Scan barcode
mad_about_books's review
5.0
The publication of the paperback edition of 13 MILLER'S COURT was set to coincide with the 130th anniversary of the murder of Mary Jane Kelly. It is a most unusual telling in that two authors wrote books about this time in London's history so deadly to women. THE PROSTITUTE'S PRICE is Mary Jane's own story as envisioned by Alan M. Clark. THE ASSASSIN'S COIN sits alongside but tells the story of another woman on the periphery of Mary Jane's death. The combination of the two books, alternating the chapters, has produced a book of chilling synergy.
Anyone who knows anything about Victorian London, in 1888, knows about Jack, but little is known about the women he killed except for inquest testimony and newspaper articles. These women had fallen down on their luck, but they were human beings, each with her own story. The other notable thing about London during this time period was a fascination with the occult. Mediums were everywhere, and many people in the middle and upper classes wanted to commune with their dead. The combination of these elements makes for a powerful read.
13 MILLER'S COURT is not crime fiction, nor is it speculation on the identity of the murderer. It is, rather, a masterpiece of historical fiction. This is a book written about women, and for women, as well as for men who want to understand the plight of women in that world. It is unfortunate that history has relegated the five canonic victims to being fallen women as if they had no other life.
Few books are as well written as this, this sixth book in the Jack the Ripper Victims series. Remember, the emphasis here is on the victims.
Anyone who knows anything about Victorian London, in 1888, knows about Jack, but little is known about the women he killed except for inquest testimony and newspaper articles. These women had fallen down on their luck, but they were human beings, each with her own story. The other notable thing about London during this time period was a fascination with the occult. Mediums were everywhere, and many people in the middle and upper classes wanted to commune with their dead. The combination of these elements makes for a powerful read.
13 MILLER'S COURT is not crime fiction, nor is it speculation on the identity of the murderer. It is, rather, a masterpiece of historical fiction. This is a book written about women, and for women, as well as for men who want to understand the plight of women in that world. It is unfortunate that history has relegated the five canonic victims to being fallen women as if they had no other life.
Few books are as well written as this, this sixth book in the Jack the Ripper Victims series. Remember, the emphasis here is on the victims.
More...