Stalking Jack the Ripper 
By: Kerri Maniscalco
Overall Rating: ★★★
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 cutting open dead bodies in her Uncle’s lab.
A a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, and with the help of her uncle, brother, and the amazingly irresistible Thomas Cresswell, she attempts to solve the case.
Of course, things don’t go her way, her feelings get the best of her, and the shocker at the end leaves Audrey reeling. But hey, at least there’s Thomas!
Theme Song
TL;DR:
Stalking Jack the Ripper is a quick, quirky read. It’s CSI meets Scooby Doo, leaning more into the lighthearted feelings of the latter. If you’re looking for an easy, cute murder mystery, I’d definitely give this a go! But, don’t expect to go into this with the hopes of being shocked into speechlessness – the plot twist is terribly obvious and left me wanting just a little more.
The Good
On the Next Season of CSI: 19th Century England
I’m here for the dead bodies and all the historical fiction! I love a good murder mystery. Especially when it involves one of the most notorious unsolved serial killers of all time. The atmosphere and mood of this book are spot on. I want more 19th century murder cases.
Thomas Cresswell, Please Dote Upon Me
You will be adding Thomas Cresswell to your book boyfriend list the minute you meet him. He’s book smart, sassy, easy on the eyes, and you’ll want to be the Holmes to his Sherlock. Honestly, he’s probably the main reason I’m continuing on with this series. He’s an adorable, socially awkward detective and I’m HERE FOR IT.
The Bad
You Call That A Plot Twist?
I love a good murder mystery and I thoroughly enjoy being stumped right up until the end. When I read any type of thriller/mystery half of my rating is dependent on how quickly I figure out whodunit…and I called the murderer literally the first appearance they made. It’s painfully obvious, and I wish there was a little more mystery.
Audrey Rose, Come ON Girl
Audrey Rose has the potential to be such a strong, badass leading lady, but she does some stupid AF stuff in this book. I just wanted to scream at her the entire time, “COME ON GIRL.” She sneaks out ALONE during the height of Jack the Ripper’s terror. She gets CAUGHT multiple times. Then she ignores clues because she’s in denial. I wanted her to stick to her guns, but I found her lacking at times.
Imma Need a Bit More Adult-ish Content
This book is considered YA and it totally fits the bill, HOWEVER, it’s definitely on the younger side of the spectrum. If this was put in the Middle Grade section at the book store no one would riot. It’s definitely G-rated and I’m not saying I need smut, cause I def don’t, but I would have liked a bit more mature scenes and discussions. If you’re looking for something a bit darker and intense, then you should skip this one.
The Ugly Truth
Stalking Jack the Ripper is an easy, fun read! I’d definitely say it’s more middle grade than young adult, but if you’re looking for something light and Sherlock Holmes-esque give this one a go.
Talk To Me
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? Are you on the Thomas train? Loved it more than I did?
Read By Dev 
Great review, Dev! I agree that the main reason I like the series is because of Thomas Cresswell and the witty banter he has with Audrey Rose. The plot twist was terrible and predictable, and really hampered my enjoyment of the book.
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