Review – Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Title Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1)

Author Kerri Maniscalco

Description from Amazon

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.

Initial Thoughts

I’m trying to read more of the books I already have instead of just reading new releases.  I have had this series on my shelf for a few months and for whatever reason, I didn’t pay it any mind.  I think I disregarded it because it’s not finished yet and I figured I’d read them all together in September.  But, I’ve been seeing a ton of hype around it on Bookstagram so I decided to give it a try.

After reading the dust jacket, JUST THE DUST JACKET, I was freaking out.  How did I not read this amazing murderous, historical fiction, series sooner!! It’s so my jam it’s not even funny.

Favorite Character

Thomas Cresswell is the young Sherlock Holmes I didn’t know I needed in my life.  He was the perfect match to Audrey Rose in every way and his ways of explaining everything are just hilarious.  I was utterly enchanted with their dialogue and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in the next books.

Some Things I Liked

• Historical Fiction — do I need to elaborate here?  It’s one of my favorite genres and I loved that the history captured here was pretty close to accurate (except for the identity of Jack the Ripper).
• The Sherlock and Watson element between Thomas and Audrey Rose — I loved that it was present but it wasn’t condescending like Sherlock can often be.  He genuinely loves Audrey Rose for her mind and respects her as his equal.  At some moments, he is Sherlock but she also has her moments where she is the Sherlock to his Watson.
• Audrey Rose’s Indian heritage — being of Indian descent myself, I loved that this element was included.  Also, hearing her describe her Grandmama reminded me of my own Grandma from India.

Series Value

I can’t wait to see what other adventures Audrey Rose and Thomas go on.  I am finishing this review and immediately starting Hunting Prince Dracula.

Final Thoughts

I adored this book.  It was creepy, filled with murder, had a lovely romance story, and was set in one of my favorite time periods.  There was nothing not to like.  I can’t wait to keep reading this series and I am freaking out just thinking about having to wait another 6 weeks for Capturing the Devil.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco — it’s only logical that if you liked this book, you should continue with the series.  That’s what I’m about to go do!
• The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill — this book is set in 1920s Chicago but the feelings and themes are the same.  A strong female protagonist sets out to solve a murder on her own (but she finds some help and a little romance along the way).
• A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro — if you liked the Sherlock and Watson element of this book, give the Charlotte Holmes Series a try.  You’ll find the banter between Thomas and Audrey Rose very similar to that of Charlotte and Jamie.