Cover Image: The Ripper's Hellbroth

The Ripper's Hellbroth

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Member Reviews

*Thanks to Hellbender Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy for my honest review*

This was one of many Jack the Ripper books I've read in my lifetime and it was pretty decent. I really enjoyed the modern take on it and the mystery behind all of it. The book was a little confusing as it flips between present day and the Victorian era but once you get more into the story it isn't as confusing. The plot itself was really good, it was haunting and atmospheric and probably my favorite part of this entire book.

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An interesting mystery written in a simple way. I found that sometimes the author explained things too much and that the characters could have done with more development.

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I liked the premise of this novel, and thought that the idea of a modern day Ripper was an interesting one to explore, but I found myself struggling a bit with the switches in time, from present day to Victorian. It was jarring at times and prevented me from following either part of the story as closely as I would have liked.

Still, the writing is good and the author clearly knows the facts behind the original Ripper case, which made gave this book a solid foundation and made it more interesting to read, I thought. The Watchmaker kept my attention throughout the story and there were quite a few unexpected events in the book that kept me guessing about what was going to happen next.

Overall, I thought this was a brilliant idea, but the execution could have been better if the switches in time period weren't so blunt. Still, a great book for those who enjoy the Ripper or just a good mystery in general.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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I really thought I would enjoy this book, sadly I couldn’t find it to my liking.

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DNF. Sorry. I was given this book from Netgalley for an honest opinion, but I was unable to finish it. The story did not appeal to me and was confusing at times the way it slipped back and forth in the telling. I'm sure it will resonate with others, but just not with me, unfortunately.

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A good story that alternates chapters from the modern day "copycat" Jack the Ripper and the Jack the Ripper murders (quite gruesome) of the past. A serial killer expert called the Watchmaker is brought in to catch the killer. With a fast-paced story and interesting characters, this book held my attention from beginning to end. Well worth the read!

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I've read quite a few Jack The Ripper inspired novels this year, and this one caught my attention because it seemed to be a little bit different. A modern day copy car killer, with a 'cat and mouse game' between the killer and the police. Can the killer be caught before the next victim is taken?

The narrative flips between the present day, and Victorian times - which at times can be quite disorientating, and interrupts the flow of the story. However, I enjoyed the unique perspective of this. If felt like a 'new' ideal, rather than someone merely rehashing the Jack the Ripper story, although I did find myself craving more of the historical story-line.

I found the plot itself quite atmospheric, haunting and well researched - perfect for Halloween, especially (again) the chapters set in the past. It's also tied up completely, with no gaping plot holes (a bugbear of mine).

A decent story, with a more unique plot. Great for this time of year when it's foggy outside. You can almost imagine Jack lurking in the shadows...

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As present day Western New York is plagued by a serial killer seemingly copying Jack the Ripper we also follow his story in Whitechapel of the 1880's. To help with the investigation FBI’s chief scientist Dr. Edward Dunham is brought in.
An interesting story which kept my interest, but only just as the writing style was not quite to my taste.

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Western New York is under-siege from a serial killer who seems to be following in the footsteps of the most famous fiend of them all - Jack the Ripper. The Niagara Falls Serial Killer Task Force calls in none other than the Watchmaker, a detective sleuth par excellence. The Watchmaker, FBI’s chief scientist Dr. Edward Dunham knew at once there was something strange about this killer. When he discovers the fiend's immortal agenda, giving the case its first break in what seemed to be an unsolvable situation, he blows the case wide open with a prediction of where the killer will strike next. They begin their deadly cat and mouse game, then one of the killer’s intended victims, a college sophomore, and her younger brother bestow a gift on the Watchmaker, although, when he locks horns with the killer, Dunham's not prepared for the outcome. All is not lost. The Watchmaker knows his secret, a secret that will haunt him for the rest of his life

My thoughts:
OMG , what a perfect read for October it's creepy, sinister , weird , disturbing ,and very haunting all rolled into one story, a
story that alternates back and forth between the two timelines , the past and present each victim getting us closer to the unknown suspect , it's a different type of twist on the story of Jack the Ripper .It's a must read . Once again think you NetGalley for giving me a chance at read what turned out to be a really great book.

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I was very excited to be granted the opportunity to read this. The blurb was intriguing and I love studying Jack the Ripper. The story is well thought out and full of little details that make you want to reread it once you are finished. There are good bits of flashback and accurate historical information and we well rounded story in modern times to pull it back together.

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Great story on a truly fascinating subject. A quick and easy read.

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The storyline follows the original Jack the Ripper murders of the 19th century as well as the present day investigation of a Jack the Ripper copycat. The story alternates back and forth between the two timelines with each victim getting us closer to the unknown suspect. I actually found the historical investigation more appealing than the present day, that is, until near the end of the book when everything started to tie in together. We learn of a close connection between the murder sprees in each century that involves a bit of a supernatural twist. The author has left us with some unanswered questions that sets a great foundation for a second book.

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Interesting book and theory on the identity of Jack the Ripper. The book is set in the present and the past. I preferred the modern day investigation but it was intriguing to compare the two time frames and what has changed in terms of police forensics. This book has a supernatural element to it that I didn't expect but there are still unexplained mysteries in this world, so who knows? It might be true. Good read.

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A modern day copy cat Jack the Ripper killer in New York. An expert from the FBI comes in to assist. The story jumps back and forth between modern day and the time of the Ripper. An interesting and different story makes for a good read. Thanks to the publisher Sunbury Press for granting my wish on Netgalley

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Dreary, totally without atmosphere, a boring read Not recommended.

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I’ve read a lot of Ripper novels over the years but it’s the cross over here from Whitechapel in 1888 and a modern day serial killer in Niagara Falls New York that makes this one different.

There must have been a lot of suspicion over the years as whether Jack the Ripper had resurfaced or indeed come back to life as it were with copycat killers finding the premise of the original killings too hard to miss.

This is a neatly tied up and researched story into the what ifs, and the flight over the ocean from 1888 to present day was nicely done. It adds a new and nice angle to the original horror story and adds plenty of its own.

A must for those still intrigued by the Rippers’ legacy and who want a further insight into what started back in 1888 and was never solved.

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