Capturing the Devil

Audrey Rose and Thomas have been through hell and back... and it isn't over. Now that they are in New York and Audrey is learning to maneuver through the world with her cane, it's time to get serious. There's a killer on the loose that reminds them a bit too much of their first case- Jack the Ripper. But Jack's dead.... isn't he? Racing against the clock with very few clues to go on, can they put an end to this murderer's spree... or will one of them become his latest victim? There was so much to love in this book! Audrey and Thomas are getting closer to spending their lives together, though it won't be an easy road by any means! We're still dealing with Audrey's grief and guilt, and Thomas' worry that Audrey will change her mind. It's odd seeing him so vulnerable, but it's really good (there was actually a novella that gave us more of an insight into Thomas' mind in the timeline right before this book called Becoming the Dark Prince). While there were bits where the characters tended to be a bit.... over dramatic, let's say... it did remind me of one of those Gothic novels that would have been popular in this time frame and it stayed in keeping with the other books of the series. The premise here, finding out that Jack had a partner that may have made it to America, was really interesting and I loved watching Audrey work through her feelings about her brother. The characters are charming, and the writing has a great flow to it. This was a fantastic quick read, with the added bonus of some great pictures inserted. What really interested me, though, was the historical significance of the villian (that's all I am going to say here.... sorry, I do try to keep spoilers to a minimum). I am actually going to be looking for books on this person, as I am really intrigued. For me, this was the perfect way to wrap up the series. Five stars all the way! On the adult content scale, there's a lot of violence, language, and some sexual content. Nothing too over the top... but I would still say older teens- sixteen and up. Let's give it a five.

This series started off amazing I loved all the characters and the way the author focused on forensics and the social conventions surrounding it. Audrey Rose was a strong lead who wanted freedom that was denied by society I loved her growth and her courage. And you couldn’t help but adore Thomas with his logic and keeping everyone on their toes. By the time the last book came around I couldn’t wait, a book about Holmes and the murder castle. But for a good portion of the book nothing on forensics, no focus on the murder. Just a bunch of romantic filler, with the occasional touch on Audrey Rose having break downs. I could have done with out the romance I don’t mind it but it was there was perfect amount in the 1st and 2nd book. This book actually made me hate the characters and I can’t tell you how many times had to stop just to take a break from the romance. So if you want all romance and hardly any focus on the plot this book is for you. If not read the 1st three and stop after that.

This book was EVERYTHING! I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t want Audrey Rose’s story to end and would love to see more stories in the future, but this ending was satisfying. The stakes are higher, the romance is swoony, the villain is darker and the heartache was very very real. I know of few authors who can bring her characters and the world of Victorian era England and America out better than Kerri Maniscalco. She’s such a skillful writer. A twist that will not be named made me scream and my heart hurt for a good portion of the book, but it really spurred the characters and plot through the book. I loved how fierce Audrey Rose was in the midst of physical and societal limitations placed on her. It was so good to see. I was hooked from page 1 to the end. And the Cressworth of it all had me 🥰. I loved this series so much. It’s one of the best I ever read. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Kerri Maniscalco.

To say that I enjoyed Kerri Maniscalco's finale to the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, Capturing the Devil, is an understatement, I was so thoroughly engrossed and blown away that there is not an accurate enough word to describe my enjoyment! Kerri's mystery series has been one shocking installment after another! That she incorporated such scandalous figures in history in mostly accurate and pleasing matters left me tickled with glee!When we last left our heroes, Audrey Rose and Thomas along with her uncle and cousin had arrived in America after their frightful trip aboard the RMS Etruria. Though it would seem their frights are far from over. As was hinted at in its finale, there was a second killer aboard the ship and he was now in America roaming free. While Audrey Rose and Thomas were hoping to make plans for an engagement announcement, instead they are learning about bodies dropping around the city and trying to solve the mystery of why and how...and who.While I do looooove the relationship between Audrey Rose and Thomas and have enjoyed every moment of watching it grow and develop...I was a little upset over how loooong this first part spent on further development. They were planning an engagement then a quick wedding...only to have a catastrophe strike at the ceremony and you know, put a barrier between them once more. Said barrier seemed to take up a great deal of the remaining half of "part one" in the story. The thing that came between Audrey Rose and Thomas' happiness was a burden of course, and it threatened to tear them apart. But at the same time...I couldn't help but want to get back to the mystery at hand.Luckily, around the 200+ page mark we get back to mystery solving by landing in Chicago! As the cover foretells, the mystery draws them into Chicago during the World's Fair. Though getting the mystery fired up again does take a bit of time, but the fact that they were led to Chicago because of a string of missing women does give them cause to be there.I'm not certain it was clear what historical character will take precedence in this story, so I won't reveal who it was in this review either as it came as a surprise to me as I'm not good at remembering history! Plus, I don't think this "subject" was touched in my history classes, because I am sure I would've paid more attention had it been brought up! Lol. But when it finally became more clear about who the historical who was, I instantly remembered a show that touched upon it and was seeing the similarities!The whodunit here was pretty scary too! What's even more terrifying about these stories is that whodunit killer was really real! These are the monsters the other monsters were based on!What I loved even more was how the events of the first book get tied back around to the present story. I distantly recall a few lingering questions about that mystery and the whys behind the killer's motives and such. Well, here are those answers! It presents an even more astonishing theory behind the TRUE history of these events that transpired in both books! It's truly mind-boggling!One of the other things that I loved about this entire series were the characters, mostly Audrey Rose and Thomas! I mean, if you can't enjoy Thomas's quips and humor and Audrey Rose's reactions and comebacks, then you might not be reading the right story for you. Their banter was something that always left me in stitches! And that the switch can easily be flipped from bantering to flirting to acting romantically was a transition that felt so natural and toe-curling. I positively adored these two! And as a side note, I adore Audrey Rose's grandmother that we briefly get to meet in the latter half of "part one." She was a spitfire of an old lady and I loved her for it too!Of course, as most series finales go, this one ends in a way that leaves readers happy. All is as it should be in a series finale. We know where our characters are at and we can imagine the adventures they will have long after we turn that last page. That is honestly the way all series should end! Kerri Maniscalco pretty much made her way onto my favorite author list after Stalking Jack the Ripper, but she's pretty much cemented herself there with every book she's written since then! I am so looking forward to her next book later this year! This is definitely an author to read if you enjoy a good historical fiction mystery!Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars