Hyde and Seek

by John A. Hoda

A bold new re-imagining of one of literature’s most enduring legends and a new take on the unsolved murders committed by Jack the Ripper, Hyde and Seek is an utterly unique, Victorian-era mystery with a clever play on the famous Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale, where the monster becomes the hero, and lines are crossed along the way …

Unbeknownst even to himself, the kind, gentle, quietly brilliant Dr. Jekyll has created an alter ego—his polar opposite, the dark and dangerous, Mr. Hyde. A little bit Dexter, Hyde hunts down criminals to make them pay for their sins. But his "good deeds" go too far and, now, wanted for murder, he must lay low…until his love interest comes into Jack the Ripper’s sights.

Francine Murphy, a social reformer years ahead of her time, walks the mean streets of Whitechapel London, rescuing the gin-soaked prostitutes that “Jack” preys upon. But as she gets closer and closer to the truth, will she become the Ripper's next target? Hyde and his exceptional investigation skills—and his wicked hand—may be all that saves her.

Atmospheric, intelligent, and emotionally charged, this is historical mystery at its most inventive, masterfully blending Gothic suspense with Victorian realism, inviting readers into a world where the boundaries between hero and monster blur. A rich-new voice in historical mysteries, Hoda is an ex-police officer and private investigator, as well as a three-time winner of publisher’s award from The Legal Investigator.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Historical Mystery

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

John A. Hoda (1954-) has good stories and tells them well. He is a former police officer and insurance fraud investigator. He is a licensed private investigator. He blogs, YouTubes and podcasts at All things investigative.
My Favorite Detective Stories is podcast every Tuesday.
He is a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. A lifetime athlete, he has run marathons, played semi-pro football and adult softball. He has produced, directed, written and acted in amateur theater in New Haven, Ct where he resides. John has written articles in PI Magazine and is the creator of the DVD: The Ultimate Guide to Taking Statements. His cases have headlined in The Philadelphia Inquirer and New Haven Register.

View the Book Trailer on YouTube: Phantasy Baseball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqnmR9...

Visit his website at www.phantasybaseballnovel.com

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Slow but interesting

1888

Kind, gentle, quietly brilliant Dr. Jekyll created an alter ego, a dark and dangerous Mr. Hyde, and he isn’t even aware of this. Hyde hunts down criminals, but his actions go too far when he is wanted for murder. However, with his love interest potentially targeted by Jack the Ripper, Hyde has to use his exceptional investigating skills to save her.

Meanwhile, Francine Murphy, a social reformer, has been working hard to identify Jack the Ripper. But as she gets close to the truth, she could become his next victim.

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Dr. Jekyll, Hyde, Francine, and the mysterious serial killer.

My Thoughts:

I requested this book mainly to tick off a reading challenge prompt: a retelling of Jekyll & Hyde.
The book uses the main characters from the original (J&H, the lawyer, the butler, the dead man, etc.). What it also does is introduce Jack the Ripper into the setting. So, we have a double retelling of sorts.

The setting is wonderfully done. It is dark, stinky, and horrible, even when we explore the so-called richer parts/ people of London. The book presents the situation starkly, without any sugar coating.

The themes are triggering, too, though not everything is mentioned in detail (no gratuitous graphic content). Some scenes are still a bit descriptive. These cannot be avoided since they establish the patterns and the killer.

The jumps in POVs are neatly marked, which is helpful since we have four first-person voices. They are distinct to a good extent, so that’s a plus.

The mystery, as such, is not that compelling. Yes, it has some intrigue, but I guessed the identity of the killer early and had to wait to see if I was right (I was). The slow and uneven pacing is a bit of a hindrance, as I didn’t really feel compelled to pick up the book when I stopped.

This is the first book in the series and has a decent ending, though it leaves the overarching plot open to continue in book two. My ARC had an excerpt, but I wasn’t in the mood to read it.

To summarize, Hyde & Seek is a dark and interesting historical mystery with famous fictional and real character(s). The book should work as a standalone.

Thank you, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

TW: Pedophilia, child abuse, rape, assault, violence, bigotry, murder, stalking…

[Nouf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved his writing style and the atmosphere of the book and all the POVs!! I think the old Victorian era is my new favorite genre. I enjoyed everything about this book. Jack the Ripper was so creepy and what he did to those women and how he lured them to their death and I found it quite easy to guess his identity yet I was still surprised. Also Dr. Jekyll who created Hyde his other persona who hunts down criminals and helps the animals was my favorite part.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hyde and Seek

Fascinating blend of history, mystery and sci-fi. At times disturbing yet still compelling this new and exciting take on the Jeckell and Hyde story is a must read! I loved the bravery, ingenuity and determination of Francine as she sets out to help the forgotten as she was once helped. The actions of the police are at times shocking and incomprehensible but that’s probably viewed through the mindset of present time standards and practices as much as their actions. The multiple POVs made this story all encompassing, we saw through the eyes of each character and it was woven seamlessly which is impressive. That ending omg! I one hundred percent want to read more in this world!

[Kay Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an exciting retelling. Dark and dismal in all aspects of London (the poorest and the richest--disgusting and disturbing in their own ways, but equally so). The addition of Jack the Ripper was a bit of a toss-up for me. It was both a fun twist and too much shoved in. While multiple POVs were great here, they also detracted from the mystery, giving far too much away. The pace was slow; too slow for the content and genre.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! A fascinating and intriguing read that draws you into a gothic style Victorian-era mystery with Jack the Ripper and Dr Jeckill & his alter ego Mr Hyde. The authors take on this is enthralling and had me captivated from start to finish as we follow the investigation down it’s dark and mysterious path. It’s well written, entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Pamela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping reimagining of an unsolved Victorian-era mystery that continues to haunt crime buffs today: Who was Jack the Ripper and why did he wreak such bloody havoc on London's ladies of the evening in the autumn of 1888?
Mystery writerJohn Hoda sets the tormented split personality, Jeckyll and Hyde, on the trail of the Ripper.
Wealthy, mild-mannered physician Dr. Henry Jeckyll harbors a terrible secret: his monstrous split personality, Edward Hyde, has reemerged after some time in a dormant state, having been put there by a West Indies witch doctor in Jeckyll's desperate attempt to rid himself of his murderous alter ego. Hyde is wanted by the London police for beating a man to death with a cane which happened to belong to his other self, Jeckyll. The constable determined to bring Hyde to justice is a dogged investigator who is sure that Jeckyll is concealng his "friend," Hyde. The cop has no idea about split personalities, nor does he care that Jeckyll can't control Hyde or even remember his misdeeds. Jeckyll's personality split as a child in response to horrific sexual abuse, enabling Jeckyll to remain the respectable good boy and doctor, while Hyde enacted the ultimate revenge on his childhood abuser. The predator's death was well deserved, but in Victorian London, abuse is no defense for killing the perpetrator. If Hyde's identity as Jeckyll is discovered, the good doctor will hang.
Meanwhile, Jack the Ripper is terrorizing London's shady East End, slaughtering prostitutes in a most gruesome manner. His bloody exploits endanger the do-gooder Francine Murphy, whose mission is to rescue fallen women and restore them to sobriety and respectable, productive lives. When Francine's landlord evicts her and her rescued lost souls, she appeals to the wealthy Jeckyll as a potential benefactor. Eventually, he takes on her mission and finds himself falling for her, even as he fights to suppress the unpredictable murderer, Hyde.
As Francine walks London's night streets on her rescue mission, she is stalked by the Ripper --- which activates Hyde. Tension rises as Francine stalks lost souls who need rescuing, the Ripper stalks the vulnerable women, and Hyde stalks them all while evading the pursuing constable. Jeckyll is caught between supporting Francine's rescue mission, dealing with his newly-awakened romantic feelings for Francine, and his need to keep Hyde from breaking loose and doing who-knows-what in an altered state. He's also feuding with his priggish younger brother, who disapproves of his consorting with "fallen angels" and seems to undercuts him at every turn. Oh, and the cop who's convinced Jeckyll's mysterious friend Hyde is the Ripper.
I won't tell you more except that the story is a page turner. I devoured it in one sitting on a rainy Sunday afternoon. My dogs were pestering me for a walk, and then dinner, but had to wait until I'd finished. (Don't worry, they got extra treats). And I got the thrill of matching wits with the Ripper, Hyde and the indomitable Francine as they stalked one another in Victorian London. The Ripper's identity came as the author's intended surprise---and the motive fell satisfyingly into place. Okay, I guessed it, but the secret behind these real life killings is horrific, plausible, and poignant.
You'll enjoy the characters, especially the plucky Francine, and won't want to give her up. Fortunately, you won't have to. Francine returns in Book Two, with another mission of mercy that puts her in danger. Jeckyll's along for this one, too --- but will Hyde reappear? Can't wait to read and find out!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a toss-up when an author takes on a well-known story and decides to make it their own. How do you find something new in a tale that everyone already knows? That’s the challenge John A. Hoda takes on in his latest novel, Hyde & Seek.

SYNOPSIS

Dr. Jekyll has returned to London after two years in the Caribbean, believing he has finally vanquished his dangerous alter ego, Mr. Hyde. But the police haven’t forgotten the murder of Lord Danvers—at the hands of Hyde. With Jekyll’s sudden reappearance, they’re convinced the brutal killer can’t be far behind.

It’s 1888, and Whitechapel is reeling from a string of horrific murders. The city whispers the name Jack the Ripper, and the investigating inspector begins to suspect Hyde himself might be behind the new killings.

Meanwhile, Francine Murphy—a social reformer ahead of her time—walks the grim streets of Whitechapel trying to rescue women destroyed by poverty, addiction, and abandonment. Seeking support for her cause, she turns to Dr. Jekyll. An unexpected act of kindness (involving a stray dog named Lucky) forges a fragile connection between Francine and the conflicted doctor. But as Francine works harder to save the women Jack the Ripper targets, she draws dangerous attention—attention that may just make her his next victim.

THOUGHTS

Hyde & Seek is an intriguing novel with a unique take on both the Whitechapel murders and Stevenson’s original Jekyll and Hyde story. Not only does Hoda do an admirable job of reinvigorating the familiar tale, he brings a modern aesthetic to the narrative that surprisingly works. Too often, when writers try to infuse Victorian-era stories with contemporary sensibilities, the result feels stilted or artificial. Hoda avoids that trap by keeping the novel a tight character study, breathing life into his 1888 setting and its inhabitants.

FINAL VERDICT ★★★★½

You may guess the identity of Jack the Ripper long before the final chapter, but the journey is well worth it—entertaining, well-paced, and a tale well told.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
#HydeSeek #NetGalley
Pub Date: November 11, 2025

[F. Strangeways · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a single sitting while my dogs pestered for walks, treats, attention. My partner had to fulfill the dog daddy role while I read this gripping, imaginative story that has the frightening Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jeckyll's unpredictable alter ego, on the trail of Jack the Ripper as he stalks Francine Murphy, a spunky Irishwoman on a mission to save London's fallen women before they become Ripper meat.

Along the way, Jeckyll falls for the indomitable Francine, even as he fights to keep his monstrous alter ego, Hyde, from public knowledge. Jeckyll's personality had split when he was a child subjected to horrific abuse; Jeckyll conjured up Hyde to take the abuse and deal with the murderous feelings that resulted, allowing himself to remain unscathed, the good boy and respectable doctor. Except, Hyde had murdered his abuser, and a London constable is determined to hunt him down and bring him to justice. He suspects Jeckyll is protecting the mysterious Hyde, but can't quite figure out their connection. Meanwhile, London is awash in blood: someone the tabloid press has dubbed Jack the Ripper is slaughtering prostitutes in a most gruesome manner. And now the Ripper has Francine in his sights as she walks the East End's dark, seamy streets, looking for fallen women to rescue.
Hyde stalks the Ripper as he stalks his vulnerable prey and the constable stalks both Jeckyll and Hyde. Readers follow the tangled trail of motives and murders as the killer closes in. When the Ripper is unmasked and his motives for killing exposed, it will make perfect sense --- even as it surprises. Hoda is a wizard with plots that keep readers guessing. Francine is a captivating character. I was reluctant to let her go at the end. Fortunately, I won't have to. She'll be back for a sequel that promises to be just as gripping. Jeckyll's back, too -- but is Hyde? I can't wait to find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book had me gripped from the beginning. I really liked how you go between edward hyde, Henry jeykell francine murphy and whitechapel murderer to then becomes jack the ripper. This book is worth 4.5 stars. Did repeat in parts of information that you already find out but other than that really good book.

You get to know the back story of how hyde became part of henry saving him from a traumatic past and then saves him from being the target of jack the ripper from pinning the murders on him.

Henry runs to the West Indies after hyde murders their childhood monster and meets witch doctors to vanish hyde so he can return to London. When he returns he is under the police eye as they trying to find hyde but henry tells them that hyde gone for good but unknown to Henry hyde is dormant and comes to his rescue when police come to look for evidence of a murdered woman but cant find it thankfully to hyde

Francine is such a strong character she hit tock bottom and was helped to come back from the dark depths. Shes a woman with a mission to help women who were like she was. She meets Henry and in time he comes and helps her fund her mission. Francine is so deep in her mission to help women from their dark lives and doesn’t realise shes in jack the rippers eye sight until it was almost too late and is saved by hyde

The whitechapel murderer/ jack the ripper has dark and blames his murdering spree on that. You dont get to know who he is until the very end but i had fair idea but sometimes i would second guess myself. He is determined to pin his murders on henry jekyell but doesnt succeed.

My favourite quote from the Whitechapel murderer - “I am like a lion watching from the bush,waiting for the lame wildebeest to separate from the herd”

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyde and Seek is a retelling of Jekyll and Hyde, (or for me this is a ‘telling’ as I haven’t read the original.)
As a child Dr Jekyll was abused, and to survive the ordeal created an alter ego, Mr Hyde. The latter emerges at times of high stress, leaving Dr Jekyll with no memory of events.
Enter the determined do-gooder (in a good way) Francine Murphy, who walks the streets of Whitechapel tracking drunken prostitutes to offer them a safe place to reform. This sounds dangerous enough but then add in that this is 1888 and a certain Jack the Ripper is at large… and it becomes catastrophically dangerous.
And you guessed it, Dr Jekyll falls for Francine. But as Jack the Ripper gets into his stride, and Jekyll has no memory or alibi for the times of the murders…he starts to think the unthinkable. Could he be Jack the Ripper? And is he a danger to the woman he loves?
This is an entertaining read told in four voices: Jekyll and Hyde, Francine, and Jack the Ripper. I particularly enjoyed how Hyde was liable to emerge at times of stress, which was inconvenient to say the least and added a nice jeopardy to Jekyll relationship with Francine. There were some clever touches, such as someone trying to frame Jekyll by planting evidence in his office, and the ever-present police Inspector who was trying to track down Hyde by following Jekyll (whilst not knowing they were the same man.)
The ending had a clever explanation for who was Jack the Ripper, and all in all this was a satisfying read that I enjoyed.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Xpersso Book Tours & Oliver Heber Books for this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Hyde and Seek offers an interesting retelling of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, introducing the chilling presence of Jack the Ripper into the Victorian-era plot. Author John A. Hoda has crafted a true historical fiction and crime-thriller crossover. The narrative choice, written as a series of first-person journal entries spanning a couple of months, is for me unconventional and compelling. The book’s structure is notably unique. Each chapter is titled with a date, and individual scenes are labeled with the point-of-view character's name. This technique of alternating entries effectively heightens the mystery. The beginning creates an atmosphere that keeps the reader guessing whether the killer is Dr. Jekyll, Hyde, or an entirely new antagonist. However, at times, the narrative arc seems to echo previous events, slightly slowing the pace.
As you read further into the novel, the author expertly drops hints that allow you to eliminate suspects you've tracked from the start. The mystery culminates in the final chapter, firmly revealing the murderer's identity and their fate after a rapid shift in focus among several key characters. Overall, this is a gripping and inventive take on a classic tale, perfect for readers who enjoy a character-driven mystery with a macabre twist.

[✨Nori’s Reads✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4

Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!

Okay, so Hyde & Seek had me hooked from the premise alone: a detective mystery with that classic “small-town secrets and buried lies” feel? Say less. I really enjoyed the procedural aspects and the way Hoda built up the tension piece by piece. The story had that slow-burn mystery pacing that kept me intrigued, but also dragged in a few spots.

The lead character was layered and flawed (in a good way), and I liked how the clues unraveled realistically without feeling too convenient. That said, some dialogue felt a little stiff, and the middle section lost momentum before picking back up for a strong finish.

Overall, it’s a solid mystery with a few pacing hiccups. If you like grounded detective fiction with an old-school investigative vibe, this one’s worth the read. I’d call it steady rather than shocking. It's the kind of mystery that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it quietly by the end.

Would recommend to fans of character-driven whodunits!

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Hyde Meets Jack the Ripper
This Victorian mystery is refreshingly original, blending the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale with the chilling real-life terror of Jack the Ripper. Henry Jekyll’s traumatic childhood left him with what we’d now recognize as dissociative identity disorder, and he created Edward Hyde—his darker, stronger alter ego—who exists to protect him.
When murders terrorize Whitechapel, the question arises: is it Mr. Hyde, or the infamous Ripper behind these heinous acts? Enter Francine, a fearless woman dedicated to rescuing women from the streets—a mission that puts her squarely in the Ripper’s sights. The story keeps you on edge as you wonder who the real killer is and whether Henry and Francine will survive.
Fascinating and inventive, this story is a gripping mix of Gothic suspense, Victorian realism, and morally complex characters—a fresh take on a familiar legend that blurs the line between hero and monster. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is told through 4 POVs (Henry, Edward, Jack the Ripper, and Francine.) I loved getting to read through all there POVs and how drastically different the characters voices/personality’s were from each other. Edward experienced a lot of trauma and was very revenge driven. Francine was a very strong and protective character. She cared for and helped other characters. She was my favorite character along with Henry.

The story is heavy at times especially when it goes into Edward’s and Henry’s past with all the abuse they faced.

There was a lot of suspense and mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper with his crimes. Easy to predict who was Jack the Ripper but it was still very entertaining reading all the hints and the reveal to who he was.

I haven’t read the original Jekyll and Hyde story but this story made me want to read it since this one was so good. I can’t wait to continue reading this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a version of Hyde that actually makes sense! It is brutal, raw and emotional! Edward Hyde was created to give Dr Henry Jeklyll to go while unspeakable heinous acts were committed on his person! Dr Jekyll also has a brother George, but when the pain is so great your mind can’t take it!
This story is one of a sort of redemption and protection! As a mother I cannot fathom harming a child!
Dr Jekyll in all of his travels can’t completely outrun Edward Hyde so he returns to London.
His interactions with one Francine Murphy are raw and honest but not at first. Their evolving friendship is a journey of trust!
Will you cry undoubtedly but more than this you will see a road to a form of redemption!
As Henry tries to come to terms with his past and his present! If I could give this 10 stars I would!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ivy Bookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn but I adored this book.
I am always in for a Victorian era story or a really good retelling of a classic that spins it's own twist on the original work.

Hyde & Seek is one of those books.
It's a retelling of the classic Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, with the addition of the Jack the Ripper mystery, an ambitious kind of social worker and a dark backstory for the creation of Mr Hyde.

The book had four point of views, each with it's own voice and perspective on what's going on.
I liked Edward Hyde's and Jack the Ripper's best, to be honest, though Doctor Jekyll's and Francine's were not bad at all! To me, Edward's and Jack's just were more compelling.

The way the story unravels and shows the bright and dark sides of that era and city is amazing, the characters bring the depth and the writing pulls the reader in. A great tale I devoured.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different version of the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It is written from the perspectives of the four main characters: Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde, Jack the Ripper and Francine Murphy. The story at times is hard to read because of the abuse of Henry as a child but it is a good excuse for why Edward is created. The story line is well crafted and the emotional toll of his split personality shows. Francine brings a bit of light to an otherwise heavy story. The mystery of who the ripper is can be figured out by the clues the author leaves the reader. The ending is oddly satisfying and gives hope that good triumphs over evil. I will say this is a book that should only be read by a mature audience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Klipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by John Hoda and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. I really enjoyed his take on Jekyll and Hyde and how he paired them with Jack the Ripper.

Francine was such a wonderful character. Such an angel working to help the most desperate women in the poorest place. She took her own hard learned lessons and taught them to those she could. She was fierce and kind and I appreciated all the nuances of her character.

The mystery of Jack the Ripper was interesting. I had my suspensions based on questions that weren't asked and then throughly enjoyed the unveiling of the rest of the mystery.

I can recommend this book. I will be looking for more books by Hoda. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (including a different yet unique introduction to the notorious Jack The Ripper), Hyde and Seek delivers perfectly on the story of old within the 1800's with the novel being told from multiple POV's during the unfolding of events.
It was an immersive and eye opening read which I devoured in one sitting. The only drawback for me was that I felt there needed to be more mystery to the story as I was able to determine who the killer was from a very early point in the book.
An entertaining and gripping read with the right amount of gore to satisfy any horror lover.
I will gladly read more novels by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley, Oliver Heber Books as well as the author for an arc of this book.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly great crime fiction. The sure hand of ex-police officer and private investigator John Hoda delivers the goods on every page. An exciting blend of history (Jack the Ripper) and the classic tale of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. It’s the story of reformer Francine Murphy trying to save “fallen” women from alcoholic addiction, of “Saucy Jack” who is killing those same women in late 1880s Whitechapel London, and of Jekyll/Hyde working to stop him before Hyde gets blamed for those murders. Absolutely compelling.

[Erin Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley. This review is my own. This is a very interesting twist on the original Jekyll and Hyde story. The novel is written from four perspectives, Henry Jekyll, Edward Hyde, Francine Murphy (an outreach worker among the sex workers and addicts), and Jack the Ripper. The characters are well written, and the story is engaging. Hyde’s creation is very dark, but I liked the author’s use of the character later in the story. 3.5 stars.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Hyde & Seek by John A. Hoda is a different take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. What imagination this author has to include Jack the Ripper’s involvement too. It is difficult to tell an old story in a new way, but Mr. Hoda has done so with clarity without sacrificing the Victorian times. Told from different perspectives including the Whitechapel Murderer too. Well done is this unique story that kept me reading far too late in the night.
4.5 Stars

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyde and Seek delivers a crisp, engaging mystery driven by confident pacing and a protagonist who feels both relatable and grounded. The investigative elements add authenticity without bogging down the narrative, and the reveals arrive with just enough punch to keep the tension high. Although the conclusion feels slightly rushed, the overall journey remains compelling and enjoyable. It’s a smart, streamlined detective story that’s easy to devour in a single sitting.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and original take on the original Jekyll and Hyde story. The novel is written from four perspectives, Henry Jekyll, Edward Hyde, Francine Murphy (an outreach worker among the sex workers and addicts), and Jack the Ripper. The characters are well written, and the story is engaging but somewhat dark and heavy in places. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new twist to the old Jekyll and Hyde. What a strange slant to something mixing in two terrible evils against very innocent goods. Dr. Jekyll has banished Hyde on a south sea island and is preparing to live a normal life in London when Jack the Ripper joins the mix. The author has opened a new avenue and I find I want more.

[Michelle Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Hyde and Seek by John A. Hoda was an enjoyable and well-written read, though it moved a bit slower than I expected in places. The mystery was solid and atmospheric, but I was able to figure out the identity of Jack the Ripper before the official reveal, which took away some of the suspense. Still, a good story overall and worth the read for fans of historical mysteries.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, original and fascinating
Tense and well plotted, it kept me turning pages and on the edge. Good style of writing and character development
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me to read. Jeklle and Hyde are not really one of my go to stories, but I thought this one looked interesting. I wasn't disappointed at all. Story was very intriguing and kept my attention from beginning to end.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in A Jeckyll & Murphy Mystery series was a very impressive and compelling new take on Jeckyll And Hyde meets Jack the Ripper without sacrificing the Victorian times, kept me very engaged. I recommend reading!

[Carrie]

audio 3/17