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The Ripper Secret
A priceless relic… and a monster that will do anything to get hold of it. Perfect for fans of Ripper Street or From Hell
In the summer of 1888, a killer is about to rampage through East London. But what are the real motives behind the murders?
Police Commissioner Charles Warren has in his possession an ancient artefact of incredible value, and unknowable danger. Discovered on a mission to Jerusalem, he smuggled the relic back to England, never imagining the peril he would place himself in, and more devastatingly, the women of Whitechapel.
As the Ripper strikes, again, and again, the truth may finally be uncovered…
Fans of Iain King, Scott Mariani and Boyd Morrison will love The Ripper Secret, a thriller that blows the legend of Jack the Ripper wide open.
‘Interesting, original’ Historical Novel Society
‘Interesting, original’ Historical Novel Society
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2018
112 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2019
Popular author James Becker (one of his many pseudonyms) brings readers an interesting take on the Jack the Ripper murders, injecting his own speculation into this piece of fiction. While traveling through Jerusalem in 1870, Charles Warren comes upon a spectacular find that will surely flourish in the right company. However, this menorah is anything but an innocent artefact, particularly when another man, Alexei Pedachenko, had hoped to take it for himself. Fast-forward to the streets of London in 1888, where Pedachenko has been able to catch up to Warren, who is now a commissioner with the Metropolitan Police. Rather than simply ask for the menorah, Pedachenko wishes to create havoc for the man who caused him such distress. After reading about the murder of a prostitute on the streets of Whitechapel, Pedachenko devises a plan that will not only get him the sacred menorah, but also push Warren out of his job. While penning notes to Warren under an alias, Pedachenko shows that he is serious, by killing women in the dead of night and leaving mocking notes. Warren is aware what is going on, but refuses o budge. As the spring turns to summer, the bodies continue and Warren is racked with guilt, but still unable to find it within himself to cede the treasured find. Pedachenko is happy to let the blood flow under the guise of Jack the Ripper, masking his crimes with all sorts of errant clues, all in the hopes of pushing Warren to the brink. It will be a game of cat and mouse, though Pedachenko shows no hint at ending his spree and Warren must decide how to retaliate. An interesting bit of fiction, which allows Becker to entertain rather than solely educate. Those who want a quick read may enjoy this book for its entertainment value.
Unsolved crimes are always fun to think about and James Becker has added a little fuel to the fire. While neither purporting to have evidence about Jack the Ripper, nor wanting to discount much of the history that has been created, Becker develops this piece of fiction to suit his own needs and entertain the reader in equal measure. Charles Warren is a decent character, a man whose stubbornness and cowardice fuel a string of murders throughout 1888. While he watches London go mad with worry, he sits on the one thing that could stop the killings, waiting this murderer out while investigating through official channels. Alexei Pedachenko is a much more interesting character, seemingly fuelled by the desire for a sacred item and yet turning to murder to get it for himself. Both men offer an interesting push and pull, keeping the story moving without being all that sensational in their own right. The story was decent and full of what one presumes are factual bits of information about the killings. Becker has done well to educate the reader as they make their way through the story. That being said, I was a little put off that the idea of the Jack the Ripper murders surrounded a menorah and that revenge was the sole rationale behind it all, though I suppose stranger things have come to pass when it comes to motives. While surely not one of Becker’s stronger novels, it was a quick read and allowed me to fill some time between more stimulating undertakings.
Kudos, Mr. Becker, for a decent book that educates and entertains. I may have to look into another of your ‘alternate history’ stories, though might wait a bit before getting too committed to that idea.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Unsolved crimes are always fun to think about and James Becker has added a little fuel to the fire. While neither purporting to have evidence about Jack the Ripper, nor wanting to discount much of the history that has been created, Becker develops this piece of fiction to suit his own needs and entertain the reader in equal measure. Charles Warren is a decent character, a man whose stubbornness and cowardice fuel a string of murders throughout 1888. While he watches London go mad with worry, he sits on the one thing that could stop the killings, waiting this murderer out while investigating through official channels. Alexei Pedachenko is a much more interesting character, seemingly fuelled by the desire for a sacred item and yet turning to murder to get it for himself. Both men offer an interesting push and pull, keeping the story moving without being all that sensational in their own right. The story was decent and full of what one presumes are factual bits of information about the killings. Becker has done well to educate the reader as they make their way through the story. That being said, I was a little put off that the idea of the Jack the Ripper murders surrounded a menorah and that revenge was the sole rationale behind it all, though I suppose stranger things have come to pass when it comes to motives. While surely not one of Becker’s stronger novels, it was a quick read and allowed me to fill some time between more stimulating undertakings.
Kudos, Mr. Becker, for a decent book that educates and entertains. I may have to look into another of your ‘alternate history’ stories, though might wait a bit before getting too committed to that idea.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 4, 2021
This certainly puts a new twist in the story of Jack the Ripper. At first I was wondering what was going on and what it had to do with the Ripper. Then it all became clear. I was awarding this 5 stars, but personally I think too much background information on each victim was given. Was really,more than was required. An easy 4 stars, probably 4.5 with an excellent finale. Really enjoyed this book, as I do with all of his books.
December 4, 2020
I love books about Jack The Ripper, so I was super excited to start this one. And I enjoyed it (mostly). I think it dragged on a bit too long (and in certain places), but overall it was an enjoyable read. I will certainly check out more from this author!
August 3, 2018
I began to wonder at the beginning where the ripper bit came in. It didnt take long to get to the plot and it was a good plot. Sadly although I did enjoy the book I got a bit bogged down with all the exact detail of the ripper murders.
The finale was a great twist and I did enjoy the book.
The finale was a great twist and I did enjoy the book.
Read
January 24, 2020Jst couldn't get into this - abandoned at pg 120.
February 1, 2019
This and That
I am ambivalent about rating this book. Although the author introduced a new candidate and motive for the murders (and apparently a real person according to the notes) the book is basically just a regurgitation of the victims' histories and facts of the cases. The resolution was interesting but, if you have any knowledge of the actual crimes, it seemed like a somewhat lazy endeavor.
I am ambivalent about rating this book. Although the author introduced a new candidate and motive for the murders (and apparently a real person according to the notes) the book is basically just a regurgitation of the victims' histories and facts of the cases. The resolution was interesting but, if you have any knowledge of the actual crimes, it seemed like a somewhat lazy endeavor.
April 22, 2019
I didn't see that one coming! The historical part of this book is fascinating: from the depths of the digs under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to the slums of 19th century London. Although I really enjoyed this book, I admit I had a hard time accepting this Jack the Ripper. I found it quite far fetched but hey, why not?
November 28, 2018
Overly simplistic with no new thoughts
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2019
A thoroughly well researched work of fiction
I have this book full rating marks because it was so well written, the fiction blended seamlessly with the facts. I have long been fascinated with the Whitechapel murders and consider myself a bit of a hobby expert in my own fashion. Like everyone I have my theories, but that's all they are. We will ever be looking for the sharp knifed murderer. So, even though the main body of the book is fiction it is no less plausible than any other.
I have this book full rating marks because it was so well written, the fiction blended seamlessly with the facts. I have long been fascinated with the Whitechapel murders and consider myself a bit of a hobby expert in my own fashion. Like everyone I have my theories, but that's all they are. We will ever be looking for the sharp knifed murderer. So, even though the main body of the book is fiction it is no less plausible than any other.
October 21, 2018
A fact filled book about the infamous Jack the Ripper who terrorized London in the 1880ies but this book neatly ties in a reason for the murders with real life police anxious to catch up with him. Whether or not the facts are true or artistic licence was used it does not matter as this was a brilliant read in my opinion. Good books always leave me thinking about how well they all tie together and this was no exception.
March 26, 2021
I've been enjoying Becker's Bronson series for a year or two now, and this stand-alone was an excellent read. A novel idea, a good story, enjoyable ending, the only issue that I found detracting was the level of detail and with each victim the background info, which at times removed the reader from the flow of the story.
The final chapter, post story, adds some good historical info putting the story in situ with historical fact. Nice touch.
The final chapter, post story, adds some good historical info putting the story in situ with historical fact. Nice touch.
September 16, 2018
This is a very interestin g. novel. All the history of Jack the ripper seems to be as accurate as known. James Becker has tied it up cleverly into a new idea of what might have happened. As with Dan Brown's novels i love the merging of fact and fiction. I did get a little bored of the murders but perhaps thats just me, but there is no doubting its a very clever book.
July 16, 2022
To be honest, this book was a complete bore. So much so I lost interest in it and forgot all about it. It could of been a really interesting version of Jack The Ripper but it was long winded and very predictable.
January 9, 2023
Overall I thought the plot was very well thought out. I enjoyed reading it, but I think sometimes there was a lot of factual information in there which was surplus to requirements. I just wanted to find out what happened. But was good and the ending was good too.
January 28, 2019
Historical Fiction
A Ripping good yarn. The author obviously tried to research the London papers stories, because it reads like press information would read.
A Ripping good yarn. The author obviously tried to research the London papers stories, because it reads like press information would read.
March 31, 2019
Really unusual story mixing the Ripper with ancient Egypt and a great plot twist at the end - so a good way to learn history and have fun! Worth rereading in a few years.
May 4, 2019
A chilling storyline weaved around an awful truth that is full of intense and intelligent observations. Nail-bitingly good writing that can create terror out of historical facts.
October 22, 2019
Lynnie
Very good, fast moving book. Interesting 🤔 idea to make you think about Jack The Ripper . A lot of details in the book.
Very good, fast moving book. Interesting 🤔 idea to make you think about Jack The Ripper . A lot of details in the book.
March 17, 2020
Interesting premise. Enjoyable
April 27, 2021
I enjoyed this alternative take on such a well known story.
July 2, 2021
Quite long winded with unlikeable characters. Adds nothing new to the story of Jack.
December 18, 2022
Too many false historic information stuck into the events in a decisive way .
March 28, 2023
Excellent book. Picked it up as I’m a Ripperologist and thought I’d give it a try. It’s opened my eyes to a completely new genre! Although I have read the DaVinci Code, I think I read that cause the whole world was talking about it, and then went back to horror and Ripperology. Looking forward to reading more of his stuff.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews