Review: Escaping From Houdini | Kerri Maniscalco

This review is spoiler free.

“If you wish to go, I’ll never make you stay. I might not do and say the proper thing all the time, but I do know that I love you enough to set you free.” 

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Published: 2018, by Jimmy Patterson. 
Pages: 448
Format: Kindle Edition
Genre: Historical, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult 
Contains: Death, Murder, Violence, Anger, Blood/Gore, Injury

‘Escaping From Houdini’ is the third instalment of Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell’s story. They’re en route to New York to help solve another murder, yet on the way they stumble upon another mystery. Privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shock the entire ship. It’s up to Audrey and Thomas to solve the case. 

This series has repeatedly drawn me in from the beginning, so it’s no surprise that I’m delving into the next instalment immediately after reading the last. I’ve loved every page of the previous two books, and this one is no exception.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth is simply perfection to me. She’s fearless, intelligent, and independent as hell. However, in this instalment we see a different side to her; her deceitfulness. Nevertheless, this addition to her character was not without provocation, which raised the stakes a little higher. Her character develops beautifully in this novel, highlighting Maniscalco’s writing talents as we’re shown these new sides to our beloved characters.
Thomas, a personal and fan favourite, continues to highlight his kinder and more vulnerable side in this instalment, reacting to Audrey’s deceit in his own unique ways and being an all-round joy to read about. And yet, his witty nature shines through the pages, entertaining us with his charm.
However, a character I hadn’t expected to like was Mephistopheles, the third party to form the dreaded love triangle. Now, I’m not going to lie, I’m never a fan of love triangles, finding them unnecessary. However, this one gripped me. I understood Audrey’s dilemma, Mephistopheles was charming and bright and admirable, making the entire story progress faster than before.

The writing itself is as beautifully told as ever, with Maniscalco’s talents for narrative voice and dialogue. The plot developed quickly, faster than it did with Hunting Prince Dracula, and I enjoyed this read immensely.

Overall, I adore this series. The characters are enticing, the story enthralling and the writing style just continues to impress me.

5/5