The Name of the Star by Maureen JohnsonPages: 372
Grade: 8+ (some violence)
Description: (from Goodreads) 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.
Thoughts: I just have to say that I love Maureen Johnson. If you don't follow her on Twitter, you should - she's hilarious.
The Name of the Star did not disappoint me. It's a fun, witty, fast paced, ghost/detective story.
I really loved how London plays a major roll in The Name of the Star. Johnson does such a good job of making the city itself a main character. She incorporates the modern and historical London flawlessly into this murder mystery. London is one of my favorite cities, so anytime she's a character in a book (and done well) I'm almost always a fan.
There's just enough ghost stuff in this book to satisfy the paranormal crowd, but the bulk of the book is actually devoted to the murder mystery (thriller/mystery fans rejoice). All of the typical YA boarding school stuff is present - boyfriends, roommates, a snotty nemesis, but The Name of the Star keeps it all fresh with a gruesome murder mystery.
One thing I love about Maureen Johnson's work (and her twitter stream) is her wit. She's always funny. The Name of the Star is no exception. Rory's internal dialogue is always humorous, even in its most serious moments. Johnson even managed a subtle crack at Twilight which literally made me spit out my soda. It's not everyday a murder mystery/horror story can make a reader snort Ginger Ale through their nose - that alone is worth an extra star.
I'm excited that this is a new series. I really enjoyed the world and Rory - I can't wait to read more! Before you groan about another series, this one works as a stand alone book. There are no big cliff hangers at the end so you can read it and never come back and be okay.
Smart, funny, spooky, and an all around good murder mystery with a fun YA paranormal twist.
