Gemma Guillory has lived in Rainier her entire life. She knows the tiny town’s ins and outs like the back of her hand, the people like they are her family, their quirks as if they were her own.
She knows her once-charming town is now remembered for one reason, and one reason only. That three innocent people died. That the last stop on the Rainier Ripper’s trail of death seventeen years ago was her innocuous little teashop. She knows that the consequences of catching the Ripper still haunt her police officer husband and their marriage to this day and that some of her neighbours are desperate – desperate enough to welcome a dark tourism company keen to cash in on Rainier’s reputation as the murder town.
When the tour operator is killed by a Ripper copycat on Gemma’s doorstep, the unease that has lurked quietly in the original killer’s wake turns to foreboding, and she’s drawn into the investigation. Unbeknownst to her, so is a prisoner named Lane Holland.
Gemma knows her town. She knows her people. Doesn’t she?
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Brilliant!!!! I absolutely loved this one. This is the first Shelley Burr novel for me but I will be grabbing the other one ASAP. A great example of Australian crime, very well written, fast-paced, and kept me guessing throughout. I like less character development because it keeps the pace up so for me it was perfect! Kate, VIC, 5 Stars
What a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed Ripper! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down, and binge-read it over a few days! The author Shelley Burr takes the reader on a journey with a few unexpected twists and turns. Would love to see this made into an Australian movie. Ingrid, VIC, 5 Stars
Ripper had me invested from the very start and I wanted all the answers yesterday. This is definitely a binge-worthy read. Rainier is a small Australian town still reeling from the “Rainier Ripper” a serial killer who murdered three people 17 years ago. Just when everyone has tried to put the murders in the past a tour company has the idea to get Rainier back on the map – a walk-through tour of the murder scenes. Lochlan Lewis turns up to give the townspeople a run-through and this is when the unthinkable happens. A murder takes place and it’s the same style as the “Ripper”. This was a classic who-dun-it and had me on the edge of the lounge wondering who the culprit would be. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of Gemma, who lived through the Rainier Ripper, and of course the perspective of Lane (if you have read Wake you’ll know all about the private investigator). I just loved how the two books came together. Tracie, NSW, 5 Stars
The first book, I believe, I have read by Shelley Burr, Ripper does not disappoint as an unputdownable book, so many twists and turns. Three people dead in a small country town, tension around the town as locals have their suspicions of who did it. So much going on you won’t want to put this book down, a real page-turner and very fast-paced. Excellent read in my opinion. Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
The small town of Rainier is known for three murders committed years earlier by a man dubbed the Rainier Ripper. When a similar murder is committed again in the town it stirs up memories and suspicion. Gemma, a teenager the first time, is now a mother and married to a local police officer. Tensions run high in the small town and the plot twists keep you guessing. I found the backstory information a little sketchy and it took a while to become fully immersed, but once I was really into the story I couldn’t put it down! Another exciting thriller from Shelley Burr. Denise, QLD, 5 Stars
Ripper is a total page-turner! The story captivated me from the first page. The characters are written with heart and I instantly connected with them. An excellent mystery to enjoy on a rainy day. Well done Shelley Burr, I can’t wait to read Wake now! Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
I have not read Wake, Shelley Burr’s first book, but I have heard many good things about it, so I was thrilled to be able to read her second book Ripper and she did not disappoint! I can’t remember the last book I read that I could not put down, this is definitely one of those “I’ll just read to the next chapter and now it’s 2AM and I might as well finish it” suspenseful thriller!! Ripper is set in a small town, a town that once was a popular “truck stop” town has almost been forgotten… if not for those horrific murders and a potential copycat killer… An incredibly vivid and realistic modern-day “whodunnit”. Mercury, NSW, 5 Stars
Ripper by Shelley Burr is an absolute delight to read. This captivating mystery set in the picturesque Australian outback had me enthralled from start to finish. The prose is simply exquisite, and Burr’s attention to detail is second to none. The characters are portrayed with such elegance and depth, making them come alive on the page. The suspense and intrigue had me eagerly turning pages, trying to unravel the secrets hidden within. Burr’s storytelling prowess is undeniable, and I found myself completely absorbed in the twists and turns of the plot. Such a splendid and sophisticated tale, and so easy to read. Ripper is an impeccable choice for those with refined literary tastes. Shelley Burr has crafted a true gem, a perfect addition to any bookshelf. A delightful read that leaves one yearning for more of her masterful storytelling. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Rainier is a small Australian town that is forgettable except for the much-publicized murders that took place there. Now the town is to be infamous again, with tours of the murder sites to begin. Before that can happen the tour organizer is murdered. The town folk are once more scared and suspicious, with everyone locking their doors and trusting no one. The author portrays this suspicion and confusion very well. Who is the murderer and why? Meredith, TAS, 5 Stars
I had previously read Shelley’s book Wake so I was confident that I would enjoy this read. Well, enjoy it I did, as it turned out it is a ripper of a book. Set in a small country town, Shelley Burr captivates us with twists and turns and reveals how human nature can sometimes stand in the way of truth. But when secrets and lies are wrapped around murder nothing can stay secret forever. This book is a page-turner and a five-star read for me. Tracey, VIC, 5 Stars
A gripping story that will have you unable to put it down! Gemma lives in a little town called Rainer, now famous because 17 years ago this is where three innocent people were murdered by the ‘Rainer Ripper’. As you follow Gemma through this story, you realise that no one is truly as they appear and Gemma finds herself getting involved in the investigation. A fantastic book that I could not put down! I’ll be searching for more from Shelley! Sarah, QLD, 5 Stars
If you love crime and mystery, you will LOVE Ripper! Written in such a way that you hang on every word. Don’t bother trying to work out how it’ll end because a great mystery like this always has twists and turns that keep you changing directions with the who, how, why’s. Found this to be a great read and glad it’s not based on true events! That’d have me running from little country towns (may still do that anyway!) Sheree, NSW, 5 Stars
This well-written crime mystery had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t put this book down, I needed answers, and the answers I got, I did not see coming. Set in a small Australian town, it touches on the complexities of relationships in such a place, intertwined with ongoing murder investigations, which affects the locals, in one way or another. I enjoyed this book so much, I purchased Burr’s first novel before finishing this one and am looking forward to reading it. Sarah, VIC, 5 Stars
Unable to put it down!! Shelly Burr has been able to keep you guessing right till the end. Every chapter you think you know what’s happening and then bam another secret or twist is revealed. Absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more from Shelly Burr. Anne, NSW, 5 Stars
Shelley Burr’s new book is fast-paced and kept me intrigued with its plot twists and turns. Gemma owns and runs a tea house where the last of three murders occurred 17 years ago. Her life was changed that night in so many ways. The murderer confessed to all three murders and has been in prison since. When another murder occurs in the small town, the investigation makes Gemma question her life choices and her ability to know who to trust. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved Ripper by Shelley Burr. Set in a small Australian town, with engaging characters and a great plot, I found this really easy to read over just a few hours. I loved how a few threads were pulled together into the main plot. I couldn’t wait to see how it all fit together. I will be looking for more books by this very polished author. Margaret, VIC, 4 Stars
Ripper is Australian author Shelley Burr’s second novel. The small-town outback Australian setting for this crime novel is perfect. A tiny close-knit town with a dark past and plenty of secrets among the people. The storyline was intricate, with lots of multifaceted characters introduced early. Due to the complex characters, you will need to concentrate to remember who is related to whom. A little more backstory on the main characters and how they are related or know each other would have been useful. Engaging plot, with enough twists to keep you engrossed and guessing till the end. Overall, Ripper is an enjoyable read that I would recommend. Michelle, SA, 4 Stars
Oh wow! What an amazing read. It had me hooked right until the end. Outback domestic noir at its best with so many great twists and turns it keeps you wanting to read more and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a captivating outback thriller. Gisella, NSW, 4 Stars
Ripper is a well-written crime novel – full of twists, turns & surprises. I loved the small-town setting and thought the book overall was interesting with plenty of character quirks to unpack. Perfect to read on a rainy weekend. Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
The novel Ripper was another great creation from Shelley Burr. Intense and suspenseful all the way through, I couldn’t put the book down once I started. Loved the characters and storyline in the location of Australia. Can’t wait to read her next novel. Christine, WA, 4 Stars
Having read Shelley Burr’s first book, I was looking forward to reading Ripper. While I enjoyed Ripper, I found myself a bit confused by all the characters introduced in a bit of a flurry at the beginning. Once the story settled in it moved at a good pace with some satisfying twists and turns. I still felt like there were some unnecessary characters, but overall it was a good read. Vanessa, QLD, 4 Stars
What an incredible ‘who done it’. Rainer is a small town struggling to stay afloat after three murders were committed seventeen years ago. Lachlan Lewis a tour guide, wants to put Rainer back on the map with a murder tour until he is killed by a copycat killer. Crime fiction at its finest. The characters are not who you think they are and the book just keeps you guessing as you peel back the layers and get to the bottom of the seventeen-year mystery. I loved that this book had a split narrative and you explore the story through Gemma’s eyes as the story unfolds on the outside and Lanes as he tries to get answers from The Rainer Ripper. Ripper is a gripping novel that had me enthralled till the last page. Amy, WA, 4 Stars
It is my first encounter with a Shelley Burr novel. Ripper is a dark atmospheric novel set in a small Australian town. It is a well-plotted and unique storyline that will keep you guessing right to the end. I will definitely be looking to go read her previous novel, Wake. Sally, QLD, 4 Stars
We first meet Gemma Guillory late at night, with a blood-soaked stranger pounding on the door of her small-town shop. The stranger becomes the third victim of the “Rainier Ripper”, shortly before his capture ends the grip of terror on the town. Fast forward 17 years and the impact of these events on both the town and its residents becomes apparent. A fourth murder opens up old wounds and new questions – is there a copycat serial killer stalking Rainier? Shelley Burr’s second novel is indeed a ripper. It is tightly plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Her portrait of a small town clinging to life and still scarred by the events of its past is compelling. The characters are well-drawn and slowly revealed throughout the story. Fans of Jane Harper, Hayley Scrivener and Shelley Burr’s first novel Wake will enjoy reading Ripper. Gem, NSW, 4 Stars
Shelly Burr delivers another fabulous whodunnit that had me captivated from the very first chapter. Lots of twists and turns make this a fantastic atmospheric thriller! Loved the characters and the setting. Katie, QLD, 4 Stars
I loved Shelly’s first book, Wake. This was just as fabulous. A whodunnit with lots of twists and turns. An atmospheric Aussie thriller with fabulous characters. Very enjoyable indeed! Mark, QLD, 4 Stars
I enjoyed Shelley Burr’s previous novel (Wake), so I was pleased to find a connection to the previous novel, while also having a new town with new stories. As previously, Ripper tells a crime story from the perspective of a ‘detective’ outside of the police force, and deals with the fallout and trauma from sensationalised crimes. It is a fast-paced read with lots of guesswork and satisfying answers to the puzzle. Georgina, NT, 4 Stars
An easy, enjoyable read. It had all the characteristics of an enthralling thriller with a lot of interesting emotional aspects added in. The relationships and characters were well-developed. I became invested in the future wellbeing of some of the flawed but likeable characters. There are twists and surprises in this book which kept me turning the pages. I had to keep changing my view of who and why, as the secrets held by various characters were revealed. I haven’t read Shelley Burr’s earlier book, Wake – but I will now. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
Ripper by Shelley Burr starts with the death of the Rainier Ripper’s last victim and then moves to 18 years later when a tour operator is trying to start up a murder tour of the town. Set in a small Australian town, Ripper has a rich and varied cast of characters. There is plenty of action to keep you interested in the story, with twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. I enjoyed the story, but did struggle to remember all of the characters and their relation to each other. I think fans of the current popular Australian rural noir genre will welcome this addition to their bookshelves. Joanne, QLD, 4 Stars
Ripper is set in a small Australian town that has been scarred by the actions of a serial killer 17 years ago. A new murder opens old wounds and we follow local Gemma who tries to solve the murder. A thoroughly entertaining ‘whodunnit’ that will keep you enthralled the way through. Nektaria, VIC, 4 Stars
I find that, typically, the writing in books of this genre is fairly simplistic, and this is so of Burr’s Ripper. That’s okay though, because it does what it sets out to do, which is to draw you quickly into the drama and move you at a rapid pace towards some twisty crescendo. The measure then, for me, of a book of this genre is how quickly I’m racing through it – and I ate this one alive! I enjoyed Gemma’s left-of-centreness, and appreciated the inclusion of Jac as non-binary, given this group’s underrepresentation in literary works traditionally. All in all a great book that I’ll be eagerly pressing into someone else’s hands for a read. Eva, WA, 4 Stars
Ripper is a whodunnit. But, as it’s a whodunnit set mostly in a very small town, the locals know that when they find out whodunnit, they’ll probably really ‘know’ the who that dunnit! That adds extra tension as friends become suspects and actions are analysed. There’s a lot happening here – dangerous criminals, undercover investigators, unidentified victims, missing babies and a town still struggling with past trauma suddenly having to deal with a new one. I found it an interesting, fast-paced read with enough twists to hold my attention. Burr has made what, on the surface sounds like a series of completely unbelievable and unlikely events, into a convincing and engaging thriller. Em, NSW, 4 Stars
I enjoyed Ripper, Shelley Burr’s latest Australian crime novel. The storyline was as convoluted and excellent as her first novel, Wake, and kept me guessing until the end. Burr also managed to give such a good sense of place that I actually looked up Google maps to see which town in between Albury and Gundagai would fit the descriptions. The letdown for me was the characters and the lack of backstory. Overall an enjoyable read and I will definitely be getting it into my library. Kate, VIC, 3 Stars
I find this book is poor…..stupid storyline….I have read 70 pages and that is the end for me…..
usually I do not buy australian books written by no name people
apart from Mathew Riley I find most Australian fiction writers very average….
only $16.00 at Kmart but what a waste…..