This fascinating and creepy horror novel is inspired by the Ripper murders of London in 1888. It’s the first of a four book series that had the perfect mix of suspense, romance, and unexpected twists.
Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
Overall Thoughts:
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This is the type of book you can’t put down, the type of book you read in one sitting because you simply cannot bear to do or think about anything else until you have your answers.
“There’s nothing better than a little danger dashed with some romance.”
Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a young girl, Aubrey Rose Wadsworth, determined to be both pretty and fierce. She was sick of the stereotypes against women and eager to prove them wrong. Studying under her uncle, she is determined to become a forensic scientist and ignore all that society has to say about it. With the help of an arrogant, yet damnably brilliant young scientist, Thomas, Aubrey Rose sets forth on discovering who was behind the gruesome murders of Whitechapel.
“Without lifting his head from his own journal, he said, “Not having any luck figuring me out, then? Don’t worry, you’ll get better with practice. And, yes”—he grinned wickedly, eyes fixed on his paper—“you’ll still fancy me tomorrow no matter how much you wish otherwise. I’m unpredictable, and you adore it. Just as I cannot wrap my massive brain around the equation of you and yet adore it.”
The writing style was fantastic — and I know I’ve said this before, that I’m more of a fan of third person than first person, BUT Maniscalco did an amazing job. The dialogue was witty and funny. The characters were lovable, and the romance, while definitely a slow burn, was absolutely adorable. (Their constant bickering was endlessly entertaining).
“I don’t blame you, I am rather attractive. The tall, dark hero of your dreams, swooping in to save you with my vast intellect. You should accept my hand at once.”
Overall, I highly highly recommend this book if you’re interested in murder mysteries/historical fiction/creepy horror. I loved trying to figure out Jack’s true identity, and wasn’t expecting that blood-chilling conclusion. It’s the type of story that all adds up in the end and you have the “OOOH!!” moment where all the subtle details tie together. It’s truly satisfying. I cannot wait to go on more adventures with Wadsworth and Cresswell in book 2, Hunting Prince Dracula!
“Wield your assets like a blade, Cousin. No man has invented a corset for our brains. Let them think they rule the world. It’s a queen who sits on that throne. Never forget that.”
-Cousin Liza (Kerri Maniscalco)
About the Author:
For those who haven’t read my review on Maniscalco’s other book, Kingdom of the Wicked, I’ll include the “about the author” section here too!
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.
As a child, her grandmother was chronically ill, and taught the importance of always being able to escape on an adventure between the pages of a book, regardless of any physical limitations.
Maniscalco credits her grandmother with fostering her imagination—a stream wasn’t just a stream, it was a babbling brook. And if she looked closely enough, her grandmother promised she might see fairies dancing around the ring of flowers in the backyard.
Her father, a retired chiropractor, had anatomy books and sculptures in his office, which introduced her to her interest in forensics when she was a teen. She was fascinated with his stories of college, where he studied cadavers as part of his degree. It would later spark the idea for her medical-minded heroine, Audrey Rose.
Her mother is another source of inspiration, showing, by example, the many definitions of a strong, capable woman.
More Books by Kerri Maniscalco:
Stalking Jack the Ripper Collection
- Stalking Jack the Ripper (1)
- Hunting Prince Dracula (2)
- Escaping from Houdini (3)
- Capturing the Devil (4)
- Becoming the Dark Prince (Novella)
“If you don’t let me go this instant,” I said between clenched teeth, “I’ll be forced to employ a terrible fighting tactic my brother taught me upon your manhood.”
– Aubrey Rose Wadsworth (Kerri Maniscalco)