Eleanor Jones is NOT a murderer

Amy Doak, Eleanor Jones is NOT a murderer, Penguin Books Australia, September 2023, 288 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761342417

Before I start this review, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear, Eleanor Jones is not a murderer. Moving to her ninth school in five years, Eleanor likes to sit back and observe her peers, watch before throwing herself in the deep end… until she ends up in Cooinda. When she is seen speaking to Angus only hours before he is stabbed, Eleanor Jones begins to unravel a mystery. Working alongside Troy, Alfie, Namita and Ethan, she begins to realise that having friends may be not all that bad – and that there are dark secrets hiding in her new hometown.

Eleanor Jones definitely starts off as an “I am not like other girls” type of girl, however, this set her up for great character development throughout the novel. She learns about the power of working together, making connections as well as the inner workings of people. Doak has created a great interpretation of an Australian high school and the hardships that teens face throughout their secondary education. We might not have classmates stabbed but friendship remains a key theme throughout the book. Every single character Eleanor befriends is so different, yet so beautiful and wholesome and lovely. I love how these misunderstood misfits end up bonding together as a result of this traumatic series of events. I could feel the love between them, that contentment that comes with looking at the people around you, the people you love and who love you, and knowing you’ve found your people.

Amy Doak has created an intriguing mystery that will keep readers turning the pages. The plot is original and filled with unique Australian-isms making it easy to read. The ending is clever and witty. Eleanor’s fun and sarcastic commentary throughout the book creates a fun but tense atmosphere ensuring readers are on the edge of their seats. I think that this book is perfect for fans of Holly Jackson’s A good girl’s guide to murder series, and anyone who wants to experience a twisty Australian novel.

Overall, a great mystery and a welcome addition to #LoveOzYa.

Reviewed by Eloise Marsden

Scroll to Top