Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Title: Stalking Jack the RipperAuthor: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #1
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, YA
Pages: 392
Source: Own
For: Play Book Tag, Trim Your TBR Challenge
Rating:
Sexual Content:
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Goodreads Synopsis
Against Audrey Rose's stern father's wishes and society's expectations, she 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 Rose into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
My Thoughts
I’ve been fascinated by the story of Jack the Ripper ever since I was a teenager. I watched a couple of TV miniseries fictionalizing his rampage of terror with my parents and I often wondered who the real Ripper was and why he did what he did.
I’ve been excited to read STALKING JACK THE RIPPER ever since I knew the book existed. I just never took the time to read it. I’m so glad I finally did. I loved how Maniscalco wove the historical in with the fiction. I loved seeing the events of Jack’s murders through the eyes of Audrey Rose and the other characters around her.
Fear is a hungry beast. The more you feed it, the more it grows.
One of the things I loved about STALKING JACK THE RIPPER was reading about the science of the times. In Maniscalco’s author’s note, she said she tried to remain as true to the capabilities of the time as possible. I thought it was really interesting that even though most of society scorned the work of forensic scientists because they thought it ungodly and mad, scientists were able to do all they did without the many advancements we have today.
I loved the cast of characters in STALKING JACK THE RIPPER, including Jack. Even though I guessed who Jack was in the end, I was surprised how it all went down. It made for a fun, surprising ending that I really enjoyed. View Spoiler »
I’m glad I finally took the time to read STALKING JACK THE RIPPER. Even though I’ve watched several miniseries and movies about the infamous Ripper, this is my first book. I now want to read more books and see how they compare. I also look forward to reading more by Maniscalco as I enjoyed her writing.
Have you read STALKING JACK THE RIPPER? If so, what did you think?
I totally relate! I have been intrigued by stories about Jack the Ripper as well. And of course, I have seen this book all around the book community. I can’t wait to read it one day… It’s just the huge TBR keeping me from it I guess haha.
I understand about the huge TBR keeping you from books you want to read. There are just too many books and not enough time. 🙂
I’m also fascinated by Jack, although I don’t know what the latest is on his identity. He is like a mystical (supernatural?) figure in the fog.
It would be cool if they could figure out who he was after all this time, would’t it? I just don’t think we’d have the resources to verify. I know they can at least speculate his occupation, age, and status in the community and I still find all that fascinating.
Wonderful review. It sounds like a really well researched story.
Definitely. I think she did a great deal of research to get the amount of details she did.
I have tried so many times to read this, I really need to try the audio but it’s one of those meh I’ll get to it when I get to it.
Ash @ Essentially Ash
I understand. Not all books are for everyone, you know. Maybe this book just isn’t for you. However, maybe you’ll like the audiobook. I know the person who reads her other series’ audiobook is awesome!
I haven’t read this one but you should read The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. It focuses solely on his five victims and it’s so good.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll definitely put it on my TBR and look into it. 🙂
I agree that reading about the science of the day and the forensics would be very interesting.
It really was. I didn’t realize they could do some of the things they did.
Hi Jenni! Ooooooh – thanks for sharing this one! I definitely, definitely want to read it as well and loved your review!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Elza Reads
Thanks, Mareli! I’m glad you liked my review. I hope you enjoy reading STALKING JACK THE RIPPER as much as I did. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I had this on my TBR for a long long time, but I removed during a TBR trim.
Thanks! I am too. 🙂 I understand. Sometimes, you have to cull your TBR. There are just too many books.
This review made me think of a book I read YEARS ago on Jack the Ripper. It was so realistic I felt like the author really figured out who dunnit. I read it before Goodreads so I would have a tough time remembering the title. Hmmm.
That sounds so interesting! If you ever do figure out what book that is, you’ll have to let me know. 🙂