Recommended Read!
“Just when I’ve been feeling like there’s nothing original out there anymore, here comes Kerri Maniscalco and gives us something delicious to sink our teeth into.”
~ Under the Covers
I’m going to be honest, this book has been on my radar for quite some time because that cover is just so gorgeous. But I was hesitant to pick it up because it seems to have a lot of hype around it. Sometimes, I go against the hype. But that cover kept calling my name and I finally caved and bought it. Best decision ever. Just when I’ve been feeling like there’s nothing original out there anymore, here comes Kerri Maniscalco and gives us something delicious to sink our teeth into.
STALKING JACK THE RIPPER could fit in several genres and I love novels like this because they are so well rounded. It is, primarily, young adult because the main narrator is a teenager and historical because of the setting, but the mystery element in this book is also quite prominent. At the base, though, the story is sort of a gothic horror novel. I was so happy that I went into it quite blind. I didn’t read a lot of actual reviews other than the fact I’ve seen people raving about it. The blurb was the only thing I had to go by and the title, which implied a Jack the Ripper reference. I’ve always been intrigued by Jack the Ripper stories and I love how the author twisted those elements into this book. Some liberties were taken, but a lot of what we know of the true story was used and I think she did a brilliant job with it.
The writing is flawless and engaging, and the story line kept me turning the pages. But it was the characters that really gripped my interest. Audrey and Thomas are unlike other characters I’ve read from the time. They have interests that are outside the norm (I mean, a seventeen year old girl of the time who isn’t interested in fashion and balls but is all about dissecting dead bodies and forensic science), determination for such a young age, and courage to face some creepy situations. There’s also a bit of a romance that was perfectly done.
In the end, I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more. It’s very unique, creepy, dark and the writing feels fresh. I won’t even hold against it that I had figured out Jack the Ripper’s identity pretty early on, it’s always hard for me not to it seems, but it was still very well developed and ended perfectly. I cannot believe this is the authors’ debut and I can’t wait to read more from her.
READING ORDER & BUY LINKS
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[about-author author=”Kerri Maniscalco”]
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Iike you Francesca this cover had me!!!plus the title!!! I’m a big jack the ripper book,movie and documentary fan!!! And Gothic book fan! Awesome review, I’m glad its a great read!! Shared on my socials!!
Ooooo, a friend was just telling me about this. Getting now. Thanks for the review! ~D~
I love jack the ripper stories. Thanks!
I’m not into horror but it sounds good.
This sounds pretty good based on your review. I’d been a horror fan from middle-school until my *ahem* late 30s, when I “discovered” PNR via finding a vampire book I hadn’t read. I’ve been reading romance ever since. So this appeals to my reading roots and I applaud the mix of genres that you mentioned. My only pause is the YA factor. I’m a bit far removed from my teenage years, and now have a pre-teen son, so I’m a little hesitant. Since you’ve enjoyed it so much (and I tend to trust your judgement ?), and a sequel/next book in the series is now released, I just may have to give this one a go. Thanks for your review, and I’m curious to see what you think of the next book. (I too am a “fan” of Jack the Ripper, and of course love any sort of vampire, so I’ll have to try and set the characters ages aside.)
I’ve added these to my wishlist. Thanks for the rec Francesca