Terrence Lore Smith (1946–1988)

In this mystery novel, the Scotland Yard authorities are faced by a maniac bent on recreating the Jack-the-Ripper murders on their hundredth anniversary. However, clues of the supernatural start piling up; clues disintegrate in days, turning to dust; Victorian people and buildings appear and vanish without a trace, and the chief suspects can’t be apprehended. Then a retired American general Jim Lees comes forward, claiming (with much difficulty) that he’s had strange horrific dreams that might be portents relating to the murders. If Lees is psychic (which is his greatest fear), and the powers behind the murders is really supernatural, then Scotland Yard may be in for the toughest case of its history, which could end up costing lives, careers, and minds.
This book is an entertaining read, and is very cinematic, but its not very intellectual or deep. The trouble partly is the repetitive nature of Smith’s writing. He can’t find another synonym for ‘red’ besides comparing it to the hue of blood. The dialogue and descriptions are cop-outs, i.e. “Gee, those people sure look very Victorian, wouldn’t you say?” The characters are well developed, but their secrets are thinly veiled, if at all. Smith has not yet mastered the art of foreshadowing; the hints are too conspicuous and blatant. As a consequence, the surprises are rarely surprising, with one exception at the end. And on top of all this, Smith divides the multiple occurrences and plots too finely. Nor more than three pages relate to the same story arc. This leads to a fractured and broken pace. The one redeeming aspect of Smith’s work is his explorations into the mind of the Ripper, exposing the unholy obsessions and madness within. This is very intriguing, and possibly the most original feature of the entire novel. All in all this book is a good read, but certainly will not be remembered fifty, nor even twenty years from now.
VERDICT: 5 / 10

(written February 2002)… (mehr)