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mickachoo's review against another edition
5.0
I will never not love Thomas Cresswell, ladies and gents. It's sickening.
It took me a lot longer than I wish to admit to catch onto what was going on here but that just means Kerri Maniscalco did a good job here. When I finally did figure it out, it just made the book that much better. One of my favorite things about this series has been the tie-in to actual history and the interactions the characters have with these people we know of. Albeit, this one was a little frightening and I wouldn't want to meet this person at any point in history, it still made for an intriguing story that I loved.
The added drama at the beginning of the book also surprised me. This series hasn't been on to focus too much on the romantic side of things but this blew that out of the water and I have to say I enjoyed it way too much. Cressworth for the win!
It took me a lot longer than I wish to admit to catch onto what was going on here but that just means Kerri Maniscalco did a good job here. When I finally did figure it out, it just made the book that much better. One of my favorite things about this series has been the tie-in to actual history and the interactions the characters have with these people we know of. Albeit, this one was a little frightening and I wouldn't want to meet this person at any point in history, it still made for an intriguing story that I loved.
The added drama at the beginning of the book also surprised me. This series hasn't been on to focus too much on the romantic side of things but this blew that out of the water and I have to say I enjoyed it way too much. Cressworth for the win!
siljen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
l0v3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.75
megancperry's review against another edition
4.0
What a satisfying conclusion! I loved how things were tied off with the main characters, and also the overarching Jack the Ripper mystery - getting closure on that was nice.
Although, this wasn’t my favourite in the series: that has to go to Hunting Prince Dracula. That second book just brought some of my favourite scenes of the entire series, along with the introduction of so many great characters! And we mustn’t forget the romance! As far as the latter is concerned, I feel that HPD had the best romantic development, whereas in SJTR as times it came off as rushed and slightly cringe, in HPD there was so much build up and tension: I loved it!!
Back to CTD, one thing I did appreciate was Audrey Rose’s independence in fighting and escaping from the killer, and her moral debate and resolution here also.
However, at times, I got frustrated by the repetitive nature of certain phrases: i.e. Thomas kept saying how he would never box Wadsworth in, and I loved the sentiment but after hearing it said a hundred times, I got slightly sick of it!
Also, I really don’t care about Noah (is that his name? the American from the school in Romania?) - I feel like between not seeing him for an entire book, and frankly, never really paying much attention to him in the first place, I didn’t really remember him so...
Overall, I very much enjoyed this series and would highly recommend! I mainly read it for the characters and the romance, but the mystery elements were cool too (though predictable at times). Hopefully, I’ll get to read the novella(s?) at some point too - I look forward to seeing things from Thomas’ perspective!!
Although, this wasn’t my favourite in the series: that has to go to Hunting Prince Dracula. That second book just brought some of my favourite scenes of the entire series, along with the introduction of so many great characters! And we mustn’t forget the romance! As far as the latter is concerned, I feel that HPD had the best romantic development, whereas in SJTR as times it came off as rushed and slightly cringe, in HPD there was so much build up and tension: I loved it!!
Back to CTD, one thing I did appreciate was Audrey Rose’s independence in fighting and escaping from the killer, and her moral debate and resolution here also.
However, at times, I got frustrated by the repetitive nature of certain phrases: i.e. Thomas kept saying how he would never box Wadsworth in, and I loved the sentiment but after hearing it said a hundred times, I got slightly sick of it!
Also, I really don’t care about Noah (is that his name? the American from the school in Romania?) - I feel like between not seeing him for an entire book, and frankly, never really paying much attention to him in the first place, I didn’t really remember him so...
Overall, I very much enjoyed this series and would highly recommend! I mainly read it for the characters and the romance, but the mystery elements were cool too (though predictable at times). Hopefully, I’ll get to read the novella(s?) at some point too - I look forward to seeing things from Thomas’ perspective!!
enchanterheir's review against another edition
3.0
I wish this book had focused more on the mystery case instead of adding in complications to the relationship of the main characters.
starfleckedsoul's review against another edition
3.0
If you must know, I'm such a sucker for a good romance and that's the very reason why I'm still giving three stars.
I hate to admit it, but I am fairly disappointed with this finale. With the first three books, I came to love the thrill of the mysteries and the danger and all the carving out a person's viscera to identify cause of death, and I didn't get that here. Truly, I'm devastated. Perhaps the only moment that I felt that quickening of my heart due to fear tinged with excitement was when Audrey Rose received those unsigned letters that weren't even dangerous at all. Shame.
As much as I love Cresswell and Wadsworth, perhaps the romance was a bit too much. I was tracking my progress and noticed that the romance lasted for maybe 3/4 of the book. I love that we got to read more of that blooming development in their relationship, but I did miss my increasing anticipation of the murders and mysteries. I was so used to spending 300 pages or so of guessing who the true killer was. I was even sort of disappointed about the killer's identity. It would've been fun if it was indeed Mephistopheles, or one of my permanent suspects, Inspector William Blackburn.
However, I still can't deny the fact that this has become one of my favorite series ever. The ending was just not it for me, so. Thank you for a thrilling ride, Audrey Rose and Thomas!
I hate to admit it, but I am fairly disappointed with this finale. With the first three books, I came to love the thrill of the mysteries and the danger and all the carving out a person's viscera to identify cause of death, and I didn't get that here. Truly, I'm devastated. Perhaps the only moment that I felt that quickening of my heart due to fear tinged with excitement was when Audrey Rose received those unsigned letters that weren't even dangerous at all. Shame.
As much as I love Cresswell and Wadsworth, perhaps the romance was a bit too much. I was tracking my progress and noticed that the romance lasted for maybe 3/4 of the book. I love that we got to read more of that blooming development in their relationship, but I did miss my increasing anticipation of the murders and mysteries. I was so used to spending 300 pages or so of guessing who the true killer was. I was even sort of disappointed about the killer's identity. It would've been fun if it was indeed Mephistopheles, or one of my permanent suspects, Inspector William Blackburn.
However, I still can't deny the fact that this has become one of my favorite series ever. The ending was just not it for me, so. Thank you for a thrilling ride, Audrey Rose and Thomas!
ocean_delight's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
krasty's review against another edition
5.0
love love love
I didn’t want this series to end! I absolutely love this author. This was the perfect way to end this series and I couldn’t be happier that I finished it. I am, however, very sad I finished it. I cannot recommend this book enough! I will read everything Kerri Maniscalco writes and has written. She is a phenomenal author and these books are a testament to her talent! This is a MUST READ.
I didn’t want this series to end! I absolutely love this author. This was the perfect way to end this series and I couldn’t be happier that I finished it. I am, however, very sad I finished it. I cannot recommend this book enough! I will read everything Kerri Maniscalco writes and has written. She is a phenomenal author and these books are a testament to her talent! This is a MUST READ.
shllndch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
Capturing the Devil was my most anticipated read of the year. But, I was also very nervous to finally read the book. Partly because of the mixed reviews I encountered, partly because Escaping from Houdini didn't have the same effect on me as the first two books in the series. I totally knew this book could be two things: Everything I wanted it to be OR a huge disappointment.
And luckily I discovered quite soon that this book was everything I had hoped it would be. I totally understand why the book is not everyone's cup of tea. The first 250 pages are mostly about Thomas and Audrey and relationship drama. There are small hints of a mystery being present, but it's not front and center.
But, to me those books never have been crime novels. I always tell people if they start this series to not read them as whodunnits. Its strength isn't in the unexpected turns and twists and catching the killer is not as challenging as you'd want a whodunnit to be. It's about the characters and it's mostly about Audrey Rose. It's about her personality and character growth, it's about her finding her way in the world, it's about her relationship with her family and friends, it's about her love for Thomas.
What I wanted in this book was loads of Thomas and Audrey, bantering, loving each other, kissing and solving a murder case together. Because it was exactly the lack of Thomas/Audrey interaction in the previous book that made me feel a little disappointed. Well, this book totally made up for it. Apart from a few chapters, Thomas and Audrey are rarely apart and even though there are loads of technicalities, plot-wise and whatever, that could have been and done better, I've decided not to care.
While reading Stalking Jack the Ripper I fell in love with Audrey Rose (I really hope I am and will be a lot like her) and Thomas Cresswell and while reading the last pages and realising I had to say goodbye to them, I discovered that I am gonna miss them terribly.
Who cares about the technicalities of a story when you've grown so attached to characters that saying goodbye became a reason to choke up and cry?
Well, certainly not me.
And luckily I discovered quite soon that this book was everything I had hoped it would be. I totally understand why the book is not everyone's cup of tea. The first 250 pages are mostly about Thomas and Audrey and relationship drama. There are small hints of a mystery being present, but it's not front and center.
But, to me those books never have been crime novels. I always tell people if they start this series to not read them as whodunnits. Its strength isn't in the unexpected turns and twists and catching the killer is not as challenging as you'd want a whodunnit to be. It's about the characters and it's mostly about Audrey Rose. It's about her personality and character growth, it's about her finding her way in the world, it's about her relationship with her family and friends, it's about her love for Thomas.
What I wanted in this book was loads of Thomas and Audrey, bantering, loving each other, kissing and solving a murder case together. Because it was exactly the lack of Thomas/Audrey interaction in the previous book that made me feel a little disappointed. Well, this book totally made up for it. Apart from a few chapters, Thomas and Audrey are rarely apart and even though there are loads of technicalities, plot-wise and whatever, that could have been and done better, I've decided not to care.
While reading Stalking Jack the Ripper I fell in love with Audrey Rose (I really hope I am and will be a lot like her) and Thomas Cresswell and while reading the last pages and realising I had to say goodbye to them, I discovered that I am gonna miss them terribly.
Who cares about the technicalities of a story when you've grown so attached to characters that saying goodbye became a reason to choke up and cry?
Well, certainly not me.