In One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper, Sarah Bax Horton presents an intriguing new theory about the identity of one of history's most notorious serial killers. Through meticulous research, Horton names Hyam Hyams as a possible suspect, linking his distinctive physical characteristics, like a broken left arm and epilepsy, to eyewitness accounts and official records from the 1888 Whitechapel murders. For anyone interested in the ongoing mystery of Jack the Ripper, this book offers a fresh perspective and detailed analysis of the historical evidence.

What makes One-Armed Jack particularly compelling is the unique approach Horton takes, integrating her expertise as a former researcher and uncovering details from her family history, as her great-great-grandfather worked on the original investigation. The book walks readers through each of the six Ripper murders, reconstructing the killer’s actions and exploring how Hyams may fit the profile built by the police of the day.

However, it’s important to note that while Horton's argument is well-researched and compelling, not all readers will be fully convinced by her conclusions. The Ripper case has inspired countless theories over the years, and this book adds another interesting possibility to the mix. For those already fascinated by the case, One-Armed Jack is a thought-provoking addition to the genre, even if you remain skeptical of the theory.

Overall, One-Armed Jack is a worthwhile read for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by unsolved mysteries. It’s an engaging look at a case that continues to captivate the public's imagination, providing new insights but stopping short of claiming to offer definitive answers​. I found it interesting.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jack the Ripper. The mystery, the legend, the search for his identity never lets up and every few years someone presents their case for uncovering the true identity of the Ripper. The latest in this long line of discoveries is Sarah Bax Horton’s One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper.

Horton claims a bit of genealogy to the Ripper case – her great, great-grandfather was one of the police officers tasked with the Whitechapel murders at the time. Using lots of the police notes, as well as coroners’ reports and court reports, Horner tells us flat out who she believes committed the atrocities attributed to Jack the Ripper (and a few others). I won’t reveal the name of the suspect, but he is someone that has been among the names bandied about over the last century-plus, and he is not anyone of fame or repute.

Like every book purporting to identify the Ripper before this, Horton does a very good job of laying out her facts and reasoning. But that’s kind of the problem with the Ripper, isn’t it? Everyone who researches it and hopes to capitalize on some book sales makes their argument convincing (there wouldn’t be any sales if they didn’t).

I think that I first became interested in the Jack the Ripper crimes back in the mid-1970s after watching, of all things, a Star Trek episode in which Jack the Ripper was an alien being that thrived on the energy of the fear it caused and had been known by many names (including Jack the Ripper). I picked up my first ‘Ripper revealed’ book shortly thereafter (1981) I bought my first of the Ripper research books (Prince Jack : The True Story of Jack the Ripper by Frank Spiering) and I’ve been casually hooked ever since.

While there’s some good research, there’s also that bit of presumption that can get in the way of solid research. For instance: “(suspect)’s eccentric behaviour, marked by increasing rage and incoherence, must have made him a well-known figure on Wentworth Street, and beyond that locality, extending to a radius of a couple of miles.” Must have? But there’s no reports, no local diary entries, no newspaper gossip, no constable notes to the effect?

Horton’s research is generally good and for all we know, she may be exactly correct. For all we know. But I’ve said the same thing about other Ripper-revealed books. What was new and interesting to me here were the names of other victims she attributes to the Ripper, including one who doesn’t die after the attack. Maybe this is a common theory among true, deep-diving Ripper junkies (I just like buying the books), but this is the first I’ve heard anyone name more than the commonly named five victims.

I wouldn’t say I’m overwhelming convinced at Horton’s theory more than any others out there, but some points seem valid. If interested, you should decide for yourself.

Looking for a good book? One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper by Sarah Bax Horton is yet another attempt, more than 100 years after the serial murders to identify the infamous killer. I’m sure Scotland Yard is delighted to finally close the case.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I found One-Armed Jack to be an interesting read. I enjoyed reading it and am giving it four and a half stars.

While I am not convinced of the author's conclusion, this was still a highly interesting read. First though, let's be clear: plenty of authors over the years have identified who they think Jack the Ripper is. Nor is Hyam Hyams a new suspect by any means - I have read his name many times in various readings and websites dedicated to unmasking the most infamous serial killer of all times. She is not the first person to try to identify a killer, and she will not be the last.

However, I appreciate Horton's approach and it does makes sense - though she does what so many others do as well, only keeping the evidence that fits her theory and dismissing anything that doesn't fit the pattern as being wrong or irrelevant.

Horton has background as a government researcher so her skill in researching and analyzing information is useful here. She takes a deep dive into eye-witness accounts of the man/men who were in the area at the times of the murders who could have potentially been the killer, and compares it with Hyams medical records. She makes much use of witness statements that described a man with distinct physical characteristics and makes the connection to Hyamsm whose left arm had been broken and not healed properly. She makes the case that this injury, which made it impossible for him to work throughout 1888 was a trigger that sent him on a murderous rampage. She adds that both the physical ailment of the broken arm and the mental ailments caused by his epilepsy contributed to his ensuing violence.

Horton attempts to use the evidence to explain the hows and whys that have dogged us for nearly 140 years. She resconstructs each event, explaining how Hyams was able to accost his victims, get them to another location, and how he attacked them and then escaped undetected. They are certainly interesting theories, but hardly as conclusive as the author would have you believe. The point I certainly agree with is that whoever Jack was, he escalated in his attacks and grew more and more violent in his destruction of his victims' bodies.

Side note: the author includes Martha Tabram as a Ripper victim, so discusses six murders instead of the typically accepted five.

I am not convinced, though the author does make a decent case. Ultimately, I have finally accepted the fact that we will simply never know the Ripper's identity. Maybe this is why no matter what book I read that claims to have determined who he was, I will never completely buy in. Part of the issue here is that the author has a lot of circumstantial evidence. She has theories and fits in evidence where it seems to make sense, but then dismisses evidence that does not, but never explains why it can be dismissed. There were also times Horton contradicted herself, yet I still enjoyed the book due to the focus on the transcripts of witness statements and their testimonies at the inquests.

My issue with the crime scene reconstructions is that they are purely speculation even though the author seems to imply this is how things pretty much went. It's very true that each murder could have happened exactly the way the author purports. But it's also entirely possible that she is way off the mark. We will simply never know. It is frustrating when any author claims to have conclusively solved this perplexing case. I also struggle when authors atempt to apply thoughts or feelings to anyone when there is not concrete evidence to support what they're claiming.

One thing the author did extremely well is bringing Whitechapel to life. We are completely immersed in the environment where these women worked and lived and ultimately, died horrific deaths. There's so much information here about the various locations, and one feels like they are there in the moment with the police, trying to catch a killer before he strikes again. There are familiar street and pub names, ones that anyone familiar with the Ripper will recognize. You are walking the streets with the inhabitants of Whitechapel as they go about their days, in most cases just trying to survive.

Overall I can say I would recommend this one for anyone interested in seeing more clearly how Hyam Hyams could be a viable candidate as Jack the Ripper. Horton is not the first to submit this name for consideration, but she makes enough of a case here that he can be considered.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. The story of Jack the Ripper has always fascinated me. I think the author did a great job.

Without giving too much away, this is a really compelling read and very interesting. A very compelling case is made for who the author thinks could have been Jack The Ripper and it was interesting to read. If you have an interest in true crime, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Sarah Bax Horton and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

Sarah Bax Horton investigates the Jack the Ripper murders from 1888 and she has a suspect, Hyam Hyams, Whitechapel resident. Hyams hurt his left arm, leaving him unable to work as a cigar maker and permanently disabling him. He was also an alcoholic, mentally ill and epileptic. He also liked to murder prostitutes & then duck back into his nearby Whitechapel residence, easily evading the police.

This book was interesting & very detailed. Bax Horton really looked into every angle to prove Hyams was Jack the Ripper. His proximity to the killings and instability do make him a viable suspect. We’ll never know!!!!

Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Since hearing about One-Armed Jack on Goodreads, I have really wanted to read Sarah Bax Horton's nonfiction book and I'm so glad I did. The mystery of Jack the Ripper's true identity has gripped the curiosity of the public and police alike, with dozens of suspects from the 1880s to today. Horton, a descendant of one of the original investigators, creates a compelling and well-researched argument that Jack the Ripper was Hyam Hyams: a man known for violent outbursts during the time of the Ripper murders.

One-Armed Jack was such an amazing and intriguing book that was incredibly detailed and well-informed and kept me interested from cover to cover. I especially loved the crime reconstructions at the end of each chapter, giving further insight as well as letting Horton's voice and thoughts come through in a way that is neither condescending nor pedantic.

Overall, One-Armed Jack was an intriguing read that is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about another Ripper suspect or any true crime fanatic.

Thank you, NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group, Michael O'Mara and Sarah Bax Horton for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

"One-Armed Jack" by Sarah Bax Horton is a poignant and gripping novel that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows Jack, a young man who loses his arm in a tragic accident and must learn to navigate life with his new reality.

Horton's writing is both evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into Jack's world and allowing them to experience his pain, struggles, and triumphs alongside him. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique voice and perspective.

One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of disability. As Jack comes to terms with his new identity, he must confront his own insecurities and fears, ultimately finding strength in his vulnerabilities.

Overall, "One-Armed Jack" is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. Horton's storytelling is both sensitive and compelling, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel.

It’s a subject that has been covered for many decades but it never seems to get old. That’s of course because we can’t know who Jack the Ripper was. This is another new wrinkle. It’s yet another man who in some ways fits the bill. Quite interesting and for folks who follow this, worth a read. This is about a violent man who had limited use of his left arm. For me, hard to believe he could overtake another person with that problem but I’m no expert. Maybe he could get the women to let their guards down. Worth a read.

Does being an ancestor of a law enforcement officer who actually worked on one of the most famous in true crime history make you an expert on the afore mentioned case? Perhaps not but this author makes a convincing attempt.While heavy with autopsy details and eye witness accounts which sometimes lead to our alleged suspect sometimes not I felt something was just off about our perpetrator.The math wasn't mathing in other words to me as I've read a few books and seen many documentaries on the subject.However,Hyam Hyams is an interesting possibility which made for a compelling read.

An intriguing true crime story and look at whom Jack the Ripper was. The story is well-told and full of good accounts by those involved. A good read for the crime enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 27, 2024
Sarah Bax Horton’s great-great grandfather was one of the police officers charged with solving the biggest unsolvable case ever seen in Whitechapel, London- the case of Jack the Ripper. Now, over one hundred years later, Horton uses a collection of sources to cast a light on one suspect in particular, who Horton (and others) claim to be The Ripper himself.
“One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper” provides all of the background information you already know on the canonical five women brutally murdered by Jack. It also, however, presents the cases in a “what-if” format, outlining how the story could’ve happened with Horton’s main suspect at the helm.
“Ripper” supplies a LOT of geographical information on Whitechapel and its surrounding areas, everything up to and including street names. This serves a purpose, as Horton uses this information to prove that the suspect was familiar with places that provided clean getaways, but it was very dense for someone like me (someone outside of the U.K.), who has more of an interest in the Ripper and his victims, as opposed to the geographical layout and places where the Ripper could’ve found temporary cover.
I won’t give away Horton’s (and others, including one of the leads on the case) assumed suspect, but I will say that Horton makes him seem possible. I didn’t automatically jump up and scream, “that’s it! They’ve solved it!” but she makes a compelling case for a decent possibility.
I found the information Horton provided from the court proceedings (to determine whether the women died by murder or by natural causes) very interesting, as she supplied transcripts of witnesses in their own words. I found I was able to understand the victims a little better this way, too and felt more connected to them as women and humans then as looked-down-upon miscreants.
“Ripper” presents the facts of the case that you know and others that you don’t, through legitimate historical documentation and transcripts. Whether or not Horton’s “Ripper” was actually Jack? Well, that’s something I’ll leave up to you to decide.

Having been granted early access to "One-Armed Jack: Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper" by Sarah Bax Horton through NetGalley, I appreciate the author's dedication to shedding new light on the infamous Jack the Ripper case. Horton's innovative approach and meticulous research contribute to a compelling exploration of this historical mystery.

The book effectively introduces a lesser-known aspect of the case—One-Armed Jack—offering a fresh perspective on the widely studied subject. The narrative strikes a commendable balance between a scholarly approach and engaging storytelling, making it accessible to both enthusiasts and newcomers to the Jack the Ripper saga.

Horton's writing style is clear and concise, making complex historical details understandable. The pacing of the book is well-managed, maintaining suspense throughout the investigation. The vivid descriptions and characterizations enhance the atmospheric setting, providing readers with an immersive experience.

While I appreciate the unique angle presented in the book, it would be beneficial to further emphasize the evidence supporting the One-Armed Jack theory. Strengthening this aspect would provide readers with a more compelling and convincing argument.

Additionally, offering a bit more context on the existing theories and their critiques would help readers better understand the significance of the new perspective presented in "One-Armed Jack." This could enhance the overall impact of the book and encourage a more thorough consideration of the alternative theory.

Despite these suggestions, I commend Sarah Bax Horton for her dedication to unraveling the Jack the Ripper mystery and for providing readers with a thought-provoking reinterpretation. "One-Armed Jack" is a valuable contribution to the literature on this historical enigma, and I believe with some further emphasis on evidentiary support and context, it could become an even more impactful addition to the field.

I am a sucker for a Jack the Ripper book. I can't not pick them up. It's a compulsion that normally is entertaining if nothing else, and sometimes even enlightening.
This is yet another "I know who Jack really is" books.
Usually, I find the arguments of who Jack is interesting if not convincing, and a few have made me wonder if maybe they got it right.
Unfortunately "One-armed Jack" doesn’t fall into that group.
While I have seen nearly every possible suspect, most are defended with real evidence or at least supposition that is hard to argue with. I did not find that in this account. The man accused, Hyam Hyams, was indeed a violent man and I suppose he could have been the Ripper. My issues came with the reasoning given here, how Hyams was in the right place at the right time, how he lived close, how he frequented the same pubs, shops, and streets as the victims.
Yes, I suppose he did. He lived in Whitechapel at the time of the murders and the East End area is only so big. I would have been more surprised if their paths hadn't crossed.
The case seemed forced to me. The man made to fit the crimes instead of the crimes fitting the man.
As for the actual book; I found it hard to follow the trail of logic. Accounts and statements were repeated multiple times as if they were being beaten into my head until I agreed.
Not the best of the Jack the Ripper books out there I'm afraid.
If you know nothing about the case, you may find this enlightening. I did not.
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Based on original research and groundbreaking analysis, this revelatory book proposes a compelling new suspect as Jack the Ripper, linking eye-witness accounts to the perpetrator's official medical records. The suspect, identified with distinctive physical characteristics, experienced a severe decline triggered by epilepsy and a broken left arm in early 1888. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the killer, detailing his methodology, including the blitz-style attacks on victims and his successful escape from crime scenes, reconstructing each of the six murders to support the new suspect's culpability.

Over a hundred years after the terror wrought by Jack the Ripper, his identity is still debated by many. Using witness interviews and records from the investigation, the author proposes that not only can the man be identified but that the police identified him at the time.

I enjoyed how the evidence was laid out. The author names her suspect from the start and then lays out how it is plausible for each murder. Was I convinced by the end? Not completely, but I did find it an interesting read.
Though full of speculation, I liked the crime reconstructions at the end of each murder.

I would recommend this to those interested in Jack the Ripper.

I have read many of the books on Jack the Ripper, walked the streets on Ripper tours and, like so many others, have been fascinated by the story. Many of the books purport to reveal the “true” identity of Jack. Some of them are quite convincing. This one makes the case for someone who seems completely out in left field and yet….

Painstakingly researched and reconstructed from police reports, juries and books and papers, the author does a bang up job of laying the blame on Hyam Hyams. She is able to explain the rampages and seeming ability to vanish in thin air. She sets out street by street scenarios that are compelling and convincing. Whether we will ever be able to determine beyond a doubt who committed these heinous crimes, this certainly is up there as being a real possibility.

Four purrs and two paws up.

This book by a former government researcher offers a new Jack the Ripper suspect based on original research. By matching eyewitness accounts to medical records, she identifies a man with severe epilepsy and a broken arm who fits the police profile.

The organization of this book is a bit chaotic. It doesn’t tell a coherent story, but instead offers observations and rampant speculation to support her theory. Unless I missed something, the author offers zero evidence that the man she identifies is actually the killer. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for those with a particular interest in the subject matter.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.