We had a few questions after we finished reading Escaping from Houdini. Luckily, author Kerri Maniscalco was kind enough to answer them!
Escaping from Houdini, the third installment of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, is one of the most anticipated YA fantasy novels this fall. The series follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a young girl with a passion for forensic science in the Victorian Era, as she solves murders with the help of her beau, Thomas Cresswell.
We got the chance to ask Kerri some questions that we were dying to know after finishing Escaping from Houdini. As always, Kerri didn’t disappoint with her behind-the-scenes look at what did and didn’t make it into the book, as well as deeper insights into her characters’ choices within the pages of the series.
1. First was Jack the Ripper, then came Dracula. What inspired you to tackle Houdini (who wasn’t a historical criminal/killer like those previous two) next?
Haha, I like to keep readers guessing! Honestly, I’d planned for Audrey Rose and Thomas to investigate a murder-filled carnival in the second book. (Because who isn’t terrified of actual killer clowns?!) After talking with my editor, we decided to shift that subject to book three. Back then I’d envisioned using Tesla as the main historical figure, but there’s a movie that features him and a carnival, so I started researching Houdini instead. I had fun using Houdini’s title as the escape king as a play on words in the book’s title. Our fearless characters are trying to escape this ship with their lives, and Audrey Rose is also hoping one character will escape from Houdini’s romantic clutches…
My biggest reason for using Houdini was to avoid spoiling the murderer, though. (The real-life killer is lesser known, and any Googling would have ruined the grand reveal.)
2. The first two novels in the series were very history and lore-heavy, where ‘Escaping from Houdini’ feels more mystical and dark arts-focused. How did your research and writing process change from those first two novels to this one?
Great question! Audrey Rose’s father crafts mechanical toys, and it’s something she’s always been fascinated by. In this story, I was excited to explore the engineering side of science and math along with forensics. Research included learning the science/mechanics behind magic tricks, which was a huge challenge since magicians don’t really want their illusions shattered. Spoiler alert: I am ABYSMAL at the snap change card trick mentioned in the book.
3. Up until ‘Houdini,’ Audrey Rose defied most of the morals of the period but still had a less than progressive mindset when it came to romantic rendezvous. What was the reasoning behind the sudden tactile shift between Thomas and Audrey Rose in ‘Escaping from Houdini’?
One of the biggest reasons is pretty simple; she’s only known Thomas for four months by the start of Escaping From Houdini. I also wanted to weave the magic, mischief and mayhem the Moonlight Carnival promises into each aspect of this book. That decision included Audrey Rose letting go a bit—she’s always such a serious person, it was great to see her live a little for once. She’s GREAT at following her head with work, but it was rewarding to see her follow her heart too.
Escaping From Houdini starts off with her feeling more confident about Thomas and trusting that he won’t cage her, and it frees her in a way to express that more physically with him.
Also, I think Audrey Rose’s strong moral compass is where most of the inner turmoil begins as complications arise. She has the tiniest doubt about her feelings, and questions everything she thought she knew or wanted. Cue the chaos ☺
4. Audrey Rose and Thomas told each other they wouldn’t lie to one another but, in ‘Escaping From Houdini,’ if feels like all Audrey Rose did was lie to Thomas. How much of the trust that Thomas Cresswell had in Audrey Rose was broken by the end of ‘Escaping From Houdini’? Is all forgiven moving forward?
One of my favorite aspects of writing this was exploring the real dangers people face when they go undercover. Escaping From Houdini delves into morally gray area — Audrey Rose is put in an impossible position, pitted against two people she loves. (I can’t say who the second person is since it’s a spoiler, but it’s not a potential love interest.)
Before she goes through with it, she *does* tell Thomas what her plan is, but for the first time, he isn’t on board with her decision. This is a pivotal moment for Audrey Rose. She can either sacrifice what she truly believes is the right thing to do in favor of listening to him, or she can follow her gut, even if it means possibly losing Thomas.
It’s important to point out that this is an incredible look into Thomas’s character too — it’s easy to fall in love with a romantic lead when they say all the right things. But seeing those words in action is something else entirely. Someone’s true character comes out when they’re tested, and this book is an emotional journey as much as a literal one.
5. One can truly never have enough of Thomas Cresswell. We have to know: What did Thomas do all day long as Audrey Rose practiced with the Moonlight Carnival?
Haha oh man. Since Audrey Rose was practicing before sunrise, I imagine he was thinking of witticisms to impress her with. Who knows? Maybe he was also sewing sequins onto his waistcoats. It wouldn’t surprise me at all :)
6. Our hearts repeatedly broke for Thomas as he stood by watching as Audrey grow closer to Mephistopheles and told her that he loved her too much to ever hold her back from anything that she truly wanted. What was your reasoning for bringing in a love triangle (especially right after the events of ‘Dracula’)?
***I want to put a minor spoiler warning on this question and answer. Definitely don’t read on if you haven’t read Escaping From Houdini yet!***
This is SUCH a tough question because while we all ADORE Thomas, this is ultimately Audrey Rose’s journey. They first meet on August 30, 1888 and this book opens on New Year’s Day, 1889. It’s just four short months! Even though they’re heading toward a serious commitment at the end of HPD, having a moment of doubt is realistic, especially given Audrey Rose’s deep-seated fear of being governed by someone else. (They also still need her father’s permission before they’re officially together, and there’s a WHOLE bunch of business-type things that have to be settled before a betrothal is announced or accepted. Totally romantic, right?!)
I also kind of hesitate to call it an actual love triangle. It’s an illusion, but playing pretend can lead to doubt — something that Audrey Rose has been plagued with since Stalking Jack the Ripper.
In SJTR, readers learn she’s afraid of being caged — whether it’s through a relationship, or from society imposing its restrictions on women. She’s always believed all people should have a choice to live, love, and pursue their passions without judgement. Giving her the right to choose who to share her life or body with is just as important, if not more so, as allowing her the freedom to pursue her career.
Thomas stands out here not because of the poor Thomas thing, but because he *finally* has the chance to put his words into actions. He’s repeatedly told Audrey Rose he will support her, which is great, but seeing that unfold? It made me love him even more! My own heart ached writing some of those scenes, but I also wanted to hug him for showing Audrey Rose that she’s free to choose without him using guilt or manipulation to get his way.
Yeah…I could clearly go on forever, but I’m as proud of his reactions to Audrey Rose as I am of her decision to go undercover.
7. Can we expect to see any of the characters we met in this third novel in the final installment? (Or is there anything else you can tease those of us dying of anticipation?)
I’m going to be a really evil author and say I can’t say anything for sure! I will admit some characters from all three previous books may make an appearance in book four. Murder. Betrayal (intentional or maybe unexpected). Romance. Mystery. Heart-pounding action and lots of suspense. It’s (hopefully) going to be an epic and satisfying finale to this series. I’m SUPER excited to share more in the new year!
Related: Escaping From Houdini review: Mischief, murder, and misdirection abound!
Also related: Escaping from Houdini showcases perils of going undercover
