Capturing the Devil (Stalking Jack the Ripper #4) By Kerri Maniscalco

RELEASE DATE: September 10th 2019
AUTHOR: Kerri Maniscalco
GENRE: Young–Adult, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Thriller.
PUBLISHER: Jimmy Patterson
SUMMARY: 

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World’s Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they’ve heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him—and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device—is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end—together and in love—or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

 

Capturing The Devil is the final installment in the Stalking Jack The Ripper series. Aubrey and Thomas investigation journey finally ends in this book. It’s been a long ride and It’s sad that this series is finally over. Coming to the book, for the most part it was enjoyable, but there are some aspects in the plot which really annoyed me. The unnecessary drama in the second half prevented me from giving it a solid four star.

Newly engaged, Aubrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell finally arrives in New York and they’re both  looking forward to their wedding. They’re enamored by the city’s dazzling lights and world’s fair, but they don’t know that this city is hiding many secrets. When a mysterious murder occurs in the city, they’re both determined to help with the investigation. Soon they discover that they’re dealing with a serial killer who’s known as The White City Devil. During their investigation, they both find clues that’s linked to their past and they fear that they’re dealing with another Jack the Ripper.

I really liked Aubrey! After the incident in escaping Houdini, she’s dealing with her troubled leg. She can’t walk without a limp. I’m glad that it didn’t let her down. She’s still stubborn as hell. Thomas is besotted with his fiancé and he can’t wait to get married to Aubrey. He was a fun and witty character but his backstory is always a mystery and we finally get all the tidbits in this book. I wish that I loved the romance, but the unnecessary drama in the second half kinda ruined the fun for me. First, it was Aubrey’s stupid actions in Escaping Houdini, and now it’s Thomas Creswell’s turn. After everything they’ve been through, the author decides to add another obstacle in their relationship which did nothing but annoyed me. From the secondary characters, I liked Aubrey’s grandmother(from her mother’s side), who seems to be rich and close to the Queen of England. I also liked her broody uncle Dr. Wadsworth who’s in this journey from the start.

The plot was good, but the execution could’ve been better. I’m sorry to say that I’ve predicted the killer from the start. The author tried to confuse the readers by throwing suspicions around other characters but that person was on my number one list and I wasn’t that much surprised when it was finally revealed. The romance kinda slowed down the pace. Honestly, the whole drama didn’t work out for the finale and it sort of killed the suspenseful vibe in the story. I mean, C’mon it’s the finale! We already have enough of that. Nevertheless, things did get better once the plot was back on track. The author’s writing was engaging and loved the 18th century New York setting.

Despite issues, I overall enjoyed this book. The whole series was a fun ride. After many obstacles, I’m glad that our favorite duo finally had their happily ever after.

Recommend it?
YES

I would highly recommend this series if you’re into YA historical books filled with mystery, adventure, horror, gore, and witty romance.

MY RATING:

[3.5/5 Stars]

So, What do you think of this series? Have you read it yet? Do you Plan to read it?
Please feel free to comment below!

See You In The Next Post and Have a Great Day! 🙂