Conversations With Spirits
By E O Higgins
The story of a dissipated genius in a borrowed hat and coat
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Ripping yarns
Arthur Conan Doyle was the first person to advance the brilliant theory that Jack the Ripper committed his murders whilst in drag.
In 1888, Conan Doyle told police officials that he thought the murderer could be disguised as a midwife.
Thus, 'she’ could be seen with bloody clothes without attracting undue suspicion - and would be more easily trusted by female victims.
Later, 'Ripperologist’ William Stewart went further, proposing that the murderer was actually a woman – and even went as far as naming her.
Dubbing her 'Jill the Ripper’, Stewart suggested it was Mary Pearcey (pictured, looking both Victorian and evil), who in October 1890, killed her lover’s wife and child.
E. J. Wagner, in The Science of Sherlock Holmes, offers the further ludicrous suggestion that it was Constance Kent (of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher fame), who had served 20 years for the murder of her younger brother at the age of sixteen.
Though these theories are fairly unlikely, DNA evidence taken from the 'Ripper letters’ (sent to the police in 1888, supposedly by the murderer) suggest the envelopes may have been sealed by a woman…
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Comments
Any news on when it's out?
posted 27th April 2013
Hello Ewan!
I have been told 'this year' - but can't say much more.
I handed in the finalised manuscript last week, so now it's off to being proofed and typeset.
As soon as I have any news, I will add new posts to the shed / Facebook page!
Hope you're well?
Edward x
posted 7th May 2013