Portrait of a Killer

by Patricia Cornwell
Portrait of a Killer cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Technical:
  • ID: 875
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
intriguing 3.50

The book provides a gripping and well-researched account of the Jack the Ripper case, offering fresh insights and theories. However, some readers may find the pacing slow and the writing style dense.

Portrait of a Killer dives deep into the infamous Jack the Ripper case, presenting a meticulously researched and compelling narrative. The author's unique perspective and fresh theories make it a standout among true crime books. However, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, and the writing style may be too dense for casual readers. The book's strength lies in its detailed analysis and the way it challenges conventional wisdom about the case. While it's not a quick read, those with a keen interest in true crime will find it rewarding.

Quick quotes

    The author's theories are fascinating and well-supported

    The pacing is slow, and the writing can be dense

    A must-read for true crime enthusiasts

publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
intriguing 3.50

The book provides a fascinating and well-researched look into the life and crimes of Jack the Ripper, offering a fresh perspective on the infamous case. The narrative is engaging, but some aspects of the investigation feel speculative.

Portrait of a Killer delves deep into the Jack the Ripper case, presenting a compelling narrative that blends historical facts with investigative theories. The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make the book a captivating read for true crime enthusiasts. However, some of the conclusions drawn about the killer's identity and motives feel somewhat speculative, which may leave readers questioning the validity of certain claims. Overall, the book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known case, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make the book a captivating read for true crime enthusiasts.

    However, some of the conclusions drawn about the killer's identity and motives feel somewhat speculative.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known case, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2002-12-15
critical 2.00

Patricia Cornwell's 'Portrait of a Killer' attempts to solve the Jack the Ripper case by accusing painter Walter Sickert, but her arguments are marred by a lack of thorough research and an overreliance on personal biases. The book is more of a prosecution than an investigation, and its conclusions are unlikely to persuade experts in the field.

Patricia Cornwell's 'Portrait of a Killer' is a bold attempt to solve the Jack the Ripper mystery by accusing the post-Impressionist painter Walter Sickert. While Cornwell brings a keen investigative mind and forensic expertise to the case, her arguments are undermined by a lack of thorough research and an overreliance on personal biases. The book is more of a prosecution than an investigation, and it fails to adequately address why Sickert should be considered the prime suspect over other candidates. Cornwell's assertions are based on her personal dislike of Sickert's appearance and the subject matter of his paintings, rather than on solid evidence. Furthermore, she ignores established research and makes significant errors, such as assuming Sickert could not have seen mortuary photographs of the victims when, in fact, they were published in a popular crime book in France before he created his works. Overall, the book is unlikely to persuade experts in the field and is more of a speculative prosecution than a credible investigation.

Quick quotes

    Cornwell also brings an array of less fortunate characteristics to the Ripper case. First among these is a conviction that whatever unsupported conjectures she chooses to aggressively put forward carry the same weight as proven facts.

    Her belief that the efforts of all Ripperologists before her have been misguided is unsettling, too.

    The latter notion is, at least, not quite as psychologically projective a bit of detective work as is the former.

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