Eleanor Jones is not a murderer by Amy Doak

Eleanor Jones is not a murderer is an absolute must read for fans of mysteries by authors like Karen McManus, Ellie Marney and Holly Jackson. The title is sure to catch the reader’s attention, and once the book is started it is very difficult to put it down. Eleanor Jones is an engaging young woman. She has been to nine high schools in less than five years, learning to stay on the edge of things, observing the students who are cool, the nerds and those who are isolated. The first person she speaks to at Cooinda Secondary College is Angus Marshall, who is stabbed and left for dead. The police are interested in her because she is the last person that he texted. Rumours race around the school that she is a murderer and she decides to investigate. When she becomes involved with Troy, the son of the local mayor, his sidekick, Alfie and brainy Namita, the group start to follow clues to who attacked Angus.

One of the highlights of the book was the friendships that Eleanor made with her little group. She has always been wary of making friends, knowing that her mother will want to move on sooner rather than later, and it was a new experience for her to have people who were on her side. Each brought a unique skill to the investigation and as events became more dangerous, they looked after each other.

Eleanor’s snarky observations about peer groups in high school and her reliance on making a judgement about people depending on their reactions to different books give an insight into her feelings and character. Her relationship with her single mum is also great, and she is tolerant enough to give bad boy Ethan a chance to prove himself.

The story is well paced with enough tension to keep the reader absorbed in this thrilling YA mystery. I can’t wait for more books by Amy Doak.

Themes: Mystery, Crime, Friendship.

Pat Pledger