ARC Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco + Fashion Sketches


Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Pages: 336 pages
Release Date: September 20th, 2016
Source: ARC from Jimmy Paterson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Horror
Rating: 5/5 stars
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.

Buy it now!
** DISCLAIMER: The publisher was lovely enough to provide me with an advanced copy of the book. This has not affected my thoughts and opinions in this review **

God damn JIMMY Patterson Books really knows how to pick 'em. Stalking Jack the Ripper is the first acquisition that this publishing company decided to print, and they should feel proud for making such a big splash in the water. This book is a new refreshing take on Young Adult historical fiction. I have to admit that I was a little reluctant about getting into this book in the first place. The whole historical fiction aspect didn't really sell me. It wasn't until Twitter blew up with early praise that I knew I had to request a copy from the publishers.

Audrey Rose lives a sheltered life under the eye of her father, who wants to preserve her innocence and give her the life a young lady should have. Tortured by her curiosity, she can't seem to stay away from her uncle's practice with examining dead bodies. She's not your average Victorian young woman. Along with the help of an unlikely ally who is rather charming, Audrey Rose thinks she can catch the killer responsible for the frequent murders. As blood is spilled and she is falling head over heels for her partner, Audrey Rose realizes that she might not want to find the answer at the end of the tunnel.

My favorite part was the writing style. Kerri was able to effortlessly mimic the accent and the way people talked in Victorian times. It was done so so well that from time to time I liked to go back into the book just to read the dialogue between the characters. If I could give you only one reason to read this book, the writing style would be it!

Extra points for originality! In the back there is an entire explanation of the creative liberties that were taken. The entire story was, of course, based off of the infamous killer. It was fun to see the author create her entire world around the real murders and events. If I'm not mistaken, the women murdered in the book were real names from history. She took many creative liberties to give these women a backstory and a life beyond knowing they were murdered.

It really bothers me that this book is labeled under horror on Goodreads. I think it's so misleading because this book wasn't scary at all! That's coming from a girl who's got an affliction with horror books and movies. I've already had some people say to me that they don't plan on picking it up because it's supposedly 'scary'. It was bloody, cringe-worthy and kinda nasty (if you don't like dead bodies and brutal murders kind of way), but definitely not scary! I've seen a lot of other people say the same thing, and I really wished it were changed.

I'm trying (trying is the key word) to keep this review short and sweet because I've got something else to show ya'll. I really think this book is worth a read! It's so unique from any other historical fiction on the market, and I commend Kerri Maniscalco for putting so much blood (haha, you get it?) and sweat into her work. It really does show from the effortless writing style, impeccable character development and swoon-worthy romance. She's got all the typical elements of a YA novel without it being too cliche. I had a fantastic time flipping through this title and only hope it's everything you've been looking for as well! 

5 bees for a must-read!


Fashion Sketches from Victorian England 


My sister has this dream of being a fashion designer. I'm her number one fangirl, and I really wanted to feature one of her pieces on my blog. She originally created these pieces for her school play as costumes, but I really though they fit this book's time period. Hope you enjoy and definitely be sure to give my sister a follow on Instagram (@kristina.ang). 


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14 comments

  1. OOoh nice review! I can't wait to read this one! Honestly I was hooked by the Jack the Ripper aspect! Initially thought there was a paranormal twist, but apparently not, but still too intrigued to pass it up! Can't wait to read it!! Nice review!

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    1. There was some sort of paranormal twist, but I didn't think it was worth mentioning because it isn't till the end of the book. Ohh can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!

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  2. Everyone is really singing praises about this book, I can't wait to read it myself! I'm always intrigued with Jack the Ripper, so I'm really curious with how the author would execute the story. And those design are gorgeous, I can't pick which one is my favorite! <3

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    1. I'm so glad you like them. I'll pass the message along to the artist :D

      It's definitely worth a read if you're already intrigued.

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  3. Haha I guess it depends on the reader whether or not they label it as Horror/Thriller. For me, all the blood & thrill of the book gave me spooky vibes (also read it at night) so I labeled it as horror. But I guess to someone used to reading SUPER creepy books it won't be as horrific. :)

    Either way, so so glad you loved SJTR!!! This book deserves all the praise and love. Seriously cannot wait to get my hands on the finished copy and the next book in the series. ♥

    P.S. Your sister is so talented!!! Love the designs ♥

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    1. My sister is so flattered! You're probably right though, but I guess that's a discussion for another time! I need to go get myself a finished copy as well. I was hoping to meet her but I can't make it to her event :(

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  4. I can't wait to get mu hands on this book, and your review just makes me even more excited. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, but mixed with somewhat horror aspects such as murders just makes me even more excited. And I don't mean for that to come across as creepy at all, I just find those types of books to be really interesting, despite the fact I can't even watch the trailer of a horror movie without getting freaked out, ha! Also, those sketches are beautiful. Your sister is definitely very talented, for sure!

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    1. Thanks Adalyn! I'm really loving your enthusiasm for this book, and I think Kerri would be excited as well! I'm trying to get into more HF as of now so if you've got any recs that won't put me to sleep, that would be greatly appreciated :D

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  5. aaahhh, it's sooooo great to know you loved this!! I'm really looking forward to this one! I love that the writing style or the dialogues really brings you to the period!! and thanks for the heads up on the horror genre listed (I read a book before that goodreads listed as horror which was not!! so I ended up being a tad bit disappointed on that one)!

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    1. It's one of the best books I've read in terms of nailing the writing style of the time period! I hate when that happens!! i'm usually not strict about what books are placed in what genres but when it comes to horror, I'm v serious!

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  6. Yet another good review for this book! I can't wait to get my hands on it and see for myself!

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    1. Right! I've only been hearing great things about it! Can't wait for you to read it :D

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  7. Everyone's posting raving reviews of this one so I'll definitely check it out! 💓 Horror and cringy is totally my thing! 😊
    Haniya
    booknauthors.blogspot.com

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    1. You're a horror girl, aren't ya? Welcome to the club! I highly suggest this one if you're looking to cringe!

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