The Name of the Star
By: Maureen Johnson
I picked up this book at BEA quite on happenstance. Having never read one of Maureen Johnson's books (I know...), I really wasn't sure what to expect. Maureen was very kind in the signing line, and even did a short interview for me for Armchair BEA. She also sent me an email after the signing thanking me for coming by. Very classy.
Rory Deveaux arrives in London to attend boarding school on the day that a series of gruesome murders occur that mimic the historic "Jack the Ripper" killings. In the beginning, Rory only watches the seemingly interesting spectacle from afar, being busy with school, learning a new culture, and all. But, she is soon tossed right into the thick of things as being the only person to see the suspected killer.
Since picking up Name of the Star at BEA, I did read 13 Little Blue Envelopes since it had a brief free stint for e-book. And, I've decided that the thing I particularly enjoy about Maureen's writing is her descriptions of locations and cultures. The Name of the Star takes place at a London boarding school, and like another boarding school that I am so fond of (Hogwarts), I really wished that I could be there, taking double periods of
There is a tad bit of violence in the book that younger readers may find unsavory. There is also some underage drinking among the students. (Though it isn't underage in England, and everything they do is perfectly legal).
If you like Maureen Johnson's previous work, reading about foreign lands (if you don't live in England, of course), and ghost stories, definitely pick this one up.
I just finished this one yesterday and I really enjoyed it! Loved all the different aspects of it, and the characters too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed it! I'm still waiting to pick this one up, thanks for your review! :)
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to this one! I haven't read anything by Maureen Johnson yet - but I did pick up 13 little blue envelopes last week and am planning to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review.
I can't remember if this one is on my TBR list or not...I'm off to go check.
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested in reading this as it seems to be a much more serious venture for Johnson than her other endeavors. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI've actually decided I like the new review format! Jack the Ripper? Violence? I need to read this book!!!
ReplyDeleteI have this one in my TBR - I keep seeing good reviews. I need to bump it up :)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say I really like the new format. It feels much more like friends chatting about a book. And it makes me want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good one. I haven't read any of Maureen's books, so I need to!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Maureen wonderful?! I got to meet her at LeakyCon in April and she was just so sweet and funny and a pleasure to listen to as she bemoaned her earliest attempts at writing.
ReplyDeleteI soooo cannot wait for this book to come out. I'm a *huge* Jack the Ripper fan (scary, isn't it?) and this book serious hits all my Want This Now buttons!
Smiles!
Lori
P.S.- Hi from a new follower!
I already have this book on my wishlist. I'm so glad that another person has liked this book. I have nit read any of her books either and I missed 13 little blue envelopes when it was free but heard it was fantastic. Waiting until I can spend mire money on books and get rid of some of the books and ebooks that I already own.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one. It's the first of Maureen Johnson's books that I've read. Loved the mix of humor with the tension and I also enjoyed the absence of any love triangle. London is my favorite city , I visit every other year, and it was fun for me to be able to share some of Rory's experiences as an outsider in a foreign land.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing and reading a lot about this one—not to mention the fact that Amazon keeps telling me I'll like it. I think I'll wait for it to be available from the library rather than buy it, though.
ReplyDeleteLove the new review style! This book intrigues me. I have never read a good mystery book, so maybe I'll start with this one. Do they really not have a drinking age limit in England?
ReplyDeleteI might be among the minority that hasn't read Maureen's books! (Though I love reading her tweets) This was a lovely review and I'm really intrigued by the setting. Very interesting spin on a gruesome topic.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! I got to meet Maureen Johnson (I should say stalk her) in New Orleans at ALA, and she is hilarious! I'm sticking with the story that she invited me to the party via twitter and that's all I'm saying about the party crashing MJ led me and a friend to do.
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