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Ripper, My Love
Growing up in late nineteenth century East London, Kitty Harper’s life is filled with danger and death – from her mother, her beloved neighbour and the working women of the streets.
With her ever-watchful father and living surrogate family though, Kitty feels protected from harm. In fact, she feels so safe that while Whitechapel cowers under the cloud of a fearsome murderer, she strikes out on her own, moving into new premises to accommodate her sewing business.
But danger is closer than she thinks. In truth, it has burrowed itself right into her heart in the form of a handsome yet troubled bachelor, threatening everything she holds dear. Will Kitty fall prey to lust – and death – herself, or can she find the strength inside to fight for her business, sanity and her future?
And who is the man terrifying the streets of East London?
With her ever-watchful father and living surrogate family though, Kitty feels protected from harm. In fact, she feels so safe that while Whitechapel cowers under the cloud of a fearsome murderer, she strikes out on her own, moving into new premises to accommodate her sewing business.
But danger is closer than she thinks. In truth, it has burrowed itself right into her heart in the form of a handsome yet troubled bachelor, threatening everything she holds dear. Will Kitty fall prey to lust – and death – herself, or can she find the strength inside to fight for her business, sanity and her future?
And who is the man terrifying the streets of East London?
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2012
5 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Glynis Smy
10 books51 followersI write a mix of genres. My current WIP is a crime novel based in my hometown.
In 2014, I was short-listed for the Festival of Romance Fiction, New Talent Award.
My book Maggie's Child reached #1 in Amazon UK listing, Victorian Historical.
Guilty pleasures include, Strawberries, chocolate and Champagne.
PS: If you don't have a face/image I won't accept your friendship request unless I know you. Sorry, I like to see my contacts.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2015
**spoiler alert** I usually try to not write reviews like this, but I just don't have it in me today to be cleverly vague. Consider yourself warned and you must forgive me if this is rife with spoilers.
I chose to read Ripper, My Love because I was looking for something different to read around Halloween. I wanted something dark, moody, atmospheric and gothic-y. Also, because I'm a romance and erotica reader, I wanted a love story. This book seemed to be the perfect choice. I finished it this morning sitting in a dark room next to a window listening to the rain pelt the panes. It was wonderful and chilling and I was in heaven!
This is listed as Victorian Historical Romance and Mystery/Suspense. But don't go into this thinking you're going to get Sabrina-Jeffries'-Hellion's-of-Halstead-Hall type of content. The ending isn't going to be neatly wrapped in a shiny bow. It's wrapped, but that bow is battered and frayed, presented to us in the best possible way, given the circumstances of poor Kitty's story.
Poor, poor Kitty. On one hand, there's not too much reason to feel sorry for Kitty. She may be from a lower-class and live in a seedy section of London, but she is surrounded by a loving, supportive, father, neighbors that love her as one of their own and she has talent and an industrious nature that has helped her to create a thriving sewing business. She is generous, charitable, smart, honest, ambitious and beautiful. For a girl who lives close to slums and public houses and who rubs elbows with gin-soaked prostitutes, she's living a respectable, almost middle-class life. It's as if the nastiness of the city's underbelly wasn't even close to touching her. Except...
Except the most horrific and frightening monster lurking in the shadows of London's stews was insinuated in Kitty's inner-circle all along.
The reader is not kept in the dark as to the identity of Jack The Ripper. No, this isn't a mystery. The story gives the perspective of all involved. We know Jack. We know Jack's motives. We know Jack's past and demons. We know that Jack is not one, but two men who have come together to assuage their sick fascinations and desires. We also know that both of these men, Arthur and James, are in love with Kitty.
Poor Kitty.
I was hoping as I read this that being the object of love for the two killers might somehow keep her safe. That even though she loved James, and not Arthur, she would be protected from any jealous wrath from Arthur. That whatever version of "love" they felt they had for her was enough to keep the monster inside of them from hurting her.
Well, my hope was in vain... Poor Kitty.
Of the two men, James was the lesser of the two evils. He wasn't the one to start the butchery. Until he met Arthur, his killing was strictly limited to animals. He seemed more likable--not just outwardly--his thoughts were less disgusting, too. Though I couldn't imagine that marrying James would be a good decision--I figured he would do his best to keep that facet of his personality away from Kitty. Arthur, on the other hand would have been unpredictable and abusive. Any friendship he had was purely a facade. Oh, he desired a normal relationship with Kitty, but he could not have maintained anything for long. He was too volatile. So, it's no wonder that Kitty fell in love with James.
But then we see that (Jack The Ripper activities aside) James is a weak, spineless, selfish bastard. I was a little pissed that James had been so deluded and short-sighted. Why had he bothered with Kitty at all if he knew that he was just going to bend to his father's will when it was all said and done? I know the heart wants what it wants and all of that, but did he really think that his jerk dad was going to change his mind about who he would marry? Or that an ambitious city seamstress was going to make a good farmer's wife? Love makes us all idiots, I suppose. But it all adds up to one thing for our poor Kitty: Tragedy.
Through the ashes, Kitty and an overlooked prince-of-a-man, make the best of a sad and tragic situation and sail away to make a better life. Yes, Kitty ends up with a hero. Yes, she's on the path to having a good life... but it's all bittersweet.
This book was a gem. A dark, engrossing tale. If you don't mind a less than romantic HEA and some violence (sexual violence, too), read this book.
I chose to read Ripper, My Love because I was looking for something different to read around Halloween. I wanted something dark, moody, atmospheric and gothic-y. Also, because I'm a romance and erotica reader, I wanted a love story. This book seemed to be the perfect choice. I finished it this morning sitting in a dark room next to a window listening to the rain pelt the panes. It was wonderful and chilling and I was in heaven!
This is listed as Victorian Historical Romance and Mystery/Suspense. But don't go into this thinking you're going to get Sabrina-Jeffries'-Hellion's-of-Halstead-Hall type of content. The ending isn't going to be neatly wrapped in a shiny bow. It's wrapped, but that bow is battered and frayed, presented to us in the best possible way, given the circumstances of poor Kitty's story.
Poor, poor Kitty. On one hand, there's not too much reason to feel sorry for Kitty. She may be from a lower-class and live in a seedy section of London, but she is surrounded by a loving, supportive, father, neighbors that love her as one of their own and she has talent and an industrious nature that has helped her to create a thriving sewing business. She is generous, charitable, smart, honest, ambitious and beautiful. For a girl who lives close to slums and public houses and who rubs elbows with gin-soaked prostitutes, she's living a respectable, almost middle-class life. It's as if the nastiness of the city's underbelly wasn't even close to touching her. Except...
Except the most horrific and frightening monster lurking in the shadows of London's stews was insinuated in Kitty's inner-circle all along.
The reader is not kept in the dark as to the identity of Jack The Ripper. No, this isn't a mystery. The story gives the perspective of all involved. We know Jack. We know Jack's motives. We know Jack's past and demons. We know that Jack is not one, but two men who have come together to assuage their sick fascinations and desires. We also know that both of these men, Arthur and James, are in love with Kitty.
Poor Kitty.
I was hoping as I read this that being the object of love for the two killers might somehow keep her safe. That even though she loved James, and not Arthur, she would be protected from any jealous wrath from Arthur. That whatever version of "love" they felt they had for her was enough to keep the monster inside of them from hurting her.
Well, my hope was in vain... Poor Kitty.
Of the two men, James was the lesser of the two evils. He wasn't the one to start the butchery. Until he met Arthur, his killing was strictly limited to animals. He seemed more likable--not just outwardly--his thoughts were less disgusting, too. Though I couldn't imagine that marrying James would be a good decision--I figured he would do his best to keep that facet of his personality away from Kitty. Arthur, on the other hand would have been unpredictable and abusive. Any friendship he had was purely a facade. Oh, he desired a normal relationship with Kitty, but he could not have maintained anything for long. He was too volatile. So, it's no wonder that Kitty fell in love with James.
But then we see that (Jack The Ripper activities aside) James is a weak, spineless, selfish bastard. I was a little pissed that James had been so deluded and short-sighted. Why had he bothered with Kitty at all if he knew that he was just going to bend to his father's will when it was all said and done? I know the heart wants what it wants and all of that, but did he really think that his jerk dad was going to change his mind about who he would marry? Or that an ambitious city seamstress was going to make a good farmer's wife? Love makes us all idiots, I suppose. But it all adds up to one thing for our poor Kitty: Tragedy.
Through the ashes, Kitty and an overlooked prince-of-a-man, make the best of a sad and tragic situation and sail away to make a better life. Yes, Kitty ends up with a hero. Yes, she's on the path to having a good life... but it's all bittersweet.
This book was a gem. A dark, engrossing tale. If you don't mind a less than romantic HEA and some violence (sexual violence, too), read this book.
May 1, 2012
I began reading this book unaware that it had anything to do with Jack the Ripper and by the time I got to the chapter where he is mentioned I got quite a surprise! (Don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler :o). I don’t know much about Jack the Ripper so I had to look him up.
However, those who are familiar with Jack trivia, please don’t be put off—it’s not your average “boring retelling”, because it doesn’t stay true to the “facts”—it’ wasn’t written for that purpose. You see, it’s not really about Jack the Ripper at all. It’s a fictional account about the other people in his life. I won’t go into whom because it might spoil some things. But intriguing concept, yes?
The beginning might be a bit slow for some, (not for me, though, as I don’t read books just to get them finished), because it does a fine job of building character. But by around a third of the way through it really began to pick up pace. I read the last half of the book in half the time I read the first half. The world was believable. Some moments left me holding my breath. Some moments left me teary (especially toward the end), and for a person who doesn’t often read this genre, it was a smooth and enjoyable hit of “history”.
I highly recommend this. It’s history without being history. Gotta love that, yeah?
However, those who are familiar with Jack trivia, please don’t be put off—it’s not your average “boring retelling”, because it doesn’t stay true to the “facts”—it’ wasn’t written for that purpose. You see, it’s not really about Jack the Ripper at all. It’s a fictional account about the other people in his life. I won’t go into whom because it might spoil some things. But intriguing concept, yes?
The beginning might be a bit slow for some, (not for me, though, as I don’t read books just to get them finished), because it does a fine job of building character. But by around a third of the way through it really began to pick up pace. I read the last half of the book in half the time I read the first half. The world was believable. Some moments left me holding my breath. Some moments left me teary (especially toward the end), and for a person who doesn’t often read this genre, it was a smooth and enjoyable hit of “history”.
I highly recommend this. It’s history without being history. Gotta love that, yeah?
June 5, 2012
From the moment I heard the premise of the book, I knew it would be an interesting read.
We always view books based on Jack The Ripper as horrifying, gruesome books but this provides us a little more. What if you fall in love with Jack the Ripper?
From the first chapter there is excitement: a chase through London streets. I felt like I was there, back in time, a woman trying to get home, taking a short cut though a danger area.
Smy really delves deep into her characters and setting. Although I had a bit of a time getting through the first part of the book, as I continued, the excitement built up to the end.
We always view books based on Jack The Ripper as horrifying, gruesome books but this provides us a little more. What if you fall in love with Jack the Ripper?
From the first chapter there is excitement: a chase through London streets. I felt like I was there, back in time, a woman trying to get home, taking a short cut though a danger area.
Smy really delves deep into her characters and setting. Although I had a bit of a time getting through the first part of the book, as I continued, the excitement built up to the end.
May 16, 2012
Casting Light on the Virgin/Whore Dichotomy
A friend and I were having a discussion the other night about his use of the word “hoochie mama.” I saw his need to label women by their sexual activity or lack thereof as discriminatory and offensive. He didn’t think there was anything wrong with it. Our conversation went something like this,
Him: Delilah was a hoochie mama.
Me: If Delilah was a hoochie mama, Sampson was a manwhore.
Him: I don’t appreciate you nitpicking the words I choose to use. I’ve starting saying “hoochie mama” because it’s nicer than the alternative. And this is the only way to teach my girls the consequences of dressing and acting in a certain way.
Me: Silence.
I’ve been biting my tongue a lot lately when it comes to issues like this because I get so dang tired of arguing with people, but this is what I wanted to say. “Sheesh, for the love of all that’s good and decent, find a way to teach your daughter that doesn’t require labeling her a virgin or a slut!”
Last weekend I read “Ripper, my love” by Glynis Smy. It was a fiction novel about Jack the Ripper and the woman he loved and cherished—a sweet, caring girl who had no idea the man she cared for was a serial killer. The story was told from several points of view, and I found myself reading chapters from the view point of Jack the Ripper himself.
I admit this was disturbing at first. Who wants to be in the head of a villain? But by the end of the story I was grateful to the author for doing it the way she had because it drove home the danger of viewing all women through the virgin/whore lens.
Jack had no problem murdering disreputable women. He believed that by ridding the world of low class, impoverished prostitutes that he was doing society a favor. These women were dirty and poor and vile. He measured their worth by the company they kept and by their promiscuous sexual behavior. Since he determined their value in this way, he felt justified in murdering them even as he frequented whore houses to satisfy his own sexual needs.
I’d love to say that because this book is fiction that it’s not to be taken seriously, but I can’t in good conscience do that. It is exactly this kind of thinking that contributes to rape culture and violence against women.
In Smy’s fabulous debut novel, we grow fond of Jack the Ripper’s love interest, Kitty. She’s a strong, independent, compassionate person, and Jack puts her on a pedestal, treating her with reverence and respect for most of the novel. Needless to say, she is the epitome of the “virgin” in the dreaded virgin/whore dichotomy, but even she has the pedestal yanked out from under her when she doesn’t behave according to Jack’s expectations.
A friend and I were having a discussion the other night about his use of the word “hoochie mama.” I saw his need to label women by their sexual activity or lack thereof as discriminatory and offensive. He didn’t think there was anything wrong with it. Our conversation went something like this,
Him: Delilah was a hoochie mama.
Me: If Delilah was a hoochie mama, Sampson was a manwhore.
Him: I don’t appreciate you nitpicking the words I choose to use. I’ve starting saying “hoochie mama” because it’s nicer than the alternative. And this is the only way to teach my girls the consequences of dressing and acting in a certain way.
Me: Silence.
I’ve been biting my tongue a lot lately when it comes to issues like this because I get so dang tired of arguing with people, but this is what I wanted to say. “Sheesh, for the love of all that’s good and decent, find a way to teach your daughter that doesn’t require labeling her a virgin or a slut!”
Last weekend I read “Ripper, my love” by Glynis Smy. It was a fiction novel about Jack the Ripper and the woman he loved and cherished—a sweet, caring girl who had no idea the man she cared for was a serial killer. The story was told from several points of view, and I found myself reading chapters from the view point of Jack the Ripper himself.
I admit this was disturbing at first. Who wants to be in the head of a villain? But by the end of the story I was grateful to the author for doing it the way she had because it drove home the danger of viewing all women through the virgin/whore lens.
Jack had no problem murdering disreputable women. He believed that by ridding the world of low class, impoverished prostitutes that he was doing society a favor. These women were dirty and poor and vile. He measured their worth by the company they kept and by their promiscuous sexual behavior. Since he determined their value in this way, he felt justified in murdering them even as he frequented whore houses to satisfy his own sexual needs.
I’d love to say that because this book is fiction that it’s not to be taken seriously, but I can’t in good conscience do that. It is exactly this kind of thinking that contributes to rape culture and violence against women.
In Smy’s fabulous debut novel, we grow fond of Jack the Ripper’s love interest, Kitty. She’s a strong, independent, compassionate person, and Jack puts her on a pedestal, treating her with reverence and respect for most of the novel. Needless to say, she is the epitome of the “virgin” in the dreaded virgin/whore dichotomy, but even she has the pedestal yanked out from under her when she doesn’t behave according to Jack’s expectations.
May 7, 2012
If you've ever thought historical novels are a little bit boring, you really must give this a go -- it's anything but dull! Combining fiction with reality, Smy creates a story with plenty of twists and turns, along with characters you can't help but love or hate in equal measures. I enjoyed the strong, independent heroine who refuses to bow to convention and even sets up her own successful business. Using colourful language, the world of East London comes to life, and you can almost taste the fear and unease that wraps itself around this novel.A wonderful debut, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 16, 2012
Ripper, My Love follows the story of Kitty, a young woman in 1880’s London who wants to start her own sewing business. Surrounded by family and friends who love her, and having a natural talent for fashion, she innocently sets out to be an independent woman, living alone above her own shop. But not far away in the back streets of London there are horrible things going on in the dark of night and it won’t be long before that darkness taps at her door.
I enjoyed this historical novel set in the time of Jack the Ripper's frightful rampage. The author has invented yet another theory to the Ripper's identity and a very entertaining one it is… although, in a dark and creepy sort of way. The author pulls you into the era with vivid description. Jumping between the point of view of a serial killer and the point of view of an innocent young woman was indeed a wonderful contrast to show two distinct sides of a killer.
If you enjoy historical novels with a bit of romance and a twist of evil, check it out!
I enjoyed this historical novel set in the time of Jack the Ripper's frightful rampage. The author has invented yet another theory to the Ripper's identity and a very entertaining one it is… although, in a dark and creepy sort of way. The author pulls you into the era with vivid description. Jumping between the point of view of a serial killer and the point of view of an innocent young woman was indeed a wonderful contrast to show two distinct sides of a killer.
If you enjoy historical novels with a bit of romance and a twist of evil, check it out!
July 5, 2012
Atmospheric and Gripping Tale
The feeling of being in Victorian London is apparent from the start. We meet Kitty Harper and see how close she is to her widower father, William. The warmth that emanates from these characters makes us want to know more about them.
Kitty is a kind and sensible young woman with the dream of owning her own haberdashery shop. She is a delightful character and has the reader's attention and sympathy as she yearns for her own business; not a goal most Victorian women aspired to.
Who Jack the Ripper is won't be mentioned here as it's part of the clever story that Glynis Smy has so expertly woven for us. Having read an excerpt of her forthcoming book, Maggie's Child, I'm looking forward to reading more books from this talented author.
The feeling of being in Victorian London is apparent from the start. We meet Kitty Harper and see how close she is to her widower father, William. The warmth that emanates from these characters makes us want to know more about them.
Kitty is a kind and sensible young woman with the dream of owning her own haberdashery shop. She is a delightful character and has the reader's attention and sympathy as she yearns for her own business; not a goal most Victorian women aspired to.
Who Jack the Ripper is won't be mentioned here as it's part of the clever story that Glynis Smy has so expertly woven for us. Having read an excerpt of her forthcoming book, Maggie's Child, I'm looking forward to reading more books from this talented author.
July 12, 2016
An interesting twist on an old tale - sorry can't share that as it might ruin the story for you. Kitty has found that she has the attention of two men but let me tell you that isn't a good thing. Not sure how someone as strong and smart and independent attracted these type of men but then again it was the late 1800's. It was an easy time to be very duplicitous. The warped thinking of some of the characters in this story was well done and why they had turned out that way, was also well done. You even get to be in their head so you have a good idea what they are thinking and why. It's chilling. The story definitely kept me curious as to where it was going and I was a bit surprised by where it did go. It is definitely worth a read.
May 7, 2012
This is not your standard Jack the Ripper story. It's much more than that, romance, tragedy and thriller. It has the added bonus of having a twist to the tale and you don't even have to wait till the end for it.
A wonderful walk through the streets of Victorian London giving a flavour of life then. But all is not as it seems, danger lurkes in familiar places and secrets are buried deep. The suspense and tension build and just when you thought you knew what was coming next...your wrong. Any more would spoil the story so read it and see what I mean!
A great read and one I would highly recommend.
A wonderful walk through the streets of Victorian London giving a flavour of life then. But all is not as it seems, danger lurkes in familiar places and secrets are buried deep. The suspense and tension build and just when you thought you knew what was coming next...your wrong. Any more would spoil the story so read it and see what I mean!
A great read and one I would highly recommend.
December 23, 2013
I downloaded this book because of my love for historical fiction and thrillers, but I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed in Ripper, My love. The plot really didn't take off and captivate me until well past the halfway point of the novel, and even then it seemed to move at a slow pace. However, the last few chapters (last 30% or so) caught me completely off guard, leaving me unable to put the book down until the end.
Another complaint I have pertains to the choppy sentence structor, numerous typos, and mild grammar issues. This could have been a much more enjoyable read had the sentences held some sort of fluidity instead of being so abrupt and awkward.
Another complaint I have pertains to the choppy sentence structor, numerous typos, and mild grammar issues. This could have been a much more enjoyable read had the sentences held some sort of fluidity instead of being so abrupt and awkward.
February 16, 2014
Definitely a different telling of Jack the Ripper but the names of the characters (how Jack the Ripper got his name) really bugs me. Jack is a nickname for John, whereas JIM is the nickname for James.
Anyhow, I thought Kitty was pretty oblivious, even if she was a great seamstress. Besides the name thing, characters seemed pretty good. The absolute biggest flaw for me was the speech patterns; I really didn't feel like they were true the time period or location.
So, while there's some romance, and some mystery...it just didn't work for me.
Anyhow, I thought Kitty was pretty oblivious, even if she was a great seamstress. Besides the name thing, characters seemed pretty good. The absolute biggest flaw for me was the speech patterns; I really didn't feel like they were true the time period or location.
So, while there's some romance, and some mystery...it just didn't work for me.
April 19, 2015
It's difficult to categorise this book as it's part romance, part psychological thriller, and part crime. I don't think it's equally successful in all those elements but it's certainly different and looks at the Jack the Ripper murders from a different angle. As a study of an independent woman in the last 19th century it's at its most interesting, though the romantic views of the heroine were a bit too hearts and flowers for my taste. I wouldn't say I loved it, but I found it interesting and would recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different.
June 1, 2012
Before I began reading this novel, the honest truth was historical fiction never appealed to me. After reading this, I am now a fan! So, if you are not a historical-fiction fan, this isn't a typical, boring book with the non-essential details. It's a well-crafted novel with a good plot.
With compelling and yet believable characters and without saying much that would add spoilers, I recommend this to the highest degree.
With compelling and yet believable characters and without saying much that would add spoilers, I recommend this to the highest degree.
March 16, 2013
I haven't read a historical novel for quite some time and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were full and vivid - some I loved, some I really hated, others I wanted to hate but actually couldn't even though I knew I should! Glynis Smy captured the essence of the setting perfectly, really bringing the book to life. The ending brought a mix of emotions with surprises and I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 22, 2013
Not as scary as I thought it was going to be. More of a love story with a twist. I good story line and I did like a couple of the characters. It could be read by older teens (the book did not have foul language or explicit sex scenes in it but there was one really disturbing scene close to the end of the book.)
October 12, 2013
3 stars. I was a big fan all the way up to the last 10% of the book. I was ready to give it 4 stars, but then ending was just bizarre for me. I was dizzy with all that was thrown in at the end. I still enjoyed it and give it 3 stars.
December 31, 2014
A novel based on Jack the Ripper.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews