Jack the Ripper Case Closed - Gyles Brandreth - Book Review

                    

                  I am a big fan of mystery and crime thrillers trying to read various narration styles under this genre. I remember reading about Jack the Ripper years ago while at school. That was my first read on a true killer and I was really amazed back then how this case remained unsolved. On my last visit to the library, I accidentally stumbled upon this book and a quick glance at the blurb piqued my interest. The name of Arthur Conan Doyle who created the iconic Mr.Holmes definitely made me pick the book for the week.

                The place is London in 1894. Arthur Conan Doyle pays a visit to his friend Oscar Wilde and he is taken alone by Oscar to a meeting with the police chief Macnaghten. There have been recent murders in Whitechapel which has a close resemblance to the Jack the Ripper case that happened a few years ago and went cold. Macnaghten hand over the case details and suspect list to Oscar Wilde and asks his help to reach a conclusion as this is a high-profile case involving someone from the royal family as well in the suspect's list. Case Closed is a first-person account written from the perspective of Arthur Conan Doyle as he travels with Oscar Wilde to find the murderer as more bodies keep on piling.

                The concept is in fact fresh according to me. Bringing in characters that originally existed and actual Jack the Ripper murders as well was very interesting. That puts extra pressure on the author to maintain the interest which I believe is fulfilled. We can't expect an action mode in this story. Both Oscar and ACD were normal people and the mystery slowly unfolds in their investigative mode. So; if we expect some kind of action to happen this may not suit them. I loved the way the writer had linked the character to the original behavior. The story is supposedly happening when ACD is trying to come out of the Sherlock shadow and is trying to create another original work and Oscar is basking in the glory of his dramas and the Life of Dorian Gray which is a very celebrated work of his. Even the personal life is also synced up well. The ailing wife of ACD and the flashy lifestyle of OW are blended in quite well with the storyline. It does not look forced. Also, the writer was able to bring the socio-economic situation of the era. The country that was controlling most other countries in the world was reeling in economic dilemma and the law against same-sex relationships was also strict and considered a taboo which all was addressed here. People who have read about Oscar Wilde should be able to connect this. That being said, I did feel disconnected at some places as the story progresses. Halfway into the book, I did feel the story was kind of rushed. The book is fictional but still, I was unable to make the connection of unraveling at the climax.

                In short, quite an imaginative concept. I heard there is a whole series that I would definitely like to check out. Those who want to taste a different angle in the crime genre and Jack the Ripper will find this a good read.