The Name of the Starby Maureen Johnson
★★★★
Rory, a Louisiana native, moves to England with her parents and begins life in a boarding school. At the same time a serial killer is making his way around London, mimicking the style of Jack the Ripper with his murders.
One part Anna and the French Kiss and one part Torchwood, this YA book was really fun. I picked it up when I was in a bit of a slump and blew threw it in a day. It’s a light and fun book with a fast moving plot. It’s also the first in a series. The “twist” was very predictable from early on, but not in a bad way. I wasn’t expecting to be shocked by a big reveal and I just enjoyed the pacing.
I loved how Johnson worked the historical facts of the Ripper case into the story seamlessly. It never felt forced and it was interesting to learn more about the case. The last time I was in London I took a Jack the Ripper night tour and I couldn’t help remember that while reading this book.
BOTTOM LINE: English boarding schools, the impending threat of murder, unexplained occurrences and a teenage crush, all around a really entertaining read. I’ll keep my eye out for the sequels at the library.
“Fear can't hurt you," she said. "When it washes over you, give it no power. It's a snake with no venom. Remember that. That knowledge can save you.”
10 comments:
Sounds like a fun book! I've been wanting to read a Maureen Johnson and now I know which novel I'm going to start with! Great review :)
At first I thought you were reviewing the Umberto Eco book! I haven't read it, but I've seen the rather disturbing film and played the board game.
This sounds like a fun, quick read. I hate reading slumps! They can be so hard to get out of. :(
I've got a book & fashion link up going on today - I'd love for you to check it out!
http://abibliophilesstyle.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/thoughtful-third-thursday-february-2014/
I haven't read Maureen Johnson but her reputation is outstanding! One day. One day.
Kat - This was my first book by her too.
abibliophilesstyle - I've actually read that book. There's no monks in this one!
Andi - I keep hearing good things about her 13 Envelopes book too.
Glad to see this one with four stars Melissa! I've had my eye on it for quite some time. I haven't read anything by Johnson but I know she's a YA favorite.
Hi Melissa,
I enjoyed this one too. Not my normal genre, but I ended up liking it for many of the same reasons you describe. I've also recommended it to many friends who are avid readers, but not as into classics or "literature" as I am. Haven't had any complaints yet. :-)
-Jay
I have been meaning to read this since it came out and it just hasn't happened yet!
Trish - I'd been hearing about her for so long!
bibliophilica - It's nice to pick something outside of your comfort zone sometimes, it feels very fresh.
Kailana - It's a fun one!
I have this book and need to read it. The funny part is I got it hoping it would be dark and creepy. Do you think it is?
Www.thebrokenshelf.com
Johannah - It's definitely got a creepy element, it is about a serial killer, but it's not overly dark. It's scary, but not horror.
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