Individual Rating: 4.3/5

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Synopsis:

Presented by James Patterson’s new children’s imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion…

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, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.

Review:

I had high hopes for this one! I read it because the book club I’m part of voted on it for the month of April, and I actually enjoyed it! It had been on my TBR, but it was one of those books I never thought I’d get to. I’m glad I did. I really enjoy reading about Jack the Ripper, and this is not the first book I’ve read about him and his supposed identity and motives. His case is fascinating; unsolved cases are one of the most interesting things, especially ones so old.

Anyways, I really enjoyed this book. It was.. interesting. It held my attention and interest the entire time, although there were some parts that I skimmed. I really loved Audrey and how she fought for her rights as a woman to choose what she wants to do. Defying her father, she works with her uncle, who I also came to enjoy. His interactions with her and Thomas are entertaining, to say the least. Thomas made me smile constantly. At first, I didn’t think he’d be the love interest, but as the book went on, it made more and more sense. I liked how he treated Audrey as equal, but also wanted to protect her from some things. He was my favorite character, and I almost wish the book had been written from his perspective.

As for who Jack the Ripper was, I called it very early on in the book. It only made sense. However, the way it ended up was different than what I had imagined. I ultimately did enjoy the twist and the ending, and I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer, and the rest of the series, as well.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys darker YA fiction with lots of blood, gore, and bad guys. It’s a good ‘who-dun-it’, I thought.

Other Information:

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson

Release Date: September 20th, 2016

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Author: Kerri Maniscalso

Synopsis: Goodreads