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Jack the Ripper: The Story of the Whitechapel Murderer
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In 1888, between August and November, the women of London’s East End were terrorized by a deranged serial killer. A man was stalking the streets at night, seizing random women who worked those streets and killing them. This man mutilated his victim’s bodies after death, removing body parts, taking organs.
✓ The Whitechapel Murderer’s Hunting Ground
✓ Leather Apron
✓ The Double Murder
✓ The Investigation
✓ Letters from Jack the Ripper
✓ Who was Jack the Ripper?
And much more!
No one has ever been able to identify Jack the Ripper. Despite the best efforts of numerous police officers, media professionals, historians, and amateur detectives over more than a century, we know of dozens of suspects but no definitive perpetrator. What we do know is the identity of Jack the Ripper’s victims, the canonical five women who lost their lives at his hands. This is the story not of Jack the Ripper’s life, about which we know nothing, but the lives of the women he destroyed. For better or worse, after Jack the Ripper, life on the streets of London would never be the same again.
Series True Crime Biographies Book 5
Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet.
In 1888, between August and November, the women of London’s East End were terrorized by a deranged serial killer. A man was stalking the streets at night, seizing random women who worked those streets and killing them. This man mutilated his victim’s bodies after death, removing body parts, taking organs.
✓ The Whitechapel Murderer’s Hunting Ground
✓ Leather Apron
✓ The Double Murder
✓ The Investigation
✓ Letters from Jack the Ripper
✓ Who was Jack the Ripper?
And much more!
No one has ever been able to identify Jack the Ripper. Despite the best efforts of numerous police officers, media professionals, historians, and amateur detectives over more than a century, we know of dozens of suspects but no definitive perpetrator. What we do know is the identity of Jack the Ripper’s victims, the canonical five women who lost their lives at his hands. This is the story not of Jack the Ripper’s life, about which we know nothing, but the lives of the women he destroyed. For better or worse, after Jack the Ripper, life on the streets of London would never be the same again.
Series True Crime Biographies Book 5
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2018
190 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 12, 2019
For years people have contemplated the man, known as Jack the ripper, and his horrific crimes. The mystery may never be solved, but looking into the crimes is a fascinating business. This novel is well written and does a lot of delving into what might have happened and by whom.
February 19, 2021
2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge: A book about a subject you are passionate about
(I do want to be clear. I'm not passionate about murdering people. That's bad. But I do love unsolved crimes/mysteries.)
(I do want to be clear. I'm not passionate about murdering people. That's bad. But I do love unsolved crimes/mysteries.)
April 13, 2023
A mystery that will never be solved.
If you don't know who Jack the Ripper is then he is the man who killed at least 5 prostitutes in the 1880's. For this been a quick read, it gives a lot of detail regarding the severity of the murders which you don't see in a lot of book these days. Well put together and a great quick read.
If you don't know who Jack the Ripper is then he is the man who killed at least 5 prostitutes in the 1880's. For this been a quick read, it gives a lot of detail regarding the severity of the murders which you don't see in a lot of book these days. Well put together and a great quick read.
September 1, 2021
"The story of Jack the Ripper is, simply put, the story of a man who killed woman.". Hourly History gives facts and debunks myths. JTR is notoriously recognized, while never being identified. I often think of Lizzie Borden, the two cases are eerily similar.
Challenge: 30/30 less than 100 Naomi's Bookshelf.
Challenge: 30/30 less than 100 Naomi's Bookshelf.
September 15, 2019
Jack the Ripper is both killer and trope. Although the identity of this infamous character remains unknown, the trope has found its way into stories, novels, comic books, movies, docudramas, and stage plays. Speculation run rampant even today, some 130 years later. Although there have been several modern investigations that claim to have identified the Ripper, no one agrees with another.
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps even multiple millions, of pages have been written about Jack and the murders. Serious investigators and armchair detectives have put their minds to solving this cold case so how can a short treatise such as this add to the story? Hourly History has provided some context new even to me, and I have read quite a few books, and watched any number of documentaries about Jack the Ripper over the years. When in London, in 1999, I went on a Jack the Ripper walking tour of the East End and was both surprised and pleased to have Donald Rumbelow as my tour guide. Rumbelow is a former City of London policeman, a crime historian, and a recognized authority on Jack.
I was unaware that tabloid journalism made its debut right alongside the brutal Whitechapel murders. You can Google Jack the Ripper, click on images, and see pictures of these newspapers. The birth of this 'new journalism' was a direct result of the 1870 Education Act that was responsible for a drop in illiteracy to a mere 4%. The dense and erudite Victorian broadsides did not appeal to the newly literate clamoring for news of the world around them. Sensationalism and pictures drew the masses to their pages. I was equally amazed at the fact that 96% of the people could read them. The current literacy rate in the United States may be as low as 85% (the US government does not track this statistic).
Who was Jack? That question remains unanswered. The only fact we know is that it is accepted that at least five women were brutally murdered in similar fashion, all of them practiced casual prostitution, and all of them drank. There is a laundry list of candidates who, in some way, fill the bill as the possible killer. Modern writers will select the best known of these, but I learned that the police had at least 100 suspects at the time and the investigation went on long after the killing of Mary Jane Kelly whose body was so mutilated as to make a positive identification impossible.
As an avid reader, when I find myself 'between books,' I will often read an Hourly History that relates to something in which I have a current interest. No matter which one I choose, I find that these snippets of history help to provide context to the subject matter. These quick reads are not meant to provide the definitive word on a subject but rather should be viewed as an introduction to a time and place in history.
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps even multiple millions, of pages have been written about Jack and the murders. Serious investigators and armchair detectives have put their minds to solving this cold case so how can a short treatise such as this add to the story? Hourly History has provided some context new even to me, and I have read quite a few books, and watched any number of documentaries about Jack the Ripper over the years. When in London, in 1999, I went on a Jack the Ripper walking tour of the East End and was both surprised and pleased to have Donald Rumbelow as my tour guide. Rumbelow is a former City of London policeman, a crime historian, and a recognized authority on Jack.
I was unaware that tabloid journalism made its debut right alongside the brutal Whitechapel murders. You can Google Jack the Ripper, click on images, and see pictures of these newspapers. The birth of this 'new journalism' was a direct result of the 1870 Education Act that was responsible for a drop in illiteracy to a mere 4%. The dense and erudite Victorian broadsides did not appeal to the newly literate clamoring for news of the world around them. Sensationalism and pictures drew the masses to their pages. I was equally amazed at the fact that 96% of the people could read them. The current literacy rate in the United States may be as low as 85% (the US government does not track this statistic).
Who was Jack? That question remains unanswered. The only fact we know is that it is accepted that at least five women were brutally murdered in similar fashion, all of them practiced casual prostitution, and all of them drank. There is a laundry list of candidates who, in some way, fill the bill as the possible killer. Modern writers will select the best known of these, but I learned that the police had at least 100 suspects at the time and the investigation went on long after the killing of Mary Jane Kelly whose body was so mutilated as to make a positive identification impossible.
As an avid reader, when I find myself 'between books,' I will often read an Hourly History that relates to something in which I have a current interest. No matter which one I choose, I find that these snippets of history help to provide context to the subject matter. These quick reads are not meant to provide the definitive word on a subject but rather should be viewed as an introduction to a time and place in history.
June 19, 2020
The book goes into what happened in relation to Jack the Ripper, one of the most famous serial killers who killed at least 5 women in 1888.The victims were of the lower class, generally prostitutes. The book describes the very, very bad living conditions in the area of the murders and how some women had to turn to prostitution to earn money because their husbands left them or something else happened and that was the only alternative they actually had.
The description of the murdered bodies is pretty grim so beware.
No one knows who the Ripper was. It has been determined that whoever it was had knowledge of human anatomy and how to rip a person apart with a knife to remove portions of their body. The book also describes how the newspapers and the early form of tabloids handled the murders.
Just to see how the Ripper compares to American serial killers I checked with Wikipedia. Dealing only with proven murders in the U.S. , In America there were around 230 serial killers that murdered 5 or fewer people. That amounts to about 54% of the total serial killer murders. 48 killers murdered from 11 to 20 people; 9 murdered from 21 to 30 people; 6 killed 31 to 40 people; 1 each kiled from 41 to 50, 51 to 60, and 1 to 70. In a very odd coincidence there were 4 serial killers who each murdered 114 people.
So, although Jack the Ripper is famous he would barely be in the top half of serial killers in America.
The description of the murdered bodies is pretty grim so beware.
No one knows who the Ripper was. It has been determined that whoever it was had knowledge of human anatomy and how to rip a person apart with a knife to remove portions of their body. The book also describes how the newspapers and the early form of tabloids handled the murders.
Just to see how the Ripper compares to American serial killers I checked with Wikipedia. Dealing only with proven murders in the U.S. , In America there were around 230 serial killers that murdered 5 or fewer people. That amounts to about 54% of the total serial killer murders. 48 killers murdered from 11 to 20 people; 9 murdered from 21 to 30 people; 6 killed 31 to 40 people; 1 each kiled from 41 to 50, 51 to 60, and 1 to 70. In a very odd coincidence there were 4 serial killers who each murdered 114 people.
So, although Jack the Ripper is famous he would barely be in the top half of serial killers in America.
November 2, 2019
The Jack the Ripper cases occurred between August and November 1888, and then ceased. Probably one of the reasons for the long-term interest in these cases is the fact that women were savagely killed over 10 weeks and then the killings suddenly ceased. We all know that that is not the way of serial killers; they kill until they are caught or they die. Generally, the crimes took place in the East End of London, in the slums of Whitechapel.
Part of the reason the populace followed the news with such fervor is that the literacy in England was near 96% and a new type of newspaper arrived to feed the interest. It was the tabloid that had lots of sensational information and plenty of photos.
Hourly History was smart and avoided the temptation of putting their two-cents into 'who killed the women?' This is a well-written book about a very famous series of murders without a solution. Great writing.
Part of the reason the populace followed the news with such fervor is that the literacy in England was near 96% and a new type of newspaper arrived to feed the interest. It was the tabloid that had lots of sensational information and plenty of photos.
Hourly History was smart and avoided the temptation of putting their two-cents into 'who killed the women?' This is a well-written book about a very famous series of murders without a solution. Great writing.
February 27, 2022
This is a short piece on the infamous and the incog serial killer, Jack the ripper. I believe every mystery-thriller fan would have come across this name at least once.
This book was a good way to get the facts. The author has done a very good job of keeping the details concise, and devoid of personal commentary on any of the actions of persons involved. As all Hourly History pieces, it lives up to the name of delivering history in an hour (only 42 pages).
My thanks to the Free-book Friday promo of Hourly History which delivers free ebooks (like this one) straight to the inbox.
This book was a good way to get the facts. The author has done a very good job of keeping the details concise, and devoid of personal commentary on any of the actions of persons involved. As all Hourly History pieces, it lives up to the name of delivering history in an hour (only 42 pages).
My thanks to the Free-book Friday promo of Hourly History which delivers free ebooks (like this one) straight to the inbox.
March 24, 2018
Excellent!
What a good book, its not to heavy on irrelevant points and gets straight to it. Having always been interested in jack the ripper I'd seen/read most if this from other places. However you can't create more history to add on so from that point of view I can complain.
I enjoyed reading this book which does a very good job of taking you back to Victorian england an immersing you in the mind of the twisted jack the ripper. Brilliant little read, like all these short history books.
What a good book, its not to heavy on irrelevant points and gets straight to it. Having always been interested in jack the ripper I'd seen/read most if this from other places. However you can't create more history to add on so from that point of view I can complain.
I enjoyed reading this book which does a very good job of taking you back to Victorian england an immersing you in the mind of the twisted jack the ripper. Brilliant little read, like all these short history books.
May 13, 2020
London's 19th-Century Most Gruesome Killer: Jack the Ripper. Well-Written History Sticks to the Facts, Pretty Much Everything Most Everyone wants to know.
Very Quick Read - Just the Facts that are Known and can be Proven, Nothing More. I Got this Title for FREE as a Friday Freebee from Amazon. A little like a High School Research Term Paper. Got this from Amazon Friday Collection of Free eBooks Every Friday between 18 and 20 eBooks are Given Away Completely Free for Me No Cost. Obtained this Title on Friday, May 8th 2020, started reading May 11th 2020.
Very Quick Read - Just the Facts that are Known and can be Proven, Nothing More. I Got this Title for FREE as a Friday Freebee from Amazon. A little like a High School Research Term Paper. Got this from Amazon Friday Collection of Free eBooks Every Friday between 18 and 20 eBooks are Given Away Completely Free for Me No Cost. Obtained this Title on Friday, May 8th 2020, started reading May 11th 2020.
May 8, 2018
Good Overview
This book gives a decent summary of the Ripper murders, and touches briefly on the history, environment, and political situation. It presents a list of the contemporary suspects, as well as some of the modern theories. It doesn't take sides, just lays out the basic facts, making this an excellent source for those work a casual interest or someone just starting to read up on the case.
This book gives a decent summary of the Ripper murders, and touches briefly on the history, environment, and political situation. It presents a list of the contemporary suspects, as well as some of the modern theories. It doesn't take sides, just lays out the basic facts, making this an excellent source for those work a casual interest or someone just starting to read up on the case.
December 6, 2019
Can or will Jack the Ripper ever be discovered?
It’s true, all we really know of the man known as “jack the ripper“ is that he murdered five women (maybe more) who lived in the 1880s in the east end of London.
This hourly history read does not solve the crime and identify “Jack the ripper“, but what it does do is shed some light on the five women that we specifically know about.
Good insight is given.. I found this read most interesting.
It’s true, all we really know of the man known as “jack the ripper“ is that he murdered five women (maybe more) who lived in the 1880s in the east end of London.
This hourly history read does not solve the crime and identify “Jack the ripper“, but what it does do is shed some light on the five women that we specifically know about.
Good insight is given.. I found this read most interesting.
February 8, 2020
Not a Ripping Page Turner
Noting the fact that JTR was never identified or caught, while keeping in mind the hourly history format (length), and non-fiction presentation of content, I was still surprised the pamphlet focused on the victims stories and not so much the police work, their speculations, and the impact the press had in immortalizing this particular butcher. All said, not regretting the read
Noting the fact that JTR was never identified or caught, while keeping in mind the hourly history format (length), and non-fiction presentation of content, I was still surprised the pamphlet focused on the victims stories and not so much the police work, their speculations, and the impact the press had in immortalizing this particular butcher. All said, not regretting the read
March 20, 2018
We have all heard of "Jack the Ripper". This short book (42p) gives a brief summary of each of the murders, and the victims. It then sums up with a list of suspects. But as this all occurred the best part of 130 years ago, we will never truly know who did it. But this book is a great resource to cover the goings on.
February 16, 2020
A quick account of one the most known, horrific and creepily fascinating mysteries of the modern times, the story of the so called Jack the Ripper.
Well written, short and gripping book about a famous series of murders without a solution, in a time where the Newspapers and a new kind of sensationalist journalism were becoming increasingly popular.
Well written, short and gripping book about a famous series of murders without a solution, in a time where the Newspapers and a new kind of sensationalist journalism were becoming increasingly popular.
December 26, 2025
Preparing for a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
It is the holiday period and have a Jack the Ripper walking tour ahead of me. Found a short history book on the Jack The Ripper murders in the East End area to prep me for the evening. Was factual, to the point and concluding on what really is important - not the man himself but what he did to many women during 1888.
It is the holiday period and have a Jack the Ripper walking tour ahead of me. Found a short history book on the Jack The Ripper murders in the East End area to prep me for the evening. Was factual, to the point and concluding on what really is important - not the man himself but what he did to many women during 1888.
August 7, 2018
Jack
I found this documentary very informative. It is so sad how women were treated during that period. Thankfully over time things changed for the better.
Thanks for the hard work. Mississippi
I found this documentary very informative. It is so sad how women were treated during that period. Thankfully over time things changed for the better.
Thanks for the hard work. Mississippi
January 17, 2020
This was a brief well-researched look at famous, heinous crime. I particularly appreciated the focus on the victims of this murderer. The writer is correct to point out that we should be more focused on the women in this story than the identity of their killer.
February 5, 2020
He killed women
The best part of this book was learning about the women this psycho killed. Who cares who he was. Thank you to the author who named talked about the Ripper’s victims. They are the one’s to be remembered!
The best part of this book was learning about the women this psycho killed. Who cares who he was. Thank you to the author who named talked about the Ripper’s victims. They are the one’s to be remembered!
May 14, 2020
Good overview of the Jack the Ripper crime and his victims. I appreciated the backstory on the victims, which isn’t often talked about. The book really needed pictures, in my opinion, to make it great. I had to google pictures at the end of every chapter.
May 9, 2021
Very good book.
I guess almost everyone is curious about the story of Jack the Ripper. After reading this book i never knew that the police actually had that many suspects on their radar, but never solved the case.
I guess almost everyone is curious about the story of Jack the Ripper. After reading this book i never knew that the police actually had that many suspects on their radar, but never solved the case.
August 4, 2021
Jack Ripper is one of the most famous serial killers of all time and this short crisp book is a good documentation of his killings.
The condition of London at that time, his targets, the investigation and press coverage were clearly documented and not in a boring way :)
The condition of London at that time, his targets, the investigation and press coverage were clearly documented and not in a boring way :)
November 6, 2021
Who is Jack the Ripper
This book probably is the most factual of the many written about Jack the Ripper. Although leaving as many (if not more) questions than answers, it certainly offers an insight into these disturbing murders.
This book probably is the most factual of the many written about Jack the Ripper. Although leaving as many (if not more) questions than answers, it certainly offers an insight into these disturbing murders.
December 26, 2021
“My knife’s so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance. Good luck. Yours truly, Jack the Ripper.”
I really enjoyed this short read on Jack The Ripper. I WISH it had been longer!
Perfect for true crime readers.
I really enjoyed this short read on Jack The Ripper. I WISH it had been longer!
Perfect for true crime readers.
April 29, 2018
I am completely blown away by this. I recommend it. Highly.
June 9, 2018
Good book
Good read about the actual women killed. Gives what little we know about 130 years later. Good book for those who like crime history
Good read about the actual women killed. Gives what little we know about 130 years later. Good book for those who like crime history
April 4, 2019
Quick uncluttered summary of the case.
December 10, 2019
I enjoyed how this was written.
Written well. Very matter of fact and to the point. Shorter version of a dreadful period. Thanks for just the facts.
Written well. Very matter of fact and to the point. Shorter version of a dreadful period. Thanks for just the facts.
January 24, 2020
Good read
A very good insight to what life’s struggles were like and the confusion around Jack the Ripper shame it wasnt longer
A very good insight to what life’s struggles were like and the confusion around Jack the Ripper shame it wasnt longer
February 6, 2020
A Good Concise Summary
Covers the environment, victims, and possible perpetrators in a brisk fashion. A good introduction to the topic. Worth the price.
Covers the environment, victims, and possible perpetrators in a brisk fashion. A good introduction to the topic. Worth the price.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews