What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen
Paperback, 352 Pages
2010, Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 1402243553
Synopsis
Under Certain Circumstances, No One Is More Suited to Solving a Crime than a Woman Confined to Her Bed
An invalid for most her life, Alice James is quite used to people underestimating her. And she generally doesn't mind. But this time she is not about to let things alone. Yes, her brother Henry may be a famous author, and her other brother William a rising star in the new field of psychology. But when they all find themselves quite unusually involved in the chase for a most vile new murderer-one who goes by the chilling name of Jack the Ripper-Alice is certain of two things:
No one could be more suited to gather evidence about the nature of the killer than her brothers. But if anyone is going to correctly examine the evidence and solve the case, it will have to be up to her.
Review
What Alice Knew fictionalizes the ultimate mystery - Who is Jack the Ripper? The end result is a whirlwind of action and intrigue that makes the familiar case new and exciting.
Author Henry James, his pioneer in the field of psychology brother William and their "professional invalid" sister Alice do their part to help hunt down the famed killer when a forward thinking official invites William to consult on the case.
While attempting to solve the mystery, each of the siblings puts forth their own strengths to the group, both from their work and their society connections. A literary mind, another schooled in human nature, and the third a keen observer, make an rather interesting mix of crime-solvers. These three people see the same situation in three very different ways causing them to form viewpoints that don't always mesh, which occasionally leads to some extremely entertaining sibling bickering.
I've never read any works by Henry James, but didn't find that it detracted from the story. While I noticed nothing lacking from my lack of experience with his works, his readers may well find hidden treasures that weren't noticeable to me. Other literary figures, most notably Oscar Wilde and Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens, are involved in the story. Odds are, if you're a reader, you'll recognize someone in this story.
What Alice Knew is historical fiction at its best. The story, while fiction, is plausible. It makes the case it was based upon more thrilling than any other account that I've read that tackled the subject. This book will definitely appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy Jack the Ripper tales, books that feature authors, those who enjoy early psychology and anyone who loves a thrilling mystery. In a word: wonderful.
Rating
Links
Paula Marantz Cohen's website
Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review! I like how each of the characters brings their own strengths and expertise to work together to solve the case. Historical fiction with a mystery involving psychology? Awesome. Just wondering, though, because of the whole "Jack the Ripper" thing - was it quite graphic?
ReplyDeleteDanya
A Tapestry of Words
I love all things Jack the Ripper, I am going to have to check this book out.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love historical mysteries. This one's already on my to-read list. Glad to see you loved it.
ReplyDeleteJack the Ripper won't quite! He appears everywhere from Star Trek to The Brotherhood of Blood. I have to say it isn't really exciting to me - probably b/c I know the mystery isn't solved. Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
ReplyDeletesteph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
Great review! This sounds like something I'd like. I have attempted to read Henry James and am not a fan of his work but I have a feeling I'd enjoy What Alice Knew.
ReplyDeleteI too loved this book - - it really is historical fiction done right. And like you, I have not read anything by Henry James (yet) but it did not detract at all. If anything, it made me want to pick up one of his books.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it as much as I did!
http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-of-what-alice-knew-by-paula.html
This sounds really interesting.
ReplyDelete@Danielle - It really was.
ReplyDelete@danya - Um, yes and no. It had a few graphic descriptions of the victims, but it wasn't gratuitous. More like stating the facts so you could see how Jack escalated. You only saw the aftermath of the murders, not the actual killing.
@Felicia - That's what caught my attention. I always love to see what people come up with when it comes to him. The author did a wonderful job of convincing me of her idea in this book.
@carolsnotebook - I really did. I hope you love it too!
@Steph - I actually think that's what makes it more exciting. It could have been anyone, so the fiction based on it has the added bonus of maybe being true. Plus it can be a real mystery. If we knew who really killed those women, the chase wouldn't be as thrilling and the reveal wouldn't be shocking.
@Christina T - Knowing nothing about James' books, I loved it. Ever since I started talking baout this book, so many people have admitted to not being a fan of his. I can't have an opinion on his work, but the personality in the character in the book was very interesting.
@Lori Hedgpeth - I'm not quite sure I'm convinced I should try James' books (since most people I've talked to haven't liked them much) but I loved the character.
@Shiela Deeth - It was!
My fascination with Jack the Ripper makes this a must read for me! I'm pleased to know you thought it plausible. I love those kind of stories!
ReplyDeleteI love , love, love historical fiction and this sound totally fascinating!
ReplyDelete@Missie - I need to find more books like this one. I love unsolved mysteries being solved in a fictional but believable way.
ReplyDelete@Lisa R - It was fascinating!