Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Reviewed by Kana C.
Grade 11

Audrey Rose is not your typical 1800s woman. She was born into a life of wealth and privilege. But other than attending tea parties and other typical events that ladies do, Audrey studies the gruesome art of forensic medicine.

When a string of brutally murdered corpses continue to show up in her uncle’s lab, Audrey gets drawn into the investigation. As she follows the clues, they bring her closer to her sheltered world. Audrey Rose is the girl who loved Jack the Ripper.

This book was amazing, with so many twists that I never saw coming. Kerri Maniscalco really brought the story to life with her amazing and very descriptive writing. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put the book down. Stalking Jack the Ripper is not for the faint hearted, Kerri Maniscalco goes deep into her explanations of the dead bodies and the forensic medicine process.

If you like a girl determined to be pretty, smart, and fierce and a witty, sarcastic, caring British boy involved in one gruesome mystery, mixed with a little bit (ok maybe a lot) of secrets, then Stalking Jack the Ripper is perfect for you. Maybe you can figure out who Jack the Ripper is before Audrey can. This is the story of the girl who loved the Ripper.

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

Stacey Lee’s Under a Painted Sky is an enchanting tale of daring and adventure in the Old West. Heartwarming, engaging, and amusing, it follows a young Chinese- American as she struggles for freedom and equality, and is a true tribute to the strength of women.

Samantha Young lives with her father in 1849 Missouri. After a horrific tragedy leads to a shocking crime, she bands together with a runaway slave named Annamae and they set out on the Oregon Trail for California. As they each search for the missing ties to their pasts, they find unexpected allies in a band of cowboys. But with bounty hunters and the law closing in, how long will they be able to keep up their lies?

I loved this book. The worldbuilding was as realistic and believable as the plot. I also found the story to be immersive and compelling, and even in parts challenging to society’s long-held beliefs about equality and race. Samantha was realistic--since she’s so young, she struggles through the usual teenage dramas albeit with unfortunate doses of danger and tragedy mingled in with them. Nevertheless, through it all she was strong and had the benefit of a supportive community, namely her friends. Said friends were also firmly developed, especially Annamae, who was as loyal as she was incredibly spirited. Although I would have liked to see/know more about the Old West, there was just enough information to keep the reader happy.

I would absolutely recommend this book. It is humorous, adventurous, and a very fun story. If anyone likes a historical western, this is definitely for them. A natural reading choice for Women’s History Month, Under a Painted Sky receives a 5 out of 5 star rating.