alexa_gr's review against another edition
4.0
Es ist was für zwischendurch und ist nicht besonders "großartig", konnte mich von der Idee aber sehr gut überzeugen und bekommt deshalb 3,5 Sterne. Mir gefällt wie hier mehrere Genres miteinander vermischt werden. So fließen zum Beispiel Elemente von Krimis, Historik, Mythen und Übernatürliches mit in die Geschichte. Wenn man nicht zu viel davon erwartet, wird das Buch einen nicht enttäuschen.
lhanson2022's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Dark, but really good!
elizabethamarx's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read! I didn't know what to expect, all I knew is John Green had recommended it on his youtube channel. But it was awesome. It starts slow, introducing you to characters that are going to be around a while since it's only book one. Then the excitement starts when Ripper attacks. Characters are written well, I feel like I could connect with Rory. I couldn't put it down, I was in love by chapter 12, and sad to finish it. Can't wait for the other books
winona_reads3's review
4.0
maybe just under four stars? i like it! i want to see where the next books go.. wasn’t much of a cliff hanger as truly devious series
murderbot42's review
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I was interested at first, but it went downhill pretty fast. Once the stuff with the ghosts started happening (which, to be fair didn't start til about halfway through the book) the exposition went through the roof and my interest went from hovering pretty high to taking a skydive.
The last couple chapters I just skimmed and really phoned in cause I was so bored.
I wasn't even that intrigued by the answer to the Jack the Ripper mystery. ☹️
The last couple chapters I just skimmed and really phoned in cause I was so bored.
I wasn't even that intrigued by the answer to the Jack the Ripper mystery. ☹️
dlberglund's review
3.0
I was under the mistaken impression that this was historical fiction, taking place during the 1880s when Jack the Ripper did his damage. It then colored my reading somewhat to find it was actually modern paranormal fiction. Huh. Shift gears.
I liked the book, and thought that most of the people and places were well described and developed. One exception for me was the main character's roommate Jazza, who lost a dimension after the girls receive a third roommate. She just got flatter and flatter, after such a promising beginning.
I was unhappy with the ending as well. While it ends, it definitely gives itself away as the first in a series.
The story felt unique. It was an idea that I hadn't read before, didn't feel like a copy of the newest fad, and didn't feel overdone.
By the end, though, I had to take off a star in my rating because it was a little too violent for me. Duh, Jack the Ripper and all that, but...I couldn't read the book at night, and wanted to fast forward through some parts on the audiobook. People with more of a true love of horror will appreciate this book more than I could.
I liked the book, and thought that most of the people and places were well described and developed. One exception for me was the main character's roommate Jazza, who lost a dimension after the girls receive a third roommate. She just got flatter and flatter, after such a promising beginning.
I was unhappy with the ending as well. While it ends, it definitely gives itself away as the first in a series.
The story felt unique. It was an idea that I hadn't read before, didn't feel like a copy of the newest fad, and didn't feel overdone.
By the end, though, I had to take off a star in my rating because it was a little too violent for me. Duh, Jack the Ripper and all that, but...I couldn't read the book at night, and wanted to fast forward through some parts on the audiobook. People with more of a true love of horror will appreciate this book more than I could.
amy_inthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Apparently I'm one of few people who really liked this book, but I stand by my opinion! This was my first experience with Maureen Johnson, and I have to say that I really enjoy the way she writes; it appeals to a young audience in a way that sounds real, and doesn't feel like she's talking down. Everything in the book was well set up and flowed smoothly from one plot point to the next, peppered with information about the characters, the hype of the murders, the city of London, and of course Jack the Ripper.
I also appreciated that the main character, Rory, was written as an American with more on her mind than just, "oh my god, you guys call jackets jumpers?" or "let's take pictures in phone booths!" It can sometimes be painful reading about Americans abroad, but Johnson wrote it for what it was; a girl dealing with cultural differences in the best way she could find, trying to blend in rather than stick out like loud, rude American tourists often do.
This book might not be your cup of tea if you are looking for an intense psychological thriller. But as someone who picked it up on a whim from the library, I was riveted away to London with Rory and could not put it down. It keeps you guessing right up to the very end- and beyond!
I also appreciated that the main character, Rory, was written as an American with more on her mind than just, "oh my god, you guys call jackets jumpers?" or "let's take pictures in phone booths!" It can sometimes be painful reading about Americans abroad, but Johnson wrote it for what it was; a girl dealing with cultural differences in the best way she could find, trying to blend in rather than stick out like loud, rude American tourists often do.
This book might not be your cup of tea if you are looking for an intense psychological thriller. But as someone who picked it up on a whim from the library, I was riveted away to London with Rory and could not put it down. It keeps you guessing right up to the very end- and beyond!