Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper- Case Closed (Patricia Cornwell)

I have found over the years, that sometimes, reality can be more horrific than fiction. This can truly be said of the Jack the Ripper killings...

Using forensic techniques, Patricia Cornwell (author of the Scarpetta series), pieces together a case regarding the true identity of the infamous Jack the Ripper...

"Portrait of a Killer" is an interesting piece of non-fiction writing. The style is fairly easy to follow, though some areas are a bit murky to understand due to use of technical jargon. Cornwell's writing also flows nicely too- with her being able to make even the drier parts interesting and engaging.

I liked the fact that she goes to to out of the way places in search of evidence to support her case, and she does a credible job of it too. Credible, but not altogether convincing. While her presentation of the evidence is persuasive and skilled, there is still reasonable doubt as to whether or not her suspect was actually Jack the Ripper.

While of interest to Ripperologists (though most disagree with Cornwell's theory), and true crime readers, "Portrait of a Killer" isn't likely to convince you that a famous painter was also a sadistic serial killer. I'm going to place this book in The Bad.

Comments

Meridian: Kiss of the Beast (1990)

Sometimes, a director/producer will surprise you- such was the case during " Terrorpolooza 2012 " when I watched Charles Band's " Meridian: Kiss of the Beast " Catherine Bomarzini has come home after her father's death. Needing company, she asks Gina to stay with her. Soon, the two meet a wondering troupe of performers that Catherine invites to dinner at her castle. Catherine find herself pulled into a love triangle and an ancient curse that only she can break. After watching movies like " Evil Bong ", and " Demonic Toys ", I really wasn't expecting too much from this Charles Band movie- but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story is actually quite interesting with lots of potential for eerie scenes, and character development. It's a nice twist on the classic " Beauty and the Beast " story. It's a bit slower than most of Band's other works, but moves smoothly and draws you with it. I have to ad...

Zombie Bikers From Detroit (2001)

Over the years, it has been shown that with very little money, a skillful director can put together a high quality horror movie (John Carpenter's " Halloween ", " The Blair Witch Project ", and " Paranormal Activity " being a few of them). So, when it comes to determining a movie's quality, budget is no longer a negative... Ken and his mother have moved from Hell, Michigan to Grosse Pointe near Detroit. Upon his arrival, he meets the lovely Courtney, and her jealous suitor Chad. While Ken and Chad square off, an evil is growing within Detroit and slowly spreading towards Grosse Point... where Ken will meet his destiny ... This week's " What Movie Wednesday " winner was " Zombie Bikers From Detroit "- a low budget horror movie that feels like it was put together as a school project. High School, or College... I can't really tell. The premise- as stated in my little synopsis is interesting- as was the title. ...

The Black Castle (Les Daniels)

Vampires and witches are often a good basis for a horror novel. Through in the Spanish Inquisition, and odds are you'll get a pretty good story. In 1496, while the Spanish Inquisition is in full motion, Diego de Villanueva is seeking a way to rise through the ranks of the Inquistion. He will do anything he needs to... even use his brother's darkest secrets and knowledge to bring fear and hatred to the world... " The Black Castle " caught my eye while shopping at " The Book Place ". I was intrigued by the idea of it taking place during the Spanish Inquisition. While I did enjoy reading this book, I was also a little disappointed. The style is very fitting to the story- it has an almost old world charm and rythm to it that I found pleasing to the ear. It's also easy to read, and flows at a nice pace. While, it's not "fancy", the images it creates are fairly good and atmospheric. The story itself is a really interesting idea....

Search This Blog