Review: Escaping From Houdini

Title: Escaping From Houdini

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Rating: 4 Stars

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson

Date Published: 18 September 2019

Goodreads Description: 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 travelling 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 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?

General Thoughts

Let me start off by saying this was my least favourite book in the SJTR series. It has nothing to do with the writing or the plot. Maniscalco once again stuns with her writing. The subtle clues and little details she weaves into the story is amazing.

Thomas and Audrey Rose were both in good form, and I loved watching them interact. The plot was good and sets up Capturing the Devil quite well. You all know how I feel about serial killers, so this series is one of my favourites. I know little about CTD, but please may Maniscalco give us H.H. Holmes. I would love to delve into his psyche.

I adored the carnival-like set-up of this book. It makes for a great mystery and I loved watching it unfold.

Here’s why I didn’t like it: SPOILERS AHEAD. SKIP THE CHARACTER SECTION.

Characters

Audrey Rose straight up cheats on Thomas in this one! I mean, it might just be me, but they’re ENGAGED? THEY LOVE EACH OTHER? Do I not remember Hunting Prince Dracula right? Audrey Rose is uncharacteristically selfish, and she doesn’t seem to care for Thomas or his feelings and does everything she does because she can.

That’s the price of freedom right? I get that Audrey Rose is a teenager, and she’s a modern woman in a time that isn’t quite modern yet. But the way she treated Thomas just irked me. I could debate this for days, but my point is this: If Audrey Rose wanted to “get out there” and meet more men, broaden her options, she should have told Thomas so.

The whole point of this arc was to show that Audrey Rose would choose Thomas even with other options available, and I just think that’s a downright stupid arc. I may just be mad because I love Thomas, but speaking as someone who has loved and lost, ALWAYS be honest with your partner.

I’m done ranting now.

Let’s Chat

What did you think of Escaping From Houdini? Read my review for SJTR here.

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