The Name of the Star (Shades of London, #1)

by Maureen Johnson

Thrilling ghost-hunting teen mystery as modern-day London is plagued by a sudden outbreak of brutal murders that mimic the horrific crimes of Jack the Ripper.

"A gorgeously written, chilling, atmospheric thriller. The streets of London have never been so sinister or so romantic." Cassandra Clare, author of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS

Sixteen-year-old American girl Rory has just arrived at boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat-killer begins terrorising the city. All the hallmarks of his infamous murders are frighteningly present, but there are few clues to the killer's identity.

"Rippermania" grabs hold of modern-day London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. In an unknown city with few friends to turn to, Rory makes a chilling discovery...

Could the copycat murderer really be Jack the Ripper back from the grave?

• ISBN10: 1101535695
• ISBN13: 9781101535691
• Publish Date: 1 September 2011
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Speak
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[Joni Reads]

I devoured this novel! I am a fan of murder mystery anything and so the fact that this book has to do with one of the most popular unsolved crimes in history was very intriguing to me.

I loved Rory's personality. She was so funny and she likable. Her roommate, Jazza, was also wonderful and they were a perfect fit.

I was so curious when Rory saw the murderer but her roommate didn't. I couldn't figure out what was going on. And then I realized that Rory's new ability is related to something very small that occurred at the very beginning of the novel. When it happened I didn't think twice about it. And then it turns out it was a very big part of the story.

I loved that this book wasn't easy to figure out. I always read books and figure out who the "bad guy" is as soon as they start hinting to who it is. So for this one to be a surprise to me was such a relief.

I am dying to read The Madness Underneath, the next book in this series.

This book was so good and I flew straight through and was sad when it ended. It was everything I expected and much more.

4.5

blog review: http://www.yainfatuation.blogspot.com/2011/12/name-of-star.html

So this is my first thriller/paranormal kinda book and I loved it! Like Holy crap…this is a creepy book!

First off, that plot? Super creepy! I’m not a big thriller and suspense fan to begin with so it really creeped me out! But in a good way! I was so immersed in the plot and story and I loved that the author picked Jack the Ripper because he was the killer that got away. He’s not some made up character. No, this crazy guy is REAL. Not to mention the fact that his murders weren’t exactly…clean. They are pretty gruesome. Yet, I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going to happen!


However, although the beginning was a little slow, I could deal with it because I liked Rory’s wry narration. I loved Rory and her dry, witty humor and Southern charm (Go South!). She could make me laugh even in times of danger. Her roommate Jazza is a roommate I hope I have in college! She was amazingly sweet and such a good friend who was always there fore her. Not to mention Boo (cool name by the way) who was crazy and awesome! Callum, the jock, was arrogant but sweet and I kinda liked him. But I love Stephen! I’m not even sure why (considering he doesn’t come in until halfway through). He was incredibly sweet and mature and kind. He had a good heart and I loved that about him. I really hope to see him even more in the second book!

Also, within the story, there are random changes of POV that instead of detracting from the story, actually made it more interesting. It was a good addition. Maureen Johnson did an excellent job of really digging into the background of the Ripper case and adding this to the book.

And that villain!! Now he’s a TRUE villain rating high on the creeper scale. Seriously, he just uber creepy which makes this an even greater book! I’ve seen some “villains” who are pretty low key, but not this one.

However, let me say this now, the romance sucks….like real bad. Probably because It can’t even be considered romance, more like making out just for the heck of it and I don’t like that. Sorry, its just not my thing. However, if thats alright with you then you won't mind at all! but If your looking for romance, a true romance, you won’t find it here.

Maureen Johnson executed this perfectly giving just the right amount of humor and suspense with a perfectly creepy villain. Although I was hesitant when I learned this is a trilogy, the ending is a perfect transition into it.