The Ghost of Whitechapel

by Mary Jane Staples

When danger abounds, an unwelcome lodger becomes anything but...

A riveting saga with an edge that will keep you reading. Perfect for fans of Maggie Ford, Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn.

Readers are loving GHOST OF WHITECHAPEL
***** - 'It had everything; suspense, murder, mystery and humour - a really good read.'
***** - ' Authentic, darkly comic in places, thoroughly enjoyable.'
***** - 'I was engrossed from beginning to end. The characters were so real and funny.'

*********************************************************

When Bridget Cummings advertised for a lodger, she did not expect a policeman to apply for the room. She wasn't fond of the coppers, but her family allowed P.C. Fred Billings to move in and she seemed to have little say in the matter.

Still, she was glad of his company in the walk back from her late-night washing up job, particularly when a young girl was found in a nearby street with her throat cut.

The discovery of the body of Maureen Flanagan , a respectable woman, naturally stirred memories of Jack the Ripper . His horrific crimes had shocked the neighbourhood only twelve years before, although Chief Inspector Dobbs of the City of London Police believed that the Ripper was dead.

But when a second body was discovered, and Bridget noticed a strange man following her, could the terror have returned?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Audiobook, Family Saga

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Mary Jane Staples is a pseudonym used by British author Reginald Thomas Staples (1911-2005). He is also published under the name Robert Tyler Stevens, R.T. Stevens, and James Sinclair.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The discovery of the body of Maureen Flanagan, a respectable woman, naturally stirred memories of Jack the Ripper. His horrific crimes had shocked the neighbourhood only twelve years before, although Chief Inspector Dobbs of the City of London Police believed that the Ripper was dead.

But when a second body was discovered, and Bridget noticed a strange man following her, could the terror have returned?

I thoroughly enjoyed this Book. I listened to the audio, and time just flew by! There was suspense, murder, mystery, humor, and intrigue.
***
What a fantastic murder mystery!
The storyline was thoroughly engaging, and Carla Mendonca's narration brought it to life with precision and flair. Ms. Staples has a strong command of the genre—her pacing, plotting, and character work are spot-on. I sincerely hope she considers turning this into a series or continues writing within this genre. I’d happily read every one!

I enjoy it more and more each time I read it.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a blending of The Lodger and A Family Affair, both by the same author but written before this one, but without the Adams family and without quite so much cross talk. There's more actual plot, and it is better written than the aforesaid. Does Jack the Ripper still stalk the streets of East London? The boys in blue are set to find out.

I really enjoyed this book, though having read the previous two it was all a bit familiar. I know we live in the age of the remake, the reboot, the rehash--but when an author starts recycling his own previous work (and not 20 years previous, either), it gets sad.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unabridged Audiobook purchased on Audible.
Length: 8 hrs and 51 minutes

When fiery Bridget Cummings advertised for a lodger, she did not expect a policeman to apply for the room. She wasn't fond of the coppers, believing them to be traitors to the poor of Whitechapel, but her younger brother and sister moved PC Fred Billings in the moment Bridget's back was turned, and she seemed to have little say in the matter. Still, she had to admit that she was glad of his company in the walk back from her late-night washing up job, particularly when a young girl was found in a nearby street with her throat cut.

The discovery of the body of Maureen Flanagan, who was, the neighbours believed, a respectable woman, naturally stirred memories of Jack the Ripper. His horrific crimes had shocked the neighbourhood only 12 years before, but Chief Inspector Dobbs of the City of London Police believed, like most other police officers, that the Ripper was dead. But when a second body was discovered, and Bridget noticed a strange man following her, the neighbourhood was alert to the possibility that the terror had returned....

©1997 Mary Jane Staples (P)2021 Audible, Ltd

[Jennsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place a decade or so after the Jack the Ripper murders at Whitechapel, and the book follows that theme but with new murders. It follows the police investigation and an orphaned family who are trying to live in this era in east London. Overall, I like the author’s style of writing and the characters. It was a pretty good read.

[sndra hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossed

Brilliant story. Was engrossed from beginning to end.. The characters were so real and funny. Well worth reading this book

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story.

A story about the copycat murder of Jack the ripper. This book is written with some humour and it is not gorey at all.

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book.

Another good book by this writer. Engaging. Always a good read. Obviously drawing on ripper lore as well. People are always drawn to that case.

[Emma Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Jack the Ripper back??? A decade after his attacks there seems to be another spate of murders.
I enjoyed this book, I liked the characters and the scenes when the police spoke to the journalists made me smile, I could imagine the same conversations today!!

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Enough
Not my usual listen. Murder mystery set in the east end of London at the turn of the centenary Queen Vic is still on the throne. Reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. Bit sugary for me… filled the time while dog walking.

[Jeanette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read that takes you back to Whitechapel, 1900.

There's a murderer of prostitutes on the loose and Fleet Street want to suggest that Jack the Ripper is back. Chief Inspector Dobbs gets a number of headaches trying to avoid the press, stop a public panic and catch the elusive killer.

The characters are all very well written, and subtle humour purmeates their interactions. It leaves you with fond memories of a few new acquaintances.

Highly recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost mesmerisingly bad, this is not so much populated by characters as squawking cockney catchphrases.

[Eva Müller]