Eleanor Jones stirs up more mystery and danger in this fast-paced YA mystery.
Things have settled down in Cooinda and Eleanor Jones is getting used to her new normal – spending time with her friends, going to school, and working on a project at the local old age home. But just as things start to feel calm, a series of events once again rock Eleanor’s world: Troy’s ex-girlfriend is back in town and, during a visit to the old age home, Eleanor’s buddy Nance admits to witnessing a murder, swearing Eleanor to secrecy.
In an effort to definitely not be concerned about Troy’s ex, Eleanor throws herself into solving the mystery of the murder Nance spoke about. Enlisting the help of new friend and genealogy expert Jem to research Nance’s past, Eleanor soon realises that digging into old secrets can sometimes be incredibly dangerous indeed.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I found this to be a most enjoyable read. Fresh and intriguing. Especially from a younger persons perspective of their life and life around them. It kept you guessing from the start, in a very whodunit way. I would highly recommend this to readers from teens to nineties… Jan, VIC, 5 stars
Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery aimed at a teenage/ young adult audience. I’m a little past this age but still found it to be a great and entertaining read. Have now passed it on to my 11year old as I think she will love solving the mystery along with Eleanor and her friends! Lee, VIC, 5 stars
Going through the trials and tribulations of starting at a new school, Eleanor has finally found her ‘crew’ and they are all accepting of her, her vivid imagination and sometimes harebrained schemes- so long as no-one gets hurt! Eleanor is sociable and does everything with the right intent, and she loves nothing more than a good mystery and gossip. When she hears about a murder from dementia patient Nance, her curiosity is piqued and her investigation leads to an amusing array of adventures with crew as she tries to figure out if the murder is real or fictional. Eleanor believes the best of others and although this is endearing and allows her to figure out things other people may miss – it’s just a shame she can’t do it for herself. Her relationship with boys is particularly skewed- Troy’s interest in her is misinterpreted so many times and her relationship and interactions with Library genealogist Jem are chilling. Although I hadn’t read the first book in he series, it is not a pre-requisite, as Eleanor is so easy to get to know- she is funny, smart and sassy. I would have loved a friend like her. Highly recommended- at any age. Kathy, VIC, 5 stars
Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret was a fun and easy read. I loved the feistiness and determination of the main character Eleanor Jones. The way the story leads up to the reveal was great and while I did guess a few of the things, I was still surprised. A great read that I highly recommend! Susan, NSW, 5 stars
A few weeks after the end of Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer, we catch up with Eleanor and her new friends and see what situations they find themselves in next. Their class is doing a community project at the local retirement home, all is going well until one resident shares some unsettling news. But can someone with dementia be trusted with their decades old memories?? I really enjoyed this read- I particularly loved how relevant topics were handled – especially healthy and appropriate relationships and red flags. I wish I had this book and read it when I was a teenager! It’s very raw and real and highly important for young people (and adults!). I loved Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer – and my expectations were pretty high for this second instalment. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. Amy’s writing draws you in from the first page, with enough mystery and suspense which will have you clearing your schedule to read read read! Although you could easily pick up book 2 and enjoy it- you’ll get more out of it if you read book 1 first. I’m relieved to know book 3 has been announced for 2025 Kathryn, VIC, 5 stars
Eleanor Jones lives in a small Australian town where you’d think that nothing much ever happens. She’s a relative newcomer who has found a group of friends and is settling into local life at high school. I especially like the way author Amy Doak has drawn each character; the friends have their own distinct personality and quirkiness but together they form a cohesive and believable little gang. Shared experiences cement the relationships and add a touch of authenticity. Life is about learning how to get on in the real world; so as a project they all visit the local nursing home. Here Eleanor meets a mystery she just has to solve! This age appropriate novel raises familiar teenage issues where our protagonist must evaluate her own situation whilst investigating disturbing questions. Doak’s ability to control the narrative with authentic dialogue and carefully engineered plot creates a well constructed novel which is fun to read. The contemporary setting in rural Australia is an added bonus. A most entertaining and satisfying novel in the teen ‘Who Dun It?’ genre. Highly recommended. Chris, QLD, 4 stars
Eleanor Jones was in fine form as the amateur teen detective determined to find answers to a decades old crime. A crime that may not actually have happened and could be attributed to the confused mind of an elderly woman. This mystery had me intrigued from the outset and I found myself quickly turning the pages as Eleanor’s investigation led her into danger once again. I loved Eleanor! She was an amazingly multifaceted character who was fiercely loyal and protective of her friends. Her determination in pursuing the truth was admirable and I was inspired by her quick thinking and cleverness . However, she was a typical teen in that she didn’t consider consequences and was lacking in confidence and certainty. This led to her making questionable decisions, which resulted in some real edge of your seat moments. Eleanor’s friendships were a major highlight of the story. I really enjoyed seeing her so much more relaxed and at home, having now found her tribe. Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret was brilliant read full of suspense, danger and even a touch of romance. I cannot wait to read more of her adventures. Brooke, VIC, 4 stars
This book is a good choice for fans of the young adult murder mystery genre. Teenager Eleanor Jones is investigating the disappearance of two people in her small town 50 years prior, as well as a spate of current day robberies occurring on people’s farms. Eleanor is a likeable character and has a series of friends who help her along the way. The book kept me engaged, in anticipation of the mystery being solved. Scarlett, NSW, 4 stars
This is a well written, intriguing YA mystery with a bit of teenage awkwardness and romance added in. Although this novel is aimed at young adults, I very much enjoyed reading about Eleanor Jones and the curiosity she possesses that ultimately leads her into some very sticky situations. Eleanor is a very likeable character, and the novel is easy to read and well written, with enough mystery/intrigue making it hard to put the book down. Sally, SA, 4 stars
Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret by Amy Doak is a Young Adult book that is also a great adult read. It reminded me of The Famous Five adventures but for an older readership. I found the plot was engaging and the characters interesting. 16y.o. Eleanor has recently moved to Cooinda making some good friends. While participating in community service she learns about a possible cold case murder. This sets her and her friends off on an investigation in the hope they can solve the mystery. Eleanor then learns that not everyone is as they seem. As the story progresses Eleanor and co. encounter some tricky situations. The reader is totally invested in the tale, engrossed in the page turning adventure. This is well worth a read if you enjoy mysteries. Annette, ACT, 4 stars
Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret is the second book to Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer by Amy Doak. It follows Eleanor, a high school student who starts looking into a possible murder. This book is aimed at young adults and reads like that. I would say that older fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder might find this a little too young for their tastes, however younger readers will eat this up! Melissa, QLD, 3 stars
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