“Stalking Jack the Ripper”
Written by Kerri Maniscalco
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia
Instantly a favorite for me, “Stalking Jack the Ripper”
combines a legendary serial killer, brilliant writing, cunning dialogue, and
horrific imagery to create a wonderful medical and horror fiction. Set in the
times of ugly and despicable London, we are introduced into a strong and scintillating
protagonist named Audrey Rose Wadsworth.
Audrey Rose apprentices under her mysterious and
unusual uncle Jonathan, who is a medical doctor who performs autopsies and
teaches local medical students. She begins to befriend and flirt with his other
apprentice, handsome Thomas Cresswell. Her father begins to devolve into insanity,
while Audrey Rose and her brother, Nathaniel, attempt to keep him in line. As
Audrey Rose’s head spins rapidly with the dramatic nature of her life, she,
Thomas, and Uncle Jonathan start to receive dead bodies of those who most
likely have been murdered. These women are poor prostitutes, and this is Whitechapel.
Who else is behind this than Jack the Ripper?
In this unparallel murderous fiction, we are slowly
and effectively pushed into this dark London. These characters are fascinating
but suspicious, as we readers theorize who Jack the Ripper might be. Audrey Rose
believes that the murderous Ripper may be someone she knows; due to their
proximity and the surgical way the bodies have been sliced.
This is an unsettling and brilliant horror and
thriller. It reminded me so much of what I love from “The Strange Case of Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, “Frankenstein”, and even “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter”.
I do believe that many different types of readers would enjoy this story. This
gothic tale is just one of the four books already published in this series, and
I cannot wait to read the next ones.
Also, I do have to mention that I switched back and
forth from print copy to audiobook. I always prefer reading a physical copy,
but while working, on lunch break, or while laying in bed at night, I did
really enjoy the audiobook. The narrator is brilliant with voices and
intonation.
The final conclusion is not unpredictable. However,
once delving through the story and suspecting everyone, the killer remains shocking.
The reveal and climax of this story are absolutely riveting, dripping with
suspense. I was sweating and nervous, unable to breathe properly as the final
scenes unfolded. I could not be happier with this book and look forward to
reading the next ones. I strongly recommend this story. I do hope this series
becomes a favorite of mine. “Stalking Jack the Ripper” alone has already
accomplished being a favorite book of this year so far. What a brilliant read.
Kerri Maniscalco’s one to pay attention to, for sure.
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