 70% mark, our protagonist laments that she hasn't discovered anything despite months of subtle investigation) with zero supernatural elements. Yes, the (I don't consider this a spoiler due to the title and description laying it on quite thick) werewolves are revealed at the very end, but they are almost unrecognizable from the traditional morphing monsters we know, and their lycanthropy is only ever a red herring to the main mystery.

I wanted to like this book so much that I finished it despite wanting to DNF at the 50% mark, hoping it would redeem itself. Once I'd reached the end and it hadn't, I tried to view it retrospectively without the lens of its Goodreads description, but that only improved it slightly. From that perspective, it was easier to focus on the positives: DeLozier's descriptions of 1888 London are visceral and immersive, Caroline is a realistic depiction of an anxious heiress, and as she uncovers information at a glacial pace, there's something that keeps the pages turning. Whether it's empathy for the protagonist, true curiosity for the twist on the Ripper murders, or something else, I can't tell. I will say I was very moved by the final scene, though.

Despite a diverse and interesting cast of boarders, they are underutilized in the narrative since our focus is so clearly on Caroline and (as one of her rules as a maid) she cannot interact with them. Like many mysteries, this book ends with an enormous info dump, but there are still (somehow) questions left unanswered. I think there are definitely people out there that will enjoy this book, but I am unfortunately not one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book!

[Raymond Muraida · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite PBS Masterpiece Mystery series is Miss Scarlet and the Duke. A show that takes place during late Victorian time period that is set in London, a city filled with murder, thievery, and intrigue, that explores the societal norms of the times, particularly the role of women. As I read The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier, I kept imagining the main character, Caroline, would fit well in that PBS series. Being a woman during those times was difficult and Caroline has many challenges, throughout the novel, that puts her on the trail of finding her brother, Charlie, who has disappeared. DeLozier has done a marvelous job with her research of the time, place, language and people. Her descriptions of that period in London were very immersive, as I felt I was there.
The novel is not simply a historical mystery. As the title implies, there is a secret society set in Whitechapel. And yes, we can say Jack the Ripper! Not only is there a secret society, but it relates to a full moon, which gives the story a supernatural twist, but don’t let that turn you off as the focus is on Caroline and her search for the truth.
While the body count rises during Caroline’s time in the city, I’m afraid Ms. DeLozier may have shown her hand too soon. At one point, midway through, I turned to my wife and said, I know who the killer is. Maybe I got lucky, maybe the clues were too obvious. Who knows. Also, I met many characters throughout the novel, mostly the boarders where Caroline worked; however, many of them were underutilized or undeveloped. That said, I enjoyed my journey with Caroline and I hope you do too!
An E-ARC of The Whitechapel Full Moon Society was provided by NetGalley and Dutton in exchange for my honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is a richly imagined blend of gothic mystery and supernatural suspense, offering a fresh, eerie reimagining of Jack the Ripper’s London. From the moment Caroline Foster steps through the Society’s crumbling façade and into its unexpectedly opulent halls, the novel wraps you in a fog‑shrouded world where nothing is quite what it seems.

Caroline is a wonderfully compelling heroine—resilient, curious, and driven by a fierce loyalty to her missing brother. Her arrival at the Society feels like stepping onto a stage set for secrets: barred rooms, whispered rules, and a staff who seem to know far more than they dare say. The tension builds beautifully as Caroline uncovers unsettling clues, each one tightening the sense that she’s wandered into a story where folklore and reality bleed together.

Elizabeth DeLozier captures Victorian London with vivid, cinematic detail—the grime of Whitechapel’s streets, the opulence of hidden clubs, the dread that hangs over a city haunted by a killer. The supernatural twist is woven in with impressive subtlety, adding depth and intrigue without overshadowing the historical roots of the narrative. As more bodies surface and the Society’s true nature comes into focus, the novel becomes a gripping exploration of curses, family legacies, and the monsters we fear—both human and otherwise.

With its gothic atmosphere, sharp pacing, and a heroine worth rooting for, The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is a captivating read for fans of V. E. Schwab, Dana Schwartz, and Sarah Penner. Dark, imaginative, and deliciously unsettling, it offers a fresh take on one of history’s most infamous mysteries while delivering a story entirely its own.

with thanks to Elizabeth DeLozier, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.75/5
The ONLY reason why this isn’t a 5 Star read, despite the fact that I verbally exclaimed “I fucking knew it!” After a certain plot twist, is the fact that I almost DNF’d it 4% in.
The beginning bored me, but that boringness only lasted 1-2 chapters, and honestly the real reason I almost DNF’d was because Caroline started to seem like one of those “I’m not like the other girls. I hate corsets aka torture devices.” (As someone who wears corsets, they are not torture devices. They’re quite the opposite, really!).
But I got through those chapters, and holy gods above and below was this book fun.
Caroline sets off to search for her brother who specifically told her not to go after him. She ends up at a gentlemen’s boarding house and becomes a maid. Once a month, on the full moon, she is told to serve the guests and go to her room, lock the door, and not emerge until sunrise. Also, it’s London, 1888. Jack the Ripper is doing his ripping. Caroline has to find her brother, avoid getting murdered, and figure out what the strange society is hiding.
There were two major plot twists that I KNEW were coming. I knew it. I guessed it. And I loved it.
This was a delightful Victorian mystery and I’m so glad I pushed through those first few chapters, because I devoured this thing in just a few hours. (RIP to all my work emails waiting for a response. Lol).
If you like mystery, a bit of magic, and the infamy of Jack the Ripper, I suggest this book. I will never get tired of authors trying to spin Jack’s tale, and this one was, truthfully, one of my favorites.

[Olivia Hovick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I was so excited to get to dive into this book. I am sitting at a 3.5 stars for this review, and rounding down to 3. I think what is keeping me from being more enthusiastic about this book was that there was a little too much going on in a way that prevented me from being really invested in the story or being able to get deep into any one element.

The story follows Caroline Foster who is searching for her beloved older brother who has gone missing in the wake of their father's death. She sells off all of her family's belongings to pay the debt collectors, and travels to Whitechapel to the boarding house her brother was staying at only to find he has not been there for some time, and things seem...suspicious. So, Caroline pretends to be a maid looking for work and takes on a maid job at the bording house. The story takes place during the Jack the Ripper murders, which are important context for the plot and setting of the book. So we have: (1) missing brother, (2) Jack the Ripper somehow tied in, (3) mysterious male boarding house that you quickly realize has some kind of supernatural element, and (4) potential for a budding romance. I wish that the author leaned in more to the Jack the Ripper aspect OR the supernatural aspect instead of trying to do both. It lead to the supernatural reveal feeling rushed and kind of anticlimactic at the end.

Overall, Caroline is a decent narrator and protagonist (although I definitely got lover vibes from her relationship with her brother versus sibling vibes), and I was invested enough to continue reading.

[Krisztina Fodor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for NetGalley for the opportunity of letting me read an eARC of this book before release day.
This book is an absolute mood and very atmospheric, Victorian fantasy.
The story introduces us to our heroine, Caroline,  who leaves her home behind in search of her brother who disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Her journey takes her to Whitechapel, London,  during the reins of Jack the Ripper murders.
She takes on a maid role at her brother's lodging, aka the Full Moon Society, under disguise, to find out what happened to her brother.
This is where we meet the rest of the characters who are connected to each other and the society.
As Caroline spends more weeks at the boarding house, she slowly puts the puzzle together of what happened to her brother, who is Jack the Ripper and her own ancestry and where she came from.

Caroline has great character development thoughtout, going from a sheltered aristocrat to a hard working women trying to stand on her own two feet.
The author also did an excellent job with the world building. Every detail,  from the dirty, cold streets of Whitechapel to the dark corridors of the boarding house was written in such detail, that I could really feel myself immersed in the surroundings and being part of the story.
Although,  I believe this is a standalone story and doesn't need a sequel, I would be interested to see where this story could go or even a prequels and learn more about the lodgers at the Full Moon Society. 

A girl can only hope; needless to say this is a 5☆ read for me.

[Mitchell Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine if folklore+ serial killer mystery+ historical fiction all had love child you would have the Whitechapel Full Moon Society!

Elizabeth DeLozier has earned themself a new fan!

This book follows Caroline as she is solving the mystery as to where her brother has disappeared. While on this journey she becomes a house maid in a Boarding House that is for a secret society of individuals who celebrate a big event that occurs every full moon. To add on to this, it is set during the killing spree of Jack the Ripper.

Caroline believes that the occupants of the boarding household the key to not only her brother's disappearance but are also responsible for the murders. Is she right? You will have to read the book to find out.

What I really liked about this book is that it reads like a cozy thriller, but with complex themes. It takes a very skilled author to be able to make such dark themes a cozy thriller. I also appreciated the ways that she waved in the historical events and settings of London at the time. The way Delozier makes digestible comparisons allows for the reader to fully understand the place and time that this happens.

I also appreciate the folk lore part of it. While it takes a while to recognize the folk lore part of it, once it hits, you are immediately drawn in and fall in love with the characters.

This is a must read, and I am so excited for the world to read it!

[Joyce]

4 and ½ stars

This is an excellent novel.

It is 1888. Caroline Foster’s father has died. He was an uncaring alcoholic with mountainous debts from gambling. Caroline is forced to sell the contents of her home and leave. Receiving a letter from her beloved brother, Charlie, she decides to travel to London, to the Whitechapel district to hopefully meet him there.

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society is looking for a maid. From the outside, the home looks ordinary, but inside it is a palace to Caroline’s eyes. She meets Viv Easton, proprietress of the Society. Also living there, is a collection of men. To Caroline’s eye, they seem very unusual and eclectic. While she has reservations, Caroline is determined to find Charlie.

Woven throughout Caroline’s search for Charlie, is the story of the infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper.

Ms. DeLozier has done a remarkable job of crafting this book. The characters are wonderfully individual. I still have questions about the boarders at the Society. I liked the descriptions about the streets of Whitechapel and the inhabitants.

I strongly recommend this book to all who like late 19th Century London, the ripper killings, or historical mysteries.

I want to thank NeyGalley and Dutton for forwarding this book to me. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Emily Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only about halfway through when I first began wishing I could wipe the book from my brain to be able to read it all over again fresh. I loved this, it’s an extremely fun read and I absolutely devoured it! I love the time period and place it was set in, I loved the real Jack the Ripper letters opening some of the chapters, marking the passage of time and reminding us just how cocky he was. I love that the women’s real names were used. I love the supernatural element that you obviously do see coming the entire time but aren’t bored or rolling your eyes about as it unfolds. (The only thing that made me physically cringe were the sentences saying she wanted to run somewhere “open and green” and the second reiteration of that same thing a little later. Those two sentences just came off very corny and brought me out of it for a minute). I can’t wait to buy the physical book when it comes out and read it all over again. This was an incredibly fun read and impressive world building in a setting most of us could’ve already imagined from photos we’ve seen on our own over the years, but the author really made us see Whitechapel and the surrounding towns through Caroline’s view. I’m also happy we stayed in her POV the whole time and didn’t have things revealed to us by way of other characters POVs, it was really fun to learn things (and be duped) right along with her.

[Ashley Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier started off a bit slow for me, but it picked up as the story progressed and the tension began to build. Caroline is on the hunt for her missing brother, Charlie, and her search leads her to a boarding house in Whitechapel that she quickly begins to find suspicious. The house is full of interesting characters, and as Caroline starts to realize that something may be amiss, the story becomes more engaging and difficult to put down.

One strange aspect of the book, however, was that Caroline’s thoughts about her brother occasionally felt uncomfortably sensual, which I found distracting and a little off-putting.

That said, I really enjoyed the setting. The Whitechapel atmosphere, paired with the looming fear and fascination surrounding Jack the Ripper was vivid and immersive. DeLozier did a great job portraying the setting in a historically accurate way, and I appreciated how grounded the time period felt throughout the book. The mystery, combined with a subtle supernatural twist, added an extra layer of interest for me. I cannot think of another book that is similar. .

If you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and stories with a touch of the supernatural, I think you’ll enjoy The Whitechapel Full Moon Society!

[Amber aka Crystal Coast Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out strong and immediately pulled me in. I was genuinely invested early on and even found myself reading well past midnight because I needed to know what happened next. The premise had a lot of promise, particularly the mystery surrounding the missing brother and the unsettling atmosphere of the boarding house.

While this is marketed as fantasy, the fantastical elements remain very subtle and largely in the background. For me, the story read more like a historical mystery focused on uncovering a serial killer, with the eccentric residents of the boarding house playing a central role. Readers expecting a stronger fantasy presence may find that aspect understated.

As the story progressed—around the 70% mark—I began to lose momentum. Some character decisions became frustrating for me, particularly missed clues and repeated emotional distancing, and a few plot points left me with lingering questions. Unfortunately, the ending also felt rushed, with major events resolving quickly and several threads left unexplored.

There’s more I’d love to discuss, but as this was an ARC, I can’t go into spoiler territory.

Overall, this was a 2-star read for me—one that had a compelling start and atmosphere, but didn’t fully come together in the end. While it wasn’t a personal favorite, it may still appeal to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a very light touch of fantasy.

[Thio Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title, The Whitechapel Full Moon Society, and the beautiful, artful cover drew me to this book. I’m happy to report that it’s safe to judge this one by its cover—Elizabeth DeLozier delivers a wonderful story.

While Jack the Ripper’s London isn’t my favorite time period, I’m a sucker for a historical mystery that incorporates real history. The worldbuilding is strong: the East End is rendered as dreary, smelly, and frightening, while the boarding house is a busy, surprisingly warm and welcoming haven. The tenants of the Society are distinct and colorful, and the proprietress is especially charming.

The plot was slightly predictable at times (which can happen when historical notes are well known), but it’s well-executed, with one or two genuine surprises along the way. The pacing is excellent, and the prose is superb.

This is a four-star read that nearly rounds up to five. I’m very much hoping Ms. DeLozier turns this into a series—I’d love to spend more time in the Society and see how Caroline Foster continues to adapt to her new circumstances.

My thanks to Dutton for the complimentary copy, accessed through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.