Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Name of the Star summary
Brief summary
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is a gripping mystery novel set in London. It follows teenager Rory, who becomes involved in a series of Jack the Ripper copycat murders, uncovering supernatural secrets along the way.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Name of the Star
Summary of key ideas
Unusual Circumstances
In The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, we are introduced to Rory Deveaux, a young girl from Louisiana who moves to London to attend a boarding school. Her arrival coincides with a series of gruesome murders that mimic the infamous Jack the Ripper killings. Despite the unsettling circumstances, Rory tries to adjust to her new life, navigating the complexities of British culture and making new friends.
As the Ripper copycat murders continue, the city is thrown into panic and the school implements strict safety measures. Rory finds herself drawn to the mystery of the crimes and the strange, seemingly invisible figure she keeps seeing near the crime scenes. She also becomes involved with a group of students who are studying the paranormal, and they introduce her to the concept of "shades" – beings that are neither living nor dead.
Unveiling the Mystery
Driven by curiosity, Rory starts investigating the Ripper copycat killings. She begins to suspect that the man she keeps seeing is the actual murderer, and that he might be a shade – a ghostly being that can only be seen by those with a certain gift. Her theory is further supported when she is attacked by the Ripper copycat himself, confirming her suspicions.
As the attacks escalate, the police are unable to make headway, and the city is gripped by fear. Rory and her friends take it upon themselves to stop the killer. They devise a plan to lure him out and use their knowledge of the paranormal to confront him. Their plan, however, goes awry, and the killer escapes, leaving Rory injured and her friends in shock.
Revelations and Resolutions
Rory's injuries leave her in a coma, during which she has an otherworldly experience. She learns that she has the ability to vanquish shades, a power that she unknowingly used to save herself during the confrontation with the Ripper copycat. This revelation sheds light on why she was able to see him when no one else could.
When Rory wakes from her coma, she is hailed as a hero for her bravery during the attack. The killer is eventually captured, but not before he claims another victim. As the city starts to recover from the ordeal, Rory comes to terms with her newfound abilities and the dangers that come with them. She also realizes the extent of her feelings for one of her friends, and the novel ends with a hint of romance amidst the lingering sense of danger.
Concluding Thoughts
In The Name of the Star, Maureen Johnson skillfully blends the eerie atmosphere of a ghost story with the tension of a murder mystery. The book offers a unique take on the Jack the Ripper legend, infusing it with a supernatural twist. The protagonist, Rory, is a relatable and engaging character, and her journey of self-discovery amid the chaos of the Ripper copycat killings is both captivating and suspenseful. With its clever plot and memorable characters, The Name of the Star is a thrilling start to a series that promises more paranormal adventures.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Name of the Star about?
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is a gripping mystery novel that takes place in modern-day London. When a series of brutal murders mimicking the infamous Jack the Ripper killings start occurring, 16-year-old American student Rory discovers that she can see things no one else can. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a secret society and a dangerous truth about her own abilities.
The Name of the Star Review
The Name of the Star (2011) by Maureen Johnson brings a thrilling blend of mystery and the supernatural to life in the bustling streets of London. Here's why this book is a page-turner:
- Boasting a gripping plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- Through engaging characters and eerie atmospheres, the book creates a sense of unease and excitement that lingers long after you've finished reading.
- Its unique mix of crime-solving intrigue and ghostly encounters ensures that boredom is never on the table, making it a compelling and exciting read.
Who should read The Name of the Star?
Readers who enjoy young adult fiction with a mix of mystery and the supernatural
Those interested in stories set in London with a focus on its history and culture
People who appreciate well-developed and relatable teenage characters
Categories with The Name of the Star
Book summaries like The Name of the Star
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Name of the Star FAQs
What is the main message of The Name of the Star?
Supernatural mysteries unfold at a London school in The Name of the Star.
How long does it take to read The Name of the Star?
Reading time for The Name of the Star varies, but the Blinkist summary requires only a few minutes.
Is The Name of the Star a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Name of the Star is intriguing with a mix of mystery and suspense, making it a compelling read.
Who is the author of The Name of the Star?
The author of The Name of the Star is Maureen Johnson.
What to read after The Name of the Star?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Name of the Star, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher