Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is a gripping historical thriller with a strong, intelligent heroine and dark, atmospheric settings. Readers appreciate the clever blend of fiction and real events, though some find the pacing uneven and the romantic subplot weak. Despite these flaws, it offers a fresh take on the infamous mystery.

Readers who relish a dark, atmospheric blend of mystery and historical fiction, akin to The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson and Jackaby by William Ritter, will enjoy Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. It's perfect for fans of gripping, suspenseful tales with a strong, intelligent heroine and a dash of romance.

In Kerri Maniscalco’s debut Gothic mystery novel Stalking Jack the Ripper, 17-year-old Audrey Wadsworth, who loves forensic science, assists her Uncle Jonathan in autopsies and becomes entangled in the murders of women in London’s East End. Teaming up with Thomas Cresswell, she seeks the truth, navigating family secrets and social expectations, to uncover the identity of Jack the Ripper. The novel depicts violence against women and gore.

Dark / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Gritty

- Stalking Jack the Ripper is Kerri Maniscalco's debut novel and is the first book in a series of four historical mystery novels.
- The book is notable for its incorporation of forensic science, which is rare in young adult historical fiction, allowing readers to experience a blend of history and early criminology.
- The novel's atmosphere draws inspiration from Maniscalco's own fascination with Gothic literature and historical figures, combining them with a modern twist.

**Audrey Rose Wadsworth**  
A seventeen-year-old upper-class woman with a strong interest in forensic medicine, struggling against societal expectations and finding confidence through her passion for science and her relationship with Thomas Cresswell.

**Lord Edmund Wadsworth**  
Audrey’s father, whose overprotective nature is influenced by his grief and addiction, creating tension in his relationship with Audrey as he attempts to shield her from perceived dangers.

**Nathaniel Wadsworth**  
Audrey’s brother, portrayed as a charming and loving sibling who encourages her scientific interests, seemingly supportive and kind-hearted with a hidden depth of emotion.

**Thomas Cresswell**  
A fellow pupil of Audrey's uncle and her romantic interest, known for his charm and intelligence, who complements Audrey's character with a shared love for forensic science and a similar disregard for societal conventions.

**Dr. Jonathan Wadsworth**  
Audrey's uncle and a respected forensic scientist, who serves as a mentor to Audrey by encouraging her scientific pursuits and assisting with crime investigations.

**Aunt Amelia**  
Audrey’s aunt, representing the traditional Victorian woman who is focused on maintaining social status and propriety, often clashing with Audrey's unconventional interests and ambitions.

Kerri Maniscalco

Novel

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Stalking Jack the Ripper reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Stalking Jack the Ripper | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Stalking Jack the Ripper and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Stalking Jack the Ripper Summary and Study Guide

Background

Stalking Jack the Ripper Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Stalking Jack the Ripper Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Stalking Jack the Ripper Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Stalking Jack the Ripper Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

Stalking Jack the Ripper Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-30

Stalking Jack the Ripper Chapters 25-30 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Stalking Jack the Ripper Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Stalking Jack the Ripper Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Stalking Jack the Ripper Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Stalking Jack the Ripper Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Stalking Jack the Ripper Essay Topics

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Stalking Jack the Ripper?

Reading Age

Book Details