The Mad Hatter

by Yvonne Mason

The year is 1888. The Place is the East End of London. Dead and mutilated bodies are popping up all over the east end from Stamford to Whitechapel.
Jack the Ripper is making his mark in the East End in ways that puts the city on edge, so to speak.
Johnathon Rhoades has been exposed to mercury since he was a boy of sixteen working in his father’s hat factory, which he now owns due to his father’s unexpected death. The hats that are created at the factory are in such demand that he almost cannot keep up with the orders.
Young Elizabeth, who happens to be in the employ of Johnathon Rhoades manages the storefront on Whitechapel road.
As the body count climbs and all of the East End is quaking in their shoes, the hat factory is booming. Everyone who is anyone wants a creation from the Rhoades Hat Factory including Sam Flanghan, the local coroner.
Who is the Ripper? Why are these hats so much in demand? Is the Hatter really mad?

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2015

About the author

Quotes From Author by Yvonne Mason

“What you Don't Know About ME

Background: The eldest of five children, Yvonne was born May 17, 1951 in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in East Point, Georgia, she resided there until 1970. Then moved to North Georgia, In 2006 she moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida where she currently makes her home. Licensed bounty hunter for the state of Georgia.

Education: After a 34 year absence, returned to college in 2004. Graduated with honors in Criminal Justice with an Associate’s degree from Lanier Technical College in 2006.

Awards: Nominated for the prestigious GOAL award in 2005 which encompasses all of the technical colleges. This award is based not only on excellence in academics but also leadership, positive attitude and the willingness to excel in one’s major.

Affiliations: Beta Sigma Phi Sorority

The Dream: Since learning to write at the age of five, Yvonne has wanted to be an author. She wrote her first novel Stan’s Story beginning in 1974 and completed it in 2006. Publication seemed impossible as rejections grew to 10 years. Determined, she continued adding to the story until her dream came true in 2006.

The Inspiration: Yvonne’s brother Stan has been her inspiration and hero in every facet of her life. He was stricken with Encephalitis at the tender age of nine months. He has defied every roadblock placed in his way and has been the driving force in every one of her accomplishments. He is the one who taught her never to give up.

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the telling of another murderer. Not the one we have all heard of that terrorized White Chapel. This one is a different character altogether.

The first thing I noticed was the historical accuracy of the setting. The fact that this story was taking place in the same burg in the same time frame as another well known and feared serial killer was exciting in itself, but to have the two stories running parallel was wonderful.

I can not recommend this book enough. The characters and the tale are remarkable. Chilling, accurate, and completely consuming.

I am posting this review on The Page Turner during Mystery Thriller Week. The annual event to celebrate mystery and thriller authors, bloggers, and fans.

[Diane Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinatingly Insane. Late 1800's. You will feel you've traveled back to that time with the intricate details used to describe day to day life. This is the time of Jack the Ripper. Murders were not easily solved. During these days it was quite easy to be a sociopath as long as you had the ability to fake proper emotions and reactions. Social class is very important and getting what you require to maintain or improve your social status is paramount. This is the setting for the "I can't put this down" book. The Mad Hatter discovered his talent at age 10. His dad who owned a hat making company was so impressed with this first hat he did not ask too many questions. Dad died. His son, The Mad Hatter, took over the business and excelled. Murders went unsolved. Beautiful hates were made. Until someone thought things were odd and started paying attention.

[Rick Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is plain to see that Yvonne Mason knows crime. A graduate in Criminal Justice and a licensed bounty hunter, you can tell all the research that went into writing this book. She takes the infamous events of Whitechapel in 1888 and puts a interesting spin on the legend of Jack the Ripper. This book reads like one of those movies I used to watch as a kid from International Pictures or even the old Hammer Films of the '60's. Kudos to Yvonne for writing a story with well thought out characters and mixing in real-life historical references to make this novel a treat. The ending has just enough mystery to keep you guessing long after you finished it.

[Terri Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept behind this book is deliciously evil. I've listened to Yvonne Mason's podcast for awhile. Now. Ya'll she's crazy fun so I had no idea what to expect from her book. The idea for this story is one I haven't seen before. I had to finish it just to see how it would end. I the fast moving plot moved the story and kept me coming back to read "just one more chapter". It was easy to imagine the well-rounded characters acting out their roles in my head. She did a great job sharing the factual information needed without boring the reader. If you enjoy something a little different than the norm, read this book.