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kartandbag's review
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I decided to reread this (since the last time I read it was 2017-2018? And I just got the last two books.
I went through and annotated and it gave me a fresh view on the book. I think I cried when I found out who the killer was before, but this time around I'd gone through all the clues and knew who it was by the end.
It being a historical fiction adds to the definition of the main character being a women, she's often looked down upon but she almost never allows it to get in her way.
And I have to say, I think I also fell for the love interest by the end. (though, maybe not book boyfriend worthy; Yet!)
It took me around 4 days to finish the book (while I read all of Acotar in a span of a week) so I'd say it is a slower read to really grasp every ounce of information.
I also loved that she adds information at the end of the book so you really capture what information she used to inspire her and be accurate.
Stay tuned for Hunting Prince Dracula, as Ill be rereading and annotating that one as well.
I went through and annotated and it gave me a fresh view on the book. I think I cried when I found out who the killer was before, but this time around I'd gone through all the clues and knew who it was by the end.
It being a historical fiction adds to the definition of the main character being a women, she's often looked down upon but she almost never allows it to get in her way.
And I have to say, I think I also fell for the love interest by the end. (though, maybe not book boyfriend worthy; Yet!)
It took me around 4 days to finish the book (while I read all of Acotar in a span of a week) so I'd say it is a slower read to really grasp every ounce of information.
I also loved that she adds information at the end of the book so you really capture what information she used to inspire her and be accurate.
Stay tuned for Hunting Prince Dracula, as Ill be rereading and annotating that one as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Terminal illness, Vomit, Cannibalism, and Stalking
iseefirede's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Terminal illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, Stalking, and Pandemic/Epidemic
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
rose_88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Second time reading this book, and it’s just as amazing the second time. I loved the dynamic between Audrey Rose and Thomas, as well as how the author was able to make their interactions to not be filled with sexism like many others during the time period. I loved how Audrey Rose reacted to “the men in her life trying to chain her”, first with her Father keeping her in the house, then with Nathaniel when her Father was absent, even Blackburn when the only reason he wanted her help was the try and win her affections and marry her. I loved how she constantly talked back to men trying to put her down because of her gender, and how she did it both politely and rudely at times. I really enjoyed how the author foreshadowed Nathaniel as Jack the Ripper, as this was a reread I already knew but while reading i noticed so many things I had missed, like how nervous he got anything the police were near, as well as how much he hated Audrey Rose’s involvement when things got more complicated and more murders occurred.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, and Alcohol
sydneyluxford's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Objectively, is this book the best? Definitely not. But, do I care? Definitely not. This series means so much to me, and rereading the first book has only now made me realise how much I truly love it.
I don’t care if it’s predictable. This series is just so comforting to me.
The sluttiest thing a man can do is whatever Thomas Cresswell was doing in this book. Bro, he had me blushing on behalf of Audrey Rose. LIKE DAMN. He genuinely cares about her so much, it’s so cute.
Screaming into my pillow as we speak.
I don’t care if it’s predictable. This series is just so comforting to me.
The sluttiest thing a man can do is whatever Thomas Cresswell was doing in this book. Bro, he had me blushing on behalf of Audrey Rose. LIKE DAMN. He genuinely cares about her so much, it’s so cute.
Screaming into my pillow as we speak.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, and Confinement
em_davies7019's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Cannibalism, Religious bigotry, and Stalking
olivialandryxo's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
[second read, December 2022]
So, um. I lasted eleven months before rereading. Ten, technically, since I finished the last book in February. What can I say? I’m Cressworth trash. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It feels weird to say a book about the Jack the Ripper murders is a serotonin boost, but like… it’s true. Not because I find the murders amusing—I don’t, I swear—but because I find Audrey Rose and Thomas’s dynamic amusing. Hilarious, actually. It’s literally impossible to read this and not cackle at their banter. I was up all night reading this and cackling; if my neighbors heard me, they probably thought I’d lost my marbles.Which isn’t wrong tbh.
Rereading this has convinced me of one thing: no boy has ever simped for his girl more than Thomas Cresswell simps for Audrey Rose Wadsworth. He’s actually the biggest simp ever™️ and I will die on this hill. He fell fast and he fell hard and it’s THE CUTEST THING EVER. 🥹💗
And their chemistry??? OFF THE GODDAMN CHARTS. Emilia and Wrath could NEVER. I said what I said.
Honestly though, seeing all of the little hints of his feelings—him almost but not quite reaching for her hand, sneaking in cheek kisses, holding her when she’s scared, wanting to buy her a new bottle of the perfume she likes—is adorable. That last one also gives “Dimitri buying Rose lip gloss just to make her happy,” which is one of my favorite scenes ever, so of course I love it just as much. <3
So, um. I lasted eleven months before rereading. Ten, technically, since I finished the last book in February. What can I say? I’m Cressworth trash. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It feels weird to say a book about the Jack the Ripper murders is a serotonin boost, but like… it’s true. Not because I find the murders amusing—I don’t, I swear—but because I find Audrey Rose and Thomas’s dynamic amusing. Hilarious, actually. It’s literally impossible to read this and not cackle at their banter. I was up all night reading this and cackling; if my neighbors heard me, they probably thought I’d lost my marbles.
Rereading this has convinced me of one thing: no boy has ever simped for his girl more than Thomas Cresswell simps for Audrey Rose Wadsworth. He’s actually the biggest simp ever™️ and I will die on this hill. He fell fast and he fell hard and it’s THE CUTEST THING EVER. 🥹💗
And their chemistry??? OFF THE GODDAMN CHARTS. Emilia and Wrath could NEVER. I said what I said.
Honestly though, seeing all of the little hints of his feelings—him almost but not quite reaching for her hand, sneaking in cheek kisses, holding her when she’s scared, wanting to buy her a new bottle of the perfume she likes—is adorable. That last one also gives “Dimitri buying Rose lip gloss just to make her happy,” which is one of my favorite scenes ever, so of course I love it just as much. <3
‘You must know what you mean to me? Surely you must know how I feel about you, Audrey Rose. The thought of losing you…’
MY HEART!!! 🥹🥹🥹
I could ramble about these two for ages, if my reading updates are any indication, so I’m gonna stop now. Starting the next book seems like a much better use of my time, since that’s the one where we meet Thomas’s hotter older sister. ;))(I’m sorry, Thomas, I’m just a lesbian!! I still love you, but… not like that.)
I could ramble about these two for ages, if my reading updates are any indication, so I’m gonna stop now. Starting the next book seems like a much better use of my time, since that’s the one where we meet Thomas’s hotter older sister. ;))
[first read, January 2022]
I tried reading this a few years ago, but stopped after just a couple pages because I was, at the time, too squeamish. Now that I’ve read more books (*cough*These Violent Delights*cough*) and gotten significantly less squeamish, I decided to give it another try, due entirely to bookstagram hype, as my experience with Maniscalco’s sophomore series was less than ideal.
And, twist of all twists, I absolutely loved it. I did not see that coming AT ALL, but here I am. I love Audrey Rose and Thomas so much. I admire Audrey Rose’s dedication and perseverance, as well as her willingness to get her hands dirty. As for Thomas, honestly, he’s the sort of character I either love to pieces or despise with my entire being, and luckily, the former is true here. He’s charming and witty, and I don’t even know how many times I laughed or cackled while reading.
And the banter between the two of them?? OHMYGOD PURE BRILLIANCE. I didn’t expect such a dark book to have so many humorous moments, but I’m glad that ended up being the case. It helped balance the book out and, in my opinion, improved it overall. Honestly, I want these two to be my friends. I couldn’t help dissect any cadavers—because ew—but I’m sure we could still have fun somehow, ideally in ways that don’t involve quite so much blood.
One more thing. Audrey Rose and Thomas have brilliant, nearly palpable chemistry, and I ship them SO FREAKING HARD. Part of me kind of thinks that their feelings escalated rather quickly, but the rest of me thinks those initial feelings Audrey had seemed more like infatuation and begrudging admiration than love. That aside, I liked their transition from rivals to colleagues to friends, and I’m very much looking forward to their eventual transition to lovers. 👀
‘Your reputation will be completely ruined once people discover I saved you.’
‘Destroy it for all I care. You can save me again if it ends with a kiss.’
THEM >>> 🥺🥺
Okay, now I’m actually gonna talk about the plot. The thing is, last year when I thought I’d never read this book, I looked up how it ended. Going in, I was pretty sure I remembered who the killer was, and even though I ended up being right, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The reveal was so clever, and the killer’s motive made sense. (Although, obviously, that doesn’t excuse their atrocious actions.) Maniscalco had me hooked from the very beginning, and I enjoyed the ride even when I knew what was coming. I feel like that says a lot about how well-written the book is.
I think I’ve said all I wanted to say. Now I’m going to look up fan art, listen to my Audrey Rose and Thomas playlist—yes, I’ve already got one—and attempt to read other books while I wait impatiently for my hold on the second book to be ready. 😌 (I DON’T WANNA WAIT TWO WEEKS DAMN IT :’))
Representation
Okay, now I’m actually gonna talk about the plot. The thing is, last year when I thought I’d never read this book, I looked up how it ended. Going in, I was pretty sure I remembered who the killer was, and even though I ended up being right, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The reveal was so clever, and the killer’s motive made sense. (Although, obviously, that doesn’t excuse their atrocious actions.) Maniscalco had me hooked from the very beginning, and I enjoyed the ride even when I knew what was coming. I feel like that says a lot about how well-written the book is.
I think I’ve said all I wanted to say. Now I’m going to look up fan art, listen to my Audrey Rose and Thomas playlist—yes, I’ve already got one—and attempt to read other books while I wait impatiently for my hold on the second book to be ready. 😌 (I DON’T WANNA WAIT TWO WEEKS DAMN IT :’))
Representation
- Indian-British protagonist
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Drug use, and Death of parent
Drug use: opium—consensual in some cases and noncensensual in others. Confinement: a side character is locked in a mental asylum against their will. Parent death: the protagonist’s mother died five years prior to the story from an unspecified illness. As for everything else, well… it’s a story about Jack the Ripper, one of the most brutal serial killers in history, set in the Victorian era, where they had no respect for women. Of course there’s murder and gore and misogyny.bubothereader's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m not normally a huge historical fiction fan, but @kerrimaniscalco knows how to write one that I want to read.
The intrigue, the plot, the gasps. I read about 300 pages in one night up until 3:30 a.m. because I didn’t want to put it down.
The characters are top notch, her foreshadowing is superb, without being heavy-handed—I didn’t know what would happen, but when the reveal occurred I saw all the dominoes fall into place. Such an Agatha Christie move!!
The atmosphere was bone-chilling. I’d get scared and put the book down, shake it out, then pick it right back up.
The writing was a great style for Victorian England as well. Very believable.
The romance was something I shipped and felt natural. No insta-love. Very well-paced. Plus, i appreciate that Audrey Rose didn’t lose her head about him either—she questioned him and his motives. A reasonable approach to a relationship.
This is a 5-star read for me. I’ve not felt this jazzed about a book in a few months. Will pick up the sequel next year!
TW: the book is fairly gory, deals with murder, shows autopsies, and has some gaslighting moments.
The intrigue, the plot, the gasps. I read about 300 pages in one night up until 3:30 a.m. because I didn’t want to put it down.
The characters are top notch, her foreshadowing is superb, without being heavy-handed—I didn’t know what would happen, but when the reveal occurred I saw all the dominoes fall into place. Such an Agatha Christie move!!
The atmosphere was bone-chilling. I’d get scared and put the book down, shake it out, then pick it right back up.
The writing was a great style for Victorian England as well. Very believable.
The romance was something I shipped and felt natural. No insta-love. Very well-paced. Plus, i appreciate that Audrey Rose didn’t lose her head about him either—she questioned him and his motives. A reasonable approach to a relationship.
This is a 5-star read for me. I’ve not felt this jazzed about a book in a few months. Will pick up the sequel next year!
TW: the book is fairly gory, deals with murder, shows autopsies, and has some gaslighting moments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Drug use, Hate crime, and Forced institutionalization