Over a century ago a series of shocking mutilation murders took place in a squalid, overcrowded district of Victorian London. Five women fell victim to a man driven by rage and violent fantasy. The newspapers of the day gave him a chilling nickname, a name that evokes images of gas-lit foggy streets and a top-hatted sinister figure carrying a Gladstone bag. From the outset, the murderer attained almost mythical status merely by virtue of his name and his uncanny ability to avoid detection. The legend of Jack the Ripper was born. Peter Hodgson’s detailed and entertaining overview of Ripper lore in fact, film and fiction analyses the fiend’s awesome legacy. He explores the institutions and the individuals: the Jewish community and their rituals with meat, the scandal-prone royal family, the Victorian police and their simplistic methods of investigation, the streetwalkers and their trade. This book compares the fiction with the reality of those ghastly events, and clearly shows how the real killer has been transformed into a creature of the mind–the ‘other’ Jack the Ripper. Examination of the victims’ mutilations reveals the true nature of ‘Jack’s’ grotesque fantasies. This aspect–coupled with his elementary anatomical knowledge–is used in conjunction with the FBI’s appraisal of the case to construct a unique psychological profile. From the long list of candidates the author reveals his prime suspect for the role of the world’s most infamous serial killer. Book reviews online: PublishedBestsellers website.

Updated and expanded edition of the fullest ever collective investigation into Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel Murders. This volume collects not just all the key factual evidence but also 20 different arguments as to the identity of Jack the Ripper, such as that advanced by Patricia Cornwell. Contributions are from the world's leading Ripperologists, including William Beadle, Melvyn Fairclough, Martin Fido, Shirley Harrison, James Tully and Colin Wilson. The identity of Jack the Ripper has plagued professional historians, criminologists, writers and amateur enthusiasts. The many suspects include Montague John Druitt, Walter Sickert, Aaron Kosminski, Michael Ostrog, William Henry Bury, Dr Tumblety and James Maybrick. The only certainty is that Ripperologist have not found an invididual on whom they can all agree. The essays are supported by a detailed chronology, extensive bibliography and filmography.

Hugely respected, extensively quoted and widely regarded as the 'bible' of Ripper studies, The Complete Jack the Ripper A to Z is the ultimate reference for anyone fascinated by the Jack the Ripper mystery. This new, rewritten, up-to-date edition includes sources and well over 100 photographs.The Complete jack the Ripper A-Z has an entry for almost every person involved in the case, from suspects and witnesses to policemen and journalists, plus the ordinary people who became caught up in the unfolding drama.Written by three of the world's leading authorities on the case, it takes a completely objective look at theories old and new, describes all the key Ripper books and gives potted biographies of many of the authors.Whether you are new to the mystery of Jack the Ripper or an experienced 'Ripperologist' The Complete Jack the Ripper A-Z will keep you turning the pages. Fascinating and entertaining reading in its own right, it is the essential reference to have beside you when you venture into the dark alleys of Victorian Whitechapel.

"Ripper Notes: America Looks at Jack the Ripper" is a collection of essays about the notorious Whitechapel serial killer and related topics. It leads of with a newly discovered and never before republished 1892 interview with Assistant Commissioner Robert Anderson of Scotland Yard. Anderson was a very important figure in the investigations, and made statements later in life that the killer had been identified and put into an asylum. This article is accompanied by a short analysis showing why that is unlikely. Wolf Vanderlinden then gives an in-depth look at the suspects in the 1891 death of prostitute Carrie Brown in New York City, a case long connected by many to the earlier string of Ripper killings in the East End of London. This is followed by coverage of the 2004 U.S. Ripper Conference, including essays by John Hacker ("Jack the Ripper and Technology: Ripperology in the Twenty-First Century") and Stan Russo ("The Strange Case of Dr. Hewitt," which questions why some suspects are treated more seriously than they probably should be) adapted from their presentations there. A number of shorter pieces by various authors follows. Ripper Notes is a nonfiction anthology series covering all aspects of the Jack the Ripper murder case.

Did you know? *Annie Chapman's uterus and Mary Jane Kelly's heart were removed by the killer *A prince of England is amongst the suspects *Some believe the killings were covered up by the Masons The Jack the Ripper mystery is one of the greatest whodunnits the world has ever known. With a backdrop of swirling fog, top hats and dark alleys, it is easy to see why this fascinating tale still continues to capture the imagination. The Little Book of Jack the Ripper explores the world of Victorian London, examining the case from every angle and including witness statements, reports and the reactions of the press. Richly illustrated, it is a book that you can dip in and out of during the twilight hours (but only if you're brave enough!). Compiled by the Whitechapel Society and drawing on their incredible expertise, it will delight true-crime enthusiasts everywhere.

His perverted desire is to become the world’s most infamous murderer. A popular seaside resort becomes his stalking ground. When the bodies of young women are discovered mutilated, detectives begin their hunt for a deranged copycat killer. Private detective Jim Sheridan is pulled from the brink of retirement when he learns of his daughter’s brutal murder. When fellow investigators Carl Lewis and Becky Watts join forces with him, suspects begin to emerge. The focus of the investigation is derailed as Sheridan’s past comes back to haunt him. While the police follow traditional lines of enquiry in their search for a forensically aware criminal, Sheridan and Becky grapple with obscure clues gleaned from other sources. Piece by piece the clues start to make sense. As the police eventually close in on their prime suspect, Becky follows her intuition in an attempt to solve the mystery of the killer’s identity. And the nightmare begins . . . Book reviews online: PublishedBestsellers website.