Review: Hunting Prince Dracula | Kerri Maniscalco

This review is spoiler free.

“Perhaps it was time for fathers to teach their songs how to behave around young women. They were not born superior, no matter how society falsely conditioned them. We were all equals here.” 

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Published: 2017, by Jimmy Patterson.
Pages: 418
Format: Kindle Edition
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Mystery
Contains: Death, Violence, Blood/Gore, Arachnophobia, Anger, Murder

‘Hunting Prince Dracula’ is the second instalment of the widely popular series Stalking Jack the Ripper, by Kerri Maniscalco. Another killer is on the loose in the castle of Vlad the Impaler and while being the target of sexist remarks, it’s up to Audrey to solve these bizarre murders. With the help of the ever charming Thomas Cresswell, of course.

I knew the moment I got my hands on this book that I’d love it, having been a huge fan of the first novel. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. Maniscalco’s work just keeps getting better and better.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth truly comes alive in ‘Hunting Prince Dracula’, her feminist views shining through the pages. There is no holding back in this instalment, she takes none fo the sexist remarks from her peers of the headmaster whilst in Romania, and embodies the definition of the word protagonist. She’s strong, logical and full of heart throughout the story, regardless of the fact she’s struggling with her own demons. The representation of PTSD was solidly described, with clear knowledge on the difficult subject.
However, it would be impossible to mention Audrey Rose without her other half; Thomas Cresswell. Thomas’ character gains so much depth in this instalment, moving on from the once arrogant pupil into a hero of his own standing. The level of adoration he has for Audrey would have even the most strong-willed swooning, and his flaws simply make him even more admirable. He gets more and more realistic as the story moves on.
The newly introduced characters were all engaging in their own ways, leaving non unlikable, and the dialogue was beautifully entertaining throughout. Plus, other sexualities are also represented, and represented well, making the book an even higher recommendation from me.

The story itself is as fast paced as ever, with action after action and hardly any breathing space between, meaning it’s impossible to resist the urge to binge read to the end.

Overall, I love this series so, so much. Heroine, Audrey Rose Wadsworth never disappoints, her badass personality and the charming man on her arm make this series. A must read for all fans of Young Adult literature.

5/5