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Escaping From Houdini

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Escaping From Houdini

Written by: Kerri Maniscalco
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
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The #1 bestselling series that started with Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula continues its streak in this third bloody installment . . . Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell find themselves aboard a luxurious ocean liner that becomes a floating prison of horror when passengers are murdered one by one, with nowhere to run from the killer. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria , Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly. But privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow more and more bizarre. It's up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation before 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? Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Mysteries & Detectives Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Paranormal & Supernatural Science Fiction & Fantasy Thrillers & Suspense Emotionally Gripping
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What the critics say

Praise for Escaping from Houdini:
"Audrey Rose is a witty, resourceful feminist who refuses to bow to Victorian-era gender norms. This dark, gothic landscape is peopled with nuanced, diverse characters who keep readers enthralled. A gripping mystery with a compelling heroine and just the right touch of romance."—Kirkus
"Every sentence of this novel drips with decadence. The settings and Midnight Carnival performances are lush yet dangerous, beautiful yet terrifying. It was easy to understand just how Audrey Rose comes to be so enthralled with the Midnight Carnival and the performers because, as readers, we're put under the same exact spell.... Masterfully crafted."—Hypable
"Maniscalco's winning combinations of historical fiction, romance, forensics, and a feisty heroine will attract historical-fiction and romance readers....Well-placed hooks advance the plot and sustain the swift pace."—Booklist
"Displaying her usual fierce determination and progressive ideals, Audrey Rose is once again a compelling protagonist. Another delightfully mysterious addition to the series."—School Library Journal
"Young adult readers of crime novels will thrill to Maniscalco's labyrinthine plot and the gruesome secrets it reveals. And yet Escaping from Houdini is also a love story, one in which Audrey Rose's love for the charming and stalwart Thomas is tested by the exhilarating freedom represented by Mephistopheles's unorthodox lifestyle. As one member of the Moonlight Carnival muses, 'Normal is boring. Extraordinary is memorable.' Like-minded readers will find Maniscalco's latest foray into nineteenth-century forensic investigation anything but boring."—Chapter16.org
Praise for Stalking Jack the Ripper:
A #1 New York Times Bestseller from its first week!
"An entertaining debut full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of historical fiction and mystery."
--- School Library Journal
"Maniscalco has created a serious, sharp-minded, and forward-thinking protagonist in Audrey Rose, whose fearlessness will endear her to readers looking for an engaging historical thriller. Abundant red herrings and a dash of romance round out this gruesome but engrossing story."
--- Publisher's Weekly
*"This audiobook has everything: a true-life tale that has intrigued readers for 100-plus years, a young woman who balks at the constraints put upon women during the Victorian era, a marvelous yet somewhat gruesome mystery, and a narrator who brings you down into Spitalfields as Jack the Ripper earns his name. A must-have."---School Library Journal (*starred review*)

Continue the series
Capturing the Devil cover art
Capturing the Devil Written by: Kerri Maniscalco
All stars
Most Relevant
Fantastic book and absolutely loving the series…cannot wait for more!! The narrator, Nicola Barber is absolutely astonishing!
Martine, Canada

My new favourite author!

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I loved the ambiance in this book! I see that many people really disliked this book, but it was probably my favorite of the series so far. I really loved the carnival/magic/illusions vibe of this book. I also liked the fact that I really couldn't tell who the murderer was until the end. There were clues and leads that were pointing to many characters at the same time, but I liked it because it was less predictable than the previous books. I also like the fact that each book in the series has a different setting, it brings novelty to the story.

The show must go on, and what a show it is! Illusionists, magicians, fortune tellers, knife throwers, card readers, and the great Houdini are there to ensnare the audience in their evening shows. Wanting to investigate the carnival crew, Audrey Rose struck a bargain with the dashing and mysterious ringleader Mephistopheles. A bargain that could potentially turn into a scandal costing her her reputation and her relationship with Thomas.

I love Thomas. Can he be more perfect? I don't think so. His whole sarcastic-gentleman behavior is delightful, and he made me smile and even laughed out loud a few times. He is just so sweet, Audrey Rose is a very lucky woman.

I loved the circus, but I disliked Audrey Rose and Mephisto’s bargain. I wanted to hug Thomas throughout this whole book. Especially as Audrey became more and more entangled with Mephistopheles. I wanted to hit her in the face sometimes because she hurt Thomas with her decisions... I understand that she was trying to investigate and that she had a deal to uphold, but it was still so frustrating! I also wanted to hit Mephistopheles, but at the same time, I like him very much so I am still conflicted about him. I would like to see him again in the next book, as long as he does not try to create another rift between Audrey Rose and Thomas.

I was happy to see more of Liza in this book. She was a great female friend to Audrey Rose in the first book, without ill-intent, jealousy, or posturing, and it was good to see Audrey Rose have a healthy friendship with another woman. I have nothing against the otherr friends she made in the series, but it always feel like insta-friendship; she sees them two or three times, and suddenly she considers them to be dear friends, but to me it still feels like superficial friendship. With Liza, we can feel the depth of their connection and love for each other, and we know they would do anything for each other, too.

I am really excited to read the last book of this series and to see how Audrey Rose and Thomas will get their happy ending (because they HAVE to get their HEA). I also enjoy the sexual tension that is slowly building between them and I hope that we can have more than a few stolen kisses in the next book, although I realize it is not probable with the whole Victorian setting and very strict social conventions.

Love the ambiance!

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