Heather’s Bookshelf: The Stalking Jack The Ripper Collection
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Released: May 2020
Genre: YA Historical fiction/Mystery/Thriller
“I was determined to be both pretty and fierce, as Mother had said I could be. Just because I was interested in a man’s job didn’t mean I had to give up being girly.”
“The Stalking Jack the Ripper Collection” follows the adventures of Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a headstrong, intelligent, and independence-seeking seventeen year old. Unfortunately, Audrey lives in 1888 London where none of those characteristics are thought to be ideal or even appropriate for a proper young lady. Lucky for her, Audrey Rose happens to be the niece of a noted London coroner, giving her access to her passion of examining human bodies for science and forensics. The stories follow her journey to discover herself and grow her passions. This review is a little different as it reviews four novels and a novella all at once. Therefore, if you don’t want spoilers, don’t read the next review until you’ve finished the previous book.
“Stalking Jack the Ripper” introduces Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a young woman born with everything a girl of the 1880s could want - wealth, status, and beauty. But Audrey Rose finds herself unfulfilled. She seeks the help and teachings of her Uncle Jonathan. Realizing she has a calling for forensic science, she sneaks out to shadow her uncle as much as possible. She soon finds herself working as an apprentice alongside Thomas Cresswell, a cocky and unusual young man, on the case of a lifetime: the grisly Jack the Ripper murders.
I flew through this book. I found it to be an interesting take on the mystery behind Jack the Ripper. I also found the protagonist complex and interesting. I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. I also enjoyed the banter between Audrey Rose and Thomas. I found the details of the story descriptive and interesting. I also personally enjoyed the inclusion of the autopsies (it brought me back to my days in the cadaver lab) but I can see how some may get squeamish with reading it.
Overall, loved it!
“Hunting Prince Dracula” picks up where the last novel ends. REMINDER: SPOILER ALERT! Audrey Rose and Thomas deal with the repurcusions of finding out the identity of Jack the Ripper. They also find themselves traveling to Romania to further study forensic science. Why Romania you ask? It just happens to have one of the best schools around, and takes place in a castle once occupied by Vlad the Impaler (yes, that would be the man that inspired Dracula). Audrey Rose has to fight for her place in the school and soon finds herself also fighting for her life as a series of murders unfold around her. She and Thomas must learn to trust each other if they are going to catch a killer or allow their feelings to grow.
This sequel was just as good as the original. I loved how Audrey Rose developed as a character as well as her trials in her budding relationship. The mysteries that unfold under the castle are terrifying and the tension between she and Thomas is palpable. Learning more about Thomas’ past and family is fulfilling and the relationship with his sister is endearing. I loved it!
“Escaping form Houdini” follows Audrey Rose and Thomas as they join her uncle on the RMS Etruria to travel to America. Their blossoming relationship hits a hard speed bump when yet another series of grisly murders occur and Audrey Rose must become close with a mysterious circus ringmaster in order to seek the truth.
I read this one just as quickly as the previous two, but for some reason I didn't get into it quite as much as the previous books. I enjoyed the concept and depiction of the mysterious circus especially looking at it through eyes that had never seen such things before. I also loved that Liza got a bigger role and that her relationship with Harry was another feature of the novel. However, I found the ringmaster more appalling than appealing and that took away from my liking of Audrey Rose. I am not saying every character needs to be flawless (on the contrary, I like a broken and complex character), I just didn't like her deviation here. However, the scenes with Thomas and Audrey Rose are palpable and the mystery, once again, is interesting, complex, and enjoyable. Overall, liked it!
“Becoming the Dark Prince” is a novella that overlaps some with portions of the end of last novel. But unlike the other novels, this one is told from the mouth of Thomas Cresswell. Thomas tells his side of what happened on the RMS Etruria - including his thoughts and desires - as he and Audrey Rose arrive in New York and make plans for their future.
I really enjoyed this window into Thomas Cresswell. I liked reading about his insecurities, his fear of losing his love, and his thoughtfulness/cluelessness when it comes to reading Audrey Rose. This was the only part of the series that also discussed the two in a scenario where they were not in immediate danger. I enjoyed the insight into their silly side as well as the romance. I honestly thought it was kind of brilliant of the author to include this novella here, before the finale of the series. Overall, I loved it!
“Capturing the Devil” finds Audrey Rose and Thomas in America where familiar murders seem to have followed them across the Atlantic. Their investigation brings them from New York to Chicago at the time of the Worlds’ Fair. The story also follows an unfortunate twist to the relationship between Audrey Rose and Thomas. This novel throws everything possible in the way of a happily ever after.
Capturing the Devil was almost completely satisfying...almost. The story was interesting and the "devil" was horrifying. I enjoyed the twist (no spoilers here) as well as the throw backs to the original story. I also enjoyed the relationship development between Audrey Rose and Thomas. I found this one to be extremely terrifying and a lot more steamy than the other novels (which I personally enjoyed- but fair warning!). My only complaint was the pacing. The first 3/4 of the novel was paced just as the other novels had been. But the last 1/4 seemed rush and slammed together. There are literally 2 pages that solve 90% of the drama that occurred throughout the rest of the book. Overall- liked it!
OVERALL REVIEW:
Until I read this series I found myself in a reading rut. I felt like everything I was reading was the same thing. This was something unique, interesting, and inspirational to me as a writer. I loved the protagonist and fell in love with her and her relationship with Thomas. I enjoyed the history and the science as well as the liberties that the author chose to take artistically. Overall, I loved the series and didn’t want it to end.
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