A review of “I Am Jack” – installment 1 by Michael Bray

Posted exclusively to Jennlyreads – March 2016

I Am Jack is the newest novel by horror/thriller author Michael Bray. Released free in serialized format to members of his mailing list, I received the opening installment yesterday evening and had it read in fairly short order.

While not a ‘factual account’ of the White Chapel Murders or the Ripper, it is a tale of fiction based on fact which allows the author more room for artistic license. Also, in the true form of the time period and subject matter, this is not a book that should be read by those who are easily offended.

The first installment sets the groundwork of the story, where we find Jack – now using the pseudonym Edward Miller calling upon an author currently in the process of writing about the White Chapel Murders with a request to tell his story. After an initial refusal, the author agrees upon learning Miller’s true identity. Jack’s story begins at the pivot point of his life and we learn of the chain of events that turned a happy boy into one of the most brutal serial killers of all time. These events also served as a bit of foreshadowing into the mind of the Ripper with regard to how and why he chose his victims.

I got a little bit of an “Interview with the Vampire” vibe in the opening installment but I’m fairly certain that all similarities will end there. The story told thus far was shocking and at times heart wrenching but also left me feeling for our young victim turned monster.

A great start – eagerly awaiting more. 🙂