Between April and November of 1888, a shadow descended upon the streets of London’s East End. Night workers – predominantly prostitutes – were targeted in a brutal series of murders. Of the dozen reported killings, six bore the chilling signature of a single murderer, who would later become infamously known as Jack the Ripper. This enigmatic killer left a macabre calling card: surgically excising organs from his victims.

Despite numerous theories and alleged familial ties proposed over the decades, the true identity of Jack the Ripper remains elusive. Modern forensics and passionate amateur sleuths have pursued the mystery, but the waters are muddied with myths and hearsay. Can we ever claim to be related to someone whose identity is unknown?

The Ripper’s reign of terror may have been brief, yet its impact lingers on. Copycat killers have emerged over the years, attempting to emulate Jack’s nefarious deeds, but none have matched the intrigue surrounding the original Ripper. Whether this phantom killer was a transient or a local, their identity – and whether they fled England or met their end within its borders – remains one of history’s most compelling enigmas.

Delve into this book and decide for yourself: after journeying through its pages, do you think you’ve come closer to uncovering the truth about Jack the Ripper?