Author(s): Amy Carol Reeves
Edition: Paperback, 340 pages
Source: Borrowed from library
The Summary
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In 1888, following her mother's sudden death, 17-year-old Arabella Sharp goes to live with her grandmother in a posh London neighborhood. At her grandmother's request, Abbie volunteers at Whitechapel Hospital, where she discovers a passion for helping the unfortunate women and children there. But within days, female patients begin turning up brutally murdered at the hands of Jack the Ripper.
(Goodreads)
My Opinion
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I love stories about Jack the Ripper! I think it such a haunting, crazy, terrifying story. And the fact that the murders were never solved allows for some many interpretations, giving me some excellent books to read. Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves is one very good interpretation.The story follows Arabella Sharp, a young lady in 1888, who lives with her wealthy grandmother in London after the death of her mother. Not suited for the posh life, and with no desire to fit in, Abbie's grandmother, fed up with her behavior, declares that Abbie must volunteer at Whitechapel Hospital in order to gain perspective on how good she has it. While Whitechapel is a hospital for poor women and prostitutes, Abbie does not see it as a punishment, but rather an opportunity to further her education. That is where the story begins.
Abbie is a really great protagonist. She s strong, loyal, and sticks to her convictions. It would be so simple to give in to her grandmother's demands, and live a charmed, luxurious life. But Abbie can't, as she was raised with a more realistic view on the world, and the urge to make her mark on the world. The way Reeves crafts Abbie is fantastic; she is a dynamic round character that I wold follow down a dark alley to help save women in need any day. She just is so strong, and a natural born leader.
There is a supernatural element to the story as well, but I can't give it away as it explains a part of the Ripper aspect. But it does give the book another layer to explore in context of the already known history of the Whitechapel murders. With the story being set in Victorian England during the time of the real murders, gives the story an air of mystery and danger that pushes the plot, making the action move faster and faster until the very intense climax. Of course the ending promises more, and the mystery is far from over.
Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves was a delight to read. Reminding me very much of Sherlock Holmes in style, the prose still maintained a fresh quality which I appreciated. A 2012 debut, the story and the Ripper will latch on, and won't let you go till the bloody end. Fast-paced and creepy, this is not a book to be missed!
Extras
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Book trailer for Ripper
Final Rating
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Book trailer for Ripper
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 3.5/5Book Title: 3/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 42.5/50: B+
This sounds really interesting by the sound of your review, I think I'll have to go pick thIs book up!
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