The Name of the Star (The Shades of London)

I saw this book on another authors favorite books of 2011 blog and I'm really glad that I did. This book was a very fun read. The characters all server their purposes nicely and you really do get a sense that Rory is an American living outside of her element here. It's not our typical take on the Ripper, something that i feel add's to the book, rather than detracts from it. My major gripe here is that it's too easy to figure out what is so special about Rory well before the author reveals it. Still, once I got over that it didn't stop me from enjoying this fine story.

In this sequel to Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes, we reencounter Ginny Blackstone after she has returned from her European adventure. When we find her, she is struggling with college admissions essays (who hasn't been there) and seems to have lost a good deal of the vulnerability that made us so love her in the first novel. Ginny is then approached by a mysterious stranger in London (where else?), who has found her final envelope. This then leads to a second whirlwind journey to complete her deceased aunt's final quest (and to actually find out the contents of said envelope). Ginny must now tie up loose ends from her prior journey in this continuation of her coming of age story.

Sadly this sequel lacks much of the charm of the original and I was sad to reencounter Ginny to find her and her most recent quest to be less dynamic and interesting than her prior adventures. However, I was so darn thrilled to find out what happened with that last blue envelope that I'm still willing to give this let down of a sequel a solid three stars. I recommend it to those who loved the first story enough to put up with the second and tie up Ginny's loose ends with her.

Great book, interesting concept, highly recommend it.
Just like other books by Maureen Johnson, this one kept me on the couch reading and when I was not reading it I was definitely thinking about it.

13 Little Blue Envelopes has been one of my favorites since it's release. The Last Little Blue Envelope did not disappoint. You feel as if you are right there with Ginny, riding trains across foreign land, on a wild chase for a deeper meaning. Maureen writes beautifully, with a flowing storyline that always keeps you enticed. I read this one in two sittings. Five stars, hands down.

First, a note: You will not get this story unless you've read "13 Little Blue Envelopes".

"The Last Little Blue Envelope" picks up where the fun, charming, and romantic "13 Little Blue Envelopes" left off -- Ginny Blackstone has her missing 13th envelope sort of returned to her: she is getting blackmailed in order to find out what her Aunt Peg left in store for her.

The feel of the Last Envelope isn't the same as the original 13; it is not nearly so quirky and fun. For those who feel like they need a sense of closure after the first book, it provides that; but there is a darker tone to her mission in pursuing the final envelope's assignment, and may not be as enjoyable of a read.

This book blew me away. The writing and character development are masterful and the story is completely gripping. Beware--you won't be able to put it down and when you do, you might not be able to sleep!

This book was a nice little adventure through a London boarding school. It felt sufficiently different from other books for this target audience, and the main character felt well rounded and relatable.

This book is filled with excitement, suspense, and some touching moments. But this is a great book for some adults and children from the age 11-14. A great read, and some very interesting things that happen throughout this book, again a great read.

Had to buy this immediately after 13 Little Blue Envelopes and was not sorry I did! Felt the author really gave a continuing sense of adventure that was a little more experienced than the first book. Was very fulfilling in the end