Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco is a spooky story I have been meaning to read for a while now. The concept of this third instalment in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series feels fresh, and I really enjoyed the setting. However, I found it more difficult to connect with the main character, and I wasn’t a fan of all the drama in the book. Despite this, the series is so out of my comfort zone, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
Title: Escaping From Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #3
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Also by this author: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 18, 2018
Rating:
Series Rating:
Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.
But then, privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea.
It's up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer's horrifying finale?
Review: Escaping From Houdini
This book follows Audrey Rose and Thomas as they try to catch a killer in a new setting: a cruise ship. On the ship is a group of circus performers, and tension rises as women are brutally murdered after every performance. I loved the suspense that comes with setting, as the characters are stuck in the middle of the Atlantic with a murderer on the loose, and the author does an excellent job creating a creepy atmosphere. This book feels different from the other works in the series, which I mostly enjoyed.
❀ Audrey Rose is not as likeable
Initially, I loved Audrey Rose, but I didn’t like how she treats Thomas in this book. She and Thomas make such a great team, and I found it a bit out of character how she fell so quickly for Mephistopheles despite having a boy who truly cares about her and supports her by her side. I love characters who make mistakes, but I felt like in this case, these mistakes are unrealistic and forced. Audrey Rose is still intelligent and headstrong, but she is not as likeable as I remember.
❀ A lot of drama for a thriller
Another aspect of the book which disappointed me is the focus on relationship drama. I didn’t care much for this as I’m not a fan of books based on bad communication/keeping secrets. Because of all the drama with the love triangle, I felt like the pacing dragged until the end of the book. This wasn’t what I was expecting from a thriller, especially after the previous books in the series were so fast-paced.
❀ An Enjoyable Historical Thriller
Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco is still an original mystery that I enjoyed for the most part. The troupe of circus performers and the setting in particular are highlights. Unfortunately, the main character is less likeable in this instalment of Stalking Jack the Ripper, and the book has too much of a focus on relationship drama. However, for those who enjoy historical thrillers, this is the perfect series for Halloween.
About Kerri Maniscalco
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.
Her first novel in this series, Stalking Jack the Ripper, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It incorporates her love of forensic science and unsolved history.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I am not sure this would be a book for me. I love your honest reviews.
Thanks, Dana! 🙂
Great review! As much as I love historical books I can tell that I would probably not love it. Of course I could always be wrong but I really dislike relationship drama in books.
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Guest Post: To All The Boys My Great Grandma Has Loved Before by Gabriela Martins
Yeah. I was a bit disappointed in this one. 😉
This book sounds very intriguing.
It has an intriguing concept! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, sounds very interesting!
Great review! I enjoyed this series but this was my least favorite book because Audrey was so unlikable. I really hated her insta attraction to the ring leader, and she had made so many stupid mistakes.
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…The Maiden Ship (The Maiden Ship, #1) by Micheline Ryckman
Right?! I hope that the next book is more enjoyable. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the story despite the less likeable character! I’ve been thinking of what to read for Halloween and starting this series sounds fitting. Great review! 😁
Luxe recently posted…Blog Tour: The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm [REVIEW, FAVE QUOTES, MOODBOARD & GIVEAWAY]
Oh! I do hope that you enjoy this series. The first one is fantastic! 🙂
I would love to read this!
Great review! This reminds me that I need to finish this series
It is a great series overall! 🙂
Ooh I like it! Definitely adding it to my TBR list
I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
That is weird that there is a lot of relationship drama in this thriller. Sorry it was disappointing, but at least it didn’t ruin the entire book. Nice review!
Right?! It is a great series, so I look forward to the next one! 🙂
I think I had the first book in the series at some point — maybe my daughter took it.