Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

22 reviews

ivy123's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I am so happy to start the year off reading something I really enjoyed.

Stalking Jack the Ripper sees our main character Audrey Rose investigating the Jack the Ripper murders alongside her uncle and a quick-witted companion Thomas. This was an interesting fictionalization of the murders in a way I had not seen before and I loved the banter between Audrey and Thomas.  The historical photographs copied onto certain chapters were an entertaining touch making the world feel even more real. I also loved Audrey's determination to study forensics and anatomy against the wishes of others and her flaws making her a believable character. I did not exactly see the twist coming at the end of who Jack the Ripper was but it also did not seem so surprising when revealed.

At the same time although I loved this novel I can see where others are coming from in their critiques. Audrey does appear the Watson to Thomas's Holmes and the I am not like other girls trope was screaming at you from the page from the moment you set out. However, these things did not really bother me as I was entertained the whole way through. I also did not set out thinking this would be 100% accurate to it's real-life counterpart and Kerri Maniscalco is honest that creative liberties were taken with the facts to fit the story. This was ok as well since I did not go in looking for a historical book.

Overall a great debut novel and I can not wait to start the next in the series.

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aaliyahisaacs_'s review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If I could Give this book a 6 I would. Nothing has felt so dear to my heart since the invisible life of Addie LaRue.
Going into this book at a time when i as very down and anxious was probably the best decision i made. This book took me away from my spiraling thoughts and kept me so captivated i could focus on nothing else. The smudges of romance throughout was extremely adoring and i can say without a doubt that Thomas Cresswell is my top Book Boyfriend ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😍😍😍😍😍😍😍💕😘🙌

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em_davies7019's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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shelfdelight's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25


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fbzcab's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

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melis_246's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

0.75

The ending was shit

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bubothereader's review

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m not normally a huge historical fiction fan, but @kerrimaniscalco knows how to write one that I want to read.  
The intrigue, the plot, the gasps. I read about 300 pages in one night up until 3:30 a.m. because I didn’t want to put it down. 

The characters are top notch, her foreshadowing is superb, without being heavy-handed—I didn’t know what would happen, but when the reveal occurred I saw all the dominoes fall into place. Such an Agatha Christie move!! 
The atmosphere was bone-chilling. I’d get scared and put the book down, shake it out, then pick it right back up. 
The writing was a great style for Victorian England as well. Very believable. 
The romance was something I shipped and felt natural. No insta-love. Very well-paced. Plus, i appreciate that Audrey Rose didn’t lose her head about him either—she questioned him and his motives. A reasonable approach to a relationship. 

This is a 5-star read for me. I’ve not felt this jazzed about a book in a few months. Will pick up the sequel next year!

TW: the book is fairly gory, deals with murder, shows autopsies, and has some gaslighting moments. 

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zaza_2000's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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shubhijha05's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I LOVED this book. For someone who has trouble finding books I enjoy reading for fun, this was the perfect one for me. I mean I love watching someone solve a crime, and a famous serial killer made it all the better.
Nathaniel being Jack was a twist I didn't expect, he seemed like a great older brother, but I guess that's how these things go. It'll be interesting to see how Audrey Rose deals with the revelation.
Audrey Rose and Thomas' relationship was adorable, and I can't wait to see how it goes in the rest of the series. Would definitely recommend if you are okay with a bit of gore.

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cheyenne18's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny informative mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love Audrey Rose and Thomas with my entire  being.


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