Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
Synopsis:
Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London. 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 encountered 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?
Review:
Audrey Rose and Thomas arrive in New York and soon learn about a killer who seems reminiscent of their Ripper in London. Though they thought they had stopped him back in London. Clues lead the couple to Chicago and the World’s Fair, where people have been going missing. America’s first serial killer is their most evil foe yet.
Capturing the Devil is the fourth and final installment to the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. I enjoyed this take on HH Holmes, and several of his actual victims are mentioned or featured along the way. The story is quite a bit lengthier than its predecessors, as there is more of a developed side story with the romance between Audrey Rose and Thomas. I preferred the gothic, mystery storyline and was glad when they arrive in Chicago and the suspense increased. I only wish we had more time in the “Murder Hotel,” as the climactic showdown could have been played up even more. However, it was still intensely thrilling, with a fun epilogue. I certainly enjoyed this unique series.