The Shroud of the Thwacker

Chris Elliott

IIn 1882 there was a serial killer in New York City who called himself Jack the Jolly Thwacker. He killed prostitutes, gutted them, and used their intestines as artwork. Although it wasn't realized at the time, the scenarios each murder portrayed were clues to the killer's identity. Although intrepid police chief Caleb Spencer, Evening Post reporter Liz Smith, and Mayor Teddy Roosevelt try to solve the murders, they are thwarted. Then the Jolly Thwacker disappeared, leaving the murders unsolved.

Now, in 2005, Chris Elliott decides to go through all the clues again and discover the true identity of Jack the Jolly Thwacker. He is sure that he has some new evidence that may help prove who the killer was. But he has to keep digging, pulling all the facts together. Then he finds an old daguerrotype with a familiar face that chills him. No, THAT person couldn't be the Thwacker...could he?

Before picking up this book, stick your tongue firmly in your cheek. Hold it there, because Chris Elliott did throughout the writing of this novel. Or better, don't bother unless you like Chris Elliott's brand of sophomoric humor. I had read a favorable book review reporting this bit of humor worked. I don't agree. By the half way point I kept whispering "dumb" in my head. But then, I don't like Elliott's work where he is given his comedy rein (such as The Cabin Boy).

The Shroud of the Thwacker includes mystery and time travel and a lot of tongue in cheek humor. I did laugh out loud once or twice - but those were rare moments. I was determined to finish this book, but it never improved. At the end of the book in his thanks, Elliott mentions that he hopes this book will help build his daughter's college fund. It might in the short run, but I don't feel this book will last long. Unless you like wacky or sophomoric humor, you won't appreciate this book.

Other reviewers appreciated the book more than I (than me?) - check around the web.