The Name of the Star-Inspired Look

On Monday I reviewed the book The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, a great October read that combines mystery with the supernatural (i.e., Jack the Ripper has come back from the dead).  So today's look is inspired by the Victorian time period and the dark mystery of this book.  Here it is!

 

A spooky but sophisticated look, right?

Here's the breakdown:

• The shirt...isn't is so Victorian looking?  I love the black color, the high neckline, the lace collar--this shirt is perfect for this look!
• Plum is a great color for this time period, so I added plum pants that aren't too skinny.
• Black heels--these are some awesome shoes that hype up the look.  Kind of gives an "I'm not messing around" feel to the outfit, don't you think?
• The accessories--pearl earrings to keep it time period-appropriate, a large black ring to heighten the mystery, and plum nails to color-coordinate. 

I love this look because it gives a mature yet mysterious interpretation of the days of Jack the Ripper.  What do you think?

Tomorrow I'm reviewing the sequel to The Name of the Star--it's called The Madness Underneath.  See you then!

REVIEW--The Name of the Star

Needing a spooky read for October?  I have a great series for you to try out!  Today's review is on The Name of the Star, the first in Maureen Johnson's Shades of London series.  A great choice as we gear up for Halloween!

A creepy but beautiful cover!

• Book 1 in the Shades of London series
• Supernatural/Mystery/Thriller

The Gist:

Rory, a Louisiana native, is attending boarding school in London while her parents work overseas.  Almost immediately following her arrival, a series of murders in London starts occurring, and every murder seems to mimic Jack the Ripper.  Because of a near death experience, Rory finds herself connected to the murders--and Jack the Ripper himself--in more ways than expected.  A mystery thriller with major supernatural twists thrown in!

What I Loved:

• Rory, the narrator, is very quippy and sarcastic.  I loved her voice!  A great example of this is my favorite quote down below.
• I loved the various points of view that were given throughout the book of the random people connected to the murders.  A spooky way of starting various chapters!
• Johnson does a great job of connecting the past and present in this book.  She really brought the history alive for me!
• The murders are pretty horrifying; perfect for October!  And do you know much about Jack the Ripper?  Horrifying murders to say the least!
• The characters are realistic--they're jealous, have crushes, etc.  

What I Didn't Love:

• Rory's parents...they're pretty much nonexistant.  They don't even help Rory with her school orientation.
• Rory's near death experience that allows her to connect with the supernatural--really?  It was a cheesy near death experience and seemed pretty minor.

My favorite quote:  "It didn't take a great deal of insight to know that Jazza was not going to want to go to a crime scene that evening.  She was, to use the vernacular, a normal person."

 

Overall a great read, and the sequel is just as creepy and fun!  I'll be reviewing it on Thursday!  Check back here Wednesday for an outfit inspired by this book!