Isabel
Allende’s Newest Novel
South American writer, Isabel
Allende presents her first mystery/suspense/ thriller, in her recently
published novel, Ripper. Allende is best
known for her novels that address coming of age, feminism and family relationships
so this book represents an adventure into a new genre. She states that her
fiction “just comes, arriving unbidden” and she is known for earlier novels in
the style known as magical realism.
Meet Amanda Jackson, whose
parents are divorced so she lives with her grandfather, Blake Jackson, and is
about to graduate from high school with plans to enter MIT in the fall. Her
strong interest in solving crimes with the 5 friends she’s connected to through
playing Ripper, an online mystery
game, plays a role in getting to the bottom of a series of bizarre San
Francisco murders by a serial killer.
Bob Martin, San Francisco’s
deputy chief of homicide and Amanda’s father, leads the investigation into
these five unrelated murders while she passes clues to the Ripper players. Blake Jackson reads autopsy reports and interviews
witnesses to pick up details the serial murderer leaves behind, and then relays
details to Amanda. Her deep interest in the dark side of crime prompts Amanda
to share details with her online team in search of crime theories and to find the thread between
victims. Each murder stands on its own because
none are identical; the victim is sedated, killed and posed after death and the
killer leaves a signature at the scene.
Amanda’s mother, Indiana, divorced
from her husband and as independent as her daughter, practices holistic healing
and aromatherapy and treats a Navy SEAL, Ryan Miller, a survivor of an
Afghanistan land mine explosion. Her success and reputation for healing attract
clients and she is romantically involved with two men, both clients, Allen
Keller and Ryan Miller.
Amazon reviewers and critics
share a range of praise and criticism for this title and it is a detailed novel
with fascinating characters set in the San Francisco Bay area. Take it along on
vacation because it’s a good read.
Ripper, PQ8098.1
.L54 D4713 2014
