Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

 This is review 2 for today.

This book has an absolutely gorgeous cover.  It was also highly recommended by our book vendor, Follett.  And it happens to be about one of my favorite serial killers, H.H. Holmes. 

That really didn't come out right...

H.H. Holmes was the Devil in the White City, which is the title of the Erik Larson book about him as well.  He killed numerous people in the famous Chicago Murder Castle he custom built next to the World's Fair.  There's also a strong suspicion he's actually Jack the Ripper.  H.H. Holmes disappears and reappears in the United States the exact same years Jack the Ripper was active in England.  History Channel did a series on it.

Anyway.

What I didn't realize is this is book 4 in a series, book 1 being about Jack the Ripper.  I was able to follow it, but I think I would've preferred reading at least book 1 if not all 3 first.  There were character developments that I really needed background info on to understand their motivations.  

Now, warning, this is pretty gruesome.  I wouldn't try to read it on a full stomach.  A goat is beheaded in the first few pages.  It's not for the faint of heart.  

Hope you are all safe and warm. 

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W. 

Foreshadow Pan and Suma, eds.

 I know.  I know.  I have been atrocious at keeping up with reviews.  Lotta stuff going on...

But, I have been reading.  So, this morning will be a two-fer.

First, Foreshadow.  This is a short story collection, but it's different in most in that it is also a writer's craft text.  Each short story is by a new and upcoming YA author, introduced by a pillar in the genre--think Jason Reynolds, Becky Albertalli, Nicola Yoon, and Laurie Halse Anderson to name a few.  Then there is a writing prompt, utilizing a technique from the short story.

I loved this.  I can honestly say I liked every single short story, and I truly wanted to write along with the prompts afterwards. I literally emailed Mrs. Bennett, our ELA Coordinator, and our English Department Chair Ms. Deninger to recommend it.

I will be donating this on Monday! Stay safe and warm everyone!

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.