Inside the Mind of...Jack the Ripper
             In the novel The Diary of Jack the Ripper, by Shirley Harrison, we examine the question of whether or not this is the diary of James Maybrick, who is Harrison's candidate for Jack the Ripper. Various pieces of evidence can prove that this is Jack the Ripper's diary; however, it also can be argued that it is a hoax. In this essay I will display the facts, inferences, and also decide whether or not these inferences are reasonable. From the psychological evidence in the diary one can conclude that the author has had thorough knowledge of a serial killer's way of thinking. According to David Forshaw, a specialist consultant in addiction, and Anna Koren, a graphologist, the author of this diary suffered from an altered state of mind, which in turn showed characteristics of a serial killer.
             According to David Forshaw this diary would have taken a master of the criminal mind to write. The author would have to understand what Jack the Ripper was thinking as well as feeling. Forshaw believes that the person, who wrote this diary, had to have written it from first hand personal knowledge in order to create such vivid and dynamic crimes. Also, Forshaw argues that a serial killer works in his/her own environment. In the case of James Maybrick the murders of the five prostitutes took place in Whitechapel, where Maybrick grew up. Forshaw also believed that the absence of Maybrick's younger brother, Edwin, caused emotional distress but on the contrary, relief. Edwin apparently looked over James' shoulder; hence, with him now gone Maybrick was able to go on a business trip to London without worry or discomfort. With this, the plans were set and the horror would begin. Forshaw also stated that in the search for control killers often eat the victim's in the pursuit of power and attention. This being a direct result due to the lack of attention that he received as a
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