Reviews

A Taste for Monsters by Matthew J. Kirby

hirvimaki's review

4.0

A beautiful example of how an author can paint characters with fine strokes that lifts them out of the pages. This story brings two historical events, the terror of Jack the Ripper and the curious circumstances of Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man), into juxtaposition and glues them together by creating a multi-faceted MC. Kirby manages to write an historical female who does not fall into the stereo-type of "plucky modern-thinking woman in pants" that is so common place in historical fiction. One star off for a belabored side plot and a ending that was not as strong as it could have been, but an enjoyable read filled with wonderful characters and beautiful descriptions.

cathy_acasefullofbooks's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.5

This was really interesting, weaving together historical figures like Joseph Merrick aka the Elephant Man, Jack the Ripper, and a maid with phossy jaw from working at a matchstick factory. Together, the maid, Evelyn and Mr. Merrick begin to be visited by the ghostly victims of Jack the Ripper. These visitations make Mr. Merrick's condition worse, so Evelyn takes it upon herself to help the ghosts move on.

While I mostly enjoyed this one, the pacing was a bit on the slow side and at times I had trouble paying attention because of that.

rjdenney's review against another edition

3.0

2.5 STARS!!!

I was really excited to read this because I love stories about Jack the Ripper and the Victorian Era. But I also have never read anything about Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) before. Though I enjoyed this to an extent, it was very slow, almost too slow at times. The whole mystery of who Jack the Ripper is or in this book "The Leather Apron" who he was known as before JTR was so anti-climatic that I actually sighed with disappointment while reading the reveal. I'd recommend Stalking Jack the Ripper over this any damn day. I'm also glad that I got this ARC for free a couple of years ago because I would've been pretty pissed if I'd spent any $ on this lol

- Richard

marieintheraw's review

4.0

A really good "retelling" of Jack the Ripper.

millykeen's review

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

betharanova's review

5.0

I read this book in two hours, for which I have been rightfully reprimanded. Later I will read it again and take my time.

But I couldn't help myself! It was just so engrossing. I always cared about what was going to happen next. All the character interactions were a delight, and the protagonist in particular was very much worth rooting for, flaws and realistic reactions and all. This book is fun, intense, adorable, creepy, and moving all wrapped up in one story.

thriftylibrarian's review

3.0

Although I enjoyed the historical aspects and the relationship growth between Evelyn and Joseph Merrick, there were some plot holes that became an issue. Moreover, the ending was too rushed and neatly sewn up.

Recommended for those that enjoy ghost stories and hauntings and those with an interest in Jack the Ripper theories.

hayleybeale's review

5.0

Superbly evoked historical fiction that weaves Joseph Merrick (aka The Elephant Man) and the Whitechapel murders attributed to jack the Ripper into a story of redemption for Evelyn Fallow, the (fictional) narrator. See my full review here.

Thanks to Scholastic and Edelweiss for the digital ARC.

fate1380's review

dark informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

redremlit's review

5.0

“He was quite singular wasn’t he?”
I smiled, wishing that all grief could be so alloyed with joy.
“He was, ma’am,” I said. “In every way.”

- Sobbing.