The Name of the Star

Maureen Johnson

Book 1 in the series:Shades of London

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modern day jack the ripper copycat murder mystery

ghost seeing ability

contemporary london boarding school

suspenseful paranormal events

witty and engaging writing style

government conspiracies

fast paced plot

distinct personalities of characters

young adult paranormal mystery

humorous one liners

initial setup and rising tension

engaging climax

Rory Deveaux, a teenager from Louisiana, moves to London to attend a boarding school where she becomes entangled in a modern-day Jack the Ripper copycat murder mystery. Rory's unique ability to see ghosts leads her to be the only witness to the crimes, putting her in grave danger as she tries to unravel the truth behind the murders. The book is a blend of suspense, paranormal events, and government conspiracies, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as witty, engaging, and full of humorous one-liners that add depth to the characters and the storyline.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities that enhance the story.

Writing/Prose:

Johnson's writing style is characterized by humor and engaging prose that draws readers in.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Rory, an American girl in London facing copycat murders of Jack the Ripper while discovering her ability to see ghosts.

Setting:

The setting is a contemporary London boarding school, enhancing the story's atmosphere.

Pacing:

Pacing is a blend of initial setup followed by rising tension that culminates in an engaging climax.

IF YOU LIVE AROUND NEW ORLEANS AND THEY THINK a hurricane might be coming, all hell breaks loose. Not among the residents, really, but on the news. The news wants us to worry desperately about hurrica...

Notes:

The Name of the Star is set in a London boarding school and involves a Jack the Ripper copycat killer.

Rory, the protagonist, is from Louisiana and brings her Southern humor to the story.

The book incorporates both historical facts about Jack the Ripper and paranormal elements, including ghost police.

The story explores themes of fear and the psychological impact of being involved in a murder investigation.

The characters are relatable and have distinct personalities, which many readers found endearing.

Rory has a unique ability to see ghosts after a near-death experience, setting her apart from other characters.

The book is praised for its humor, suspense, and engaged writing style by Maureen Johnson.

Readers appreciated the gradual build-up of suspense and the unexpected twists in the plot, especially towards the ending.

The ending is described as a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for the sequels.

The novel blends the genres of mystery, thriller, and young adult fiction, making it appealing to a wide audience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains descriptions of violence and murder, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

New York Times bestseller Maureen Johnson takes on Jack the Ripper in this captivating paranormal thriller!

The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him-the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Ratings (12)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (38):

Read It (14)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (17)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

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About the Author:

Maureen Johnson is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many young adult novels, including the very murderous Shades of London series and the Stevie Bell mysteries: Truly Devious, The Vanishing Stair, The Hand on the…

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