Hunting Prince Dracula is the second book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. This review will be spoiler-free.

Bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer…or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper’s true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, 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. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Dark. Twisted. Haunting. A thrilling mystery that will leave you guessing until the very last second.

It is rare that a sequel is as good as the first book, but I dare to say this one is actually better! I loved the first book in this series, but this book was perfect. I loved everything about it.

Audrey Rose and Thomas. This story picks up just after the events of the first book and we follow this daring pair through a new adventure that puts them in danger every step of the way. We watch as their friendship grows and evolves.

I love Thomas so much. He is awkward but in the most adorable way. He tries to hard to do what is right and what is best for Audrey, but it never seems to get it right. He isn’t the type of male lead I normally fall for, but there is just something about him. And he is perfect for Audrey Rose.

This book was packed with fully-rounded side characters as well. Daciana. Nicolae. Ileana, Moldoveanu. Anastasia. Radu. Each of these characters shone in their own way. They were unique and full of spirit. I knew they each had their personality and backstory.

The world that was created in this book was amazing. I have no idea how much of the scenery and history is accurate, but I don’t care. It felt real. I could see the castle and the woods. I was with them in the tunnels. The description was done so well. I was given just enough detail to see the world without feeling bogged down with too long passages.

As for the mystery itself, it kept me guessing! I was on the edge of my seat as I flew through the pages. It didn’t even have a guess as to who was the murderer until I was over halfway through the book. And I was wrong! I did not see that person coming, which was amazing! It is rare for me to be taken by surprise like that.

It will come to as no surprise that I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars and HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. I think that Maniscalco is extremely talented. If this series continues the way it’s going, it will be on my all-time favorites list and Maniscalco is already on my author to watch list!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐