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Robert Southworth
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The Reaper's Breath (The Jack the Ripper Legacies Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Robert Southworth (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 88 ratings
Mary Kelly lies dead upon her bed... Her sorrowful eyes still hold captive, the agony of her fate. Anger, and fear walk side by side as the populace of London demand justice for the slain. Is it a single mad man or is there a bloody political game being played out in the grime filled streets of the old City? The authorities are powerless to stop the bloodletting and call for a new kind of law. William Harkness, former officer of the 66th Regiment of Foot will join the hunt. His task is not to bring an insane killer to court, his hands are not tied by the laws of the day. William Harkness is the killer of killers, the assassin of evil.
Praise For the Reaper's Breath 'He delivers a heck of a story that leaves me wanting to know what happens next while cringing in horror at the scene within the walls of the Mops. He shows that you can create true horror without the need to describe every splash of blood from a severed throat!'Stuart S Laing - Author of the Robert Young Mysteries'
With fabulous dialogue and a story that keeps you on tenterhooks, one can easily imagine this as a TV programme, in the style of Ripper Street. Someone should call up a producer and refer them to this awesome book! I would love to see it as a movie or a TV series. This book is an excellent start to what promises to be a fabulous series!'Paula Lofting - Author of Sons of the Wolf'Let’s get down to the honesty I like to bring to all my reviews.
The plot itself seems well planned out.. everything made sense, nothing seemed out of place or had me confused. At one point I was 100% sure I had figured everything out..Then the author throws in some spectacular twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.'-The book blurb review group -
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Jack the Ripper Legacies
  2. Print length
    272 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 20, 2016
  5. Grade level
    12 and up
  6. File size
    1.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

A Jack the Ripper tale with a twist

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01C1VAXA2
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 20, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 6th
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Jack the Ripper Legacies
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 88 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Robert Southworth

    Robert Southworth

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    I'm Robert Southworth an author from Warwickshire in England. I suppose the best way describe myself is a lover of all books. Although my first three novels are based in ancient Rome, i wouldnt tie myself down to the era or genre. I love history through the ages, but i am also just as happy picking up a sci-fi or fantasy novel. My favourite authors are Scarrow, Cornwell, McGee which i know are all masters at historical fiction, but i also love Pratchett(absolute genius) and Robert Rankin (absolute bonkers). I am a traditionally published author but have decided to self publish my next couple of novels, which means hopefully i will be able to place my work before my readers a little more quickly.

    Me as a writer: I have no wish to make my readers think deeply on the social issues of the world. There are plenty of authors and other types of media which do that. I consider myself a story teller and i attempt to entertain, i would much rather draw a contented smile than a political debate.

    I hope that you all enjoy my books.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Robert Southworth

    Robert Southworth

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    An author from a sleepy town in England called Nuneaton. I write historical fiction, with a leaning to either thriller or action adventure. I try not to overload my books with historical detail, I concentrate far more on storyline and character. I started writing seriously, after like so many in England, I was made redundant. It's my attempt to provide for my family and at the same time truly enjoy the journey. I love to hear from my readers. so if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
88 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly readable, with one mentioning it had them hooked from the beginning. The plot receives positive feedback for its brilliant twists, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters and the author's creative talent.

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10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful read, with one mentioning it had them hooked from the beginning.

"...I found was a nerve-wrangling, page turning tale that was not only entertaining but a delight to read...." Read more

"SPOILER ALERT. The book itself was ok . I gave it four stars as it did keep you guessing as to who the killer was up to the end...." Read more

"...Love, love the book. You really can get emotionally involve with the William, main character. Even had a tear in my eye in a couple instances...." Read more

"...But I took a chance on this one and was happy I did. Good story, compelling plot, and a series I'll happily keep reading." Read more

7 customers mention "Plot twists"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's plot twists, describing it as a page-turning tale that keeps readers guessing throughout.

"...Wonderfully crafted with great characters, plot twists, and descriptive enough to have the sights and smells of an industrial city come oozing out..." Read more

"...No, I really liked this book, except.... TOO MANY TYPOS! The story was great, the pace was fast, the characters well developed... But TOO MANY TYPOS..." Read more

"...But I took a chance on this one and was happy I did. Good story, compelling plot, and a series I'll happily keep reading." Read more

"...will happen next in this genre but this was very different, brilliant plot twists...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...Wonderfully crafted with great characters, plot twists, and descriptive enough to have the sights and smells of an industrial city come oozing out..." Read more

"...The story was great, the pace was fast, the characters well developed... But TOO MANY TYPOS! I plan to continue on with the series...." Read more

"...William was a great character, flawed and good at the same time, just the way I like them. I'm looking forward to the next book." Read more

"Had me hooked from the beginning. Great characters. Fast paced, a page turner. Suspense and mystery." Read more

3 customers mention "Author talent"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's creativity, with one noting how they skillfully adapted a well-known tale.

"...I enjoyed the way the author took a well known tale and was able to concoct a different telling; one that kept me guessing throughout...." Read more

"...The man (Mr. Southworth) has an outstanding talent in writing mysteries. Love, love the book...." Read more

"...Southworth is an engaging writer, and put together a complex, semi-historical, multiple-murder mystery that keeps the the mix of possibilities..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Paul Bennett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Review and Interview
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Stepping outside my usual reading habits I decided to take on a mystery-thriller story. I was pretty confident that the author would have penned an entertaining piece as I have read his Spartacus series and enjoyed that. Not only a different genre, but also a quite different subject awaited me as I read The Reaper’s Breath, as I know next to nothing about the nightmarish exploits of Jack the Ripper. What I found was a nerve-wrangling, page turning tale that was not only entertaining but a delight to read. The author shows his creative side as he takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through the teeming underbelly of London. Wonderfully crafted with great characters, plot twists, and descriptive enough to have the sights and smells of an industrial city come oozing out of the pages. I enjoyed the way the author took a well known tale and was able to concoct a different telling; one that kept me guessing throughout. 4.7 stars

    I was able to sit down and with and interview the author - well sort of as he's on one side of The Pond and I'm on the other. Thanks Robert for taking the time for a few questions.

    Interview with Robert Southworth

    Reaper’s Breath is a bit of a departure from your series on Spartacus. Was it difficult to make such a drastic switch in time and place?
    Answer =Not really I have always had an interest in the Ripper murders, and the impact the crimes had on the populace of London. I am fortunate that when it comes to things historical I am not restricted to one or two eras. The important thing for me was to be able to take the story in another direction. I didn’t want to produce another standard Ripper novel.

    What drew you to write about “The Ripper”?
    Answer = I love to find subjects that are well known but actual facts are scarce. I believe it allows the author to be wonderfully creative and gives the readers something a little different.

    How is book two of The Ripper Legacies coming along?
    Answer = The first draft is complete and is currently with the editor, after that I will make changes and it will go for its final edit.

    What does Robert Southworth do when he’s not writing?
    Answer = I have a young family and I also care for a disabled parent. That aside, I market my books where possible but that is a part of the business that I do not enjoy. It is also very expensive in terms of money and time.

    Who does Robert Southworth enjoy reading?
    Answer = Traditional authors such as Terry Pratchett, Simon Scarrow and James McGee but recently my tastes buds have feasted on delicious indy authors such as Paula Lofting, Robert Bayliss, Jeanette Taylor Ford, Kevin Ashman and many more…

    We’ve heard rumors of an exciting new project…care to let us in on it?
    Answer = In keeping with taking legend, myth or factual personalities clouded in mist, from the past. I am going to be taking the Homeric poems and giving them a gritty update. I will attempt to show the politics of the time and offer differing reasons for war and the consequences of the fall of Troy. Im hoping that this book will show a different side to my writing…but I suppose only the reader will testify to my success.
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  • Marcus Regulus
    4.0 out of 5 stars An ok Victorian crime drama
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    SPOILER ALERT. The book itself was ok . I gave it four stars as it did keep you guessing as to who the killer was up to the end. However I was disappointed as this will be the first of many books as the the theme of this book is that there was not one Ripper but at least nine.This franchise will probably give the Rocky franchise a run for its money. I for one am not looking forward to the future books in the series as one was more than enough for me. I will go back to reading my Sherlock Holmes tales for Victorian crime dramas.
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  • JOE A. SILVEIRA
    5.0 out of 5 stars I wasn't planning to read this novel.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    As per my heading, I had no plans to read this novel. Why! Not my time era. Simple as that. But, since I have read Mr. Southworth Spartucas series and my all time favorite Wrath Of The Furies, I would at least try a sample reading of The Reaper's Breath. I was pleasantly surprise in the first few chapters that The Reaper's Breath was going to be as good if not better than Wrath Of The Furies. The man (Mr. Southworth) has an outstanding talent in writing mysteries. Love, love the book.
    You really can get emotionally involve with the William, main character. Even had a tear in my eye in a couple instances. Keep up the great work Mr. Southworth. I'm a big fan of your writings.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • RHR in Oregon
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Different Ripper Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this book. No, I really liked this book, except.... TOO MANY TYPOS! The story was great, the pace was fast, the characters well developed... But TOO MANY TYPOS! I plan to continue on with the series. Hopefully the author has a new proofreader.
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  • Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Happy with this one
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I nearly didn't read this book because of the cover. While I'm okay with thrillers, I'm not a fan of horror or paranormal. But I took a chance on this one and was happy I did. Good story, compelling plot, and a series I'll happily keep reading.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful read, l can usually predict what will happen ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    What a wonderful read, l can usually predict what will happen next in this genre but this was very different, brilliant plot twists.
    If anyone has not read this author yet l strongly suggest you give him a try.
    More please Mr Southworth and good job.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • vernice hunt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Greg Hunt. This is the review I posted on FB after reading this novel.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished reading The Reaper's Breath by British writer Robert Southworth, a mystery/suspense novel set primarily in the slums and ghettos of London in the 19th century. I chose this book based on the teaser and the first few pages, which caught my interest right from the start. Southworth is an engaging writer, and put together a complex, semi-historical, multiple-murder mystery that keeps the the mix of possibilities juggled in the air right to the end. I enjoy occasionally reading novels by British and Australian writers because their language is fresh and entertaining to an American reader, and the slang and jargon of the era that Southworth used was intriguing. Readers who like this sort of novel should check this one out. I plan to read the second novel in this series, The Reaper's Touch.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kim
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    An enjoyable read! I liked the take on the Jack the Ripper legend and the ending. William was a great character, flawed and good at the same time, just the way I like them. I'm looking forward to the next book.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • 11thc girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars William Harkness is licenced to do whatever he can to find the brutal killer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This new take on the Ripper story is unique and original. The author has devised a tale based on the real life Ripper, with credible characters and a plausible storyline. In William Harkness, we have a new hero, who, with his task force of hand-picked men, go all out to find the killer who is robbing the lives of the city of London's women. His history as a famed army captain makes him the right man for the job, when Inspector Abberline is given full reign to do whatever he can to get their man - or men.
    Harkness has a dark side to him, and also a tender side as we see in the lovely scenes with his father. I'm looking forward to see how his character develops over the three books that are planned.
    With fabulous dialogue and a story that keeps you on tenterhooks, one can easily imagine this as a TV programme, in the style of Ripper Street. Someone should call up a producer and refer them to this awesome book! I would love to see it as a movie or a TV series.
    This book is an excellent start to what promises to be a fabulous series!
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  • Kindle Customer Petra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gr8 read!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book! Swept me along at a fast rate! Can't wait to read the next one and follow William's journey.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bring on the the next one
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the book and story alot . plenty of historical details which I enjoy in a book . found it quite wordy to start with but liked the way it was written once I got into it . it's a subject I've been interested in since I was a teen-ager so enjoyed the plot as and characters . looking forward to the next one ! ...
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  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another cracking story from Robert Southworth!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Finally we have the new book from Robert Southworth. It feels like I’ve been waiting ages.. but let me tell you the wait has been worth it!

    If you’ve read Rob’s previous series focusing on Spartacus you will know he has a talent for making a story based loosely on history. It’s an interesting style of story and If I’m honest before reading this book I wasn’t 100% sure it would work..the whole ripper event are well documented so I just couldn’t see an story to be told.. but credit to the author, he easily manages to take a little bit of history and give it a twist which shows just how good his imagination is.

    To be clear for anyone who reads the book.. this isn’t a ripper book as such. It’s based on some of the events and some of the real people are mentioned but this is entirely a book of fiction on which Rob has been able to show his unique style of storytelling. I’ve never read anything like Rob’s book before and I’m so glad I found his work.

    So.. the story. Well this book follows William Harkness, the classic flawed character which every great book needs. William is approached by Inspector Abberline to help when people turn up murdered.. they think there’s more to these murders than they are willing tell the public… they want him to help catch a killer who has avoided the police for over 15 years!

    There was some great stand out characters for me, namely Obadiah & Naismith. Obadiah had the aura around him.. like nothing could hurt him.. ever. Naismith.. mysterious Naismith.. he was just an intriguing character from the start.

    Let’s get down to the honesty I like to bring to all my reviews… The plot itself seems well planned out.. everything made sense, nothing seemed out of place or had me confused. At one point I was 100% sure I had figured everything out..Then the author throws in some spectacular twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

    Emily was an interesting character, to be truthful I would have liked to see more scenes between her and William to see the connection develop but what the author gives us didn’t disappoint me..

    The biggest enigma in the book for me was Williams’ dad, Sir Simeon Harkness. You don’t know much about him at first only that he and his son have issues. Throughout the book he develops well and the author finally lets you into the family history that has plagued these two men.

    In conclusion Rob has brought his unique style to this book, plenty of suspense and twists to keep you gripped and it’s written so well, enough detail to keep your mind activate but not enough to bog you down.

    Robert Southworth has delivered another brilliant book which showcases his talent and I’m eager for more
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  • Pat McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling story running against the backdrop of lawless 19th Centur London
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My interest in Jack the Ripper stories drew me to this one. An excellent portrayal of 19th century London of the time, it is couched in authentic language and terminology which had me fascinated from the start. It is not another theory of the identity of the elusive Jack the Ripper as told in many books; although some familiar factual characters are brought to life and placed alongside fictional ones. It is a real look at lawless London and what it was to live there at this period in history. It is a thrilling story running against this backdrop.
    Robert Southworth is more than an historian and entertains well in The Reaper’s Breath. Even a simple walk through Bluegate Fields leaves the reader uneasy at the potential danger that lurks within every shadow. Loved this book and the impeccable style of the author and I highly recommend it (Book 1 in the Ripper Legacies). I can’t wait for the rest. Pat McDonald British Crime Writer.
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