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One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper
Bringing a completely new analytical approach to the identity of the most notorious murderer in history,Sarah Bax Horton presents compelling evidence and names the real Jack the Ripper
This highly revelatory book, based on original research and completely new analysis, presents a compelling new suspect as the most notorious serial killer of all time. Using a different analytical approach, for the first time, Sarah Bax Horton identifies a named perpetrator as Jack the Ripper by linking eye-witness accounts of the killer’s distinctive physical characteristics to his official medical records. It argues that his broken left arm, which left him unable to work in early 1888, was one of his triggers to kill as part of a serious physical and mental decline caused by severe epilepsy.
This new perpetrator fits the profile as stated by the police of the a local man of low class of whom they became aware after the final murder, when they launched an unsuccessful surveillance operation against him. As has never been done before, the author – an experienced former government researcher with specific expertise in research and analysis – formulates a complete analysis of the killer and his methodology, including how he accosted his victims, where he took them to their deaths, his unique modus operandi of a blitz-style attack, and how he escaped from each crime scene without detection.
Each of the six murders – from Martha Tabram to Marie Kelly – is discussed and reconstructed as perpetrated by this man, with his escalating violence clearly demonstrated.
This highly revelatory book, based on original research and completely new analysis, presents a compelling new suspect as the most notorious serial killer of all time. Using a different analytical approach, for the first time, Sarah Bax Horton identifies a named perpetrator as Jack the Ripper by linking eye-witness accounts of the killer’s distinctive physical characteristics to his official medical records. It argues that his broken left arm, which left him unable to work in early 1888, was one of his triggers to kill as part of a serious physical and mental decline caused by severe epilepsy.
This new perpetrator fits the profile as stated by the police of the a local man of low class of whom they became aware after the final murder, when they launched an unsuccessful surveillance operation against him. As has never been done before, the author – an experienced former government researcher with specific expertise in research and analysis – formulates a complete analysis of the killer and his methodology, including how he accosted his victims, where he took them to their deaths, his unique modus operandi of a blitz-style attack, and how he escaped from each crime scene without detection.
Each of the six murders – from Martha Tabram to Marie Kelly – is discussed and reconstructed as perpetrated by this man, with his escalating violence clearly demonstrated.
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
45 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Bax Horton
4 books12 followersSarah Bax Horton is a non-fiction author who grew up in South Wales. She read English and Modern Languages at Somerville College, University of Oxford and served in the Foreign Office. Fascinated by genealogy, her discovery of a Whitechapel 'H Division’ police ancestor inspired her true crime book One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper published by Michael O'Mara Books. Her second book Arm of Eve: Investigating the Thames Torso Murders continues her ground-breaking exploration of the Whitechapel Murders files is published by The History Press and won the RBAM award for Book of the Year 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 5, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 27, 2024
Sarah Bax Horton’s great-great grandfather was one of the police officers charged with solving the biggest unsolvable case ever seen in Whitechapel, London- the case of Jack the Ripper. Now, over one hundred years later, Horton uses a collection of sources to cast a light on one suspect in particular, who Horton (and others) claim to be The Ripper himself.
“One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper” provides all of the background information you already know on the canonical five women brutally murdered by Jack. It also, however, presents the cases in a “what-if” format, outlining how the story could’ve happened with Horton’s main suspect at the helm.
“Ripper” supplies a LOT of geographical information on Whitechapel and its surrounding areas, everything up to and including street names. This serves a purpose, as Horton uses this information to prove that the suspect was familiar with places that provided clean getaways, but it was very dense for someone like me (someone outside of the U.K.), who has more of an interest in the Ripper and his victims, as opposed to the geographical layout and places where the Ripper could’ve found temporary cover.
I won’t give away Horton’s (and others, including one of the leads on the case) assumed suspect, but I will say that Horton makes him seem possible. I didn’t automatically jump up and scream, “that’s it! They’ve solved it!” but she makes a compelling case for a decent possibility.
I found the information Horton provided from the court proceedings (to determine whether the women died by murder or by natural causes) very interesting, as she supplied transcripts of witnesses in their own words. I found I was able to understand the victims a little better this way, too and felt more connected to them as women and humans then as looked-down-upon miscreants.
“Ripper” presents the facts of the case that you know and others that you don’t, through legitimate historical documentation and transcripts. Whether or not Horton’s “Ripper” was actually Jack? Well, that’s something I’ll leave up to you to decide.
Expected publication date: Feb. 27, 2024
Sarah Bax Horton’s great-great grandfather was one of the police officers charged with solving the biggest unsolvable case ever seen in Whitechapel, London- the case of Jack the Ripper. Now, over one hundred years later, Horton uses a collection of sources to cast a light on one suspect in particular, who Horton (and others) claim to be The Ripper himself.
“One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper” provides all of the background information you already know on the canonical five women brutally murdered by Jack. It also, however, presents the cases in a “what-if” format, outlining how the story could’ve happened with Horton’s main suspect at the helm.
“Ripper” supplies a LOT of geographical information on Whitechapel and its surrounding areas, everything up to and including street names. This serves a purpose, as Horton uses this information to prove that the suspect was familiar with places that provided clean getaways, but it was very dense for someone like me (someone outside of the U.K.), who has more of an interest in the Ripper and his victims, as opposed to the geographical layout and places where the Ripper could’ve found temporary cover.
I won’t give away Horton’s (and others, including one of the leads on the case) assumed suspect, but I will say that Horton makes him seem possible. I didn’t automatically jump up and scream, “that’s it! They’ve solved it!” but she makes a compelling case for a decent possibility.
I found the information Horton provided from the court proceedings (to determine whether the women died by murder or by natural causes) very interesting, as she supplied transcripts of witnesses in their own words. I found I was able to understand the victims a little better this way, too and felt more connected to them as women and humans then as looked-down-upon miscreants.
“Ripper” presents the facts of the case that you know and others that you don’t, through legitimate historical documentation and transcripts. Whether or not Horton’s “Ripper” was actually Jack? Well, that’s something I’ll leave up to you to decide.
February 18, 2024
Does being an ancestor of a law enforcement officer who actually worked on one of the most famous cases in true crime history make you an expert on the afore mentioned case?Perhaps not but this author makes a convincing attempt.While heavy with autopsy details and eye witness accounts which sometimes lead to our alleged suspect sometimes not I felt something was just off about our perpetrator.The math wasn't mathing in other words for me as I've read a few books and seen many documentaries on the subject .However,Hyam Hyams is a interesting possibility which made for a compelling read.
Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
March 23, 2024
Since hearing about One-Armed Jack on Goodreads, I have really wanted to read Sarah Bax Horton's nonfiction book and I'm so glad I did. The mystery of Jack the Ripper's true identity has gripped the curiosity of the public and police alike, with dozens of suspects from the 1880s to today. Horton, a descendant of one of the original investigators, creates a compelling and well-researched argument that Jack the Ripper was Hyam Hyams: a man known for violent outbursts during the time of the Ripper murders.
One-Armed Jack was such an amazing and intriguing book that was incredibly detailed and well-informed and kept me interested from cover to cover. I especially loved the crime reconstructions at the end of each chapter, giving further insight as well as letting Horton's voice and thoughts come through in a way that is neither condescending nor pedantic.
Overall, One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper was an intriguing read that is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about another Ripper suspect or any true crime fanatic.
Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One-Armed Jack was such an amazing and intriguing book that was incredibly detailed and well-informed and kept me interested from cover to cover. I especially loved the crime reconstructions at the end of each chapter, giving further insight as well as letting Horton's voice and thoughts come through in a way that is neither condescending nor pedantic.
Overall, One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper was an intriguing read that is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about another Ripper suspect or any true crime fanatic.
Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2024
Horton works under a similar assumption as Robert House does in Jack the Ripper and the Case for Scotland Yard's Prime Suspect: the police were much more competent, than most people give them credit for. They did figure out who the Ripper was, but had no evidence that would hold up in court, so they just surveilled him to stop him from committing more crimes, until he was admitted to a lunatic asylum for unrelated reasons and was no longer a danger.
It is true that this was a claim made by several of the police officials, much later.
Macnaghten talks about
And Swanson writes
House uses these quotes to put the blame on Aaron Kosminski, who suffered from hallucinations, was more a danger to himself than to others, but was in fact transferred to Colney Hatch asylum in 1891, where he died shortly afterwards. Well, in 1919.
Horton uses the same quite to accuse Hyam Hyams, a man who was not called Kosminski, but at least actually violent. He, too, was sent to Colney Hatch in 1889 and died shortly afterwards, which in this case is already in 1913, so here she has one over House. I'm still not convinced, though.
And the rest of the book also does little to convince me of Hyams' guilt. There's "Crime Reconstructions" which are pure fiction, full of descriptions of the thoughts and feelings of the victims and the killer. There's random info-dumps about one of Horton's great-grandfathers, who was a police officer at the time, but as she herself admits, there's zero evidence that he played a significant part in the Ripper investigation. Also, a lot of time is spent on various eyewitness reports of people who might have seen the Ripper. Are all of them true sightings? No, you see, if the description matched Hyams, they were, and if it didn't than those people were obviously mistaken. Easy, innit? (That does lead to the tiny problem, that those descriptions that match Hyams physically, often talk of a well-dressed man, whose clothes suggest at least upper working class, if not middle class, which Hyams was not. But he had a sister who was a tailor and who certainly threw fancy clothes at him. Do we know that for sure? Oh, look! A squirrel!)
She also mentions how the reduction of police-surveillance in Whitechapel coincided with Hyams admittance to the asylum. The latter was in "late March or early April", the former March 15th (she actually writes that in the book). So for at least a week the police seemed to have gone: Yeah, we know that guy did it, and he's still at large, but if he kills again *shrug emoji*
Look. I know it's 120+ years after the events, and many things just can't be proven any more. Could Hyams have got clothes from his sister? Certainly? Might he have been Jack the Ripper? I'm not going to say, that he can't have been. But I am not convinced of Horton's methodology, which mainly consists of speculating and then two paragraphs later presenting the speculation as fact.
It is true that this was a claim made by several of the police officials, much later.
Macnaghten talks about
Kosminski -- a Polish Jew -- & resident in Whitechapel. This man became insane owing to many years indulgence in solitary vices. He had a great hatred of women, specially of the prostitute class, & had strong homicidal tendencies: he was removed to a lunatic asylum about March 1889. There were many circumstances connected with this man which made him a strong 'suspect'.
And Swanson writes
In a very short time the suspect with his hands tied behind his back, he was sent to Stepney Workhouse and then to Colney Hatch and died shortly afterwards - Kosminski was the suspect
House uses these quotes to put the blame on Aaron Kosminski, who suffered from hallucinations, was more a danger to himself than to others, but was in fact transferred to Colney Hatch asylum in 1891, where he died shortly afterwards. Well, in 1919.
Horton uses the same quite to accuse Hyam Hyams, a man who was not called Kosminski, but at least actually violent. He, too, was sent to Colney Hatch in 1889 and died shortly afterwards, which in this case is already in 1913, so here she has one over House. I'm still not convinced, though.
And the rest of the book also does little to convince me of Hyams' guilt. There's "Crime Reconstructions" which are pure fiction, full of descriptions of the thoughts and feelings of the victims and the killer. There's random info-dumps about one of Horton's great-grandfathers, who was a police officer at the time, but as she herself admits, there's zero evidence that he played a significant part in the Ripper investigation. Also, a lot of time is spent on various eyewitness reports of people who might have seen the Ripper. Are all of them true sightings? No, you see, if the description matched Hyams, they were, and if it didn't than those people were obviously mistaken. Easy, innit? (That does lead to the tiny problem, that those descriptions that match Hyams physically, often talk of a well-dressed man, whose clothes suggest at least upper working class, if not middle class, which Hyams was not. But he had a sister who was a tailor and who certainly threw fancy clothes at him. Do we know that for sure? Oh, look! A squirrel!)
She also mentions how the reduction of police-surveillance in Whitechapel coincided with Hyams admittance to the asylum. The latter was in "late March or early April", the former March 15th (she actually writes that in the book). So for at least a week the police seemed to have gone: Yeah, we know that guy did it, and he's still at large, but if he kills again *shrug emoji*
Look. I know it's 120+ years after the events, and many things just can't be proven any more. Could Hyams have got clothes from his sister? Certainly? Might he have been Jack the Ripper? I'm not going to say, that he can't have been. But I am not convinced of Horton's methodology, which mainly consists of speculating and then two paragraphs later presenting the speculation as fact.
October 29, 2023
There have been many books on identifying Jack the Ripper and these have produced many compelling suspects, here we are in 2023 with another book and another new suspect…can Horton bring anything new to revealing the identity of this killer? The answer is yes she can. When I was younger I read quite a few books about Jack’s identity so I was a bit apprehensive about starting this book as I thought maybe this is a topic that would no longer interest me. Horton’s research is proper interesting, recently released records have provided her with a new suspect, Hyam Hyams, what Horton does in this book is to recap the whole case and see if Hyams fits in as a new number one suspect.
The best part of this book was how it was laid out, you get info about the suspect, the main players trying to solve it and then you are walked through each murder. This last part was really well done, each witness statement is examined, we go through the process that the police carried out and the steps they took to search for the killer, we go through the lives of the victims and for the grand finale there is a crime scene reconstruction showing how Hyams did the murder and how he got away. I loved these reconstructions, a unique way of presenting the evidence. Kudos to Horton for including at the end a little bit about the detectives and how their lives played out, so often this is missed out in similar books.
The success of this type of book is whether it manages to convince the reader of Hyams being the killer, reading this was a bit like being on jury duty. I’ve looked at the evidence presented and gone through my notes….alas I am not 100% convinced, I reckon around 80%, the evidence needed just doesn’t exist for that 100% certainty. This is no fault of Horton’s, I think of all the books I’ve read this has to be the most compelling, the fault lies in the past, the witness reports are so varied, whilst Hyams fits the profile for some he doesn’t for all. There are other things which aid in not convincing me but I’m not going to list them here, this is the sort of book you should go in to unbiased. What I can say is this book is very good, well researched and with many interesting theories. In my opinion this is one the best books on Jack The Ripper out there and comes highly recommended by me.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2023...
The best part of this book was how it was laid out, you get info about the suspect, the main players trying to solve it and then you are walked through each murder. This last part was really well done, each witness statement is examined, we go through the process that the police carried out and the steps they took to search for the killer, we go through the lives of the victims and for the grand finale there is a crime scene reconstruction showing how Hyams did the murder and how he got away. I loved these reconstructions, a unique way of presenting the evidence. Kudos to Horton for including at the end a little bit about the detectives and how their lives played out, so often this is missed out in similar books.
The success of this type of book is whether it manages to convince the reader of Hyams being the killer, reading this was a bit like being on jury duty. I’ve looked at the evidence presented and gone through my notes….alas I am not 100% convinced, I reckon around 80%, the evidence needed just doesn’t exist for that 100% certainty. This is no fault of Horton’s, I think of all the books I’ve read this has to be the most compelling, the fault lies in the past, the witness reports are so varied, whilst Hyams fits the profile for some he doesn’t for all. There are other things which aid in not convincing me but I’m not going to list them here, this is the sort of book you should go in to unbiased. What I can say is this book is very good, well researched and with many interesting theories. In my opinion this is one the best books on Jack The Ripper out there and comes highly recommended by me.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2023...
March 31, 2024
Without giving too much away, this is a really compelling read and very interesting. A very compelling case is made for who the author thinks could have been Jack The Ripper and it was interesting to read. If you have an interest in true crime, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Sarah Bax Horton and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
July 10, 2024
You can find my review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
++++++++++++++++
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come.
The author makes a decent case for Hyam Hyams being Jack the Ripper, but so much is circumstantial. This case remains so enthralling because we will never know his identity. But that certainly won’t stop researchers from trying. Though I found that the author contradicted herself at times, I still gave the book four stars because I liked ‘hearing’ directly from those involved who gave witness statements or testified at the inquests.
++++++++++++++++
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to come.
The author makes a decent case for Hyam Hyams being Jack the Ripper, but so much is circumstantial. This case remains so enthralling because we will never know his identity. But that certainly won’t stop researchers from trying. Though I found that the author contradicted herself at times, I still gave the book four stars because I liked ‘hearing’ directly from those involved who gave witness statements or testified at the inquests.
August 31, 2023
Profiling 'Jack the Ripper' is as fascinating today as it was during that fateful period in the East End of London when the horrific murders were taking place. This account looks in considerable detail not only into the character of 'One Armed Jack' who very much fits the description given by some witnesses but it also brings into sharp focus each of the murders and the subsequent inquests which took place. In using considerable research a profile emerges of a man who could very much be responsible and the author does a convincing job in putting forward her findings so that a realistic picture of a violent, and unstable, criminal emerges in precise detail.
I found the book fascinating and very quickly became immersed in what it was like to live in the squalid conditions around Whitechapel in the 1880s. The women who plied their trade as sex workers eking out a meagre existence for a few pennies and a tot of gin never stood a chance against a man who was hellbent on murder. It was interesting to have the Victorian policing methods brought to life and to read witness statements gathered at the time and presented at each of the the inquests of the murder victims. Whilst the police methods were as good as they could be at the time, I did wonder just what those Victorian police officers would make of our modern day forensic science teams.
The author writes well and puts forward her analysis with great attention to detail so that by the end of the book I was convinced by her argument that this man could be responsible. Over one hundred and thirty-five years later we still have a morbid fascination for the events which took place in Victorian London and the names of the unfortunate victims of Jack the Ripper will never be forgotten.
I found the book fascinating and very quickly became immersed in what it was like to live in the squalid conditions around Whitechapel in the 1880s. The women who plied their trade as sex workers eking out a meagre existence for a few pennies and a tot of gin never stood a chance against a man who was hellbent on murder. It was interesting to have the Victorian policing methods brought to life and to read witness statements gathered at the time and presented at each of the the inquests of the murder victims. Whilst the police methods were as good as they could be at the time, I did wonder just what those Victorian police officers would make of our modern day forensic science teams.
The author writes well and puts forward her analysis with great attention to detail so that by the end of the book I was convinced by her argument that this man could be responsible. Over one hundred and thirty-five years later we still have a morbid fascination for the events which took place in Victorian London and the names of the unfortunate victims of Jack the Ripper will never be forgotten.
October 2, 2023
This review contains some spoilers- do not read if you want no knowledge of the detail of this book!!
There are many bad books about the eponymous Jack the Ripper- in these bad books a writer goes through the events of the Autumn of terror reproducing the post mortem reports; mentioning supposed and mythical "fog"- men in tall black hats stalking Whitechapel and doctors; royal conspiracies or outlandish murderous midwives or arrant jealous ex partners- suspects are mentioned at the end and rated and that's it. Take your pick.
An improvement on this type of book looks more carefully and speculatively at the evidence, showing scepticism and candour/ questioning everything and double checking every source; cross referencing and looking for patterns and asks the right questions. Indeed the best books on Jack are those that don't set out to identify him perhaps but at least accepts that he may not be identifiable- Tom Westcotts work exemplifies this modern intelligent approach and he is not in Sarah Bax Hortons rather thin bibliography.
She has produced a Ripper book that purports to name a new suspect and attempts to make her case. Whilst Bax Horton is guilty of much speculation it has to be said that her book and her new suspect is a plausible candidate - certainly as plausible as Kosminski (the current favourite suspect for some ) or even lechmere (the new new favourite)....She wastes no time in naming her candidate as local man Hyam Hyams almost immediately and sets out to prove the connections to the case as we know it.
I am wary of providing too many spoilers in this review. Suffice to say his journey in mental health and epilepsy confirms (to Bax Horton at least) that he is the man Robert Anderson claimed had been detained as the Ripper but never charged because he was insane. He did reside at Colney Hatch asylum and the dates of the murders fits with his residence in the murder zone. He conveniently had bolt holes ( family shops and homes) close to the murder scenes and appears to fit some of the witness statements about physical characteristics and the like. Bax Horton thinks he could have been stopped earlier if local jews including some witnesses had not refused to testify against one of their own. I was less convinced by her speculation about his motives for killing and his ability to commit the crimes with a complex broken arm that hadn't healed along with some kind of mad epileptic fugue state.
This book is well written and well illustrated with a haunting picture of an asylum based Hyams but sadly no
younger photographs. The "reconstructions" of each murder at the end of each chapter are pure speculation and merely seemingly reproduce the post mortem results and aspects of witness statements. Hyams is local so can always be present- but some profilers do of course say a local man with knowledge would fit. However reconstructions here are written by numbers to some extent.
Overall this was a decent read with some plausibility but inevitably the evidence simply doesn't exist to confirm her case and he wasn't named by Anderson or MacNaughton (the latter had named Kosminski). So another suspect book but a decent one and well worth a look. No freemasons; no royal family; no intelligent psychopathic genius.....hurrah!!
There are many bad books about the eponymous Jack the Ripper- in these bad books a writer goes through the events of the Autumn of terror reproducing the post mortem reports; mentioning supposed and mythical "fog"- men in tall black hats stalking Whitechapel and doctors; royal conspiracies or outlandish murderous midwives or arrant jealous ex partners- suspects are mentioned at the end and rated and that's it. Take your pick.
An improvement on this type of book looks more carefully and speculatively at the evidence, showing scepticism and candour/ questioning everything and double checking every source; cross referencing and looking for patterns and asks the right questions. Indeed the best books on Jack are those that don't set out to identify him perhaps but at least accepts that he may not be identifiable- Tom Westcotts work exemplifies this modern intelligent approach and he is not in Sarah Bax Hortons rather thin bibliography.
She has produced a Ripper book that purports to name a new suspect and attempts to make her case. Whilst Bax Horton is guilty of much speculation it has to be said that her book and her new suspect is a plausible candidate - certainly as plausible as Kosminski (the current favourite suspect for some ) or even lechmere (the new new favourite)....She wastes no time in naming her candidate as local man Hyam Hyams almost immediately and sets out to prove the connections to the case as we know it.
I am wary of providing too many spoilers in this review. Suffice to say his journey in mental health and epilepsy confirms (to Bax Horton at least) that he is the man Robert Anderson claimed had been detained as the Ripper but never charged because he was insane. He did reside at Colney Hatch asylum and the dates of the murders fits with his residence in the murder zone. He conveniently had bolt holes ( family shops and homes) close to the murder scenes and appears to fit some of the witness statements about physical characteristics and the like. Bax Horton thinks he could have been stopped earlier if local jews including some witnesses had not refused to testify against one of their own. I was less convinced by her speculation about his motives for killing and his ability to commit the crimes with a complex broken arm that hadn't healed along with some kind of mad epileptic fugue state.
This book is well written and well illustrated with a haunting picture of an asylum based Hyams but sadly no
younger photographs. The "reconstructions" of each murder at the end of each chapter are pure speculation and merely seemingly reproduce the post mortem results and aspects of witness statements. Hyams is local so can always be present- but some profilers do of course say a local man with knowledge would fit. However reconstructions here are written by numbers to some extent.
Overall this was a decent read with some plausibility but inevitably the evidence simply doesn't exist to confirm her case and he wasn't named by Anderson or MacNaughton (the latter had named Kosminski). So another suspect book but a decent one and well worth a look. No freemasons; no royal family; no intelligent psychopathic genius.....hurrah!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
2.75 🌟
This book consisted of telling the facts about each of the murders and then at the end of each chapter going "it could have been him!!" And providing no actual evidence to support her case.
All the "evidence" given is contradicted a few chapters later and witness statements/police reports are mentioned but ignored when they don't fit the Hyam Hyams is JTR narrative.
Furthermore, the author uses a piece of evidence in one sentence to support her point and claim that it points directly to HH, and then in the next will use the same evidence to claim the complete opposite, but still have it mean that he is the Ripper.
It's all a lot of "he could have done this", "he could have looked like this" (followed up a few chapters later with presenting these as facts, hoping we'll forget that she herself said there's no evidence of it), and it's all very circumstantial. Obviously, 99% of evidence in this case will be circumstantial and I don't believe we'll ever actually know who JTR was, but if anything, I came out of this book believing it was Hyam Hyams less than I did when I started it.
The constant mention of witnesses statements about the killers appearance was inconsistent aswell, when a witness said they looked a certain way that she couldn't argue was HH, she found a way to claim that the witness must have been mistaken, or not had a good view. But on the other hand, when the statement somewhat resembled Hyams, it was presented as categorical fact that it couldn't be anyone other than Hyams, despite the descriptions mostly being "5 foot 6 ish, brown hair, maybe a moustache, maybe looked Jewish, maybe spoke like a local", which could literally apply to hundreds of people who lived or worked on the same street as Hyams.
Pinacled by the fact that in the conclusion, within two pages, she claims that her ancestor both "wasn't connected to the ripper case" and "worked on one of the most challenging cases in history". Just full of taking evidence and twisting it to suit who she's decided is guilty.
The majority of the book was an interesting read for the pure reasoning of it largely being the stories of the murders, which is in itself interesting, but for the rest of it, it honestly just irritated me reading the constant contradictions and lack of evidence being presented as fact.
This book consisted of telling the facts about each of the murders and then at the end of each chapter going "it could have been him!!" And providing no actual evidence to support her case.
All the "evidence" given is contradicted a few chapters later and witness statements/police reports are mentioned but ignored when they don't fit the Hyam Hyams is JTR narrative.
Furthermore, the author uses a piece of evidence in one sentence to support her point and claim that it points directly to HH, and then in the next will use the same evidence to claim the complete opposite, but still have it mean that he is the Ripper.
It's all a lot of "he could have done this", "he could have looked like this" (followed up a few chapters later with presenting these as facts, hoping we'll forget that she herself said there's no evidence of it), and it's all very circumstantial. Obviously, 99% of evidence in this case will be circumstantial and I don't believe we'll ever actually know who JTR was, but if anything, I came out of this book believing it was Hyam Hyams less than I did when I started it.
The constant mention of witnesses statements about the killers appearance was inconsistent aswell, when a witness said they looked a certain way that she couldn't argue was HH, she found a way to claim that the witness must have been mistaken, or not had a good view. But on the other hand, when the statement somewhat resembled Hyams, it was presented as categorical fact that it couldn't be anyone other than Hyams, despite the descriptions mostly being "5 foot 6 ish, brown hair, maybe a moustache, maybe looked Jewish, maybe spoke like a local", which could literally apply to hundreds of people who lived or worked on the same street as Hyams.
Pinacled by the fact that in the conclusion, within two pages, she claims that her ancestor both "wasn't connected to the ripper case" and "worked on one of the most challenging cases in history". Just full of taking evidence and twisting it to suit who she's decided is guilty.
The majority of the book was an interesting read for the pure reasoning of it largely being the stories of the murders, which is in itself interesting, but for the rest of it, it honestly just irritated me reading the constant contradictions and lack of evidence being presented as fact.
April 8, 2025
I felt like this was a bit of a money grab off the back of wanting to link the infamous Jack the Ripper mystery to an ancestor very, very loosely connected to it. There have been plenty of well-researched literature on whom Jack the Ripper was, and Hyam Hyams, not being a strong candidate, was the only logical person left to point the finger at.
But Horton doesn't do a great job at convincing us of his criminality in terms of the murders. She provides an overview of his mental state and character but seems to pin the murders on him based purely on physical descriptions. Not once does she explain away the fact that Hyams had violent episodes after epileptic fits yet the Ripper clearly showed pre-meditative actions in each murder. Surely if Hyams was a lunatic made worse by his fits the killings would be much more random, out in the open and therefore more likely to have been caught.
Horton also contradicts her statements by saying he was lured to women similar to his wife - in their 30s - but aside from Mary Jane Kelly all other victims where middle aged.
She doesn't explain how there were no killings when Hyams was released from the asylum, and he very much seemed to be concentrated on his wife and jealously after his fits. She also contradicts herself as early in the book she states Hyams wasn't satisfied with blaming his wife for infidelity after his fits and therefore turned to strangers on the streets, yet in the end chapters we learn he stabbed his wife the year after the murders took place, so that logic doesn't follow.
I also really dislike when authors recreate murder scenes. It feels exploitative to me and really didn't add anything to the argument.
But Horton doesn't do a great job at convincing us of his criminality in terms of the murders. She provides an overview of his mental state and character but seems to pin the murders on him based purely on physical descriptions. Not once does she explain away the fact that Hyams had violent episodes after epileptic fits yet the Ripper clearly showed pre-meditative actions in each murder. Surely if Hyams was a lunatic made worse by his fits the killings would be much more random, out in the open and therefore more likely to have been caught.
Horton also contradicts her statements by saying he was lured to women similar to his wife - in their 30s - but aside from Mary Jane Kelly all other victims where middle aged.
She doesn't explain how there were no killings when Hyams was released from the asylum, and he very much seemed to be concentrated on his wife and jealously after his fits. She also contradicts herself as early in the book she states Hyams wasn't satisfied with blaming his wife for infidelity after his fits and therefore turned to strangers on the streets, yet in the end chapters we learn he stabbed his wife the year after the murders took place, so that logic doesn't follow.
I also really dislike when authors recreate murder scenes. It feels exploitative to me and really didn't add anything to the argument.
July 11, 2024
Not a particularly well constructed argument, full of conformation bias the author seeks merely to link her suspect Hyam Hyams to whichever piece of 19th century evidence fits the bill, ignoring or dismissing those that point in entirely differing directions. A one armed killer who is in fact 2 armed but with a severe injury to his left arm is alleged as the country's most infamous killer, despite pathologists at the time suggesting the assailant maybe left-handed. Coupled with her suspect being a committed "loonatic", for months he was able to embark on a sadistic sociopathic killing spree that baffled the great and good of London, not to mention his entire family, who either he likewise hoodwinked or where happy to house such a killer, all without being caught. And in those 30 years incarcerated in his asylum never once despite the ailing mental health did he confess to the murders!
Read
December 29, 2024Book Review: One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper
The misty back streets of Victorian London. A knife's glint in the gaslight. The scary whispers of "Jack the Ripper" that still resound today. Sarah Bax Horton's One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper dives into this lasting puzzle aiming to give a new answer to a question that has puzzled crime buffs for over 100 years: who was the Whitechapel killer? Horton doesn't just add another name to the already full list of Ripper suspects. Instead, she brings in a unique and gripping twist: the killer, she claims was a man known by a single, and missed, feature – he lacked an arm. This bold idea right away makes her book stand out in the packed world of Ripper studies promising a new look at one of history's most notorious criminals.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Tale
The Whitechapel killings of 1888, with their five main victims and their personal nature, have been examined and retold many times. Horton though, turns our attention away from the usual stories of royal plots and medical wrongdoing. She sifts through original documents – hospital files little-known news articles even hushed stories from long-lost journals – to make a case for a suspect hiding in plain view, a man whose disability might have made him both noticeable and unseen in the busy streets of London's East End.
Methodology and the Art of Historical Detection
Horton's method combines thorough archive research with creative historical rebuilding. She skillfully brings to life the social setting of Victorian London where a lost limb could make people feel both sorry and wary for a working-class man trying to get by. She explores the world of Whitechapel's packed slums and temporary workers giving a clear picture of a community where being unknown was both good and bad. The book's main point relies on comparing witness statements and medical files. Horton studies descriptions of a "man who limps" or someone "favoring one arm," drawing out possible links and creating a story that points to a specific person. Some might think the jumps from guesses to conclusions are a bit bold, but Horton's careful approach and her deep knowledge of the historical background make her argument convincing even if not proven.
Strengths: Bringing the Past to Life
One-Armed Jack shines in its vivid depiction of Victorian London. Horton writes with both facts and feeling taking the reader to gas-lit alleys and dark corners where danger and brutality waited. She doesn't just list details; she makes the past come alive letting us see, hear, and even smell Whitechapel. Beyond its rich setting, the book digs deep into how Victorian society treated people with disabilities. Horton shows the hurdles and bias faced by those missing limbs revealing how these shaped their lives and, for her suspect, might have given a reason to kill.
Potential Critiques: The Shadows of Doubt
Horton makes a strong argument, but some readers might find the evidence indirect. The absence of conclusive proof, like DNA or fingerprints, could leave doubters unsure. Also, the physical nature of the crimes raises questions: could a man with one arm overpower and cut up his victims so ? Horton tackles these worries by pointing to examples of amputees who became skillful, but the question remains. We should also keep in mind that One-Armed Jack offers just one view among many. Ripperology involves lots of guesswork and arguments, and this book will likely spark more talks and deep dives.
Conclusion: A New Look at an Old Puzzle
One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper stands out in the growing collection of Ripper books. Horton's fresh take thorough research, and vivid writing make this book essential for anyone intrigued by the Whitechapel killings. While it might not solve the Jack the Ripper mystery once and for all, it presents an exciting new angle and shows us that even well-known historical stories can be seen . By focusing on the overlooked and sidelined, Horton pushes us to question what we think we know and to look at the past in a new light. Maybe, in Whitechapel's dark corners, a man with one arm did hold the answer to one of history's longest-lasting puzzles.
The misty back streets of Victorian London. A knife's glint in the gaslight. The scary whispers of "Jack the Ripper" that still resound today. Sarah Bax Horton's One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper dives into this lasting puzzle aiming to give a new answer to a question that has puzzled crime buffs for over 100 years: who was the Whitechapel killer? Horton doesn't just add another name to the already full list of Ripper suspects. Instead, she brings in a unique and gripping twist: the killer, she claims was a man known by a single, and missed, feature – he lacked an arm. This bold idea right away makes her book stand out in the packed world of Ripper studies promising a new look at one of history's most notorious criminals.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Tale
The Whitechapel killings of 1888, with their five main victims and their personal nature, have been examined and retold many times. Horton though, turns our attention away from the usual stories of royal plots and medical wrongdoing. She sifts through original documents – hospital files little-known news articles even hushed stories from long-lost journals – to make a case for a suspect hiding in plain view, a man whose disability might have made him both noticeable and unseen in the busy streets of London's East End.
Methodology and the Art of Historical Detection
Horton's method combines thorough archive research with creative historical rebuilding. She skillfully brings to life the social setting of Victorian London where a lost limb could make people feel both sorry and wary for a working-class man trying to get by. She explores the world of Whitechapel's packed slums and temporary workers giving a clear picture of a community where being unknown was both good and bad. The book's main point relies on comparing witness statements and medical files. Horton studies descriptions of a "man who limps" or someone "favoring one arm," drawing out possible links and creating a story that points to a specific person. Some might think the jumps from guesses to conclusions are a bit bold, but Horton's careful approach and her deep knowledge of the historical background make her argument convincing even if not proven.
Strengths: Bringing the Past to Life
One-Armed Jack shines in its vivid depiction of Victorian London. Horton writes with both facts and feeling taking the reader to gas-lit alleys and dark corners where danger and brutality waited. She doesn't just list details; she makes the past come alive letting us see, hear, and even smell Whitechapel. Beyond its rich setting, the book digs deep into how Victorian society treated people with disabilities. Horton shows the hurdles and bias faced by those missing limbs revealing how these shaped their lives and, for her suspect, might have given a reason to kill.
Potential Critiques: The Shadows of Doubt
Horton makes a strong argument, but some readers might find the evidence indirect. The absence of conclusive proof, like DNA or fingerprints, could leave doubters unsure. Also, the physical nature of the crimes raises questions: could a man with one arm overpower and cut up his victims so ? Horton tackles these worries by pointing to examples of amputees who became skillful, but the question remains. We should also keep in mind that One-Armed Jack offers just one view among many. Ripperology involves lots of guesswork and arguments, and this book will likely spark more talks and deep dives.
Conclusion: A New Look at an Old Puzzle
One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper stands out in the growing collection of Ripper books. Horton's fresh take thorough research, and vivid writing make this book essential for anyone intrigued by the Whitechapel killings. While it might not solve the Jack the Ripper mystery once and for all, it presents an exciting new angle and shows us that even well-known historical stories can be seen . By focusing on the overlooked and sidelined, Horton pushes us to question what we think we know and to look at the past in a new light. Maybe, in Whitechapel's dark corners, a man with one arm did hold the answer to one of history's longest-lasting puzzles.
September 13, 2023
I have read a few books about Jack the Ripper, but not such an interesting detailed one as One-Armed Jack. I over reading this new book, as it isn’t just about Jack the Ripper, it’s about other murderers that got sent to a Lunatic Asylum.
Author Sarah Bax Horton discovered that her paternal great grandfather Harry Garrett had worked on the Jack the Ripper case . Her research convinced her that the police had done an outstanding job trying to catch this most notorious of all killers. Inspired by her own police ancestor, Sam Bax Horton brings her expertise in research to bear the case.
From the early 1888, police didn’t have the advanced forensic evidence, back then as we have to today. The police had a few tools and techniques to assist them with solving crimes. There were no fingerprinting, neither could they distinguish ABO blood types. Footprints would be measured and preserved on plaster of Paris.
In the Victorian days the police had many profiling theories, who Jack the Ripper.
The theories included, the perpetrator of the crimes was a man who was in the habit of using a certain public-house remaining there until closing time.
One belief that he would in some dark corners attack her with his knife and cut her up.
There must of been something about him which inspired immediate confidence in those he selected as his victims.
A highly reputable physician Sir James Risdon Bennett, more accurate in stating that the Ripper was mentally disturbed, unpredictable and visibly incapable of behaving normally.
Now days police have much more advanced technology to help them solve crimes. They have cameras in locations where they can track down the last movements of anyone who goes missing, and the perpetrator can be traced more easily.
The police can now collect fibre, and have advanced DNA equipment to have proof about a killer who was there at a scene. They can identify a body of someone whom is unrecognisable. Dust for fingerprints, get the exact size of footprints. And be able to distinguish all blood types. And of course track where someone is by their mobile phone.
There were six murders, considered in this analysis to be perpetrated by the Ripper, four involved eyewitnesses reports of a man interacting with his victims minutes before their deaths. And neighbours and acquaintances of Mary Jane Kelly witnessed her socializing with more than one man on the night of her death, the last of whom killed her. Chief Robert Anderson’s suspect
All five murders were no doubt committed by the same hand. The murderer must have been of physical strength. There’s no evidence that he had an accomplice.
Lunatic Asylum was around in 1889, hyam Hyams, a polish Jew in 1889, was taken to Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in restraint a straightjacket and was admitted for a very violent and threatening dangerous lunatic suffering from epileptic mania. A man called puckering was released from from an asylum. He threatened to rip people up with a knife. Jacob Isenschmid in his early forties was admitted to Grove Hall Lunatic Asylum.
These days people with violent mental health conditions are more likely to be sent to a mental health hospital in a secure unit.
This book by writer Sarah Bax Horton, has lifted the lid of a statement that I never knew about, with a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Chief and Secret Service officer Robert Anderson claimed in his memoir not only had the case been solved but there was no doubt whatsoever as to the identity of the criminal. I willing to name Jack the Ripper in public, owing to Scotland Yard’s code of confidentiality and the risk of libel action.
We have waited three decades for a book length examination of Hyams Hyams and thankfully Sarah Bax Horton has given us one and what an excellent job she has done. A well researched, well written and long needed length book examining a likely suspect.
One-Armed Jack Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripple is well worth the read.
Author Sarah Bax Horton discovered that her paternal great grandfather Harry Garrett had worked on the Jack the Ripper case . Her research convinced her that the police had done an outstanding job trying to catch this most notorious of all killers. Inspired by her own police ancestor, Sam Bax Horton brings her expertise in research to bear the case.
From the early 1888, police didn’t have the advanced forensic evidence, back then as we have to today. The police had a few tools and techniques to assist them with solving crimes. There were no fingerprinting, neither could they distinguish ABO blood types. Footprints would be measured and preserved on plaster of Paris.
In the Victorian days the police had many profiling theories, who Jack the Ripper.
The theories included, the perpetrator of the crimes was a man who was in the habit of using a certain public-house remaining there until closing time.
One belief that he would in some dark corners attack her with his knife and cut her up.
There must of been something about him which inspired immediate confidence in those he selected as his victims.
A highly reputable physician Sir James Risdon Bennett, more accurate in stating that the Ripper was mentally disturbed, unpredictable and visibly incapable of behaving normally.
Now days police have much more advanced technology to help them solve crimes. They have cameras in locations where they can track down the last movements of anyone who goes missing, and the perpetrator can be traced more easily.
The police can now collect fibre, and have advanced DNA equipment to have proof about a killer who was there at a scene. They can identify a body of someone whom is unrecognisable. Dust for fingerprints, get the exact size of footprints. And be able to distinguish all blood types. And of course track where someone is by their mobile phone.
There were six murders, considered in this analysis to be perpetrated by the Ripper, four involved eyewitnesses reports of a man interacting with his victims minutes before their deaths. And neighbours and acquaintances of Mary Jane Kelly witnessed her socializing with more than one man on the night of her death, the last of whom killed her. Chief Robert Anderson’s suspect
All five murders were no doubt committed by the same hand. The murderer must have been of physical strength. There’s no evidence that he had an accomplice.
Lunatic Asylum was around in 1889, hyam Hyams, a polish Jew in 1889, was taken to Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in restraint a straightjacket and was admitted for a very violent and threatening dangerous lunatic suffering from epileptic mania. A man called puckering was released from from an asylum. He threatened to rip people up with a knife. Jacob Isenschmid in his early forties was admitted to Grove Hall Lunatic Asylum.
These days people with violent mental health conditions are more likely to be sent to a mental health hospital in a secure unit.
This book by writer Sarah Bax Horton, has lifted the lid of a statement that I never knew about, with a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Chief and Secret Service officer Robert Anderson claimed in his memoir not only had the case been solved but there was no doubt whatsoever as to the identity of the criminal. I willing to name Jack the Ripper in public, owing to Scotland Yard’s code of confidentiality and the risk of libel action.
We have waited three decades for a book length examination of Hyams Hyams and thankfully Sarah Bax Horton has given us one and what an excellent job she has done. A well researched, well written and long needed length book examining a likely suspect.
One-Armed Jack Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripple is well worth the read.
September 12, 2024
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Jack the Ripper. The mystery, the legend, the search for his identity never lets up and every few years someone presents their case for uncovering the true identity of the Ripper. The latest in this long line of discoveries is Sarah Bax Horton’s One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper.
Horton claims a bit of genealogy to the Ripper case – her great, great-grandfather was one of the police officers tasked with the Whitechapel murders at the time. Using lots of the police notes, as well as coroners’ reports and court reports, Horner tells us flat out who she believes committed the atrocities attributed to Jack the Ripper (and a few others). I won’t reveal the name of the suspect, but he is someone that has been among the names bandied about over the last century-plus, and he is not anyone of fame or repute.
Like every book purporting to identify the Ripper before this, Horton does a very good job of laying out her facts and reasoning. But that’s kind of the problem with the Ripper, isn’t it? Everyone who researches it and hopes to capitalize on some book sales makes their argument convincing (there wouldn’t be any sales if they didn’t).
I think that I first became interested in the Jack the Ripper crimes back in the mid-1970s after watching, of all things, a Star Trek episode in which Jack the Ripper was an alien being that thrived on the energy of the fear it caused and had been known by many names (including Jack the Ripper). I picked up my first ‘Ripper revealed’ book shortly thereafter (1981) I bought my first of the Ripper research books (Prince Jack : The True Story of Jack the Ripper by Frank Spiering) and I’ve been casually hooked ever since.
While there’s some good research, there’s also that bit of presumption that can get in the way of solid research. For instance: “(suspect)’s eccentric behaviour, marked by increasing rage and incoherence, must have made him a well-known figure on Wentworth Street, and beyond that locality, extending to a radius of a couple of miles.” Must have? But there’s no reports, no local diary entries, no newspaper gossip, no constable notes to the effect?
Horton’s research is generally good and for all we know, she may be exactly correct. For all we know. But I’ve said the same thing about other Ripper-revealed books. What was new and interesting to me here were the names of other victims she attributes to the Ripper, including one who doesn’t die after the attack. Maybe this is a common theory among true, deep-diving Ripper junkies (I just like buying the books), but this is the first I’ve heard anyone name more than the commonly named five victims.
I wouldn’t say I’m overwhelming convinced at Horton’s theory more than any others out there, but some points seem valid. If interested, you should decide for yourself.
Looking for a good book? One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper by Sarah Bax Horton is yet another attempt, more than 100 years after the serial murders to identify the infamous killer. I’m sure Scotland Yard is delighted to finally close the case.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Jack the Ripper. The mystery, the legend, the search for his identity never lets up and every few years someone presents their case for uncovering the true identity of the Ripper. The latest in this long line of discoveries is Sarah Bax Horton’s One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper.
Horton claims a bit of genealogy to the Ripper case – her great, great-grandfather was one of the police officers tasked with the Whitechapel murders at the time. Using lots of the police notes, as well as coroners’ reports and court reports, Horner tells us flat out who she believes committed the atrocities attributed to Jack the Ripper (and a few others). I won’t reveal the name of the suspect, but he is someone that has been among the names bandied about over the last century-plus, and he is not anyone of fame or repute.
Like every book purporting to identify the Ripper before this, Horton does a very good job of laying out her facts and reasoning. But that’s kind of the problem with the Ripper, isn’t it? Everyone who researches it and hopes to capitalize on some book sales makes their argument convincing (there wouldn’t be any sales if they didn’t).
I think that I first became interested in the Jack the Ripper crimes back in the mid-1970s after watching, of all things, a Star Trek episode in which Jack the Ripper was an alien being that thrived on the energy of the fear it caused and had been known by many names (including Jack the Ripper). I picked up my first ‘Ripper revealed’ book shortly thereafter (1981) I bought my first of the Ripper research books (Prince Jack : The True Story of Jack the Ripper by Frank Spiering) and I’ve been casually hooked ever since.
While there’s some good research, there’s also that bit of presumption that can get in the way of solid research. For instance: “(suspect)’s eccentric behaviour, marked by increasing rage and incoherence, must have made him a well-known figure on Wentworth Street, and beyond that locality, extending to a radius of a couple of miles.” Must have? But there’s no reports, no local diary entries, no newspaper gossip, no constable notes to the effect?
Horton’s research is generally good and for all we know, she may be exactly correct. For all we know. But I’ve said the same thing about other Ripper-revealed books. What was new and interesting to me here were the names of other victims she attributes to the Ripper, including one who doesn’t die after the attack. Maybe this is a common theory among true, deep-diving Ripper junkies (I just like buying the books), but this is the first I’ve heard anyone name more than the commonly named five victims.
I wouldn’t say I’m overwhelming convinced at Horton’s theory more than any others out there, but some points seem valid. If interested, you should decide for yourself.
Looking for a good book? One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper by Sarah Bax Horton is yet another attempt, more than 100 years after the serial murders to identify the infamous killer. I’m sure Scotland Yard is delighted to finally close the case.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2024
I read a lot of books about Jack the Ripper. I do not consider myself an expert on Jack the Ripper, but I am fascinated by the murders and the shroud of mystery that surrounds them. The last book that I read was The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold. That book focused on the "canonical five" victims and their lives. I remember being surprised that most of them could read and had stable home lives before some sort of tragedy caused them into the hopelessness of life in the East End of Victorian London. When I finished that book, I thought that I would probably not read much more on the subject. Then, I found One-Armed Jack by Sarah Bax Horton. And, I am so glad that I did.
I had believed that Jack the Ripper was identified as Aaron Kosminsky, known as Leather Apron, by a DNA test. Then, I found out that there were a lot of questions about the DNA and the test was probably not valid. One-Armed Jack explores the witness descriptions provided during the inquests of the five victims, plus an earlier victim that is widely believed to be The Ripper's first murder: Martha Tabram. Sarah Bax Horton does an excellent job filtering thru the inquest testimony and thru hints from the police detectives involved in The Ripper investigations. Most of the detectives wrote memoirs after they retired, and they all stated that they knew Jack the Ripper's identify. He died in an asylum, where he was placed shortly after the murder of the last victim. None of the detectives stated his name, but Sarah Bax Horton's research points to a single man: Hyam Hyams.
I will admit that there is a lot of information in One-Armed Jack that can get overwhelming. By the time I got to Victim #5 (Mary Jane Kelly), I was having trouble remembering some of the dates and the next chapter on possible other attacks committed by Jack the Ripper started to confuse me. However, the chapter on the other attacks, murders and non-fatal stabbings, does pull it all together at the end. There is a timeline of the attacks and Hyams admission to various asylums after the last chapter that really helped show how everything fit together.
If you like stories about true crime, you definitely want to read One-Armed Jack. It is an easy read and it pulls the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that makes an excellent story. This book is definitely a good one to take on vacation with you.
I had believed that Jack the Ripper was identified as Aaron Kosminsky, known as Leather Apron, by a DNA test. Then, I found out that there were a lot of questions about the DNA and the test was probably not valid. One-Armed Jack explores the witness descriptions provided during the inquests of the five victims, plus an earlier victim that is widely believed to be The Ripper's first murder: Martha Tabram. Sarah Bax Horton does an excellent job filtering thru the inquest testimony and thru hints from the police detectives involved in The Ripper investigations. Most of the detectives wrote memoirs after they retired, and they all stated that they knew Jack the Ripper's identify. He died in an asylum, where he was placed shortly after the murder of the last victim. None of the detectives stated his name, but Sarah Bax Horton's research points to a single man: Hyam Hyams.
I will admit that there is a lot of information in One-Armed Jack that can get overwhelming. By the time I got to Victim #5 (Mary Jane Kelly), I was having trouble remembering some of the dates and the next chapter on possible other attacks committed by Jack the Ripper started to confuse me. However, the chapter on the other attacks, murders and non-fatal stabbings, does pull it all together at the end. There is a timeline of the attacks and Hyams admission to various asylums after the last chapter that really helped show how everything fit together.
If you like stories about true crime, you definitely want to read One-Armed Jack. It is an easy read and it pulls the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that makes an excellent story. This book is definitely a good one to take on vacation with you.
February 4, 2024
Having been granted early access to "One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper" by Sarah Bax Horton through NetGalley, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fresh perspective on the infamous Jack the Ripper case. Horton's meticulous research and innovative approach to the historical mystery make this book a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The author's dedication to unraveling the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper is evident from the start. Horton brings a unique angle to the narrative, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the case—One-Armed Jack. Her exploration of this enigmatic figure adds a new layer to the well-worn story, challenging established theories and inviting readers to reconsider the identity of the infamous killer.
The writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex historical details easily digestible for both enthusiasts and those new to the Jack the Ripper saga. Horton's ability to blend historical facts with her own investigative insights creates a narrative that feels both educational and captivating. As a reader, I appreciated the balance between the scholarly approach and the storytelling elements.
The pacing of the book is well-managed, and Horton keeps the suspense alive throughout the investigation. Her attention to detail in reconstructing the historical context of 19th-century London adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in the atmospheric setting. The vivid descriptions and careful characterizations contribute to the overall authenticity of the storytelling.
Horton's exploration of One-Armed Jack provides a fresh perspective on the Jack the Ripper mystery, challenging conventional wisdom and presenting a compelling argument. The book doesn't merely rehash existing theories but offers a genuinely new and thought-provoking interpretation.
As a reader who appreciates historical mysteries, I found "One-Armed Jack" to be a riveting and well-researched addition to the literature on Jack the Ripper. Sarah Bax Horton's dedication to uncovering the truth and her ability to present it in an accessible manner make this book a valuable contribution to the field. If you have an interest in true crime or historical mysteries, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on a case that has fascinated and perplexed for decades.
The author's dedication to unraveling the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper is evident from the start. Horton brings a unique angle to the narrative, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the case—One-Armed Jack. Her exploration of this enigmatic figure adds a new layer to the well-worn story, challenging established theories and inviting readers to reconsider the identity of the infamous killer.
The writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex historical details easily digestible for both enthusiasts and those new to the Jack the Ripper saga. Horton's ability to blend historical facts with her own investigative insights creates a narrative that feels both educational and captivating. As a reader, I appreciated the balance between the scholarly approach and the storytelling elements.
The pacing of the book is well-managed, and Horton keeps the suspense alive throughout the investigation. Her attention to detail in reconstructing the historical context of 19th-century London adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in the atmospheric setting. The vivid descriptions and careful characterizations contribute to the overall authenticity of the storytelling.
Horton's exploration of One-Armed Jack provides a fresh perspective on the Jack the Ripper mystery, challenging conventional wisdom and presenting a compelling argument. The book doesn't merely rehash existing theories but offers a genuinely new and thought-provoking interpretation.
As a reader who appreciates historical mysteries, I found "One-Armed Jack" to be a riveting and well-researched addition to the literature on Jack the Ripper. Sarah Bax Horton's dedication to uncovering the truth and her ability to present it in an accessible manner make this book a valuable contribution to the field. If you have an interest in true crime or historical mysteries, this book is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on a case that has fascinated and perplexed for decades.
September 21, 2024
In One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper, Sarah Bax Horton presents an intriguing new theory about the identity of one of history's most notorious serial killers. Through meticulous research, Horton names Hyam Hyams as a possible suspect, linking his distinctive physical characteristics, like a broken left arm and epilepsy, to eyewitness accounts and official records from the 1888 Whitechapel murders. For anyone interested in the ongoing mystery of Jack the Ripper, this book offers a fresh perspective and detailed analysis of the historical evidence.
What makes One-Armed Jack particularly compelling is the unique approach Horton takes, integrating her expertise as a former researcher and uncovering details from her family history, as her great-great-grandfather worked on the original investigation. The book walks readers through each of the six Ripper murders, reconstructing the killer’s actions and exploring how Hyams may fit the profile built by the police of the day.
However, it’s important to note that while Horton's argument is well-researched and compelling, not all readers will be fully convinced by her conclusions. The Ripper case has inspired countless theories over the years, and this book adds another interesting possibility to the mix. For those already fascinated by the case, One-Armed Jack is a thought-provoking addition to the genre, even if you remain skeptical of the theory.
Overall, One-Armed Jack is a worthwhile read for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by unsolved mysteries. It’s an engaging look at a case that continues to captivate the public's imagination, providing new insights but stopping short of claiming to offer definitive answers. I found it interesting.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
What makes One-Armed Jack particularly compelling is the unique approach Horton takes, integrating her expertise as a former researcher and uncovering details from her family history, as her great-great-grandfather worked on the original investigation. The book walks readers through each of the six Ripper murders, reconstructing the killer’s actions and exploring how Hyams may fit the profile built by the police of the day.
However, it’s important to note that while Horton's argument is well-researched and compelling, not all readers will be fully convinced by her conclusions. The Ripper case has inspired countless theories over the years, and this book adds another interesting possibility to the mix. For those already fascinated by the case, One-Armed Jack is a thought-provoking addition to the genre, even if you remain skeptical of the theory.
Overall, One-Armed Jack is a worthwhile read for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by unsolved mysteries. It’s an engaging look at a case that continues to captivate the public's imagination, providing new insights but stopping short of claiming to offer definitive answers. I found it interesting.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
I am a sucker for a Jack the Ripper book. I can't not pick them up. It's a compulsion that normally is entertaining if nothing else, and sometimes even enlightening.
This is yet another "I know who Jack really is" books.
Usually, I find the arguments of who Jack is interesting if not convincing, and a few have made me wonder if maybe they got it right.
Unfortunately "One-armed Jack" doesn’t fall into that group.
While I have seen nearly every possible suspect, most are defended with real evidence or at least supposition that is hard to argue with. I did not find that in this account. The man accused, Hyam Hyams, was indeed a violent man and I suppose he could have been the Ripper. My issues came with the reasoning given here, how Hyams was in the right place at the right time, how he lived close, how he frequented the same pubs, shops, and streets as the victims.
Yes, I suppose he did. He lived in Whitechapel at the time of the murders and the East End area is only so big. I would have been more surprised if their paths hadn't crossed.
The case seemed forced to me. The man made to fit the crimes instead of the crimes fitting the man.
As for the actual book; I found it hard to follow the trail of logic. Accounts and statements were repeated multiple times as if they were being beaten into my head until I agreed.
Not the best of the Jack the Ripper books out there I'm afraid.
If you know nothing about the case, you may find this enlightening. I did not.
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This is yet another "I know who Jack really is" books.
Usually, I find the arguments of who Jack is interesting if not convincing, and a few have made me wonder if maybe they got it right.
Unfortunately "One-armed Jack" doesn’t fall into that group.
While I have seen nearly every possible suspect, most are defended with real evidence or at least supposition that is hard to argue with. I did not find that in this account. The man accused, Hyam Hyams, was indeed a violent man and I suppose he could have been the Ripper. My issues came with the reasoning given here, how Hyams was in the right place at the right time, how he lived close, how he frequented the same pubs, shops, and streets as the victims.
Yes, I suppose he did. He lived in Whitechapel at the time of the murders and the East End area is only so big. I would have been more surprised if their paths hadn't crossed.
The case seemed forced to me. The man made to fit the crimes instead of the crimes fitting the man.
As for the actual book; I found it hard to follow the trail of logic. Accounts and statements were repeated multiple times as if they were being beaten into my head until I agreed.
Not the best of the Jack the Ripper books out there I'm afraid.
If you know nothing about the case, you may find this enlightening. I did not.
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 4, 2024
This was a fascinating read, with a never before done.
Sarah Bax Horton links a new suspect to the Jack the Ripper cases, using his distinctive physical appearance, as described by multiple bystanders and witnesses that we are introduced to throughout the book, we follow the canonic five but also cases before and after which could also be linked to possibly being that of Jack the Ripper.
Horton establishes a definitive match between the perpetrator and the police profiles, debunking the Ripper's commonly held misidentification and studying in detail his bloodthirsty motivations. It was interesting to see new things I wasn't aware of that had be held back because at time didn't seem like it was linked, also from the different detectives that were on the case it was in ways put forward that the identify of Jack the Ripper was found and was brought to justice but it was never released to the public and was held back in confidence, the problem is even if they did we can never know and this case is still remembered as a mystery and one everyone could name, also as it was a time without of the discoveries now and technology we have in forensic we will never know for sure.
If your a fan of serial killers, and true crime and of Jack the Ripper, then this is defiantly a book to read just to see how much of a possible link this suspect had with all the witness and what evidence they held.
Sarah Bax Horton links a new suspect to the Jack the Ripper cases, using his distinctive physical appearance, as described by multiple bystanders and witnesses that we are introduced to throughout the book, we follow the canonic five but also cases before and after which could also be linked to possibly being that of Jack the Ripper.
Horton establishes a definitive match between the perpetrator and the police profiles, debunking the Ripper's commonly held misidentification and studying in detail his bloodthirsty motivations. It was interesting to see new things I wasn't aware of that had be held back because at time didn't seem like it was linked, also from the different detectives that were on the case it was in ways put forward that the identify of Jack the Ripper was found and was brought to justice but it was never released to the public and was held back in confidence, the problem is even if they did we can never know and this case is still remembered as a mystery and one everyone could name, also as it was a time without of the discoveries now and technology we have in forensic we will never know for sure.
If your a fan of serial killers, and true crime and of Jack the Ripper, then this is defiantly a book to read just to see how much of a possible link this suspect had with all the witness and what evidence they held.
September 19, 2023
The mystery of Jack the Ripper and their identity is one of the biggest true crime mysteries.
This book takes a new approach to the possible identity of the famous serial killer. Sarah Bax Horton, a descendant from someone who worked in the police force during the Victorian age, makes the case for Hyam Hyams, a Polish jew who lived in Aldgate, very close to the area of the murders. Hyams suffered from several mental health issues, from hallucinations to a growing violent behaviour. According to Horton research, he threatened to rip people up with a knife.
Horton explains that Hyams was in and out of a number of asylums, making the connection that the murders only occurred when he was released from them.
While the book is very well researched and some events seem to be connected, I find it all very circumstantial. The evidence collected at the time was very limited due to the lack of procedures during this period, and hence not conclusive at all. Horton makes a solid case, but for me it’s just another possibility for an identity but I can’t say it’s definitely him. And there will never be forensics studies or evidence to prove that this man was actually Jack the Ripper.
It was an interested read with a fresh approach to this mystery, but it just wasn’t enough to convince me.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the e-ARC.
This book takes a new approach to the possible identity of the famous serial killer. Sarah Bax Horton, a descendant from someone who worked in the police force during the Victorian age, makes the case for Hyam Hyams, a Polish jew who lived in Aldgate, very close to the area of the murders. Hyams suffered from several mental health issues, from hallucinations to a growing violent behaviour. According to Horton research, he threatened to rip people up with a knife.
Horton explains that Hyams was in and out of a number of asylums, making the connection that the murders only occurred when he was released from them.
While the book is very well researched and some events seem to be connected, I find it all very circumstantial. The evidence collected at the time was very limited due to the lack of procedures during this period, and hence not conclusive at all. Horton makes a solid case, but for me it’s just another possibility for an identity but I can’t say it’s definitely him. And there will never be forensics studies or evidence to prove that this man was actually Jack the Ripper.
It was an interested read with a fresh approach to this mystery, but it just wasn’t enough to convince me.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the e-ARC.
February 2, 2024
Based on original research and groundbreaking analysis, this revelatory book proposes a compelling new suspect as Jack the Ripper, linking eye-witness accounts to the perpetrator's official medical records. The suspect, identified with distinctive physical characteristics, experienced a severe decline triggered by epilepsy and a broken left arm in early 1888. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the killer, detailing his methodology, including the blitz-style attacks on victims and his successful escape from crime scenes, reconstructing each of the six murders to support the new suspect's culpability.
Over a hundred years after the terror wrought by Jack the Ripper, his identity is still debated by many. Using witness interviews and records from the investigation, the author proposes that not only can the man be identified but that the police identified him at the time.
I enjoyed how the evidence was laid out. The author names her suspect from the start and then lays out how it is plausible for each murder. Was I convinced by the end? Not completely, but I did find it an interesting read. Though full of speculation, I liked the crime reconstructions at the end of each murder.
I would recommend this to those interested in Jack the Ripper. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
Over a hundred years after the terror wrought by Jack the Ripper, his identity is still debated by many. Using witness interviews and records from the investigation, the author proposes that not only can the man be identified but that the police identified him at the time.
I enjoyed how the evidence was laid out. The author names her suspect from the start and then lays out how it is plausible for each murder. Was I convinced by the end? Not completely, but I did find it an interesting read. Though full of speculation, I liked the crime reconstructions at the end of each murder.
I would recommend this to those interested in Jack the Ripper. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
"One-Armed Jack" by Sarah Bax Horton is a poignant and gripping novel that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows Jack, a young man who loses his arm in a tragic accident and must learn to navigate life with his new reality.
Horton's writing is both evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into Jack's world and allowing them to experience his pain, struggles, and triumphs alongside him. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of disability. As Jack comes to terms with his new identity, he must confront his own insecurities and fears, ultimately finding strength in his vulnerabilities.
Overall, "One-Armed Jack" is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. Horton's storytelling is both sensitive and compelling, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel.
"One-Armed Jack" by Sarah Bax Horton is a poignant and gripping novel that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows Jack, a young man who loses his arm in a tragic accident and must learn to navigate life with his new reality.
Horton's writing is both evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into Jack's world and allowing them to experience his pain, struggles, and triumphs alongside him. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of disability. As Jack comes to terms with his new identity, he must confront his own insecurities and fears, ultimately finding strength in his vulnerabilities.
Overall, "One-Armed Jack" is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. Horton's storytelling is both sensitive and compelling, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel.
September 14, 2023
The mystery surrounding the identity of Jack the Ripper continues to fascinate people and this book makes the case for his being Hyam Hyams, a resident of Aldgate during the period who suffered hallucinations and became increasingly more violent as his mental health declined. Hyams came from the area of the murders and spent much of his life in and out of asylums - the attacks seem to have occurred during his time outside and stopped when he was incarcerated.
He's not a new name in the suspects and the author, who has an ancestor who worked on the police case at the time, puts forward a comprehensive argument of why he might be guilty. It's not completely convincing though - the sad fact is we'll never know for sure as the investigation at the time and lack of the scientific help we have now means we'll never have enough evidence to be sure.
A good addition to the huge amounts printed on the subject though.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest review.
#OneArmedJack #NetGalley
He's not a new name in the suspects and the author, who has an ancestor who worked on the police case at the time, puts forward a comprehensive argument of why he might be guilty. It's not completely convincing though - the sad fact is we'll never know for sure as the investigation at the time and lack of the scientific help we have now means we'll never have enough evidence to be sure.
A good addition to the huge amounts printed on the subject though.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest review.
#OneArmedJack #NetGalley
September 11, 2023
I have been fascinated by the Jack the Ripper case for years and so I was very excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. The author has clearly researched the content extremely well and her access to previously unknown medical and police reports has enabled her to put forward a convincing case as to the identity of the perpetrator of these horrific crimes.
I liked how she has not gone for sensationalism. Yes she describes the injuries to the women, however this is done in an objective manner often in the form of the actual transcript of the doctors during the inquests. She has included photos in the book yet not the famous one of Mary Ann in her little room at Miller's Court. I felt that there was a respectful tone towards the women, the lives they led and the way in which they met their untimely deaths.
Equally her discussion about the man who she names as Jack the Ripper is not done with any kind of malice towards him. The author shows an understanding of the mental and physical disabilities he was suffering from, yet at the same time not condoning the crimes he committed.
Her painstaking research has me convinced that she has nailed the identity of the most prolific serial killer from Victorian England. The biggest surprise being that the police actually knew his identity at the time but did not make this public, happy that he was safely locked away in an asylum.
This book is a must read for fans of true crime and history buffs alike.
I liked how she has not gone for sensationalism. Yes she describes the injuries to the women, however this is done in an objective manner often in the form of the actual transcript of the doctors during the inquests. She has included photos in the book yet not the famous one of Mary Ann in her little room at Miller's Court. I felt that there was a respectful tone towards the women, the lives they led and the way in which they met their untimely deaths.
Equally her discussion about the man who she names as Jack the Ripper is not done with any kind of malice towards him. The author shows an understanding of the mental and physical disabilities he was suffering from, yet at the same time not condoning the crimes he committed.
Her painstaking research has me convinced that she has nailed the identity of the most prolific serial killer from Victorian England. The biggest surprise being that the police actually knew his identity at the time but did not make this public, happy that he was safely locked away in an asylum.
This book is a must read for fans of true crime and history buffs alike.
January 17, 2024
This book is more of a case study of the canonical 5 murder victims then some speculation thrown in to link it to Hyam Hyams. Don't get me wrong, it is a very well reaeared book and the author has done an amazing job, but I think this would have been better as just a Jack the Ripper analysis. The "links" to Hyam Hyams are very weak and are more along the lines of "this witness said he had a moustache, Hyam could have had moustache", rather than anything definite. There are also some errors but she's done a lot of work so you must expect something.
Where I do think she has achieved her goal is that she's brought Hyam Hyams to the attention of ripperologists as another suspect. And he probably has the same amount of circumstantial evidence as everyone else, but nothing highlights him as Jack the Ripper.
Still, a very good read if you're into Jack the Ripper. You won't be disappointed, just don't expect to walk away thinking you're any closer to finding out who he was!
Where I do think she has achieved her goal is that she's brought Hyam Hyams to the attention of ripperologists as another suspect. And he probably has the same amount of circumstantial evidence as everyone else, but nothing highlights him as Jack the Ripper.
Still, a very good read if you're into Jack the Ripper. You won't be disappointed, just don't expect to walk away thinking you're any closer to finding out who he was!
January 28, 2024
I have read many of the books on Jack the Ripper, walked the streets on Ripper tours and, like so many others, have been fascinated by the story. Many of the books purport to reveal the “true” identity of Jack. Some of them are quite convincing. This one makes the case for someone who seems completely out in left field and yet….
Painstakingly researched and reconstructed from police reports, juries and books and papers, the author does a bang up job of laying the blame on Hyam Hyams. She is able to explain the rampages and seeming ability to vanish in thin air. She sets out street by street scenarios that are compelling and convincing. Whether we will ever be able to determine beyond a doubt who committed these heinous crimes, this certainly is up there as being a real possibility.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Painstakingly researched and reconstructed from police reports, juries and books and papers, the author does a bang up job of laying the blame on Hyam Hyams. She is able to explain the rampages and seeming ability to vanish in thin air. She sets out street by street scenarios that are compelling and convincing. Whether we will ever be able to determine beyond a doubt who committed these heinous crimes, this certainly is up there as being a real possibility.
Four purrs and two paws up.
January 1, 2024
Very good investigation and unveiling of a suspect. I would certainly recommend this to anyone new to the study of Jack the Ripper and his crimes or the casual reader just interested in what the actual crimes were and what kind of person could do this. The timeline and layout of the events is very clear.
Of course this investigation benefits from the huge amount of material and work of previous authors and investigators but there is a substantial amount of new research regarding this particular suspect.
Inevitably there is always some "fitting-of-the-suspect-to-the-facts" with some amount of speculation but this is relatively light here.
Good book worth checking out if you have any interest in this subject.
Of course this investigation benefits from the huge amount of material and work of previous authors and investigators but there is a substantial amount of new research regarding this particular suspect.
Inevitably there is always some "fitting-of-the-suspect-to-the-facts" with some amount of speculation but this is relatively light here.
Good book worth checking out if you have any interest in this subject.
March 10, 2024
Sarah Bax Horton investigates the Jack the Ripper murders from 1888 and she has a suspect, Hyam Hyams, Whitechapel resident. Hyams hurt his left arm, leaving him unable to work as a cigar maker and permanently disabling him. He was also an alcoholic, mentally ill and epileptic. He also liked to murder prostitutes & then duck back into his nearby Whitechapel residence, easily evading the police.
This book was interesting & very detailed. Bax Horton really looked into every angle to prove Hyams was Jack the Ripper. His proximity to the killings and instability do make him a viable suspect. We’ll never know!!!!
Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was interesting & very detailed. Bax Horton really looked into every angle to prove Hyams was Jack the Ripper. His proximity to the killings and instability do make him a viable suspect. We’ll never know!!!!
Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2024
This book by a former government researcher offers a new Jack the Ripper suspect based on original research. By matching eyewitness accounts to medical records, she identifies a man with severe epilepsy and a broken arm who fits the police profile.
The organization of this book is a bit chaotic. It doesn’t tell a coherent story, but instead offers observations and rampant speculation to support her theory. Unless I missed something, the author offers zero evidence that the man she identifies is actually the killer. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for those with a particular interest in the subject matter.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The organization of this book is a bit chaotic. It doesn’t tell a coherent story, but instead offers observations and rampant speculation to support her theory. Unless I missed something, the author offers zero evidence that the man she identifies is actually the killer. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for those with a particular interest in the subject matter.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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