Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

 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.

I love how the author begins the book with Audrey, under the guidance of her Uncle, making incisions into the body of a deceased man for an autopsy. Kerri Maniscalco knows how to paint a picture with words as well as set the tone for the story. It is dark and creepy with her Uncle being excited about his work and the both of them being surrounded by dead bodies in her Uncle's laboratory. I also loved the use of this "lesson" to show the reader how Audrey is as a character. She does not fit the mold of a lord's daughter because she wishes to learn about a profession that involves forensic medicine rather than living the way that society and her father deem appropriate. I loved this about her! She didn't fit into a certain mold. Audrey was also curious, intelligent, and strong. There was also a vulnerability to her that I appreciated. She was still affected by things that were happening around her regardless of how intrigued by scientific aspects she was. I also liked Thomas and Audrey's Uncle but I wanted to focus on Audrey in this review because the book is from her point of view.
Despite the fact that this was a historical fiction book, I found myself really enjoying it. I believe that this is because the author is able to make it believable that this story takes place in the 1800s without it being thrown into the reader's face. I enjoyed learning what the typical forensic practices were for that time as well as the medical and police procedures. They intrigued me to the point that I wanted to know more making the historical elements fascinating rather than tedious. I also loved the Jack the Ripper elements although the author did admit to taking artistic liberties with it so it wasn't completely historically accurate. If you have problems with gore, then this book may turn your stomach as it is descriptive when speaking about the bodies of the women that Jack the Ripper mutilates.
This book reminded me of Sherlock Holmes as well as Jackaby by William Ritter because of the fantastical elements towards the end of the story. These elements make the story interesting and change the story just enough so that it is not just a rehash of the history of the Jack the Ripper murders. I was happy that the identity of the killer was not completely obvious. The author was able to at least divert my attention to different characters with pieces of evidence that came to light at various points in the book. The identity of the killer makes complete sense as there are hints given and his motivations make complete sense. I enjoyed the chase and the intensity of the book. I will definitely be reading the next book!