Spring Break
Diaries uncover truth about Jack the Ripper
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Lifestyles
"The Dracula Dossier" by James Reese (William Morrow, $24.95)
Bram Stoker might be a familiar name to many for his famed "Dracula," but author James Reese tosses in a little twist from Stoker's life that is likely to have many fans of the late 19th century period clamoring for "The Dracula Dossier."
The title of this book is somewhat misleading because Dracula does not appear. Instead, Reese tells the story from a supposed dossier written by Stoker before his literary fame. This dossier details his intimate experiences with Jack the Ripper.
Stoker is the assistant and general gopher for successful Henry Irving. Stoker appears to be living in Irving's shadow, but when Stoker's close friend and famed novelist Thomas Henry Hall Caine introduces him to mysterious associate Dr. Francis Tumblety, his life begins to spiral out of control.
Stoker has always had an interest in the mysterious, and when he is invited to join an elusive and very covert group, he cannot resist. Something, however, goes terribly wrong and Dr. Tumblety is possessed by an ancient evil.
Soon, dead animals begin to appear in Stoker's residence followed quickly by human remains. The police begin to suspect Stoker, and only those who know the truth can eradicate this seemingly unquenchable evil from the heart of London.
Full of well-known and famous characters, Reese cleverly blends the historical accounts of characters and events during this time into a well-told and entertaining possibility.
Readers will enjoy learning more about this period of history, although they should be warned that Reese does not promote one of the more "realistic" solutions to Jack the Ripper that enthusiasts might be seeking.
Bram Stoker might be a familiar name to many for his famed "Dracula," but author James Reese tosses in a little twist from Stoker's life that is likely to have many fans of the late 19th century period clamoring for "The Dracula Dossier."
The title of this book is somewhat misleading because Dracula does not appear. Instead, Reese tells the story from a supposed dossier written by Stoker before his literary fame. This dossier details his intimate experiences with Jack the Ripper.
Stoker is the assistant and general gopher for successful Henry Irving. Stoker appears to be living in Irving's shadow, but when Stoker's close friend and famed novelist Thomas Henry Hall Caine introduces him to mysterious associate Dr. Francis Tumblety, his life begins to spiral out of control.
Stoker has always had an interest in the mysterious, and when he is invited to join an elusive and very covert group, he cannot resist. Something, however, goes terribly wrong and Dr. Tumblety is possessed by an ancient evil.
Soon, dead animals begin to appear in Stoker's residence followed quickly by human remains. The police begin to suspect Stoker, and only those who know the truth can eradicate this seemingly unquenchable evil from the heart of London.
Full of well-known and famous characters, Reese cleverly blends the historical accounts of characters and events during this time into a well-told and entertaining possibility.
Readers will enjoy learning more about this period of history, although they should be warned that Reese does not promote one of the more "realistic" solutions to Jack the Ripper that enthusiasts might be seeking.
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