Ripper

A Novel

By: Isabel Allende

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

The Jackson women, Indiana and Amanda, have always had each other. Though 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 - as is her father, the SFPD's deputy chief of homicide. Brilliant and introverted, the MIT-bound high school senior Amanda is a natural-born sleuth addicted to crime novels and to 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, probing hints and deductions that elude the police department. But the case becomes all too personal when Indiana suddenly vanishes. Could her mother's disappearance have something to do with the series of deaths? Now, with her mother's life on the line, Amanda must solve the most complex mystery she's ever faced before it's too late.

©2014 Isabel Allende (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

"Edoardo Ballerini gives an impeccable performance of Isabel Allende's excursion into contemporary crime fiction." ( AudioFile)

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.

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.

Not Your Standard Murder Mystery

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for a standard mystery novel, this is not it. Ripper is, like most of Allende's books, a slow, weaving story filled with many rich characters. She manages along the way to weave in commentary about everything from the foster care system to the mental and physical scars vets carry with them after war. More than anything, though, it seems like a love letter to the San Francisco Bay Area that Allende calls home, and if you are from the area, it is fun to connect with the many places she references. The fact that it is also a murder mystery seems incidental -- although it does propel the novel toward a climatic conclusion. Definitely worth listening to if you are already a fan of Allende's or aren't, at least, clinging to the traditional mystery format.

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.

Brilliant.

First a story that grabs you and you never want it to let go. Once again as in other of her books, best written love making scenes. Amanda captures your heart and all the adults who love n enhance her with unconditional positive regard. The combination of every shade of humanity, personified, in battle of good vs evil. Iconoclastic personalities whom u adore or r repelled by. Steeping you in all the troubles of the world and allowing you to come away with a broader swath of understanding why humans are on such a wide spectrum of ethereal vs worldly and the contribution each position plays in the human species moving forward.

Why?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

As a "beach read" maybe.

What was most disappointing about Isabel Allende’s story?

spiked with stereotypes, platitudes and too predictable.

What three words best describe Edoardo Ballerini’s performance?

good

Do you think Ripper needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. Because Isabel Allende is capable of much better work.

Any additional comments?

Talented writer, disappointing book.

Excellent!

Isabel Allende never fails to satisfy. The storyline was deep and well thought out - and told well! Once you start, it's hard to put down. Characters are well developed and believable. Thank goodness that Allende has not yet succumbed to a formula of predictability in her writing. She has done as great a job with this modern setting crime novel as she has with her historic fiction. I am a fan and cannot wait for her next novel!!!

Not up to her standard

Would you try another book from Isabel Allende and/or Edoardo Ballerini?

Yes. I have enjoyed her previous works, which were more historical fiction. Now she seems to be trying out crime novels. This one was one cliche after another and left me disappointed. I look forward to seeing more work from Allende of the type that really suits her.