Ripper

A Novel

By: Isabel Allende

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Isabel Allende—the New York Times bestselling author whose books, including Maya’s Notebook, Island Beneath the Sea, and Zorro, have sold more than 57 million copies around the world—demonstrates her remarkable literary versatility with Ripper, an atmospheric, fast-paced mystery involving a brilliant teenage sleuth who must unmask a serial killer in San Francisco.

The Jackson women, Indiana and Amanda, have always had each other. Yet, while their bond is strong, mother and daughter are as different as night and day. Indiana, a beautiful holistic healer, is a free-spirited bohemian. Long divorced from Amanda’s father, she’s reluctant to settle down with either of the men who want her—Alan, the wealthy scion of one of San Francisco’s elite families, and Ryan, an enigmatic, scarred former Navy SEAL.

While her mom looks for the good in people, Amanda is fascinated by the dark side of human nature, like her father, the SFPD’s Deputy Chief of Homicide. Brilliant and introverted, the MIT-bound high school senior is a natural-born sleuth addicted to crime novels and Ripper, the online mystery game she plays with her beloved grandfather and friends around the world.

When a string of strange murders occurs across the city, Amanda plunges into her own investigation, discovering, before the police do, that the deaths may be connected. But the case becomes all too personal when Indiana suddenly vanishes. Could her mother’s disappearance be linked to the serial killer? Now, with her mother’s life on the line, the young detective must solve the most complex mystery she’s ever faced before it’s too late.

Interesting Concept

Any additional comments?

I selected this book because I enjoyed an earlier book that she wrote. I was disappointed in this one, though I did like part of the story line. I liked the group of diverse kids from around the world working to solve murders but the author only half developed their characters. I thought that part could have been an interesting study; however, mother was an unreal, flat character. The one legged Navy Seal with the dog with metal teeth was like something thrown in from an action/fantasy story and his relationship with the mother just didn't fit with the rest of the storyline.

Great story. Riveting detective tale

So different from her previous books. Had me up all night listening. As magical realism may be passé (in her own words), Allende's writing has transcended from that genre into a more traditionally Anglo one, with her own Spanish twist. Wonderful translation.

One of her best.

Miss the romance a little downplayed but enjoyed the mystery of this one. The narrator was superb! One of the best performances I’ve heard on audible.

Extremely entertaining

Isabel Allende's first mystery novel. Not surprisingly, the mystery itself is secondary to the many magical characters Allende brings to life. And yet, the puzzle the teenage members of the role-playing game (Ripper) are trying to solve grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let you go. Yes, some of the plot is far-fetched…but it wouldn't be Allende if there were no elements that were a tad fantastical. Edoardo Ballerini is the perfect reader for this. I have said before that he could read a phone book and I would listen. It was sheer pleasure to have him read Allende's novel. Definitely recommend.

Must Read for Allende Fans

Would you listen to Ripper again? Why?

I Love Edoardo Ballerini's narrations and the fact that he is reading an Isabel Allende novel is such a treat.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The story and delivery of the events was different & refreshing, the fact that you knew the end right from the beginning but could never quite figure out who or why through the whole book kept me wanting more.

Any additional comments?

This is a departure in theme from the typical Allende novel that I have read over the years but the rich characters and complex relationships are what keep me coming back for more.