jeannamichel
Written on Feb 16, 2018
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.
- ISBN10 0316273511
- ISBN13 9780316273510
- Publish Date 5 September 2017 (first published 20 September 2016)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Little, Brown & Company
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 352
- Language English
Reviews
liz089
Written on Dec 18, 2017
I'm a huge sucker for Jack the Ripper stories, I find it a fascinating subject that has so much mystery and potential. I really liked how this author give her own spin to it, even though I did guess the killer about halfway through, I enjoyed the plot immensely and had a lot of fun reading it.
It is a perfect novel for this time of the year, really adds to the ambiance.
4.5 stars ! And I can't wait to get my hands on her next novel :)
Kelly
Written on Nov 2, 2017
For more reviews visit my blog here.
A victim is found in East London, a commoner woman and prostitute dissected by the perpetrator. Prohibited by her widowed father and reluctantly encouraged by sibling Jonathan, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has an inquisitive perception for forensic science and investigation, assisting her father's estranged brother Jonathon to analyse and preserve evidence, dissecting cadavers to determine the cause of death.
Audrey Rose is a determined, tenacious young woman redefining societal gender roles during the Victorian London period. Since her mother passed, her widowed father is distant, preoccupied and believes son Jonathon is responsible for Audrey Rose in his absence. As the daughter of Lord Wadsworth, Audrey Rose is a character of contrasts. Inquisitive and courageous in the pursuant of forensic science although remaining feminine and aristocratic. Unconventional in young adult literature and wonderfully distinctive.
Thomas Cresswell is a student of forensic science and protege of Uncle Jonathon. An intelligent scoundrel investigating the infamous Leather Apron homicides. Thomas is a handsome, charismatic character and although enigmatic, is conscientious and perceptive. Beneath his mischievous disposition, Thomas encourages Audrey Rose and considers the seventeen year old his equal.
Thomas incites discussion and reasoning as the two investigate the slain prostitutes, Audrey Rose is confronted by the gratuitous violence against women and compelled in the pursuit of justice. The narrative also explores the relationship between Audrey Rose and her father Lord Wadsworth, widowed and estranged from his brother. Although Audrey Rose strives for his approval, her father forbades her pursuant of forensic science. Victorian East London is exquisite and atmospheric, societal women accustomed to traditional decorum although the modernist feministic philosophy of Audrey Rose is inspirational.
Stalking Jack The Ripper is a remarkable and meticulous narrative, extraordinary and captivating.
goodnghtmoonx
Written on Jul 8, 2017
Anyway.
I'll be short. This was a bit of a fun book. It was easy enough to read, and I really was not expecting a masterpiece considering it's published through James Patterson. (Sorry not sorry.) Audrey is kind of a generic, sassy, "not like other girls" girl. Thomas is a generic, sassy, "mysterious" boy with the answers to everything. And got annoying fas. His character wasn't too bad when he wasn't being Sherlock. The writing is easy enough to read. Simple and basic. The twist at the end was a bit... much. Though, I was disappointed I guessed who the Ripper was from the start.
I do wish that there were more girl characters in this that held some meaning to the plot. (Other than the murder victims.) this could have been a whole lot more fun if Audrey wasn't completely surrounded by men always.
This is also a horrible review, in sorry. It's nearly one in the morning, idc
bryannaleigh
Written on Jul 8, 2017
Anyway.
I'll be short. This was a bit of a fun book. It was easy enough to read, and I really was not expecting a masterpiece considering it's published through James Patterson. (Sorry not sorry.) Audrey is kind of a generic, sassy, "not like other girls" girl. Thomas is a generic, sassy, "mysterious" boy with the answers to everything. And got annoying fas. His character wasn't too bad when he wasn't being Sherlock. The writing is easy enough to read. Simple and basic. The twist at the end was a bit... much. Though, I was disappointed I guessed who the Ripper was from the start.
I do wish that there were more girl characters in this that held some meaning to the plot. (Other than the murder victims.) this could have been a whole lot more fun if Audrey wasn't completely surrounded by men always.
This is also a horrible review, in sorry. It's nearly one in the morning, idc
Briana @ Pages Unbound
Written on Apr 20, 2017
readingwithwrin
Written on Nov 3, 2016
See reviews first on my Blog
The Characters:
Audrey Rose Wadsworth - Main Character, who works as an assistant to her uncle.
Uncle Jonathon Wadsworth - Professor and does autopsies
Lord Edmund Wadsworth - Audrey's father who has some problems
Nathaniel Wadsworth- Audrey's brother who is worried about Audrey and their father.
Thomas Cresswell - Uncles student and assistant, also Nathaniel's friend.
Of course we have other characters like an aunt and cousin, and some of the police force. But these were the main ones that most of the story revolves around. Audrey is a headstrong young woman who is determined to follow in her uncle's footsteps no matter how much her father forbids it. Because of this tensions are high especially when young woman start getting killed in the streets by the Ripper. This doesn't stop Audrey though if anything it makes her even more involved in what her uncle does.
"I was determined to be both pretty and fierce, as Mother had said I could be. Just because I was interested in a man's job didn't mean I had to give up being girly. Who defined those roles anyway?"
With the help of Thomas (who is now one of my favorite male protagonists) she tries to figure out who the Ripper is and why he is doing this. Thomas is a bit like Sherlock Holmes at times, cold and calculating. Yet he has his own charm and personality that Sherlock doesn't have. Thomas is a one of a kind character that everyone should have when trying to solve crimes in Victorian London. Plus the banter between Thomas and Audrey was pretty good and made the story lighter which was much needed at certain times.
"So is dissecting the dead prior to breakfast. But I don't scorn you fro that unseemly habit. In fact it's rather endearing seeing you up to your elbows in viscera each morning. Also you're quite welcome for the flower. Do place it on your nightstand and think of me while dressing for bed."
Overall I really loved this story. Audrey while being overly headstrong at times also truly cares for those around her and wants to keep them safe. Sure in order to do this she puts herself in harms way multiple times, she also keeps her emotions in check most of the time. She stands her ground in a time period where woman were supposed to do as they were told and not ask questions. I'm not going to lie though at times the detail of the murder scenes and autopsies does get a bit graphic so if you have a squeamish stomach you might want to skip over those parts. Though they were quite informative and useful to the case. This was a new take on the ripper case for me (I haven't read many dealing with it though). The ending of this will get you. I was starting to figure it out, but then at the end it switched people at the last minute and I couldn't help, but have my heart break a little because of how desperate the Ripper was. It was a sad ending especially when you look back at what had been happening throughout the rest of the book, and you can see the details that you missed the first time, or were able to place on someone else.
Even with that ending though I can't wait to see what Audrey gets up to next, because I have no doubt in my mind that it will be just as interesting as this book was.
"I've tried on my own way to protect you from the harshness and diseases of the world. But men- and young women- weren't meant to live in gilded cages. There's always a chance some contagion will find a way in. I trust you to change that. In order to do so you must venture out into the world, my sweet girl."
Liz (Bent Bookworm)
Written on Oct 16, 2016
First of all, look at that gorgeous cover. I could practically reach out and touch the silk of that dress. Also I swear I see blood on the knife, every time I see it out of the corner of my eye. But when I look at it closely, of course there’s nothing there. And that, my friends, is why this was my Creepy Cover. Because no matter how many times I look at it…I see that blood (it’s probably the combination of the lip color with the knife when I just glance at it…but still). Oh, and inside at many of the chapter beginnings, there are these AWESOME old creepy pictures.
I’m fascinated by unsolved true crime. Yes, I am one of those people. At the same time, I like keeping a semi-safe distance between me and the crime. Hence, Jack the Ripper fits the bill because he’s obviously dead by now. Phew. All the same, this book raised the hairs on the back of my neck. While simultaneously causing me to tear up in the final chapter. Like what IS this mix of emotions, even?!?
Audrey is a scientifically minded young woman with a backbone of steel. She is fascinated with the human body and despite the VERY suspicious appearances, studies under her uncle, a professor with an unsettling obsession with the dead (now we call it forensic science). I love the way she flaunts society while at the same time enjoying what fashions suit her own fancy. Of course, this also involves disobeying her extremely protective father, who honestly comes across as rather unhinged after the passing of her mother. She still cares deeply for him, despite her constant frustrations with the limitations forced on her. Audrey’s brother, Nathaniel, is another sympathetic character. He deals with the loss of their mother much differently, seeming to have picked up and moved on as a sadder, melancholy person concerned only with his family and holding them together. Her motivation for studying science above and beyond what’s considered proper really resonated with me:
It was then that I knew I’d rely on something more tangible than holy spirits. Science never abandoned me the way religion had that night…God no longer held dominion over my soul.
Yessssss. I’ll join you in hell, dear sister.
Ahem. Moving on. *insert “Fight Song” playing in the background*
Then there is Thomas, the quirky, socially awkward student with the face of an angel and tongue of a viper. He’s annoying in an endearing sort of way. Every time I was about to be all, “Awwwww,” he would make some other caustic remark that made me want to slap him. Like for real slap, not pretend slap. He gets better and we get inside his crusty exterior more and more as the story goes on, though, and by the end I was feeling very charitable towards him, indeed. In the way one feel charitable to a naughty but adorable puppy.
The hunt for the serial killer (a term not yet coined) Jack the Ripper – first called Leather Apron by the press (look at me, learning things!) keeps the plot moving along briskly. The attention to historical detail in this book is AWESOME, even if there were a few liberties taken that made me roll my eyes. Like at one point Audrey’s cousin says women should be able to wear a certain type of clothing to “go to work.” Um…wealthy women in the 1880s most definitely did not “go to work.” Just saying. I understand Audrey is something of a revolutionary, but to maintain believability I think a couple things like that should have been edited out. I do love the way she comes into her own through the story, and THAT part is handled exceptionally well.
“This who deserve respect are given it freely. If one must demand such a thing, he’ll never truly command it. I am your daughter, not your horse, sir.”
The creep factor is amazing. At first I thought it was going to be relatively tame (flaying bodies open and lots of blood really don’t bother me, ummm…sorry?), but the psychological aspect of it really starting affecting me about a third of the way in and I couldn’t put it down at all! I started it in bed one night…and quickly decided to finish the rest in broad daylight. I was by turns fascinated, horrified, and at the last just so very sad. The foreshadowing was incredible – which means it was so skillfully done that I was completing flailing in chapter before the reveal and while I felt completely broadsided, immediately saw the clues I’d missed.
My biggest issue with the book is actually the romance. Thankfully, it’s more of a sub-plot, but I think the whole thing would have been better by just hinting at possibilities to come instead of anything actually happening. In the first several chapters it’s WAY too distracting and it really seems out of place for Aubrey’s character. Contrary to popular opinion, it seems, I think you can have a very successfully told YA story without having any romance at all. Sometimes “just-friends” friendships are the strongest ones we have.
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.
Monsters were supposed to be scary and ugly. They weren’t supposed to hide behind friendly smiles and well-trimmed hair. Goodness, twisted as it might be, was not meant to be locked away in an icy heart and anxious exterior. Grief was not supposed to hide guilt of wrongdoing.
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bookishzelda
Written on Sep 25, 2016
We have some really great characters. Audrey Rose is a high society lady with a fascination with forensic science. Losing her mother five years prior she is overly sheltered by her father. Which makes her more determined to break free. I love how she is strong and intelligent but also enjoys things like fine fabrics and dressing up. I love the priceless moments when she takes Thomas off guard by adding a little make-up. She often takes on the Watson role in the story to Thomas and carries more compassion for the victims. She looks at them from both sides, as the mystery to figure out and someone who she has to honor by solving the mystery of their murders.
Thomas has the personality of Sherlock. He is able to remove emotion from things so he is able to analyze a litte more easily than Audrey Rose. Which can both be a strength and weakness. I love how he quickly figures out ways to frustrate her but also enjoys challenging her mind. He can quickly turn on the charm and you can’t help but fall in love with him. He never hides his feelings for her but she often thinks he is just messing with her.
We have the side characters of Audrey Rose’s family. Her father, Uncle, Aunt, Cousin and brother Nathanael make frequent appearances in the story. I really liked that aspect of it. It’s not like she is running around solving crimes without any consequences. She lives in a society where women are undervalued and thought to have a certain place. She can’t do what she is doing without some resistance. There is also Blackburn the Police Superintendent, who seems to have some ulterior motives.
I really enjoyed Stalking Jack the Ripper. There was never a moment I wasn’t intrigued by the plot and I loved the subtleness of the romance. I love a historical fiction that I can research while reading and then have fantastic author notes at the end where Kerri explains what facts she used, didn’t use and what things she changed. Well written and engaging, I would definitely recommend delving into this story. With October just around the corner there couldn’t be more perfect timing.
Chelsea
Written on Sep 13, 2016
What I Loved
There’s a lot of hype surrounding this book and I’m really glad that for once I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoyed reading this book! There’s some books that suck you in and you have to read quickly but this was the kind of book I could take my time to enjoy which I loved. There’s so much detail that you could miss if you read it too quickly!
I think the part I loved the most was the atmosphere of this book. It’s supposed to be a horror book but I don’t know if I’d go that far. It’s more of a gothic book, with dead bodies and murder but nothing horribly scary. Our main character is learning how to do autopsies so there’s some details surrounding that but I mostly just found it really cool. I have no idea how accurate it was but it was all believable to me! I was also interested in that time period as well (one of my favs!) and I thought it was really cool how the historical event in this book was the serial killer Jack the Ripper. In historical books we’re often shown either the war or the political side of things with the queen. It was just a really unique take of historical fiction.
My next favourite part was our main character Audrey Rose. She was everything I’ve ever wanted in a female heroine. I loved how she was always pushing the boundaries of society. She didn’t like that people could tell her that she couldn’t be a scientist when that’s what she really loved. She even made a point to wear pants because she hated being forced into dresses sometimes. I just really loved her energy and spirit to do what she wanted no matter the consequences.
What I didn't Love
I don’t think there’s a whole lot I didn’t like about this book. I would have loved to see more of that romance but that’s only because it was so good I needed more. I think the only reason that this didn’t get 5 stars from me was that it was a teeny bit predictable at some points and it just didn’t give me the overwhelming feeling a five star book gives me. That’s all personal opinion though because it was a really well written book.
Who I'd Recommend To
I think that people who enjoy a little bit of a darker read would really love this book. Also if you’re interested in history then it’s a good book for you to pick up. The whole book really is as interesting as the summary makes it out to be!
See the full review at Books for Thought