Rise of the Ripper

by Amanda Tams, A.M. Tams

We all know Jack the Ripper but how many of us know him? This is a romantic, psychologically thrilling, paranormal tale, one not to be missed.
The overall premise of this fictional period thriller revolves around a multigenerational saga entwined with dark secrets, psychological turmoil and the quest to explore themes of historical and contemporary settings. It thrusts the question of nature versus nurture into our faces. The importance of how past actions affect future generations and the struggle between desires and social expectations. Rise of the Ripper is lightly based on facts, but this is the story of the sequence of events that led to his murder spree across London, as well as his eventual demise.
Using only one of the canonical five, Mary Jane Kelly, not the gruesome details, but as part of the story. The rest are factual unnamed and unclaimed deceased victims from the years up to the body in the tree in 1940.
Let me introduce you to William and his sorry beginnings. William finds he struggles with his sexuality after a homosexual encounter, which he vows never to repeat. He falls in love but is spurned by JANE KELLY and on the rebound marries a woman who robs him of his masculinity. This births the beginning of the man we all know as Jack the Ripper, as either his wife or he must go and it isn’t him.
The killers of the following unfortunates are all descendants of Jack the Ripper as told through a modern-day genetic researcher Larry. On discovering through diaries and the ghost of his dead grandmother Emily. Larry is led to believe that he is the last in the line of this evil family and is determined to wipe the “evil gene” out by eliminating them with the help of his ghostly gg grandparents.

Genres: Thriller

341 pages, Paperback

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

Disabled by a polio vaccine many years ago, and possibly considered a drain on the NHS by some, sold by my father and kidnapped by a foster parent, I feel I have an insight into life's little foibles. I am uneducated in the formal sense, so my main aptitude is an imagination and a good sense of humour.
I started my writing with poems and found some success, managing to get published in the Staffordshire Life magazine as well as other publications. One of my poems, listed alongside; Coleridge, Lord Tennyson, Shakespeare, DeFord and Taylor Swift is used in a Russian university to teach how to determine rhyme.
I write for two ex-pat newspapers in Spain and wrote for an ex-pat magazine for two years. I am now on my fourth book, part autobiography and part fiction, so some of it is false and some of it is true, but as for which is which, I leave that up to you.

Reviews

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a newly imagined account of the notorious British serial killer of 1888, Jack the Ripper. A.M. Tams gives possible background (and foreground) on the killer, Jack, and why he may have murdered with such savagery and cruelty. Of course, the women in his life are blamed for his psychological turmoil and madness. The author gives an interesting twist to the account as she introduces the idea of a bastard child born from Jack and carries the “evil” gene into future generations. Enter Larry, the genetic researcher, and narrator of the story, who inherits a house from an unknown relative. As the story unfolds, so too does Larry’s real ancestry and bloodline, connecting him to the famous monster persona, Jack the Ripper. I found the beginning a little confusing with all the back and forth from one era to another. Recommended for fans of horror. Trigger warning: graphic scenes of violence. 

[J.C. Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darkly Compelling Psychological Twist on the Jack the Ripper Legend


A.M. Tams’ Rise of the Ripper is not your standard historical thriller — it’s a haunting, multi-generational psychological saga that dives deep into legacy, obsession, and the darkness passed down through bloodlines. Blending fact with fiction, the novel reimagines the infamous Ripper mythos through a modern lens of inherited trauma and moral decay, delivering a story that’s as eerie as it is emotionally layered.

What stands out most is the book’s dual-era structure. Tams weaves together the 19th-century origins of the Ripper’s mind with the chilling lives of his modern-day descendants, connected through journals, spectral visions, and a disturbing “evil gene.” The writing is rich and cinematic, filled with fog-drenched London streets, brooding psychology, and moments of genuine unease.

The author’s decision to humanize the monster — tracing the making of Jack not as pure evil but as a product of repression, identity, and loss — gives the story surprising emotional weight. The supernatural thread, anchored by ghosts and ancestral guilt, ties generations together in a way that feels both gothic and tragic.

⭐ Atmospheric, intelligent, and deeply unsettling — a must-read for fans of historical thrillers who crave something more psychological than procedural.

[Jessica Lewandowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting historical fiction and retelling of the origins of Jack the Ripper. The title and cover do plenty to draw you in all by themselves, but the story does a good job of keeping that attention. There is a good mixture of horror, phycological intrigue, thrill, and suspense. Even a bit of paranormal activity that will raise the hair on your skin. Although there were moments that seemed a tad slow and others where you really have to pay attention as the story jumps back and forth, your patience is rewarded as the story continues to unfold.

William (or Jack the Ripper) became a very interesting and disturbing character. Even Larry becomes hauntingly more interesting because of his familial ties with William. Then you can't help but worry for his girlfriend, Glenda. Gurrrl, it's time to go!

I do wish the writing took the time to go a little deeper with Larry. Even though this book is taking the approach of nature over nurture, I feel like it is more realistic when both nature and nurture play into a person's psychological approach to the world. But that's just me.

Overall, a good read that will keep you wanting more until you reach its conclusion.

[Bruce Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. M. Tams's Rise of the Ripper ventures into the darkly evocative setting of Victorian London, a well-trodden yet continually fascinating landscape for a thriller. The novel plunges the reader into a world of gaslight and shadows, immediately establishing a palpable atmosphere of dread and intrigue that is essential for any story engaging with the infamous Jack the Ripper legend. The narrative successfully captures the oppressive mood of the era, where societal expectations clash with the gruesome realities of a city under siege by a serial killer.

The core strength of the book lies in its compelling premise, often centering on a protagonist who defies the rigid gender norms of the late 19th century to pursue a forbidden interest in forensic science or detection. This modern sensibility injected into a historical context provides a strong emotional hook, making the central character immediately relatable as they push against the constraints of their world to seek truth. The supporting cast, particularly a potential investigative partner, often provides witty banter and intellectual sparring that keeps the pace lively amidst the morbid subject matter, creating an engaging duo dynamic.

Tams meticulously details the gruesome crimes and the processes of early forensic investigation, showing a clear dedication to both historical research and the mechanics of a good mystery. Readers who appreciate a blend of historical detail with the procedural aspects of crime solving will find this aspect of the novel particularly satisfying. The plotting is designed to be a true whodunit, with numerous red herrings and twists ensuring the identity of the killer remains elusive until the final pages. While the ultimate reveal may feel either predictable or shocking depending on the reader's own deductive skills, the journey to that point is undeniably engrossing.

Rise of the Ripper is a dark, atmospheric, and character-driven thriller. It will especially appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction that is unafraid to explore the macabre, appreciate strong, unconventional female protagonists, and are drawn to a mystery that thrives on the dark romance of the Victorian era. It is a solid entry into the crowded field of Ripper fiction, distinguishing itself with its focus on character ambition and the compelling chemistry between its investigative pair.

[Rocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Ripper is a fresh take on the Jack the Ripper story. Instead of retelling the murders we already know, the book focuses on how a man might become capable of such violent crimes…and how that darkness could pass through a family line. The story switches between Victorian London and the present day, following William’s troubled beginnings and Larry’s discovery of his disturbing family history.
The historical chapters are engaging, giving a strong sense of old London and the turmoil behind the crimes. The period-authentic language took me a few chapters to settle into. The modern storyline adds an interesting layer, as Larry searches for the truth. The author does a good job raising questions about nature versus nurture and whether evil can be inherited.
If there’s one drawback, it’s that some scenes feel a bit repetitive, especially toward the end, which slows the pace. Still, the overall idea and execution are compelling, and the book offers a twist on a well-known legend.
Overall, I would recommend this book for fans of dark historical fiction, psychological thrillers, and reimagined true-crime stories. Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

[Laura Lukasavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and fun ride

Horror isnt normally a genre I like to read but I enjoy the story of Jack the ripper so I wanted to give it a try and although it took me a little longer to get into it once I did i enjoyed the idea and the direction the author took when writing this story.

Now I don't like to give away spoilers so I will say a few simple things. One, you will be surprised with the twists and turns an where the story ends up. You may find yourself at time yelling at Glenda, as the main character Larry tells her this story. Lastly, if you arent good with a bit of violence, gore and sexual situations when you are reading then this may not be the story for you.

Overall, a twisted and fun read.

[Rory Jeffery]

A Dark, Romantic, and Haunting Reimagining of a Legendary Killer Rise of the Ripper is a haunting and imaginative reimagining of one of history’s most infamous figures. Rather than focusing on graphic violence, this novel explores the psychology, emotions, and generational consequences behind the legend of Jack the Ripper. Blending historical fiction with romance, psychological tension, and paranormal elements, the story thoughtfully examines nature versus nurture and how past trauma can echo through generations.
The narrative begins with William, whose troubled upbringing, inner conflicts, and doomed relationships form the chilling foundation of the man he becomes. His unrequited love for Jane Kelly and a destructive marriage push him toward a fate that feels both tragic and terrifying. The modern storyline introduces Larry, a genetic researcher uncovering dark family secrets through diaries and the guidance of ghostly ancestors, adding a compelling supernatural layer.
Atmospheric, emotionally complex, and deeply thought-provoking, Rise of the Ripper offers a fresh, intelligent take on a familiar tale and is a must-read for fans of dark historical fiction with a paranormal twist.

[AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark, Intriguing, and Surprisingly Human Take on the Ripper Legacy

Rise of the Ripper is not your typical Jack the Ripper story, and that’s what makes it so compelling. Instead of focusing on gore and the usual rehashing of unsolved crimes, the book takes a psychological and generational approach, asking whether evil is born or made. The story begins with William, a troubled man whose heartbreak and inner conflict set him down a path of destruction. His struggles feel raw and believable, which makes his transformation into the infamous killer chillingly real.

What I found most fascinating is how the narrative weaves together past and present, with Larry, a modern-day researcher, uncovering the family’s dark legacy through diaries and even ghostly encounters. The paranormal twist adds an unexpected layer that blends well with the historical backdrop.

This book is part thriller, part psychological study, and part family saga. If you enjoy historical fiction that challenges perceptions and adds a unique spin to familiar history, this is a story you won’t forget.

[M.T.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binge worthy

I did not find that the book description did this book justice. I felt that the story is much more than what you think it is, based on the back cover description. This isn't just a story of Jack the Ripper's beginnings but rather an intricate tale woven around his whole family tree, making it much more fascinating. It is a combination of psychology and creepy supernatural horror - also not what I expected but something I really enjoyed. I found the beginning of the book a bit confusing and convoluted with too many names being introduced too quickly. Additionally, while I loved the family tree progression, I found the present day interaction between Larry and Glenda didn't click well. However, I would still rate this as five star because once you get the characters straight in your head, you really get into the story and can't put it down. Additionally, the majority of the story focuses on much more fascinating characters. Definitely suggested for anyone who likes creepy tales without unnecessary gore. The book did have some explicit details, however, they were added when needed for you to be able to feel or visualize a scene, and not gratuitously. I really appreciated this. I find an author really shows their skill when they are able to creep you out without in-your-face violence, but rather with the creation of anticipation of what might happen. A M Fams was able to accomplish this skilfully - and the best part is that you think you know what will happen, yet the author still manages to surprise you.

[Woodrow Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Rise of the Ripper. From the very first chapter, I was drawn in and couldn't put it down. The story wastes no time hooking you with its dark and intriguing premise, and keeps you on edge throughout. What I liked most was how A M TAMS balances tension and character development. The pacing is just right, never feeling too slow or too rushed, so you always want to see what happens next.

The characters are well crafted and feel very real. They're flawed in believable ways, making their choices and personal conflicts all the more compelling. You actually care about what happens to them, which is something I don’t always find in thrillers. The atmosphere is fantastic, too. The author does a great job of creating gritty, shadowy settings that are easy to imagine. It feels like you’re right there on the dark streets with them, hearing every footstep and whispered secret.

I also appreciated the plot twists. They’re surprising without feeling forced, and the ending ties things together in a really satisfying way. Even after I finished, I found myself thinking about the story and the characters. It has that lingering quality that makes you want to revisit it or recommend it to friends.

If you’re looking for a dark, immersive thriller with strong characters and a well-woven plot, I highly recommend Rise of the Ripper. A M TAMS knows how to tell a good story, and I’ll be reading more of their work.

[Lucy Brighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of the Ripper is a gripping and grisly reimagining of one of history’s most infamous cold cases—Jack the Ripper. Blending historical fact with supernatural fiction, A. M. Tams crafts a dual-timeline narrative that connects the brutal Whitechapel murders of 1888 with the present day. The story is told through Larry Emilson, a modern genetic researcher with a troubling lack of empathy and a growing obsession with a family legacy he never expected to inherit. When Larry and his uneasy girlfriend Glenda visit an old, inherited house, he uncovers a cache of ancestral journals that appear to solve the mystery of the Ripper's identity: a disturbed man named William Warren, whose psychological unravelling and repressed desires lead him down a murderous path.
As Larry dives deeper into his family's dark past—encouraged by ghostly apparitions and the voice of his dead grandmother—he becomes convinced that the Ripper’s bloodline lives on through him. What begins as a macabre historical mystery soon twists into a psychological and paranormal horror story, where the sins of the past threaten to consume the present.
The novel is not shy with its graphic descriptions of violence and psychological decay, making it an intense read best suited for those with a strong stomach and a taste for the macabre.

[François G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by Jack the Ripper's story (I should even capitalize that word, right?). So it's not surprising I
felt instantly pulled into the dank streets of Victorian London, a bit like I was huddled next to Alice and Georgie under a flickering gaslight.

Her rough kindness toward the blind boy hit me right in the chest and reminded me of times I’ve helped strangers out of pure habit.

Then that nasty, familiar laugh echoing through the mist gave me goose bumps.

Switching to Larry’s chapters gave me a new kind of shiver as his inner voices argued in his head. It felt like reading someone’s private nightmares out loud. The heavy slang sometimes slowed things down and I wished for a moment of calm before the next twist burst onto the page. Despite that the mix of dark humor social grit and creeping dread kept me hooked enough. I admit it: I was sad when Alice headed home into danger and hopeful that Larry might outsmart his past.

This is history dipped in psychological terror. Just be ready to lean into the dialect (might not please everybody)

[Tipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for Jack the Ripper content and this delivered! Historical fiction can run a bit dry but this book really moved along well. Lots of authentic touches, and suprirngly good characters – a lot of historical fiction kind of just has people existing in an interesting setting, and the setting kind of becomes the character (rather than interesting characters living in interesting settings) and while not every character jumped off the page at me, the main characters were all well-drawn enough to feel like real, living people.

Overall, if you like Jack the Ripper, or even just serial killer stories or true crime podcasts (I’m finally running through My Favorite Murder right now, so good and funny!), Rise of the Ripper is definitely worth your time. I got it for free on Kindle Unlimited and I happily spentt the weekend with it, and you will too. Enjoy it!

[Peter Nickless · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unaware that the book was probably from a horror genre, however, I occasionally read Ripper nonfiction and fiction if they appeal. Regular Readers of this genre and Ripper tales will find this an interesting and a good read. The book appealed to me as it indicated an approach to the crimes that I have an interest in. That is, that, psychopathy is heritable (passed on through the genes inherited from one’s parents). The main area of research to date is that the aspect with the strongest genetic predisposition is the callousness/unemotional element. This is where the books main theme comes from, however, there were a lot of other themes that I had not expected to see in the book.
This unusual take, mixing as it does fact and fiction, on the Jack the Ripper story started a little slow and gave no initial indication of the direction it was to go. It was initially unclear as to the relationship that the main modern day character, Larry, had with the jack the Ripper persona, but it started to become a little clearer when it was disclosed he was a geneticist. He reveals this slowly to his partner, Glenda, through a series of stories about his ancestors. The tension is built by feeding the reader little elements of the story that start to indicate that there is an impending doom evolving as the story evolves. The book achieves its theme by juxtaposing the present-day, with the past. However, because the main characters hear voices it also raises the possibility of there being genetic Schizophrenia.
There are numerous twists in the plot and until near the end the reader is still unsure how it will end and that makes it a good read in this genre.

[Brian O'Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really interesting surprise. It takes the Jack the Ripper legend and flips it into something way deeper, mixing mystery, psychology, and a hint of the paranormal in a way that feels fresh and pretty addicting. I liked how the story doesn’t focus on the gruesome parts but instead digs into the people, the emotions, and the whole “how did this even start?” side of things.
William’s journey is intense but written in a way that keeps you turning the pages without feeling overwhelmed. His struggles, his choices, and the whole nature-versus-nurture angle make you think, but it’s still super easy to follow. The multi-generational twist with Larry in the present day adds a cool layer, and the ghostly guidance gives the story a unique vibe that I wasn’t expecting but actually enjoyed.
It’s dark, but not heavy in a draining way. More like a slow, eerie unraveling of secrets that keep pulling you in. If you like stories with mystery, psychological drama, and a bit of supernatural flair, this one is a really fun and surprisingly fresh take.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise of the Ripper

If you want a great thriller, this book is a must-read. It offers a dark and moody take on the Jack the Ripper legend that goes far beyond the usual retelling. Instead of just focusing on the murders, the story looks at how someone could become so evil and how that darkness might affect future generations. The author mixes Victorian London with a modern storyline, creating a rich and slightly spooky atmosphere with old journals, family secrets, and a touch of the supernatural. What I found most interesting was the focus on the mind. The book raises questions about whether people are born bad or shaped by their experiences, who we really are, and how pain can be passed down, which adds real depth. With its creepy setting, surprising twists, and complicated characters, this thriller is both unsettling and emotional. I couldn’t put it down and i look forward to reading more fromt this author in the future.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in both the past and the present, Larry who has been suffering from hallucinations finds old diaries that he reads to his girlfriend Glenda. It soon becomes clear though that these diaries are linked to Jack the Ripper and Larry himself is a descendant of the famous killer. He has been working diligently to protect the family name and not reveal the secret of his antecedents in whatever way possible. However a shock twist at the end may prove that this is impossible. This is a unique and imaginative take on the familiar tale of Jack the Ripper and I thought I would enjoy it as it would be right up my street but there was a couple of things that disappointed me about it. First was the use of present tense. Talking about things in the past made it a bit jarring. Also as a personal preference I prefer books with short quick chapters. This one had really long chapters making reading the book a chore. One of them was 45 minutes long. Apart from that this was a good read.

[Andres · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I really like this time period and country (but I am Spanish, not English !) so I came for a straight Victorian thriller initially... i got something much weirder - in a good way! I really liked how William’s shame, the fight with his wife and the rejection by Jane build a believable origin. And I liked how Larry’s lab brain clashes with the whispers from Emily.
I enjoyed the little London details and the nods to the 1940 tree mystery tied to the line.

On the (slightly) negative side : the middle part was a bit slow / boring, or maybe it was me as I was reading it in several takes 🤷

As for the style : sentences short and clear, so i could stay in the flow.
Overall nice !

[L.H. Boltson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a little bit to get into. The first few chapters took me a while to figure out what was going on, but once you get your footing and understand where the story is going you can’t stop reading it. I finished this book in two days because I was so interested in the ending. This book is told through the eyes of a present day relative of Jack the Ripper, Larry. The present day connection does make it a much easier read. My favorite part of the book is the dynamic between Larry and his girlfriend, the listener of the story, Glenda. The whole time I was reading, I kept wanting to scream through my Kindle at Glenda! In general, I don’t love paranormal things, but the author does a great job of keeping it thrilling. This is definitely worth the read.

Especially recommended for:
- those who love paranormal activity.
- those that are interested in England’s history (although fiction)
- those that like murder mystery type of reads

[Carmela Tedone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark and Unusual Take on the Ripper Legend

Rise of the Ripper offers an original interpretation of Jack the Ripper, blending historical fiction, psychological drama, family secrets, and supernatural elements. I found the multigenerational storyline particularly interesting, especially the idea that past violence may continue to influence future descendants. The novel explores difficult themes such as identity, repression, guilt, and the debate between nature and nurture. At times, the plot becomes quite complex and unsettling, but it remains imaginative and unpredictable. This is a dark read that will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative historical thrillers with a strong psychological and paranormal element.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my salad days, I lived it up in London's East End and my flat was just around the corner from Whitechapel, so I spent many an evening eavesdropping on Ripper tours. I also loved the show Whitechapel, a police thriller about a contemporary Ripper copycat that eventually moved into slightly more supernatural territory. (And starring the mighty fine Rupert Penry-Jones, although now we're getting off-topic.) All this is preface to say that I immediately knew I had to read this book when I saw that it had dual timelines, Ripper speculation, repressed homosexual desire, AND a touch of the supernatural. All my buttons, consider them pushed.

I loved the opening - not starting with the canonical five but edging in sideways with a narrative about Alice McKenzie in 1989, who was never definitively recognised as a Ripper victim. Thus begins a speculative tale about who the Ripper was, what happened with Mary Jane Kelly, and what he did next - not just him but also his lineage in the decades that followed. The Victorian-and-later timeline is mostly narrated by the present-day character Larry, who discovers family diaries and proceeds to tell the entire tale to his lady friend Glenda - whether she wants to hear it or not. An interesting narrative framing device, which took some getting used to, but it also feels distinctly Victorian and thus on-brand, and the ending pays off handsomely.

The writing style is developing - there is more telling than showing, and POVs and tenses get muddled on occasion - but the story itself was pacy and kept me turning the pages. I thought the writing shone the brightest at the more violent scenes, with energetic and visceral descriptions that bordered on the cinematic. Some readers may find this disturbing, but if one doesn't like reading about violence and gore, they probably shouldn't be reading about Jack the Ripper in the first place.

Overall I found this book an entertaining, enjoyable read. I might respectfully suggest that it could benefit from some professional editing.

[Grace Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

a delightfully gripping twist of a well known story

I was immediately drawn in by the fantastic gin soaked, petticoat wearing Clay pipe Alice! I wasn’t crazy about any male characters, but I think that’s what give it such an edge and it’s definitely a sign of the times. Being transformed to a time where women were treated horrifically, really do feel lucky I wasn’t born in Victorian times, lol!

I’ve been on a few Jack the Ripper tours and felt that the author really bought the era and settings to life in an entertaining way, fully encompassing you in the world. Not a beat is missed in the descriptions of slum dwellers, toffs polished off with Ye olde London dialogue, cockney rhyming slang making it a fantastic escape from reality.

The biggest highlights for me were The Emily and also the killer genes. You’ll have to read it to find out why!

Delightfully gory and horrific in all of the right places, by the end I was flipping pages like there’s not tomorrow! Highly recommend.

[Paul Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ripping good read

I just finished Rise of the Ripper and it was honestly a pretty good read. I love Jack the Ripper stuff so the cover caught my eye right away. It mixes historical facts with a fictional story about a guy named William Warren who turns out to be the killer. The author did a lot of research because the old London parts felt real with all the slang and grit. It also has a modern part with a guy named Larry who is a geneticist. He thinks the killer genes were passed down to him which is a creepy idea. It gets really gory and has some ghost stuff too which I wasnt expecting. Larry is kind of a jerk to his girlfriend Glenda though and some parts toward the end dragged a bit. If you like horror or true crime stories you should definetly check it out. It was a fun escape even if it was a bit dark

[Dee Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read that re opened my interest in the famous and terrifying Mr Ripper.

[Tellen Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this for my mother as a present, she loves these types of books and said she could not put it down. She was very happy with the gift.

[Ellie Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the opening of this novel. You can tell the author is a poet (I think I read somewhere that she writes poetry) as lots of the descriptions were really vivid. In general I found both her narrative style and her characters refreshingly distinctive.

The reason I can only give this 3 stars is because I tend to read for the sake of the characters, the plot or the theme or any combination of those and I wasn't in love with any.

The concept was interesting (although I thought the rise of the ripper would been us spending more time 'before' the famous killings rather than after). Only read this book if you're happy to read some gory and gruesome parts - which goes without saying really considering the subject.

Mostly the characters were well-drawn (my only quibble was with Tony's non credible and contradictory reactions about Nancy) but I couldn't really get behind any of the characters - maybe because of the omniscient view point. There were many scenes where suspense was built up wonderfully but then I found many of the revelations to come frustratingly slowly. Some of the dialogue was brilliant and distinctive and sharp and other times it was a bit too repetitive and could have done with some serious trimming. My absolutely main gripe was the structure of both the scenes and the plot. The overall premise of the plot and the ending I actually enjoyed but felt it could have been delivered in much fewer words. I would also have preferred to be immersed in all the different time periods rather than trying to believe Larry was 'telling' me the story based on his readings of some diaries. The foreshadowing in the spooky house was at times great and at others a little heavy handed.

I don't want the author to be dismayed by my only giving this 3 stars because I really got the feeling they can really write and that they are beyond capable of writing a novel that I would give 4 or 5 stars. There were some super sensory, gripping, and perceptive moments in this but in order to make the whole novel that way I think it could have done with a fair bit more editing. I genuinely look forward to what this author writes in future because she has a distinctive style and bags of potential IMO.

[Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by Jack the Ripper. But, when it comes to books and shows, it can be surprisingly difficult to separate historical fact from the countless books, movies, documentaries, and theories out there. In my opinion, Jack the Ripper has become a bit overdone in popular culture. Most stories focus on Scotland Yard's investigation or present a theory about who Jack "really" was.

That's what intrigued me about Rise of the Ripper. Rather than making it a mystery, A.M. Tams takes the story in a completely different direction. The dual timelines and the idea of exploring Jack's legacy through future generations make for a unique premise that stands apart from the many other books inspired by the Whitechapel murders.

The structure of the book works well. Jumping between Victorian London and the present day keeps the story moving, and while shifting timelines can sometimes become confusing, I thought the author handled it well enough that it never pulled me out of the narrative. The Victorian sections also do a good job capturing the atmosphere of the era. Period dialogue can sometimes feel a bit awkward or forced, but I think it helped add to the setting rather than distracting from it.

There were a few creative choices that didn't completely work for me, though they ultimately come down to personal preference. I've always preferred Jack the Ripper to remain a mystery. Because of that, I wasn't as drawn to giving Jack a definitive identity or introducing supernatural elements like ghosts into the story. I found the hereditary aspect of the novel pretty compelling though, and I appreciated that the author committed to that central theme and carried it throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed Rise of the Ripper. It's an original take on a story that's been revisited countless times, and I appreciate that it isn't content to simply recycle the familiar Jack the Ripper formula. If you're looking for a historical detective novel, this one isn't it. But if you're interested in a darker, more imaginative exploration of the legend and the idea of how evil can echo across generations, it's definitely worth checking out.

[Nicola McDonagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gruesome and interesting reworking of the Ripper legend.

An interesting take on the well-worn story of Jack the Ripper. The novel deals with the psychology of the murderer and how he became the monster that killed so many women. The story goes on to theorise how the Ripper’s genes hold the evil within and are passed down to future generations. Raising the question about nature/nurture. 

The author’s use of colloquial language often jars. Yes, the slang-based words give a taste of Victorian England, but the author does slip up now and again by using some Americanisms, such as ‘Vittles’ and ‘Drill Sergeant’. Also, the word ‘Dosh’ wasn’t in use until the 1950s.

There were some good physical descriptions that created an atmosphere of old London and the dingy surroundings in which the Ripper and his victims dwelt. The way most of the story was told, via a genetic engineer, Larry, to his partner, Glenda, was effective in allowing Larry to reveal his true ancestry and persona. No spoilers here, but it does help to establish a sense of foreboding and horrors to come.

A thing that irked me was the way Larry spoke to Glenda. It is horrible, and I wondered why any woman would put up with his misogynistic tirades. He treats her very badly, and still she ‘snuggles closer to him…’ after he recounts a gruesome anecdote about his ancestor, and verbally abuses her, again. Her reaction to Larry was unconvincing to me.

On occasion, the author uses too much repetition, which slows the pace of the story. This became more apparent towards the end of the book, particularly in the last chapter, where it seemed to take forever for the gruesome denouement to occur.

However, I did enjoy reading the book and how the narrative weaves between past events and the present day to explain how Jack the Ripper became a soulless killer, and how his family history evolves over decades. I liked the timelines intersecting as it gave the plot line a feel of authenticity and drama, and held my interest throughout.

[Adrian Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.M. Tams’ Rise of the Ripper stands out as a well researched and imaginative reworking of the Jack the Ripper legend, connecting the infamous crimes of Victorian London with a modern narrative of psychological depth. What immediately becomes apparent is the author’s commitment to authenticity - Tams evokes the grim streets and social tensions of 19th-century London with period details and language, immersing the reader in a world that feels both chillingly real and hauntingly gothic. The historical chapters are vivid, offering a strong sense of place, delving into the era’s darkness, as well as the troubled mind of William, whose journey into monstrosity is depicted with complexity and empathy.

Equally impressive is how Tams weaves historical fact an=d legend into the present day through the characters of Larry, a genetic researcher, and his girlfriend Glenda. The dual-timeline structure is handled well, allowing the eerie legacy of Jack the Ripper to echo across generations. Larry’s investigation into his ancestry - not just through physical evidence, but also through ghostly contact and family journals - serves as a clever narrative bridge linking the past with the present. This modern storyline not only adds a fresh perspective but also raises questions about whether the so-called ‘evil gene’ can actually be maintgained through a bloodline.

The sometimes frustrating interplay between Larry and Glenda grounds the supernatural and psychological elements, making the unfolding mystery feel immediate and emotionally resonant. Their journey into the dark heart of Larry’s family history is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, with Glenda’s at times annoying scepticism and support offering a human counterpoint to Larry’s growing obsession. By blurring the lines between historical fact and speculative fiction, Tams delivers a novel that is atmospheric, intelligent, and deeply unsettling - a must-read for anyone fascinated by the enduring mysteries of Jack the Ripper and the shadows they continue to cast into the present day.

[J.E. Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Rise of the Ripper by A.M. Tams expecting a familiar retelling of the infamous Jack the Ripper story, but what I got was something far more layered and unexpected. This novel blends historical fiction, psychological thriller, and paranormal elements into a multigenerational saga that explores the origins and aftermath of evil.

The story begins in Victorian London with William, a man grappling with his identity and societal expectations. His personal struggles and a series of traumatic events set him on a dark path, leading to the emergence of the figure known as Jack the Ripper. The narrative then shifts to the present day, introducing Larry, a genetic researcher who uncovers disturbing truths about his ancestry through family journals and the ghost of his grandmother, Emily. Determined to end the cycle of violence, Larry embarks on a mission to confront his family's dark legacy.

What stood out to me was the novel's exploration of nature versus nurture and the psychological depth given to its characters. Rather than focusing solely on the gruesome details of the crimes, Tams delves into the emotional and societal factors that contribute to the making of a killer. The inclusion of supernatural elements, such as ghostly ancestors guiding the protagonist, adds a unique twist that enhances the narrative without overshadowing its core themes.

However, the book does not shy away from its darker aspects. It contains graphic content and explores heavy themes, making it a read best suited for those comfortable with intense psychological and emotional material.


Overall, Rise of the Ripper offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on a well-known historical figure. It's a compelling read that challenges readers to consider the complexities of evil and the possibility of redemption.

If you're interested in a novel that combines historical intrigue with psychological and supernatural elements, this book is worth adding to your reading list.