The Complete Jack the Ripper - Donald Rumbelow 1975 *****

Rather sadistically, I am very interested in Jack the Ripper and the reign of terror cast over the East End of London in the late 19th Century. It seems to me that if anything could be called 'a perfect murder' then this whole ghastly business could.
Rumbelow has created a wonderfully intricate and fascinating book detailing all the murders in their goriest and gruesome sense. He describes the eyewitness accounts (of which there are only few) and the reaction to the crimes as witnessed by the police and Whitechapel community.
He also delves into the history of the area, the former lives of the victims, and the subsequent downfall of the Scotland Yard force when they shamelessly destroy vital evidence that would've helped the investigation immensely.
Most of all, the author reveals which of the victims he firmly believes is NOT a Ripper victim, and the reasons why.
An excellent book, well thought out, exceedingly well documented and painstakingly researched.
A must read.

Started 20th October
Finished 25th October

Piccadilly Jim - PG Wodehouse 1917 ****

 

Remarkably clever Wodehouse where a young man sets up a scam (only because a gorgeous woman has caught his eye of course!) in which he pretends to be himself, leading to rather complicated story!

Years ago, James Crocker writes a scathing review of some love poetry submitted to his newspaper by a beautiful redhead named Ann. By chance, he bumps into her again on his way to visit his aunt and uncle overseas, but cannot reveal his true identity to her once she begins to slate his character. Instead, he names himself Bayliss after his butler back home.

At the same time Ann who coincidentally is working for his aunt and uncle, is devising a plan where the aunt's spoilt grandson Ogden is to be kidnapped and sent off to a health farm to shape up. Meeting this charming man seems to her an ideal opportunity to carry out her plan, and she enlists James (rather amusingly) to pretend to be James Crocker in order to get rid of the boy.

Confused? Yes, you will be, but do persevere, because as usual, Wodehouse makes it all worthwhile in the end (and also extremely funny!).

 

Started 5th October

Finished 13th October