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.”
