All Us Sinners: A beautifully written crime debut set in the shadow of the Yorkshire Ripper

All Us Sinners is a powerful, provocative, beautiful, and unforgettable debut crime novel that takes a fresh and moving look at the Yorkshire Ripper crimes. It is a gripping and important story that gives voice to the forgotten women in the gruesome shadows of the Yorkshire Ripper.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

All Us Sinners is a powerful, provocative, beautiful, and unforgettable debut novel by Chris Whitaker, published in Leeds in 1977. The city is gripped by fear as a serial killer known as the Ripper targets sex workers, leaving a chill in the air. Maureen runs Rio's, a clean, discreet brothel in the city, where she takes great care of her workers, especially her best girls, Bev and Anette. Despite the terror the Ripper brings, Rio's seems like a safe haven for the girls. However, when Bev's sweet-natured son is found beaten to death, Maureen's past comes back to haunt her. DS Mick Hunniford, a figure from Maureen's past, shows up at her door, raising questions about danger and salvation. As Maureen navigates the complexities of her relationships and the ongoing threat of the Ripper, she must confront the truth about her own past and the people she trusts.

The impressive and moving debut crime novel from Katy Massey opens up a world that is rarely seen, at a time of great danger and drama. The writing is terrific, conveying the fear and grief of the women who lived through this period with tender respect. The novel takes a fresh and moving look at a series of crimes that we all think we know well, but it offers a new perspective and sheds light on the forgotten women who were caught in the gruesome shadows of the Yorkshire Ripper.

One of the standout features of All Us Sinners is its vivid, complex, and tender portrayal of the women characters. Maureen, the brothel owner, is a strong and determined woman who has faced many challenges in her life. She runs Rio's with a firm hand, but she also shows compassion and empathy for her workers. Bev and Anette, her best girls, are complex and multifaceted characters who have their own struggles and motivations. They are strong and resilient, but they also have vulnerabilities and fears. The Ripper, the serial killer who haunts the streets, is a terrifying and enigmatic figure. He is portrayed as a cold-blooded killer who takes pleasure in torturing and murdering his victims. However, the novel also delves into the psychological motivations behind the Ripper's actions, exploring the dark corners of his mind and the trauma he has experienced.

Another aspect of All Us Sinners that is noteworthy is its exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. The novel takes place in a time when women were largely marginalized and their voices were often ignored. Maureen, as the brothel owner, is a powerful figure who challenges the societal norms and expectations of her time. She provides a safe and supportive environment for her workers, especially those who have been marginalized or abused. However, she also faces discrimination and criticism from those who view her as a moral degenerate. The Ripper, on the other hand, is a symbol of the fear and violence that women faced in a patriarchal society. He represents the powerlessness and vulnerability of women who were often preyed upon by men who held positions of authority.

Overall, All Us Sinners is a masterful debut crime novel that offers a fresh and moving perspective on a series of crimes that have fascinated readers for decades. Katy Massey's writing is terrific, conveying the fear, grief, and resilience of the women who lived through this period with tender respect. The novel's exploration of gender roles, societal expectations, and the psychological motivations behind the Ripper's actions adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a gripping and important read. Whether you are a fan of crime fiction or simply interested in exploring the darker corners of human nature, All Us Sinners is a book that you will not want to miss.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408729694