A review by roxxie
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

dark funny 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

A Riveting Victorian Thriller!

I recently completed reading Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco, and I have to admit that it's an intriguing and exciting book that had me gripped from start to finish. It's definitely an exciting and fun novel, even though I didn't quite get to the point where I could have given it a flawless 5-star review.

Stalking Jack the Ripper ♦ Kerri Maniscalco

Opinion

Readers are masterfully transported to the gloomy and unsettling atmosphere of Victorian-era London by Kerri Maniscalco. It’s clear that the author done her research on the location and era from the vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. The story is made even more suspenseful by the disturbing and depressing backdrop of the Whitechapel murders.

It’s always encouraging to witness a strong, independent female heroine like our protagonist Audrey Rose Wadsworth defy the social mores of her day. Her forensic scientific passion and unwavering commitment are admirable, and it’s easy to support her on her quest to solve the horrifying Jack the Ripper murders.

One of the book’s highlights is the relationship Audrey Rose has with her mysterious and funny colleague in crime solving, Thomas Cresswell. The plot gains depth from their teasing and developing connection, which offers both romantic and humorous components.

There are enough twists and turns in the well-paced plot to keep readers interested. But there were times when I wanted the mystery itself to be a little bit more intricate. The resolution could have been more complex and unexpected, even though the ending was rewarding.

Conclusion

In closing, Stalking Jack the Ripper is a captivating historical thriller including a compelling romance subplot, a strong female lead, and a gorgeously atmospheric setting. A must-read for enthusiasts of historical fiction and exciting mysteries, it just missed my perfect 5-star rating due to some predictability in the mystery. I’m excited to see where Audrey Rose and Thomas’s travels will take them in the next installment in the series!



This review was first published at The Art of Reading.