L.A. Maldonado is the voice behind the new short horror novel entitled “The Ripper”. It is a fast-paced story filled with interesting characters and an enemy that cannot be destroyed by conventional means. Based on the historic events surrounding the murders of Jack the Ripper, Maldonado uses a mixture of fiction and fact to grab the attention of the reader. Even though his story is fictional, the actions of Jack the Ripper are part of a reality that still baffles the world.
The areas of London that saw the murders of Jack the Ripper occur have become great tourist attractions and the locals have no problem implementing these into their businesses, especially pubs and restaurants. But all of a sudden a murder occurs, more specifically, the type of murder Jack the Ripper would’ve done. Chelsea, a well-known writer and “Ripperologist” knew this would happen and even though she is in America at the time of the killing, she tries to stop it.
When Chelsea was a student at college she was the victim of a horrific attack, which she barely survived and it left her face scarred forever. Her father is Matthew Reid, a private detective in London and a descendent of the detective who initially investigated the original Ripper murders. As the copycat murders occur they are both drawn into the dangerous situation. Thanks to her visions, Chelsea cannot avoid her involvement. As for Matthew, he is approached by a local newspaper in search of a sensational story while providing substantial compensation.
Unfortunately they aren’t dealing with just another copycat killer. Instead they face an entity that is much more powerful and a lot more deadly. As their conclusions reach the reality of the situation their fear to survive becomes greater than their passion to simply catch a serial killer.
Maldonado doesn’t waste any time getting into the story. Within the first chapter readers are introduced to a gruesome murder in true Ripper style. However, he is careful not to divulge too much information. At one point you think you are in the mind of the killer, but instead you find yourself more puzzled. Like mentioned before, the story is fast-paced in the sense that Maldonado places great emphasis on the characters instead of the surroundings. He provides just enough detail for the reader to know where the story is taking place and the rest is left for the characters.
Several stories from different characters were used to add some variety and they all have some kind of connection with the Ripper, whether it’s reading the books from childhood or it’s part of their occupation. The complex relationship between Chelsea and Matthew is also brought under the microscope, especially their difficulty with coming to terms regarding her attack. The attacker was never brought to justice and Matthew’s determination to catch him places a distance between him and his daughter.
Overall Maldonado shows great control over the way the story plays out and he does a great job when it comes to the emotions of the killer. Even though the motive is hard to grasp, the satisfaction and experience is very graphic. There are more than enough bone chilling descriptions to make you lose your appetite, in other words, Maldonado justifies the place “The Ripper” takes in the horror genre. It’s very entertaining and for Jack the Ripper fans this is a definite must read.
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
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