From Publishers Weekly
"I knew the identity of a murderer and couldn't possibly avert my gaze," declares bestselling author and Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine chairman of the board Cornwell (The Last Precinct). Claiming to have cracked the unsolved case of Jack the Ripper, the author, combining superb investigative skills and meticulous research with modern technology, presents strong, albeit largely circumstantial, evidence as to the true culprit in this uncharacteristic work of nonfiction. Cornwell's man is the handsome, educated actor-cum-artist Walter Richard Sickert, and she delves into his life, probing the psychological pain and sexual deformity which led to his "impotent fury." Screen, stage and TV actress Burton's splendid, professional narration deserves much of the credit for the book's smooth translation to abridged audio format. Transporting listeners to 19th century England, Burton easily transitions between American and English accents, bringing an authentic, resonating flavor to the era and to the desperate lives of London's "unfortunates" who became the killer's prey. Despite some tedious and over-detailed readings of medical records, laws and police reports, as well as descriptive accounts of Cornwell's experiences re-opening the case, this audiobook turns potentially dry material into an enthralling exploration.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Can truth be stranger than Cornwell's fiction? Here, the best-selling novelist claims to uncover the identity of Jack the Ripper. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
The creator of crime-solving Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta takes a detour in this nonfiction offering to argue that real-life artist Walter Sickert was England's Jack the Ripper. Using new technology, Cornwall says the Ripper's writings match those of the British actor turned painter. Even DNA samples of the spit on the Ripper's postage stamps mirror Sickert's. While no one will ever know for sure, Kate Reading's narration helps punctuate the author's argument. She speaks with such authority that one is convinced by the second chapter. Nonetheless, one wants to hear every point Cornwall makes. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Booklist
This is one of the most talked about books of the currentpublishing season; if you have not heard about it yet, you have notbeen keeping up with book news! Cornwell, author of the popular KayScarpetta mystery series, turns her hand here to nonfiction to explorea subject that recently has thoroughly riveted her attention: noneother than the ultimate in unsolved serial murder cases, that of Jackthe Ripper. Readers will remember that the Ripper plunged London'sEast End into abject terror for a few months in 1888, during whichtime he brutally murdered several prostitutes. Cornwell applied moderninvestigative and forensic techniques to answer the question of theRipper's identity, hardly leaving a single stone unturned in gatheringevidence, which she presents in this absolutely absorbing book. Whowas Jack the Ripper, then? Cornwell points her finger at Impressionistpainter Walter Richard Sickert, and her indictment rests on, amongother things, DNA testing and matching watermarks on envelopes. Sheadeptly sets the whole horrifying story within the tenor of life inVictorian England, and the result is a well-constructed, endlesslyfascinating account that is sure not only to arouse debate but also togenerate considerable demand in the library. Brad Hooper
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