The Whitechapel Full Moon Society: A Refreshing Take on Jack the Ripper

 

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

 

Book Review-The Murder at World's End: Amusing Mystery, Amazing Characters

 

 

 

Author: Ross Montgomery 

Genre: Mystery (locked room, cozy*)

Publisher: HarperCollins, Penguin Random House UK

Format: Audiobook (NetGalley copy)

Narrators:  Joe Jameson, Derek Jacobi

TW: murder, period typical sexism, mention of eugenics in a true context, verbal abuse, sexual harassment (mentioned)

*The main lady character, Decima swears like a sailor (period accurately), which might put off some cozy readers, but I definitely believe this counts as cozy.

I, pardon my French, freaking loved The Murder At World’s End. 

But first, the plot: It’s 1910 in Cornwall, England. The day Hailey’s Comet caused a worldwide panic. Swept up in this panic is Viscount Conrad Stonckington, who decides to seal up his estate, the semi island of World’s End, in hopes to emerge into a new world. Thrust into this lunacy is Stephen Pike, a prisoner turned footman here with a reference to work in the house. Hired on to take care of the helion Miss Decima, Conrad’s irasible aunt, it seems to be simple. Seal the doors, and wait untill the next morning for the lunacy to boil over. But not everyone makes it out alive. The next morning, Conrad is found dead, a crossbow bolt in his brain, and Stephen is a prime suspect.

The mystery unravels from there, with many twists and turns and red herrings. The mystery was tantalizing enough to keep me hooked and guessing until the end. The world building was believeable and complex, and the language was surprisingly vivid but also in character, even if the amount of times Stephen jumped or bumped into someone stood out. (But since it’s his diary, the repetitive actions makes a lot of sense.) 

But the characters were the real draw. 

Stephen Pike is initially a bit naive. A country boy done in for a crime he didn’t commit, his last chance is World’s End. I love Stephen. He’s endearing (I love his habit of carrying around a notebook and writing down words he doesn’t know so he could look them up later) and insanely observant, without being mean. The book is primarily told through those notebook entries in first person with a few interstitial bits done in third person, which is very intimate. His perspective is a joy to read, and his background came right through and added colour to the story, balancing out the other lead, Decima.

I love Stephen, but I would follow Miss Decima Stockington into the jaws of hell, and I think Stephen would too. Decima is a force of nature. Worldly, whip smart and assertive, but also flawed. Her mistreatment by her family has hardened her, and she has prejudices and meanness that she has to overcome. Her verbal sparing with Stephen is amazing, and her voice is so different from his. (She swears, for one, oh the horror!) Her character at the end of the novel had me crying. 

The side characters felt so real too. Shout out in particular to Temperance and Mr. Stokes, and the hilariously incompetent Inspector Jarvis. But for spoiler reasons, I won’t mention anything more about them.

It would be remis of me not to mention the outstanding narration done by Joe Jameson and Derek Jacobi. Jameson voiced every character in the novel and did it well too. He brought every character to life and was so good at it that I was convinced there were multiple narrators. Derek Jacobi voiced the outside of the diary parts, and he was excellent as well, with a dignified voice that sparkled with barely held mirth near the end.

I am so glad there is room for a sequel.

I will be buying this book for my mother in law. She’ll love it as much as I did.  

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review audiobook!

Final Rating: 5 Stars

Drink Paring: Black tea in a porcelain cup, hot and steaming