Forensic science was significantly applied in 1888, when doctors in London, England, were allowed to examine the victims of Jack the Ripper for wound patterns.
Any other historical inaccuracies not mentioned were artistic liberties I took to enrich the world of Stalking Jack the Ripper and better serve my characters.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Without the help of the fiercest agent warrior in the world, Barbara Poelle, these acknowledgments wouldn’t exist. Thank you for unleashing Godzilla Bunny for me, B. We did it! To the entire team at IGLA for being the best agency. To Heather Shapiro for getting my book into the hands of readers across the world.
Huge thanks to my whip-smart editor and fellow Victorian dress enthusiast, Jenny Bak, for expert precision with making Audrey Rose’s story come to life. My book’s so much stronger because of you. I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on me and a cadaver-wrangling girl. Excited to see what new adventures Audrey Rose and Thomas take us on next! To Sasha Henriques, for comments that always made me smile. (Gruesome and sexy!)
To James Patterson for the amazing foreword, and for making me and my novel feel right at home with your imprint. JIMMY Patterson Books means the absolute world to me, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. To Tracy Shaw, whose gorgeous cover caused a flurry of exclamation points and dancing GIFs. To Erinn McGrath, for the exquisite publicity plan. Ned Rust, Sabrina Benun, Peggy Freudenthal, Katie Tucker, and the entire team at JIMMY Patterson Books and Little, Brown and Company—your hard work and dedication are truly humbling. I’ve had the best debut experience because of you all.
Mom and Dad, thank you for always encouraging me to reach for the stars (or scalpel or paintbrush or pen) and never thinking something was unattainable because of my gender. I know the word “impossible” can be broken down into “I’m possible” because of you both. Kelli, you’re my favorite sister. (Not because you’re my only sister.) Thanks for styling me with Dogwood Lane Boutique clothing for every event and for being my best friend. I’m so very proud of your accomplishments. Love all of you!
I dedicated this to Grandma but need to add this: My entire world is built on books and she laid the foundation. I can only hope that she would have adored this story—and the strong female who solved one of the biggest whodunits in history—as much as I do.
To the Belascos, Cuthbertstons, Diakakises, and Loews—love you! Paula, Jeff, Mike, Matt, Daniel, Anna, Juliet, Katie, and Ben, thank you for all the laughter and shared food. I’m blessed to know each of you. Jacquie, Alyssa, Shannon, and Beth—BFFs, always. There’s no place like home. To fur babies Toby, Miss Libby, and Oliver for their names.
My mews, Bella, for constantly keeping Mommy on track with writing and giving me the belly, and Gage for being adorable.
Early readers: Renée Ahdieh, A. G. Howard, and Leah Rae Miller, infinite thanks for your time and insight. Beta team extraordinaire: Kathy and Kelli Maniscalco and Ashlee Supinger, you’re the best. Critique partners Precy Larkins and Alex Villasante—my words and life are richer because of you. To Traci Chee, who, two weeks before Christmas, brainstormed like a complete badass—even though she was under her own deadline—and offered amazing notes and feedback. I’m thrilled to share this journey to publication with you. #goatwub to the goat posse who are the best writing group. The Sweet Sixteens—what a ride! To Stephanie Garber for being my BEA buddy—so happy we got to share the fun in Chicago. Dresses and comfy shoes forever!
Renée Ahdieh and Beth Revis, your blurbs made my life. Much love to you both!
Readers, book bloggers, librarians, booksellers, social media friends, and Ava + the Knights of Whitechapel: I owe you piles of gratitude for your incredible response! Thank you for rallying behind a scalpel-wielding girl who adores fancy dresses and justice for women. I’d pluck the stars from the skies for you.
Chris “Chri,” without your love and support this journey wouldn’t be nearly as sweet. Everything from my cat-lady tendency to my Stormtrooper dreams, floppy socks, and Shakespeare nerding-out are a little less weird because you get it. “Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, / But never doubt I love.” It’s not hard to deduce that you’re the bestest-er-est in my book now and always. (Which is why I saved you for last.)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a small town just outside of New York City, where her love of the arts was fostered from an early age. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats. Stalking Jack the Ripper is her debut novel, and it incorporates her love of forensic science and unsolved history.
For more information, visit Kerri online at kerrimaniscalco.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at KerriManiscalco or on Facebook at KerriManiscalcoAuthor.