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Jack the Ripper Victims Series #2
Say Anything But Your Prayers: A Novel of Elizabeth Stride, the Third Victim of Jack the Ripper
In the pursuit of something better, nothing is sacred.
Each volume within the Jack the Ripper Victims Series is a stand-alone novel.
The beast of poverty and disease had stalked Elizabeth all her life, waiting for the right moment to take her down. To survive, she listened to the two extremes within herself—Bess, the innocent child of hope, and Liza, the cynical, hardbitten opportunist. While Bess paints rosy pictures of what lies ahead and Liza warns of dangers everywhere, the beast, in the guise of a man offering something better, circles ever closer.
Each volume within the Jack the Ripper Victims Series is a stand-alone novel.
The beast of poverty and disease had stalked Elizabeth all her life, waiting for the right moment to take her down. To survive, she listened to the two extremes within herself—Bess, the innocent child of hope, and Liza, the cynical, hardbitten opportunist. While Bess paints rosy pictures of what lies ahead and Liza warns of dangers everywhere, the beast, in the guise of a man offering something better, circles ever closer.
180 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
About the author
Alan M. Clark
139 books323 followersAuthor and illustrator, Alan M. Clark grew up in Tennessee in a house full of bones and old medical books. His awards include the World Fantasy Award and four Chesley Awards. He is the author of twenty-one books, including fourteen novels, a lavishly illustrated novella, a lavishly illustrated novellette, four collections of fiction, and a nonfiction full-color book of his artwork. Mr. Clark's company, IFD Publishing, has released 45 titles of various editions, including traditional books, both paperback and hardcover, audio books, and ebooks by such authors as F. Paul Wilson, Elizabeth Engstrom, and Jeremy Robert Johnson. Alan M. Clark and his wife, Melody, live in Oregon. www.alanmclark.com Visit his blog: https://ifdpublishing.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 11, 2016
This is the second book in Alan M. Clark's Jack the Ripper Victim Series of novels. Say Anything But Your Prayers focuses on the life of Elizabeth Stride, the first of the two victims of the so-called "Double Event" during the Autumn of Terror. It's worth mentioning that many scholars agree that Stride is perhaps the least likely of the "Canonical Five" victims actually to have been murdered by the criminal we know as Jack the Ripper. This does little to detract from Clark's novel, however, as Clark's focus remains squarely on the life of the woman and not her death.
The narrative in the earlier novel in the series, Of Thimble and Threat, was organized around the personal effects found on the victim's body. Clark finds a similarly effective storytelling device here; as this tale unfolds, it addresses various mysteries that surfaced during the Elizabeth Stride inquest. For example, why did a London woman positively identify Stride's body as that of her sister, when her sister was very much alive? And why did some witnesses indicate Stride had been seen sharing grapes with a mysterious man, when her autopsy revealed she had eaten none? And why had Stride told others that she had lost a husband and children in the wreck of the Princess Anne?
Not only does Clark imagine answers to these questions, but in so doing he paints a compelling and troubling portrait of how very precarious existence was for women -- and, for that matter, men -- in the East End of London in the Victorian period (and, by extension, how precarious life is for the marginalized and overlooked in today's world, as well). His haunting work reflects research as well as deep and humane sensitivity.
The narrative in the earlier novel in the series, Of Thimble and Threat, was organized around the personal effects found on the victim's body. Clark finds a similarly effective storytelling device here; as this tale unfolds, it addresses various mysteries that surfaced during the Elizabeth Stride inquest. For example, why did a London woman positively identify Stride's body as that of her sister, when her sister was very much alive? And why did some witnesses indicate Stride had been seen sharing grapes with a mysterious man, when her autopsy revealed she had eaten none? And why had Stride told others that she had lost a husband and children in the wreck of the Princess Anne?
Not only does Clark imagine answers to these questions, but in so doing he paints a compelling and troubling portrait of how very precarious existence was for women -- and, for that matter, men -- in the East End of London in the Victorian period (and, by extension, how precarious life is for the marginalized and overlooked in today's world, as well). His haunting work reflects research as well as deep and humane sensitivity.
January 13, 2020
So far, this is my favourite one. I’m reading it in victim order, not the series order because it makes more sense to me. I loved Elizabeth Stride’s book, her loved her character, I loved her bravely, I loved how she did anything for her husband, Jon. Again, this lady had issues with alcohol but not quite as bad as Polly and Annie.
Her character was sweet and hopeful considering her younger years weren’t great and her family life wasn’t fun. She grew up to be an amazingly brave lady, struggling to get by but doing anything to make ends meet. As the last pages were revealed, and I realised life wasn’t going to get better for sweet Elizabeth, my heart broke for her. We all know what happens to her in the end and after reading her story, though I know most of it is fictional, I feel so sad for her wasted life.
This author has done tremendously in getting these victims’ voices heard. Even though, like I’ve already said, that this isn’t all factual based, it does give life to the ones that ripper took away.
Alan’s writing style is superb! As an American writing in old English, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been and to pull it off so fantastically, deserves a medal/award. These books NEED to be read.
Her character was sweet and hopeful considering her younger years weren’t great and her family life wasn’t fun. She grew up to be an amazingly brave lady, struggling to get by but doing anything to make ends meet. As the last pages were revealed, and I realised life wasn’t going to get better for sweet Elizabeth, my heart broke for her. We all know what happens to her in the end and after reading her story, though I know most of it is fictional, I feel so sad for her wasted life.
This author has done tremendously in getting these victims’ voices heard. Even though, like I’ve already said, that this isn’t all factual based, it does give life to the ones that ripper took away.
Alan’s writing style is superb! As an American writing in old English, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been and to pull it off so fantastically, deserves a medal/award. These books NEED to be read.
August 23, 2014
A TOP SHELF review, originally published in the August 22, 2014 edition of The Monitor
For more than a century, the world has been captivated and repulsed by the Whitechapel Murders in which a killer calling himself Jack the Ripper slaughtered as many as 11 women working as prostitutes in the most dangerous part of London. Though much ink has been spilled exploring the particulars of these unsolved murders and the possible identity of the perpetrator, less attention has been paid to the victims themselves and the circumstances that thrust them into the path of a serial killer.
Allen M. Clark, an award-winning artist whose cover credits and illustrations span many decades and dozens of impressive venues, has in recent years turned his gifted hand increasingly to writing. In his latest work of historical fiction from Lazy Fascist Press, Say Anything But Your Prayers, Clark interweaves biographical fact, impeccable historical research and resonant psychological speculation to tell the life story of Elizabeth Stride, the third woman to fall beneath the Ripper’s blade.
Born Elizabeth Gustavsdotter in a working-class family in Sweden, Stride leaves home at 17 to make her way in the world, finding work as a domestic in some of the larger towns. Within about five years, economic circumstances and her increasing fondness for drink drive her to prostitution. After a bout of syphilis and a stillbirth, Elizabeth makes her way to London, having worked for years to learn the English language.
In Britain she marries carpenter John Stride, and the two of them set up a coffee shop where she serves the delicious brew with which she once pleased her father. But as the years progress, economic hardships and the ill health of her husband push her toward drink and prostitution once again.
Living in increasingly squalid conditions, losing teeth one by one and embracing dissolution, Elizabeth keeps hoping to meet a kind client who will, as in previous happenstance encounters with the right men throughout her life, push her back into the arms of good fortune.
Instead, her last john turns out to be Saucy Jack himself.
Throughout the novel, Clark delves deeply into the mind of his protagonist, suggesting through several literary devices that she may have suffered from a mild dissociative identity disorder. As the reader realizes the unreliability of events seen through Elizabeth’s eyes, the despair and confusion of her final moments ring poignantly.
Enhanced by powerful illustrations by the author, Say Anything But Your Prayers is not only a remarkable entwicklungsroman, but also an unflinching study of the ways in which societal indifference, economic injustice and moral decay are just as murderous as the worst sociopath.
For more than a century, the world has been captivated and repulsed by the Whitechapel Murders in which a killer calling himself Jack the Ripper slaughtered as many as 11 women working as prostitutes in the most dangerous part of London. Though much ink has been spilled exploring the particulars of these unsolved murders and the possible identity of the perpetrator, less attention has been paid to the victims themselves and the circumstances that thrust them into the path of a serial killer.
Allen M. Clark, an award-winning artist whose cover credits and illustrations span many decades and dozens of impressive venues, has in recent years turned his gifted hand increasingly to writing. In his latest work of historical fiction from Lazy Fascist Press, Say Anything But Your Prayers, Clark interweaves biographical fact, impeccable historical research and resonant psychological speculation to tell the life story of Elizabeth Stride, the third woman to fall beneath the Ripper’s blade.
Born Elizabeth Gustavsdotter in a working-class family in Sweden, Stride leaves home at 17 to make her way in the world, finding work as a domestic in some of the larger towns. Within about five years, economic circumstances and her increasing fondness for drink drive her to prostitution. After a bout of syphilis and a stillbirth, Elizabeth makes her way to London, having worked for years to learn the English language.
In Britain she marries carpenter John Stride, and the two of them set up a coffee shop where she serves the delicious brew with which she once pleased her father. But as the years progress, economic hardships and the ill health of her husband push her toward drink and prostitution once again.
Living in increasingly squalid conditions, losing teeth one by one and embracing dissolution, Elizabeth keeps hoping to meet a kind client who will, as in previous happenstance encounters with the right men throughout her life, push her back into the arms of good fortune.
Instead, her last john turns out to be Saucy Jack himself.
Throughout the novel, Clark delves deeply into the mind of his protagonist, suggesting through several literary devices that she may have suffered from a mild dissociative identity disorder. As the reader realizes the unreliability of events seen through Elizabeth’s eyes, the despair and confusion of her final moments ring poignantly.
Enhanced by powerful illustrations by the author, Say Anything But Your Prayers is not only a remarkable entwicklungsroman, but also an unflinching study of the ways in which societal indifference, economic injustice and moral decay are just as murderous as the worst sociopath.
December 20, 2016
Say Anything But Your Prayers is a dark gothic novel set in London during the period of the serial murderer Jack The Ripper. I want to confess here that I really don't know a lot of London during that period of time and I don't know much about Jack The Ripper either. One thing I do know is Alan Clark writes in a way that despite not knowing the historical context of the Ripper murders it is a very enjoyable experience to read. Ripper is actually such a small part of this book and yet he's everything. The reader comes of age with Jack The Ripper's third victim Elizabeth Stride. Consisting of ups and down, violence, prostitution, love, friendship, poverty, and her fateful night with a mysterious client. She struggles with the voices in her head, even enough to name them. The opposing voices Liza and Bess represent her cynical and nasty view of the world versus the side of her that just wants to be loved and feel safe. The rapport and banter between the Elizabeth and her voices is some of my favorite parts of the story, especially toward the end.
I am a big fan of Alan Clarks writing and needless to say it doesn't disappoint. Say Anything But Your Prayers didn't have me as close to the edge of my seat like the last novel I read by Clark called A Parliament of Crows but it is still beautifully written. I definitely intend to read the rest of this series and probably more about Jack The Ripper. I also have a few other Clark books I intend to check out. Just the way Clark writes appeals to me so I am pretty sure he can write about anything and I would enjoy it. If you are a fan of Jack The Ripper or have read anything else by Clark I am pretty certain you'll enjoy Say Anything But Your Prayers.
I am a big fan of Alan Clarks writing and needless to say it doesn't disappoint. Say Anything But Your Prayers didn't have me as close to the edge of my seat like the last novel I read by Clark called A Parliament of Crows but it is still beautifully written. I definitely intend to read the rest of this series and probably more about Jack The Ripper. I also have a few other Clark books I intend to check out. Just the way Clark writes appeals to me so I am pretty sure he can write about anything and I would enjoy it. If you are a fan of Jack The Ripper or have read anything else by Clark I am pretty certain you'll enjoy Say Anything But Your Prayers.
October 31, 2014
This historical novel by Alan M. Clark is about Elizabeth Stride, who is believed to be one of the victims of Jack the Ripper. It begins with her childhood on a farm in Sweden and ends with her last days in the streets of London, a once adventurous young girl turned desperate, middle-aged prostitute.
Not strictly adhering to what is known about her, Clark delivers a compelling portrait that examines how a woman in Elizabeth’s circumstances can rush toward disaster in the pursuit of happiness. Rather than simply show the events leading to her death, Clark looks at the complex entanglement between a society that was slowly killing its poor and the sometimes maddening choices of his main character in trying to secure a better position. Good and bad people come into Elizabeth’s life, just as she makes wise and unwise decisions. This is real-world horror, slippery, convoluted, not easy to judge.
The Ripper isn’t denied his cameo though, and horror fans won’t be disappointed.
The book is intriguing, rich with characterization and historical detail. It also comes with the author’s interior illustrations, which are emotionally subtle, like the story.
Not strictly adhering to what is known about her, Clark delivers a compelling portrait that examines how a woman in Elizabeth’s circumstances can rush toward disaster in the pursuit of happiness. Rather than simply show the events leading to her death, Clark looks at the complex entanglement between a society that was slowly killing its poor and the sometimes maddening choices of his main character in trying to secure a better position. Good and bad people come into Elizabeth’s life, just as she makes wise and unwise decisions. This is real-world horror, slippery, convoluted, not easy to judge.
The Ripper isn’t denied his cameo though, and horror fans won’t be disappointed.
The book is intriguing, rich with characterization and historical detail. It also comes with the author’s interior illustrations, which are emotionally subtle, like the story.
August 15, 2017
I generally read everything in a book - the preface, the introduction, the author's note - everything. I find that these extras give me insight into the book as well as into the writer's intent. The author's note in SAY ANYTHING BUT YOUR PRAYERS has confirmed what I thought while reading the other three books in the Jack the Ripper Victim series. These are not novels of the crime and the criminal but rather of the women who only became known to the world by dying at his hand. I use the masculine pronoun for the same reason Alan Clark did… we know the vile murderer as Jack. If I were to classify these books, I would have to say that they are historical fiction not crime fiction.
Elizabeth Stride differed from the other victims in that she was not native to London. She was born in Sweden and was named Elizabeth Gustavsdotter. Going to London, after personal trials in Sweden, was to be her great adventure. Despite hardship, Clark has given Long Liz Stride a somewhat better life than the other victims. She also had a better death. As the third victim, and the first in the double event, Elizabeth did not suffer the same indignities the others did.
I made no special effort to read these in the order of their deaths. Each book stands on its own as a look at how these women may have lived their lives during a time when the haves and have nots were as different as night and day. Again, as in the book about Catherine Eddowes, OF THIMBLE AND THREAT, Elizabeth shows her awareness of the Whitechapel murderer.
Too often, the public at large is obsessed with the perpetrator of heinous acts. Thousands of pages have been written about Jack. Documentaries abound speculating on his identity. In all of this, there are a few public documents available for his victims, and, of course, their autopsy reports. I see the book in the Jack the Ripper Victim Series as a counterbalance to the fascination with evil.
I would be remiss if I didn't, once again, say how much the narrative performance of Alicia Rose enhances the writing. Her British accent adds a certain authenticity to the story of each victim. Despite the accent, she speaks clearly and with just the right amount of emotion to make listening a truly enlightening experience.
I would certainly encourage history buffs to read these books. Also, if you have even a passing interest in the ripper, you will find new context for the crimes. Remember, historical fiction is based in well-researched fact.
Elizabeth Stride differed from the other victims in that she was not native to London. She was born in Sweden and was named Elizabeth Gustavsdotter. Going to London, after personal trials in Sweden, was to be her great adventure. Despite hardship, Clark has given Long Liz Stride a somewhat better life than the other victims. She also had a better death. As the third victim, and the first in the double event, Elizabeth did not suffer the same indignities the others did.
I made no special effort to read these in the order of their deaths. Each book stands on its own as a look at how these women may have lived their lives during a time when the haves and have nots were as different as night and day. Again, as in the book about Catherine Eddowes, OF THIMBLE AND THREAT, Elizabeth shows her awareness of the Whitechapel murderer.
Too often, the public at large is obsessed with the perpetrator of heinous acts. Thousands of pages have been written about Jack. Documentaries abound speculating on his identity. In all of this, there are a few public documents available for his victims, and, of course, their autopsy reports. I see the book in the Jack the Ripper Victim Series as a counterbalance to the fascination with evil.
I would be remiss if I didn't, once again, say how much the narrative performance of Alicia Rose enhances the writing. Her British accent adds a certain authenticity to the story of each victim. Despite the accent, she speaks clearly and with just the right amount of emotion to make listening a truly enlightening experience.
I would certainly encourage history buffs to read these books. Also, if you have even a passing interest in the ripper, you will find new context for the crimes. Remember, historical fiction is based in well-researched fact.
January 6, 2018
Say Anything But Your Prayers’ is inspired by the life of Elizabeth Stride, the third victim of Jack the Ripper.
Elizabeth was one of two women killed in one night by the killer known as Jack the Ripper. But this book is not about her death but her life and Alan gives the reading a very believable all be it sad and tragic story. The reader follows Elizabeth from her humbles beginnings in Sweden then on to her life and death in London. It's hard to believe that is historical fiction because it is sure a believable story,at times I found myself not wanting to carry on because I know what waiting for Elizabeth at the end.
Well done to Alan on another great book, for anyone how has yet to read any in the series I recommend you do you are missing out on a great series of books.
Elizabeth was one of two women killed in one night by the killer known as Jack the Ripper. But this book is not about her death but her life and Alan gives the reading a very believable all be it sad and tragic story. The reader follows Elizabeth from her humbles beginnings in Sweden then on to her life and death in London. It's hard to believe that is historical fiction because it is sure a believable story,at times I found myself not wanting to carry on because I know what waiting for Elizabeth at the end.
Well done to Alan on another great book, for anyone how has yet to read any in the series I recommend you do you are missing out on a great series of books.
January 15, 2020
Elizabeth Stride, victim number 3!
Another well written version of life in 1860's London. Jack the Ripper is the talk of the town. However, for the women who must ply their trade late at night, he is unimportant. They hope he will not notice them. Elizabeth started out as a farm girl in Sweden with hopes of going to London for a better life. Little did she know that things were even worse in England. Thus, what started as her dream come true, when she met Jon, ends up as an alcoholic nightmare on the streets.
No one will ever know what drove JTR but he had an abundance of women to choose from. Again a book that was hard to put down even though we know the ending.
Another well written version of life in 1860's London. Jack the Ripper is the talk of the town. However, for the women who must ply their trade late at night, he is unimportant. They hope he will not notice them. Elizabeth started out as a farm girl in Sweden with hopes of going to London for a better life. Little did she know that things were even worse in England. Thus, what started as her dream come true, when she met Jon, ends up as an alcoholic nightmare on the streets.
No one will ever know what drove JTR but he had an abundance of women to choose from. Again a book that was hard to put down even though we know the ending.
January 23, 2020
Full review coming soon
October 27, 2014
Say Anything But Your Prayers is the second novel in Alan M. Clark’s Jack the Ripper Victims Series (the first being Of Thimble and Threat: The Life of a Ripper Victim). The first thing that needs to be said about these books is that they are not your usual hack-and-slash Jack-attack novel, they are far from it and much, much more. The focus of these novels is not on the crimes of Jack the Ripper, but rather on the lives and choices of his victims. In doing this Clark is producing books that are not only a heartfelt portrait of life in Victorian London, but also a challenge to the emphasis that modern culture has placed upon the Whitechapel Murderer instead if his victims.
‘Say Anything But Your Prayers’ is inspired by the life of Elizabeth Stride, the third victim of Jack the Ripper. Clark leads the reader through the life of this woman, and using her internal dialogue, allows the reader to understand the reasoning behind every choice that she makes. This use of internal dialogue makes the character of Elizabeth very easy to become invested in emotionally, I wasn’t far into the book when I found myself cringing at the bad choices that Elizabeth was making while totally understanding why she was making them. The fact we know the ultimate fate of Elizabeth only adds to the grief that the reader feels for her every time she makes a bad choice. The illustrations are brilliant, adding to the story, while subtle enough to not force the reader to conform to a mental image that is outside their own imagination.
I think that the work that Clark is doing with this series is awesome. His understanding of psychology is sound and there is no point during ‘Say Anything But Your Prayers’ (or ‘Of Thimble and Threat’) that any of the decisions that the characters make seems to be forced, or seems unnatural. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book. If you are not a fan of gory horror stories, rest assured, Say Anything But Your Prayers doesn’t belong in that camp. If you are a fan of gory horror stories, give this a read, and you will be surprised at how disturbing true horror is.
‘Say Anything But Your Prayers’ is inspired by the life of Elizabeth Stride, the third victim of Jack the Ripper. Clark leads the reader through the life of this woman, and using her internal dialogue, allows the reader to understand the reasoning behind every choice that she makes. This use of internal dialogue makes the character of Elizabeth very easy to become invested in emotionally, I wasn’t far into the book when I found myself cringing at the bad choices that Elizabeth was making while totally understanding why she was making them. The fact we know the ultimate fate of Elizabeth only adds to the grief that the reader feels for her every time she makes a bad choice. The illustrations are brilliant, adding to the story, while subtle enough to not force the reader to conform to a mental image that is outside their own imagination.
I think that the work that Clark is doing with this series is awesome. His understanding of psychology is sound and there is no point during ‘Say Anything But Your Prayers’ (or ‘Of Thimble and Threat’) that any of the decisions that the characters make seems to be forced, or seems unnatural. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book. If you are not a fan of gory horror stories, rest assured, Say Anything But Your Prayers doesn’t belong in that camp. If you are a fan of gory horror stories, give this a read, and you will be surprised at how disturbing true horror is.
October 1, 2016
Alan M. Clark is better known for his beautiful award winning covers and illustrations that have been in the interior and the covers of works from authors ranging from Stephen King to Cody Goodfellow. His art is amazing but many forget that he was also nominated for a Bram Stoker award for co-writing Siren Promised with Jeremy Robert Johnson. Alan of course has his artists eye for detail and has written historical horror before.
This book is the second in a groundbreaking series that explores the Jack the Ripper history from an angle never before seen in over century of non-fiction and fiction inspired by the serial killer. This second book follows the life and demise of Elizabeth Stride the fourth victim. Each book in the series follows the life of the killer’s victim.
I admit I knew very little about Elizabeth Stride before reading this book. Any one looking for a cover to cover horror experience needs to look elsewhere. I would consider this novel to be horror but the historical elements are what make this piece so interesting. You can’t escape the main character’s fate as you go through her life, tension builds because you know how she will meet her end.
Clark includes a few key Illustrations, but the strength comes from the attention to detail and the humanizing of Elizabeth Stride. This book is a must for people with a interest in the Ripper and I hope that libraries will carry it.
This book is the second in a groundbreaking series that explores the Jack the Ripper history from an angle never before seen in over century of non-fiction and fiction inspired by the serial killer. This second book follows the life and demise of Elizabeth Stride the fourth victim. Each book in the series follows the life of the killer’s victim.
I admit I knew very little about Elizabeth Stride before reading this book. Any one looking for a cover to cover horror experience needs to look elsewhere. I would consider this novel to be horror but the historical elements are what make this piece so interesting. You can’t escape the main character’s fate as you go through her life, tension builds because you know how she will meet her end.
Clark includes a few key Illustrations, but the strength comes from the attention to detail and the humanizing of Elizabeth Stride. This book is a must for people with a interest in the Ripper and I hope that libraries will carry it.
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