Hey, friends! It’s about time for a Halloween-y book review! This one is courtesy of yours truly, and it’s legit the first review I’ve written, despite my best intentions, in…well, a long time. I’m excited that I get to review one of my most anticipated books of 2017, though! Huzzah for creepy books!
Ever since I finished reading Kerri Maniscalco’s debut, STALKING JACK THE RIPPER, last year, I’ve been beyond antsy to continue reading more about Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her super smart, super handsome companion, Thomas Cresswell. (I don’t think there will be any spoilers below, but FYI anyway.) When I found out that these two obsessed-with-death kids were heading to ROMANIA to study forensics, my Vlad the Impaler alarms went RIGHT OFF. I couldn’t wait to see them tackle this infamous supernatural killer.
HUNTING PRINCE DRACULA didn’t disappoint.
The drama is turned on right from the beginning, and it doesn’t let up once Thomas and Audrey arrive at the forensic academy that just so happens to be in Vlad the Impaler’s old palace. Of course there are bodies drained of blood, and mysterious goings on galore, but one of my favorite angles involved a secret society (HELLO, these are always the best) just because secret society. I loved the way Kerri Maniscalco set up the conflict there.
We also got to meet some amazing new characters in HUNTING PRINCE DRACULA. Like, so amazing. Badass, clever, powerful–I could go on. They fit right in with Audrey and Thomas, and I hope we get to see more of them. (Pretty please, Kerri?)
Of course, though, the main attraction in HUNTING PRINCE DRACULA is Wadsworth and Cresswell. The feelings that sprang up between them in STALKING JACK THE RIPPER grow nicely, and we despite the dark, dangerous environment they find themselves in, they still manage to have some really amusing banter. Thomas remains charming as all get out, and Audrey is still whip smart, fearless, and determined. As the only girl vying for a spot at the academy, she faces those challenges head-on, and her strength is admirable to both readers (this one, at least) and Thomas. Obviously.
I loved getting to see these two embroiled in a new mystery, hunting down murderers, barely escaping dangerous situations together, encouraging one another, and getting ready to set off on another adventure. HUNTING PRINCE DRACULA was no sophomore slump. I’m already trying to figure out what their next case will be.
