Escaping from Houdini – A Missed Opportunity in the Stalking Jack the Ripper Series

Hello lovely book readers,

Happy Sunday!

Escaping from Houdini, the third book in Karen Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series, had a lot of potential. But, unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet the expectations set by its predecessors. While Maniscalco’s writing style remains engaging, this particular instalment felt a bit dragged out, and it was harder to connect with the plot in the way I did with Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula. Here’s why.

A Shift in the Dynamic Duo

One of the key elements I loved in the earlier books was the dynamic between Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell. Their complementary skills—her knowledge of forensics and his sharp understanding of the mind of a killer—created a brilliant partnership that felt both natural and engaging. Their relationship was one of mutual respect, understanding, and growth, which made their scenes together a real highlight of the series.

However, in Escaping from Houdini, this dynamic takes a backseat. Wadsworth, who previously leaned on Cresswell’s expertise, becomes somewhat isolated as she starts to rely on another character for guidance. I understand the desire for Wadsworth to grow and expand her skills, but I couldn’t help but feel that the balance of the duo was disrupted. Cresswell, who had always been a supportive figure, is now relegated to the background as Wadsworth forms an unexpected connection with a new character. This shift in focus felt forced, and it wasn’t just about expanding Wadsworth’s character—it felt like the foundation of her relationship with Cresswell was compromised for the sake of drama.

The Romance that Wasn’t

The romance between Wadsworth and Cresswell is one of the most endearing parts of the series. It’s clear from the first book that they share a deep connection, and over the course of the series, their relationship matures beautifully. In Escaping from Houdini, however, that bond is strained. Wadsworth’s interactions with a new character, coupled with the secretive nature of these meetings, undermined the trust and intimacy that had been so carefully built. The romantic tension between Wadsworth and Cresswell, which was one of the driving forces of the previous books, feels overshadowed by this third character.

As a reader, it’s frustrating to see a perfectly established relationship take such a backseat. Cresswell, who was always supportive of Wadsworth’s independence, now seems distant, and the emotional connection that once felt genuine seems less grounded. This shift detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story, as the romance was a key element that kept me invested in the series.

A Mystery That Drags

While the murder mystery at the heart of Escaping from Houdini initially intrigued me, I found that it didn’t quite live up to the suspense and excitement of the previous books. The murders were different, yes, but there was something repetitive about the way they unfolded. Instead of a complex and engaging investigation, the mystery felt drawn out and lacking in the thrilling surprises that made Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula so gripping. The stakes didn’t feel as high, and I wasn’t as invested in uncovering the truth. In the first two books, the suspects were closer to the main characters, which added to the tension, but in this book, the killer felt more distant, which threw me off balance.

As the book progressed, I found myself losing interest in the mystery. The repeated cycles of murder and investigation started to feel more like filler than a driving plot point. By the time I reached the end, the payoff didn’t feel as satisfying as I had hoped.

A Setting with Untapped Potential

One of the few redeeming qualities of Escaping from Houdini was the setting. The book takes place on a cruise ship, with a carnival atmosphere and the legendary Harry Houdini making an appearance. The concept was ripe for intrigue and excitement, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its potential. There were moments of excitement, sure, but they felt few and far between. I kept expecting more from the setting—more mystery, more surprises—but it didn’t quite deliver.

Final Thoughts

Despite my disappointment with Escaping from Houdini, I did manage to enjoy parts of the book. The writing was still strong, and I appreciated the historical context and the appearance of Houdini, but the story felt drawn out and lost some of the charm that made the first two books so enjoyable. The biggest letdown was the way the relationship between Wadsworth and Cresswell was handled. What was once a beautiful partnership turned into a confusing mess of secretive meetings and an unnecessary third party that threw off the balance of the entire story.

In the end, I gave the book three stars. While I didn’t love it as much as the first two installments, I still found some enjoyment in it. The mystery, while long and repetitive, still held my attention in parts, and the setting had potential—if only it had been explored more deeply.

Next up for me is The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore. I’m excited to dive into something new and hope for a more engaging read.

Have a wonderful end of the week, and happy reading!