Summary

Patricia Cornwell's "Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed" embarks on a meticulous forensic investigation into the infamous Whitechapel murders, aiming to unmask the notorious serial killer. Cornwell employs her expertise in forensic science, analyzing crime scene details, mortuary reports, and a multitude of historical documents to build a compelling case against a surprising suspect: Walter Sickert, a prominent artist of the time.

The investigation delves into Sickert's life, exploring his background, personality, and artistic tendencies. It uncovers a troubled childhood marked by physical ailments and complex family dynamics, which may have contributed to the development of a disturbed psyche. Sickert's fascination with violence and his obsession with the dark underbelly of Victorian London are examined through the lens of his art, revealing unsettling themes and imagery that mirror the Ripper's gruesome acts.

Cornwell scrutinizes hundreds of Ripper letters, often dismissed as hoaxes, and identifies linguistic patterns, handwriting quirks, and paper types that link them to Sickert. She explores his knowledge of anatomy and surgical procedures, suggesting a potential motive for the Ripper's precise mutilations. The book also highlights the limitations of forensic science in the 19th century, emphasizing how advancements in DNA analysis, blood spatter patterns, and trace evidence collection could have potentially led to Sickert's capture.

The author constructs a detailed profile of Sickert as a cunning and arrogant psychopath who enjoyed taunting the police and press. She argues that his artistic persona provided the perfect cover for his heinous crimes, allowing him to move freely through London's social circles while concealing his dark double life. Although the evidence is circumstantial, Cornwell presents a compelling and controversial case that challenges conventional Ripper theories, offering a new perspective on one of history's most enduring mysteries.