What do you think?
Rate this book
Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert
From New York Times bestselling author Patricia Cornwell comes Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert, a comprehensive and intriguing exposé of one of the world’s most chilling cases of serial murder—and the police force that failed to solve it.
Vain and charismatic Walter Sickert made a name for himself as a painter in Victorian London. But the ghoulish nature of his art—as well as extensive evidence—points to another name, one that’s left its bloody mark on the pages of history: Jack the Ripper. Cornwell has collected never-before-seen archival material—including a rare mortuary photo, personal correspondence and a will with a mysterious autopsy clause—and applied cutting-edge forensic science to open an old crime to new scrutiny.
Incorporating material from Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed, this new edition has been revised and expanded to include eight new chapters, detailed maps and hundreds of images that bring the sinister case to life.
Vain and charismatic Walter Sickert made a name for himself as a painter in Victorian London. But the ghoulish nature of his art—as well as extensive evidence—points to another name, one that’s left its bloody mark on the pages of history: Jack the Ripper. Cornwell has collected never-before-seen archival material—including a rare mortuary photo, personal correspondence and a will with a mysterious autopsy clause—and applied cutting-edge forensic science to open an old crime to new scrutiny.
Incorporating material from Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed, this new edition has been revised and expanded to include eight new chapters, detailed maps and hundreds of images that bring the sinister case to life.
570 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
6736 people are currently reading
4980 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Cornwell
194 books19.7k followersPatricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Postmortem, was the first bona fide forensic thriller. It paved the way for an explosion of entertainment featuring in all things forensic across film, television and literature.
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
February 21, 2018
Ok read! the storyline was not what i thought it would be. Even the writing style and plot was way off. Very disappointed of course because i am a huge fan this author...(paperback!)
April 23, 2017
Biographies come in all shapes and sizes, as has been exemplified throughout my binge over these past few months. Patricia Cornwell's re-release of this biographical piece about Jack the Ripper offers not only a view into the horrible crimes that were committed in London's East End, but also posits that Walter Sickert is the most likely suspect, providing ample proof. Cornwell offers a strong biographical sketch of both Sickert and the killings, while extrapolating the killing spree outside of the known five prostitutes. She pushes hard to substantiate her argument and uses some biographical data to show how Sickert cannot be discounted as one of the most likely suspects, even though he was a respected artist. Wonderfully detailed and presented in such a way that a novice such as myself could easily follow, Cornwell is sure to garner more interest in this updated version of this non-fiction book, though doubters and trolls are sure to remain active.
Jack the Ripper is arguably one of the most elusive and notorious serial killers of modern time. While the Ripper's crimes hit London by storm in 1888, the inability to catch the killer soon brought the crimes to international prominence. That no killer has been found almost 130 years later offers an added level of mystery. Cornwell provides some backstory as it relates to Sickert in the early chapters, hinting at his troubled childhood marred with an apparently horrific penile deformity that required numerous invasive (and destructive) surgeries. This early 'maiming' might have fuelled his desire to exact revenge on those within the sex trade who were most vulnerable. Soon thereafter, Cornwell presents the murders of five female prostitutes and suggests a likely narrative, based on the police reports and media depictions. With what is known about the aforementioned deformities, the reader is left to choose which path they choose to take. Could Sickert have chosen these early women to exemplify that he was still virile or turned to those who would not necessarily judge him, as long as he had the money to pay? Cornwell also explores Sickert's roaming nature, as he followed a path all his own, both to fulfil his artistic abilities and his interest in some of the stage work that he undertook. From there, she is able to provide the reader with some possibilities surrounding Walter Sickert's involvement, based on his known location at the time. There were scores of mocking letters received by the police and newspapers attributed to the Ripper, allowing Cornwell to posit that Sickert may have posted these letters while he was touring with a troupe or had numerous letters sent from different destinations to dilute his guilt. Cornwell uses some of Sickert's own personal correspondence to match up with the anonymous letters sent by the Ripper, as well as some of the other pseudonyms used by both the Ripper and Sickert. Of greatest interest to the reader might be that Cornwell is convinced that Met Police focussed only on the five prostitutes, which was likely only a small snapshot of the murder spree undertaken by Jack the Ripper. Cornwell offers up some proof, pairing murders into the 20th century with both Sickert geographic pairings or hints of the murders within Sickert's own artwork. Sickert's fame within the English art world proved strong as he was known to have taught a young Winston Churchill. While nothing is definitive, Cornwell provides readers with a strong case, admitting that she is focussed on a single suspect, for Walter Sickert's guilt. All those involved are long dead and names have all but disappeared in the ether, though Cornwell, like the popular protagonist in her long-running series, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, seeks to bring the families some peace of mind. A well-researched and compelling book, those with an interest in Jack the Ripper may find it highly informative and entertaining in equal measure.
I will admit that I am not well-versed in the crimes of Jack the Ripper, so I came into this piece seeking information and to be persuaded over trying to dissect the arguments made. Cornwell does a wonderful job in laying the groundwork for Walter Sickert being Jack the Ripper, as well as showing that the killing spree was monumental, through it is impossible to offer up any confirmed tally. Cornwell juggles two biographies here while also trying to lay out a criminal argument, doing so effectively. She offered both a biography of Sickert and a history of the crimes, superimposing them to show that motive and opportunity presented themselves. Cornwell's approach was, in my mind, less an attack than a collection of facts to strengthen her argument, which she openly admits not wanting to do. While she was attacked after the original version of this book for destruction of expensive artwork to prove her point, Cornwell tries to rebut those sentiments and assures the reader of her forensic approach to crime work. The latter portion of the book spends much time debunking the rumours that surfaced during her work and from the original edition. With haphazard attention paid to crime scenes at the time, Cornwell is stuck using the limited narratives offered at the time and can only explore some of the papers and pieces of art leftover now to push for Sickert's guilt. Splices of DNA and analysis of paper could prove impossible to substantiate without ruining the original documents, thereby nullifying any further exploration on the subject. The reader is treated to strong arguments based in fact and will leave this book with a stronger knowledge of Jack the Ripper, Walter Sickert, and East-End London. A perfect addition for those who love true crime in an era where even Sherlock Holmes would likely have struggled to come up with a convincing suspect.
Kudos, Madam Cornwell for this compelling piece. While I am so used to your Scarpetta work, this was a refreshing look into your non-fiction mind. I am highly impressed and can only hope your search for justice is far from over.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jack the Ripper is arguably one of the most elusive and notorious serial killers of modern time. While the Ripper's crimes hit London by storm in 1888, the inability to catch the killer soon brought the crimes to international prominence. That no killer has been found almost 130 years later offers an added level of mystery. Cornwell provides some backstory as it relates to Sickert in the early chapters, hinting at his troubled childhood marred with an apparently horrific penile deformity that required numerous invasive (and destructive) surgeries. This early 'maiming' might have fuelled his desire to exact revenge on those within the sex trade who were most vulnerable. Soon thereafter, Cornwell presents the murders of five female prostitutes and suggests a likely narrative, based on the police reports and media depictions. With what is known about the aforementioned deformities, the reader is left to choose which path they choose to take. Could Sickert have chosen these early women to exemplify that he was still virile or turned to those who would not necessarily judge him, as long as he had the money to pay? Cornwell also explores Sickert's roaming nature, as he followed a path all his own, both to fulfil his artistic abilities and his interest in some of the stage work that he undertook. From there, she is able to provide the reader with some possibilities surrounding Walter Sickert's involvement, based on his known location at the time. There were scores of mocking letters received by the police and newspapers attributed to the Ripper, allowing Cornwell to posit that Sickert may have posted these letters while he was touring with a troupe or had numerous letters sent from different destinations to dilute his guilt. Cornwell uses some of Sickert's own personal correspondence to match up with the anonymous letters sent by the Ripper, as well as some of the other pseudonyms used by both the Ripper and Sickert. Of greatest interest to the reader might be that Cornwell is convinced that Met Police focussed only on the five prostitutes, which was likely only a small snapshot of the murder spree undertaken by Jack the Ripper. Cornwell offers up some proof, pairing murders into the 20th century with both Sickert geographic pairings or hints of the murders within Sickert's own artwork. Sickert's fame within the English art world proved strong as he was known to have taught a young Winston Churchill. While nothing is definitive, Cornwell provides readers with a strong case, admitting that she is focussed on a single suspect, for Walter Sickert's guilt. All those involved are long dead and names have all but disappeared in the ether, though Cornwell, like the popular protagonist in her long-running series, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, seeks to bring the families some peace of mind. A well-researched and compelling book, those with an interest in Jack the Ripper may find it highly informative and entertaining in equal measure.
I will admit that I am not well-versed in the crimes of Jack the Ripper, so I came into this piece seeking information and to be persuaded over trying to dissect the arguments made. Cornwell does a wonderful job in laying the groundwork for Walter Sickert being Jack the Ripper, as well as showing that the killing spree was monumental, through it is impossible to offer up any confirmed tally. Cornwell juggles two biographies here while also trying to lay out a criminal argument, doing so effectively. She offered both a biography of Sickert and a history of the crimes, superimposing them to show that motive and opportunity presented themselves. Cornwell's approach was, in my mind, less an attack than a collection of facts to strengthen her argument, which she openly admits not wanting to do. While she was attacked after the original version of this book for destruction of expensive artwork to prove her point, Cornwell tries to rebut those sentiments and assures the reader of her forensic approach to crime work. The latter portion of the book spends much time debunking the rumours that surfaced during her work and from the original edition. With haphazard attention paid to crime scenes at the time, Cornwell is stuck using the limited narratives offered at the time and can only explore some of the papers and pieces of art leftover now to push for Sickert's guilt. Splices of DNA and analysis of paper could prove impossible to substantiate without ruining the original documents, thereby nullifying any further exploration on the subject. The reader is treated to strong arguments based in fact and will leave this book with a stronger knowledge of Jack the Ripper, Walter Sickert, and East-End London. A perfect addition for those who love true crime in an era where even Sherlock Holmes would likely have struggled to come up with a convincing suspect.
Kudos, Madam Cornwell for this compelling piece. While I am so used to your Scarpetta work, this was a refreshing look into your non-fiction mind. I am highly impressed and can only hope your search for justice is far from over.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 1, 2022
Great work
I read this work by Patricia Cornwell when it was originally released in the early 2000's. This is a revised and expanded writing regarding her belief as to the identity of Jack the Ripper. It also includes information to lay aside some misgivings relating to the original book. This book is extremely interesting and includes many images which, while upsetting, serve to illustrate the horror of these crimes. Definitely in the list for those curious about the story of Jack the Ripper.
I read this work by Patricia Cornwell when it was originally released in the early 2000's. This is a revised and expanded writing regarding her belief as to the identity of Jack the Ripper. It also includes information to lay aside some misgivings relating to the original book. This book is extremely interesting and includes many images which, while upsetting, serve to illustrate the horror of these crimes. Definitely in the list for those curious about the story of Jack the Ripper.
September 13, 2020
This book is a magnificent piece of art and investigation. Author Patricia Cornwell uncovers numerous discoveries with an epic genius and mind-blowing info. While presenting her case, Cornwell sets-up the Victorian era with a fresh and atmospheric writing. We become knowledgeable of the streets, the Unfortunates, their problems and hard-lifetimes, even the social insecurities of people of that era: All this promoted to much more understanding and getting into the spirit of the book, and Patricia Cornwell succeeds in her mission.
Her writing style is entertaining and organic, and it never dragged, quite the contrary, it is very interesting and appealing.
In this book, Cornwell dives deep into the case by studying Jack the Ripper, his killings, his MO, his psychology and mind and obsession to create chaos and terror. Like I said: MIND-BLOWING!
I started Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert with both an open mind and doubt, since many people have bashed Patricia Cornwell's case against Walter Sickert. And by the end of the day, I am 100% convinced with her theory
It is quite a shame when some reviewers here on Goodreads has given this masterpiece 1 star, whereas it was apparent that the reviewers did not even read this book; they were criticizing and bashing it based on the old edition of it 'A Portrait of an Artist--Case Closed', which author Patricia Cornwell herself stated in a great amount of interviews that she regrets publishing that book, and that it was published too soon than it needed to be, with typos and some issues, and lack of concrete evidence (Which she has given this time with authenticity).
If you are feeling a bit irritated about reading this book because of the negative reviews and criticism, let me tell you that leave it to YOU to decide for yourself.
After reading this book and enjoying it, I've got even more interested in the topic of Jack the Ripper and his notorious crimes.
Her writing style is entertaining and organic, and it never dragged, quite the contrary, it is very interesting and appealing.
In this book, Cornwell dives deep into the case by studying Jack the Ripper, his killings, his MO, his psychology and mind and obsession to create chaos and terror. Like I said: MIND-BLOWING!
I started Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert with both an open mind and doubt, since many people have bashed Patricia Cornwell's case against Walter Sickert. And by the end of the day, I am 100% convinced with her theory
It is quite a shame when some reviewers here on Goodreads has given this masterpiece 1 star, whereas it was apparent that the reviewers did not even read this book; they were criticizing and bashing it based on the old edition of it 'A Portrait of an Artist--Case Closed', which author Patricia Cornwell herself stated in a great amount of interviews that she regrets publishing that book, and that it was published too soon than it needed to be, with typos and some issues, and lack of concrete evidence (Which she has given this time with authenticity).
If you are feeling a bit irritated about reading this book because of the negative reviews and criticism, let me tell you that leave it to YOU to decide for yourself.
After reading this book and enjoying it, I've got even more interested in the topic of Jack the Ripper and his notorious crimes.
February 20, 2017
Walter Sickert was NOT Jack the Ripper! There is ZERO evidence to substantiate it aside from this woman's twisted imagination and a strong need to prove that she did not destroy priceless works of art in the pursuit of a hunch. He was not even IN THE COUNTRY during at least 2 of the murders. I am so sick of this.
Please, stick to fiction and leave history and 'investigations' to those who know what the hell they are talking about.
Please, stick to fiction and leave history and 'investigations' to those who know what the hell they are talking about.
September 7, 2018
Ugh. I can't with Ripper books for a while. My head is swirling. And sadly, this book is just a mess. I promise I'm going to catch up on my reviews. Just not today.
Alright, so it's a new day, and I haven't written a proper book review in at least two months. I moved house, and I also found the bookstagram community on Instagram, and between the two, I barely have had enough time to read, let alone sit down and write reviews. Well my friends, it's time.
I've been feeling really bad lately for writing honest reviews. I'm being truthful when I say that more often than not, if I didn't really like a book much immediately after finishing it, I do usually end up unconsciously pondering it after I'm done, and often times I change my mind. I change my mind, however, I never change my reviews. I feel like first impressions are often the most interesting, so I leave my reviews alone after writing them, and apparently that's making me look like a major jerk.
The opposite can be true as well. I just finished reading Gwendy's Button Box last night, and my initial reaction was that I really liked it. This morning I got up and read a bunch of reviews about the book, and pretty much half the people who reviewed it pointed out plot holes and inconsistencies that I apparently chose to ignore. FML.
For the greater part of my reading life, the internet did not exist. The idea of interacting with not only other readers, but the actual authors themselves was something that never even occurred to me. I used to read a book alone, keep my opinions and theories to myself, and ponder it over the course of time. I didn't start writing book reviews until 2011, and I didn't start heavily interacting with readers and writers until last year. This interaction has been amazing, but it's also affected my reading.
Sometimes I feel as if I've burned bridges with honest reviews. In a few cases, bridges that I never even really had a chance to construct. I understand that writers really put themselves out there with their work. Perhaps that's why I have never tried to write anything myself. A book bares your heart and soul to the world, and no matter what, criticism is going to follow.
Having said that, I think I've been avoiding writing reviews because of Instagram. That bothers me, because I enjoy writing reviews. And mind you, these are just one person's thoughts about a book, and in my case, usually immediately written after finishing it. Anyway, screw it. Let's burn some shit down.
This book. Oh, Patricia Cornwell, this book. You had me with your first attempt at solving the mystery of one of the most notorious and uncaught serial killers of all time. I need to check, but I'm almost certain I gave the first book 5 stars and really enjoyed it. Cornwell's candidate (whom is obviously the Victorian artist Walter Sickert) seemed really plausible. Cornwell presented a number of pieces of compelling evidence, and I bought her theory completely.
Then the shit hit the fan, and Cornwell took a lot of heat for that book. I was completely unaware of any of it. Supposedly, Sickert ancestors and art historians came out of the woodwork and made Cornwell's life a living hell. In response she wrote this book, and basically her entire argument just falls apart as a result. I don't know if she received death threats or lawsuits, but this entire book is basically Cornwall going back to her original argument and stating over and over again phrases like "it's probable", "it's possible", "one can imagine", blah, blah, blah, ad nauseam. She removes any and all conviction from her argument, and basically says it's not impossible that Sickert was the Ripper. But maybe he wasn't. (Even though she firmly believes in her heart that it's him)
On top of all the backtracking and verbiage wrangling, Cornwall then proceeds to claim that since the very beginning of her research the entire project has been cursed. She even states that inexplicable, almost paranormal occurrences have plagued her investigation since day one, and that's where she lost me completely. Not only are Sickert fans giving her a hard time, but apparently the man himself is haunting her from beyond the grave.
Right before I read this book, (and yes, I did read the entire book), I read Bruce Robinson's They All Love Jack. That book deserves its own review, and I will definitely write one, but for now, all I can say is skip this one. I think Cornwell deeply regrets writing her first Ripper book, and I can honestly say that I regret reading the second.
Alright, so it's a new day, and I haven't written a proper book review in at least two months. I moved house, and I also found the bookstagram community on Instagram, and between the two, I barely have had enough time to read, let alone sit down and write reviews. Well my friends, it's time.
I've been feeling really bad lately for writing honest reviews. I'm being truthful when I say that more often than not, if I didn't really like a book much immediately after finishing it, I do usually end up unconsciously pondering it after I'm done, and often times I change my mind. I change my mind, however, I never change my reviews. I feel like first impressions are often the most interesting, so I leave my reviews alone after writing them, and apparently that's making me look like a major jerk.
The opposite can be true as well. I just finished reading Gwendy's Button Box last night, and my initial reaction was that I really liked it. This morning I got up and read a bunch of reviews about the book, and pretty much half the people who reviewed it pointed out plot holes and inconsistencies that I apparently chose to ignore. FML.
For the greater part of my reading life, the internet did not exist. The idea of interacting with not only other readers, but the actual authors themselves was something that never even occurred to me. I used to read a book alone, keep my opinions and theories to myself, and ponder it over the course of time. I didn't start writing book reviews until 2011, and I didn't start heavily interacting with readers and writers until last year. This interaction has been amazing, but it's also affected my reading.
Sometimes I feel as if I've burned bridges with honest reviews. In a few cases, bridges that I never even really had a chance to construct. I understand that writers really put themselves out there with their work. Perhaps that's why I have never tried to write anything myself. A book bares your heart and soul to the world, and no matter what, criticism is going to follow.
Having said that, I think I've been avoiding writing reviews because of Instagram. That bothers me, because I enjoy writing reviews. And mind you, these are just one person's thoughts about a book, and in my case, usually immediately written after finishing it. Anyway, screw it. Let's burn some shit down.
This book. Oh, Patricia Cornwell, this book. You had me with your first attempt at solving the mystery of one of the most notorious and uncaught serial killers of all time. I need to check, but I'm almost certain I gave the first book 5 stars and really enjoyed it. Cornwell's candidate (whom is obviously the Victorian artist Walter Sickert) seemed really plausible. Cornwell presented a number of pieces of compelling evidence, and I bought her theory completely.
Then the shit hit the fan, and Cornwell took a lot of heat for that book. I was completely unaware of any of it. Supposedly, Sickert ancestors and art historians came out of the woodwork and made Cornwell's life a living hell. In response she wrote this book, and basically her entire argument just falls apart as a result. I don't know if she received death threats or lawsuits, but this entire book is basically Cornwall going back to her original argument and stating over and over again phrases like "it's probable", "it's possible", "one can imagine", blah, blah, blah, ad nauseam. She removes any and all conviction from her argument, and basically says it's not impossible that Sickert was the Ripper. But maybe he wasn't. (Even though she firmly believes in her heart that it's him)
On top of all the backtracking and verbiage wrangling, Cornwall then proceeds to claim that since the very beginning of her research the entire project has been cursed. She even states that inexplicable, almost paranormal occurrences have plagued her investigation since day one, and that's where she lost me completely. Not only are Sickert fans giving her a hard time, but apparently the man himself is haunting her from beyond the grave.
Right before I read this book, (and yes, I did read the entire book), I read Bruce Robinson's They All Love Jack. That book deserves its own review, and I will definitely write one, but for now, all I can say is skip this one. I think Cornwell deeply regrets writing her first Ripper book, and I can honestly say that I regret reading the second.
June 18, 2024
Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert by Patricia Cornwell is a detailed and controversial exploration into one of history's most infamous unsolved mysteries: the identity of Jack the Ripper.
March 19, 2017
I rarely stop reading a book, especially when almost half done with it, but this one was so filled with conjecture and lack of actual evidence of her arguments that I just can't keep reading it. It was a free book from Amazon - I see now why it was free.
April 3, 2017
A follow up to Cromwell's prior novel. Filled with fascinating photos, letters, and art.
August 27, 2019
This book was a big disappointment. What could have been a meticulously researched and informative document is instead the author's premise that "of course Walter Sickert is Jack the Ripper" and the rest is a kneading and bending the facts like dough in order to "prove" her case.
I felt like I was reading a salacious story from a tabloid magazine rather than objective reporting. We learn about Walter Sickert's upbringing, his "perhaps" physical deformity on his genitilia, which would be why he hated women and wanted to mutilate them. He was a master of disguises which is how he was able to carry out his nefarious deeds anonymously. He was a psychopath.
That last bit isn't based on any evidence whatsoever, just circular reasoning. He must have been the killer, therefore he was a psychopath and that's why he was Jack the Ripper.
Cornwall also gives poor information about psychopaths. It's as if she was quoting Wikipedia or some other tenuous source.
She was also incorrect in her descriptions of John Merrick, aka the "Elephant Man". She must have gotten her information from the movie starring John Hurt. She brings him into the fold because supposedly he was one of the possible suspects to the identity of Jack the Ripper.
In short, the entire book is based on "what ifs", "could and might be", "if this is true then that is also true" etc..
After reading the book I felt fully informed of Cornwell's opinion. I'm glad I checked it out of the library because I'd hate to think I encouraged sensationalist writing by helping a person get wealthy from writing such a speculative book as this one is.
I felt like I was reading a salacious story from a tabloid magazine rather than objective reporting. We learn about Walter Sickert's upbringing, his "perhaps" physical deformity on his genitilia, which would be why he hated women and wanted to mutilate them. He was a master of disguises which is how he was able to carry out his nefarious deeds anonymously. He was a psychopath.
That last bit isn't based on any evidence whatsoever, just circular reasoning. He must have been the killer, therefore he was a psychopath and that's why he was Jack the Ripper.
Cornwall also gives poor information about psychopaths. It's as if she was quoting Wikipedia or some other tenuous source.
She was also incorrect in her descriptions of John Merrick, aka the "Elephant Man". She must have gotten her information from the movie starring John Hurt. She brings him into the fold because supposedly he was one of the possible suspects to the identity of Jack the Ripper.
In short, the entire book is based on "what ifs", "could and might be", "if this is true then that is also true" etc..
After reading the book I felt fully informed of Cornwell's opinion. I'm glad I checked it out of the library because I'd hate to think I encouraged sensationalist writing by helping a person get wealthy from writing such a speculative book as this one is.
June 2, 2017
Dear God it's HER again... having subjected myself to her last effort I wasn't expecting much; she claims to have spent $7,000,000 researching this when after dollar one it must have patently clear she was on a loser. There is not a SCRAP of evidence connecting Sickert to the Ripper murders; worse, she contradicts herself and the last book. She tells us Sickert was rendered medically impotent by surgery to correct a penile deformity, asserting he wasn't even capable of coitus. Then she tells us he had a son. She went to Cornwall and paid £20,000 for an old, defaced guest book she says proves Sickert was the Ripper. Because it had doodles and so did some of the letters sent to the Police. There is ZERO evidence any of the letters were genuine, many were outright hoaxes and the famous one almost certainly a fabrication by a desperate Pressman hoping to keep the story in the headlines. She asserts watermarked paper was only produced in runs of 24; no paper manufacturer would last the week with runs that small, each quire was 24 sheets in size and who makes one quire and hopes to stay afloat?. It just gets worse; to save you a LOT of boredom and headaches, try this link; https://sherlockholmesof221b.blogspot...
October 30, 2019
Mary Stuart Masterson does a wonderful reading of Patricia Cornwell's factual analysis of English artist Walter Sickert as a candidate for Jack the Ripper.
March 12, 2017
Never was a true crime fan ... until now.
I saw the moving picture of the cover of the eBook that flashed on my kindle and was intrigued. I haven't read much crime novels in my time, some have bored me to tears. This sounds strange but, I felt compelled to read it. I thought for sure I was going to get bored by the forensics but, I found myself captivated from the very first page. I seriously couldn't put down until I was finished.
I'm sorry that Ms. Cornwell had to go through so much trouble with writing and researching this book. She did a fascinating job... Kudos!
I saw the moving picture of the cover of the eBook that flashed on my kindle and was intrigued. I haven't read much crime novels in my time, some have bored me to tears. This sounds strange but, I felt compelled to read it. I thought for sure I was going to get bored by the forensics but, I found myself captivated from the very first page. I seriously couldn't put down until I was finished.
I'm sorry that Ms. Cornwell had to go through so much trouble with writing and researching this book. She did a fascinating job... Kudos!
May 1, 2017
Apologies for the bullet review; my brain is tired today.
LIKES:
-Author's discussion of the crime scenes & critiques of autopsy reports/assumptions of the presiding doctors & police. Though she often comes across as patronizing, the majority of her points make good sense.
-The wealth of high-quality imagery -- scans of original documents, images, & artwork of the period. Also, THANK YOU for inserting them into the text as they're discussed rather than clumping them together in big blocks.
-Info re: 'non-Five' murders of the period. The Martha Tabram case in particular seems to have been left in the cold by overzealous Ripperologists. Less convincing but certainly plausible (also intriguing in a macabre way) are the torsos & Emily Dimmock.
-Though circumstantial, the links between crime scene visuals (& other cases of the period) to Sickert's paintings & sketches were quite interesting. Are they proof positive? No, but they are definitely there, & they shouldn't be ignored.
-Clearly PC has researched the hell out of both Sickert & the Ripper. I cannot but applaud her efforts (& also her salty comebacks to trolls that crawled all over her after the first edition was released). That said...
DISLIKES:
-Tedious & repetitive; also too much conjecture of Sickert's itineraries as related to Ripper postmarks. I get that they're crucial to her case, but they grind the narrative to a halt. Editor should have insisted on an appendix or separate (aka skippable) charts.
-More tedious dissection of Ripper letters vs Sickert doodles. Again: I get why, but the doodles are less impressive in their visual links to JtR. Lots of people can draw stick figures & big noses. >:P
-TANGENTS. Good grief, but the tangents were epic.
-Flow & pacing. PC's choice to spread the Five throughout & wedge long gaps of other info between was a mistake. The reader is left hanging, waiting for the next of the Five to appear, & it seems like a ploy to keep the audience plodding through chapters devoted to postage, DNA, & watermarks. Mary Kelly in particular is shunted to the end -- as a grand finale? -- but all I felt was an impatience to get back to the meat & potatoes. (Sorry, Mary; no pun intended.)
Anyway...as a whole product, it was interesting, but in terms of An Enjoyable Read, not so much. I give it 3.5 stars. I'm not entirely convinced, but then again I'm the type who wouldn't be shocked if the Royal Conspiracy turned out to be truth. ;) So COULD Sickert have been the Ripper? Perhaps. He might also have been nothing more than a first rate douchebag who painted gloomy, unpleasant blotches of gloomy, unpleasant subjects.
Thanks to Rabbit for the buddy read. You made the watermarks bearable. ;)
LIKES:
-Author's discussion of the crime scenes & critiques of autopsy reports/assumptions of the presiding doctors & police. Though she often comes across as patronizing, the majority of her points make good sense.
-The wealth of high-quality imagery -- scans of original documents, images, & artwork of the period. Also, THANK YOU for inserting them into the text as they're discussed rather than clumping them together in big blocks.
-Info re: 'non-Five' murders of the period. The Martha Tabram case in particular seems to have been left in the cold by overzealous Ripperologists. Less convincing but certainly plausible (also intriguing in a macabre way) are the torsos & Emily Dimmock.
-Though circumstantial, the links between crime scene visuals (& other cases of the period) to Sickert's paintings & sketches were quite interesting. Are they proof positive? No, but they are definitely there, & they shouldn't be ignored.
-Clearly PC has researched the hell out of both Sickert & the Ripper. I cannot but applaud her efforts (& also her salty comebacks to trolls that crawled all over her after the first edition was released). That said...
DISLIKES:
-Tedious & repetitive; also too much conjecture of Sickert's itineraries as related to Ripper postmarks. I get that they're crucial to her case, but they grind the narrative to a halt. Editor should have insisted on an appendix or separate (aka skippable) charts.
-More tedious dissection of Ripper letters vs Sickert doodles. Again: I get why, but the doodles are less impressive in their visual links to JtR. Lots of people can draw stick figures & big noses. >:P
-TANGENTS. Good grief, but the tangents were epic.
-Flow & pacing. PC's choice to spread the Five throughout & wedge long gaps of other info between was a mistake. The reader is left hanging, waiting for the next of the Five to appear, & it seems like a ploy to keep the audience plodding through chapters devoted to postage, DNA, & watermarks. Mary Kelly in particular is shunted to the end -- as a grand finale? -- but all I felt was an impatience to get back to the meat & potatoes. (Sorry, Mary; no pun intended.)
Anyway...as a whole product, it was interesting, but in terms of An Enjoyable Read, not so much. I give it 3.5 stars. I'm not entirely convinced, but then again I'm the type who wouldn't be shocked if the Royal Conspiracy turned out to be truth. ;) So COULD Sickert have been the Ripper? Perhaps. He might also have been nothing more than a first rate douchebag who painted gloomy, unpleasant blotches of gloomy, unpleasant subjects.
Thanks to Rabbit for the buddy read. You made the watermarks bearable. ;)
May 30, 2017
I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways.
I enjoyed reading the sections of this book that dealt with Jack the Ripper facts. I loved all of the letters, photographs and morgue and police reports. I didn't enjoy the parts that dealt with Walter Sickert as much. Everything regarding Sickert is just a theory and prefer non-fiction books that deal entirely in fact. Just my personal preference. Overall an enjoyable read. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys true crime.
I enjoyed reading the sections of this book that dealt with Jack the Ripper facts. I loved all of the letters, photographs and morgue and police reports. I didn't enjoy the parts that dealt with Walter Sickert as much. Everything regarding Sickert is just a theory and prefer non-fiction books that deal entirely in fact. Just my personal preference. Overall an enjoyable read. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys true crime.
March 7, 2017
An amazing and sensational follow up to this Author's original book; Jack the Ripper: Case Closed. More information and evidence has been brought forward and it has completely solidified my belief in Jack the Ripper being Walter Sickert. I was a firm believer it was after reading the original book, but now I'm just as certain as Patricia Cornwell.
Walter Sickert was a man who ran by his own laws. He was a manipulative S.O.B. and in my opinion, a coward. His art is evil, gruesome and compelling. I also believe his art work wasn't even that great, compared to art I've viewed or seen in my 26 years. But that's my opinion. It's not a secret that Patricia Cornwell is my all time favourite author and I'll always ALWAYS respect her opinions, but this book provides more than opinion. It provides evidence so compelling against Sickert that in this day and age, he would have been brought to trial... and it's a shame he never did.
To us, today, it's so blatantly obvious and if forensic science and less shoddy police work in the late 1800's was more like it is today, this would have been solved with no issues... okay, maybe some. I'm a patent believer in evidence and innocent until proven guilty, but in my eyes this book is so compelling, so full of information that you can't really just turn a blind eye to the FACTS.
I also have to say how ashamed I am of fellow Briton's who believe it's in their right to attack or verbally assault an author, and a bloody brilliant one at that. Not everyone will have the same views, but what gives you the right to take matters into your own hands? I certainly hope the mob from the book tour don't scare the author too much into returning for another tour because I want to meet her and shake her hand.
I also got a tad excited about all the animations in the book. I've never seen it in a book before and I got terribly excited when there was parts with picture animations. I was, perhaps, a little bouncy!
Incredibly clever!! I also loved that this author produced images of the letters, notes, paintings, artwork, autopsy photos and crime scene photos!
Another amazing book from this author, an informative and eye-opening read for sure. My brain is full to the brim with info. Thank you for bringing your personal investigation to light. It's about time someone did everything right when it comes to Jack the Ripper!!!
Walter Sickert was a man who ran by his own laws. He was a manipulative S.O.B. and in my opinion, a coward. His art is evil, gruesome and compelling. I also believe his art work wasn't even that great, compared to art I've viewed or seen in my 26 years. But that's my opinion. It's not a secret that Patricia Cornwell is my all time favourite author and I'll always ALWAYS respect her opinions, but this book provides more than opinion. It provides evidence so compelling against Sickert that in this day and age, he would have been brought to trial... and it's a shame he never did.
To us, today, it's so blatantly obvious and if forensic science and less shoddy police work in the late 1800's was more like it is today, this would have been solved with no issues... okay, maybe some. I'm a patent believer in evidence and innocent until proven guilty, but in my eyes this book is so compelling, so full of information that you can't really just turn a blind eye to the FACTS.
I also have to say how ashamed I am of fellow Briton's who believe it's in their right to attack or verbally assault an author, and a bloody brilliant one at that. Not everyone will have the same views, but what gives you the right to take matters into your own hands? I certainly hope the mob from the book tour don't scare the author too much into returning for another tour because I want to meet her and shake her hand.
I also got a tad excited about all the animations in the book. I've never seen it in a book before and I got terribly excited when there was parts with picture animations. I was, perhaps, a little bouncy!
Incredibly clever!! I also loved that this author produced images of the letters, notes, paintings, artwork, autopsy photos and crime scene photos!
Another amazing book from this author, an informative and eye-opening read for sure. My brain is full to the brim with info. Thank you for bringing your personal investigation to light. It's about time someone did everything right when it comes to Jack the Ripper!!!
February 27, 2017
I read Cornwell's first book on the subject, PORTRAIT OF A KILLER: JACK THE RIPPER -- CASE CLOSED, when it first came out in 2002. That first Ripper book had a lot of pre-publication buzz. I read the book because I was a relatively new fan of Cornwell's fiction (I started reading her in 1999) and I thought it would be interesting to see how she applied modern investigative techniques and technology to a historic--and still open--case. Plus, I love reading about the 19th century. This updated and expanded book is definitely worth a revisit.
Read my full review here:
http://www.wildmoobooks.com/2017/02/p...
Read my full review here:
http://www.wildmoobooks.com/2017/02/p...
November 21, 2020
titular sentence:
p5: During by what now is a fifteen-year investigation into the Jack the Ripper case, I've been able to find few early photographs of Sickert.
ocr?:
p228: One could travel by express train and "fast" steamer seven days a week, twice daily, with the trains leaving Victoria Station at 10:v in the morning or London Bridge at 10:45.
Patricia's work is admirable, to say the least. It's a shame that the Ripper was never brought to justice, regardless whom.
p5: During by what now is a fifteen-year investigation into the Jack the Ripper case, I've been able to find few early photographs of Sickert.
ocr?:
p228: One could travel by express train and "fast" steamer seven days a week, twice daily, with the trains leaving Victoria Station at 10:v in the morning or London Bridge at 10:45.
Patricia's work is admirable, to say the least. It's a shame that the Ripper was never brought to justice, regardless whom.
September 27, 2018
Review
This has been an interesting review of a series of murders that I didn't know much about. The information was interesting, scary, and detailed. Ms Cornwell did an exemplary job collecting and investigating the jack the ripper murders and explaining in a succinct manner all she discovered. Well done.
This has been an interesting review of a series of murders that I didn't know much about. The information was interesting, scary, and detailed. Ms Cornwell did an exemplary job collecting and investigating the jack the ripper murders and explaining in a succinct manner all she discovered. Well done.
September 13, 2021
Book CW: graphic descriptions of crime scenes, murder, dead bodies and actual uncensored crime scene and autopsy photos
This is a true crime book about Jack The Ripper, and the theory that he was famous artist Walter Sickert. I first heard about this author on dateline and went and downloaded the first (non series) book by her. I didn’t read the description, or really even the title so I wasn’t expecting true crime when I started, but immediately was intrigued. I don’t think I’ve ever read a true crime book before which is odd because I watch a lot of true crime shows, docs, and mini series, but this was a good first true crime read. I’ve seen several documentaries and series on Jack The Ripper but nothing this in depth and extensive. You can really tell how much research and time went into this book, and the lengths the author went to make her case and put all the pieces together. Patricia Cornwell compiles all her research about not only JTR, but Walter Sickert and England at the time. I really liked that this book was very visual including a lot of pictures, copies of evidence, anecdotes, and quotes from those that knew Sickert personally to help build the author’s case of who she feels is JTR. The only things I didn’t like were that it was a little droning at times; it was a lot of information that sometimes was presented as just information rather then building the case, and she was a little contradictory on where she placed blame. She would defend the authorities of the time saying they did the best they could while in the same breathe talking about how they were extremely biased against the poor and homeless citizens which were JTR’s targets, and spoke several times about how they ignored, dismissed, or very likely destroyed key evidence in the case. However the author did something that people don’t really do, and that’s view JTR as a person rather then a character, or boogeyman that committed some terrible murders and those definitely weren’t his only ones. This was a really interesting read that got me into true crime books, and I will definitely be checking out her other fiction books as well.
This is a true crime book about Jack The Ripper, and the theory that he was famous artist Walter Sickert. I first heard about this author on dateline and went and downloaded the first (non series) book by her. I didn’t read the description, or really even the title so I wasn’t expecting true crime when I started, but immediately was intrigued. I don’t think I’ve ever read a true crime book before which is odd because I watch a lot of true crime shows, docs, and mini series, but this was a good first true crime read. I’ve seen several documentaries and series on Jack The Ripper but nothing this in depth and extensive. You can really tell how much research and time went into this book, and the lengths the author went to make her case and put all the pieces together. Patricia Cornwell compiles all her research about not only JTR, but Walter Sickert and England at the time. I really liked that this book was very visual including a lot of pictures, copies of evidence, anecdotes, and quotes from those that knew Sickert personally to help build the author’s case of who she feels is JTR. The only things I didn’t like were that it was a little droning at times; it was a lot of information that sometimes was presented as just information rather then building the case, and she was a little contradictory on where she placed blame. She would defend the authorities of the time saying they did the best they could while in the same breathe talking about how they were extremely biased against the poor and homeless citizens which were JTR’s targets, and spoke several times about how they ignored, dismissed, or very likely destroyed key evidence in the case. However the author did something that people don’t really do, and that’s view JTR as a person rather then a character, or boogeyman that committed some terrible murders and those definitely weren’t his only ones. This was a really interesting read that got me into true crime books, and I will definitely be checking out her other fiction books as well.
March 30, 2017
Question: What do you get when a best selling crime fiction writer tackles a 130 year old true crime event?
Answer: An entertainingly written ball of confusion.
Here, Patricia Cornwell offers up another suspect du jour for the infamous Jack The Ripper slayings: artist Walter Sickert.
We've often been taken on a Who-Done-It tour with stops at doctors and dentists, nobility, immigrants, scorned lovers, famous authors, and random fishmongers and butchers. Cornwell asks: why not a famous artist? And off she goes!
Her writing is engaging, I will give her that. I appreciated the tangential information on psychopaths and the well written portrait of Victorian London but the wheels screech when one objectively looks at what she espouses as "evidence."
Had Walter Sickert been alive at the time this was published, a great case for libel could have been made. Cornwell, chasing loose facts and a keen imagination, undertakes what could generously be called a "hit job" or a "character assassination" in her attempt to offer Sickert up as prime suspect.
Cornwell contends Sickert, who had an artist's fascination with London strumpets, the ability to wear and change costumes, a possible anti-social personality, a possible sexual deformity, and a hot temper is Jack The Ripper.
She often uses coincidence as proof and where any "proof" is found, it is presented skillfully (read: not always to a scientific or legal standard, mind you). She pointed to some mitochondria DNA evidence and as a former science teacher, I can say she did a great job twisting the information to support a very misleading conclusion. Furthermore, where there is indisputable-real-actual- inarguable evidence, Cornwell disregards it almost entirely in her on-going effort to tenaciously hold to her theory. Example: for a few dates of Ripper slayings, Walter Sickert was out of the country. Cornwell uses her powers of imagination to obfuscate and confuse.
This is sorta like reality TV. It's entertainment and near-fiction coated with the protective film of credibility and "reality." News flash: Keeping Up With The Kardashians is scripted and back-date edited and nothing resembling "reality" and here, Cornwell's effort finds a companion.
Answer: An entertainingly written ball of confusion.
Here, Patricia Cornwell offers up another suspect du jour for the infamous Jack The Ripper slayings: artist Walter Sickert.
We've often been taken on a Who-Done-It tour with stops at doctors and dentists, nobility, immigrants, scorned lovers, famous authors, and random fishmongers and butchers. Cornwell asks: why not a famous artist? And off she goes!
Her writing is engaging, I will give her that. I appreciated the tangential information on psychopaths and the well written portrait of Victorian London but the wheels screech when one objectively looks at what she espouses as "evidence."
Had Walter Sickert been alive at the time this was published, a great case for libel could have been made. Cornwell, chasing loose facts and a keen imagination, undertakes what could generously be called a "hit job" or a "character assassination" in her attempt to offer Sickert up as prime suspect.
Cornwell contends Sickert, who had an artist's fascination with London strumpets, the ability to wear and change costumes, a possible anti-social personality, a possible sexual deformity, and a hot temper is Jack The Ripper.
She often uses coincidence as proof and where any "proof" is found, it is presented skillfully (read: not always to a scientific or legal standard, mind you). She pointed to some mitochondria DNA evidence and as a former science teacher, I can say she did a great job twisting the information to support a very misleading conclusion. Furthermore, where there is indisputable-real-actual- inarguable evidence, Cornwell disregards it almost entirely in her on-going effort to tenaciously hold to her theory. Example: for a few dates of Ripper slayings, Walter Sickert was out of the country. Cornwell uses her powers of imagination to obfuscate and confuse.
This is sorta like reality TV. It's entertainment and near-fiction coated with the protective film of credibility and "reality." News flash: Keeping Up With The Kardashians is scripted and back-date edited and nothing resembling "reality" and here, Cornwell's effort finds a companion.
March 15, 2017
I read the first book of Cornwell's on the subject and wasn't convinced. This one seems much more coherent. I don't agree with everything, there is a lot of "maybe he did this", "maybe he thought that", but with an old case when forensic science was unavailable, there will likely never be a definitive answer.
I think that Cornwell got the character correct; a psychopath, taunting, malicious, wanting to prove he was more intelligent than Scotland Yard. The murders not counted as one of the 'canon five murders', also make sense - I never bought into the notion that he committed suicide or stopped killing. Either option seems out of character: an evolving, changing killer seems much more likely. Whether WS was JtR or not, he seemed from this book to have a decidedly odd personality and seemed obsessed with the case.
I found the music hall sketches which seem to put WS in London at the right time interesting and I would like to know the rebuttal, in light of these sketches, from those who believe he wasn't in the country at the time of some of the murders. I didn't get the sense that Cornwell was being arrogant about this, trying to show off that she was cleverer than everyone else, and I find some of the reviews unfathomably hostile. Overall the book is interesting and thought-provoking. There are some people and crimes in the book that I would definitely like to learn more about, however, I find the case evidence is still inconclusive. Rating: 3.5 stars.
I think that Cornwell got the character correct; a psychopath, taunting, malicious, wanting to prove he was more intelligent than Scotland Yard. The murders not counted as one of the 'canon five murders', also make sense - I never bought into the notion that he committed suicide or stopped killing. Either option seems out of character: an evolving, changing killer seems much more likely. Whether WS was JtR or not, he seemed from this book to have a decidedly odd personality and seemed obsessed with the case.
I found the music hall sketches which seem to put WS in London at the right time interesting and I would like to know the rebuttal, in light of these sketches, from those who believe he wasn't in the country at the time of some of the murders. I didn't get the sense that Cornwell was being arrogant about this, trying to show off that she was cleverer than everyone else, and I find some of the reviews unfathomably hostile. Overall the book is interesting and thought-provoking. There are some people and crimes in the book that I would definitely like to learn more about, however, I find the case evidence is still inconclusive. Rating: 3.5 stars.
March 5, 2017
Cornwell seeks to tell us exactly how clever
she is, again.
This time at volume.
Cornwell had previously written a book
detailing exhaustively how she, personally,
researched the Jack The Ripper
case and had come to the conclusion
that the artist Walter Sickert is the one true Ripper.
Countless tomes, articles and films have
been made to try to explain who
the Ripper was.
I admit it is a tantalizing mystery, this madman
who terrorized London in the 1890s and captivated
the World ever since.
However the truth is his identity is lost to time.
As much fun as it is to play guessing games
barring time travel or a note hidden in the Palace
in Victoria's own hand
detailing the Royal cover up
the Ripperologists(why is this even a word?)
insist had to have happened.
We will just never know.
This book is nothing but running out Cornwells'
ego and giving us all a good
look so we can see how smart she is.
she is, again.
This time at volume.
Cornwell had previously written a book
detailing exhaustively how she, personally,
researched the Jack The Ripper
case and had come to the conclusion
that the artist Walter Sickert is the one true Ripper.
Countless tomes, articles and films have
been made to try to explain who
the Ripper was.
I admit it is a tantalizing mystery, this madman
who terrorized London in the 1890s and captivated
the World ever since.
However the truth is his identity is lost to time.
As much fun as it is to play guessing games
barring time travel or a note hidden in the Palace
in Victoria's own hand
detailing the Royal cover up
the Ripperologists(why is this even a word?)
insist had to have happened.
We will just never know.
This book is nothing but running out Cornwells'
ego and giving us all a good
look so we can see how smart she is.
March 11, 2017
I could not suspend disbelief for this book. I felt like W.S. was being railroaded by P.Cornwell. So, I quit out of getting no enjoyment other than the heft and smell of the actual book. I am okay with not knowing the identity of Jack the Ripper.
May 27, 2021
I simply could not finish this boring book. After having read Cornwell's first book on the Ripper (which was riveting although biased)I was expecting something at least half as interesting. That never happened.
November 2, 2021
Review coming
March 5, 2017
Thought Provoking and Intriguing Forensics
This book jumped out at me during a time that I had been feeling a little lost on reading, but Ms. Cornwell certainly pulled me out of that funk. I find the abnormal psychology fascinating, so people who like these explorations will certainly appreciate this book. One of the great aspects is really getting a look into the vast amount of forensic research for this work. Ms. Cornwell presents compelling arguments, but also backs them up with facts as well as theories. As she herself states, one doesn't have to agree, just to think and consider.
This is an easy and page turning read, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the Ripper, criminal cold cases, or even the history of Victorian London. Ms. Cornwell also does a great service to the victims of these crimes, allowing them to present as people, and not just the forgotten women (and possibly children) who fell to what would become an iconic monster. The author's candor about her own experience with this work is also admirable, and I found this to be just the right book to get those cognitive wheels spinning.
This book jumped out at me during a time that I had been feeling a little lost on reading, but Ms. Cornwell certainly pulled me out of that funk. I find the abnormal psychology fascinating, so people who like these explorations will certainly appreciate this book. One of the great aspects is really getting a look into the vast amount of forensic research for this work. Ms. Cornwell presents compelling arguments, but also backs them up with facts as well as theories. As she herself states, one doesn't have to agree, just to think and consider.
This is an easy and page turning read, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the Ripper, criminal cold cases, or even the history of Victorian London. Ms. Cornwell also does a great service to the victims of these crimes, allowing them to present as people, and not just the forgotten women (and possibly children) who fell to what would become an iconic monster. The author's candor about her own experience with this work is also admirable, and I found this to be just the right book to get those cognitive wheels spinning.
January 24, 2018
I listened to this on Audible, and honestly, it took me nearly a year to finish it. I finally bit the bullet and just listened to the last four hours that had been glaring at me for the last few months but avoiding.
This honestly, fascinates me. The theories behind who Jack the Ripper really was has always been something that I just want to delve into further. So I'm really not sure what made this nearly 15-hour audiobook feel like 100. Possibly, it was the narrator, she wasn't my favorite and didn't really add anything to a book topic that has the potential of being amazingly fascinating. And I think I would have finished it sooner had I read it, rather than listened to it.
All that said, Patricia Cornwell makes some strong and excellent points as to her theory. I'm not ready to jump on the Walter Sickert bandwagon just yet, but I'm not terribly opposed to the idea of him being the Ripper either.
Personally, I would suggest reading this, rather than listen to it, but I think if you're interested in different Ripper theories, this isn't one you should miss.
This honestly, fascinates me. The theories behind who Jack the Ripper really was has always been something that I just want to delve into further. So I'm really not sure what made this nearly 15-hour audiobook feel like 100. Possibly, it was the narrator, she wasn't my favorite and didn't really add anything to a book topic that has the potential of being amazingly fascinating. And I think I would have finished it sooner had I read it, rather than listened to it.
All that said, Patricia Cornwell makes some strong and excellent points as to her theory. I'm not ready to jump on the Walter Sickert bandwagon just yet, but I'm not terribly opposed to the idea of him being the Ripper either.
Personally, I would suggest reading this, rather than listen to it, but I think if you're interested in different Ripper theories, this isn't one you should miss.
May 8, 2017
Over the years, I have read a number of books exploring who Jack the Ripper really was. Physician? Royalty? Here, novelist Patricia Cornwell (who has a background in forensics) examines this question. Upfront, she indicates that she speculates that the artist Walter Sickert was the Ripper.
She traces his life from painful medical challenges when he was very young onward. She notes that he was in proximity to venues where the Ripper murdered women. She covers his travels, notes some of his paintings which suggest nefarious behavior, and develops other activities which suggest that he might have been culpable.
This is a fascinating work and well researched. She and a team used forensic techniques to explore evidence and to see if it suggests anything about Sickert's role and the Ripper's technique.
Who knows if she is right, but this seems to me to be one of the more persuasive cases made as to whom the Ripper might have been.
She traces his life from painful medical challenges when he was very young onward. She notes that he was in proximity to venues where the Ripper murdered women. She covers his travels, notes some of his paintings which suggest nefarious behavior, and develops other activities which suggest that he might have been culpable.
This is a fascinating work and well researched. She and a team used forensic techniques to explore evidence and to see if it suggests anything about Sickert's role and the Ripper's technique.
Who knows if she is right, but this seems to me to be one of the more persuasive cases made as to whom the Ripper might have been.
November 13, 2018
I think this is an interesting mystery and a whodunit book. The author could be credibly characterized as obsessed with the artist Walter Sickert. I am not convinced, though, that he actually carried out the Ripper murders. He was a strange man and a talented artist, but Jack the Ripper?
I'm just not in sync with the author on this one, though I think for non-fiction mysteries and the detective work that goes with it, this book is thorough and well-developed.
I'm just not in sync with the author on this one, though I think for non-fiction mysteries and the detective work that goes with it, this book is thorough and well-developed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews