Stalking Jack the Ripper has been on my to read list for way too long. I am currently reading Hunting Prince Dracula, so I thought it would be smart to write this review before I start mixing the two books together. Last October, Isabelle read and reviewed Stalking Jack the Ripper and now it’s my turn!
Presented by James Patterson’s new children’s imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion…
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story’s shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
“Roses have both petals and thorns, my dark flower. You needn’t believe something weak because it appears delicate. Show the world your bravery.”
Review
Earlier this year I read my first James Patterson’s presents book, Gunslinger Girl, and really enjoyed it. A lot of people around me were talking about how great this series was, so I couldn’t resist finally picking up Stalking Jack the Ripper.
We meet Audrey Rose who is a girl way beyond her time. I loved that about her. She thought for herself and hated the fact that men and society get to decide what’s best for her. It’s fun that this book takes place quite awhile ago, because just talking to a male without a chaperone was seen as inappropriate.
Audrey may be very smart at times, but it’s clear that sometimes she doesn’t think things through either. Walking around the dark streets at night without anyone near while a murderer is loose, not very smart, haha. She is determined though to find out what’s going on as more and more bodies turn up.
Once her family gets involved somehow is when things get interesting. Everytime I thought I knew who would be behind the murders, I was very wrong. The author was able to keep me guessing until the very end. That wasn’t the only thing that made this book so interesting though. I loved learning about everything Audrey Rose was doing and the pictures featured in the book made things seem very real.
On top of the amazing story line, I loved the characters. There is a lot of humor and fun remarks along the way. Thomas is my favorite. It’s clear he’s interested in Audrey Rose, the investigations, but also wants to protect her.
The only thing that bugged me was the fact that it took awhile before things really started happening. Yes, there were murders going on, but the book felt slow in the beginning. All in all, still a very enjoyable read.
“I was determined to be both pretty and fierce, as Mother had said I could be. Just because I was interested in a man’s job didn’t mean I had to give up being girly. Who defined those roles anyhow?”
As I already said, I liked this book enough to continue with the series. You can definitely expect a review of Hunting Prince Dracula in the near future. Have you read Stalking Jack the Ripper? What did you think?
