The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Published: September 2011

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Pages: 372
Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:


The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events 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. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory 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.

Review:
I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this title.  I mean, who doesn't like a little slash and kill Rippermnia to break up the dystopian, supernatural, apocalyptic reads?  I have to admit that this was my first book by Maureen Johnson.  I follow her on Twitter and I'm not sure how she fits writing books into the time she puts into her Twitter conversations.  She's like a Twitterholic.  Hilarious gal with lots of spunk.  This seemed to take a bit of a turn from her regular teen literature/contemporary/coming of age titles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this title novel.  Every once in awhile I love reading books that are a little creepy and I must admit that this did have a decent creep factor. On a side note, I kept picturing John from Sanctuary (TV series) every time the Ripper was mentioned.  Did anyone else experience this?  (BTW, Sanctuary is another great series if you're a little sci fi closet geekish like myself).  If you are a bit squeamish, there are a few scenes that are not appropriate for the more graphic imaginations.  Overall though, I found that Ms. Johnson's writing was descriptive, humorous and entirely entertaining.  Two thumbs up for me on this read!