Review // The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson

Published - 29th September 2011
Published By - HarperCollins
Format - Paperback 
Goodreads Synopsis - "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.

I found Maureen Johnson through nerdfighteria and John Green so I knew that this book was going to be right up my street. I had no preconceived ideas of Johnson's writing styles as this is the first book by her that I have read (with the exception of a short story in Let it Snow). I'm pleased to say that The Name of the Star gets a big thumbs up from me!


I was pulled in instantly as the POV comes from the main character, Rory, and she was just so likeable from the start. In fact, all of the characters were well written, new, sassy and had their own personalities rather than just being back burner characters.


There were a lot of twists throughout, too. I'm usually quite good at guessing where a story is going to go but surprisingly enough, I was wrong more than once! I loved that Rory's 'abilities' as the blurb says, come from a simple incident that I at least, paid little attention to and thought nothing of it. Definitely one of the best bits for me. 


I am so looking forward to the next Shades of London book from Johnson, especially after that shocking revelation at the end! Recommended.