Ripper

When the orphanage where he grew up is closed, teenaged Carver Young faces homelessness on the streets of 1895 New York.  But at the last minute he is taken in by the crusty but brilliant Mr. Hawking, a former Pinkerton agent who promises to train Carver as a detective.  Carver is soon drawn into a web of mystery and danger as Mr. Hawking investigates the gruesome murder of a wealthy New York society woman.   Could she be a victim of the nefarious Jack the Ripper?

With plenty of well-drawn characters, pulse-pounding action, and cool steampunk-flavored gadgetry,  this is an exciting read for teens and adults.   Even careful readers may be surprised by the shocking – but logical – plot twist at the end of the book.  And fans of American history may appreciate that Theodore Roosevelt – who was indeed a New York City police commissioner in 1895 – makes much more than a cameo appearance in this story, as does his spirited daughter Alice. 

Take a walk through 1890s New York with Carver Young and see if you can spot the Ripper.