Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose has no choice but to flee London and its memories. She journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend. But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.
After absolutely loving Stalking Jack the Ripper, I just had to read the next book in this wonderful series. Besides, there was just no way I could leave a book with such a beautiful cover on my TBR pile for too long. :)
After the horrifying and heartbreaking toll the Jack the Ripper murders left on Audrey Rose Wadsworth, she leaves London for a new adventure with Thomas Cresswell. But while travelling to Romania and headed to the Bran Castle to attend the Academy of Forensic Medicine and Science on the Orient Express with their flaky chaperone, a murder is committed outside their cabin. A strange murder that sets the scene for their new surroundings in a new land.
Once at the castle, they encounter the grouchy headmaster, who is not thrilled to have a girl taking lessons. As well as their competitive fellow students, who also don't take to her. Not to mention that Thomas is keeping secrets, and becomes so overprotective she fears he'll end up being as restrictive as all the other males in her life. At least she makes a few very delightful and clever female friends.
Until one of the girls goes missing, and the bodies start piling up. In spite of the rules these crimes introduce to the academy, Audrey Rose is determined to find out what's really going on. She needs to figure out if Prince Dracula has really returned to exact a vengeful plan, or if the killer is another human monster hellbent on their own agenda...
Wow! Okay. Let me just take a deep breath so I can say: THIS BOOK IS AWESOME! I mean it. This sequel is not a formulaic follow-up. It not only stands on its own very capable feet, but enhances Stalking Jack the Ripper in so many unexpected ways.
I loved how Audrey Rose is still determined to pursue her interest in forensic medicine, even after what happened to her family. The ripples from that event continue to cause her pain, fill her with suspicion, makes her second guess herself and even tricks her mind into seeing things that aren't there. Her struggle with grief is so sad, and how Thomas tries to help ends up frustrating everyone involved.
Still, these two are adorable in their constant bickering, the way their minds complement each other, and their endless flirtation. They're so much fun to read. :)
Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell are not only perfect for each other (I ship them so hard), but they're also fast becoming one of my favourite detective teams. No matter how complicated things get, or how dangerous the situation, I love their tenacity to search for the truth.
And what a treat it was to meet Thomas's brazen and strong-willed sister, Daciana. Her story is intriguing, shrouded in suspicion and riveting. Just like Liza (who sadly is only present in letters) I can't wait to catch up with her and Ileana again.
Hunting Prince Dracula is another fantastic installment to this very charming gothic series. This book took me on an awesome dangerous, bloody ride through a very dark mystery with a fascinating conclusion. I loved how the story deals with Vlad the Impaler and all the folklore attached to Dracula. The description of winter in Romania is so vivid and dark that I could practically feel the malice inside and outside the castle.
I was once again intrigued to the point of sneaking in a little more reading whenever I could--which isn't an easy thing to do during a weekend where I watched Thor: Ragnarok and binged Stranger Things 2.
I was once again intrigued to the point of sneaking in a little more reading whenever I could--which isn't an easy thing to do during a weekend where I watched Thor: Ragnarok and binged Stranger Things 2.
This book is part Sherlock Holmes, with a tease of Dracula and a hint of Agatha Christie.
The historical pictures were as creepy as ever, and the way the letters were presented was also a nice touch.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Let me end my review with this very awesome Audrey Rose quote:
"I will gladly accept any and all books, however. A person can never have too much reading material."
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