The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

                The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson is the second book in the Shades of London series.  The first book dealt with a Ripper copycat and our main character, Aurora/Rory, defeated said copycat.  Rory is an American who is at boarding school in London.  There she has a regular time of getting used to a new school, making friends and even finding time for romance.  The only issue that occurs is that Rory has a near death experience (she chokes at dinner) and can now see ghosts.  Not so weird… until it becomes evident that this handy dandy new ability will help defeat the one responsible for the Ripper murders.  While trying to investigate this (luckily London has cameras everywhere) with her friends Rory stumbles upon a group of paranormal investigators that can also see the dead. 

                The Madness Underneath picks up right where the first book ends.  Rory is outside of London, living with her parents.  She has been told to stay away from London, and her team of paranormal investigators.  Rory is also seeing a pyschiatrist, which is ridiculous because she signed a “gag order” stating she would never reveal this particular company of the British police.  Even though she was pushed away, at some point it is decided to bring her back.  The reason why she was brought back to London is because there is a new killer in town and Rory has aquired a new skill, with one touch she can destroy ghosts.

                I have to say that at first I was really excited but this book lacked crime… weird right?  There were approximately 3 kills, they were kind of cool but call me crazy for wanting more.  Unfortuantely this time Rory is not battling a killer but a weird cult of people who also see ghosts.  I want to say it wasn’t terrible because there were moments that I really did like, especially towards the end.  With an ending like the one in The Madness Underneath Iwill definitely be reading the third book to find out what happens next. Suggested audience would be middle to high school grades, and those that read the first book.

Thanks NetGalley!

3/5 stars