A New York Times Bestseller Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell find themselves aboard a luxurious ocean liner that becomes a floating prison of horror when passengers are murdered one by one…with nowhere to run from the killer. The #1 bestselling series that started with Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula continues its streak in this third bloody installment…. Embarking on a … streak in this third bloody installment…. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.
But privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow more and more bizarre. It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation before more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer’s horrifying finale?more
What a fantastic read!!! I simply adore this series from kerri maniscalco!!! She is a amazing storyteller and her books are so very entertaining. I loved the theme of this book and enjoyed all the magic and mayhem. And the use of tarot cards by the murder was genius. Her characters are fabulous as well and I adored mephistopheles he is so mysterious and charming reminding me of a true rogue!!! And Audrey rose and Thomas are a awesome couple,I can’t wait for more of their interactions,things are heating up nicely. This was a awesome whodunit and kept me guessing til the end. With so many secretive characters it could have been any of them,but when Cressworth put their minds together the bad guys haven’t got a chance. Until next time luv’s
Another great book in the Jack the Ripper series, while I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two book in the series. But I think that was because if the setting in this book. I’m not a huge carnival and or ship person fan.
I did however greatly enjoy the writing and characters. Of course I still live for Wadsworth and Cresswell and just adore them together. I love how their relationship progresses and their overcome obstacles over obstacles. I love their banter and humor just as much as their sweet moments.
While it was not my favorite setting I still liked the suspense and murder mystery we got, like in previous books it keeps us on the edge of the seat and guessing. Some things were pretty easy to foretell buy others came by surprise.
I also should say that I enjoyed the audiobook a bit more than the actual books. It just adds a bit more to the story, I have not gotten the audio book for this book but most definitely will soon and listen to it again.
I also still think that this series would make a great TV series and I would so be down for that.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the writing and most of all the characters and I’m looking forward to the next book.
I rate it 4
Absolutely incredible – I had so much trouble putting this down, and was horrified and thrilled at the same time with each new addition to the mystery, along with the relationship difficulties between Audrey Rose and Thomas. As always, the problem with having an ARC is that it means a longer wait for the next book in a series . . . and of course, I really need the next one now for more Cressworth!
What that was the end, no there must be a couple more pages, right ? Dang it, that was it ! Grumble grumble, cliffhanger ending. It was an interesting turn in the series, there was some relationship woes, some posibile new relationships and a couple deaths. I didn’t love it, it felt very transitional, the bonds they had have broken down, it was a big step back.
Why didn’t i love it ?First, Houdini, wasn’t the main character which threw me off from the title I expected it to center on Houdini. He plays a bit part, and to me really wasn’t needed in the story. Second Audrey was very wishy washy in many ways, in the past she was direct and steady. Third, Thomas, he was off too, just not like the character in the past.
The way it ended, uggg. I have to pick up the next book asap. I was left mid breath.
Okay so not actually a total 5 stars simply because I felt like we were ripped from the scenes when the next chapter started and didn’t tie up the prior scenes properly. It felt jarring and made me wonder, well what happened between the ending and this beginning. I love, love, love Audrey Rose and Thomas! The thought of anything or anyone coming between them breaks my heart. I so desperately wanted them to be together and play their roles perfectly of the partners in all things that they should be. I loved the carnival and all the drama! I had no idea who the true murderer was and that was phenomenal when it all came together! I have high hopes for the next book!!! I’m hoping that this lovely authoress can deliver the series conclusion that my heart longs for!
I love this series! Perfect mix of historical fiction with just a tinge of romance.
This book was filled with amazing circus performances, mystery, death and a lot of emotional anguish. This book was also different from the first two but I still really enjoyed it.
My biggest problem was that Audrey Rose and Thomas barely worked together. I loved their partnership in the first two books and this one was lacking that. But it worked out in the end.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
I put off reading this book for so long and I think it had a lot to do with the hype surrounding it. There was so much build-up to its release then there were so many negative reviews that I…well…panicked it guess. I loved books 1 and 2 so much that I didn’t want to ruin them by reading this one. I know dumb reason especially if when I am rating it 4 stars.
I completely get why those people were mad. Thomas Cresswell is downright amazing and Audrey was a fool, no matter her motivations. At the end of the day it all worked out and I don’t think anyone will be doubting them as a couple ever again. That ending has to be the sweetest thing I have read in a long time.
I enjoyed this book from the beginning and did not want to put it down. Yes, I cringed through some scenes, but without those scenes, the ending would not have been as sweet. This book was a journey for these two characters who both lacked confidence in their feelings, and I think that this book truly silenced Audrey’s biggest fear. If you have read the other books in the series you should know which one I mean If not ask below.
If you are waiting to pick this one up because of the bad buzz it got, in the beginning, don’t. Watching these two grow through this issue was so worth it. I have to say I didn’t think it was possible but I like Thomas even more after this one.
I want to start by saying, I love this series and the covers. Seriously, every single cover is GORGEOUS! And the characters are so great and realistic. Cresswell and Audrey Rose are so much fun to read about. Their witty banter makes me laugh while their romance makes me swoon.
As usual, the mystery in Escaping Houdini was expertly woven and kept me guessing until the very end. Kerri Maniscalco has such a talent at writing these 19th Century mysteries that suck me in.
The addition of Mephistopheles in this story added a sort of love triangle to this book, which I didn’t mind, but I did feel like Audrey Rose started to wonder away from who she is. A lot of other readers weren’t fond of the love triangle or Audrey’s sneaking around with Mephistopheles at night, but I felt like it helped Audrey Rose realize who she is and gave her a taste of the freedom she has always craved.
I would actually love to see Mephistopheles get his own series. He is a wonderful character and reading about the Moonlight Carnival was so much fun. I would devour a series about them!
What a great novel. Escaping from Houdini is the third in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. This time the around the famed forensic student Ms. Audrey Rose is on her way from home to New York city alongside Thomas and her uncle. However, the weeklong voyage comes with a killer attraction. Someone is killing women of the elite. Once again, the novel has a dark and tantalizing opening that grips the reader and instantly works to put them on edge. Maniscalco pulls the reader in by constructing the perfect eerie atmosphere.
The level of detail, tone, and scene structure all work in tandem seamlessly to lure the reader into the story. There is nothing eerie about a cruise liner in concept, but the addition of the Moonlight Carnival sets up the tone of the story. Just giving them the name “Moonlight Carnival” works to create this almost mystical and dark feeling. The words themselves inspire something dark and sinister, something mysterious for the reader, so it was a clever use of language in the way it helps to set up the plot. Maniscalco uses just enough detail to tell the story, and the reader can bring to life these scenes with their imaginations with ease. Maniscalco sucks the reader in effortlessly, showcasing her talent, in the way she utilizes all these elements to bring the story to life.
Then there is the narrative. Audrey Rose’s mannerisms, her thought process, everything about her comes to life. She is more than just a character in a book, she is this living being, and the reader feels as though they are right beside her as she works in unraveling the mystery around her. Ms. Wadsworth is terrific in the way she moves about the story, taking the details apart, and analyzing. Her little ticks and fears, the vivid language that Maniscalco utilizes to bring this person to life, make Ms. Wadsworth a character the reader not only can relate to but a character worth admiration. She is a young woman pursuing a man’s career, fighting to show the men around her, her worth. Ms. Wadsworth does not falter. Instead, she takes the challenges and meets them head-on, just like with the murder that needs to be solved.
Escaping from Houdini has a fantastic pace, a character worthy of admiration and a story that keeps the reader in the dark and on the edge of their seats.
Actual rating: 4.5/5
In Escaping from Houdini, I absolutely adored the magic and tricks! It was everywhere and was even difficult for the characters to not get swept up in.
The characters from the carnival added a special extra mystery to the murder, especially since they all kept their secrets to themselves. Sleight of hand was something everyone apart of the carnival performs in, and was a part of the murder. I think that made it extra special and interesting. I believe that this made it difficult for me to pick someone I think is the murderer.
Each of the different murder stories are different in their own, special way. Each murdered victim is found in different ways from the last books, and I honestly love it. To me, it shows creativity for the author and shows how each individual murderer has their own style, which is the truth.
There is a love triangle. I am not a big fan of them, but I think it works in its own way. It was very realistic in many ways, which includes the dialogue and interactions between each of the characters in the triangle. It honestly tore my heart and stitched it back together. But I still do love Mephistopheles. I think he may be my favorite from the Moonlight Carnaval.
I found that there wasn’t a lot of interaction with potential suspects as there was in the past. This made it difficult for me to engage a little more with trying to figure out who I think is the murderer. I think there was definitely more emphasis on relationships, but I didn’t mind at all. It was definitely more like Stalking Jack the Ripper than Hunting Prince Dracula, which has been stated in the book.
The ending left me on my toes. Capturing the Devil is going to be amazing, I can feel it in my bones. It can’t be anything less after the ending Maniscalco gave us.
I love the setting and carnival theme that is presented within the book. A lot of plot twist and mysterious murders that will leave you wondering one question! Who is the murderer?!
Title: Escaping From Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Edition: Hardback
Amount of Pages: 416
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Mystery, Thriller
Date Read: 15-10-2018 – 17-10-2018
Favorite Quote: “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.”
Review:
I was a bit skeptical going into this book but also super excited. Why skeptical you ask? Well I read some of the ARC reviews and they really made me nervous.
There where moments in this book when I really wanted to slap the shit out of Audrey Rose. She can be so frustrating! Thomas was his every loving and charming self as always.
There where great moments between them too. Can’t wait to see where the story will go from here.
What is this book about:
This book starts where the last book ‘Hunting Prince Dracula’ ended. Audrey Rose and Thomas are on board of a ship to America to assists Audrey Rose’s uncle in a murder case. However the ship they are on becomes a floating crime scene when a young woman ends up being murdered during a carnival show.
Audrey Rose and Thomas are trying to find out who the killer is before he strikes again. But time isn’t on their side, they only have 7 days to figure it out before the ship arrives in America and unleashes the killer on main land.
That’s not the only thing Audrey Rose and Thomas are fighting against. No, there’s also the mysterious and intriguing ringmaster named Mephistopheles.
Thomas and Mephistopheles have something in common, they both want Audrey Rose. Now Audrey Rose has to decide if she wants to be with the man that has been her partner in crime or the mysterious man that promises a live time of adventure.
What did I like about this book:
I loved Thomas and Audrey Rose moments. It was full of fun banter and steamy scenes. I loved the mystery and how well the book was written.
Overall I loved this book and I can’t wait to read the last one! The wait will be torturous. Thomas better delivers his promise on getting Audrey Rose alone on his country estate so they’ll have all the privacy in the world.
This may contain spoilers, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know.
What I didn’t like where Audrey Rose’s tricks and manipulation. I get her feeling doubts but she owed it to herself and thomas to be honest about it. I get that she wanted to learn new things, but is learning new things worth screwing with someones head and manipulating them. It was so well written that I forgot on multiple occasions that it was suppose to be an experiment, a learning opportunity for Audrey Rose. And I think she did too at certain points.
I love the girl but I don’t like how she played with Thomas feelings, and her own. Same with how she handled her cousin.
It worked out just fine in the end. And I’m glad it didn’t end the way I feared. I hate love triangles and that’s why I was scared of reading this book, but the way it ended made it oke for me. No love triangle here.
Rating:
4 1/2 I loved it Stars
I so wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t make me feel the way the other two books in this series did. It was almost a step back for both Audrey and Thomas.
It was really cool that this one takes place on a ship and there are murders being committed. It makes the places you could go and number of suspects very limited. So every time they found a body it had my mind reeling. How cool is that right? That’s what I liked the most about this book along with the fact that its centered around Houdini and the acts that are performed on the ship. It was magical and downright fascinating.
So I had a hard time with this book because I didn’t like the unnecessary friction Audrey caused between her and Thomas. I totally understand why Kerri Maniscalco made Audrey’s behavior so different from the previous two books. But I prefer characters to struggle without a love triangle. Audrey was just all over the place and super reckless.
Escaping from Houdini was still a good murder mystery and I quite love our two main characters.
A really nice third installment. I can’t wait to see where Rose goes next.
First came the exhaustion, brought on by staying up way too late. Then came the thrills as murder and mayhem started appearing. Next, concern started inching into my mind, followed swiftly by anger and sadness. Finally, relief as all became right in my world again.
What happened to cause these waves of emotion to wash over me? I read Kerri Maniscalco’s book Escaping from Houdini, the third book in her spectacular Stalking Jack the Ripper series. To say that I love this series would be an extreme understatement. Escaping From Houdini is another masterpiece. All of the amazing characters are back, with the addition of one super awesome new character.
I cannot stress this enough – read these books. They will alter your world.