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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Such a perfect ending to one of my favorite series! I loved all four books and would highly recommend this series to any mystery lovers who enjoy a well crafted tale with a bit of historical fiction mixed in!! 5 Stars!!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm honestly torn between giving this 1 or 2 stars, but as the only reason I probably made it through this book was the absolutely fantastic narrator, a 1 it is.
I loved book one and book two, I've read both of them twice and I'm betting that if I were to reread them today I would still be in love with the ambience and the characters. I adored Thomas' and Audrey's characters once upon a time, but Escaping From Houdini and Becoming the Dark Prince have just killed any fond feelings I had for them. One thing that I noticed is that Audrey and Thomas read so much like 21st century people, to the point where it became jarring and unrealistic (the wedding vows, really?).
I was expecting a gripping murder mystery, with a couple of plot twist and some banter between the two main characters who had gotten engaged. What I got was pages upon pages of teenagers lusting after each other because they can't get married (for a bullshit reason) and selling out on their principles.
I also can't say you've written a very compelling murder mystery when I solved it after the very first chapter. I've also watched too much Criminal Minds/Mindhunter to buy into the whole theory.
I loved book one and book two, I've read both of them twice and I'm betting that if I were to reread them today I would still be in love with the ambience and the characters. I adored Thomas' and Audrey's characters once upon a time, but Escaping From Houdini and Becoming the Dark Prince have just killed any fond feelings I had for them. One thing that I noticed is that Audrey and Thomas read so much like 21st century people, to the point where it became jarring and unrealistic (the wedding vows, really?).
I was expecting a gripping murder mystery, with a couple of plot twist and some banter between the two main characters who had gotten engaged. What I got was pages upon pages of teenagers lusting after each other because they can't get married (for a bullshit reason) and selling out on their principles.
I also can't say you've written a very compelling murder mystery when I solved it after the very first chapter. I've also watched too much Criminal Minds/Mindhunter to buy into the whole
Spoiler
Jack the Ripper = HH Holmes
Capturing the Devil reminded me why I love this series so much: the mystery, the romance, the banter. I was one of those readers who was enraged with [b:Escaping from Houdini|30375937|Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516896737l/30375937._SX50_.jpg|50890360]. I feared that the events of that book had ruined the series finale for me for good, but I am so glad those fears were proven wrong. I enjoyed reading this book. I laughed while reading this book. I squealed, I cried, I almost died. I had to force myself to put it down and remind myself my body needed sleep.
I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to a series I adore, despite the hiccup in the third book. I had fun (and was scared half to death) following the mystery, but most of all I really enjoyed every scene of Audrey Rose and Thomas together, who’s dynamic is the greatest asset of this series. They’re the definition of a dynamic duo, and I will carry them in my heart forever. I will most likely reread the series a few years from now, just because I miss them already.
I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to a series I adore, despite the hiccup in the third book. I had fun (and was scared half to death) following the mystery, but most of all I really enjoyed every scene of Audrey Rose and Thomas together, who’s dynamic is the greatest asset of this series. They’re the definition of a dynamic duo, and I will carry them in my heart forever. I will most likely reread the series a few years from now, just because I miss them already.
A phenomenal story with the witty, resourceful and sharp-minded Audrey Rose and Thomas who get to deal with another gruesome mystery. Compelling story telling combined with twists and the right amount of romance involved.
3.5⭐
I have pretty polarizing feelings about this conclusion. The first half of this book, in my opinion, was utterly pointless. Like why did it take well over 200 pages to even get to what is in the synopsis? I was bored outta my mind and was ready to give this book 2 stars.
But once the actual plot got going, this book was just as wonderful as the rest of the series. I absolutely loved the setting and mystery elements. And that final showdown had me on the edge of my seat!
The second half of this definitely saved the book for me. It was a satisfying conclusion and the epilogue was sweet. I just wish those first 200 pages had been left out....
I have pretty polarizing feelings about this conclusion. The first half of this book, in my opinion, was utterly pointless. Like why did it take well over 200 pages to even get to what is in the synopsis? I was bored outta my mind and was ready to give this book 2 stars.
But once the actual plot got going, this book was just as wonderful as the rest of the series. I absolutely loved the setting and mystery elements. And that final showdown had me on the edge of my seat!
The second half of this definitely saved the book for me. It was a satisfying conclusion and the epilogue was sweet. I just wish those first 200 pages had been left out....
Once again, very melodramatic but otherwise much better than the ones before. 1 and 4 were the best. I did like how this book tied in with the rest of the series.
I stand by what I said earlier: that the relationship conflict did NOT need to happen. Especially since it was all wrapped up in 2 pages at the end - as we all knew it would be.
I stand by what I said earlier: that the relationship conflict did NOT need to happen. Especially since it was all wrapped up in 2 pages at the end - as we all knew it would be.
Capturing the Devil was hands down one of my favorite reads of 2020, and one of my favorite series finales. I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure to say goodbye to Audrey Rose and Thomas. It was like coming full circle—we get a return to the Ripper investigations, which were my favorite case to read about, and the narrative was filled with treats for the long-time fans of the series. Every element that brought back memories of the previous cases and the journey Thomas and Audrey have been through gave me such a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. We see them being honest with themselves, processing events from the other books, working together and trusting one another completely. These characters have come such a long way, and seeing the lessons they’ve learned and the people they’ve become so manifest in this story made me feel like a sort of proud parent.
Capturing the Devil was a fairytale dream and a nightmare all in one thanks to the relationship between Thomas and Audrey Rose, which felt deeper than ever before and more intoxicating than ever. Not only do these two have a sparkling banter, but their sizzling dynamic reached its hottest tips in this installment. Of course, being a wicked creature, Maniscalco found a way to create an obstacle even now! I was writhing in my bed, giggling like a school girl, sobbing and fanning myself because THOMAS CRESSWELL IS A GOD. There, I said it. Now take me back to the Victorian Era.
I did have a few minor issues, the first being that I felt like the great obstacle in Audrey and Thomas’ relationship was hastily created to accommodate the changed finale of Escaping from Houdini. However, I do understand why that ending needed to change from the arc, and I understand that drama keeps the tension alive, and given the circumstances I felt it was well done. Audrey and Thomas handled it maturely, I suffered, and help came in the form of my very own Indian Olenna Tyrell, so I’m happy.
The second minor issue was in relation to the case. Personally, I wasn’t too happy about the resolution of this investigation. I had my hopes set on another character and I was very fond of the finale of Stalking Jack the Ripper and was loathe to let it go. But neither of these issues were strong enough to make me want to lower my rating. I just had too much fun reading this book and feeling all the feels with my favorite crime-solving duo.
So to wrap this up, I loved this ending and I adore this series in its entirety. We found one another surprisingly, because this definitely isn’t my go-to genre, but it’s a series that claimed my heart and a spot in my Favorites Olympus. I definitely recommend it to readers who like romance with a witty banter in their stories, a historical setting and a hint of mystery to go with it.
Capturing the Devil was a fairytale dream and a nightmare all in one thanks to the relationship between Thomas and Audrey Rose, which felt deeper than ever before and more intoxicating than ever. Not only do these two have a sparkling banter, but their sizzling dynamic reached its hottest tips in this installment. Of course, being a wicked creature, Maniscalco found a way to create an obstacle even now! I was writhing in my bed, giggling like a school girl, sobbing and fanning myself because THOMAS CRESSWELL IS A GOD. There, I said it. Now take me back to the Victorian Era.
I did have a few minor issues, the first being that I felt like the great obstacle in Audrey and Thomas’ relationship was hastily created to accommodate the changed finale of Escaping from Houdini. However, I do understand why that ending needed to change from the arc, and I understand that drama keeps the tension alive, and given the circumstances I felt it was well done. Audrey and Thomas handled it maturely, I suffered, and help came in the form of my very own Indian Olenna Tyrell, so I’m happy.
The second minor issue was in relation to the case. Personally, I wasn’t too happy about the resolution of this investigation. I had my hopes set on another character and I was very fond of the finale of Stalking Jack the Ripper and was loathe to let it go. But neither of these issues were strong enough to make me want to lower my rating. I just had too much fun reading this book and feeling all the feels with my favorite crime-solving duo.
So to wrap this up, I loved this ending and I adore this series in its entirety. We found one another surprisingly, because this definitely isn’t my go-to genre, but it’s a series that claimed my heart and a spot in my Favorites Olympus. I definitely recommend it to readers who like romance with a witty banter in their stories, a historical setting and a hint of mystery to go with it.
Reread - August 15 2020 - August 17 2020
I feel still the same as when I first read this series! Its still amazing and adventure and the tale of two dark hearts becoming whole
I feel still the same as when I first read this series! Its still amazing and adventure and the tale of two dark hearts becoming whole
3.5
This was a very anticlimactic ending. If I didn't love Audrey Rose and Thomas, this would be getting a much lower rating.
The romance was enjoyable until it became the only focus. Suddenly, the murders and the mystery fell on the back burner. I remember the other books having a better balance of the two without the abrupt switches back and forth.
The murderer and the betrothal were two mysteries that were solved in the blink of an eye. I think that there should have been more connection to the Ripper in the previous books so that it didn't feel so out of place when it was suddenly relevant again. I feel like there should have been a new case and a new murderer instead of re-opening the mystery from the first book. The engagement was also solved off-page and explained in like two sentences, even though it was a HUGE plot point when it was discovered. These two things made the pacing wonky and some parts of this book were so slow to get through.
A lot of characters, like the cousin and Thomas' sister, had huge roles in the beginning and then were nowhere to be found for the rest of the book.
I'm left feeling very unsatisfied with this series. I enjoyed my time with the books due to the characters and the forensic science, but neither of those are enough for me to completely love these books.
This was a very anticlimactic ending. If I didn't love Audrey Rose and Thomas, this would be getting a much lower rating.
The romance was enjoyable until it became the only focus. Suddenly, the murders and the mystery fell on the back burner. I remember the other books having a better balance of the two without the abrupt switches back and forth.
The murderer and the betrothal were two mysteries that were solved in the blink of an eye. I think that there should have been more connection to the Ripper in the previous books so that it didn't feel so out of place when it was suddenly relevant again. I feel like there should have been a new case and a new murderer instead of re-opening the mystery from the first book. The engagement was also solved off-page and explained in like two sentences, even though it was a HUGE plot point when it was discovered. These two things made the pacing wonky and some parts of this book were so slow to get through.
A lot of characters, like the cousin and Thomas' sister, had huge roles in the beginning and then were nowhere to be found for the rest of the book.
I'm left feeling very unsatisfied with this series. I enjoyed my time with the books due to the characters and the forensic science, but neither of those are enough for me to completely love these books.