Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.

Young Audrey Rose Wadsworth studies forensics as her uncle’s apprentice, alongside with charming, sarcastic and endlessly mysterious young gentleman Thomas Cresswell. In the time of Jack the Ripper’s vicious murders, which all seem to be connected to Audrey’s family, our two main characters start an investigation that leads them to shocking conclusions and unexpected revelations.

After months and months of reading mostly fantasy some criminal/horror novel was exactly what I needed. I liked this book a lot and it was really enjoyable. Since I have few interests in medicine and forensics (and crimes ofc), it was even easier to understand plot and follow characters’ thoughts.

Lina | ★★★★★

I’ve read this book in (almost) one go. And I think that pretty much speaks enough for itself, considering how long it usually takes me to read a book because, quite frankly, I get too easily distracted and/or bored.

This book, though, was everything but boring. I had a feeling something was happening at all times and I liked the way the story just “flowed” from one chapter to the other. The chapters were relatively short (I have a feeling that after reading Cassandra Clare’s books everything will feel short for me lol), and each time I finished one chapter I told myself “just another one”. And before I knew it, I finished the entire book.

The writing style was just to my liking, no too many too long descriptions nor weird metaphors (yes, Cassandra, I’m looking at you), yet it said enough. And even though I normally dislike first person POV, because it tends to be annoying and/or boring, I didn’t have an issue with it here because the main character—Audrey Rose— is freaking awesome!

Even though she lives in a society where women are looked down upon (late 19th century London), she is passionate, brave, stubborn and defies society’s rules time and time again. Forensics and sience interest her, and she continues learning even though everyone around her considers it improper for a young lady of her station. At the same time, she is feminine and enjoys a nice dress, and gets on splendidly with her cousin Liza, even though they are almost nothing alike. I have to admit I was angry at her a few times, with her recklessly endangering herself, but I like that she also admitted when she was wrong and listened to Thomas when he tried to knock some sense into her.

When I think about it, one of the things I actually liked most about this book were the characters. There are no ultimately good nor ultimately bad characters. All of them have both the dark and the light side to their personality, and at the end, it’s them who choose which one will prevail. There’s also no prejudice—just because Audrey Rose is interested in forensics, doesn’t mean she is boyish. Just because Liza is girly, doesn’t mean she is not smart nor strong in her own way.
And of course, there’s Thomas ♥️ I think I can’t possibly explain how likeable and simply adorable he is. He was teasing and from time to time arrogant, but from the begining we could see the gentle side of him as well and I loved how much he cared for Audrey Rose *u* He respected her and knew she was as capable as him, but still couldn’t help being protective of her from time to time—simply adorable! Also I liked how there was no insta-love involved and chemistry between them just seemd to grow till the end and now I can’t wait to read the sequal ans see the two of them in Romania *Q*

Last but not the least, I think I should mention the murders, since they are actually the main part of the story. The mistery was very well written, and them looking for clues and suspecting people close to them or even each other seemed realistic enough. I have to admit I was surprised at who the murderer actually was because, although it crossed my mind at some point, it just didn’t seem likely enough at that time. Anyways, can’t wait to read the next book!