Thursday, November 3, 2011

Review: "The Name of the Star" by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Name of the Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2011

Rory is excited about spending her senior year at Wexford, a boarding school in London, instead of her hometown in Louisiana. It also happens to be right near where the Jack the Ripper murders occurred more than 120 years ago—and where they seem to be occurring again. Murders that are eerily similar to those committed by the Ripper are happening at the exact times and dates of the first murders, causing a morbid fascination and slight panic in the city. When Rory starts to see someone who no one else can, she thinks it's strange, but then he seems to be the prime suspect in the case—and she's his next target.

Let me just start this review by saying, every positive thing about this book you've read is dead on. This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I couldn't put it down once it started going and ended up going to bed at 4 in the morning. I don't remember the last time I actually stayed up to read a book, let alone finish one.

Setting is fantastic. I spent time in London when I was in school, so I was familiar with the places Johnson mentioned. And I really enjoyed the characters, especially Boo. She was so much fun.

Maureen Johnson writes excellent suspense, mystery and humor. I just love how great this whole thing was. I can't wait until the next Shades of London book comes out—I read the last sentence, going on to the next page for more only to be confronted with the acknowledgments. Which I did read, anyway, but MAN what a great way to end it. I'm so excited!

3 comments:

  1. Isn't it AMAZING? I loved it - even though I got creeped out while reading it :)

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  2. It is! I think part of the reason I stayed up to read was because I was scared to leave in the middle of it. I have already had a nightmare about it, a ghost was trying to kill me! And that was before I started reading it.

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  3. This is such a good book. I tend to like books that take place in England and have historical-turned-modern plots, I guess, like Avalon High.
    I like how Maureen Johnson writes different kimds of books too. Just something I've noticed. I've read these, 13 Little Blue Envelopes and the Last Little Blue Envelope, amd Suite Scarlett and Scarlett Fever, and read descriptions of the rest.

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