Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer - Book Review
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Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer by Amy Doak is a suspenseful young adult murder mystery set in a small Australian town. The protagonist, Eleanor Jones, has moved frequently due to her mother’s lifestyle, landing her at Cooinda Secondary College as a new student. Her plan to stay unnoticed quickly unravels when she finds herself connected to the violent stabbing of her new classmate, Angus Marshall, on her very first day. The last text message Angus received was from Eleanor, making her an immediate person of interest in the investigation.
The story begins with Eleanor’s struggle as an outsider, a role she’s familiar with after years of relocating with her mother. At Cooinda, she tries to blend into the background, but when Angus is attacked, she is thrust into the spotlight. Despite her efforts to remain anonymous, the police interview her due to her apparent connection to the incident. Eleanor realizes the investigation is missing critical information and takes matters into her own hands, launching her own pursuit of the truth.
Eleanor’s journey to uncover what happened to Angus connects her with a diverse and unexpected group of fellow students. Each character has a unique motivation for wanting to solve the mystery, creating an unlikely alliance that reflects themes of friendship and solidarity. This team dynamic gives Eleanor a sense of belonging she has never experienced, helping her gradually form deep friendships as she dives deeper into the investigation. Her new friends include Troy and Alfie, standout characters who add depth and humor to the tense storyline, making the book engaging for readers who appreciate both camaraderie and suspense.
Image from Goodreads
Through Eleanor’s narration, Doak brings in humour and relatability, shaping Eleanor as a sharp-witted and sarcastic character. Her inner monologue adds a lighter tone to the dark and thrilling plot, keeping readers engaged as they follow her journey. Eleanor’s perspective captures the balance between teenage struggles—such as finding one’s identity and navigating friendships—and the darker world of a murder investigation. Her character development highlights themes of resilience and self-empowerment, appealing to young feminist readers who enjoy mysteries solved by strong female protagonists.
The mystery itself unfolds at a brisk pace, making the novel an intense page-turner. Eleanor and her friends begin to unravel the hidden secrets surrounding Angus, encountering dangerous truths and deceit within their community. As the investigation progresses, they face mounting threats and puzzles that force them to question everyone around them. The novel uses twists and turns that keep readers guessing, and Doak’s carefully crafted clues and red herrings invite readers to engage in the mystery alongside the characters.
Set against an authentically Australian backdrop, Doak incorporates Australian colloquialisms and cultural nuances that make the setting vivid and grounded. This detail not only enhances the book’s sense of place but also brings a fresh voice to the young adult murder mystery genre. The comparison to authors like Karen McManus and Holly Jackson reflects the novel’s appeal to readers who enjoy smart, twisty mysteries, as well as its position within a growing genre of suspenseful young adult fiction featuring complex female leads.
The book has been praised for its originality, cleverness, and Doak’s strong character writing. Eleanor’s humorous, yet insightful commentary brings a unique energy to the narrative. The book has also received attention for addressing themes of self-identity, friendship, and the challenges of being an outsider, all while maintaining an accessible tone suited for readers aged 13 and up.
In the end,
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer offers a multi-layered mystery that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, challenging its readers to look beyond first impressions and to trust in their own capabilities. It is ideal for young readers seeking an intriguing story with an empowering message about self-reliance and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.
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297548 - 2024-11-13 00:42:31