Kerri Maniscalco’s bibliography divides neatly into two worlds. One is a completed YA historical mystery series centered on Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell. The other is a dark fantasy universe that begins with a trilogy and continues with adult romantasy standalones about the demon Princes of Hell.
Because these worlds do not overlap, the main decision for readers is simply which tone they want first: Victorian murder mystery or dark fantasy romance.
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The two main series at a glance
Stalking Jack the Ripper – A finished four-book YA mystery series set in the late 1800s.
Kingdom of the Wicked – A completed fantasy trilogy that later expands into the Prince of Sin adult novels.
You do not need to read one universe to understand the other.
Stalking Jack the Ripper Series
- Stalking Jack the Ripper (2016): Audrey Rose Wadsworth secretly studies forensic science and becomes involved in the investigation of the infamous Whitechapel murders, beginning both the mystery series and her partnership with Thomas Cresswell.
- Hunting Prince Dracula (2017): Audrey Rose travels to Romania to study at a forensic academy, only to become entangled in a new series of murders connected to dark local legends.
- Escaping from Houdini (2018): A luxury ocean liner voyage turns deadly when performers and passengers begin dying, creating a locked-ship mystery with a theatrical backdrop.
- Capturing the Devil (2019): Audrey Rose and Thomas investigate killings linked to the Chicago World’s Fair, bringing the series’ larger mysteries and relationships to their conclusion.
Optional Thomas Cresswell Novellas
These short stories add character perspective but are not required for understanding the main plot.
- Meeting Thomas Cresswell (2018): A novella told from Thomas’s perspective that explores his early encounters with Audrey Rose and his fascination with forensic investigation.
- Becoming the Dark Prince (2019): Another Thomas-focused story that takes place during the events of Escaping from Houdini, giving additional insight into his motives and feelings.
Recommended order for this series
- Stalking Jack the Ripper
- Hunting Prince Dracula
- Escaping from Houdini
- Becoming the Dark Prince (optional)
- Capturing the Devil
- Meeting Thomas Cresswell (optional anytime after book one)
Publication order works best because the relationship development and overarching mystery gradually build across the books.
Kingdom of the Wicked Trilogy
- Kingdom of the Wicked (2020): Emilia investigates the murder of her twin sister in Sicily and forms a dangerous alliance with Wrath, one of the demon Princes of Hell.
- Kingdom of the Cursed (2021): Emilia enters the demon world itself, where alliances shift and her relationship with Wrath becomes far more complicated.
- Kingdom of the Feared (2022): The trilogy concludes with Emilia confronting the truth about her identity and the political power struggles among the demon princes.
This trilogy tells a complete story and should always be read in order.
Prince of Sin Series
These adult romantasy novels take place in the same world as Kingdom of the Wicked, but each focuses on a different Prince of Hell and a new romantic storyline.
- Throne of the Fallen (2023): Prince Envy becomes entangled with a mysterious woman named Camilla Antonius in a dangerous magical heist involving cursed artifacts.
- Throne of Secrets (2024): Prince Gluttony takes center stage as court politics and forbidden attraction complicate life within the demon realms.
- Throne of Nightmares (2026): The third installment follows Prince Sloth and continues expanding the darker adult side of the series world.
These books function mostly as standalones, but reading them in order provides a clearer picture of the wider political and magical landscape.
Recommended Reading Order
If you want to read everything Kerri Maniscalco has written, this sequence keeps the worlds clear and avoids spoilers.
- Stalking Jack the Ripper
- Hunting Prince Dracula
- Escaping from Houdini
- Becoming the Dark Prince (optional)
- Capturing the Devil
- Kingdom of the Wicked
- Kingdom of the Cursed
- Kingdom of the Feared
- Throne of the Fallen
- Throne of Secrets
- Throne of Nightmares
The two universes do not overlap, so you could also read the fantasy books first if that genre appeals more.
Standalone or Alternate Starting Points
Best entry for mystery readers: Stalking Jack the Ripper
A strong introduction to Maniscalco’s gothic style and investigative storytelling.
Best entry for fantasy readers: Kingdom of the Wicked
This launches the demon mythology and leads directly into the Prince of Sin books.
Best entry for romantasy readers: Throne of the Fallen
It can be read on its own, though the trilogy provides helpful background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to read Kingdom of the Wicked before the Prince of Sin books?
Not strictly, but it helps. The trilogy introduces the demon princes and the structure of their world.
Is the Stalking Jack the Ripper series finished?
Yes. The four novels form a complete story, with two optional companion novellas.
Are the mystery books connected to the fantasy books?
No. They are completely separate universes.
Which series is more romance-focused?
The Prince of Sin books lean more heavily into romantasy, while the Stalking Jack the Ripper books focus more on mystery with a slow-burn relationship.
The Short Version
If you want the gothic mystery path, start with Stalking Jack the Ripper and read the quartet in order.
If you want the fantasy path, start with Kingdom of the Wicked, finish the trilogy, and then continue with the Prince of Sin novels.
Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.