Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Genre: YA Historical Thriller
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Published: September 20th, 2016
Page Count: 336 pages
Format: eARC
Source: From publisher via Edelweiss
Summary:
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 debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
*The Reader’s Review*
Dear readers, I’ve found my favorite book of 2016. Stalking Jack the Ripper is a lusciously dark mystery thriller set in nineteenth-century London inspired by the gruesome murders of the infamous Jack the Ripper. From page one I was fighting for breath, praying not to throw up by these events, and yet, drinking the words in as if there was no tomorrow. The writing entranced me, the characters became my allies and suspects, and the forensic studies … they sure kept me up at night.
I don’t often read horror or thrillers since my stomach goes weak whenever there is blood and gore involved, but I’m sure glad I gave this book a chance because AMAZING doesn’t even begin to cover it. Like the characters, I learned to push my feelings over blood aside and grow cold and calculated trying to solve the cases of Jack the Ripper. I was going back and forth over my suspect list, ever growing as each chapter moved on. I started to strongly suspect a certain character by 50% into the story, yet the author does a great job at keeping you second-guessing until the very end. I really liked that.
The main character, Audrey Rose Wadsworth, is a force to be reckoned with. Her personality is admirable and her ideas plus her determination to study the field she loves is pretty kick-ass. Despite living in a society that questions the value of women in fields outside hosting tea parties and being wives, she pushes on by pursuing a career in forensic studies under her uncle’s supervision while not renouncing to her “girly” manners. She’s an early version of the modern women and does a great job. I loved her!
As a thriller, I believed Stalking Jack the Ripper would only be a dark, bloody read, but as it turns out, it was also full of dark humor. It kept the heaviness from being too much, and I often found myself laughing quite loud at night. The twisted humor often came from the dashing Thomas Cresswell who is also interested in forensic studies. He is like a young adult version of Sherlock Holmes, including sharp mind and attention to details. He made me swoon like no other character and also pray for him to not be the ripper. I’m sure many readers will come to fancy him like me!
Final Verdict:
To put it simply, Stalking Jack the Reader is bloody brilliant (pun intended). I fear my words won’t ever do justice to this fascinating take on one of the world’s most known serial killers, but I must insist on readers to pick it up once it comes out. This debut novel by Kerri Maniscalco will set new standards to YA Thrillers, trust me. It’s dark and horrifying, historically accurate (with twists from the author), and offers the intriguing experience through the eyes of a young girl who defies the norms of 1888 London. Can’t wait for the next book in the series (because yes, it’s a series!!!!).
*Spanish Book Review/ Reseña en Español*
Queridos lectores, he encontrado mi libro favorito de 2016. Stalking Jack the Ripper (El Acecho de Jack el Destripador) es un thriller oscuro y de misterio inspirado en los brutales asesinatos del infame y vil Jack el Destripador. Desde la primera página quedé hipnotizada por las palabras de Kerri Maniscalco y su habilidad de dar una nueva perspectiva a uno de los casos de asesinos seriales más famosos de la historia.
A decir verdad, no suelo leer novelas de terror o de suspenso debido a que mi estómago se debilita cada vez que hay sangre y vísceras involucrados, pero estoy muy feliz de que le di a este libro una oportunidad porque Stalking Jack the Ripper es simplemente increíble en todos los aspectos posibles. Los personajes son interesantes, el misterio cautivante y el simple hecho de haber abierto una página más sobre la historia de Jack el Destripador hace esta historia resaltar. De la misma forma, Kerri Maniscalco hace un gran trabajo al mantener el suspenso hasta el último capítulo y creo que muchos lectores apreciarán este detalle.
Todos los personajes son brillantes, pero el personaje principal, Audrey Rose Wadsworth, es mi favorito. Su personalidad e ideas son admirables, pero el hecho de que está determinada en especializarse en ciencias forenses la hace inusual e intrigante. A pesar de vivir en una sociedad que cuestiona el valor de la mujer en campos fuera de fiestas de té o el ser ama de casa, ella lucha por seguir una carrera difícil bajo la supervisión de su tío sin renunciar a sus costumbres femeninas. Ella es como una versión temprana de la mujer moderna y hace un gran trabajo. ¡La admiro!
Y como una película de suspenso, pensaba que Stalking Jack the Ripper sólo sería una lectura oscura y sangrienta, pero resultó que también está llena de humor negro. Ésto ayudó mucho a que la historia no fuera tan pesada, de hecho me hizo reir constantemente del humor torcido que generalmente provenía del apuesto Thomas Cresswell (que también le interesan los estudios forenses). Él es como una versión joven de Sherlock Holmes, incluyendo su mente aguda y la atención a detalles. Amo a este tipo de personajes y estoy segura que muchas lectoras (y lectores) se enamorarán de él. ♥
Veredicto final:
En pocas palabras, Stalking Jack the Ripper es una novela histórica sangrienta pero muy brillante. Temo que mis palabras nunca le harán justicia a esta fascinante toma de uno de los asesinos seriales más conocidos del mundo, pero debo insistir que los lectores deben de conseguirse este libro y sumergirse en su historia. Es oscura y horrible, históricamente exacta (con giros de la autora, por supuesto), y ofrece una fascinante experiencia a través de los ojos de una joven que desafía las normas de Londres de 1888. ¡Muero por la siguiente entrega de Stalking Jack the Ripper!
Este no es mi tipo de lectura usual, pero suena tan bien que yo tambien quiero darle una oportunidad!
Me alegra mucho que lo hayas amado. Espero poder leerlo pronto!
Si si si, tienes que leerlo Liz!!! Está bien padre, además que te hace salir fuera de tu zona de confort (sin lamentarlo!) ♥
I still think the English/Spanish review idea is wonderful!
I'm looking forward to reading Stalking Jack the Ripper soo much! I'm super glad to hear you enjoyed it. 😀
Aww, thank you so much, Jordan ♥ This book is one-of-a-kind and I'm sure it'll be one you'll enjoy!
I love that you wrote the review in English and Spanish! Also, YAY!! So glad you loved this book! I adore it as well ^_^
Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
Thanks, Brittany!! ♥ Counting the days til we get our hands on the sequel!
Ya me picó la curiosidad con este libro. Este es mi tipo de lectura (oscura y sangrienta jaja). En cuanto salga en mi país lo compraré y lo leeré, me alegra que te haya gustado.