Christine (luvmygem) -
Helpful Score: 11
I've read a majority or Patricia Cornwell's novels - loved some, liked some, not so crazy about some - so I was interested to see how she would address this case with her background. I was not disappointed. This book is well-written, and she uses her forensic and criminal justice knowledge, storytelling skills and talent for research very well. It is written in a methodical and suspenseful way and I was hard-pressed to put it down.
Another reviewer mentioned something similar to this: By the end of this book, the author has me 100% totally convinced that she has indeed solved this infamous mystery. But I later realized that perhaps it was her ability to tell a tale, and perhaps her ability to have the clues point in the direction she wanted them to that made this story so convincable. You WANT to believe she's right, she did such a great job with this book. But a year after it came out I happened across a documentary that convinced me this suspect was NOT Jack The Ripper...
So who knows who's right and who's wrong...I don't think we will ever truly know, but if you're intrigued by this mystery as I always have been, I highly recommend this book. It's a different take, contains a lot of information and was just plain interesting to read.
Another reviewer mentioned something similar to this: By the end of this book, the author has me 100% totally convinced that she has indeed solved this infamous mystery. But I later realized that perhaps it was her ability to tell a tale, and perhaps her ability to have the clues point in the direction she wanted them to that made this story so convincable. You WANT to believe she's right, she did such a great job with this book. But a year after it came out I happened across a documentary that convinced me this suspect was NOT Jack The Ripper...
So who knows who's right and who's wrong...I don't think we will ever truly know, but if you're intrigued by this mystery as I always have been, I highly recommend this book. It's a different take, contains a lot of information and was just plain interesting to read.
Helpful Score: 4
I found the book to be interesting at first, but I lost interest about half-way through. I think it makes an excellent case for Sickert possibly writing some of the Ripper letters, but that is all. I didn't find any of the other evidence to be strong enough for me to conclude that he was definitely the killer.
sevenspiders -
Helpful Score: 3
I have never read any of Patricia Cornwell's mystery books, but if they are as narratively compelling as Portrait of a Killer, they must surely be page-turners. She knows how to characterize a psychopath; how to illustrate a depraved and violent mind. But I'm not convinced that Walter Sickert, 19th century artists and minor celebrity, was such a mind, or that if he was, he was the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her description of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her description of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
Debbie H. (bookmama101) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent book. I love the history surrounding Jack the Ripper and if you do you will love this book too. Ms. Cornwell did an excellent job with her investigative work. I finished with the feeling that she had found out the true identity of Jack the Ripper.
Lissette H. (yolen) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First and only book I've read by this author; i enjoyed it very much. Interesting theories on who Jack the Ripper really was.
Tammy H. (stardust1) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very interesting read on jack the ripper. it presents a very thorough case.
NANCY W. (AZmee) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 65 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
VERY INTERESTING CONCEPT OF WHO JACK THE RIPPER WAS...I READ IT ALL BUT STILL WONDER IF SHE'S RIGHT. WILL THE MYSTERY EVER BE SOLVED?
Lyn K. (girlscoutlyn) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Disappointing if you are looking for a book full of adventure. This book is written like a college dissertation on Jack the Ripper and presents no competing views or theories of the murders.
Patricia C. (le-loup-garou) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put this book down and the intelligent theory does prove who the killer is.
~Le Loup Garou
~Le Loup Garou
Helpful Score: 1
Found this interesting and believable.
Helpful Score: 1
This was possibly one of the worst books I have ever read. Patricia Cornwell should be ashamed of herself for writing this book.
I am not a huge Cornwell fan; I read her book on the Body Farm and found it to be poorly written but not terrible.
This book, on the other hand was a complete disaster. Her writing style is insane. It is almost as if the publisher printed her first draft. She CANNOT keep a train of thought going for more than a page and often jumps to completely unrelated story lines mid-paragraph. This was obviously annoying, but the worst and most irritating part of this book was complete lack of evidence or supporting information.
For someone who is "friends" with Bill Bass, NONE of his pragmatic thinking or unbiased presentation of facts has rubbed off on her at all. She uses Sickert's paintings as proof that he was violent and deranged much the same way the Nazi's used avant-garde art to prove that modern artists were degenerates. Shame on Patricia Cornwell, shame. She makes unsubstantiated accusations throughout the book, uses pieces of 'evidence' that are not even attributed to Sickert OR Jack the Ripper to 'prove' that Sickert was Jack the Ripper. She also used extremely misleading language throughout, but especially in regards to her forensic evidence. The whole book is a sad joke. Her assumptions range from baseless to irritating to inflammatory. Patricia Cornwell should leave the real-life detective work to professionals. All she did with this book was embarrass herself.
I am not a huge Cornwell fan; I read her book on the Body Farm and found it to be poorly written but not terrible.
This book, on the other hand was a complete disaster. Her writing style is insane. It is almost as if the publisher printed her first draft. She CANNOT keep a train of thought going for more than a page and often jumps to completely unrelated story lines mid-paragraph. This was obviously annoying, but the worst and most irritating part of this book was complete lack of evidence or supporting information.
For someone who is "friends" with Bill Bass, NONE of his pragmatic thinking or unbiased presentation of facts has rubbed off on her at all. She uses Sickert's paintings as proof that he was violent and deranged much the same way the Nazi's used avant-garde art to prove that modern artists were degenerates. Shame on Patricia Cornwell, shame. She makes unsubstantiated accusations throughout the book, uses pieces of 'evidence' that are not even attributed to Sickert OR Jack the Ripper to 'prove' that Sickert was Jack the Ripper. She also used extremely misleading language throughout, but especially in regards to her forensic evidence. The whole book is a sad joke. Her assumptions range from baseless to irritating to inflammatory. Patricia Cornwell should leave the real-life detective work to professionals. All she did with this book was embarrass herself.
sevenspiders -
Helpful Score: 1
I have never read any of Patricia Cornwell's mystery books, but if they are as narratively compelling as Portrait of a Killer, they must surely be page-turners. She knows how to characterize a psychopath; how to illustrate a depraved and violent mind. But I'm not convinced that Walter Sickert, 19th century artists and minor celebrity, was such a mind, or that if he was, he was the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her descriptions of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her descriptions of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
sevenspiders -
Helpful Score: 1
I have never read any of Patricia Cornwell's mystery books, but if they are as narratively compelling as Portrait of a Killer, they must surely be page-turners. She knows how to characterize a psychopath; how to illustrate a depraved and violent mind. But I'm not convinced that Walter Sickert, 19th century artists and minor celebrity, was such a mind, or that if he was, he was the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her descriptions of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
Cornwell is clearly meticulous in her research, but here she seems to have been meticulous with a purpose. She concluded that Sickert was the Ripper, and gathered the evidence that supported her theory, giving minimal attention to the evidence that opposes it. Her argument would have been more convincing had she elaborated on how she determined Sickert was the Ripper; what were the steps that lead her to that conclusion? As presented, her epiphany seems like a bolt from the blue.
Cornwell's main pieces of evidence raise many interesting questions about Sickert. He had a deformity due to botched surgery that made him impotent, his artwork is largely misogynistic, many of the Ripper letters were written with artists' tools. All of these things indicate that he may have been a repressed and violent man, but not that he was Jack the Ripper. But Cornwell's case with these points makes fascinating reading. Her more tangible, physical proof is less fascinating. The only point in the book where my eyes began to cross was her descriptions of different watermarks in different 19th century stationary that Sickert and others used. More interestingly, several investigators are trying to get DNA evidence from the envelopes and stamps on the Ripper letters, but again, the most this could prove would be that Sickert (and many other pranksters) liked to bait the police.
Still, Cornwell presents a richly detailed portrayal of a unique and disturbing individual. I had never heard of Sickert before reading Portrait, and I can see how he and his artwork would capture the imagination. Sickert, from Cornwell's research, seems to have been a dark and complicated man. And the London of his time was undeniably a dark and complicated place. It was an intriguing read, and I enjoyed hearing Cornwell's argument although I remain unconvinced.
Julie A. (jjmachshev) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting explanation for Ms. Cornwall's theory on the identity of Jack the Ripper. Well researched, well deducted, and well written.
Jeanne G. (IlliniAlum83) -
Helpful Score: 1
Great research by Cornwell using some of today's forensic methods to try to identify the murderer in the Jack the Ripper killings of the late 1800's in London as well as other murders never attributed to the Ripper. An easy read, just like the great mysteries we can't put down til the wee hours of the morning! She explores the suspects the police of the time brought in, but could never pin anything on. She also delves into the personalities of her suspect's wives which lends credence to how no one ever suspected the renowned artist was the culprit! Lots of info fans of "profiling" will appreciate too.
LC P. (smallorder) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
For more than a hundred years the murders of Jack the Ripper have remained among the world's greatest unsolved crimes, and a wealth of theories have been posited which have pointed the finger at royalty, a barber, a doctor, a woman, and an artist. Using her formidable range of forensic and technical skills, bestselling author Cornwell has applied the rigorous discipline of 21st century police investigation to the extant material, and here presents the hard evidence who the perpetrator really was.
Helpful Score: 1
Intringing breakdown of Jack the Ripper...
Very thorough investigation of the Jack the Ripper case, though I don't think she proves beyond a doubt that her man was Jack the Ripper (and I've since read other material that discounts some of her conclusions). However, it was an interesting read and I like true crime stories so I would recommend it to true crime fans. I've not read any of her fiction books so I can't compare them to this.
Very interesting theory, Much better than the Royal family angle
Sharron A. (sharrona) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 207 more book reviews
Pat Cornwell obviously did a lot of research on this topic, and the writing is up to her usual high standards. However, I just didn't find it as fascinating as she did. By the end I was thinking "Yes, Pat, you're probably right, but who cares?"
Very interesting book!
Kimberly W. (cluelessapple) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 65 more book reviews
great insight to an old crime. well written.
Jamie H. (Jamiebearz) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 34 more book reviews
A very compelling well researched book of the Jack the Ripper killings. I bought this for a Criminal Procedures class I had and it was really helpful.
Scary stuff, but true!
Linda F. (Lflieh2001) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 19 more book reviews
Lots of details about life in London during the late 1800's and a very compelling argument for the identity of Jack the Ripper.
Kelly S. (draw4fun) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 20 more book reviews
Patricia Cornwell wrote this book very well. Normally I don't like true crime but this one kept me reading.
Very detailed and thought provoking - WAS William Sickert Jack the Ripper?
Gayle R. (GRinEncino) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 23 more book reviews
Patricia Cornwell does it again, this time in nonfiction! A great read.........it's hard for me to find an author I like when writing about the victorian era, but she does a great job.
Patricia Cornwell lays out a fascinating, logical answer to one of the great unsolved mysteries: Who is Jack the Ripper?
Linda S. (tchstroo) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 74 more book reviews
An interesting and unusual book.
Taleah G. (swingsistert) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 78 more book reviews
True Crime for those true fans. I had a difficult time getting into this book, but fans of Cornwell may enjoy it!
The book is very clinical in it's writing and is Cornwell's theory on who Jack the Ripper was.
Shanna V. (shanna71) -
Patricia Cornwell is exceptional is her research & perhaps she is right~ case closed. Very very good book.
Judy W. (dellrosie) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 46 more book reviews
Ms. Cornwell certainly makes a good case.
Ray C. (ray441) -
While appreciate the time, effort and money that Ms. Cornwell put into this work. There are several problems with it. 1. The obnoxious title "...Case Closed", as if this is even remotely THE definitive work on the subject. 2. She is dead wrong about who Jack the Ripper was. (John Douglas, the founder of FBI profiling, has stated the exact personality type of the Ripper and it was not at all that of Sickert. John Douglas and other FBI profilers have also stated that this would be a RELATIVELY simple case to solve if it happened today.) 3. As other reviewers have stated, the author starts off with an assumption and builds facts around it. 4. There are lots of better books on Jack the Ripper, two of gthem were written by Paul Begg. 5. And worth mentioning again, the obnoxious title.
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 491 more book reviews
I commend Patricia Cornwell for the effort she put into this book, for the research she funded from her own pocket, and for the new forensic testing she performed on the Ripper letters. She wrote a very good book and for anyone who is fascinated by the enduring mystery that is Jack the Ripper, this is one more book to enjoy.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
Patricia Cornwall, author of the Dr. Kay Scarpetta novels has written her theory of the famous Jack the Ripper and she develops her case with her forensic background. Interesting reading, non-fiction.
Sharon F. (moneygoddess) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 11 more book reviews
I really like Patricia Cornwell books but to be honest, I read the first 50 pages of this book and just couldn't get interested in it.
Allison D. (AleighD) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 97 more book reviews
One of Patricia's best! Never a dull moment!
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 491 more book reviews
I commend Patricia Cornwell for the effort she put into this book, for the research she funded from her own pocket, and for the new forensic testing she performed on the Ripper letters. She wrote a very good book and for anyone who is fascinated by the enduring mystery that is Jack the Ripper, this is one more book to enjoy.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
Tia M. (dsire1luv) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 42 more book reviews
a very good read. patricia is a talent.
Patricia Cornwell certainly knows how to track down facts. She put in untold amounts of research, time and her own money to prove/disprove the guilt of the individual she feels IS Jack The Ripper.
I am a huge Cornwell fan, but did not enjoy this book. I would much rather spend my time reading her fiction works.
If you enjoy any type of historical non-fiction, you should enjoy this. For me, however, I'll stick with non-fiction.
I am a huge Cornwell fan, but did not enjoy this book. I would much rather spend my time reading her fiction works.
If you enjoy any type of historical non-fiction, you should enjoy this. For me, however, I'll stick with non-fiction.
Christy K. (dragonflies) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 66 more book reviews
An excellent book I read on a long flight to London! It'll scare the pants off of you!
This book is good but takes a little longer to read. A lot of research was done for this book and all the information is very interesting.
Marcus W. (SuDongpo) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 37 more book reviews
A case study in obsession. Cornwell apparently spent major amounts of her own money in developing this theory, and in the end, all the evidence boils down to a dislike of the suspect and of his art, and smoke and mirrors. Could she be right? Could this new suspect REALLY be the answer to the riddle of Jack The Ripper? Sure, I suppose it's possible, but until the development of a DNA profile linking him to, at a minimum, the Ripper letters, hang on to your objectivity. We truly seem to be no closer to proving the identity of the Ripper than Scotland Yard was 110 years ago.
Beverly H. (GainesvilleGirl) -
I believe that Patricia Cornwell would not have invested the very large sum of money, and the valuable time it took to research, investigate, and write this book if she didn't feel deep inside of herself she could solve this mystery. She used the most up to date forensic tools possible and was assisted by very knowledgeable people. I read the book, and read it again, and it made more sense to me than any of the other books I have read on the subject, and I have read most of them. Until there is better research done and another person is found who is a better suspect than this one, I'm going to "close the book" on Jack the Ripper. I highly recommend this title to anyone who has followed the story of Jack the Ripper down through the recent years, and who still has a lot of questions about this brutal serial killer of another time.
Excellent Book!! Very hard to put down!
Tisha B. (tishkbob) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 11 more book reviews
Fascinating book, but I found her writing style a bit stilted. Good book, though!
a dreary recitation of an impossibly old tale
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 491 more book reviews
I commend Patricia Cornwell for the effort she put into this book, for the research she funded from her own pocket, and for the new forensic testing she performed on the Ripper letters. She wrote a very good book and for anyone who is fascinated by the enduring mystery that is Jack the Ripper, this is one more book to enjoy.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
However, the book gave me the impression that Cornwell got the cart before the horse. Instead of looking at the facts objectively and formulating a conclusion, she started out with her conclusion (that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper) and ever so gently bent her research to support that conclusion. She made a lot of assumptions, and failed to take seriously the fact that Sickert was out of the country during the time of the Ripper murders. It is true that Sickert was involved, that he did write a lot of Ripper letters, and that he depicted the murders in his art, but those things alone do not make him the killer.
For a more factual and objective look at all things Ripper, including a list of the most popular suspects, I recommend Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Facts. It reads like a history book but is just what it claims to be, a book of pretty dry and unbiased facts. Begg suspects that the killer is a man named Kosminski, but as always, it is up to the reader to decide for themselves.
In all, Cornwell's book is good. It makes you think. It paints an interesting portrait of possibilities. But it is also not quite the 'case closed' argument that it claims to be, in my opinion at least. It's still a great read, and for that I still recommend it.
Auliya B. (auliya) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 141 more book reviews
Well, it made some money, didn't it?
This is a book made to generate income. It worked. As a plausible case for the identification of Jack the Ripper, it's lacking. Of course it is. It's a crime novel. It has to return to the excitement and gut-wrenching details; it can't -- it's not allowed to, in this genre! -- linger too long on the science or the law or the history. It already "errs" in that direction too much to be an effective crime novel. And unfortunately too little to be an effective legal or forensic assessment of the Ripper or of Sickert. I think the author, editors, and publishers -- and all the other media folks who jumped on this bandwagon -- played their game very well. And the rest of us can enjoy the ride, remembering that is an amusement after all.
This is a book made to generate income. It worked. As a plausible case for the identification of Jack the Ripper, it's lacking. Of course it is. It's a crime novel. It has to return to the excitement and gut-wrenching details; it can't -- it's not allowed to, in this genre! -- linger too long on the science or the law or the history. It already "errs" in that direction too much to be an effective crime novel. And unfortunately too little to be an effective legal or forensic assessment of the Ripper or of Sickert. I think the author, editors, and publishers -- and all the other media folks who jumped on this bandwagon -- played their game very well. And the rest of us can enjoy the ride, remembering that is an amusement after all.
Janey H. (IMADiva) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 43 more book reviews
Not your ordinary Patricia Cornwell book. Cornwell used the formidable forensic skills she has accumulated through writing her Kay Scarpetta books and applied them to the evidence to solve the Jack the Ripper case. Interesting reading accompanied by photographs.
MarchiaLuigi reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 29 more book reviews
I was fascinated with Patricia Cornwell's take on this famous unsolved mystery. The amount of research she did was staggering. I would reccommend this if you are at all interested in the Jack the Ripper crime spree.
Patricia Cornwell, crime novelist and forensics expert, takes on the 100+ year old mystery of the identity of Jack the Ripper. Compelling evidence for her theory of whodunit.
Amber H. (ambersunrise) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 12 more book reviews
I couldnt even finish this one. I really wanted to like it but it just couldnt keep my attention.
Julie S. (julesjergen) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 31 more book reviews
Liked the information and appreciated the tedious research that went into this book. Took me a long time to read because it did not flow as a story. It was more like a text book and seem cumbersome at times. Worthwhile if you are a serial killer buff.
This book interested me because many people are
trying to put one and one together and find the ripper
trying to put one and one together and find the ripper
Celeste G. (ynggrlinsac) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 10 more book reviews
I wouldn't say that I would burn the guy she names at the stake. But, it does place doubt in my mind.
Cindy M. (gardeneer) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 8 more book reviews
A great read!! For fans of Patricia Cornwell's fiction, this is somewhat of a departure, but it reads like fiction. I kept having to remind myself this is a researched book. Cornwell makes a very compelling and convincing argument.
A departure for Ms Cornwell. A very interesting read.
Wendy S. (welee) -
This book was totally riveting. She has me convinced of who the killer was. Content is graphic and distrubing.
Susan R. (suzyshadow) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 125 more book reviews
Not her best, but interesting.
Tia M. (dsire1luv) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 42 more book reviews
The book was a good read. Patricia Cornwell brought the killer Jack the Ripper to life.
Tasha H. (SenecaWoman) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 133 more book reviews
Ms. Cornwell takes on the age old quest to discover the identity of Jack the Ripper.
really good
Mary T. (maryrn) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 26 more book reviews
Interesting book. I never knew anything about Jack the Ripper, and now I do. Patricia Cornwell tells a good story and covers all the forensic bases.
Very well researched and using modern technology. Interesting reading
Brittany Q. (notebook-junkie) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 81 more book reviews
Very interesting...I couldn't put it down.
Bobbie L. (nascargal) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 352 more book reviews
This is an interesting book...but has some slow parts. It does give a graphic view of life in the late 1800's in London.
For me, 'Portrait of a Killer' is a fascinating version of the Ripper case. In my opinion, the reading was easy and quite definetly a page turner. I've read it twice.
Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 87 more book reviews
One would have to be fascinated with both true crime and the nuances of forensic science to be interested in this one. Cornwell is good as usual, but the book itself is quite dry unless you are interested in the science behind going into catching Jack the Ripper once and for all. A story, it is not.
I really enjoyed this book. Quite thrilling, had me turning the pages. I don't know very much about Patricia Cornwell or any of her other books, because I am not into horror fiction, but I was interested in the story behind Jack the Ripper, and this book did it for me. The information contained in this book is really interesting and convincing enough to have me believing who she names the killer. Wonderful read!
Sheryl O. (Everett-Reader) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 216 more book reviews
Fascinating research and conclusions on who the "real" Jack the Ripper was. New York Times Bestseller.
Rose R. (left4tx) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 6 more book reviews
Best book on Jack the Ripper case that I have every read. The photos in the book are great.
Chris C. (Cerwin) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 107 more book reviews
Very thought provoking.
Using her formidable range of forensic and technical skill, Patricia Cornwell applies the rigorous discipline of 21st century police investigation to present hard evidence as to the identity of Jack the Ripper
Mary M. (mammamary) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 60 more book reviews
Great investigation and conclusions on the Jack the Ripper case, I couldn't put it down!
I've read a few of Cornwell's Scarpetta books--borrowed from my sister--and thought they were pretty good. The Ripper book was published in 2002. When I heard about it and that Cornwell had spent (by her estimation) $1 million on researching this, I was very interested in reading the book. My sister bought it for me. I read it way back when and thought Cornwell made a decent case for Sickert being the Ripper.
As I'm now downsizing, I am posting most of my books on paperbackswap.com. I found this book tucked away in an end table and decided to reread it before posting. I only got about halfway through and decided to hang it up. What I found most interesting was learning how the folks in the East End lived, how hospitals were places people didn't want to go, etc. Made me thankful that I live in more modern times.
Based on Cornwell's research of Sicket, he sounds like he perhaps wasn't a very pleasant man and rather an odd duck. Cornwell goes into great detail about Sickert's childhood (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and his physical problem that she's certain is probably the root of his behavior. Cornwell's conclusion that Sicket is the Ripper is largely based on speculation--she reads things into his paintings, says it's very possible that Sickert crossed paths with the police as he (Sickert) was leaving the scene of his murders, etc.
Cornwell goes into excruciating detail about the paper used to write the letters (and because Sickert apparently had the same type of paper that he used when writing friends, etc. that is one more piece of "proof" that he's the Ripper). She also talked in great detail about various things (can't recall a specific example) that really added nothing to her claim that Sickert was the Ripper. I wondered if she was including this extraneous information to reach a certain page length or if it was to impress the reader with how thorough she was in her research.
I got up to page 168 (book is 361 pages) where Cornwell is talking about doing DNA testing on envelope flaps and stamps. At this point I decided I was done. I could not continue reading her ad nauseum description of the testing (and after the first round of 55 samples yielded NOTHING, she decided to keep going with further testing).
As I'm now downsizing, I am posting most of my books on paperbackswap.com. I found this book tucked away in an end table and decided to reread it before posting. I only got about halfway through and decided to hang it up. What I found most interesting was learning how the folks in the East End lived, how hospitals were places people didn't want to go, etc. Made me thankful that I live in more modern times.
Based on Cornwell's research of Sicket, he sounds like he perhaps wasn't a very pleasant man and rather an odd duck. Cornwell goes into great detail about Sickert's childhood (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and his physical problem that she's certain is probably the root of his behavior. Cornwell's conclusion that Sicket is the Ripper is largely based on speculation--she reads things into his paintings, says it's very possible that Sickert crossed paths with the police as he (Sickert) was leaving the scene of his murders, etc.
Cornwell goes into excruciating detail about the paper used to write the letters (and because Sickert apparently had the same type of paper that he used when writing friends, etc. that is one more piece of "proof" that he's the Ripper). She also talked in great detail about various things (can't recall a specific example) that really added nothing to her claim that Sickert was the Ripper. I wondered if she was including this extraneous information to reach a certain page length or if it was to impress the reader with how thorough she was in her research.
I got up to page 168 (book is 361 pages) where Cornwell is talking about doing DNA testing on envelope flaps and stamps. At this point I decided I was done. I could not continue reading her ad nauseum description of the testing (and after the first round of 55 samples yielded NOTHING, she decided to keep going with further testing).
Sarra B. (sarradee) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 47 more book reviews
This is a fascinating account of how popular author Patricia Cornwell and her team of forensic scientists discovered the identity of Jack the Ripper by using modern methods to analyze turn of the century evidence.
According to her, Jack wasn't any of the people that have been so publically accused. It wasn't that he was so much smarter than the police (although they did seem to ignore quite a bit of evidence), it was that Jack was so much ahead of his time. The technology simply wasn't available.
I'd heard several negative reviews of this book, which fortunately didn't make my interest lessen because I would have been sorry to have missed it. If you're looking for Scarpetta and Marino, yes, you will be disappointed, this isn't fiction with all the fictional twists and turns. The genre is true crime, and sometimes true crime can be a little tedious compared to a novel, because of all the pesky facts.
According to her, Jack wasn't any of the people that have been so publically accused. It wasn't that he was so much smarter than the police (although they did seem to ignore quite a bit of evidence), it was that Jack was so much ahead of his time. The technology simply wasn't available.
I'd heard several negative reviews of this book, which fortunately didn't make my interest lessen because I would have been sorry to have missed it. If you're looking for Scarpetta and Marino, yes, you will be disappointed, this isn't fiction with all the fictional twists and turns. The genre is true crime, and sometimes true crime can be a little tedious compared to a novel, because of all the pesky facts.
Not the biggest fan of Patricia Cornwell but she did put a lot of research into this book. Cornwell enables the reader to become absorbed in the history of the time of Jack the Ripper.
Fascinating study of the killer, with actual photo crime scene photos.
Angel D. (megashorty) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 9 more book reviews
very long and drawn out.
Leonore P. (Grizabella) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 63 more book reviews
Interesting and convincing. Cornwall believes she has discovered the identity of Jack the Ripper. This updated version contains lots of photographs.
Jessica E. (sicaelliott) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 68 more book reviews
This book freaked me out, but I couldn't stop reading it. It was so interesting but also very scary in that it lets you see a piece of the serial killer's mind... I am now watching my back all the time!
This book was very interesting and starling in may ways. It was shocking that modern forensics could be found on envelopes and stamps that are over one hundred years old. If you are a fan of the CSI programs or just interested in the Jack the Ripper, murders this book is a good read. Highly recommend of loves of mysteries.
Truely Fascinating..
James A. (vonJunzt) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 53 more book reviews
Enthralling . . .
Kay P. (kay246) - , reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 91 more book reviews
Factual but interesting A little gruesome with details of the killings. I wouldn't let my teen read this might give them nightmares.
Candace G. (Ogre) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 1568 more book reviews
America's #1 bestselling crime writer solves the case that has baffled experts for more than a century.
For over 100 years the Jack the Ripper murders have remained among the world's greatest unsolved crimes, and theories have been posited which point the finger at royalty, a barber, a doctor, a woman, and an artist. Using her formidable range of forensic and technical skills, bestselling author Patricia Cornwell has applied the rigorous discipline of twenty-first-century police investigation to the extant material, and here unmasks the killer.
For over 100 years the Jack the Ripper murders have remained among the world's greatest unsolved crimes, and theories have been posited which point the finger at royalty, a barber, a doctor, a woman, and an artist. Using her formidable range of forensic and technical skills, bestselling author Patricia Cornwell has applied the rigorous discipline of twenty-first-century police investigation to the extant material, and here unmasks the killer.
Good read, alot of historical info
Patricia Cornwell solves the Jack the Ripper case.
Kim M. (kimann71) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 15 more book reviews
Great Book!
Kelly O. (KellyWilloughby) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 204 more book reviews
Good read on subject
Jeri Lynn W. (JeriLynn1962) - , reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 3 more book reviews
Very convincing evidence that Patricia Cornwell has, indeed, identified Jack the Ripper.
Great read if you like a little research thrown in to your storyline.
Great read if you like a little research thrown in to your storyline.
Jane N. (ramya) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 13 more book reviews
"America's #1 bestselling crime writer solves the case that has baffled experts for more than a century." -- publisher's blurb
Kelly M. (boxerx2) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 62 more book reviews
This is the editon with the DNA in it.
Amelia W. (whiteaker) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 4 more book reviews
A convincing forensic investigation into the Jack the Ripper Case. Well written and gives evidence that supports the theory of who Jack the Ripper actually is.
i must be one of the few
i did not like this book at all
blahblahblah is kind of how it went in my head
i love cornwell
i commend her effort
but she should stick to what she knows....
i did not like this book at all
blahblahblah is kind of how it went in my head
i love cornwell
i commend her effort
but she should stick to what she knows....
DiAnna F. (bestamor) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 33 more book reviews
Very detailed research on author's part. She did her homework and makes her case while teaching the reader what life was like for people in that era. Scary to think Jack the Ripper was never caught, may have been a famous artist and may have lived until 1942.
evidentiary speculation as to jack-the-ripper's identity (and life)
absorbing and convincing.
Dixie E. (dixied) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 19 more book reviews
very interesting read
Patricia Cornwell did a great job setting up the case for Jack the Ripper. I have always loved the logic she uses when setting things up.
Claudia B. (ClaudiaB) reviewed Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper -- Case Closed on + 9 more book reviews
the book is missing the jacket.
