Ripper

Unsolved mysteries are always intriguing and the sensationalized serial killer Jack the Ripper is no different.  Stefan Petrucha created a new twist in the historical fiction/steampunk novel, Ripper.  Carver Young is adopted by ex-Pinkerton detective, Harking at the age of 14 and soon becomes entangled in the  pursuit of Jack the Ripper who has surfaced in New York City where the cops are almost as criminal as the thieves, taking payoffs and the new Commissioner, Teddy Roosevelt is trying to set the city back on moral footing.  As Carver searches for information about his birth father, he soon realizes that the truth might be harder to handle than his ignorance.

This story is filled with mystery, intrigue, adventure, and some really cool steampunk gadgets that help Carver throughout the story.  I definitely enjoyed this mystery because it was very fast-paced and I’ll be honest, I definitely did not see the ending coming… it didn’t necessarily come out of nowhere, but it was  great twist that caught me by surprise!  This would make a great read for older middle school students and high school readers – especially those intrigued by shows such as CSI, Castle, Law & Order and others of the criminal intent.

For more information about the author, check out his website, but I will warn you that it seems to be under construction right now.

Title: Ripper
Author: Stefan Petrucha
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date: 2012
Page Number: 426 pgs.