Author: Elizabeth DeLozier
Genre: Historical fiction, gothic fiction, adult fiction, mystery, true crime, supernatural fiction
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Ebook (NetGalley Copy)
Release Date: August 25th, 2026
TW: Murder, sexual assault, attempted rape, mutilation, drug use (administered and unwitting) slight period typical homophobia, period typical misogyny, slight period typical racism
The Whitechapel Full Moon Society was a gripping, suspenseful and heartfelt read.
But first, the plot: Caroline Foster is a noble down on her luck. In a bid to escape the crushing poverty brought on by her father's gambling debts, she goes to London to find her missing brother, Charlie. However, when she arrives at the Whitechapel Full Moon Society, she is told that her brother hasn't been there for months, and they almost close the door in her face. Desperate, VCaroline says that she's looking for a position as a maid, which the Society desperately needs. She is reluctantly hired, as the last maid was killed by none other than Jack the Ripper. As Caroline settles into life at the Society, caring for it's diverse and strange guests, she is given three rules: don't go to the iron barred door on the second floor, don't ask personal questions and remain in her room during the full moon. Will Caroline be able to find her brother? What is the Society hiding? Where will the Ripper strike again?
The characters were a huge part of this novel, and they did their job well. I loved Caroline in particular; her love for her brother is realistic and heart-wrenching, and she has a tenacity that resonated, especially at the beginning of the novel when her desperation was palatable. However, her extreme devotion to her brother might turn some readers off, as he is never far from her thoughts, and that may get repetitive. In addition to this, she is a character with flaws, and exhibits homophobia and racism towards the Society's guests. However, she does grow out of this, and by the end, I was fully rooting for her character. Just be warned it takes a bit for her to get there.
The side characters (namely, Charlie, the boarders, (including Rab her love interest) and the proprietress of the boardinghouse are either vivid (in the case of Rab and the manager of the boardinghouse) or at least serviceable (like with most of the lodgers.) I wish the lodgers were more fleshed out, but a few of them do get scenes where they shine, and they are all men with him I'd love to learn more about. This also extends to their big secret, which I won't elaborate upon for spoiler reasons, but I wish we spent a bit more time with it. I appreciate the representation (of both PoC and differing religious practices) and it was done in a 'realistic' way if that is a deal breaker. The same goes for the queer rep, but due to spoiler reasons, I will not elaborate.
The setting of this novel was done well too. I really felt the grime and pollution of industrial London, along with the unexpected patches of beauty in the darkness. However, as the book mostly takes place in Whitechapel and another poorer district of London, it feels a bit claustrophobic. It also means that there is a level of convenience and coincidence that shouldn't happen in a large city but that is mostly forgivable.
The mystery was compelling as well, if a bit obvious once mulled over. However, the book has a few red herrings that did trick me, so that was appreciated. The real life victims of Jack the Ripper were treated with respect which I appreciate as well. I usually stay away from true crime stories because of a glorification of the killer, but I'm glad the author was more tasteful than most.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book, even if certain parts left me wanting more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Drink Paring: Camomile tea to calm the wolf inside
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