A DECADE IN THE MAKING.

Archives, Books, Deeming, Research, Ripper Non-Fiction, Stephenson Family No Comments »

Ten years ago I embarked on a project to chart the connections between the “Jack the Ripper” case and my hometown of Kingston upon Hull, or Hull as it is often referred to.  I started out with a single suspect, Robert D’Onston Stephenson, and embarked on planning, researching and writing “Jack the Ripper – From Hell, From Hull.” 

 

As time progressed my tally of suspects increased, from one, to fourteen!  I also carried out research into the contemporary newspaper articles published in the Hull press between 1888 and 1988, uncovering two giant folders of research. 

 

So, when it came to writing the book I could no longer fit all the research into one volume, and one volume became two, two became four, and today the current tally stands at

The newspaper reports I had uncovered went into a single volume, however, as the volume was so large they were split into two volumes, resulting in the release of;

 

“Jack the Ripper” – Newspapers from Hull Vol I, which covers the year 1888

 

and

 

“Jack the Ripper” – Newspapers from Hull Vol II, which covers 1889 – 1988

 

The material also gave me enough information to write;

 

Leather Apron, “Jack the Ripper” and the Whitechapel Murders of 1888

 

I had also been researching the local connection between Michael Maybrick and Florence Maybrick in Hull.  The research from that project went into;

 

“Jack the Ripper” and the Maybrick Family

 

Researching the case also gave me lots of information on each victim, I was particularly interested in three non canonical victims, but in researching one I came across a wealth of material that made it into;  

 

Annie Chapman – Wife, Mother, Victim

 

Finally I also had enough material on Frederick Bailey Deeming to give him and his criminal deeds a book of their own.  This resulted in the release of;

 

Frederick Bailey Deeming – “Jack the Ripper” or Something Worse?

 

“Jack the Ripper” From Hell, From Hull? Was growing so much now that it spawned another spin off,

 

“Jack the Ripper” – The Black Magic Myth, about the life, career, reputation and suspect candidacy of Robert D’Onston Stephenson.  It was a book that started out a decade ago, working with a pen and paper at our old house in East Hull, and which has finally been completed for publication. 

 

But wait…….

 

There are still two more “Jack the Ripper” titles on the way.  As mentioned earlier the suspect tally with links to my hometown was 14!  With that in mind the next two releases will be;

 

“Jack the Ripper” The Hull Connection,

 

And

 

Edwin Brough, Scalby Manor and the Hunt for “Jack the Ripper.”  

 

Finally a decade on I can safely say that “Jack the Ripper” The Black Magic Myth is complete and finally the life of Robert D’Onston Stephenson can be recorded. 

 

Thank you to everyone who helped out, especially Howard Brown for his foreword. 

 

Thank you to Miika and the Creativia Team, and thank you to my family for their support. 

 

All the books are available now on Amazon as either kindle or paperback editions.

UPDDATES FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS

Archives, Books, E-Books, Events, Hull Press, Libraries, Movies, National Press, Podcast, Research, Ripper Fiction, Ripper Non-Fiction, TV/Documentaries, bloggs 1 Comment »

Well it has been one hell of a year.  I seem to have not written much on the blog at all this year, but believe me it is for a very good reason.  I have been so busy not just with “Jack the Ripper” but other projects that I rarely get to sit and update my blog.  So here, in one post, is all the weird and wonderful news since my last posting.  Forgive me if I go over the same ground again, but the projects are so exciting and it is fantastic to be a part of them all.

 

LONDON LECTURE

 

This week I had the pleasure of lecturing for a massive marketing company in London at Mindshare’s Huddle event. 

 

http://www.mindshareworld.com/uk/about/huddle

 

https://twitter.com/mindshare_uk

 

Massive thank you to Chris Bourke, for not only booking me, but making me feel very welcome at the event.  The lecture which was for Qriously Ltd, looked at “Jack the Ripper” and the media both past and present and was a very popular lecture.  Everyone made me feel very welcome and I had a lovely time in London meeting everyone.  

 

https://www.qriously.com/

 

https://twitter.com/qriously

 

BOOKS

 

This year has seen the release of ten of my books, they are all available to download via Amazon, and two are currently available on paperback.  Simply search for “Mike Covell” on the Amazon pages around the world and you will find the products. 

At the moment sales are really impressive and I cannot thank the Creativia gang for taking me on board and looking after me and my titles.  They are such a small tight nit group and they have worked wonders for me. 

 

http://www.creativia.org/

 

https://www.facebook.com/ctivia

 

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-s-Jack-Ripper-expert-Mike-Covell-storms/story-21328013-detail/story.html

 

MOVIES

 

As you can imagine I am limited in what I can say about the movies at present, I know I am a tease, but I can only recommend that you visit the Thunderball Films website for updates on the projects that I am involved in.  It is a very exciting time, and I look forward to working on some amazing projects as an historical director and executive producer that are heading our way.   

 

http://www.thunderballfilms.com/

 

https://twitter.com/ThunderBallFilm

 

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hollywood-buys-script-real-life-Victorian-crime/story-20940257-detail/story.html

 

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-expert-Mike-Covell-star-Mischa-Barton/story-20761947-detail/story.html

 

TV SHOW

 

I can confirm that there is a television show on the way looking at the “Jack the Ripper” case and other similar cases to ascertain fact from fiction, myth from reality.  Whilst I am very limited over what I can and cannot say, I can say that it is a very interesting and exciting project tackled in a way that has never been tackled before in Ripperology.  The title for the show is “Jack the Ripper: Reality and Myth.”

 

http://www.thunderballfilms.com/

 

https://twitter.com/ThunderBallFilm

 

TOURS

 

Many people will remember that earlier this year I set up AMAZING HULL TOURS.  Since that time I had carried out numerous tours, lectures, and research for numerous people.  The tours are going really well and recently were featured in the Hull Daily Mail after a number of people caught anomalous objects on camera.  I take a back seat and allow people to take photos on the tour and if they capture anything on film I do not sway their opinion.  That said, this last few weeks has seen a number of people capture unexplained activity on their cameras. 

 

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Graveyard-ghost-Does-photo-capture-spooky-spirit/story-24024138-detail/story.html

 

PODCAST

 

Earlier this year I met with my good mate John and we recorded a show on Jack the Ripper – The Hull Connection.  Since then John and I have recorded more shows that look at the history of Hull.  Show two featured a virtual walk around Hull’s Old Town, visiting some of the allegedly haunted pubs and talking about their history. 
Show three featured a similar virtual tour around some of the pubs a little further afield.

To listen to the shows simply visit:

 

http://www.johninstein.webs.com/urban-legends

 

https://www.facebook.com/Urbanlegendhull

 

https://twitter.com/ULPodcast

 

HULL’S DARK MUSEUM

 

Earlier this year I teamed up with local businessman John Hemmingway to create a brand new visitor attraction in Hull.  The idea is to showcase 700 years of the darker side of Hull’s strange history, from witchcraft to the hanging of pirates, ghost sightings, local legends and true crime.  The project is moving at a great pace and I look forward to releasing news about this very soon.  One area we hope to showcase is “Jack the Ripper” The Hull Connection.

https://twitter.com/HullDarkHistory

 

https://www.facebook.com/HullDarkHistoryMuseum

 

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Death-murder-disease-New-Hull-dungeon-museum/story-20513987-detail/story.html

 

FUTURE PROJECTS

 

I am very pleased to announce that due to the popularity of the URBAN LEGENDS podcasts that next year for the second season we have even bigger plans.  Watch out for John and I around Hull filming in locations associated with true crime, Jack the Ripper, and the paranormal. 

I am pleased to be the historian at the fascinating project housed within Annison’s Stables, on Witham, above and behind the 24 hour pharmacy.  A lot of attention has been paid to this building and its magnificent history and in the future you will see some amazing tours, lectures, and the occasional paranormal investigation at the property.  You will also see lectures on Mary Jane Langley being given at the property where Mr. William Mortimer Edmonds had his photography shop!

The “Chocolate Factory” on Wincolmlee, a lovely 19th century tallow mill will also see some magnificent projects taking place there.  These will be run in conjunction with local businessman John Hemmingway, who I spoke about in regards to the DARK MUSEUM above.

 

2015 will see a wide range of new lectures and new tours, taking in aspects of Hull’s history long since forgotten.  Among the new lectures will be a new Amy Johnson lecture, a new William Papper lecture, and a new lecture on Hull’s infamous Silver Hatchet Gang of the early 19th century.

 

New Books!!!  Next year will see the release of a series of new books that will explore the darker side of Hull’s history.  The series is all but finished and they will be submitted just after Christmas for a steady release through the year.  It will mean a year of no “Jack the Ripper” releases from me, but I am saving the new “Jack the Ripper” projects for 2016.

 

LECTURES

 

The AMAZING HULL TOURS lectures have had a very busy year and bookings are coming well into 2015 with a lecture booked for December next year!  All bookings for both tours and lectures can be made through AMAZING HULL TOURS at the following;

 

http://www.amazinghulltours.co.uk/

 

https://www.facebook.com/amazinghulltours

 

 https://twitter.com/AMAZINGHULLTOUR

 

Or via emailing us at amazinghulltours@hotmail.com

 

 

Mike’s Book Releases

Books 1 Comment »

Last week I published 6 books but with other projects going on I did not have the time to mention them or their availability.  Three of these books are Ripper related:

Jack the Ripper: Newspapers From Hull Vol 1:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Newspapers-From-Volume-ebook/dp/B00IYV0QJM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-1

Jack the Ripper: Newspapers From Hull Vol 2:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Newspapers-From-Volume-ebook/dp/B00IYV204G/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-5

Leather Apron, Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel Murders:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leather-Apron-Ripper-Whitechapel-Murders-ebook/dp/B00IYYA428/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-6

The Caughey Street Murder:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caughey-Street-Murder-Mike-Covell-ebook/dp/B00IYP45YA/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-4

The Marfleet Murder Mystery:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marfleet-Murder-Mystery-Mike-Covell-ebook/dp/B00IYPN2GC/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-2

John Ellerthorpe: The Hero of the Humber:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Ellerthorpe-The-Hero-Humber-ebook/dp/B00IYOUG2Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395050455&sr=1-3

At the moment all six are available on Kindle, but as the week progresses all should be ready on paperback too.

My Amazon Authors Page:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mike-Covell/e/B00IYV2ZGY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

A Study in Red – The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper

Books, E-Books, Events, Movies 3 Comments »

In the past few weeks I have been busying myself with writing, AMAZING HULL TOURS, working on material for the HULL DARK MUSEUM, and working on some history for Hull’s new LAND TRAIN.  Add to this mixture a series of tours and lectures and it has been a very busy time indeed. 

On Friday evening, as I was getting ready to go out on a tour I received an email from Brian L Porter.  Brian, as many of my blog readers will know, is the author of the Jack the Ripper trilogy, A Study in Red – The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper, Legacy of the Ripper, and Requiem for the Ripper. 

At the time of the release of the first book I read it and posted reviews online on various websites.  With the second book Brian would email me asking for the occasional piece of information with regards to the historical aspects of the case.  The same occurred with the third book.

The email on Friday asked me whether I would like to join the Thunderball Films production of A Study in Red – The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper as an historical advisor, I, of course, jumped at the chance. 

What happened next was even more amazing.

Brian asked me if I would be willing to appear in the movie as Inspector Abberline! 

Abberline has appeared onscreen on numerous occasions, notably played by Michael Caine, in the mini-series “Jack the Ripper,” and by Johnny Depp, in the Hughes brother movie “From Hell.”

It is both an honour and a pleasure to play such a character.

I am also pleased to announce that I will be featuring exclusives on the movie, with interviews from the set, as the film progresses.  Watch this space!!

Thunderball Films: http://www.thunderballfilms.com/new2_media.php

A Study in Red – The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper IMDB page: http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1368869/

Almost there….

Books 2 Comments »

Finished and edited
Jack the Ripper and the Black Magic Myth,”

This book looks at the life, adventures, and death of Robert D’Onston Stephenson and his attachment to the “Jack the Ripper” case. Featuring a massive range of primary historical sources from around the world to tackle some of the myths and stories attached to him and his life.

Jack the Ripper, Leather Apron and John Piser,”

This book looks at the “Leather Apron” scares of 1888, includes chapters on John Piser, featuring primary sources, a chapter on all the newspaper reports, and chapters on other possible “Leather Apron’s.”

Jack the Ripper or Worse?

This book looks at the life, crimes, and death of Frederick Bailey Deeming. His connections to the “Jack the Ripper” case are explored, and using a wide range of primary sources from across the globe tackles the myths associated with him.

Jack the Ripper - Newspaper’s From Hull vol I,”

This book looks at the Hull press and how they covered the Whitechapel Murders in 1888. It features articles from the available Hull newspapers, primary sources, plus a look at earlier scares, the Hull press and how they communicated with London, and the Hull police of 1888.

Jack the Ripper - Newspaper’s From Hull vol 2,”

This book looks at the Hull press and how they covered the Whitechapel Murders from 1889 - 1988. Featuring hundreds of reports, primary sources, and local and national scares.

Jack the Ripper Victim or Not - Martha Tabram,

This book explores Martha Tabram, and features newspaper reports, official files, and other material on her life and death.

now to edit

Jack the Ripper and the Maybrick Family,”

This book looks at James, Florence, and Michael Maybrick and their connection to the “Jack the Ripper” case using locally published sources. It also uncovers a tangible link between Whitechapel, the Maybrick family, and Hull! Just a couple of newspaper articles to transcribe and it is completed.

Jack the Ripper - The Hull Connection,”

This book looks at 12 suspects with links to Hull, their connection to the “Jack the Ripper” case and a wide range of historical primary sources published locally.

Jack the Ripper Victim or Not - Emma Smith,”

This book explores Emma Smith, and features newspaper reports, official files, and other material on her life and death.

When completed they will be submitted.

Also completed
The Caughey Street Murder,”

Looks at an unsolved local murder mystery from 1871 that involved the brother of a “Jack the Ripper” suspect. Features newspaper reports from around the world, primary sources, and a full reprint of a very rare 1871 booklet produced on the murder that was thought lost.
The book also includes an A-Z of the people and places in the case.

The Marfleet Murder,”

Looks at an unsolved local murder mystery from 1891 that involved the a “Jack the Ripper” suspect. Features newspaper reports from around the world, primary sources, and contemporary sketches of the case.
The book also includes an A-Z of the people and places in the case.

John Ellerthorpe - The Hero of the Humber.”

A book on the man that was John Ellerthorpe, also known as The Hero of the Humber. The book features newspaper reports from around the world, primary sources, and a re-print of a contemporary booklet produced on the man.

All books are fully referenced, with extensive references and bibliography’s throughout. They are also packed with photos, sketches, maps and primary sources.

I also recently completed
Paranormal Hull - The Haunted Inns and Hostelries,”

This book looks at the allegedly haunted public houses in Hull, their histories, stories attached to them, myths and legends. Packed with historical primary sources, maps, photos, and much much more.

Paranormal Hull - The Press Perspective,”

A collection of hundreds of newspaper reports and primary sources regarding local ghosts and hauntings from 1800 - 1012.

Paranormal Hull - The Paranormal Files,”

A number of topics are covered that have some link to the paranormal or another. All of them occurred locally and their origins and subsequent stories about them are covered, investigated, and explored using primary historical sources.

Paranormal Hull - The UFO Files,”

A book of local UFO sightings from 1800 - 2012. Featuring eye witness accounts, photos, maps, newspaper reports and official files gleaned from local and national archival sources.

Paranormal Hull - The Cryptozoology Files,”

A collection of stories from 1800 -2012 on strange animals seen and reported in Hull and surrounding environs. From sea monsters to big cats, giant squid, crazy monkeys, and devil dogs! Packed with contemporary newspaper reports, primary sources, eyewitness accounts, maps and photos.

Still working on “Paranormal Hull - The Ghost Files,” which has grown so much I might have to split it again. The book covers 180+ stories of ghosts and hauntings across Hull, each one presented with an historical/paranormal analysis.

Jack the Ripper - Year in Review 2013

Books, E-Books, Events, Opinion, Ripper Fiction, Ripper Non-Fiction, TV/Documentaries 5 Comments »

Jack the Ripper: Year in Review 2013

Another year has passed, and one that has seen the 125th anniversary of the Jack the Ripper canonical five victims.  We have been hit with a bombardment of books; kindle titles, documentaries, audio books, television shows, and much more, so here is a rundown of what I saw in 2013:

Jack the Kindle reader:

The Kindle has gone from strength to strength and it is not surprising considering the cost of books, ease of downloading, and instant availability.  2013 proved to be a massive year for Jack the Ripper titles on the Kindle, both fact and fiction, and here are just a few of the releases that came out during the year: 

A Tale from Ripper Street: Inspector Edmund Reid’s Hunt for Jack the Ripper, Joseph Busa,

Whitechapel: The Final Stand of Sherlock Holmes (Jack the Ripper), Bernard Schaffer,

Severin: A tale of Jack the Ripper, Simon Webb

Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Casebook, Richard Whittington-Egan

In Search of Jack the Ripper, David Pietras,

The Whitechapel Secret: Who was Jack the Ripper? Martin Loughlin,

The Complete and Essential Jack the Ripper, Paul Begg and John Bennett,

The Crimson Fog, Paul Halter and John Pugmire,

Whitechapel, Ian Porter,

Jack, Jason Williams,

Wellcome to Hell: Was Sir Henry Wellcome Jack the Ripper? Joseph Busa,

The Whitechapel Murders and Mary Jane Kelly, Peter Caldwell,

Scarlet Autumn: Jack the Ripper, Gian J. Quaser

Jack the Ripper: The Becoming, C. R. M. Gwynn,

The Hunt of a pipsqueak Jack the Ripper, C. Neil,

Jack the Ripper’s Many Faces, Amanda Harvey Purse,

Jack the Ripper’s Streets of Terror, John Stewart,

Jack the Ripper Komplett, S. Leib,

Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History, Paul Begg,

The Curse of Mitre Square and The Lodger: Two Jack the Ripper Classics, John Francis Brewer and Marie Belloc Lowndes,

Jack the Ripper- The Secret Police Files, Trevor Marriott,

Prey Time, Trevor Marriott,

Miller’s Court: The Story of Jack the Ripper and his last victim, James Paul,

Bred in Whitechapel: A novel based on Jack the Ripper, Tom Coleman and Robin Prior,

The Fifth Victim, Antonio Alexander,

Annie and the Ripper, Tim Champlin and Greg Smallwood,

Jack the Ripper Unmasked, Neil Ashford,

Jack the Ripper: First American Serial Killer, Stewart Evans and Paul Gainey,

Prince Eddy and the Homosexual Underworld, Theo Aronson,

Tales of Jack the Ripper, Laird Barron, and others,

Mary Jane Kelly and the Victims of Jack the Ripper: The 125th Anniversary, Neal Sheldon,

It wasn’t Jack the Ripper? Patricia Pickett,

Jack the Ripper: From the Cradle to the Grave, Peter Rutt,

Jack the Ripper: Letters from Hell, Stewart P. Evans and Keith Skinner,

Jack the Ripper: The Celebrity Suspects, Mike Holgate,

Jack the Ripper: The Suspects, The Whitechapel Society,

Ripper Hunter, M. J. Trow,

The East End Murders: From Jack the Ripper to Ronnie Kray, Neil R. Storey,

Jack the Ripper Papers: Part 1, Michael Bowman,

Cold Case Mysteries – Volume 1, Sascha von Bornheim,

The Welsh Ripper Killings, Gary M. Dobbs,

Ripper, Jael Gates,

A Grim Almanac of Jack the Ripper’s London 1870-1900, Neil R. Storey,

I am Jack…A biography of one of Scotland’s most notorious serial killers: Thomas Neil Cream, Wallace Edwards

Dark Streets of Whitechapel, R. Barri Flowers,

Murder in Whitechapel: The Adventure of the Post Mortem Knife, Donald and Kyle Joy,

Inquests Jack the Ripper, C. Neil,

Inquests Jack the Ripper, C. Neil,

Jack the Ripper Doesn’t Exist, Paul Juser,

Jack the Ripper- The Facts, Paul Begg,

The Seduction of Mary Kelly – The Final Victim of Jack the Ripper, William J. Perring,

From Hell: The Final Days of Jack the Ripper, Rob Thompson,

Abberline: The man who hunted Jack the Ripper, Peter Thurgood,

Dracula meets Jack the Ripper, Michael B. Druxman,

Jack the Ripper: Scotland Yard Investigates, Stewart P. Evans,

The Death of Jack the Ripper: Whitechapel Kittehs 2, Kitty Glitter,

Jack the Ripper vs Sherlock Holmes, Philip Duke,

Ritual in the Dark, Colin Wilson,

The Ripper Trilogy, Shawn Weaver and Donnie Light,

Jack the Ripper: The Terrible Legacy, The Whitechapel Society,

Sherlock Holmes vs Jack the Ripper, Frank Morlock, and others,

The Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook, Stewart Evans and Keith Skinner,

Ripper, Seamus Winchester,

Jack the Ripper: The Theories and the facts, Colin Kendell,

The Man who hunted Jack the Ripper, Stewart P. Evans,

Victorian Lives behind Victorian Crimes: The women who made Jack the Ripper famous, Amanda Harvey Purse,

Ripper’s Wrath, Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver,

Jack the Book reader:

Luckily for book lovers, hardback and soft-back books are still being released; the following is a short list of some of 2013’s releases.

Jack the Ripper at Last? The Mysterious Murders of George Chapman, Henela Wojtczak,

Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Casebook, Richard Whittington Egan,

Jack the Ripper’s Streets of Terror: Life During the Reign of Victorian London’s Most Brutal Killer, Rupert Matthews,

Jack the Ripper: In My Blood: Normal Kirtlan, Dianne Bainbridge

The True History of Jack the Ripper: The Forgotten 1905 Ripper Novel, Guy Logan,  

Jack the Ripper: From the Cradle to the Grave, Peter Rutt,

The Complete and Essential Jack the Ripper, Paul Begg and John Bennett,

Abberline: The Man who hunted Jack the Ripper, Peter Thurgood,

Fifth Victim, Antonia Alexander,

The Autobiography of Jack the Ripper: As revealed to Clanash Farjeon, Alan Scarfe,

Jack the Audio Book:

Audio books make an entry in this year’s review for the first time.  Kindle’s and tablets all have audio options, and many downloadable Kindle titles have text to audio, however, audio books are becoming very popular again.  Here is a short list of some of 2013’s releases,

Ripper Hunter, M. J. Trow and Terry Wale,

Dracula Meets Jack the Ripper, Michael B. Druxman, and Fred Frees,

Jack the Ripperologist:

Ripperologist Magazine is still going strong, and what follows is a rundown, compiled by Howard Brown of Jtrforums.com of what each volume contained,

Issue 134 October
Editorial-For Better Or Worse—-Adam Wood
Guy Logan Vs. Jack The Ripper—-Jan Bondeson
The Fifth Victim; Hand Of A Woman?- Jennifer Shelden
Her Final Days (Catherine Eddowes)–Lynn Cates
A German Policewoman In London–Michaela Koristova
Henri D.T. Lautrec– Greg Alexander
Hunt The Ripper— Colin Saysell
The Men Who Would Be Jack ( The Provincials)–Nina & Howard Brown
Chris Scott’s Press Trawl
Spitalfields Life– The Gentle Author
Victorian Fiction : An Alpine Divorce–Robert Barr

Issue 133 August
Editorial- The Art Of Staying Lucky- Gareth Williams
The Last Breath Of Mary Kelly :The Life Of Sarah
Lewis ( 1865-1941)——-Chris Scott
In The Ripper’s Shadow : The Whitehall Mystery-
-Rob Clack
One Lone Maniac Too Many ( Part Two)–Simon Wood
Francis Tumblety & Yellow Journalism–Mike Hawley
Murder At The Cafe Royal– Jan Bondeson
The Men Who Would Be Jack ( Another Whitechapel
Murderer )–Nina & Howard Brown
Chris Scott’s Press Trawl
Spitalfield’s Life- The Gentle Author
Victorian Fiction– The Sea Raiders- H. G. Wells

Issue 132 June
Editorial : The Daughters Of Shiloh–Eduardo Zinna
Charles Albert Cadosch And His Family- Colin Macdonald
One Lone Maniac Too Many( Part One )- Simon Wood
Mystery At Mr. Cooke’s School of Anatomy - Jan Bondeson
The Men Who Would Be Jack (The Seamen )- Nina & Howard
Brown
Trevor Marriott’s The Evil Within- Mark Ripper
Chris Scott’s Press Trawl
Spitalfields Life- The Gentle Author
Obituary- Jess Franco
The Conclusion of Glen Bledsoe’s The Truth
Victorian Fiction : Glamr- Sabine Baring Gould

Issue 131 April
Editorial : If You Have No Daughters, Give Them To Your Sons– Adam Wood
Nature’s Warning Signals- J. Hunt Schooling
Leather Apron : A Persistent Rumour- Lynn Cates
The Mountie And The Cabman’s Shelter– Paul Williams
Evaluating The Suspects– Jennifer Shelden
Chopper Gamble And The Islington Child Outrages–Jan
Bondeson
The Men Who Would Be Jack ( An American Suspect )–
Nina And Howard Brown
Chris Scott’s Press Trawl
Spitalfields Life- The Gentle Author
Obituary- Elsbeth Bothe
Glen Bledsoe’s the Truth
Victorian Fiction- Cheating The Gallows-Israel Zangwill

Issue 130 February
Editorial : Quarter, Half, And Whole– Adam Wood
David Cohen : Talking Points of A Storyline–Scott Nelson
Whitechapel’s Wax Chamber of Horrors, 1888– Mike Hawley
The Village Bobby- Pauline Morgan
The Men Who Would Be Ripper ( Hall Of Shame : the Frank Hall Story)– Nina And Howard Brown
Ripper Fiction–Jack The Ripper Through The Mists Of Time–
Peter Hodgson
Chris Scott’s Press Trawl
Amazing Dogs- Jan Bondeson
Spitalfields Life- The Gentle Author
Glen Bledsoe’s The Truth
Victorian Fiction : Man Overboard !- Winston Spencer Churchill

In my opinion, the two finest articles of the year where:

The Fifth Victim; Hand Of A Woman?- Jennifer Shelden
Trevor Marriott’s The Evil Within- Mark Ripper

Jack the Blogger:

This year also saw one of Ripperology’s hardest workers, and excellent hoax-buster, Jenni Sheldon launch her Jack the Ripper blog Jack the Ripper Investigations, the blog can be viewed here: http://jacktheripperinvestigations.blogspot.co.uk/

Jack the Television Viewer:

The following is a rundown of fictional television shows regarding Jack the Ripper that were aired in 2013,

Ripper Street:

BBC’s Victorian crime drama came back with a second series, new characters, more intense storylines, and “The Elephant Man” but the elation was short lived as the BBC have announced that the show will not get a third series.  Watch this space, however, as a number of online polls and petitions hint that the viewers want more of this unique drama.  

Whitechapel:

ITV’s modern crime drama took a weird and wonderful turn through the darker side of Whitechapel and treated us to curses, ghosts, zombies, cannibalism, books made of human skin, and all other manner of macabre storylines, sadly, the plot was more messed up than Mary Kelly’s room on Miller’s-court, and ended on a convoluted cliff hanger that will never be answered as ITV announced that no more series will be made.

Dracula:

Sky Living’s American/British Horror television show featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers began on October 13th 2013, and whilst it wasn’t directly related to the Jack the Ripper murders, good old Saucy Jack did get a mention.

Jack the Documentary viewer:

This year has seen its fair share of Jack the Ripper documentaries, here are just a few:

Murder Casebook:

Fred Dinenage returned with another series of crimes and misdemeanours and looked at Jack the Ripper in this 45 minute show.  The crime scene recreations were very bloody, and the show was all round quiet interesting.

Inside Broadmoor:

This documentary covered the history of Broadmoor and was very interesting.  It featured some fascinating contemporary sources, stories, and photographs, and featured a small segment on Jack the Ripper with Thomas Cutbush being proposed as a suspect. 

Four Rooms:

The popular auction show returned and with it the alleged watch owned by James Maybrick.  Sadly the experts did not want to buy it and the watch vanished again.

Jack the Ripper: Revealed:

The Mei Trow/Robert Mann documentary got another run this year, it was a fascinating documentary but for anyone wanting to know more I would suggest tracking down a copy of Trow’s book on the suspect.

Jack the Ripper: The German Suspect:

Trevor Marriott’s Karl/Carl Feigenbaum show got another showing this year, with Trevor travelling the globe trying to link Feigenbaum to the crimes in Whitechapel.

Jack the Ripper: Prime Suspect:

The Prospero Productions documentary on Frederick Bailey Deeming got another airing this year.  I missed it, but was made aware by numerous posts on Twitter and Facebook.  Thanks guys!!

 

My Year with Jack the Ripper:

My year got off to a bang with a photo shoot and interview with the Hull Daily Mail for an article on Jack the Ripper on January 8th.  By January 9th the article appeared in the Hull Daily Mail, and later that night the Yesterday Channel also showed the documentary I featured in, Prime Suspect: Jack the Ripper.  More interviews followed, and more stories both in the newspaper and online and a number of photo shoots followed.  

January 22nd saw me lecture at Hull Central Library and on February 5th I appeared at the Ings Library talking about Jack the Ripper – The Hull Connection. 

February 7th saw me appear on the Hull Community Radio Station with John Hutchinson talking about my research and work in Hull.  Jack the Ripper filled a huge segment of the two hour show.

I was back at Ings Library on April 2nd for another lecture and back again on May 7th for another! 

On May 6th I met with David Reeves on BBC Radio Humberside to discuss Jack the Ripper the Hull Connection, and on May 20th another lecture followed at Bilton.

May 23rd saw me lecture on Jack the Ripper at Hull University, a first for me, and a great honour to be asked.

June 10th saw another meeting with David Reeves at the BBC Buildings to discuss Jack the Ripper, and on July 12th I was back on Radio Humberside discussing the case, with a follow up slot on July 19th.  On September 4th I was back, this time on the David Burns show discussing Jack the Ripper – The Beverley Connection, and on September 5th I was at the East Riding Archives lecturing on the same topic.  It was a first for me, and another great honour to be invited.

On September 11th I was at the Hull History Centre giving a speech on the importance of volunteering when the centre won an award for the WWII and other volunteering projects.  It was a lovely day, and I had my photos taken with the Lord Mayor of Hull.  That night I was at the George Hotel lecturing on the history of the public house.  

October 12th saw another Jack the Ripper lecture at the central library in Hull, it also allowed me to meet with Ricky Cobb and show him around Hull. 

The year also saw the production of BBC Radio Humberside’s From Whitechapel to Whitefriargate, a one hour special on Jack the Ripper’s connections to Hull.  The show, created by David Reeves, saw us recording a lecture at the Hull Heritage Centre, recording on location at the Hull History Centre, Hull Prison, and at my house, as well as on location around Hull at night with the wind in our faces and the screams of hovering menacing seagulls!  The show will air on Radio Humberside on December 27th between 1 and 2pm, and again on January 1st between 6 and 7pm. 

In terms of research I have uncovered new material on Frederick Bailey Deeming, Frederick Richard Chapman, Robert D’Onston Stephenson, and James, Florence, and Michael Maybrick.  I also came across a gentleman, who had worked in the medical profession in 1888, who was based in Whitechapel that year, who had links to the Maybrick family.

There have also been business meetings with some of Hull’s most notable business folk, lectures for some of Hull’s most distinguished private groups, and lots planned to ensure that 2014 will be an even bigger and better year.

All that is left for me to do is to wish my readers a very happy Christmas, and a prosperous 2014.

Special thanks to Howard and Nina Brown at JTRForums.com, Stephen P. Ryder at Casebook.org, David Reeves of BBC Radio Humberside, as well as all the other presenters that have had me on their shows this year, to the team at the Hull History Centre, Hull Central Library, and Hull Reference Library, Hull University, Carnegie Heritage Centre, Ings Libraries, Ricky Cobb, and Mr. Palin for all their help this year.

Jack the Ripper At Last? - Review

Books 3 Comments »

At Last….

George Chapman, the notorious “Southwark Poisoner” has deserved a decent book about his life and crimes for years, if not for him, but for the victims he killed and the trail of destruction he left behind. There are other Chapman books on the market, but what sets this one apart is the attention to detail and dissection of every aspect of Chapman’s life, crimes, and representation in the media. It doesn’t regurgitate the old myths surrounding him either, it takes these and demolishes them.

The book is split into six sections, covering topics such as his life, crimes, investigation and execution, motive, myths, and whether or not he was, or even deserved to be called “Jack the Ripper.” Furthermore, each part is split even further into decent bite size chunks for the reader to dip into and devour.

What I found most interesting about the book is the way Chapman is presented. He is not given to us as a continent hopping multiple murderer, but instead as a man who worked his way through life, encountering women, poison, and the ultimately the noose.
The chapter regarding the stories and myths surrounding his life was fascinating, and I was amazed at the number of stories and myths surrounding him, stories that seem to be commonly accepted facts. Helena takes these stories and shows them to be falsehoods by placing them alongside contemporary historical sources.

The chapter regarding his candidacy as “Jack the Ripper” appealed to me most, being a Ripperologist, and I was fascinated by the 15 points set out against Chapman as Ripper. Helena takes these points and discusses them against contemporary historical sources, presenting a fair and balanced argument for her theories.

The overall presentation of the book is outstanding,(hardback edition) from its sleek design, photographic glossy paper, and lavish silk page mark. It is also well researched, well presented, and thoroughly referenced throughout.

The book will appeal to those with an interest in true crime, criminal history, and anyone, like me, with an interest in “Jack the Ripper.”

Jack the Ripper At Last is available from  Hastings Press at the following website: http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/

Full details on the price, postage etc, can be found on the dedicated page to the book:  http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/chapman.html

Igloo Books

Books, Opinion 3 Comments »

A short while ago I picked up a couple of copies of IGLOO BOOKS Jack the Ripper – The Memorabilia Collection. The book, written by Rupert Matthews, and is published by the aforementioned IGLOO BOOKS, 2012. The book, which has document wallets, is very similar to Richard Jones’s Jack the Ripper – The Casebook, (2008, Andre Deutsch or 2010, Sevenoaks) in that it contains several document wallets containing facsimile reproductions of letters etc. Whilst Richard’s book had more in it, in both written word and documents, Rupert’s book is a nice collection of material, photographs and facsimile documents, including a suspect list, letter, police report and map of Whitechapel and Spitalfields with locations pin pointed. The book is also in a nice hard magnetic sleeve which protects the contents.

Rupert’s book currently has the RRP of (UK) £17.99, (US) $35.00, and (Can) $35.00, however, British Ripperologists can pick the book up from ASDA for just £5.00!!!

But that’s not all. IGLOO BOOKS, which has also released similar titles in the range on Elvis, Formula 1, Events that changed the world, and British Steam, has also released a volume entitled Conspiracy Theories. The book, written by Will Bryan, also contains facsimile documents, newspapers, postcards and posters covering a wide range of conspiracies from JFK, to Titanic, Nessie, Crop Circles and other weird and wonderful cases. Among the many cases is that of Jack the Ripper, asking the age old question, “Who was Jack the Ripper?” The topic covers just two pages, one of which is photographs, but arrives at no conclusion, and whilst it names some popular suspects named over the years, it fails to land on one suspect. Despite this, the page is stamped with “Case Closed” on the end of the page.

Will’s book currently has the RRP of (UK) £17.99, (US) $35.00, and (Can) $35.00, however, British Ripperologists/Conspiracy Theorists can pick the book up from ASDA for just £5.00!!!

David A. Green’s Indexes

Books, Opinion, Podcast 2 Comments »

In 2005 Euan Macpherson released The Trial of Jack the Ripper – The Case of William Bury 1859-1889, with Mainstream Publishing Company.   The book was well written, well researched, and well received by Ripperologists, with many supporting the theory, which was first put forward in 1889.  One thing the book was lacking was an index.  Granted, they are not always important, but for many researchers who love nothing more than quickly picking up a weighty Ripper tome and flicking straight to a quote or reference these indexes are worth their weight in gold. 

Luckily, David A. Green was on hand to help with this, and in 2009 published the second in a series of indexes for Jack the Ripper titles that are missing indexes.  The index was invaluable, and quite rare, with only 50 published.  Being able to slide the index into the back of the original title and use it as a reference tool is fantastic, and the time and effort that has gone into producing them is outstanding, especially as David never asks for payment, and sends them out at his own expense.

2005 also saw the release of the excellent The First Jack the Ripper Victim Photographs, by Robert J. McLaughlin.  Robert is a great researcher, writer and gentleman who I had the pleasure of chatting to on numerous occasions on the Rippercast podcasts set up by Jonathan Menges.   The book, published by Zwerghaus Books, was a very limited edition, with all copies being snapped up, and recent sales of the book reaching four figure sums!  Sadly, Robert’s book also failed to include an index, so David A. Green set to work again. 

Earlier this month David contacted me again, and informed me that the index to Robert’s book was complete, and again very kindly offered to send one to my home.  Again the work that has gone into the index is outstanding, and it is well presented, with cover piece and even an illustration.   Once again only 50 of these were made.

I cannot thank David enough for these, and they certainly cut down time in researching specifics of the case.  I must also thank Rob for sending me a free signed copy of his ultra rare book back in April 2008. 

Thank you gents.

From Hell Companion

Books, Opinion No Comments »

From Hell Companion

Ignoring the Hughes brothers film starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham but going back to the roots of the story I think every Ripperologist remembers the first time they read Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell’s Graphic Novel.  A mixture of fact and fiction in a rip roaring plot that leaves the reader gasping for more (Moore). 

The colours are so vivid, and whilst most of the book is written in black and white, the odd dash of red really brings the page to life, and the final chapter is one that stays with the reader long after they have read the book.  The supplementary material is always a pleasure to read, but as something as massive as this, and it is a big collective volume, you would think there would be a little more…..

Thankfully, Alan Moore has announced that a companion to From Hell is to be released in March 2013!!!  Personally I am not sure I can wait that long.  The publication will feature previously unpublished material including scripts, photos, never before seen sketches, and anecdotes.  A sketch of the cover has appeared online and once again the publication is being produced with Eddie Campbell :

 http://alanmooreworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/jack-ripper-is-coming-back.html

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/14/top-shelf-panel-eddie-campbell-confirms-from-hell-companion-for-march-2013/fromhellcompanion-2/

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