3.84 AVERAGE


So I REALLY want those new editions but can’t do that if it’s not worth it…. It’s definitely worth it.

!!Review coming soon!!

4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

”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 might we have done differently if we’d known the end was so near?”

Stalking Jack the Ripper for me was the perfect book to start the spooky month with. Jack the Ripper was a notorious serial killer known for the 1888 Whitechapel murders whose victims were prostitutes. He was a real person yet there are many controversies since he was never identified; he was also known as Whitechapel Murderer and Leather Apron.

This book takes its inspiration from the well-known gruesome murders and we follow seventeen year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a lord’s daughter and student of Forensic Medicine which keeps her in company of corpses in her Uncle’s Laboratory along with his apprentice, the devilish charmer Thomas Cresswell. Audrey is thrust into a mysterious case of murders targeting women in poverty-stricken areas around Whitechapel district. Audrey and Thomas set on a quest to seek answers and find clues on the identity of the killer whom had cast London into a nightmarish reality.

Kerri Maniscalo seamlessly crafts an eerie and dark story blending in history to her reimagination of Victorian London and the murder cases of Whitechapel. With a dash of romance and mystery intrigue, she delivers an entertaining story led by a strong-willed protagonist.

Audrey Rose Wasaworth pursued her interests in Forensic Medicine against the expectations of proper society. Her status as a lord’s daughter and the dazzling world of finery does not sway her from what her heart truly desires: education. I admired Audrey Rose’s sense of duty and her eagerness to contribute to the investigator of the murders; society’s view of these women due to their occupation did not deter her from seeking to bring justice for them. Her sass made her interactions with others entertaining especially with Thomas. Unlike the women of her time, she is not demure and submissive. Also, it was mentioned that Audrey comes from an Indian background from her mother’s side, and it is especially noticed when her eyes sparkle as she spots some Indian delicacies.

Thomas Cresswell is a charming devil. His wit and intelligence makes him quite an attractive character and yes he is described as handsome. For men of his time, Thomas has a progressive mentality which is why I find him very appealing with Audrey. There are times when his arrogance takes over yet you can’t stop your heart from melting over his sweetness.

”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 yet adore it.”

Audrey and Thomas as a duo feel like a nod to Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Not only they are perfect romantic partners with such a sizzling chemistry, but also partners in education and mystery-solving. Their interactions are always fun and I’m excited to follow more of their adventures together.

I enjoyed Maniacalo’s descriptive writing and her world-building was atmospheric, I was immersed into a dark version of London and as I flipped through the pages there was this eerie presence of a shadow that I could not visualize but I still felt it as I read. Some of the descriptions were graphic to the point it made my stomach turn. However, I have to say that the pacing sometimes felt unstable but the anticipation kept me moving.

I thought I would be more intrigued with the mysteries and the identity of the killer but it was kind of predictable and predictability can ruin one’s excitement. The book failed to keep me on edge but I still enjoyed it.

Our next stop with Audrey and Thomas shall be in Romania and I’m told that a certain Dracula dwells there.

This was one of my most anticipated books of this year. I was so excited to read this book and everyone seemed to love it. The synopsis was quite intriguing too but sadly I didn't love this book.

This was very slowly paced, I loved the vibe and the setting but I still think that it was slow. What infuriated me the most was the fact that Ripper wasn't mention in first 200 pages? Isn't the whole story supposed to be about him? The first half was very intimidating for me. I found the characters very memorable. And I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the book, although it was awkward at times but I liked that awkwardness.

Things started to pick up later and I finally started to enjoy this book. It had witty dialogues with a very dark setting. And oh I loved the plot twist, it was kind of unexpected and the author presented it very well. So, overall this was a fun-dark read and I will be continuing with the series. Excited for the sequel 🙈

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐.5

Um... I liked it, but I'm actually disgusted? I feel like I just watched a 9-hour horror movie?? What is going on??

You can read the spoiler-free review here on my blog!

Goodreads review is on its way!

I really enjoyed this book. I love this time period and I've always been intrigued by Jack the Ripper. I liked how Kerri took what we know about JtR and spun it into a compelling story.

I really enjoyed Audrey Rose's journey. I love watching a strong woman come into her own. I particularly enjoyed when she decided to embrace her "don't give a f***" attitude. Badass! And it wasn't just Audrey Rose who was strong. She was surrounded by other strong women. Her aunt, although not open to new thinking, was strong in her beliefs and the way she carried herself. Same for Liza. She is so comfortable with she is it was very refreshing.

I felt at the end of this book I'm still left with a few questions. But that is what the coming books are for. I can't wait to read them!

Merged review:

I really enjoyed this book. I love this time period and I've always been intrigued by Jack the Ripper. I liked how Kerri took what we know about JtR and spun it into a compelling story.

I really enjoyed Audrey Rose's journey. I love watching a strong woman come into her own. I particularly enjoyed when she decided to embrace her "don't give a f***" attitude. Badass! And it wasn't just Audrey Rose who was strong. She was surrounded by other strong women. Her aunt, although not open to new thinking, was strong in her beliefs and the way she carried herself. Same for Liza. She is so comfortable with she is it was very refreshing.

I felt at the end of this book I'm still left with a few questions. But that is what the coming books are for. I can't wait to read them!

Honestly, loved this book. Reminded me a little of the Lady Helen series. Interesting, dark, fun and well written.

5/5 stars

Stalking Jack the Ripper is one of the books I went into with extremely low expectations. I've been hearing a lot of mixed reviews on it. To be honest I never thought I would pick it up. I am so glad I did though.

This is a Jack the Ripper retelling. If you don't know Jack the Ripper is a murderer in London in the past. He is one of the most famous yet know one knows who he really is.

The story is told in first person and we follow the point of view of Audrey Rose Wadsworth. Audrey Rose breaks societies exceptions. She often sneaks off to her Uncle's laboratory to study the human body. She studies the body's of the Ripper's victims trying to solve the murders and figure out why he is doing it and who it is.

Audrey Rose is a strong female character. I liked reading from her point of view. She is a character that does not like to be told what to do, but is also very curious and her actions made sense most of the time.

Note this book does contain pictures and some of them are not that pleasant.

The beginning was really slow and I wanted to DNF at first. As the book went on it gradually got better and better till I could not put it down. After the first half I was hooked. I felt like the beginning nothing really happened. I am so glad I gave it a chance. I need the sequel now!
dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

8.29 CAWPILE