Naming Jack the Ripper

by Russell Edwards
Naming Jack the Ripper cover
Good Books rating 2.83
True Crime
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2827
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781493090082
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2024-10-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In Naming Jack the Ripper, Russell Edwards, a businessman with a passion for nineteenth-century London's social history, takes on the challenge of solving one of history's most enduring mysteries. Using a bloodstained shawl found at the crime scene of one of the Ripper's victims, Edwards employs modern forensic techniques to extract DNA and identify the killer. This book delves into the police reports, eyewitness accounts, and post-mortems to provide a comprehensive analysis of the case, offering conclusive answers to many of the long-standing questions surrounding the Ripper's identity and motives. /n/n Edwards' investigation is not just about solving a historical crime; it's a journey through the gritty streets of Whitechapel, exploring the lives of the victims and the societal conditions that allowed such horrors to occur. With the help of scientists and historians, Edwards pieces together a compelling narrative that finally puts to rest the speculation and theories that have persisted for over a century.

Reviews
JMWW Blog · Bill Hughes · 2016-08-12
positive 3.50

The book is a good summer read, well-written and researched, but somewhat self-indulgent with too much focus on the author.

Bill Hughes finds the book to be a good summer read, praising its engaging writing style and thorough research. However, he notes that the book sometimes feels self-indulgent, with too much focus on the author's personal experiences and opinions. Hughes appreciates the effort and detail that went into the book but feels that the excessive focus on the author detracts from the overall narrative. Despite this, he acknowledges that the book is well-written and entertaining, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the Jack the Ripper case.

Quick quotes

    It is, however, a darn good summer read, well written and researched, but in places a little too chatty about the author himself.

    The book is engaging and well-written, but the excessive focus on the author detracts from the overall narrative.

    A worthwhile read for those interested in the Jack the Ripper case.

Spooky Isles · 2014-09-14
mixed 3.00

The book is an enjoyable read with a compelling narrative, but it fails to definitively prove the author's claims about Jack the Ripper's identity.

The reviewer finds the book to be an enjoyable read, praising the way Edwards tells his story and the engaging narrative style. However, they are critical of the book's failure to definitively prove the author's claims about Jack the Ripper's identity. The reviewer appreciates the effort and research that went into the book but feels that it ultimately falls short of providing conclusive evidence. They suggest that while the book is entertaining and well-written, it does not live up to its bold claims.

Quick quotes

    For this review, I'm mostly concerned with the way Edwards tells his tale, if the book is an enjoyable read and whether he comes across as convincing.

    The book is an enjoyable read, but it fails to definitively prove the author's claims.

    It is well-written and researched, but in places a little too chatty about the author himself.

Whitechapel Jack · 2014-01-01
skeptical 2.00

The reviewer felt disappointed by the claim of solving the Jack the Ripper case, finding the evidence unconvincing. They critique the book's sensationalism over factual rigor.

The reviewer was initially disappointed by the claim that the Jack the Ripper case had been solved, as they found the evidence presented in the book unconvincing. They argue that the book leans heavily into sensationalism rather than providing solid, factual evidence. The reviewer also expresses skepticism about the methodology used, questioning whether it truly solves the mystery or just adds another layer to the speculation. Overall, they feel the book is more about the author's personal journey than a definitive solution to one of history's most infamous crimes.

Quick quotes

    My first feeling when I saw the news in September 2014 about Russell Edwards 'solving' the Jack the Ripper case was a sick sense of disappointment.

    The book is more about the author's personal journey than a definitive solution to one of history's most infamous crimes.

    The evidence presented feels more like speculation than a conclusive solution.

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