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A review by nikolinaza
Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
4.0
Actual rating: 3.95 ⭐ because we, ça veut dire this final installment of a series I truly like and I, have that one kind of a love-hate relationship.
After the fateful voyage of RMS Etruria in the previous tome, our two lovebirds Audrey Rose and Thomas, alongside Dr. Jonathan Wadsworth has arrived in New York to solve another murder case which has an uncanny resemblance to one that happened back in London five months ago. In other side, with their continuing courtship, Thomas was finally ready to meet Audrey Rose's father to ask for her hands in marriage. Soon after, they were set to married. But a lot of unexpected trouble came in their way and threatened to break their bond forever. At the same time, the mysterious killer has set his sight on Audrey Rose, and to get out of this horrifying endgame, one of them must be sent to Hell immediately.
After reading 'Escaping From Houdini' last year, I do hold a high hope for this book. I mean, this is the last. I won't get to see these lovely characters anymore outside of this series, and thus, I want 'Capturing the Devil' to left me a sweet, nice, unforgettable aftertaste--and fortunately, it successfully did.
Not because of the mysteries, though.
The premise was great and I've seen it since the first time I laid my eyes on 'Stalking Jack the Ripper'. I knew the case would continue, I knew he wouldn't get defeated easily, and I knew it would be a great obstacle for the trio Dr. Wadsworth - Audrey Rose - Thomas. The mystery was served nicely, however, after that, I couldn't shake the same feeling I got after reading the third book of the series (which I've mentioned earlier): I am not here for just this.
I am here for the mystery. I am here to find out who the real Jack the Ripper was, and what the hell was his motive. I do wish to see Audrey Rose and Thomas getting their miserable and happy times, but that doesn't mean I want it to dominate the half part of the book and sidelined the case and the killer for the sake of romance and family drama which has little to do with the investigation.
I do think it would be good if they had some contribution to make the case even more personal and dangerous for the trio (or our lovebirds), but until the end, the drama and the mystery acted like two parallel lines who went their own ways. I did enjoy the drama and the romance, but I thought it wasn't wise to waste time cocooned in them when there's a serial killer on the loose, butchered dozens of unlucky women.
Thankfully, its weakness was half made-up by the return of the old version of our heroine: the witty, brave, and badass Audrey Rose. She's a bit reckless as usual, for sure, but her strength and fierceness were not something to be played with. Partnered with sharp-minded Thomas with his Sherlockian deductions, the two made their way to the end nicely--I guess.
Nevertheless, I still love this book. It's not as what I expected it to be, but I do think this is a great ending for this series.
Now, now, I will miss all of the characters terribly.
After the fateful voyage of RMS Etruria in the previous tome, our two lovebirds Audrey Rose and Thomas, alongside Dr. Jonathan Wadsworth has arrived in New York to solve another murder case which has an uncanny resemblance to one that happened back in London five months ago. In other side, with their continuing courtship, Thomas was finally ready to meet Audrey Rose's father to ask for her hands in marriage. Soon after, they were set to married. But a lot of unexpected trouble came in their way and threatened to break their bond forever. At the same time, the mysterious killer has set his sight on Audrey Rose, and to get out of this horrifying endgame, one of them must be sent to Hell immediately.
After reading 'Escaping From Houdini' last year, I do hold a high hope for this book. I mean, this is the last. I won't get to see these lovely characters anymore outside of this series, and thus, I want 'Capturing the Devil' to left me a sweet, nice, unforgettable aftertaste--and fortunately, it successfully did.
Not because of the mysteries, though.
The premise was great and I've seen it since the first time I laid my eyes on 'Stalking Jack the Ripper'. I knew the case would continue, I knew he wouldn't get defeated easily, and I knew it would be a great obstacle for the trio Dr. Wadsworth - Audrey Rose - Thomas. The mystery was served nicely, however, after that, I couldn't shake the same feeling I got after reading the third book of the series (which I've mentioned earlier): I am not here for just this.
I am here for the mystery. I am here to find out who the real Jack the Ripper was, and what the hell was his motive. I do wish to see Audrey Rose and Thomas getting their miserable and happy times, but that doesn't mean I want it to dominate the half part of the book and sidelined the case and the killer for the sake of romance and family drama which has little to do with the investigation.
I do think it would be good if they had some contribution to make the case even more personal and dangerous for the trio (or our lovebirds), but until the end, the drama and the mystery acted like two parallel lines who went their own ways. I did enjoy the drama and the romance, but I thought it wasn't wise to waste time cocooned in them when there's a serial killer on the loose, butchered dozens of unlucky women.
Thankfully, its weakness was half made-up by the return of the old version of our heroine: the witty, brave, and badass Audrey Rose. She's a bit reckless as usual, for sure, but her strength and fierceness were not something to be played with. Partnered with sharp-minded Thomas with his Sherlockian deductions, the two made their way to the end nicely--I guess.
Nevertheless, I still love this book. It's not as what I expected it to be, but I do think this is a great ending for this series.
Now, now, I will miss all of the characters terribly.