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The House of Jack the Ripper #1
Broken Window
THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS!
Lost and alone one night on the streets of London, Maddie Harper knows she shouldn't go near the abandoned house on Cathmore Road. She's heard stories about the place, about how everyone keeps away. But tonight Maddie's scared and hurt, and she's being hunted through the city's dark, rain-lashed streets. So when she sees a broken window at the back of the house, she decides she has to take the risk.
But this is no ordinary house. This house once belonged to England's most notorious killer. To a man whose true identity has remained a secret... until now.
Soon, Maddie starts to realize that something in this house is very wrong. For one thing, the basement is set out more like an old operating theater. For another, there are tattered notebooks detailing a series of gruesome medical procedures. And then there's the bell in one of the old bedrooms, which seems to ring from time to time, even though it's covered in a thick layer of dust.
Maddie is about to learn not only that the house's previous owner hid a dark secret, but also that - as she explores these old and abandoned rooms - she might not be quite so alone after all. And the truth of an English legend is about to be revealed.
Broken Window is the first book in a new horror series, titled The House of Jack the Ripper. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and the story continues in the next book in the series, titled In Darkness Dwell.
Lost and alone one night on the streets of London, Maddie Harper knows she shouldn't go near the abandoned house on Cathmore Road. She's heard stories about the place, about how everyone keeps away. But tonight Maddie's scared and hurt, and she's being hunted through the city's dark, rain-lashed streets. So when she sees a broken window at the back of the house, she decides she has to take the risk.
But this is no ordinary house. This house once belonged to England's most notorious killer. To a man whose true identity has remained a secret... until now.
Soon, Maddie starts to realize that something in this house is very wrong. For one thing, the basement is set out more like an old operating theater. For another, there are tattered notebooks detailing a series of gruesome medical procedures. And then there's the bell in one of the old bedrooms, which seems to ring from time to time, even though it's covered in a thick layer of dust.
Maddie is about to learn not only that the house's previous owner hid a dark secret, but also that - as she explores these old and abandoned rooms - she might not be quite so alone after all. And the truth of an English legend is about to be revealed.
Broken Window is the first book in a new horror series, titled The House of Jack the Ripper. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and the story continues in the next book in the series, titled In Darkness Dwell.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2017
280 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
661 books1,675 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 8, 2021
This was an interesting twisted story with time jumps from the past to the present!
A small backstory:
The Present:
Maddie gets attacked by someone to the point that is she wounded and she tries to find a place to hole up to get out the rain, so she breaks into an abandoned house that is suppose to be haunted.
The Past:
Dr. Glazier is trying to find a cure for his wife's cancer and he will do whatever it takes to cure her even if it means committing murder to do it.
Thoughts:
Normally I am not fond of time jumps, but the author, Amy Cross pulls this story off without a hitch making the time jumps interesting and mysterious with the two characters from different eras.
The past and the present are connected by the house that the character Maddie breaks into and each chapter goes back and forth between the past (with the doctor) and the present (with Maddie). The doctor chapters are interesting as he goes on a murder spree, but the Maddie chapters don't get interesting till creepy stuff starts happening in the house.
There are unanswered questions though for this book but the blurb does say it ends on a cliffhanger and that the next book needs to be read to understand what is going on. Then again this is a eight book series so there might be more questions than answers as time goes on till the very end! I hope not as that will be a lot of questions to answer by the eighth book! Giving this one four "twisted" stars!
A small backstory:
The Present:
Maddie gets attacked by someone to the point that is she wounded and she tries to find a place to hole up to get out the rain, so she breaks into an abandoned house that is suppose to be haunted.
The Past:
Dr. Glazier is trying to find a cure for his wife's cancer and he will do whatever it takes to cure her even if it means committing murder to do it.
Thoughts:
Normally I am not fond of time jumps, but the author, Amy Cross pulls this story off without a hitch making the time jumps interesting and mysterious with the two characters from different eras.
The past and the present are connected by the house that the character Maddie breaks into and each chapter goes back and forth between the past (with the doctor) and the present (with Maddie). The doctor chapters are interesting as he goes on a murder spree, but the Maddie chapters don't get interesting till creepy stuff starts happening in the house.
There are unanswered questions though for this book but the blurb does say it ends on a cliffhanger and that the next book needs to be read to understand what is going on. Then again this is a eight book series so there might be more questions than answers as time goes on till the very end! I hope not as that will be a lot of questions to answer by the eighth book! Giving this one four "twisted" stars!
June 29, 2020
What a wonderful introduction to the “Jack the Ripper “ story. A man is murdering women in a neighborhood . Are the murders happening now or in the past?
A homeless young woman in need of shelter decides to enter the home. Does she encounter the ripper?
A homeless young woman in need of shelter decides to enter the home. Does she encounter the ripper?
March 7, 2021
Even though the flip flopping chapters of different time eras and characters didn't bother me, it took a good while for Maddie's story to get interesting. The Dr story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Once Maddie's story started to get interesting, it didn't let up and built into one of the most confusing endings I have ever read in my life. Maddie's story basically makes sense if you believe in hauntings. But the Dr's story left me scratching my head unable to make sense of the very end
October 7, 2017
Another fabulous book by Amy Cross. On to the next part!
Review to come.
Review to come.
October 8, 2020
What a fascinating take on the Jack The Ripper crimes. This story alternates between past and present, from the viewpoint of a Doctor and his wife, and a homeless girl who gets caught up in bad weather and enters a creepy abandoned house. There are some interesting events portrayed from the 19th century murders, and the reasons for these are not what you would expect. The twist at the end was not what I expected, as I thought the story was going on a different direction, but it was easy to read and very hard to put down. I'm heading straight for book 2 in this series now.
April 23, 2018
Another take on the Jack the Ripper murders, this time switching from future to past, both points of view told from a first-person narrative, so giving further insight in the minds of the characters - always good.
A gruesome but intriguing read, and a great start to the series. Murder, ghosts?, homelessness and fear are just some of the themes.
Worth reading.
A gruesome but intriguing read, and a great start to the series. Murder, ghosts?, homelessness and fear are just some of the themes.
Worth reading.
September 6, 2017
Amy cross rocks!!
April 15, 2018
I am afraid my review of this book may suffer a bit from my self-enforced reading goal for this year.
You see, I told myself this year is the one to knock out many of the series languishing in my embarrassingly unrealistic TBR pile.
It's only April, and I think I'm tired of it already. Granted, I've knocked out several already, got caught up on a few more, and decided I'm done with two others, no matter how many more are published.
I'm even refusing good deals on first-in-series books unless I've wanted them a really long time. The commitment wears me out.
I want a fling with a beginning, middle and an end, all hot between two covers. One and done.
Yep, it's probably burn-out.
So it's me, not this book.
I like Amy Cross: she's so damn prolific it's unreal. She has a style: eight book series, usually each book is short and fast-paced.
This is historical horror, flipping back-and-forth between Jack the Ripper London of 1888 and now.
I'm just not sure how this is going to play out, or how the two story lines will successfully merge.
Seven books from now.
But I'm in it for the long-haul, because in the end I've always been an honor your commitments girl.
*sigh*
You see, I told myself this year is the one to knock out many of the series languishing in my embarrassingly unrealistic TBR pile.
It's only April, and I think I'm tired of it already. Granted, I've knocked out several already, got caught up on a few more, and decided I'm done with two others, no matter how many more are published.
I'm even refusing good deals on first-in-series books unless I've wanted them a really long time. The commitment wears me out.
I want a fling with a beginning, middle and an end, all hot between two covers. One and done.
Yep, it's probably burn-out.
So it's me, not this book.
I like Amy Cross: she's so damn prolific it's unreal. She has a style: eight book series, usually each book is short and fast-paced.
This is historical horror, flipping back-and-forth between Jack the Ripper London of 1888 and now.
I'm just not sure how this is going to play out, or how the two story lines will successfully merge.
Seven books from now.
But I'm in it for the long-haul, because in the end I've always been an honor your commitments girl.
*sigh*
October 9, 2017
I've been intrigued by the story of Jack the Ripper and H.H. Holmes recently so this book came at the perfect time.
The details from the original murders were placed perfectly among the fictional story and made it almost believable.
It was a quick read but I didn't have to wait long for the second book which was a good thing because I don't know how long I could have held off emailing the author to ask what happens... in fact, I think I may have tweeted her asking about the sequel to Darper Danver!
Everything about this book was great from the complex characters to the well-written scenery!
The details from the original murders were placed perfectly among the fictional story and made it almost believable.
It was a quick read but I didn't have to wait long for the second book which was a good thing because I don't know how long I could have held off emailing the author to ask what happens... in fact, I think I may have tweeted her asking about the sequel to Darper Danver!
Everything about this book was great from the complex characters to the well-written scenery!
October 7, 2017
Amazing!!!!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites and this book just makes me love her books even more. Amazingly written to where it keeps you reading and not wanting to put it down the find out what is going to happen. I love the back and forth from 1888 to the present. Another great thing about the ending is it leaves so many questions that makes you want to immediately read the second book to find out at least some of the answers. Just can’t say enough about this book. Can’t wait to read the second one!!!
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites and this book just makes me love her books even more. Amazingly written to where it keeps you reading and not wanting to put it down the find out what is going to happen. I love the back and forth from 1888 to the present. Another great thing about the ending is it leaves so many questions that makes you want to immediately read the second book to find out at least some of the answers. Just can’t say enough about this book. Can’t wait to read the second one!!!
August 26, 2020
This book was so much fun! Amy Cross presents an intriguing story set in two different time periods. One is following a man who has killed many people in the 1880's for medical reasons and the other is following a girl who is starting to discover what he has done. Both of these characters were so fun to follow. Reading about the murders was a bit gross because they were very detailed but it also added to the horror factor of the book. I read 75% of this late at night so I was legitimately freaked out and I had a restless sleep afterwards. I'm definitely looking forward to book two!
September 6, 2017
This was an easy choice of book for me.. anything with Jack The Ripper in the tittle gets my interest just because of the mystery surrounding him..This was a good read,a page turner and number one in the series .. It is a back and forth book in past and in the present .. I recommend this book .. it left it on a cliffhanger so you have to start the 2nd book straight away .. (I have).. if you like Victorian London mixed with horror then this is for you ...
June 4, 2018
I love Amy Cross books!
What a twist to Jack the Ripper. Maddie is in the days of the present while Dr. Frazier is in the 1880s. Maddie is a young girl who lives on the streets and looking to get back on her feet again. What she finds is something she never expected. Dr. Frazier is trying to save his wife from her cancer and is getting whites from out of town and stealing their insides. You have to check this great read out! I'm heading to read book 2 now
What a twist to Jack the Ripper. Maddie is in the days of the present while Dr. Frazier is in the 1880s. Maddie is a young girl who lives on the streets and looking to get back on her feet again. What she finds is something she never expected. Dr. Frazier is trying to save his wife from her cancer and is getting whites from out of town and stealing their insides. You have to check this great read out! I'm heading to read book 2 now
September 6, 2017
An interesting take on the Jack Ripper mystery. This first book sets up the story, flitting back and forth from present day where we follow Maddie, to Victorian England where we meet Dr Charles Grazier. It's a quick read but the atmosphere in the abandoned house when Maddie goes exploring, does give you chills. I look forward to reading the second book.
September 26, 2017
Broken Window
I'm a fan of Any Cross and as is usual this book does not disappoint. Broken Window gives you a totally new and different view of the Jack the Ripper stories you have probably read, although it has been claimed that he could have been a surgeon or doctor. I RECOMMEND this excellent read.
I'm a fan of Any Cross and as is usual this book does not disappoint. Broken Window gives you a totally new and different view of the Jack the Ripper stories you have probably read, although it has been claimed that he could have been a surgeon or doctor. I RECOMMEND this excellent read.
March 19, 2018
Unique Twist
This first book follows Maddie in the present as she hides inside what appears to be an abandoned house. It also follows Dr. Grazier who owned the house back in 1888. But when similar things start to bring Past and Present together is when the real horror takes place.
I am sold on this series and off to read the 2nd!!
This first book follows Maddie in the present as she hides inside what appears to be an abandoned house. It also follows Dr. Grazier who owned the house back in 1888. But when similar things start to bring Past and Present together is when the real horror takes place.
I am sold on this series and off to read the 2nd!!
January 27, 2023
A great first book of the house of Jack the ripper series, great detail through our the book, I liked how it went from present to last in the story, it explains the start of the story ready for you to carry on the next book in the set. Amy Cross is an incredible author and writes in so much detail and you get drawn into the story ...Amazing first first book really enjoyed it
October 20, 2025
Wonderful stuff. It was so good the ending came too soon for me. When you think about it, this first book leaves so many ends loose and doesn't tell you much about what's going on, but that's exactly what makes it beautifully thrilling. You keep turning the pages wanting to know more about Maddie and Charles. Perfect for Halloween 🎃
May 1, 2018
Interesting book, a different take on Jack the Ripper and expands on it! It has the suspense I enjoy. It also got me interested enough to purchase the 2nd in the series. I am half way done with the 2nd book.
May 28, 2018
Broken Window
Broken Window is an interesting read. Well written, in my opinion. It pretty much grabs your attention from the start and doesn't let go until the end. The writing reminds me of an early John Saul. I definitely recommend this author.
Broken Window is an interesting read. Well written, in my opinion. It pretty much grabs your attention from the start and doesn't let go until the end. The writing reminds me of an early John Saul. I definitely recommend this author.
January 20, 2019
Addicting
Although this is first in a series, I know I’ll have to read them all!
Amy Cross has another well written story, with characters so vivid that you can see them in your mind!
Although this is first in a series, I know I’ll have to read them all!
Amy Cross has another well written story, with characters so vivid that you can see them in your mind!
September 1, 2019
Introduction!
What a wonderful introduction to a Jack The Ripper story! It is very interesting and suspenseful the way that the story is crisscrossed back and forth between the years.
What a wonderful introduction to a Jack The Ripper story! It is very interesting and suspenseful the way that the story is crisscrossed back and forth between the years.
December 19, 2019
I thought this book by Amy Cross was very good. There are many surprises in this story and each and every one of them is interesting. I don't think you can go wrong reading Broken Window. You will enjoy it.
April 14, 2020
It didn't take me long to enjoy this book. I like both stories, the current (our time) one and the one during the thrilling time of Jack The Ripper. It ended with a cliffhanger and I really want to know what happens next! Can highly recommend!
September 22, 2020
Wow! I can't wait to see what happens next!!! Jack the ripper has as always been an oddly fascinated story for me. The fact that it was never solved. I wonder which theory was correct. I will see how this one ends
August 30, 2021
This was my first Amy Cross novel. I'm glad it's the first in a series of books, as I'm not completely sure I understood how the two timelines here tied together. I like the writing style and the characters are believable, so I'll definitely be giving the second one a read.
August 24, 2017
Great start
Looks to be another great series from Amy Cross. I love the time shifts and it looks to be a unique storyline
Looks to be another great series from Amy Cross. I love the time shifts and it looks to be a unique storyline
August 30, 2017
Great first book in series
Ended on a cliffhanger, will read the next book. Great characters and storyline. The ending was abrupt, left me wanting more. Amy Cross is worth the wait.
Ended on a cliffhanger, will read the next book. Great characters and storyline. The ending was abrupt, left me wanting more. Amy Cross is worth the wait.
September 4, 2017
After reading the Island series there as to be a come down. I enjoy this book but I am still in hangover from the previous 3 and they were out of this world.
September 22, 2017
Spooky!
This was not one of Amy Cross's better books, but it was certainly an entertaining read and I look forward to the sequels.
This was not one of Amy Cross's better books, but it was certainly an entertaining read and I look forward to the sequels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews