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Who was Jack the Ripper? (Paperback)

All the Suspects Revealed

P&S History > British History > Victorian History P&S History > Social History P&S History > True Crime > Jack the Ripper World History > UK & Ireland > England > London

By Richard Charles Cobb, H Division Crime Club
Imprint: Pen & Sword True Crime
Pages: 208
Illustrations: 32 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781399019439
Published: 30th October 2024

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Jack the Ripper is the ultimate cold case. The Whitechapel Murders of 1888 have remained unsolved for over 130 years and hundreds of theories have been suggested as to the killer's identity.

Despite numerous books claiming to unmask the infamous Victorian villain, none have come close …. until now.

The authors of this book are all members of H Division Crime Club, the world's largest body of experts on the Jack the Ripper murders.

They have all come together for the first time in history to deliver their own personal research into each suspect and to finally nail down the identity of the man known as Jack the Ripper.

Taking the original police reports, eye witness accounts and research by the world's leading authorities into account, we ask two crucial questions:

Who did the police suspect at the time?

Who was in the area to commit the murders?

Using 21st century profiling techniques, it is time to reveal the truth behind the men most likely to have been Jack the Ripper.

With each chapter discussing a separate suspect in detail, this book is the ultimate guide to solving the world's greatest murder mystery.

It was well laid out and flowed in an easy to understand chronological order. Each chapter was written on an individual suspect by a different member of the crime club. The different styles make it more dynamic and makes what could be a dry subject interesting. The addition of topical pictures and drawings from the time add a further dimension to complete and interesting read. For all those interested in Jack The Ripper this is a good addition to your collection.

Read the full review here

For the Love of Books

Some would call this the British version of the JFK assassination, a crime we will probably never find the answer to. This book was always going to full of murder and mischief. Having read a number of coldcase books and certainly some about Jack the Ripper, I didn’t really expect to get much from this book. But I was pleasantly surprised, this was a very in depth and written with great knowledge and detail. This book is broken down into individual chapters with each one looking at the main suspects but each chapter also asks particular questions with regards about each possible suspect. I also think that it helps with each chapter being written by a different person, all of whom seem to be very good with an excellent knowledge as this is their passion. Having read a number of these types of books I would fully recommend it to others, especially those who are into their crime and punishment or conspiracy theory books. A good sold 4.5 out 5 stars.

UK Historian

Each chapter is well written and presents evidence behind the theories exceptionally well.

Read the full review here

The Borgia Bull

This was a very interesting take on the Jack the Ripper case.

NetGalley, Lori McAlister

This was an interesting take on perhaps the most famous unknown murderer in history. It was intriguing to hear some different points of views and theories from a selection of knowledgeable people... an enjoyable read.

NetGalley, Christine Wallace

Jack the Ripper is one of the most intriguing true crime cases in history due to the brutality of the crimes and the fact that we still don't know who was behind them. As such, I've joined millions of others in reading several books about the Ripper. I've even gone on the Jack the Ripper tour in London and visited the murder sites. All of this preamble is to say that I have a lot of knowledge about this case and a strong interest in it.

This book gives the floor to many writers/true crime buffs who specialize in Jack the Ripper. They each look at a different suspect and give their reasoning for why that particular person was the killer. This was definitely an interesting approach to yet another Jack the Ripper book. It worked better in some sections than others. Overall, this is a good addition to any true crime or Jack the Ripper enthusiast's library.

NetGalley, April A. Taylor

This book, written by various members of the H Division Crime club mentions some names you may know of if you’re familiar with Jack the Ripper and the suspects, but also some names you may not expect or some you’ve never heard of before. Each person gives fantastic reasons into why they believe that particular person to be who they think the Ripper is, and my goodness, this book is so well researched. The authors of each chapter are most definitely passionate about discovering who Jack the Ripper was, and I most definitely admire that! Each chapter is very much well written and also quite convincing! I myself am personally unsure as to who I believe the Ripper to be, and this book if anything made me think even more about it. It definitely made me question some of my beliefs about Jack the Ripper, but also provided me with plenty of new information. If you’re interested in Jack the Ripper, or are even a Ripperologist, I’d suggest giving this book a good read!

Read the full review here

Life and Tea Blog

"I’ve always been reluctant to read another book on Jack the Ripper but this was not just another Ripper book. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in late Victorian crime and social history."

Dr Peter Moore retired FME, Police History Society

"I am sure that given the range of authors that have contributed to this work that it will have a place on the shelves of many Ripperologists."

Police History Society

The pool of Ripper suspects is large and murky. While it’s doubtful you’ll find an answer posed by the book’s title, Who Was Jack the Ripper? gives a good overview of some of the less sensational suspects, and for newcomers to the Ripper case this book is a good primer.

Read the full review here

Saucy Jacky

Having read many books on Jack the Ripper I was eager to read this one and was not disappointed. I found it well written and researched and the debates about the various suspects were extremely interesting. Truly one of histories great crime mysteries.

NetGalley, Shelly Myers

Several authors taking on the case of Jack the Ripper. Presenting their theories what might have happened not only with the widely known victims but also with some murders believed to be potential victims. I found this a well written, very entertaining and fascinating book. Sadly, I don't think we ever will know the true identity of the real Ripper.

NetGalley, Alex K

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love true crime books. It fascinates me knowing what has happened in Britain! Was a great read 5*****

NetGalley, Michelle Griffiths

I'm pretty keen on anything to do with the Victorian era, so Jack the Ripper has certainly been an area of interest for me for a while. I've read lots of accounts of the murders themselves, discussion about which of London's Victorian murders can actually be attributed to Jack the Ripper, thoughts on why the murders stopped and countless speculation on the reliability of various clues and accounts. This book takes a slightly different slant, instead focusing on the many men who have been named as suspects... Ultimately, this book just seems to prove that Jack the Ripper is an unsolveable case, albeit a fascinating one. There is (on current evidence) no way of knowing the truth, but at least books like this add to the discussion and are an engaging read for true crime fans.

NetGalley, Kate Baty

I know what you are thinking, another book on Jack the Ripper. This one is different. It is written by H Division Crime Club, which consists of retired detectives, researchers, arm chair detectives and rippologists. The book actually surprised me. They had very compelling reasons why they that they knew who Jack the Ripper was. I am fascinated by these murders. One doesn't really think serial murders could have happened back in Victoria England, yet it did. For Jack the Ripper to remain unknown going on 130 years, makes you wonder if he will be ever identified.

NetGalley, Monica Cruthis

Who was Jack the Ripper? touches upon a subject that a lot of us are eager to find out more about. The book itself is entertaining and it definitely goes in depth where are books lack. I believe that true crime fans will eat this book up and will be wanting more.

NetGalley, Kitty Verduin

I really enjoyed this book and read it over a few days, reading about a few of the potential suspects each night and I loved being able to dip in and out.

I have read an awful lot of books on the subject of Jack the Ripper as it does fascinate me, and I will be honest that whilst the blurb did intrigue me, I did think that it would most likely be a re-telling of things I have read before and I was so impressed to find it was much more than I had expected!

I really enjoyed the way that the book has been written with the different author’s being able to showcase the different suspects. I liked that the writing styles were different and it made for a really interesting read too to see how the different experts were able to put forward their views on who “Jack” was.

This for me is a must read for any fans of Jack the Ripper and the mystery and intrigue that surrounds this character – it is 4 stars from me for this one highly recommended and I thought it was a great read!

NetGalley, Donna Maguire

Who was Jack the Ripper? Is written by members of H Division Crime Club. These are a group of people who have each became experts on the murders and each have his or her own theory as to who committed the gruesome murders of 1888 by the man who become known to the world as Jack the Ripper. In each chapter the authors present the reader with evidence and reasons why they think their suspect was Jack the Ripper.

I did find this book well researched and interesting...I think the book would make excellent introduction read to Jack the Ripper suspects,to newcomers to the subject.

NetGalley, S Ballinger

The essays themselves are a variable lot. All are well written and enjoyable (if that can be said of the sometimes graphic descriptions of the crimes themselves). The stark reality of existence for the poorer classes in London (especially women without the protection of a family) is a red thread throughout the essays and the authors don't mince words.

I would recommend that readers not try to binge read the book, since the variable voices and information loading were sometimes overwhelming. (I kept having to look up which of the historical players was which).

Especially for historical true-crime aficionados, these essays will make a diverting read. (Spoiler alert, this is a treatise of 11 identified possible culprits, there are no eye-searing 100% incontrovertible denouements presented here).

Very enjoyable. Four stars.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

The story of Jack the Ripper is one of those that still resonates with us even all these years later because there was never any clear idea of who was actually the famous serial killer. Whether or not we ever get to a point where we can definitely find out who knows but this book does introduce some new names into the hat along with some well known suspects and for each person there is an in-depth analysis using modern methods to explain why they may be the killer. There are a lot of interesting new facts in here along with some we already know but it’s a fascinating read for any fan or would be armchair detective.

NetGalley, Tracey Shults

Interesting to look into some of the men who could have been Jack the Ripper and what motives they may have had. Getting to know the victims better helped to see why Jack the Ripper would have chosen them.

NetGalley, Julie Rhinehart

Who was Jack the Ripper? is a interesting take on Jack the Ripper murders. This is truly a fascinating book and well written.

NetGalley, Heather Bennett

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was an interesting book, as it was written by H Division Crime Club and examined multiple theories on who Jack the Ripper was. While no definitive answer was determined, I learned a lot of little known facts and enjoyed how the writing style allowed the reader to determine what to believe as the authors didn't try to influence you as to how to think.

NetGalley, Cristie Underwood

If you thought you knew who Jack the Ripper was, think again. This collection of articles from a wide-ranging group of 'Ripperologists' known as H Division Crime Club puts forward arguments for a dozen different lesser-known suspects.

Some arguments were more convincing than others, but most were plausible to some degree. It has definitely made me want to read more about these characters including Joseph Barnett, Mary Jane Kelly's on-off lover, and Robert Mann, a mortuary assistant in Whitechapel. If you are interested in the Jack the Ripper case but have only heard about the main suspects such as Walter Sickert, then give this a read. We'll probably never know the truth, but books like this are fascinating for true crime buffs.

NetGalley, Gayle Noble

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Who was Jack the Ripper by The H Division Crime Club had me intrigued from the moment I started reading.

The book is a collection of essays written by Ripperologists debating and putting forward their evidence as to who they think did these awful crimes in Whitechapel in 1888. I enjoyed the book due to the essays being in different writing styles because of the various Authors. The evidence is given in a well researched and thought out way.

It did make me think more in line with one of 2 of the suspects in the book. Its the ever elusive mystery that Im sure will still be questioned even 150 years later.

NetGalley, Hazel Thomson

The story of Jack the Ripper is one of those that still resonates with us even all these years later because there was never any clear idea of who was actually the famous serial killer. Whether or not we ever get to a point where we can definitely find out who knows but this book does introduce some new names into the hat along with some well known suspects and for each person there is an in-depth analysis using modern methods to explain why they may be the killer. There are a lot of interesting new facts in here along with some we already know but it’s a fascinating read for any fan or would be armchair detective.

NetGalley, Lindsay Adams-Riley

It's written by a group of members of H Division Crime Club. They are a group of experts who've studied the man they call Jack the Ripper for several years. The group have found lots of information to support their theories. There is an in-depth look into the chosen suspects.

NetGalley, Louise Wilson

This book was super interesting. I love all things JACK THE RIPPER so I knew going in that I would enjoy this book. Written by the members of H Division Crime Club. A group of ripperologists that have studied the case for years, they take us through the list of victims. The canonical five that everyone is familiar with and six other potential victims. As well as a list of potential suspects. Each author presents their argument in various ways and using various techniques such as profiling. Some arguments were stronger than others, and some parts came across a bit dry, but overall, this was a fascinating read and I'd recommend it for any reader curious about these murders.

NetGalley, Eve Recinella

It really impressed me in ways I had not expected of it. It felt like a new approach to the subject that was more about letting the reader determine for themselves instead of peddling and pushing some far-fetched theory...
The part I liked the best about this book was that it does not try to sell you one suspect over the others - instead it argues the case of 11(12) suspects and lets you as the reader decide which one you find the most plausible.

NetGalley, Maja Hansen

The book is written by the members of H Division Crime Club, a group of experts who have researched and studied every aspect of the subject for decades. The book is unique as each chapter is written by a different member presenting us his #1 suspect, his hypothesis and possible connections to one or more of the victims or to the area itself along with reference to written accounts, statements or files from the time. Many members have even debunked other suspects to support their theories, which provides a different perspective. The book has used the latest profiling techniques, which was a really nice touch.

The theories put forward by each expert were informative and interesting. Though absorbing all the information in one go is a daunting task and readers are advised to read this book in short sessions to take in the most of it. This theory is based on extensive research and though some of them may feel improbable, all of them are based on hard facts.

Overall, Who was Jack the Ripper? is an incredibly well-researched and detailed look at the 11 most probable suspects. This book gives the reader an in-depth look at the murders and the possible suspects. Even after 130 years, we are no closer to finding out who Jack The Ripper really was but the book gives the readers a chance to play the detective.

NetGalley, Sumit RK

This is an interesting look at some of the well-known and in some cases lesser-known suspects with possibles motives and links to the crimes that were committed. What I found most interesting about this book was the different authors of the essays refuting one another. One would come up with their best candidate, and another would then provide a reason why the first candidate could not possibly have been the murderer.

This book gives the reader a multidimensional view of the crime scenes, the murders, the victims and the possible suspects, so it is informative and thought-provoking in ways that a lot of Ripper books fail to be. It allows you to feel like you are more involved in the events.

NetGalley, Ionia Froment

WHO WAS JACK THE RIPPER? is incredibly well-researched, and while it is not for everyone, it is a must read for ripperology fans.

NetGalley, Stina Smith

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jack the Ripper is one of my all-time favourite cold cases and you can guarantee that if a new book comes out, I will be reading it!

I think the members of the H Division Crime Club did a fantastic job on this book. You can actually feel the passion coming off of each well written and expertly researched page. The members of this group have rounded up so much information to support each of their theories that one read just isn’t enough. This will become a book that I reference back to over and over again.

Who is Jack the Ripper is one of the best books I have read on the Whitechapel Murders and I can’t wait to add a hard copy to my collection. This is a must-buy for any true crime fan for sure!

I truly hope that this group continue to look at other unique cases and collect their theories. I know they already have a magazine that I absolutely have to subscribe to but I would love more books from them as well.

NetGalley, Vanessa Jury

Great concept for the book. I liked that it was well written and thought out. I liked the differing opinions offered

Highly recommend.

NetGalley, Maria Martignetti

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book! I especially liked the fact that each chapter was written by a different member of the H Division Crime Club with a different possible identity for JtR. It was very well researched and well written. Each successive chapter introduced a plausible answer to the rippers identity and possible motive. It was well worth a second reading and I highly recommend it to fans of true crimes genre.

NetGalley, Carol Mason

Super interesting. If you're interested in crime investigations, and even if these have a good dose of mystery, if you're aware of and interested in Jack the Ripper's story, this is a book I recommend. I find it super interesting, not only because of the story itself, but also because of the environment in which it all happened.

NetGalley, Rebeca Nuñez

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I'm a huge conspiracy theorists, so reading this book was spot on. It's well written and researched. I love the new theories of Who Was Jack The Ripper? Was it a he or she?

NetGalley, Tomas Garcia

This book is written by the members of H Division Crime Club who are a group of experts who have studied Jack the Ripper for years... It is also undoubtably well written and well researched,
In this book each expert puts forward his argument and offers supporting evidence for their theory as to the identity of Jack the Ripper, I found the arguments very interesting, the book is long and as such is very through in its approach.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a very thorough and well written book. Many interesting theories with detailed information that I had not read about before.
I highly recommend this book as it provides hands down the best information on the Ripper mystery.

NetGalley, Karen Kenyon

A great overview of all the current theories for who Jack the Ripper was - enjoyable and easy read, and covered some new stuff that I hadn't seen anywhere else.

NetGalley, Donna Wilson

Million Dollar Question!!...........Who was Jack the Ripper?

Who was Jack the Ripper? by H Division Crime Club is a great book for all Jack The Ripper fans out there.
This book is written by the members of H Division Crime Club, they are a group of experts who have studied everything about the Great person himself! Jack The Ripper.
They take you back to have a closer look at Victorian London with detailed accounts of the Whitechapel Murders of 1888. This book is full of facts and will have you thinking who was Jack The Ripper.

But, who was he? Hmmmmmmmm

I wonder if we ever find out who he or she was?

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

This was a well-researched book, I always enjoyed Jack the Ripper books and this one brought some new things to the table and kept it interesting.

NetGalley, Kay McLeer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to read more by this group of authors.

NetGalley, Kate Church

For lovers of true crime, and especially those with a bit of knowledge about Jack the Ripper (JtR), "Who was Jack the Ripper" is a fascinating look at this infamous series of crimes. With the presentation of multiple suspects, JtR is broken down and viewed from so many angles it will leave you spinning.

What I found most intriguing about this book is the look at the culture of London at that time. It was a different world than what we live in now. I am left with these questions: Can our modern day definition of a "serial killer" really be used to solve a crime from over 130 years ago? Will we ever really know who JtR was?

NetGalley, Amanda Arkans

A detailed account of the Whitechapel Murders of 1888, focusing on its victims and twelve possible suspects.

Written by the members of H Division Crime Club, a group of experts on the subject, who not only give us a closer look at the setting (Victorian London) but also provide us with as many facts as possible to support each of their suspects.

A great book for fans of Jack the Ripper!

NetGalley, Carmen L

About Richard Charles Cobb

Richard C Cobb is regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel murders. He is a true crime author and founder of The Dagger Club which gathers together experts and historians in the field of true crime for research projects, social occasions, conferences and events. Richard also runs award-winning tours in and around London, focusing on Jack the Ripper, the Kray twins and the cultural history of Spitalfields and Brick Lane. Originally from Ireland, he now lives in London.


About H Division Crime Club

H Division Crime Club is the world’s largest organisation for the study of Jack the Ripper and true crime. They have members world wide and host talks, events, presentations and guided walks.
H Division also hosts the largest annual True Crime Conference in the UK and raises money for charity foundations.

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