What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper #1
A Study in Red
A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper by Brian L Porter tells the story of Robert Cavendish, a modern day psychiatrist who is bequeathed a strange set of papers which purport to be the journal of the long-dead infamous Whitechapel Murderer whose crimes gripped the hearts and minds and instilled terror on the streets of Victorian London. As he begins to read the journal, Robert becomes convinced of it’s authenticity and finds that the words of the Ripper have a strange and compelling effect on him. Unable to cast the pages aside he finds himself being drawn into the dark and sinister world of the killer until he is unable to distinguish what is fact and what is fantasy. In short, Robert Cavendish begins to feel as though he is being taken over in some way by the soul of the long-dead Ripper. What happens as he progresses through the journal will disturb and shock the reader as the close dividing line between sanity and madness is explored to the full.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
283 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Brian L. Porter
62 books71 followersFormerly a member of the Royal Air Force, Brian L Porter is an award-winning author, and a dedicated dog rescuer, with the distinction of having more than twenty Amazon #1 bestsellers to his name. He has written under three pseudonyms, with bestsellers coming under each of his writing guises. The majority of those have come under his Brian L Porter name with four coming under his Harry Porter and Juan Pablo Jalisco names.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 7, 2022
This is a 4.5 star read.
Wow .... this was HEAVY .... and riveting all at the same time. An eclectic mix of solid historical facts and fictional supposition with a conclusion that was as surprising as it was full of dread. I'm excited to see that the following two novels of the trilogy have paranormal leanings - something you most definitely do not want with Jack the Ripper!
Wow .... this was HEAVY .... and riveting all at the same time. An eclectic mix of solid historical facts and fictional supposition with a conclusion that was as surprising as it was full of dread. I'm excited to see that the following two novels of the trilogy have paranormal leanings - something you most definitely do not want with Jack the Ripper!
November 9, 2021
For a 6-hour book, there was only about 90 minutes worth of content - and not very well written content at that. Psychiatrist Robert Cavendish is given a journal upon his father's death, supposedly written by Jack the Ripper. With his wife out of town, he proceeds to spend the next two days reading the journal - very slowly, obviously, because there are only about ten pages of journal entry and the rest is Robert rehashing everything - again and again and again - and basically implying the house, or him, is possessed.
I could not finish the book, although I did read the end to see if my suspicions were correct (close enough). There is a very unrealistic twist a the end, which made no sense at all. (OK, maybe I should have read the entire book - but I couldn't take the writing anymore.)
Repetitive, unbelievable, and close enough to predictable. Life is too short.
I could not finish the book, although I did read the end to see if my suspicions were correct (close enough). There is a very unrealistic twist a the end, which made no sense at all. (OK, maybe I should have read the entire book - but I couldn't take the writing anymore.)
Repetitive, unbelievable, and close enough to predictable. Life is too short.
February 7, 2022
Contains one spoiler
First off, I fail to understand all the great reviews of this book. Seriously.
There are a couple of issues with this story.
First, this book could've been pared down about a hundred or so pages. How many times can the author describe a man having coffee? How it tasted. How it smelled. How many cups he drank. Ad nauseum.
How many times can the author tell us that the papers were old? Brown. Crackling. Warm? Seemed to have a life of their own? Omg.
And how many times could the writer ask the reader that this couldn't be true? Couldn't be happening. Couldn't be possible. How (the protagonist) was dedicated to finishing the journal. Must see it through. Must get it done by such and such a time. You get the idea.
The 2nd issue was that at the end of all this tedious crap, we find out that the protagonist was in a coma thru all that (supposedly) happened. So we read all that drivel to find out that he was COMATOSE??? Please. Give me a break.
I would suggest, in the interest of not wasting your time, to give this book a hard pass. I think I must've skipped so many pages and skimmed thru others, just to hurry up and finish this. I will not read another book in this series.
First off, I fail to understand all the great reviews of this book. Seriously.
There are a couple of issues with this story.
First, this book could've been pared down about a hundred or so pages. How many times can the author describe a man having coffee? How it tasted. How it smelled. How many cups he drank. Ad nauseum.
How many times can the author tell us that the papers were old? Brown. Crackling. Warm? Seemed to have a life of their own? Omg.
And how many times could the writer ask the reader that this couldn't be true? Couldn't be happening. Couldn't be possible. How (the protagonist) was dedicated to finishing the journal. Must see it through. Must get it done by such and such a time. You get the idea.
The 2nd issue was that at the end of all this tedious crap, we find out that the protagonist was in a coma thru all that (supposedly) happened. So we read all that drivel to find out that he was COMATOSE??? Please. Give me a break.
I would suggest, in the interest of not wasting your time, to give this book a hard pass. I think I must've skipped so many pages and skimmed thru others, just to hurry up and finish this. I will not read another book in this series.
April 26, 2010
4.0 stars. This book is well written and the premise is great. A psychiatrist, Robert Cavendish, is bequeathed what appears to be the actual journal of "jack the Ripper." Skeptical at first, Robert becomes convinced that the journal is authentic and that there may be a connection between the infamous mass murderer and his family. His obsession with the journal eventually leads him question his own sanity (and his own ability to control his own actions) and becomes a struggle between sanity and madness that is very dark, atmospheric and very well done.
The only reason I did not give the story 5 stars is that I was a little disappointed in the ending. I was hoping for more of a "oh my God" moment. However, it was certainly a terrific read (actually a listen as I listended to the audio version) and would certainly recommend it.
The only reason I did not give the story 5 stars is that I was a little disappointed in the ending. I was hoping for more of a "oh my God" moment. However, it was certainly a terrific read (actually a listen as I listended to the audio version) and would certainly recommend it.
June 7, 2009
A Study in Red begins with a mysterious warning, compelling the reader to read on. What follows is a horrific tale of butchery, bloodletting and madness, the tale of the secret journal of Jack the Ripper.
Page, by warm sticky page, Brian L. Porter compels us to follow as Robert receives a very old stack of papers upon his father’s death. Puzzled and curious, he begins to read the odd journal. Sleep eludes Robert and he barely eats enough to stay alive as the journal of Jack the Ripper engulfs his fevered brain. Robert hears voices and sees shadows, even though he is quite alone. His study seems strangely cold, although the pages of the journal are unaccountably warm, as warm as blood, and for some odd reason, a queer London fog has gradually surrounded his house.
Is Robert going mad? Has the Ripper somehow found a way to cross the boundaries of time into the present? Reading the grisly accounts of the Ripper’s murderous deeds would unsettle anyone, but what otherworldly force seems to have overtaken Robert? Somehow, he seems unusually close to the Ripper’s story and to his own ancestor’s apparent involvement with one of the most heinous murderers of all time. This is a story that will chill the heart and draw one in like no other. Perhaps you, too, will be compelled to open A Study in Red, to learn the truth of the secret journal of Jack the Ripper.
Page, by warm sticky page, Brian L. Porter compels us to follow as Robert receives a very old stack of papers upon his father’s death. Puzzled and curious, he begins to read the odd journal. Sleep eludes Robert and he barely eats enough to stay alive as the journal of Jack the Ripper engulfs his fevered brain. Robert hears voices and sees shadows, even though he is quite alone. His study seems strangely cold, although the pages of the journal are unaccountably warm, as warm as blood, and for some odd reason, a queer London fog has gradually surrounded his house.
Is Robert going mad? Has the Ripper somehow found a way to cross the boundaries of time into the present? Reading the grisly accounts of the Ripper’s murderous deeds would unsettle anyone, but what otherworldly force seems to have overtaken Robert? Somehow, he seems unusually close to the Ripper’s story and to his own ancestor’s apparent involvement with one of the most heinous murderers of all time. This is a story that will chill the heart and draw one in like no other. Perhaps you, too, will be compelled to open A Study in Red, to learn the truth of the secret journal of Jack the Ripper.
March 28, 2021
A Study In Red: The Secret Journal Of Jack The Ripper (The Study In Red Trilogy Book 1): by Brian L. Porter
This is the third book I have read by this author and, in my opinion, is his best one yet.
I don’t profess to have vast knowledge of the Ripper, but it is more than obvious that the author knows his stuff. Many hours of research must have gone into the production of this book.
I like how Porter draws the reader into the story through a present situation and links it flawlessly with the past. The knowledge the main character receives about The Ripper’s crimes could also affect future generations of his own bloodline and this leaves him in a quandary. He has the power to divulge the terrible truth about such an old series of crimes, but at what cost?
We are also made privy to the author’s own ideas of how Jack the Ripper was able to commit such horrible crimes and simply disappear into the night with the skill of an illusionist. This haunting psychological thriller is well-plotted, feasible and believable. Three aspects of a good novel.
I will say no more. I do not wish to spoil your read. Enjoy it! I know I did.
This is the third book I have read by this author and, in my opinion, is his best one yet.
I don’t profess to have vast knowledge of the Ripper, but it is more than obvious that the author knows his stuff. Many hours of research must have gone into the production of this book.
I like how Porter draws the reader into the story through a present situation and links it flawlessly with the past. The knowledge the main character receives about The Ripper’s crimes could also affect future generations of his own bloodline and this leaves him in a quandary. He has the power to divulge the terrible truth about such an old series of crimes, but at what cost?
We are also made privy to the author’s own ideas of how Jack the Ripper was able to commit such horrible crimes and simply disappear into the night with the skill of an illusionist. This haunting psychological thriller is well-plotted, feasible and believable. Three aspects of a good novel.
I will say no more. I do not wish to spoil your read. Enjoy it! I know I did.
February 27, 2022
This could have been a novella and would have been much better for it. I don't recommend it at all.
October 22, 2020
A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a haunting psychological thriller featuring Robert Cavendish at the time of his father's death. The family attorney presents him with a collection of papers that appear to be a handwritten journal. Robert's wife Sarah is attending to a sister who has recently given birth. It gives him an abundance of time to study the narrative, which is as a vortex threatening to devour him whole. He finds entries by his great-grandfather Burton Cleveland Cavendish, along with those of a man he soon believes to be Jack the Ripper.
The author deftly weaves the storylines so that we are presented with a tapestry flowing continuously from the bloody past to the current day. Burton is compromised by the suspicion that the serial killer might be a distant relative. This hits Robert as a shock wave, and his research is expanded to include the history of the Whitechapel murders as well as Burton's psychiatric evaluations. It leads the audience down dark and chilling roads that may bring some sleepless nights to the faint of heart. A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a scary tale you won't forget.
The author deftly weaves the storylines so that we are presented with a tapestry flowing continuously from the bloody past to the current day. Burton is compromised by the suspicion that the serial killer might be a distant relative. This hits Robert as a shock wave, and his research is expanded to include the history of the Whitechapel murders as well as Burton's psychiatric evaluations. It leads the audience down dark and chilling roads that may bring some sleepless nights to the faint of heart. A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a scary tale you won't forget.
March 26, 2021
I love thrillers, and this haunting psychological thriller is one of the best I’ve read recently. The story starts when the MC inherits a set of papers from his recently deceased father that turns out to be the secret Journal of Jack the Ripper. The story unfolds as he reads the journal, and it turns out to be a page-turner both for him and for us. This is the third book I’ve read from this author, and just like the other two, the book boasts meticulous and obviously researched descriptions, great characters, and fast-paced plot development. Haunting and chilling with a twist ending, this book should not be missed by fans of the genre.
September 12, 2024
3,5 sterren
Het eerste gedeelte zit goed in elkaar en is een leuke twist op deze lugubere geschiedenis.
Al had het wel korter gekund. Want hoe vaak je wel niet leest dat hij toch het einde van het dagboek wil lezen... dat wordt op den duur best vervelend.
Het einde voeld gehaast. Binnen 10 bladzijden is het gedaan. Dat had dan toch wat uitgebreider gemogen van mij.
Conclusie: het idee is echt goed. Al had van mij in het eerste geschrapt mogen worden en het tweede uitgebreider.
Het eerste gedeelte zit goed in elkaar en is een leuke twist op deze lugubere geschiedenis.
Al had het wel korter gekund. Want hoe vaak je wel niet leest dat hij toch het einde van het dagboek wil lezen... dat wordt op den duur best vervelend.
Het einde voeld gehaast. Binnen 10 bladzijden is het gedaan. Dat had dan toch wat uitgebreider gemogen van mij.
Conclusie: het idee is echt goed. Al had van mij in het eerste geschrapt mogen worden en het tweede uitgebreider.
June 19, 2016
This tale reveals the identity of Jack the Ripper through the pages of a diary handed down through the generations. The diary entries, somewhat stereotypical rants against whores, are interspersed with the musings of the reader. I can't say much more as there is scant plotting.
The premise is interesting but unfortunately the book gives the impression of having been rushed into print without the benefit of thorough copy editing. There are too many repetitions of pet words and phrases ("suffused", "once more...") and too many reworkings of the same thought. Some sentences became long and unwieldy, strung together by conjunctives while others were incomplete fragments. Perhaps it’s unfair to level criticisms of writing style without offering comprehensive examples but my list grew so long it seemed unnecessarily vindict
ive.
Turns of phrase were inaccurate or poorly thought out. While out walking he "... gulped in several lungfuls of fresh, sweet tasting air..." That might imply he later returned to breathing stale air or stopped altogether. I found this type of ambiguity intrusive and distracting. The central character lacked plausibility for me. No one really shakes with fear for several days in a row or repeatedly closes doors and leans against them for dramatic effect. There are more effective ways of conveying a state of dread.
Writing and getting published are stern tests so to acknowledge that and the historically accurate context I awarded 2 stars but I was left disappointed and wondering about the 5 star reviews here and on Amazon.
The premise is interesting but unfortunately the book gives the impression of having been rushed into print without the benefit of thorough copy editing. There are too many repetitions of pet words and phrases ("suffused", "once more...") and too many reworkings of the same thought. Some sentences became long and unwieldy, strung together by conjunctives while others were incomplete fragments. Perhaps it’s unfair to level criticisms of writing style without offering comprehensive examples but my list grew so long it seemed unnecessarily vindict
ive.
Turns of phrase were inaccurate or poorly thought out. While out walking he "... gulped in several lungfuls of fresh, sweet tasting air..." That might imply he later returned to breathing stale air or stopped altogether. I found this type of ambiguity intrusive and distracting. The central character lacked plausibility for me. No one really shakes with fear for several days in a row or repeatedly closes doors and leans against them for dramatic effect. There are more effective ways of conveying a state of dread.
Writing and getting published are stern tests so to acknowledge that and the historically accurate context I awarded 2 stars but I was left disappointed and wondering about the 5 star reviews here and on Amazon.
November 21, 2020
Not what I expected – it was even better.
I have read many books by Porter and can honestly say I have never been disappointed – A Study in Red exceeded all expectations and on so many levels.
There are many books on Jack the Ripper offering academic studies as well as fictional accounts. This was different to anything I have read before. Imagine if in a legacy you were left the journals of the Ripper? Imagine if you started to read them and the frank horror in the words strikes a chord? What if, as you read and become absorbed, the psychological balance of your mind is slowly, inexorably disturbed, that you start to sink into the depraved world of this demented killer?
What if as a reader you find yourself spiralling into the Dickensian underworld – it is easily done as Porter paints a vivid picture that is so alluring I found myself in the book, in the mind of the modern day psychiatrist in receipt of the journal and, in Whitechapel; I could smell the ferrous odour of blood – spine tingling does not even come near it.
And, what if as the novel proceeds all of the subtle suggestion, the underlying currents of depravity and the effects this would have not just on the protagonist but you, the reader – was real yet surreal? How can you ignore this, until the ending that is and, I never saw it coming – it was not what I expected – it was even better.
And, what if there is a sequel? Well, you just have to buy it and, I have.
A brilliant read – 5 stars and a big recommendation from me.
I have read many books by Porter and can honestly say I have never been disappointed – A Study in Red exceeded all expectations and on so many levels.
There are many books on Jack the Ripper offering academic studies as well as fictional accounts. This was different to anything I have read before. Imagine if in a legacy you were left the journals of the Ripper? Imagine if you started to read them and the frank horror in the words strikes a chord? What if, as you read and become absorbed, the psychological balance of your mind is slowly, inexorably disturbed, that you start to sink into the depraved world of this demented killer?
What if as a reader you find yourself spiralling into the Dickensian underworld – it is easily done as Porter paints a vivid picture that is so alluring I found myself in the book, in the mind of the modern day psychiatrist in receipt of the journal and, in Whitechapel; I could smell the ferrous odour of blood – spine tingling does not even come near it.
And, what if as the novel proceeds all of the subtle suggestion, the underlying currents of depravity and the effects this would have not just on the protagonist but you, the reader – was real yet surreal? How can you ignore this, until the ending that is and, I never saw it coming – it was not what I expected – it was even better.
And, what if there is a sequel? Well, you just have to buy it and, I have.
A brilliant read – 5 stars and a big recommendation from me.
Read
November 20, 2020A Study in Red: The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper
Purchase Verified Format: Kindle Version
A blockbuster
If you’re fond of thrillers – get ready and sit tight, for this is a blockbuster that tops the lot.
When his father dies in a car accident, Robert Cavendish inherits a strange set of papers from his father that have been handed down from generation to generation. While his wife is away for a few days, he decides to find out what it is all about and to his astonishment and disbelief discovers he has what appears to be the secret journal of Jack the Ripper.
As the horror story begins to unfold, Robert is fascinated by the gory details of a series of shocking murders that were carried out in the back streets of Whitechapel in last few months of 1888. The description of how the victims were butchered together with the inmost thoughts of the murderer as he carried it out are so vividly portrayed that it is difficult so imagine that it might be pure fiction.
Despite being appalled at the fiendish aims of the murderer, Robert feels impelled to go on reading to find out how it all ends and, in the process, nearly loses his mind as the identity of Jack the Ripper is revealed. This is a brilliant well researched thriller by the author and one not to be missed.
Purchase Verified Format: Kindle Version
A blockbuster
If you’re fond of thrillers – get ready and sit tight, for this is a blockbuster that tops the lot.
When his father dies in a car accident, Robert Cavendish inherits a strange set of papers from his father that have been handed down from generation to generation. While his wife is away for a few days, he decides to find out what it is all about and to his astonishment and disbelief discovers he has what appears to be the secret journal of Jack the Ripper.
As the horror story begins to unfold, Robert is fascinated by the gory details of a series of shocking murders that were carried out in the back streets of Whitechapel in last few months of 1888. The description of how the victims were butchered together with the inmost thoughts of the murderer as he carried it out are so vividly portrayed that it is difficult so imagine that it might be pure fiction.
Despite being appalled at the fiendish aims of the murderer, Robert feels impelled to go on reading to find out how it all ends and, in the process, nearly loses his mind as the identity of Jack the Ripper is revealed. This is a brilliant well researched thriller by the author and one not to be missed.
October 23, 2020
A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a haunting psychological thriller featuring Robert Cavendish at the time of his father's death. The family attorney presents him with a collection of papers that appear to be a handwritten journal. Robert's wife Sarah is attending to a sister who has recently given birth. It gives him an abundance of time to study the narrative, which is as a vortex threatening to devour him whole. He finds entries by his great-grandfather Burton Cleveland Cavendish, along with those of a man he soon believes to be Jack the Ripper.
The author deftly weaves the storylines so that we are presented with a tapestry flowing continuously from the bloody past to the current day. Burton is compromised by the suspicion that the serial killer might be a distant relative. This hits Robert as a shock wave, and his research is expanded to include the history of the Whitechapel murders as well as Burton's psychiatric evaluations. It leads the audience down dark and chilling roads that may bring some sleepless nights to the faint of heart. A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a scary tale you won't forget.
The author deftly weaves the storylines so that we are presented with a tapestry flowing continuously from the bloody past to the current day. Burton is compromised by the suspicion that the serial killer might be a distant relative. This hits Robert as a shock wave, and his research is expanded to include the history of the Whitechapel murders as well as Burton's psychiatric evaluations. It leads the audience down dark and chilling roads that may bring some sleepless nights to the faint of heart. A Study In Red by Brian L Porter is a scary tale you won't forget.
March 15, 2009
In reading A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack The Ripper, I came across a passage written by Porter that explained why I couldn't put this book down.... "there was a thrill attached to all the horror I was exposing myself to, not a pleasant thrill, but a thrill nonetheless." To me the "thrill" was wanting to know the full story. With the available resources for research today it just might be possible for a writer to compile all of the evidence and form a conclusion that wasn't possible 100 years ago. Was the Ripper a man sick in body as well as mind? Did he seek help from others? Did he tell someone else what he had done and not been believed? And why kill just prostitutes? Were they to blame for his illness? Or was it his own father that was to blame? Yes Porter tells you the story is fiction, but is it really? I'm not really sure anymore.
I've enjoyed reading this book. It's a cross between a "fiction" and a "true crime." So if you enjoy either genre you will enjoy A Study in Red. Do keep in mind that this book is very descriptive.
I've enjoyed reading this book. It's a cross between a "fiction" and a "true crime." So if you enjoy either genre you will enjoy A Study in Red. Do keep in mind that this book is very descriptive.
March 21, 2023
I was going to give this a 3 to be generous but then I read the ending and I could not bring myself up to give this book a 3. Absolutely disappointing. I was getting kind of annoyed because in basically every chapter he does say in variations how he is not going to skip ahead to find the identity of who Jack the Ripper which they never identify him by the end of the book. He never names him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2024
I do not understand why there are so many four and five star ratings for this book. It is extremely repetitive and predictable My two star is very generous. If anyone reading this review is still thinking about reading this or is not done, don’t read this book. Put it down. The ending is a giant cop out. I can’t believe that this is a series!
December 2, 2010
A clever retelling of the Ripper story. Clever, but something bugged me and I think it was the fact that it was thin material and felt like short story padded out. A denser plot development would have helped.
February 25, 2022
2.5 Stars
Reading tastes vary from person to person, this one was not for me. It started out interesting and I was really intrigued by the premise. But it was a trudge to finish. Felt very repetitive.
Reading tastes vary from person to person, this one was not for me. It started out interesting and I was really intrigued by the premise. But it was a trudge to finish. Felt very repetitive.
March 23, 2022
Disappointed
When reading the reviews for this book I had high hopes.
12% into the book I was bored out of my mind. I found Robert overdramatic and the scenes repetitive. I couldn't finish it.
When reading the reviews for this book I had high hopes.
12% into the book I was bored out of my mind. I found Robert overdramatic and the scenes repetitive. I couldn't finish it.
April 9, 2022
Mehh!
Interesting premise, but I found the fear the main character exhibits from reading the sparse journal entries too over the top. The internal dialog of the main character dragged on way too long between journal entries. It was hard to complete the book.
Interesting premise, but I found the fear the main character exhibits from reading the sparse journal entries too over the top. The internal dialog of the main character dragged on way too long between journal entries. It was hard to complete the book.
June 19, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: A Study In Red
Subtitle: The Secret Journal Of Jack The Ripper (The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper #1)
Author: Brian L. Porter
Genre: Thriller
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Imagine, shortly after the death of your father, you come into possession of a manuscript. You are a psychiatrist and come from a long line of doctors and psychiatrists. The manuscript is written by someone claiming to be Jack The Ripper. All manner of spooky things happen while you read the manuscript and chilling revelations come to light. What if?
What I liked about the book:
This is an action-packed thriller that made you feel the terror of the main character.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I really enjoyed this book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was interesting and you wonder what will happen next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The title suggests this is the first book in a series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is original in that it puts a different slant on a well-known story. But what if you found you were a distant relative of such a creature?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like action-packed thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper by Brian L Porter tells the story of Robert Cavendish, a modern day psychiatrist who is bequeathed a strange set of papers which purport to be the journal of the long-dead infamous Whitechapel Murderer whose crimes gripped the hearts and minds and instilled terror on the streets of Victorian London. As he begins to read the journal, Robert becomes convinced of it's authenticity and finds that the words of the Ripper have a strange and compelling effect on him. Unable to cast the pages aside he finds himself being drawn into the dark and sinister world of the killer until he is unable to distinguish what is fact and what is fantasy. In short, Robert Cavendish begins to feel as though he is being taken over in some way by the soul of the long-dead Ripper. What happens as he progresses through the journal will disturb and shock the reader as the close dividing line between sanity and madness is explored to the full.
About the Author:
Formerly a member of the Royal Air Force, Brian L Porter is an award-winning author, and a dedicated dog rescuer, with the distinction of having more than twenty Amazon #1 bestsellers to his name. He has written under three pseudonyms, with bestsellers coming under each of his writing guises. The majority of those have come under his Brian L Porter name with four coming under his Harry Porter and Juan Pablo Jalisco names.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
Basic Details:
Book Title: A Study In Red
Subtitle: The Secret Journal Of Jack The Ripper (The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper #1)
Author: Brian L. Porter
Genre: Thriller
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Imagine, shortly after the death of your father, you come into possession of a manuscript. You are a psychiatrist and come from a long line of doctors and psychiatrists. The manuscript is written by someone claiming to be Jack The Ripper. All manner of spooky things happen while you read the manuscript and chilling revelations come to light. What if?
What I liked about the book:
This is an action-packed thriller that made you feel the terror of the main character.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I really enjoyed this book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was interesting and you wonder what will happen next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The title suggests this is the first book in a series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is original in that it puts a different slant on a well-known story. But what if you found you were a distant relative of such a creature?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like action-packed thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper by Brian L Porter tells the story of Robert Cavendish, a modern day psychiatrist who is bequeathed a strange set of papers which purport to be the journal of the long-dead infamous Whitechapel Murderer whose crimes gripped the hearts and minds and instilled terror on the streets of Victorian London. As he begins to read the journal, Robert becomes convinced of it's authenticity and finds that the words of the Ripper have a strange and compelling effect on him. Unable to cast the pages aside he finds himself being drawn into the dark and sinister world of the killer until he is unable to distinguish what is fact and what is fantasy. In short, Robert Cavendish begins to feel as though he is being taken over in some way by the soul of the long-dead Ripper. What happens as he progresses through the journal will disturb and shock the reader as the close dividing line between sanity and madness is explored to the full.
About the Author:
Formerly a member of the Royal Air Force, Brian L Porter is an award-winning author, and a dedicated dog rescuer, with the distinction of having more than twenty Amazon #1 bestsellers to his name. He has written under three pseudonyms, with bestsellers coming under each of his writing guises. The majority of those have come under his Brian L Porter name with four coming under his Harry Porter and Juan Pablo Jalisco names.
Nowadays, he divides his time between writing his popular Mersey Murder Mystery series of books, and his immensely successful true-life Family of Rescue Dogs series, all featuring the dogs that form part of his own family, and all having been Amazon #1 bestsellers.
October 9, 2025
Subtitled "The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper," and, despite the implications of the main title, having nothing whatsoever to do with Sherlock Holmes.
Robert Cavendish, a psychiatrist in modern-day London and our narrator, has recently lost his father. After the funeral and most of the legalities and formalities, the elder Cavendish's solicitor provides Robert with a package which, he says, has been locked in his safe at Dad's request, to be delivered into his only son's hands when he is dead.
In the package is a manuscript, a journal, with a prefatory note, and several notes interspersed into the journal, by Robert's great-grandfather, like Robert and the two generations between, a psychiatrist. Great-Grandfather's introduction informs Robert that he could, had he taken the author of the journal seriously, have stopped Jack the Ripper.
This comes as a shock to Robert. To us, who know from the cover what the journal is, it's none at all.
The journal itself takes up perhaps fifteen percent of the total length of the text. The rest is Robert's reactions to the journal as he reads it over three days; the research he does online (especially at www.casebook.org) to verify the details therein; how he keeps what is going on from his wife (who is with her sister, who has just given birth to a baby boy -- whom they name Jack); and some very weird things that happen, not all to him, during the period when he is reading.
A Study in Red could have been much better if it had been edited well.
It isn't that it's grotesquely typo-ridden; it's well proofread. But it's verbose, in places almost beyond belief, regularly taking a long, adverb-rich, and frequently polysyllabic, way to say simple things, for no good reason. At a guess, the book could be reduced by ten to twenty percent without losing any of its actual content.
As it is it's a ... pretty good book. The story is well structured, the pacing not bad, and Robert himself is an interesting character, or would be if he didn't go on at such length. I'd like it to be a B+; in its unedited state, it earns a C at best.
Robert Cavendish, a psychiatrist in modern-day London and our narrator, has recently lost his father. After the funeral and most of the legalities and formalities, the elder Cavendish's solicitor provides Robert with a package which, he says, has been locked in his safe at Dad's request, to be delivered into his only son's hands when he is dead.
In the package is a manuscript, a journal, with a prefatory note, and several notes interspersed into the journal, by Robert's great-grandfather, like Robert and the two generations between, a psychiatrist. Great-Grandfather's introduction informs Robert that he could, had he taken the author of the journal seriously, have stopped Jack the Ripper.
This comes as a shock to Robert. To us, who know from the cover what the journal is, it's none at all.
The journal itself takes up perhaps fifteen percent of the total length of the text. The rest is Robert's reactions to the journal as he reads it over three days; the research he does online (especially at www.casebook.org) to verify the details therein; how he keeps what is going on from his wife (who is with her sister, who has just given birth to a baby boy -- whom they name Jack); and some very weird things that happen, not all to him, during the period when he is reading.
A Study in Red could have been much better if it had been edited well.
It isn't that it's grotesquely typo-ridden; it's well proofread. But it's verbose, in places almost beyond belief, regularly taking a long, adverb-rich, and frequently polysyllabic, way to say simple things, for no good reason. At a guess, the book could be reduced by ten to twenty percent without losing any of its actual content.
As it is it's a ... pretty good book. The story is well structured, the pacing not bad, and Robert himself is an interesting character, or would be if he didn't go on at such length. I'd like it to be a B+; in its unedited state, it earns a C at best.
April 10, 2022
Jack the Ripper murdered women. The stories of his crimes have become mythology… Ripperology. A killer, of unknown identity, is the subject of countless books and studies. The name is as well known today as it was in 1888. I confess to a certain fascination with this unknown villain.
An epistolary novel, A STUDY IN RED, conveys the mad ravings of Jack the Ripper as pages from his journal. Tucked between the pages of the notebook are letters from Robert's great grandfather and father. Jacks' confessions are terrifying; the letters are tantalizing.
The narrative style of Robert Cavendish's commentary would place him in the late 19th century despite references to looking things up on the internet and to casebook[.]org. It is reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's writing in the Sherlock Holmes stores or Bram Stoker's DRACULA. Every nuance is contemplated with plodding respect for detail. There is a feeling that Robert is going down the rabbit hole toward insanity himself.
I've had a morbid curiosity about Jack the Ripper for a very long time. I watched the movies and television shows made about Jack and his misdeeds. I've read numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction on the subject. I've visited the Casebook website on more than one occasion. I've been on the Ripper tour in London with Donald Rumbelow as my tour guide. (He has authored books on the Ripper and is a retired City of London Police Officer.) As I said, seriously morbid fixation with Jack. A STUDY IN RED presents a cohesive answer to why these crimes were committed and hints at who the Ripper was.
A STUDY IN RED is for anyone who is fascinated by the unsolved Victorian crimes and unsolved mysteries.
An epistolary novel, A STUDY IN RED, conveys the mad ravings of Jack the Ripper as pages from his journal. Tucked between the pages of the notebook are letters from Robert's great grandfather and father. Jacks' confessions are terrifying; the letters are tantalizing.
The narrative style of Robert Cavendish's commentary would place him in the late 19th century despite references to looking things up on the internet and to casebook[.]org. It is reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's writing in the Sherlock Holmes stores or Bram Stoker's DRACULA. Every nuance is contemplated with plodding respect for detail. There is a feeling that Robert is going down the rabbit hole toward insanity himself.
I've had a morbid curiosity about Jack the Ripper for a very long time. I watched the movies and television shows made about Jack and his misdeeds. I've read numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction on the subject. I've visited the Casebook website on more than one occasion. I've been on the Ripper tour in London with Donald Rumbelow as my tour guide. (He has authored books on the Ripper and is a retired City of London Police Officer.) As I said, seriously morbid fixation with Jack. A STUDY IN RED presents a cohesive answer to why these crimes were committed and hints at who the Ripper was.
A STUDY IN RED is for anyone who is fascinated by the unsolved Victorian crimes and unsolved mysteries.
October 15, 2020
I think the title, 'A Study in Red', may be taken from Conan Doyle's 'A Study in Scarlet', which would be appropriate, given both the subject matter and the writing style. Porter's take on the Jack the Ripper story is impressively different, with textual similarities to Doyle and, perhaps more significantly, to RLS' approach to Jekyll and Hyde. Without giving spoilers, the 19th century invades this book in atmosphere, language and morality, even as the journal of the Ripper intrudes upon the mind of the supposed narrator, and possibly also the reader.
Central to the book is the journal of Jack the Ripper, whose angry, disturbed words reach out on two levels - the images contained within the journal, and the impact of the evil on the modern reader. The connection between the 19th century and the reader is too powerful to deny.
The historical background is interesting, the message intriguing and the book may be unsettling, as was the intention of the writer. A masterpiece.
Central to the book is the journal of Jack the Ripper, whose angry, disturbed words reach out on two levels - the images contained within the journal, and the impact of the evil on the modern reader. The connection between the 19th century and the reader is too powerful to deny.
The historical background is interesting, the message intriguing and the book may be unsettling, as was the intention of the writer. A masterpiece.
October 5, 2021
The author achieves the incredible feat of luring the reader into feeling that he is reading a journal written by the Ripper himself. This achievement plunges you into the increasing horror of the syphilis-stricken ravings of the Victorian serial killer. Such is the writer’s skills that you can almost breathe the fetid air of Whitechapel. But dear reader, do not be deceived, with Mr Porter nothing is as it seems. He is a grand master of the twist. I will not spoil his surprises but be aware that by reading this book you must be prepared to share in the main character’s terrible nightmares. If you aren’t faint-hearted or impressionable, you’ll cope better than I did. The writing is so convincing that you can almost feel Jack the Ripper lurking in the bedroom with you. An unmissable 5-star read.
April 16, 2022
The Ripper Beyond The Grave
Fascination with the murderous rampage of Jack The Ripper has only grown with time. A Study In Red is fiction, but it was so well written that I felt I was reading a real journal and that like Robert in the book, I too felt like I had been driven to “uncover” the truth. Needless to say I could not put the book down. As I read the book, I kept coming up with explanations for some of the things that were happening, but all proved incorrect. The end of the book was not expected at all, but worked. Although there were printing errors and some words missing here and there due to less than perfect editing, one’s mind just flew over them. If you are a Ripper fanatic, by all means you have to read this book.
Fascination with the murderous rampage of Jack The Ripper has only grown with time. A Study In Red is fiction, but it was so well written that I felt I was reading a real journal and that like Robert in the book, I too felt like I had been driven to “uncover” the truth. Needless to say I could not put the book down. As I read the book, I kept coming up with explanations for some of the things that were happening, but all proved incorrect. The end of the book was not expected at all, but worked. Although there were printing errors and some words missing here and there due to less than perfect editing, one’s mind just flew over them. If you are a Ripper fanatic, by all means you have to read this book.
April 4, 2025
Has a couple of mistakes that ruined the illusion for me. Although this is fiction, better research would have helped maintain the impression that the author really was reading a journal written by JTR. The leather apron at the scene of Annie Chapman’s murder is known not to have belonged to the killer. It is also very unlikely that he or she used the sewer system to escape. It would have been easier to stay in the shadows than risk being seen entering or exiting the sewer and potentially being trapped in it.
Having read many books on the subject, however, it is interesting to read one written in a different way. If you have an interest in the subject and you are not as pedantic as me you should enjoy it!
Having read many books on the subject, however, it is interesting to read one written in a different way. If you have an interest in the subject and you are not as pedantic as me you should enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 17, 2021This author does a superb job of switching between modern day English and Victorian Day English. It is a tale of horror and red blood from a crime spree that still fascinates the world. He leads you down a path of madness and hidden secrets at a steady pace that begins to affect the modern man that has suddenly been drawn into this world by reading a journal. When you think you have discovered the horrifying truth to the end of the story, he opens yet another scenario. His timing is incredible. What other secrets could be lying in wait for the unwary reader? A fantastic read with an unsettling ending.
March 26, 2021
I love thrillers, and this haunting psychological thriller is one of the best I’ve read recently. The story starts when the MC inherits a set of papers from his recently deceased father that turns out to be the secret Journal of Jack the Ripper. The story unfolds as he reads the journal, and it turns out to be a page-turner both for him and for us. This is the third book I’ve read from this author, and just like the other two, the book boasts meticulous and obviously researched descriptions, great characters, and fast-paced plot development. Haunting and chilling with a twist ending, this book should not be missed by fans of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews