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Original poster

Anyone recognise this book?

26 replies

WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 18:39

Hi all,

I read a book about 20 years ago that I borrowed from my aunt so have no idea how old it was. I only have a vague recollection of it but have googled and googled so hoping someone on Mumsnet might have read it!!

It was set around the Jack the Ripper murders, I think there was royal family involved or at least aristocracy. The stars/constellations were heavily involved in the book, I feel like there was an opium addicted investigator or something involved.

I'm aware it's not likely, but if anyone has any ideas I'd be so very grateful!

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MaudGone · 07/12/2023 20:38

Sounds like the comic "From Hell" by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. I think the opium addiction was added in the awful film version, though.

Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 20:49

Thanks but it's not a comic or film. The book had a telescope aim the front I think.

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Talisin · 07/12/2023 21:23

Have you tripped over the wikipedia entry for Jack the Ripper in fiction during your searching? Quite a good list to work through there if not.

Jack the Ripper in fiction - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_the_Ripper_in_fiction

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WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 21:36

Thank you I'll have a look! From what I remember the implication was that a mentally ill royal was Jack the Ripper.

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Needmorelego · 07/12/2023 21:49

This is sounding familiar to me too so now I need to know....

Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 21:51

The front of the book was brown and bronze/gold with something astronomy related. I so wish I remembered more 😩

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Purpleavocado · 07/12/2023 21:52

Maybe the Patricia Cornwell book?

Needmorelego · 07/12/2023 21:56

I had a Google "Novels about Jack the Ripper" and the only one I recognised as having read was one by Jennifer Donnelly. But the plot synopsis doesn't seem quite right 🤔

Anyone recognise this book?
soundsys · 07/12/2023 21:59

Ooh this sounds really familiar!

QueenBitch666 · 07/12/2023 21:59

Following with interest. I love Ripper stuff. The Patricia Cornwell book doesn't fit your description ( it's a bloody good read though )

MaudGone · 07/12/2023 22:09

It sounds like something influenced by Stephen Knight's theory. If you scroll down to 'influence' on this, it gives some novels which have used the plot.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_the_Ripper:_The_Final_Solution#Influence

Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_the_Ripper:_The_Final_Solution#Influence

NashvilleQueen · 07/12/2023 22:11

Is it the one that had Michael Caine and Lewis Collins in the tv adaptation?

NashvilleQueen · 07/12/2023 22:14

With Inspector Abberline?

MaudGone · 07/12/2023 22:25

The Michael Caine TV version copied the idea of Knight's book, although it wasn't an adaptation. Lots of people ripped off the royal theory.

Devilsmommy · 07/12/2023 22:30

Sounds like a book version of the movie From Hell. Which weirdly I watched just last week

Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 22:33

I've looked at the suggestions above and couldn't find it. It wasn't adapted for film or tv as far as I'm aware, but as it's so long ago I can't be sure! I really think the astronomy was a major part and the mentally ill royal was a background thing

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Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 22:34

I remember the lenses for telescopes being particularly precious

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Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 22:46

Possibly secret codes to do with astronomy? Sorry, I'm writing as I remember!

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Needmorelego · 07/12/2023 22:47

@WhamBamThankU total long shot.....
Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman.
I remember opium dens and one of the characters is a photographer......

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WhamBamThankU · 07/12/2023 22:51

@Needmorelego Thank you but it's not that. The main character was definitely a man.

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Needmorelego · 07/12/2023 22:54

@WhamBamThankU I hope someone figures this out..... because it really does sound familiar.

Needmorelego · 07/12/2023 22:55

@WhamBamThankU it's not a Sherlock Holmes is it? He did like his opium 🤔

Original poster
WhamBamThankU · 08/12/2023 06:32

@Needmorelego

No nothing to do with Sherlock Holmes. I can't remember if it turned out to be a female member of the royal family who was involved in the killings? That could be way off though.

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DesiccatedCoconut · 09/12/2023 11:23

I wonder if it might be Elizabeth Redfern's The Music of the Spheres?

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/393654

It's not Jack the Ripper as 18th rather than 19th century, but definitely inspired, I'd say. I remember buying this in an airport on the way back from Italy in 2001! I never actually finished it, but might dig it out and revisit it!

IGotItFromAgnes · 09/12/2023 11:27

I have no idea, but I also have vague recollections of reading it.