Picture an American storyteller who spun gothic chills and historical thrills into Young Adult gold—meet Kerri Maniscalco! With her spellbinding Stalking Jack the Ripper series, she’s hooked readers worldwide, blending forensic science, mystery, and a dash of the paranormal. Her vivid prose and fearless heroines have made her a standout in YA fiction, inviting fans to step into hauntingly atmospheric worlds.
Born and raised in a semi-haunted house outside New York City, Maniscalco’s fascination with eerie settings and dark tales took root early. Today, her books, translated into over twenty languages and racking up hundreds of millions of TikTok views, prove she’s a literary force. Ready to dive into her shadowy universe?
The Making of Kerri Maniscalco
Kerri Maniscalco grew up in the Hudson Valley, where her imagination thrived in a home she describes as semi-haunted. Her grandmother’s storytelling and her father’s chiropractic work sparked her love for narratives and anatomy, laying the groundwork for her forensic-focused tales. Studying Fine Art and Communication Design in New York City, she honed her creative voice. Her debut, Stalking Jack the Ripper, burst onto the scene in 2016, launching her career as a YA sensation.
Maniscalco’s early influences—Shel Silverstein’s whimsical poetry and Stephen King’s chilling horror—shaped her knack for blending heart and suspense. A self-proclaimed foodie, she also runs a food blog, sharing recipes when she’s not crafting novels or sipping tea with her cats.
Kerri Maniscalco’s Unforgettable Stories
Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series, a four-book saga, follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a Victorian-era teen with a passion for pathology. The series kicks off with Stalking Jack the Ripper (2016), where Audrey investigates gruesome murders in London’s East End. Its sequels—Hunting Prince Dracula, Escaping From Houdini, and Capturing the Devil—weave historical figures like Vlad the Impaler and H.H. Holmes into thrilling mysteries.
Her Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy, starting with Kingdom of the Wicked (2020), dives into dark fantasy. Set in 19th-century Italy, it follows witch Emilia di Carlo’s quest to avenge her sister’s murder, tangled with demon princes and forbidden romance. The series, a TikTok darling, hit #1 on The New York Times children’s series list. Maniscalco’s adult debut, Throne of the Fallen (2023), expands this universe with a steamy Prince of Sin saga.
Maniscalco’s style is a gothic cocktail—lush, atmospheric, and brimming with strong female leads. Her meticulous research into historical settings and forensic science grounds her fantastical plots, while her knack for romance adds sizzle. Whether it’s a blood-soaked crime scene or a demon’s seductive bargain, her stories grip readers from page one.
Why Kerri Maniscalco Matters
Kerri Maniscalco has redefined YA fiction by blending genres—historical, mystery, fantasy, and romance—into addictive narratives. Her heroines, like Audrey Rose and Emilia, inspire readers with their courage and complexity, challenging stereotypes in a genre often underestimated. Her TikTok popularity, with millions of views, has brought YA literature to new audiences, proving books can thrive in the digital age.
Maniscalco’s global reach, with translations in over twenty languages, reflects her universal appeal. By weaving forensics and feminism into gothic tales, she’s carved a niche that resonates with teens and adults alike, cementing her as a trailblazer in modern YA storytelling.
- Key Works: Stalking Jack the Ripper, Kingdom of the Wicked, Throne of the Fallen
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance
- Fun Fact: She’s a foodie who runs a recipe blog, sndwchestc.com
- Achievement: #1 New York Times bestselling author
About Kerri Maniscalco
Snag Kingdom of the Wicked or Stalking Jack the Ripper and dive into Kerri Maniscalco’s gothic thrills! Her worlds of mystery, romance, and fearless heroines await—perfect for a cozy, spine-chilling read.