Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer

By Amy Doak
Reviewed by Jamie Willis

Amy Doak’s debut young adult novel and CBCA Notable, Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer, hooks the reader from the first line:‘Before I say anything, I’d just like to make one thing perfectly clear: I didn’t stab anyone. Listen, I may be a lot of things. But I am one hundred per cent not a murderer. Okay?’

Eleanor Jones has become an expert at changing schools (nine over the past five years) and has developed a system of fitting in: by being unexceptional and keeping to herself. However, when the boy she chats with at her new school ends up stabbed (but alive), she finds herself receiving attention from the police and her fellow students.

She befriends an eclectic group – Troy, Alfie, Namita and Ethan – to help her solve the mystery of the stabbing. As they investigate the clues, Eleanor realises having friends might be okay, after all, but that there are dangerous secrets in her new hometown.

Eleanor is a funny character who is very relatable, struggling with common teenage issues like making new friends and discovering who she is. Her character development and evolving friendships with the loveable band of misfits will keep readers turning the pages just as quickly as the twisty mystery plot.

Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer will appeal to fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and One of Us is Lying, with the bonus of Australian references and humour. The absence of a serious romance could make the story appealing to younger kids, however it may be most suitable for readers 13+, due to its drug references.