Mayhem

Pinborough (Feeding Ground) has created some serious competition for Jack the Ripper in her latest historical thriller. Based upon the real-life "Thames Torso Killer" who stalked the London streets of the 1880s, this multinarrative horror story doesn't skimp on the gore and throws in a bit of the supernatural for good measure. Intuitive police surgeon Dr. Bond is tormented by the Torso Killer as well as the Ripper and is determined to put a stop to the deadly madness infecting his city. But does he have the stomach for what is necessary? Victorian London is well rendered in all of its glorious filth, and excerpts from newspapers of the era are interspersed throughout, serving as chilling reminders of the reality that inspired the novel. However, Pinborough's effort to show all sides of the story—victims, murderer, police, sleuth—dilutes the mystery. The numerous transitions among perspectives also stifle the tension, and the abrupt ending will raise eyebrows.