Book Review: Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

Title: Ripper
Author: Amy Carol Reeves
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: April 8, 2012

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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.(From Goodreads)

MY REVIEW

Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves takes the story of Jack the Ripper, and adds a paranormal twist. Arabella grew up playing with on the streets of Dublin, but when her mother passes away, she is forced to move in with her aristocratic grandmother in London. Her grandmother trying to make up for disowning her daughter wants to make Arabella into a woman worthy of a fortunate marriage. Soon after her arrival in London, she begins to have visions.

At first, she thinks it is just a fluke, until she starts working at the Whitechapel Hospital caring for the women of the Whitechapel district. When her visions start to appear to coincide with the famous Ripper attacks, Arabella discovers that the two maybe connected. Arabella soon discovers she maybe the only one who can put a stop to the horrific attacks, and save the women of East London. This book does not lack romance as two of the young doctors both offer Arabella a chance a romance.

Arabella is strong and independent from growing up in Dublin, which makes her not fit in as well in the aristocratic background of her grandmother’s world. It makes her determined to help others, including trying to protect her patients from Jack the Ripper. It also captures the eyes of both Simon St. John, and William Siddal, two young handsome doctors. Simon comes from the same high society as Arabella’s grandmother, and his parents are even social friends with her grandmother. William Siddal is comes from more of an artist background, which her grandmother disapproves.

I have to say that I have always been fascinated with the Jack the Ripper murders, probably because they were so brutal and never solved. There is something to say  that even nearly 124 years later, most people still know about. For a killer, if he wanted infamy he surely got it. This book changes and takes some small liberties with the incidences and details of the murders, but that is why it is a work of fiction.  I think it is creative, and enjoyable. I sincerely hope there is another book to follow, because this one left me wanting more! Even for those who do not know about Jack the Ripper, it is still a great paranormal mystery book.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review**


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