The Strange Michael Folmer Affair

Circa 2003 and following the savage murder of a prostitute in London's East End, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Gregory of New Scotland Yard is deputed to investigate what proves to be the emergence of a crazed serial killer bent on emulating the crimes of nineteenth century Jack the Ripper. With his marriage failing and plagued by self-doubt, Gregory pits his wits against the killer, but when the fingerprints on a letter sent to the Yard are found to be identical to those of a man hanged for murdering a prostitute fifty years earlier – a scientific impossibility – the investigation takes an unprecedented turn. As Gregory pieces together the fragile threads of the case, the reader follows him through the slums of Victorian London to the West End of the fifties and on to the present day, culminating with the shocking and grisly final attempt of the killer to replicate the last murder of his 1888 predecessor. Written by a former Metropolitan Police criminal investigator, “Folmer” allows a fascinating insight into modern forensic investigation, as well as examining the Victorian crimes and the appalling circumstances of day to day life in the London slums. Coming to know the the modern serial killer, the reader watches as he descends into the pit of insanity and slowly comes to know the misery of his childhood and the various catalysts which have set him on the road to evil. First published in May 2007, “Folmer” may not suit the squeamish, but it an essential read for all lovers of crime fiction in general and “Ripperologists” in particular. As one reviewer (Amazon) “Buy this one at Heathrow and you won't put it down till you get to JFK!” Rave reviews for "Folmer": “…a the fingerprints match those of a man hanged for murder fifty years before….. well written and meticulously researched”. Plymouth Evening Herald. “I couldn’t put it down”. Anon – Totnes, Devon. “What a story! …. I found my hand shaking and my heart in my mouth”. Yvette from Hull for Browns Books. “Ex-detective John Rigbey has produced a cracker of a twisting and turning plot for his debut novel….” James Morton (the “Gangland” series and countless other best sellers). “Rigbey had my blood cold and my head spinning…..” B. Hasell – “Red-eye reader for Amazon Books”. “…your novel had a real punch… there are many authors on various publishing houses books that are nowhere near your standard….thanks once again for such a good read…..” Unsolicited e mail from Liam Taylor, Plymouth. “John Rigbey – a new Rankin? – when do we see Inspector Gregory’s next outing?” Marc Seccombe, Amber Legal Services, Plymouth. “Extremely well written…..the whole plot moves exciting and absorbingly along and is neatly concluded in the last few pages. A must for all, and particularly for those interested in crime, criminality and top rate detective stories. I look forward to the next in the series….” Stan Baker (ex Met. Police senior CID officer) Northants for Amazon books. “Couldn’t put it down! John Rigbey’s first novel leaves you wanting more of the same… A true suspense wordsmith.” Anna and Phil Jones, Noble Lady Yacht, Corfu. “Where has this author been? When do we see Mr. Rigbey’s next offering….?” Lady Margaret Seccombe, Cornwall. “An essential read….. an intriguing and fascinating tale of a modern serial murderer….” NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers) News. “John Rigbey’s experiences have helped him to add a depth to the novel…..” Isle of Wight County Press.