Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco Summary

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is a Young Adult gothic horror novel set in Victorian-era London during the infamous Ripper murders. The story follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a lord's daughter who secretly apprentices as a forensics examiner, defying society's expectations for women. When she becomes embroiled in the investigation of Jack the Ripper's brutal killings in London's East End, Audrey Rose must use her forensic skills to uncover the truth while navigating societal constraints and danger.

Stalking Jack the Ripper is ideal for readers who enjoy gothic mysteries, historical fiction with strong feminist themes, and forensic investigations. Young adults and adult readers fascinated by Victorian settings, true crime, and empowered female protagonists will appreciate this book. Fans of Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, and atmospheric murder mysteries will find Maniscalco's debut compelling. The book also appeals to those interested in STEM fields through its forensic science elements and medical accuracy.

Stalking Jack the Ripper is worth reading for its unique blend of historical accuracy, gothic atmosphere, and feminist empowerment. The novel debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and received a starred review from School Library Journal. Kerri Maniscalco's debut combines meticulous forensic detail with compelling romance and suspense, creating an immersive Victorian experience. The book launched a successful quartet series and has been translated into over twenty languages, demonstrating its widespread appeal and literary merit.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth is the protagonist of Stalking Jack the Ripper, a Victorian lord's daughter who breaks social conventions by secretly studying forensic medicine. Despite societal expectations that she focus on marriage and propriety, Audrey Rose apprentices with her uncle to examine cadavers and crime scenes. Her character embodies both period-appropriate constraints and modern feminist ideals, using scientific reasoning and determination to solve crimes. Audrey Rose represents early female pioneers in medicine and forensics during a male-dominated era.

Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell share a complex relationship that evolves throughout Stalking Jack the Ripper. Thomas serves as both her intellectual equal and romantic interest, challenging her deductions while respecting her forensic skills. Their dynamic balances witty banter with genuine partnership in solving the Ripper case. Unlike typical Victorian romances, their relationship emphasizes mutual respect, intellectual sparring, and shared passion for forensic investigation, making them one of the series' most beloved aspects.

Stalking Jack the Ripper incorporates authentic Victorian-era forensic techniques through detailed autopsy scenes and crime investigation methods. Kerri Maniscalco drew inspiration from her father's anatomy books and chiropractor office, creating medically accurate descriptions of cadaver examinations. The novel showcases early forensic practices like examining wounds, analyzing blood patterns, and documenting evidence—methods that were revolutionary during the 1880s. This STEM-focused approach distinguishes the book from typical historical mysteries while educating readers about forensic pathology's foundations.

Kerri Maniscalco's inspiration for Stalking Jack the Ripper came from her childhood fascination with her father's anatomy books and sculptures in his chiropractor office. Growing up in a semi-haunted house outside New York City fostered her love for gothic atmospheres. She considered becoming a forensic psychologist after taking Criminal Justice courses in college. These influences converged to create Audrey Rose, a medical-minded heroine who combines Maniscalco's interests in forensics, Victorian settings, and strong female characters defying societal norms.

The Stalking Jack the Ripper series consists of four main novels:

• Stalking Jack the Ripper (2016)
• Hunting Prince Dracula (2017)
• Escaping from Houdini (2018)
• Capturing the Devil (2019)

Additionally, Kerri Maniscalco released two novellas from Thomas Cresswell's perspective: Meeting Thomas Cresswell (2018) and Becoming the Dark Prince (2019). All four main books debuted on the New York Times bestseller list, with the series following Audrey Rose and Thomas through various historical mysteries across Europe.

Stalking Jack the Ripper is appropriate for mature young adults, typically ages 14 and up, due to its graphic forensic content and violent murder scenes. The novel contains detailed autopsy descriptions, discussions of serial killings, and some romantic tension, but avoids gratuitous content. Kerri Maniscalco balances educational forensic science with gothic horror elements. Parents and educators should note the historical violence and medical terminology, though the book promotes strong themes of female empowerment, scientific thinking, and perseverance through adversity.

Stalking Jack the Ripper explores themes of female empowerment, scientific rationalism versus superstition, and challenging societal expectations. The novel examines Victorian gender roles through Audrey Rose's struggle to pursue forensic medicine in a male-dominated field. Additional themes include the pursuit of truth despite personal cost, class divisions in Victorian London, and the tension between emotion and logic. Maniscalco emphasizes that women's intellect and ambition are equally valid as men's, making the book both a period piece and contemporary feminist statement.

Stalking Jack the Ripper distinguishes itself from other Victorian mysteries through its authentic forensic focus and feminist protagonist. Unlike traditional period mysteries, Maniscalco emphasizes scientific investigation over detective intuition, similar to modern crime procedurals. The book's gothic atmosphere rivals Libba Bray's The Diviners series, while its strong female lead echoes Cassandra Clare's heroines. The romance element and detailed medical accuracy set it apart from typical Jack the Ripper fiction, creating a unique blend of historical horror, STEM education, and empowering YA narrative.

Stalking Jack the Ripper achieved significant critical and commercial success, debuting at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and #3 on the ebook list. The novel received a starred review from School Library Journal and positive reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Booklist. In 2017, it was nominated for an Audie Award in the Young Adult category. As the first non-Patterson YA title released under James Patterson's Jimmy Patterson Books imprint, the book's success helped establish Kerri Maniscalco as a bestselling author and launched a four-book series.