Jimmy Patterson; 440 pages; Amazon |
Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco is the third novel in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, though it should be called the Audrey Rose series instead. Stalking Jack the Ripper was the title of the first book, followed by Hunting Prince Dracula, which I just reviewed yesterday. Since Jack the Ripper was only in the first novel, why would the series be named after the first book? Yes, I'm nitpicking!
Anyway, the ending of Hunting Prince Dracula had Audrey Rose Wadsworth, her love interest Thomas Cresswell, and her chaperone Mrs. Harvey being detoured from returning to London in favor of America. Since this is set 1889, the only way of traveling to the United States is by sea, and in their case, they're traveling aboard the luxurious RMS Eturia.
You would think traveling on an ocean liner would be relaxing, especially after catching two serial killers in a row, but that isn't the case for Audrey Rose and Thomas, who are once again tossed into a murder mystery when a young woman is murdered. The duo must use their forensic skills to hunt down the murderer.
I don't know what it is about this series that fascinates me the most; it could be the characters, it could be the setting, or it could be the writing style. Whatever it is, I have enjoyed reading each new installment. Kerri (AKA - the author) has a magical way with descriptions that transports the reader practically into the story; well, at least that's how I feel while I am reading her books.
Escaping From Houdini pushes near the 450 pages boundary, but I forced myself to read the book in one night, which wasn't too difficult thanks to the author's wonderful narration. This time the plot centers around the Midnight Carnival, who are performing on the RMS Eturia, and yes, Houdini is tossed into the mix.
Overall, Escaping From Houdini is just as intriguing and suspenseful as the the first novel. Actually, I liked it better than the previous installment. If you haven't read this series yet, I definitely recommend it!
*Note - I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company for sending me a review copy.
All opinions are my own.
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