Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper Case Closed

Patricia Cornwell, best-selling author of the Scarpetta novels, turns her attention to the unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper.

Using forensic science techniques available today, but unheard-of in Victorian times, and calling upon experts in fields of art, pathology and medicine, she concludes that artist Walter Sickert was the Ripper.

The examination of this man's birth defects, the horrific surgery he underwent as a child and the subsequent effect on his upbringing provide a textbook profile of a psychopathic killer.

With painstaking detail, Cornwell discusses each of the seven murders attributed to the serial killer and hints at many more.

The Little Brown book provides a fascinating study of life in Victorian times, its attitudes, squalor and suffering.

It highlights how far we have come today with our policing detection methods, post-mortem techniques, anatomical knowledge, hygiene standards and social attitudes.

Beryl Simister

The Winter Mantle

There is an excellent blend of history and romance, from 1066 to the Crusades, in Elizabeth Chadwick's new novel.

English nobles rebel against William of Normandy's victory at the Battle of Hastings and he takes some back to France as hostages.

Among them is Saxon earl Waltheof of Huntingdon, who saves the life of a French nobleman and falls in love with the king's niece, Judith.

Back in England, however, divided loyalties to king and country starts to tear the couple apart.

The author's love and knowledge of her subject are clear in this enthralling story, published in paperback by Time Warner.

Margaret Malpass

Justice Hall

In the closing weeks of the First World War an officer is executed by firing squad after being accused of cowardice.

In this HarperCollins hardback the young duke's uncle discovers the death was in reality a cleverly-plotted murder.

Was the killer a relative hoping to take over the inheritance? Or is he part of a conspiracy to help the Germans prepare for a second world war?

Sherlock Holmes and his young wife Mary Russell arrive at Justice Hall to investigate layer upon layer of mystery in Laurie King's latest novel.

Feminist intellectual Mary narrates this intelligent and absorbing blend of adventure, whodunnit and family dilemmas.

David Knights

The Lost Years

From the moment Perys Tremayne arrives at his family home for the first time, he is plunged into a series of dramatic incidents.

His heroic response to danger soon gains him respect from the locals and the love of farmer's daughter Annie Bray.

But misunderstandings and malicious gossip drive the couple apart, and when Perys joins the Flying Corps and the First World War breaks out, their loyalties lie elsewhere. Published in hardback by Time Warner, EV Thompson's enjoyable novel has lots of airtime action and a good mix of fact and fiction.

Margaret Malpass

Tickled Pink

Christina Jones once again creates a realistic and happy setting illustrating the ups and downs of village life.

Posy and Lola are similar in many ways -- having recently lost a past love, having no work, and feeling very alone.

They become great allies, using an ailing pub to create their dreams and find love.

Posy and Lola organise a village fair to promote Steeple Fritton, during which we meet characters from a previous Jones novel. This is a nice touch and the continuity and feeling of familiarity is a good one. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Katrina King