April | 2013 | Such A Novel Idea

The Deets

author: Maureen Johnson

released: September 29, 2011

format: hard back, paper back, e-book, audiobook

pages: 400 pages

publisher: Speak; Reprint edition (Oct 2, 2012)

Read: April 28-9, 2013

Book Pages: Amazon.com • Goodreads.com • B&N.com

The Down-low

The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree 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–the only one who can see him. And now Rory has 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.. (from Goodreads.com)

Why You Should Buy It

Jack the Ripper returns! The most famous unsolved mystery is at the heart of this book. But there is also an American teenager trying to assimilate into the boarding school system of London, romance, and paranormal experiences. This book will capture your attention with the creepy factor, but keep you hooked with humor and wit that only someone like Maureen Johnson can provide.

My Thoughts

This is another book I’ve been thinking of reading for a long time. I think the original cover kept me away, it was not flattering at all! However, I decided to pick it up and was more than pleasantly surprised While it is different from Blue Envelopes, it has the same wit and charm that comes with a Maureen Johnson book. I could not stop laughing at the main character’s personality.

There are some parts that are a tad predictable, but that is to be expected in a young adult book. I read one review that stated they did not care for the romance part of the story, which I completely understand. I think this is probably because it is more real — awkward, confusing, and hormonal. This isn’t an Edward and Bella love fest, which is actually refreshing.

One criticism I have is that some important parts of the book seem glossed over or confusing. While it detracted my attention, I don’t think it compromised the integrity of the plot.

Without giving much away, I was impressed with how the story line built around the Ripper story, but had its own stand alone intrigue. If you are looking for something that includes International culture, an American outside of her element, and paranormal goodness, then this book is definitely for you!

Overall

Four out of Five Stars