Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Hello, dear blog readers!

It’s Sunday, which means it’s time for another book review. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into Hunting Prince Dracula, the second book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco. After the letdown that was The Witches of Vardo (which, as many of you know, took me two and a half weeks to push through), this book felt like a breath of fresh air. It truly rekindled my reading enthusiasm, reminding me why I fell in love with the mystery genre in the first place.

Setting & Plot: Stepping into Dracula’s World

This installment is set in a place that feels both atmospheric and eerie: Romania, specifically in the infamous castle of Vlad Tepes III (yes, Dracula himself!). The Gothic setting gives Hunting Prince Dracula a dark allure, and Maniscalco uses it to build tension and mystery around every corner. And if that isn’t enough to hook you, we also get historical references to Elizabeth Bathory, often called Countess Dracula. Victims appear with signs of blood-draining or impalement, almost as if Dracula himself is back. The plot keeps you guessing about whether the culprit is merely staging a horrific display or if something darker is at play.

A Murder Mystery with Gothic Flair

While Hunting Prince Dracula dips into folklore, it’s grounded firmly in the murder mystery genre. If you’re looking for a story with strong fantasy elements, this series doesn’t take that route—it’s more about using the supernatural as a backdrop for a gritty, suspense-filled investigation. I love how Maniscalco weaves historical lore with thrilling detective work, letting us try to piece together clues alongside Audrey Rose, the protagonist. The Gothic setting, combined with creepy folklore elements, gave me just enough of that chilling edge without crossing into fantasy.

Audrey Rose & Character Development

Speaking of Audrey Rose, she continues to be a complex and compelling character. This book gives her depth, especially as she navigates new environments and faces the gruesome mystery at Dracula’s castle. And, of course, her dynamic with Thomas Cresswell only makes things more entertaining. As a reader, I’m constantly forming my own “suspect list” right alongside her, and it’s incredibly satisfying to follow her deductions, only to be thrown off by the next twist.

Maniscalco’s Writing Style: Bringing the Past to Life

Maniscalco’s writing has a unique charm that I adore. Her ability to recreate the 1800s—complete with letters between characters and vivid descriptions of period-accurate gadgets and apparatus—is truly immersive. These details pull you right into the time period, making the historical mystery feel all the more authentic and atmospheric.

Closing Thoughts & What’s Next

After Hunting Prince Dracula, I feel re-energized about my reading list! This book was immersive, thrilling, and kept me guessing. It took me about a week to finish, and I’m already diving into the third book, Escaping from Houdini. There’s also a quick read coming up in between, Killjoy by Holly Jackson, so stay tuned for that review as well.

Thanks for joining me for this review. Wishing you all a wonderful end to your week, and I’ll see you next Sunday for another bookish adventure!