Stalking Jack the Ripper — Review

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper is set in nineteenth-century London and follows Audrey Rose— a young lady in high society with a passion for forensic science. Below the silk dresses and the tea parties Audrey must hide her forensic practices from her father, she fears if he were to find out he would fall deeper into his paranoid phase. When her studies with her uncle drags Audrey into investigating a series of murder, with the infuriating Thomas Cresswell. The investigation journey between Audrey and Thomas was full of twists and turns, between the light banter, shade throwing, and even more the romantic swirls, they take us on a thrilling and unforgettable journey. The more I read the more I fell in love with Thomas’ quick-witted replies and Sherlock-Holmes-Attitude, and Audrey’s sharp-minded behavior, and fearless demeanor the reader is guaranteed to remain engaged throughout the book.

This would count as my first time reading a murder-mystery romance novel, so i do not think I am yet equipped to compare this novel to others of the same genre. However, let's just say that if most books in this genre match the quality of writing style and overall quality of this series then I have found myself a new favorite genre. This novel went way beyond my expectations, truly, congratulations to Kerri Maniscalco.

Stalking Jack the Ripper is the first book in a series; however, I do believe that each book in the series can be read as a standalone. I truly loved the characters, especially Thomas, as I am currently reading the second book in the series “Hunting Prince Dracula”, I am glad to see that Thomas is as quick-witted and flirtatious as always. The characters are believable, and I am truly satisfied with their performance, even the supporting characters had enough depth to satisfy the plot development.

The story really gripped me ‘till the very end, especially when Audrey and Thomas were sneaking around in search of the serial killer. Kerri Maniscalco’s writing style was impeccable and allowed me to visualize every scene as I read. The ending was smooth and epic, truly a satisfying moment; it left me wanting more of our two main characters' stories yet still left me feeling complete and dazed.

I would recommend this book, matter of fact the whole series, to anyone looking for a thrilling, heart-throbbing, engrossing story to escape the boredom of reality. The book is beautifully written, the characters are amazing, and the romance envy worthy.

Fun fact: Jack the Ripper was the original cold case, the world's first true crime obsession.

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Roses have both petals and thorns, my dark flower. You needn’t believe something weak because it appears delicate. Show the world your bravery.

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.

Death was not prejudiced by mortal things such as station or gender. It came for kings and queens and prostitutes alike, often leaving the living with regrets.

What is a man's soul made of that a woman's is not?

I glared so hard I feared my face would get stuck that way. “If you ever try anything like that again, I will stab you in the foot, Thomas Cresswell.” “Ah. There’s something about you saying my name that sounds like a blessed curse,” he said. “If you can work up a good hand gesture to go along with it, that’d be exceptional.