The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson

Genre:  YA Paranormal Romance

Shades of London Series, Book 3

Maureen Johnson's website

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Note:  This is the third book in a series.  I will try really, really hard not to ruin the second book for you, but I definitely recommend you read the first two books before reading anything below...

Description (taken from Goodreads):

Rory and her friends are reeling from a series of sudden and tragic events. While racked with grief, Rory tries to determine if she acted in time to save a member of the squad. If she did, how do you find a ghost? Also, Rory’s classmate Charlotte has been kidnapped by Jane and her nefarious organization. Evidence is uncovered of a forty-year-old cult, ten missing teenagers, and a likely mass murder. Everything indicates that Charlotte’s in danger, and it seems that something much bigger and much more terrible is coming.

Time is running out as Rory fights to find her friends and the ghost squad struggles to stop Jane from unleashing her spectral nightmare on the entire city. In the process, they'll discover the existence of an organization that underpins London itself—and Rory will learn that someone she trusts has been keeping a tremendous secret.

This book picks up right where book number two left off:  in a hospital.  Thorpe is now leading the ghost troupe and taking Rory into a form of witness protection.  As Boo, Callum, and Rory regroup to try to find Charlotte, they slowly begin to piece together what was lost and make sense of the notes they do have.  But when Thorpe asks Rory to remain at the safehouse while everyone else does something to help, she's just not going to listen.

As Rory goes looking for a ghost of her own to retrieve some much needed answers, she finds herself in a cemetery with a little more than she bargained for.  But fortunately for her, she's got a stalker ready to save the day.  Funny how a stalker can save the day, right?  Anywho, as knowledge begins to form coherently, they are closer to locating Charlotte and Jane.  And Jane is the one with a nefarious plan that just might ruin everything in addition to saving the day in the end.  Is it something Rory's willing to risk?

After being so very disappointed with the second one (because I felt like it absolutely did not compare to the first - note: Jack-the-Ripper/historical-London fan right here), I was surprised to see this one kept me reading from the very beginning.  We delve right into the secret ghost societies of London, and there's enough plot-changing intrigue to keep you guessing.  And as one plot wraps up, another one slowly weaves it's way in for the next one (subtle hint that there is a next one).  I think I'm finally adjusting to the psychotic plot-weaving and plot-adjusting that this series tends to do.

I had to take a moment to read my review of the second one because I wanted to better understand why I disliked the second book.  And I think I'm a control freak who has to understand the direction a book is taking before I invest myself in it.  I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed the second one more if I had read it after the third one.  Probably...

I'm still holding onto the opinion that this is a good ghost series for readers.  And the first one is definitely a good one.

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Genre:  YA Urban Fantasy

Shades of London Series, Book 2

Maureen Johnson's website

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Note:  Please, please, please read the first book before you read my review here.  It's a really good book, and I don't want to ruin the plot for you (but I will if you keep reading).

Description (taken from Goodreads):

When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…

There's a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London. Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…

But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery.

So, the description above really doesn't give you a good idea of what this 'second-in-a-series' is about.  So, I'll give you a few details without ruining it.

Rory is in Bristol still recovering from the Ripper attack.  And she's also sort of coming to terms with what's happened to her, paranormally that is.  But all of the action happens in London, so she returns back to Wexford, her school.  Everyone kind of walks on eggshells around her while she readjusts.  The only problem is, she's not adjusting well and everything's falling apart at the seams.

After a random death, Rory sees some ghostly connections and asks Stephen to help her investigate.  And this is sort of the beginning of Rory merging herself into the ghost fighting team.  Some paranormal happenings and some drama, and we've got a story.

You know, I did not have a problem with this book at all until the last twenty or so pages.  It was slower, yes, but the recovering parts felt valid.  And Rory trying to find herself amongst the chaos was alright.  But then the book took a turn in left field and then another one.  And I realized, I missed the twist because I wasn't invested enough.  And this book just didn't have the big overall plot it should have had.  It's like if I were to take the main ingredients from cake, spaghetti, steak, lasagna, and throw it all together and call it a masterpiece, no one would agree with me.  And that's what this book did, twenty different small plots that didn't really make up a big enough plot.

Agh, I'm mad with the ending.  This book would have been okay without that ending.  And thanks to the ending, I don't think I'll continue.

Challenges:  Paranormal Reading Challenge

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Genre:  YA Paranormal Fantasy
Shades of London, Book 1

Maureen Johnson's website

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Description (taken from Maureen Johnson's website ):

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it’s the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.


Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn’t notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.




I have to mention the fact that I picked this book up not because of the mention of "ghost" but for the mention of "Jack the Ripper."  This book felt like a mix of everything I like in a book:  historical aspects, paranormal parts, a little romance, and an awesome location.  And let me tell you, I loved this book!!

Following Rory as she learns more about London's experience with Jack the Ripper.  And following the story as it unwinds not knowing what's going on either.  It was great.  This is the first year I have really picked up a lot of ghost-themed books and truly enjoyed them.

This book was set for a good and solid ending.  And then it ended with a slight twist opening it up for a series.  My only hope for the next book is it includes a nice historical aspect like this one.  I would recommend this book to all paranormal fans.

Challenges:  Young Adult Reading Challenge