The Women in the Shadows

Included in THE TIMES Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025: 'A lively new perspective on a grimly familiar tale'

The world's most famous unsolved serial killer mystery, told from the perspective of a gang of women.

'A fresh and captivating retelling of the Jack the Ripper mystery, brimming with authentic historical detail and well-drawn, sympathetic characters. A must-read for lovers of finely crafted historical fiction.' IRINA SHAPIRO

'This is a wonderfully crafted book where historical fiction meets seamlessly with historical fact. The case of Jack the Ripper as you have never read it before.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

London, 1888. A monster prowls the gaslit streets, and the police are looking in all the wrong places, at all the wrong suspects. But three women refuse to stay silent.

Emma, the chief detective’s sharp-witted wife, sees the investigation failing. Maggie, a private investigator, exposes men’s darkest secrets. Bet, a police station cleaner, overhears what others ignore.

Together, they form an alliance to hunt down the killer dubbed Jack the Ripper. But as the women weave through the slums, brothels, and smoke-filled parlours of London’s underworld, they uncover corruption more sinister than they ever imagined.

The city belonged to men – until now.

Readers are hooked by The Women in the Shadows:

'Harriet Fox will delight readers with this clever reimagining of the Jack the Ripper murders through the eyes of Whitechapel women. Engrossing and original – this story will keep pages turning and night-lights burning.' ROSE PASCOE

'I can honestly say it was the most thrilling, page turning book I've read this year. I literally could not put it down.' HELEN PHIFER

'A wonderful romp through Jack the Ripper's London! A dark subject, but the author's light touch made it an unputdownable, easy read. I especially loved that each of the victims was given a personality and a voice, and that the women turned the tables on the Ripper through their investigations.' KATHLEEN MCGURL

'This is a thrilling page turner of a novel which will appeal to historical fiction and crime fiction fans alike' ANNIE LYONS

'A twisty and gripping thriller' MY WEEKLY

'A compelling reimagining' THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND

'I wasn't really sure there were any more takes to be had on the story of Jack the ripper. But I was wrong.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'In a world where the focus is more on the Ripper himself – this brilliant, disturbing, and heart-wrenching story gives these important women a voice.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This was so easy to read and very difficult to put down. Brilliant.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I can’t even begin to describe how many Jack the Ripper books I’ve read. But there are no books like this, and I’m so in love with the premise of it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'If Emma, Bet and Maggie popped up again in some other historical mystery… I would not be mad. I would in fact be asking the bookseller to take my money.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book grabbed me from the start and I couldn't stop reading' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely adored The Women in the Shadows.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐