Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re 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 then, 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 ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea. It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even 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?
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Review:
Escaping from Houdini is the third thrilling instalment in Kerri Maniscalco’s sensational Stalking Jack the Ripper series and is yet another edge-of-your-seat explosion of adventure, mystery and swoon-worthy romance that will bewitch readers until the final page!
Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner in crime Thomas Creswell are en route to New York aboard the luxurious ocean liner Etruria. Delighted to discover on board a travelling troupe of fortune tellers, circus performers and a charismatic up and coming escape artist, Audrey Rose and Thomas have high hopes for their week long voyage. Until privileged young women begin to go missing and it becomes clear there is a murderer on board. Thrust into yet another mystery, Audrey Rose and Thomas find themselves drawn into a darkly enchanting carnival of tricks and sleight of hand, but as the bodies begin to pile up will the killer manage to outsmart the determined duo? Or will Audrey Rose and Thomas manage to catch yet another murderer before his horrifying murders destroy the Moonlight Carnival’s reputation for good?
Despite beginning the Stalking Jack the Ripper series late (right before this third novel was released) I can easily say that this series has become without a doubt one of my all-time favourites. Kerri Maniscalco has created an absolutely delectable world of deftly woven imagery and ambience as she brings Audrey Rose’s stories to life with passion and flair. Each instalment has featured a beguiling mystery in which readers can get lost as well as the blossoming relationship between Audrey Rose and her partner in crime, and it appears in life, Thomas Cresswell which is a subtle, but addictive undertone that drives the storyline and captures your attention.
Escaping from Houdini is another fabulous example of Maniscalo’s fantastic ability to take a popular or infamous historical individual or event and weave it together within her series. Having adored Stalking Jack the Ripper and then Capturing Prince Dracula, I was ecstatic to discover Maniscalo’s version of Houdini within this novel and discover what dangers Audrey Rose and Thomas found themselves in the midst of this time around.
Set aboard a luxurious ocean liner, Escaping from Houdini is set against a refined and elegant backdrop that mixes with the magic and mystery of a circus carnival that is performing on the ship. Kerri Maniscalo’s writing is perfect and her attention to detail spot on as she brings the story to life. Whilst reading, I once again felt as though I was right alongside Audrey Rose and Thomas on their adventure.
Audrey Rose has been a wonderful protagonist to follow throughout the series and continues to be strong willed, intelligent and daring in Escaping from Houdini. Audrey Rose is a product of her era in many respects; a poised and well put together young woman who mingles with polite society but who also features characteristics that set her apart. I honestly adore Audrey Rose as a character and find myself caught up in every adventure she finds herself a part of. I love her intelligence and wit and ability to use science and her investigation skills to solve crimes the way she does. She’s just one of those perfectly written characters who, while human and still flawed, manages to soar time and time again.
And as for Thomas, well I’m not sure I can adequately sum up the individual that is Thomas James Dorin cel Rau Cresswell. He is just one of those literacy “book boyfriends” you will absolutely fall in love with throughout the course of your reading experience. Thomas’s wit and charm is so endearing and he is hilariously cheeky in a manner that conveys his social standing but also hints at the mischievous individual that lurks underneath. Thomas is one of those male leads/love interests who never fail to keep you on your toes and who bring so much to the story.
Apart from its overall mystique and intrigue, this series features an electric romance between its main characters. Audrey Rose and Thomas have a thrilling relationship that has blossomed beautifully throughout the course of three books. I won't lie; Kerri Maniscalo had me concerned when she includes a charming and captivating ringmaster in Escaping from Houdini (if you know me at all, you’ll know I loathe love triangles) to throw a spanner in the works between Audrey Rose and Thomas.
Though I was disappointed to see Audrey Rose ever question her affections and intentions towards Thomas, I understand the purpose of Mephistopheles and feel that his role only ended up cementing and strengthening the resolve Audrey Rose has. That being said, Mephistopheles was awesome and if Kerri Maniscalo ever considers writing a spin off series, I wouldn’t hesitate to read his story.
Lush and vivid, Escaping from Houdini was a thrilling adventure on the open seas and another prime example of Maniscalo’s talent as a storyteller. I have my fingers crossed we’ll see a wedding in the fourth and final instalment and will be keeping my eyes peeled for the moment I can have the honour of joining Audrey Rose and Thomas once again!
Rating:
Source: I pre-ordered from The Book Depository
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 11th 2018
Purchase: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I LOVED this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
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