The Name of the Star

by Maureen Johnson

When Rory's parents accept a teaching job in Bristol, England, she takes the opportunity to spend her senior year at a boarding school in London. As soon as she gets there, some strange murders begin to occur in the neighborhood around her school, which is the area where Jack the Ripper committed his terrible crimes years ago. The killer is recreating the Ripper's crimes, but when caught on video the knife is visible--the killer isn't. Rory finds herself in the middle of a bizarre world, where she can see ghosts, and one of them is trying to kill her.

Love me some Maureen Johnson! She's one of those writers who I imagine writes how she talks. She's witty, clever, and super sharp. This book is a rare treat. You'll laugh out loud at some parts, and be terrified a few minutes later. I also learned a few things about Jack the Ripper I didn't know, and I always find him fascinating. This is the first in a series, but even though there's a bit of a cliffhanger, the ending was still great. Definitely check this one out!