Eleanor Jones is Not Drowning

By Amy Doak

Penguin 2026

Reviewed by Sandy Driessens

When school friend, Letisha claims, “It was Murder. I’m absolutely sure of it”, regarding the death of Xavi, her boyfriend, Eleanor Jones, almost reluctantly, goes again into junior detective mode.

Year eleven student, Eleanor Jones, narrates this YA novel … the fourth in the series. A new-comer to the small country town of Cooinda, she is finding her way and is finally a part of a small, perhaps weird group of teenagers where she is known for her sleuthing skills.

With flood waters rising and threatening the “Deb” Ball, moving to higher ground or finding “the perfect dress” all take a back seat to uncovering secrets that may have led to murder.

Eleanor is observant and notices suspicious behaviour where others might not. She is also a little reckless in true teenager style, following her leads, often in to danger. Fortunately, she has her boyfriend, Troy, and loyal friends to support her investigation.

Award-winning author Amy Doak has continued with her series and Eleanor’s language is authentic, containing all the expected insecurity and then unexpected confidence of a 16 year old. The theme of teenage suicide leads into topics, such as social, cultural and gender identity. Eleanor’s friends and the adults are realistically described, capturing the quirky personalities of small towns. Indigenous land rights also rate a passing mention.

I have not read the previous books in the series, but Eleanor Jones is Not Drowning is an enjoyable stand-alone mystery, with enough allusions to the previous to make the characters believable and relatable.

The sense of community cooperation during and, in the aftermath of, the flood adds warmth that will make the YA reader feel immersed in Eleanors new life.