There are numerous books about Jack the Ripper and his identity remains a mystery. Neil Norman presents a compelling case for Charles Lechmere as the perpetrator. As with most compelling cases, we’ll probably never know the truth, but if you enjoy true crime or Ripper books, this is a must. It’s well written in that the scene is set well with detail of the area, the times, the police and the social climate. There’s good context to the victims as well. So often secondary to Ripper stories, the reader can place the victims from the detail given. The author also explores other possible victims and the investigation. Looking back, the police action was woeful but the benefit of hindsight has done little to resolve the mystery. I like this book for the social context and the sympathetic treatment of the victims. There are insights into many aspects of the case and food for thought. A fascinating series of photos at the end, including one of Lechmere and some interesting pictures of the Whitechapel area. An extensive index, bibliography and other source material is food for further reading. Fascinating and well argued.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early review copy.

A must read if you are a fan of true crime and especially a fan of all the mystery involving what has to be one of the biggest true crime stories in the world: Jack the Ripper.
A very interesting view on the victims, possible suspects and according to the author the true identity of the ripper.