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Shades of London, Book 1: The Name of the Star
By: Maureen Johnson
YA, Supernatural Mystery/Thriller

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.

I won this book as an ARC back in June from the Librarything Early Reviewers program. You can hardly understand my excitement. I love Maureen Johnson. Maureen Johnson is one of my INSPIRATIONS. And I’m happy to report that she hasn’t failed to deliver. The Name of the Star was released last week and if you have the funds or the library access, I highly recommend picking it up.

The Bermudez Triangle is one of my favorite books by Maureen Johnson, if not my number one favorite in the entire field of queer YA. The Name of the Star comes close to topping it on my list of favorite MJ books. I can’t praise this book enough. It’s books like this that keep me in the paranormal YA genre even when I feel like I’m burnt out—it’s original and funny, thrilling and well-plotted, and just the right amount of eccentric.