Review: Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: JIMMY Patterson
Date of publication: September 2019

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device---is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love---or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

Capturing the Devil is the final book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series.  I have to say that I am really sorry to see this series end.  I have enjoyed this journey with Audrey Rose and Thomas immensely.  This final installment was everything I would want in a series finale.  I'm not going to talk plot too much.  I don't want to spoil any of the previous three books.  In fact, I would urge anyone coming in at this stage to go back and read the first three books.  If not, you will be spoiled for the series by starting here.  It will be worth your time, I promise.

Having said that, this book takes place right after the events of the third book, Escaping from Houdini.  The entire series comes full circle as the duo hunts for a serial killer who is abducting women in Chicago.  For the reader, it may be obvious who the killer is, but is it really that obvious?  You'll have to read to find out.  Along with the mystery, the romance finally comes to a very satisfying and sigh worthy conclusion.   There is a little angst, but it only strengthened their relationship.  As I said, these are characters that I am sad to see go.  I can't recommend this series enough.  I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next.