Thank you Brandy Purdy for sending me an autographed copy in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis: It begins as a fairytale romance–a shipboard meeting in 1880 between vivacious Southern belle Florence Chandler and handsome English cotton broker James Maybrick. Courtship and a lavish wedding soon follow, and the couple settles into an affluent Liverpool suburb.
From the first, their marriage is doomed by lies. Florie, hardly the heiress her scheming mother portrayed, is treated as an outsider by fashionable English society. James’s secrets are infinitely darker–he has a mistress, an arsenic addiction, and a vicious temper. But Florie has no inkling of her husband’s depravity until she discovers his diary–And in it a litany of bloody deeds…
As in her newest book The Secrets of Lizzie Borden, Brandy Purdy combines fact with fiction in The Ripper’s Wife, and spins a twisted tale of murder and mayhem.
There have been many theories regarding the true identity of Jack the Ripper over the years. In 1992, James Maybrick’s supposed diary was “discovered” by Michael Barrett, an unemployed Liverpool scrap metal dealer. He originally claimed that it was given to him by a friend, although later on that story changed. In 1993 it was published as The Diary of Jack the Ripper. While his name isn’t mentioned, there are enough references in the diary which refer to what is known about Maybrick’s life that it’s seemingly apparent that it belonged to him. Included in the journal are passages detailing the slayings of the five victims of the Ripper. From the beginning the diary was the subject of controversy with many calling it a hoax. However many people vigorously defend it and insist it’s genuine.
This is what Brandy Purdy bases her story on, and what unfolds is a horrifying portrait of two people who never should have gotten married. I have to be honest and say no one in this novel is likable, which for me made the story a little difficult to get into. Florie is a naive, flighty southern belle who is extremely immature even considering she’s only nineteen. While the book’s synopsis describes James Maybrick as handsome, in actuality he was a portly man who was twenty-three years older than Florie. They had absolutely nothing in common and to be perfectly honest I didn’t understand the attraction. But, as in real life, in the book these two mismatched souls do wind up tying the knot, and in doing so doom themselves to a life of misery and heartbreak.
It’s after their bucolic honeymoon that Florie discovers James is not only a hypochondriac and drug addict, but that he’s also an abusive misogynist. It’s at this point I began to sympathize with Florie. While I’m still unsure of her reasons for marrying this relative stranger, she seemed to genuinely love him. She certainly didn’t expect to be not only rebuffed by English society, but physically and emotionally abused by her husband. Even worse, she has absolutely no one she can turn to for help. It’s really no wonder that after discovering James’s numerous affairs, that she also sought solace outside their marriage. About midway through the book Florie’s chapters start alternating with James’s as he details not only the murders, but also the events leading up to them. Through them you see how a mind unravels from years of drug abuse until it’s twisted into something truly evil. The story keeps going long after James’s death, following the trial and conviction of Florie, as well as her life after her eventual release from prison, up until her death in 1941. While these years are filled with trauma and pain there are some happier moments and at the time of her death, Florie seems to finally be at peace with herself.
The Ripper’s Wife is not an easy read. Some of the passages detailing the abuse that Florie suffers are truly horrifying. Even worse are the chapters that detail James’s/Jack’s crimes. The author doesn’t pull any punches regarding language, deviant sexual acts, and the actual murders themselves. I actually had to take some breaks from reading because of the dark and depressing nature of the story, but this didn’t make it any less compelling. While this is only the second book I’ve read by Brandy Purdy, it’s obvious to me that she’s a meticulous historical researcher and has the ability to turn unlikable characters like Florie and Lizzie Borden into ones you can emphasize with, and it’s made me want to catch up with the rest of her books.
Lelia T said:
I think I’m going to have to take a serious look at Brandy Purdy’s books, thanks to your reviews 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! You just made my day Lelia!😊
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Brandy Purdy said:
Thanks so much for your review. I know it’s a dark, difficult book and not for everyone and I appreciate such a honest, detailed review. I hope you will enjoy my other work as well. Best Wishes, Brandy Purdy
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re welcome Brandy! I think it’s the mark of a good book, when the reader is still thinking about it days after they’ve read it.
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fragilemuse said:
Well written review. Thanks!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank You!
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vinnieh said:
Excellently written Kim. This book sounds like the definition of chilling.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Vinnie! I’m new to Brandy Purdy’ s work but she’s already becoming my new favorite author when it comes to historical fiction. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I’ll take a note of her name. On another note, big news on my site. I’ve uploaded my last bum post for the time being to focus more on movies and television.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re too funny!😊😊
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vinnieh said:
Well I’ve been known to be a cheeky chap.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
And a very punny one too!
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vinnieh said:
I can live with that.
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The Telltale Mind said:
I think my wife will love this. Loves Jack the Ripper (though not in that way). She even read From Hell which I didn’t think she would do.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If she liked From Hell I think she’ll definitely like this.😊
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Heena Rathore P. said:
OMG! I’m reading The Secrets Of Lizzie Borden and I think I’m becoming obbsessed with Lizzie Borden. I’m seriously falling in love with Brandy Purdy’s writing and, being a crime enthusiast as I am, I simply cannot miss this book. I mean, after reading 1 book by her I’m practically going insane, so can’t even imagine what will happen to me after I read this one. See, now I’m rambling… lol.
I guess I can already see her becoming my idol. And this will be insane!
Sometimes my family gets scared seeing my notes on murderers and sadistic killers. They think I’m a psycho in the making. But I can’t help it as it is my calling, can I!? I’m a crime writer after all. Hehe…
Again the rambling. God these things make me so happy and excited… I’m going to get this one ASAP!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hahaha! I’m so glad you’re liking Lizzie Heena. I’m actually going to be interviewing Brandy in March so I’m quite excited! She’s definitely become one of my favorite historical fiction writers. I like how her characters aren’t perfect, yet somehow you wind up caring about them anyway. That’s so funny about your family! But as you said, you do write crime fiction. 😊😊
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Heena Rathore P. said:
Me too… and, to tell you the truth, I’ve never been interested in Historical Fiction, but Crime, well that’s another story 😉
And wow! You’re interviewing her!!! Great! I’ll look out for your interview post next month 🙂
True… perks of having a writer in the family! lol!
Have a great day dear!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Have you heard of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series? That’s another fantastic Historical Fiction/mystery series. If you’re interested the first book is Silent In the Grave. The opening paragraph is to die for! Sorry Heena. I couldn’t resist!
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Heena Rathore P. said:
Nope. I have no clue as I’m not into Historical books. But I completely trust your reccomendations and I’m adding this book to my TBR pile for this year itself…
You kidding! Sorry for recommending a book? You’re killing me now! THANKS a ton for your reccomendations, Kim. I’m always eager to learn about new authors and you know the best of them!
BTW, I bought Girl With All The Gifts. Will be reading it this month itself. I’ll let you know about it when I’ll be done reading it. Thanks for recording that one too. (God, I’m seriously over using this word now and it’s starting to sound funny now. Lol!)
Oh and yea, I had a chat with Brandy Purdy (she is so sweet!) and I’ve received The Ripper’s wife… Can’t wait to read it!
Have a great day dear!!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome. I do go a bit crazy with recommendations. I really liked The Girl With All the Gifts so I can’t wait to hear what you think Heena! Brandy is wonderful isn’t she? I’m really looking forward to interviewing her.
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Heena Rathore P. said:
Me too! I’ll try and finish my current read ASAP and get to it right away.
And even I’m looking forward to your interview post. Can’t wait! 😀
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Heena Rathore P. said:
Forgot to say what I actually meant to say… thanks for the amazing review Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re welcome Heena. I’m so glad you liked it!
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Heena Rathore P. said:
😀
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