Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco is a book that I have been excited for since I picked up Stalking Jack the Ripper last year. Set in Romania, this instalment follows Audrey Rose and Thomas as they attempt to solve the case of a Vlad the Impaler-like killer. The main characters are just as clever as ever, and the setting is impressively immersive. This is a great read for Halloween.
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #2
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Also by this author: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Rating:
Series Rating:
In this New York Times bestselling sequel to Kerri Maniscalco's haunting #1 debut Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer...or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?
Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.
But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.
Review: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
In this second instalment of Stalking Jack the Ripper, Audrey Rose and Thomas find themselves in Romania, competing for a place in an elite school for forensics. At the same time, a new murderer has emerged who drains the blood of victims in the vein of Dracula. I enjoyed how the book does not only focus on Audrey Rose and Thomas cracking the case, but on their schooling at the academy as well. Also, it is interesting how they quietly work to solve the case and do not seek recognition for their findings.
❀ Fantastic Characters
Thomas and Audrey Rose are fantastic characters, and I can’t get enough of them. Audrey Rose is clever, and she is able to outsmart anyone who crosses her. It is difficult being a woman in a male-dominated field, however she rises to the challenge and excels. Thomas is also a fantastic character, and he is so compassionate. He and Audrey Rose make a great team, and I enjoyed reading about how they protect each other. Their dialogue is witty and adorable as well, and this was one of my favourite aspects of the book.
❀ Perfectly Creepy Setting
Another interesting feature of this book is its setting. The academy is situated in Vlad the Impaler’s castle, and this immediately creates a creepy atmosphere. There are secrets in the tunnels along with bloodthirsty creatures, and there are even photos to illustrate the castle. Together, these elements create a darkly immersive read.
❀ Thrilling Historical Fiction
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco is a thrilling historical fiction about forensics. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the academy setting, and the castle is well-developed. I would definitely recommend this one along with the first book in the series, Stalking Jack the Ripper.
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 ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.