The Name of the Star

By Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson represents a change of direction for the author who is venturing for the first time into paranormal fiction for teens. Thankfully she avoids the usual clichés of the genre; i.e. vampires and angels. Instead Maureen has brought Jack the Ripper back from the dead.

The book is witty and well-written and offers some genuinely frightening moments.

The main character; American teenager Rory is a gorgeous creation fizzing with intelligence and energy but feeling lonely and isolated in a new country and at a new school, she attempts to form friendships with wise cracking and the author gives her some sparkling dialogue. The villain remains a constant threatening presence however and the menace grows throughout. I was delighted to discover that this title is only the first in a series and look forward to more in the near future.

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond