I would not be spoiling it for you if I said that Cornwell believes the Ripper to be a Mr. Walter Sickert; that little detail she discloses in the first few pages. It is from that point on that the forensic specialist and crime investigator begins her analysis. Cornwell’s experience is clearly evident as she walks the reader through all aspects of the case. From the history of stationery and fine papers on the one hand to molecular biology on the other, Cornwell puts together a convincing case against Sikert – an artist who lived well into the 20th century. While it is unfortunate that Cornwell sometimes wanders off into less than relevant material, the book maintains its structure very well. The reader is led, one by one, through the various gruesome murders that took place – few details are left out. The author even provides various archival snapshots of the bodies, the famous letters, and even pictures of Sickert himself. All in all, it provides for a compelling read, one that is all the more chilling because it really happened.

Is Cornwell right about Sickert? I think so. Her argument is intelligent, restrained, and well substantiated with undeniable evidence linking the man to the crimes. The only mistake I made, was that I should have read the accounts and investigations published prior to Cornwell’s. In a sense, I feel like I have jumped to the end of a movie that everybody has enjoyed. In fact, I finished the book wondering why it had taken so long to find the killer in the first place.

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About Patrick Parnaby
Patrick Parnaby is currently completing his Ph.D. in Sociology at McMaster University in Hamilton. His current research includes Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and the sociology of deviance. E-mail Patrick at patrick@mycaledon.com

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