Tying historical events into a work of fiction can be tricky, but Smith's choice of Jack the Ripper works to her advantage because there was never any conclusive verdict on who the murderer was. There were many suspects (both popular at the time, and in current speculation), but having a vengeful vampire as the real Ripper is highly realistic (if one suspends belief in the supernatural). Not only are vampires often violent towards victims, they tend to prey on the same demographic as Jack the Ripper (those from the underbelly of society) and their survival mechanism hinges on not getting caught. Jack the Ripper must have also planned his attacks carefully (or been really lucky) since he seems to enjoy the same anonymity as do vampires during his murder spree. ( )

good, fast read. ( )

L.J. Smith has been writing books for Young Adults since the 1980s. She started writing the The Vampire Diaries in 1991.Due to various personal reasons, L.J. Smith disappeared from the writing world back in 1998, leaving the last book in the Night World series, Strange Fate, unfinished. Happily, she returned at the beginning of 2008 with a new website, some short stories, and Strange Fate in the works, along with a new Vampire Diaries trilogy.
Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec picked up the rights to turn the Vampire Diaries into a television show. The show is loosely based on the books.

Stefan's diaries the ripper takes up 20 years after the last book. Stefan went to England to escape his brother Damon after the situation in New York. He has been building up an okay life on a farm helping out when he hears about Jack the Ripper being active in London. Convinced it is Damon murdering innocent people he feels that it is his responsibility to save London from this monster.

The book is a short entertaining story. It gives you the feeling you learn something about the background of both Salvatore brothers though it has more connection with the television series than the original book series. ( )