Book Review: The Case of the Ripper's Revenge

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Case of the Ripper's Revenge     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Sam McCarver
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Supernatural
Series: John Darnell # 4
Signet, Nov 2001, $5.99, 212 pp.

In the summer of 1917, London is not swinging with the war against the Kaiser in full bloom. However, if that is not enough to keep one sleepless in London, the murdering of prostitutes will. These killings cause a panic as much of the city wonders if Jack is back after a three decade absence.

Scotland Yard is baffled as the evidence point to the return of the Ripper thought to be dead since ‘88. The police turn to Professor John Darnell, renowned for his abilities to find the human factor in seemingly supernatural crime cases. John and his wife Penny accompanied by Scotland Yard methodically investigate the murders that strike very close in modus operandi to playwright George Bernard Shaw’s "Pygmalion". Bringing GBS into the inquiries, John sets in motion a plan to catch what he believes is a human copy cat killer.

Though a bit more grounded and grittier than its delightful predecessors, the fourth Darnell novel, THE CASE OF THE RIPPER’S REVENGE, is a superb historical mystery. The story line centers on John’s investigation while enabling the audience a glimpse at GBS, a real person intricate to the plot. John remains an engaging detective and his support cast provides light on his persona. Fans of early twentieth century who-done-its will enjoy this novel and the other books in Sam McCarver’s strong series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner