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See Jane Run
I know who you are.
When Riley first gets the postcard tucked into her bag, she thinks it's a joke. Then she finds a birth certificate for a girl named Jane Elizabeth O'Leary hidden inside her baby book.
Riley's parents have always been pretty overprotective. What if it wasn't for her safety...but fear of her finding out their secret? What have they been hiding? The more Riley digs for answers, the more questions she has.
The only way to know the truth? Find out what happened to Jane O'Leary.
When Riley first gets the postcard tucked into her bag, she thinks it's a joke. Then she finds a birth certificate for a girl named Jane Elizabeth O'Leary hidden inside her baby book.
Riley's parents have always been pretty overprotective. What if it wasn't for her safety...but fear of her finding out their secret? What have they been hiding? The more Riley digs for answers, the more questions she has.
The only way to know the truth? Find out what happened to Jane O'Leary.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
91 people are currently reading
2010 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Jayne
28 books680 followersHannah is the author of the UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY CHRONICLES from Kensington books and the upcoming young adult thrillers TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY and SEE JANE RUN available from Sourcebooks, Inc. When she's not battling the demons of the Underworld or tackling a murderer at Hawthorne High, Jayne kicks her feet up in her San Francisco bay area home and attempts to share couch space with two enormous cats.
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 4, 2016
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
1.5 stars
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The thing about See Jane Run was that either I was bored, or I was annoyed.
The Summary
Riley Alan Spencer’s life changes when she discovers a hidden birth certificate in her baby book when she and her best friend, Shelby are snooping around in her parents’ room. The problem with the birth certificate is that it doesn’t have Riley’s name printed on it. It says: Jane Elizabeth O’Leary. And when she starts getting creepy postcards from an unknown, Riley begins to questions her past that she never knew, and her overprotective parents. Are they even her parents? And who is Jane O’Leary?
The Main Character
Riley Spencer, the protagonist was the biggest problem for me. Why was this book boring and annoying, you ask? Because damn, Riley was either being an annoying, pain in the ass or being more boring than a life without twitter. Her constant worrying and overthinking simple answer situations made me want to slap her in the face multiple times. Get a bloody grip! Then at times Riley could be so naïve. She believes words from strangers and I understand that the author may just be trying to throw us readers off the mystery and throw us on another conspiracy but Riley felt too easily swayed and illogical.
The Best Friend
After I finish this review I plan to go find this Shelby and feed her to the wolves alive. From pretty much the get go, when Shelby and Riley uncover the birth certificate, Shelby was an infuriating brat. One of the worst friends I’ve ever read about. Because at first, Riley doesn’t really freak and lose her mind in possibilities of what the birth certificate means, but hell, you’ve got Shelby spitting out conspiracies, logical and illogical like she’s on a high.
And then later, it’s like she’s a changed person and doesn’t find this birth certificate and these postcards interesting anymore.
So let me get this straight. Your best friend is getting stalkerish messages and you don’t give a crap? What happened to wildly imaginative Shelby? I am really confused about where Shelby stands in this story. She’s sometimes overly caring, then not so caring at all.
And here’s another quote when Shelby is still throwing conspiracies and Riley is trying to reason out what’s going on. This is Shelby’s response.
Talk about an inconsiderate friend!
The Romance
Or the tiny snippet of one. I loved how this romance didn’t take over the book. Riley and JD were a great couple and I liked how Hannah Jayne ended the book with the romance still left with many possibilities. Overall, they were sweet. But I must add in that I groaned when I found out that JD was the typical bad boy who gets detentions. *rolls eyes*
The Mystery
I wasn’t thoroughly pleased with this aspect. I won’t go into it much but I was expecting a much better plotted mystery with more logic in it. More suspense would have been better as well. I didn’t feel like was experiencing what the MC was experiencing. I felt like I was in the back seat instead.
Overall
I wouldn’t have wasted my time on this one if I knew how average and boring this book was. Definitely not recommending.
~Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this copy!~
1.5 stars
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The thing about See Jane Run was that either I was bored, or I was annoyed.
The Summary
Riley Alan Spencer’s life changes when she discovers a hidden birth certificate in her baby book when she and her best friend, Shelby are snooping around in her parents’ room. The problem with the birth certificate is that it doesn’t have Riley’s name printed on it. It says: Jane Elizabeth O’Leary. And when she starts getting creepy postcards from an unknown, Riley begins to questions her past that she never knew, and her overprotective parents. Are they even her parents? And who is Jane O’Leary?
The Main Character
Riley Spencer, the protagonist was the biggest problem for me. Why was this book boring and annoying, you ask? Because damn, Riley was either being an annoying, pain in the ass or being more boring than a life without twitter. Her constant worrying and overthinking simple answer situations made me want to slap her in the face multiple times. Get a bloody grip! Then at times Riley could be so naïve. She believes words from strangers and I understand that the author may just be trying to throw us readers off the mystery and throw us on another conspiracy but Riley felt too easily swayed and illogical.
The Best Friend
After I finish this review I plan to go find this Shelby and feed her to the wolves alive. From pretty much the get go, when Shelby and Riley uncover the birth certificate, Shelby was an infuriating brat. One of the worst friends I’ve ever read about. Because at first, Riley doesn’t really freak and lose her mind in possibilities of what the birth certificate means, but hell, you’ve got Shelby spitting out conspiracies, logical and illogical like she’s on a high.
“Oh! Bet it was your birth mother, closing in on you! She’s sending you mystery postcards to warn you…”
“Shelby! If I were adopted, my parents wouldn’t have changed my age and my birth date. Stop with this!”
“But if your—”
And then later, it’s like she’s a changed person and doesn’t find this birth certificate and these postcards interesting anymore.
“You really need to stick to your stories, Shelbs. Am I the missing kid, or is the missing kid my knocked-off big sister?” Shelby gunned the engine.
“I don’t know. You’re the one getting ghost posts.”
So let me get this straight. Your best friend is getting stalkerish messages and you don’t give a crap? What happened to wildly imaginative Shelby? I am really confused about where Shelby stands in this story. She’s sometimes overly caring, then not so caring at all.
And here’s another quote when Shelby is still throwing conspiracies and Riley is trying to reason out what’s going on. This is Shelby’s response.
Shelby flipped a page in her magazine. “Whatever makes you feel better, Ry.”
Talk about an inconsiderate friend!
The Romance
Or the tiny snippet of one. I loved how this romance didn’t take over the book. Riley and JD were a great couple and I liked how Hannah Jayne ended the book with the romance still left with many possibilities. Overall, they were sweet. But I must add in that I groaned when I found out that JD was the typical bad boy who gets detentions. *rolls eyes*
The Mystery
I wasn’t thoroughly pleased with this aspect. I won’t go into it much but I was expecting a much better plotted mystery with more logic in it. More suspense would have been better as well. I didn’t feel like was experiencing what the MC was experiencing. I felt like I was in the back seat instead.
Overall
I wouldn’t have wasted my time on this one if I knew how average and boring this book was. Definitely not recommending.
~Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this copy!~
June 7, 2024
ETA: I don’t know why I downloaded this audiobook. I forgot how much I disliked the story.
Have you ever read a book that was written so poorly you had to stop at least once a page and shake your head in disbelief? If not, SEE JANE RUN will give you that disappointing literary experience you never wanted to have. Writer Hannah Jayne has never met an adjective, adverb, simile or metaphor she didn't try to cram in this overwritten novel. While some of her words would have been clever and unique had she used them sparingly, Jayne seems not to have gotten the memo first time creative, second time okay, fifteenth time overbearing.
Additionally, the dialogue didn't sound as if it came from a seventeen year old. Most of the time the teens sounded like middle schoolers and behaved just as immaturely. Jayne put in way too much dialogue about mundane topics not central to the plot or characters, and extra words that read like page fillers to get a manuscript up to a certain number of words. Most of the major and minor characters where cliched and one dimensional.
I recommend you not purchase or download this book, even if it's free, unless you want an example of overwriting to the point of unreadable.
Have you ever read a book that was written so poorly you had to stop at least once a page and shake your head in disbelief? If not, SEE JANE RUN will give you that disappointing literary experience you never wanted to have. Writer Hannah Jayne has never met an adjective, adverb, simile or metaphor she didn't try to cram in this overwritten novel. While some of her words would have been clever and unique had she used them sparingly, Jayne seems not to have gotten the memo first time creative, second time okay, fifteenth time overbearing.
Additionally, the dialogue didn't sound as if it came from a seventeen year old. Most of the time the teens sounded like middle schoolers and behaved just as immaturely. Jayne put in way too much dialogue about mundane topics not central to the plot or characters, and extra words that read like page fillers to get a manuscript up to a certain number of words. Most of the major and minor characters where cliched and one dimensional.
I recommend you not purchase or download this book, even if it's free, unless you want an example of overwriting to the point of unreadable.
February 5, 2014
Initial reaction: Decent mystery/suspense, but I'll admit it started off really shaky at first. The story built itself a little better as it went on, and from that point, it held my attention to Riley's case considering everything wasn't as it seemed.
Full review:
This is a YA mystery/suspense novel that grew on me the more I read onward. That's not to say that it didn't start off as a bit silly, but it surprised me how it managed to improve over the course of the narrative.
Riley is used to having overprotective parents; they're not often relenting to allow her to attend school activities or stray too far from home, even in consideration for college request visits. When she, alongside her best friend Shelby, go perusing through family things after Riley's family's most recent move, they find a collection of old pictures of Riley...but with another baby's birth certificate tucked inside.
This has Shelby spouting off all kinds of flippant conspiracy theories about how Riley may have been kidnapped by her parents, but while Riley is dismissive - even annoyed - at Shelby's suggestions at first, she starts thinking there's more truth to the matter than she realizes - her parents ARE protective, they SEEM secretive about something, but she can't figure out what or why. Further, when she starts digging into the origins of the birth certificate, there are more questions it brings up than answers, and a mysterious stranger seems to add to Riley's concerns that something may be very wrong within her family.
There were definitely moments when I wanted to state the obvious for Riley's missteps. And I'll admit I was annoyed by Riley's naivete and paranoia over certain things, but as the narrative went on, I was genuinely surprised at the revelations - not just when they were revealed but what they entailed. It reminded me of a Lois Duncan novel I read a while back. Once the story hits its stride, it steamrolls a path to the end in a thrilling way. The collective cast of characters left me desiring a little more development, but I liked the quick pacing of the novel and the overarching conflict. It kept me reading through once I hit the truth about Riley's family.
I'll admit that another thing that kept me from loving this more was that for the conflict that set up, the ending was just a bit TOO convenient for thread ties. At least they were tied, but I found it a little unbelievable since one part of the major conflict happened in-scene and the other happened off-scene. But for a read of its type, it made for a quick thrill.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Sourcebooks Fire.
Full review:
This is a YA mystery/suspense novel that grew on me the more I read onward. That's not to say that it didn't start off as a bit silly, but it surprised me how it managed to improve over the course of the narrative.
Riley is used to having overprotective parents; they're not often relenting to allow her to attend school activities or stray too far from home, even in consideration for college request visits. When she, alongside her best friend Shelby, go perusing through family things after Riley's family's most recent move, they find a collection of old pictures of Riley...but with another baby's birth certificate tucked inside.
This has Shelby spouting off all kinds of flippant conspiracy theories about how Riley may have been kidnapped by her parents, but while Riley is dismissive - even annoyed - at Shelby's suggestions at first, she starts thinking there's more truth to the matter than she realizes - her parents ARE protective, they SEEM secretive about something, but she can't figure out what or why. Further, when she starts digging into the origins of the birth certificate, there are more questions it brings up than answers, and a mysterious stranger seems to add to Riley's concerns that something may be very wrong within her family.
There were definitely moments when I wanted to state the obvious for Riley's missteps. And I'll admit I was annoyed by Riley's naivete and paranoia over certain things, but as the narrative went on, I was genuinely surprised at the revelations - not just when they were revealed but what they entailed. It reminded me of a Lois Duncan novel I read a while back. Once the story hits its stride, it steamrolls a path to the end in a thrilling way. The collective cast of characters left me desiring a little more development, but I liked the quick pacing of the novel and the overarching conflict. It kept me reading through once I hit the truth about Riley's family.
I'll admit that another thing that kept me from loving this more was that for the conflict that set up, the ending was just a bit TOO convenient for thread ties. At least they were tied, but I found it a little unbelievable since one part of the major conflict happened in-scene and the other happened off-scene. But for a read of its type, it made for a quick thrill.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Sourcebooks Fire.
July 27, 2016
This had an interesting concept but was somewhat poorly executed. 95% of the plot issues could've been solved if Riley talked to her parents earlier. Mostly, it just fell apart for me when post the situational reveal. It's one thing to not explain a complicated backstory to a child, it's another when you have a young adult of applying to college age. This is another book where the characters seem really immature for their age. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly which parts indicated this but throughout the whole book I was just irritated with Riley.
There was a lot of telling rather than showing, particularly in moving the plot forward. Riley didn't really discover any information beyond the birth certificate, she tells others about her thoughts and THEY discover information and then TELL her about it.
This was the 'free' book in part of a 'buy two, get the third free' sale so I'm not too upset by the purchase but I probably won't suggest it to anyone else.
There was a lot of telling rather than showing, particularly in moving the plot forward. Riley didn't really discover any information beyond the birth certificate, she tells others about her thoughts and THEY discover information and then TELL her about it.
This was the 'free' book in part of a 'buy two, get the third free' sale so I'm not too upset by the purchase but I probably won't suggest it to anyone else.
January 27, 2020
After reading Six Months Later by Natalie D. Richards and seeing this recommended as a similar read at the back of the book, I thought I'd give it a go. I must admit that I found it hard not to compare the two, as there were so many similarities in plot and characters. Unfortunately, this one wasn't as enjoyable as the other...I might have enjoyed it more had I read it BEFORE Six Months Later, not after.
Till about halfway through, most of the suspense was coming from the MC's crazy theories, not from actual movement in the plot. She was jumping to conclusions constantly, it made it hard to make a distinction between what could be occurring in her mind, vs what was actually concerning. That kind of messes with you, and I suppose that was probably the point.
When I finished, though there had been some good moments of suspense and it kept me on my toes, I felt like I'd been played. SPOILER ALERT: you are given all this built of evidence of how dangerous the parents are, and by the end you just really want to protect Riley from them, and then BAM, they are good and wonderful people and nothing they do or say is cause for concern. I didn't appreciate that too much...the author building up such a case of problematic signs we should pay attention to and then completely discarding them. That may seem worthwhile because we got a good thrill out of it, but ehhh...I don't know.
Till about halfway through, most of the suspense was coming from the MC's crazy theories, not from actual movement in the plot. She was jumping to conclusions constantly, it made it hard to make a distinction between what could be occurring in her mind, vs what was actually concerning. That kind of messes with you, and I suppose that was probably the point.
When I finished, though there had been some good moments of suspense and it kept me on my toes, I felt like I'd been played. SPOILER ALERT: you are given all this built of evidence of how dangerous the parents are, and by the end you just really want to protect Riley from them, and then BAM, they are good and wonderful people and nothing they do or say is cause for concern. I didn't appreciate that too much...the author building up such a case of problematic signs we should pay attention to and then completely discarding them. That may seem worthwhile because we got a good thrill out of it, but ehhh...I don't know.
January 5, 2014
4.5 Stars
'See Jane Run' is a fantastic young adult mystery/thriller that will have you guessing until the very end. It follows leading lady Riley as she discovers a strange birth certificate hidden in her baby book in her parent's closet. The certificate isn't for her, but for someone named Elizabeth O'Leary. Riley's world quickly spins out of control as she tries to find information on who Elizabeth was, what happened to her, and finally - the truth. Things keep escalating for Riley when she begins to get strange postcards telling her that they know the truth and who she really is. Is Riley really Elizabeth? If so, why have her parents lied to her all this time? In the end, Riley must learn who she can actually trust, and to learn to trust in herself as well, if she's going to survive.
I read the author's other YA thriller, 'Truly Madly Deadly', and really enjoyed it - so I jumped on the chance to review this one for Sourcebook's tour. I was definitely not disappointed. I'm happy to say that this novel exceeded any expectations I might have had and left my mind boggled until the end. The characters were all very well written, especially Riley. She's a typical teenage girl with overprotective parents, issues at school, and other normal problems. She also has panic attacks and severe claustrophobia - which I really thought was great that the author made the character flawed in these ways. Not much light is shed on mental illness - even ones like panic attacks and anxiety disorders - so I'm glad that the lead character had these problems and was still depicted as a strong person and able to overcome her panic attacks and fear. The other characters in the book were also very well written, which definitely helped with the mystery portion of the story. When Riley begins to question the truth about everything and everyone - all the little details become relevant or even incredibly important - so the smaller details that were included about the characters was a great addition. The plot was insane. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I was literally sucked into the story from the beginning and ended up reading it in one sitting. It starts with the birth certificate that Riley finds in her parent's closet and then just takes you on a roller coaster from there. There's actually a lot of different parts to the mystery and so many twists and turns that I felt clueless as to what the truth was half the time. I'd get a great theory going in my mind and then a curveball would get thrown into the mix and I would be completely lost again. I have to admit that I love thrillers and mystery novels and I love trying to solve them before the characters do. I figured out part of it with this book, but there were so many extra details and twists to it that I wasn't completely sure of anything until the very end. It definitely threw me for a loop more than once. Overall, this was a phenomenal YA mystery/thriller and fans of the genre should definitely read this one. After being blown away by these past two books, I'm definitely keeping a close eye on this author and what she'll come out with next. Very highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'See Jane Run' is a fantastic young adult mystery/thriller that will have you guessing until the very end. It follows leading lady Riley as she discovers a strange birth certificate hidden in her baby book in her parent's closet. The certificate isn't for her, but for someone named Elizabeth O'Leary. Riley's world quickly spins out of control as she tries to find information on who Elizabeth was, what happened to her, and finally - the truth. Things keep escalating for Riley when she begins to get strange postcards telling her that they know the truth and who she really is. Is Riley really Elizabeth? If so, why have her parents lied to her all this time? In the end, Riley must learn who she can actually trust, and to learn to trust in herself as well, if she's going to survive.
I read the author's other YA thriller, 'Truly Madly Deadly', and really enjoyed it - so I jumped on the chance to review this one for Sourcebook's tour. I was definitely not disappointed. I'm happy to say that this novel exceeded any expectations I might have had and left my mind boggled until the end. The characters were all very well written, especially Riley. She's a typical teenage girl with overprotective parents, issues at school, and other normal problems. She also has panic attacks and severe claustrophobia - which I really thought was great that the author made the character flawed in these ways. Not much light is shed on mental illness - even ones like panic attacks and anxiety disorders - so I'm glad that the lead character had these problems and was still depicted as a strong person and able to overcome her panic attacks and fear. The other characters in the book were also very well written, which definitely helped with the mystery portion of the story. When Riley begins to question the truth about everything and everyone - all the little details become relevant or even incredibly important - so the smaller details that were included about the characters was a great addition. The plot was insane. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I was literally sucked into the story from the beginning and ended up reading it in one sitting. It starts with the birth certificate that Riley finds in her parent's closet and then just takes you on a roller coaster from there. There's actually a lot of different parts to the mystery and so many twists and turns that I felt clueless as to what the truth was half the time. I'd get a great theory going in my mind and then a curveball would get thrown into the mix and I would be completely lost again. I have to admit that I love thrillers and mystery novels and I love trying to solve them before the characters do. I figured out part of it with this book, but there were so many extra details and twists to it that I wasn't completely sure of anything until the very end. It definitely threw me for a loop more than once. Overall, this was a phenomenal YA mystery/thriller and fans of the genre should definitely read this one. After being blown away by these past two books, I'm definitely keeping a close eye on this author and what she'll come out with next. Very highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
Face on the Milk Carton meets Rules For Disappearing, now with 40% more plot holes.
While rooting through her parents' things in search of a particular shirt, Riley happens upon her baby book. Inside the book there's a birth certificate for a baby who isn't Riley. Her best friend spouts wild theories (you're a kidnapping victim! You had a sister with a totally different name!) that hold no water on examination (why would the parents have a birth certificate for the child they stole?), but luckily no one examines them.
Eventually the predictable action picks up and concludes far too neatly with no explanation, leaving Riley to return to her charmed life, best friend, delinquent-turned-boyfriend, and sub-par writing.
While rooting through her parents' things in search of a particular shirt, Riley happens upon her baby book. Inside the book there's a birth certificate for a baby who isn't Riley. Her best friend spouts wild theories (you're a kidnapping victim! You had a sister with a totally different name!) that hold no water on examination (why would the parents have a birth certificate for the child they stole?), but luckily no one examines them.
Eventually the predictable action picks up and concludes far too neatly with no explanation, leaving Riley to return to her charmed life, best friend, delinquent-turned-boyfriend, and sub-par writing.
May 11, 2014
Let me make this clear: I expected this book to have smart characters. I had high expectations for this book and I HATED IT! If you don't want to know what happens, STOP RIGHT NOW!
Riley, the main character's friend is run over by the crazy man who is attempting to abduct her and what does she do?! She questions who's telling the truth her parents or the crazy man!!! Repeatedly her friends try to convince her to either go to the police or her parents for answers or even to report her attempted kidnapping but she doesn't. She doesn't even report to her parents she knows who ran over her best friend!!! Riley was such a disappointment.
Riley, the main character's friend is run over by the crazy man who is attempting to abduct her and what does she do?! She questions who's telling the truth her parents or the crazy man!!! Repeatedly her friends try to convince her to either go to the police or her parents for answers or even to report her attempted kidnapping but she doesn't. She doesn't even report to her parents she knows who ran over her best friend!!! Riley was such a disappointment.
June 21, 2017
This arrived by accident from interlibrary loan but ended up being a light yet suspense-filled fun read for the beach.
September 10, 2023
This was such a great read, I loved the mystery and the set up and how it worked out!
December 7, 2023
This was a very quick read for me, I read it fully in no time at all. It has a pretty good plot, it kind of reminded me of the movie Abduction. The story gets pretty choppy at times and a lot of the writing is repetitive, a few times there’s paragraphs that are pretty much the same sentence just reworded, like the author didn’t know which to use and just left them all in. Besides the writing, the story itself is alright. I didn’t personally see the twists nor did I see the ending. Worth it for a quick little read.
June 28, 2019
3.5 stars - slowish start, strong middle, rushed ending. Good easy read though.
March 11, 2017
I have really enjoyed reading this book and the others by this author and each one I read takes me back to my high school days and wishing was able to go back and enjoy them again.
There were twists and turns in this one and each one was more surprising than the one before. I was glad that everything worked out in the end the way it did though but sad that it all had to happen...
There were twists and turns in this one and each one was more surprising than the one before. I was glad that everything worked out in the end the way it did though but sad that it all had to happen...
October 26, 2014
*3.5 star rating*
I love mysteries—it's as simple as that. I especially love mysteries that deal with kidnappings and missing people. This story reminded me so much of the book, The Face on the Milk Carton, in a way, except Riley here is dealing with everything on her own and is experimenting this craziness by herself.
I've read a book in the past also by Hannah Jayne—Truly, Madly, Deadly, and I wasn't too impressed as I now am with this one. I'm proud to admit and state that this book was a pure and excellent choice to read at the moment.
I had so many what-the-heck moments in this book. There were so many plot-twists and cliffhangers and I got wrapped around in ideas that didn't happen and I stood there, shocked.
Basically, this book is not-exactly what you think it is. From a short little summary, you'd expect a whole different story. Riley is your average teenager but with too overprotective parents who give her a pill every morning for her "anxiety issues." Then she finds a birth certificate with someone's name—Jane Elizabeth O'Leary. Who is she? Does she have something to do with Riley? Riley's best friend, Shelby, starts sprouting crazy random ideas into her mind which really gets her going mad.
Although this was pretty great for what it was, things were missing. I didn't like the characters, on one hand. Riley could've been the pitch-perfect Nancy Drew detective that we all are able to imagine, but instead she was so... vulnerable and helpless. I didn't see anything bright or heroic about her. She was so plain Jane. (Haha, suits the title, hm?)
The plot and storyline were in good hands. It was all planned out perfectly, and I was fairly intrigued by the message the author had going on throughout the whole story. I was kept wondering and thinking about the possibilities that could've occurred to Riley and her story and how her life would change in a split second.
"He was a liar. They were all liars. And now they were forcing her to be one."
So you may be wondering... Was there any romance? Something slight. But thankfully, the book wasn't meant to focus on Riley's love life. It was about her discovering who she really was. And no, she wasn't just an ordinary teenager. She was a girl who didn't know who her true identity was. And that's scary... Who can want to focus on romance at this time? Flirtation was there, but vague.
This book was intriguing and pretty great all together in one bunch. It's definitely better than Hannah Jayne's other novel, and I truly love her writing. The ending will shock you and you will leave like a loser, because you totally expected something different.
This review can also be found at A Thousand Lives Lived. Check it out for more reviews!
I love mysteries—it's as simple as that. I especially love mysteries that deal with kidnappings and missing people. This story reminded me so much of the book, The Face on the Milk Carton, in a way, except Riley here is dealing with everything on her own and is experimenting this craziness by herself.
I've read a book in the past also by Hannah Jayne—Truly, Madly, Deadly, and I wasn't too impressed as I now am with this one. I'm proud to admit and state that this book was a pure and excellent choice to read at the moment.
I had so many what-the-heck moments in this book. There were so many plot-twists and cliffhangers and I got wrapped around in ideas that didn't happen and I stood there, shocked.
Basically, this book is not-exactly what you think it is. From a short little summary, you'd expect a whole different story. Riley is your average teenager but with too overprotective parents who give her a pill every morning for her "anxiety issues." Then she finds a birth certificate with someone's name—Jane Elizabeth O'Leary. Who is she? Does she have something to do with Riley? Riley's best friend, Shelby, starts sprouting crazy random ideas into her mind which really gets her going mad.
Although this was pretty great for what it was, things were missing. I didn't like the characters, on one hand. Riley could've been the pitch-perfect Nancy Drew detective that we all are able to imagine, but instead she was so... vulnerable and helpless. I didn't see anything bright or heroic about her. She was so plain Jane. (Haha, suits the title, hm?)
The plot and storyline were in good hands. It was all planned out perfectly, and I was fairly intrigued by the message the author had going on throughout the whole story. I was kept wondering and thinking about the possibilities that could've occurred to Riley and her story and how her life would change in a split second.
"He was a liar. They were all liars. And now they were forcing her to be one."
So you may be wondering... Was there any romance? Something slight. But thankfully, the book wasn't meant to focus on Riley's love life. It was about her discovering who she really was. And no, she wasn't just an ordinary teenager. She was a girl who didn't know who her true identity was. And that's scary... Who can want to focus on romance at this time? Flirtation was there, but vague.
This book was intriguing and pretty great all together in one bunch. It's definitely better than Hannah Jayne's other novel, and I truly love her writing. The ending will shock you and you will leave like a loser, because you totally expected something different.
This review can also be found at A Thousand Lives Lived. Check it out for more reviews!
March 14, 2014
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
WARNING: The sentences tagged spoiler did hide major ones so do not open them if you haven't read the book.
I was waiting for this book, because I read Truly Madly Deadly one of Hannah Jayne's previous books and I loved it. This was a little disappointing after that, still I gave it three stars because it was (mostly) entertaining.
The Storyline:
The story starts with Riley who wants to go to a school trip where students can check out Hudson college, but her parents won't let her go because she struggles with anxiety. Her best friend, Shelby, is going, so Riley offers to give her his father's old Hudson sweatshirt, but they have to search for it in her parents bedroom. Riley is little bit nervous because her parents hate it when she rummages in their stuff, they find a baby album which contains a birth certificate. They start to guess whose can it be and, of course, they suspects that maybe Riley's the girl on the picture, Jane Elizabeth O’Leary. With JD's (a boy from detention) help Riley will search for the truth til the very end, and will keep the readers guessing who is Jane and if Riley's parents are liars and/or kidnappers.
The Characters:
Riley: Sometimes I liked her, but there were times when I couldn't take her. She was a little bit of a cliché, the average and really confused girl, who falls for the "bad boy", has a bestie and who can't trust in anyone.
Shelby: Sometimes she was annoying as hell... still I can give her credit because she was a supporting best friend who cared about Riley much.
JD: He was a complete cliché. I liked him, though, but according to the storyline he was a bad boy, but not once I felt like that. So, I'm asking, if Jayne didn't gave him features of a bad boy then why did she have to force this rule on him? Still he was super caring and totally lovable for a book where the focus isn't on the love story.
The parents: I could not like them. When they finally told the truth to Riley I wasn't sure about if it's really the truth or just another lie.
So all in all it was a pretty enjoyable book, with a lot of mistakes still I'm glad I read it (actually in one sit).
The story idea: 4/5
The realisation of the story: 3/5
The characters: 3/5
The cover: 3/5
All in all: 3/5
Thanks for reading my review, hope you enjoyed it. :)
WARNING: The sentences tagged spoiler did hide major ones so do not open them if you haven't read the book.
I was waiting for this book, because I read Truly Madly Deadly one of Hannah Jayne's previous books and I loved it. This was a little disappointing after that, still I gave it three stars because it was (mostly) entertaining.
The Storyline:
The story starts with Riley who wants to go to a school trip where students can check out Hudson college, but her parents won't let her go because she struggles with anxiety. Her best friend, Shelby, is going, so Riley offers to give her his father's old Hudson sweatshirt, but they have to search for it in her parents bedroom. Riley is little bit nervous because her parents hate it when she rummages in their stuff, they find a baby album which contains a birth certificate. They start to guess whose can it be and, of course, they suspects that maybe Riley's the girl on the picture, Jane Elizabeth O’Leary. With JD's (a boy from detention) help Riley will search for the truth til the very end, and will keep the readers guessing who is Jane and if Riley's parents are liars and/or kidnappers.
The Characters:
Riley: Sometimes I liked her, but there were times when I couldn't take her. She was a little bit of a cliché, the average and really confused girl, who falls for the "bad boy", has a bestie and who can't trust in anyone.
Shelby: Sometimes she was annoying as hell... still I can give her credit because she was a supporting best friend who cared about Riley much.
JD: He was a complete cliché. I liked him, though, but according to the storyline he was a bad boy, but not once I felt like that. So, I'm asking, if Jayne didn't gave him features of a bad boy then why did she have to force this rule on him? Still he was super caring and totally lovable for a book where the focus isn't on the love story.
The parents: I could not like them. When they finally told the truth to Riley I wasn't sure about if it's really the truth or just another lie.
So all in all it was a pretty enjoyable book, with a lot of mistakes still I'm glad I read it (actually in one sit).
The story idea: 4/5
The realisation of the story: 3/5
The characters: 3/5
The cover: 3/5
All in all: 3/5
Thanks for reading my review, hope you enjoyed it. :)
January 21, 2014
I'm always up for a good mystery/thriller so this sounded like just the book for me. While I did enjoy it, I didn't totally love it. The story was interesting, and I liked how it tackled metal illness without solely focusing on it. The characters just didn't quite work for me the way I wanted though. This had plenty of thrill and excitement though, which was able to keep me interested and turning the pages. Also, I just have to add that the synopsis is very deceiving. She actually finds the birth certificate before getting a postcard declaring that someone knows who she is.
Riley was one of those characters that really just annoyed the crap out of me. I tried to believe that her paranoia was just part of whatever caused her to have panic attacks, but I just couldn't get over how easily she believed that maybe she was kidnapped or that her parents could do something that horrible. Yes, they are super overly protective of her, but I wouldn't think that would make someone automatically think the worst. She also is too quick to give into her best friend Shelby's suggestions about anything. Beyond that, she's reckless and kind of stupid. I get that she wants to find out the truth that she's seeking, but I wanted to smack her and be like, "Dude! Smarten up a little bit!!" Maybe I am too far removed from being a teenager now, and I would have made rash decisions too, but I don't think to the extreme that she does.
Of course, along with the mystery and dangerous situations, there is a bit of a romance. Shocker right?! The good thing about it was that it never really took over the story. It seemed a bit too convenient at times, but I really liked JD and wanted to know more about what he was hiding and who he really is. It's obvious that he has been misjudged and isn't really a bad guy or trouble maker that he seems to be. I thought that he was a great addition to the story and made me a little less irritated at the other characters like Shelby, Riley, and Riley's parents.
This was a thrilling mystery, but being the sleuth that I am, I was able to tie it all together rather quickly. It didn't take away from the enjoyment of it for me though. I thought that the fast pace was great, and was able to pull me through the book quite fast. Full of danger, mystery, and a touch of romance. This was a great YA thriller that will be sure to please many.
*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.
Riley was one of those characters that really just annoyed the crap out of me. I tried to believe that her paranoia was just part of whatever caused her to have panic attacks, but I just couldn't get over how easily she believed that maybe she was kidnapped or that her parents could do something that horrible. Yes, they are super overly protective of her, but I wouldn't think that would make someone automatically think the worst. She also is too quick to give into her best friend Shelby's suggestions about anything. Beyond that, she's reckless and kind of stupid. I get that she wants to find out the truth that she's seeking, but I wanted to smack her and be like, "Dude! Smarten up a little bit!!" Maybe I am too far removed from being a teenager now, and I would have made rash decisions too, but I don't think to the extreme that she does.
Of course, along with the mystery and dangerous situations, there is a bit of a romance. Shocker right?! The good thing about it was that it never really took over the story. It seemed a bit too convenient at times, but I really liked JD and wanted to know more about what he was hiding and who he really is. It's obvious that he has been misjudged and isn't really a bad guy or trouble maker that he seems to be. I thought that he was a great addition to the story and made me a little less irritated at the other characters like Shelby, Riley, and Riley's parents.
This was a thrilling mystery, but being the sleuth that I am, I was able to tie it all together rather quickly. It didn't take away from the enjoyment of it for me though. I thought that the fast pace was great, and was able to pull me through the book quite fast. Full of danger, mystery, and a touch of romance. This was a great YA thriller that will be sure to please many.
*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.
February 26, 2014
Hannah Jayne is superb at writing YA mysteries. I had first Read Truly, Madly, Deadly and as soon as I spotted this book, I was intrigued enough to want to read it too!
The main character of Riley finds a birth certificate in her parent’s bedroom for an Elizabeth Jane. Her best friend, Shelby, comes up with all these elaborate scenarios about Riley’s parents but Riley cannot imagine any of them being true. Riley would like to forget that she found the piece of paper but she keeps receiving these strange post cards. So, she starts to investigate. Throw in a hot boy named JD and this book was a “shoo in” for fantastic!
Let’s start off with Shelby. She was hilarious. A little “over the top” but that is just how I love my best friends in books! I believe that she is really the person that convinces Riley that she has to investigate when she tells Riley that she has to ask her parents for her birth certificate and see what happens. This starts the whirlwind of complications.
I think that my favorite aspect of this book was the road trip!!! Yes, you heard me right…there is a road trip in this book where Riley goes with the school for the weekend to check out a college but, she finds herself going off course and doing something that she didn’t think she would ever do. This is where JD comes into play.
JD was definitely swoony! He is portrayed to be a “bad boy” but he is far from it. He is sweet and caring towards Riley when really she at first just wants him to keep his distance. I’m glad he didn’t though! And I really enjoyed that this was not love at first sight but the two characters getting to know each other over a small course of time.
This brings us to Riley. She is a “good girl”, always obeying her parents and let me tell you, they are strict with all kind of crazy rules for her. That should have been her first clue.
I really enjoyed this book and was sucked in from the first few pages. If you enjoy mysteries, action, romance and drama, then pick this one up. At only 288 pages, it is a quick read that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The main character of Riley finds a birth certificate in her parent’s bedroom for an Elizabeth Jane. Her best friend, Shelby, comes up with all these elaborate scenarios about Riley’s parents but Riley cannot imagine any of them being true. Riley would like to forget that she found the piece of paper but she keeps receiving these strange post cards. So, she starts to investigate. Throw in a hot boy named JD and this book was a “shoo in” for fantastic!
Let’s start off with Shelby. She was hilarious. A little “over the top” but that is just how I love my best friends in books! I believe that she is really the person that convinces Riley that she has to investigate when she tells Riley that she has to ask her parents for her birth certificate and see what happens. This starts the whirlwind of complications.
I think that my favorite aspect of this book was the road trip!!! Yes, you heard me right…there is a road trip in this book where Riley goes with the school for the weekend to check out a college but, she finds herself going off course and doing something that she didn’t think she would ever do. This is where JD comes into play.
JD was definitely swoony! He is portrayed to be a “bad boy” but he is far from it. He is sweet and caring towards Riley when really she at first just wants him to keep his distance. I’m glad he didn’t though! And I really enjoyed that this was not love at first sight but the two characters getting to know each other over a small course of time.
This brings us to Riley. She is a “good girl”, always obeying her parents and let me tell you, they are strict with all kind of crazy rules for her. That should have been her first clue.
I really enjoyed this book and was sucked in from the first few pages. If you enjoy mysteries, action, romance and drama, then pick this one up. At only 288 pages, it is a quick read that will leave you guessing until the very end.
January 29, 2014
This is one of those mysteries that is a constant back and forth, up and down with the single question, are they innocent or guilty?
One minute you are sure it is the latter, only to read another chapter and sure that you were wrong and the first was the better answer.
What you don't realize as the story progresses isn't are they innocent or guilty but rather the more important questions of, what in the world did they really do?
Are they as evil as they seem? Can they be trusted and it not them, then who can be trusted? Can anyone be trusted at all?
If there is one think you can say about Ms. Jayne's writing it is that she knows how to write a good mystery. One that will constantly keep you guessing and on your toes.
You start to wonder if the main character isn't crazy and there really isn't a mystery at all or if simply no one can be trusted and no one is innocent.
This is my second book by Jayne and I must say I am loving that she gives us something different and exciting in the YA genre. That it isn't the norm and things can't be explained away easily with the paranormal or fantasy but rather a good old fashioned mystery that keeps you thinking and constantly guessing.
I will continue to pick up her books simply because I know I will get one heck of a bumpy ride that will keep me gripping the seats to stay in and not get lost in all the chaos and madness of the characters and story.
One minute you are sure it is the latter, only to read another chapter and sure that you were wrong and the first was the better answer.
What you don't realize as the story progresses isn't are they innocent or guilty but rather the more important questions of, what in the world did they really do?
Are they as evil as they seem? Can they be trusted and it not them, then who can be trusted? Can anyone be trusted at all?
If there is one think you can say about Ms. Jayne's writing it is that she knows how to write a good mystery. One that will constantly keep you guessing and on your toes.
You start to wonder if the main character isn't crazy and there really isn't a mystery at all or if simply no one can be trusted and no one is innocent.
This is my second book by Jayne and I must say I am loving that she gives us something different and exciting in the YA genre. That it isn't the norm and things can't be explained away easily with the paranormal or fantasy but rather a good old fashioned mystery that keeps you thinking and constantly guessing.
I will continue to pick up her books simply because I know I will get one heck of a bumpy ride that will keep me gripping the seats to stay in and not get lost in all the chaos and madness of the characters and story.
January 7, 2014
Talk Supe review
SEE JANE RUN's focal point is Riley and how she dealt with this life secret that totally turned her life upside down. Even if there are some procedural and criminal elements involved in the story, the details on that were left implied so don't expect a CSI/SVU like novel. SEE JANE RUN is more on the "victim's" Riley's psyche during this time, suspecting everyone is out to get her, running away, doubting her parents and thinking they're the enemy that sent her on a tailspin. Plus it doesn't help that she has a crazy obsessed stalker terrorizing her at every turn, following her around, chasing her down the street and leaving notes here and there to taunt her.
The climax was exciting and terrifying. Being held captive by a madman isn't good and as the novel is told in Riley's POV, we know every panicked thought and fear that crossed her mind. It was so easy for me to put myself in her shoes and I had sweaty palms during the resolution. Riley is a great narrator and a strong and convincing heroine, I only wish the supporting characters were just as strong.
To conclude, SEE JANE RUN is a quick read and another good YA suspense from HJayne. I loved how the execution of the plot was kept succinct despite its complex root. Riley Spencer will make you empathize with her and though the villain isn't as crafty as the one in Truly, Madly, Deadly, he's just as crazy and just as dangerous.
SEE JANE RUN's focal point is Riley and how she dealt with this life secret that totally turned her life upside down. Even if there are some procedural and criminal elements involved in the story, the details on that were left implied so don't expect a CSI/SVU like novel. SEE JANE RUN is more on the "victim's" Riley's psyche during this time, suspecting everyone is out to get her, running away, doubting her parents and thinking they're the enemy that sent her on a tailspin. Plus it doesn't help that she has a crazy obsessed stalker terrorizing her at every turn, following her around, chasing her down the street and leaving notes here and there to taunt her.
The climax was exciting and terrifying. Being held captive by a madman isn't good and as the novel is told in Riley's POV, we know every panicked thought and fear that crossed her mind. It was so easy for me to put myself in her shoes and I had sweaty palms during the resolution. Riley is a great narrator and a strong and convincing heroine, I only wish the supporting characters were just as strong.
To conclude, SEE JANE RUN is a quick read and another good YA suspense from HJayne. I loved how the execution of the plot was kept succinct despite its complex root. Riley Spencer will make you empathize with her and though the villain isn't as crafty as the one in Truly, Madly, Deadly, he's just as crazy and just as dangerous.
January 4, 2014
This is a ridiculously fun novel, one full of twists and suspense. Even though I correctly called the ultimate answer very early on, I had a great time just going along with the ride. (If you read it, let me know if you call it, too.)
Granted, everything could have been solved much earlier and easier if Riley had just asked her parents. I get that she didn't want to get in trouble but seriously. JUST. ASK.
My biggest problem with the novel is the fact that Riley kept talking herself out of being nervous/afraid of what's going on. I hate when characters do that. If creepy stuff is happening to you, even if you don't want to go to the police for whatever reason, you should at LEAST be worried enough to be on guard. And this only happened a few times throughout the course of the novel but in very, very inconvenient parts. (It's also possible that, having watched horror movies since I was nine, I know that you never, EVER calm down and start trusting again until you know for a fact that the threat is over, and preferably not even then.)
Even so, it's incredibly fun and a great way to kill a few hours.
Granted, everything could have been solved much earlier and easier if Riley had just asked her parents. I get that she didn't want to get in trouble but seriously. JUST. ASK.
My biggest problem with the novel is the fact that Riley kept talking herself out of being nervous/afraid of what's going on. I hate when characters do that. If creepy stuff is happening to you, even if you don't want to go to the police for whatever reason, you should at LEAST be worried enough to be on guard. And this only happened a few times throughout the course of the novel but in very, very inconvenient parts. (It's also possible that, having watched horror movies since I was nine, I know that you never, EVER calm down and start trusting again until you know for a fact that the threat is over, and preferably not even then.)
Even so, it's incredibly fun and a great way to kill a few hours.
September 19, 2015
Although the main character Riley and her best friend Shelby were annoying. Also the ending was really cheesy and incomplete. Like where will JD live and why was he always in trouble. I feel like their ultimate relationship was obvious, underdeveloped and cheesy.
Nonetheless, the idea was pretty good...and creepy while simultaneously enthralling. It was hard to get into because everyone was annoying at the beginning and the ending felt obvious, but by the middle or so Jayne starts to draw you in. It probably would have worked better if we were drawn in earlier because the beginning of this book had SO much in common with The Face on the Milk Carton novel. Like even the name in both books (Jane and Janie) were practically the same. Also in both books the "missing" female protagonists both had red hair. Thus, in the beginning it seemed like a horribly executed version of The Face on the Milk Carton. Alas it was not. I suppose the twist was worth the read albeit outlandish and unrealistic...still entertaining.
Nonetheless, the idea was pretty good...and creepy while simultaneously enthralling. It was hard to get into because everyone was annoying at the beginning and the ending felt obvious, but by the middle or so Jayne starts to draw you in. It probably would have worked better if we were drawn in earlier because the beginning of this book had SO much in common with The Face on the Milk Carton novel. Like even the name in both books (Jane and Janie) were practically the same. Also in both books the "missing" female protagonists both had red hair. Thus, in the beginning it seemed like a horribly executed version of The Face on the Milk Carton. Alas it was not. I suppose the twist was worth the read albeit outlandish and unrealistic...still entertaining.
July 12, 2019
Trigger Warning: Stalking.
See Jane Run is an incredibly fast paced novel where the main character, Riley, discovers lies, truths and so much more.
Throughout the book Riley battles many emotions, and more especially her anxiety. I liked reading Riley working through her anxiety attacks, and the other challenges that Riley faces in this story.
Another thing that I liked about See Jane Run is that, I was second guessing myself around every corner. There was nothing that I wasn’t suspicious about. And there were quite a few scenes that I didn’t expect–so there wasn’t much that I couldn’t predict. In fact, I couldn’t predict anything since like I said: everything was under suspicion.
I was kept on my toes from start to finish.
See Jane Run is an incredibly fast paced novel where the main character, Riley, discovers lies, truths and so much more.
Throughout the book Riley battles many emotions, and more especially her anxiety. I liked reading Riley working through her anxiety attacks, and the other challenges that Riley faces in this story.
Another thing that I liked about See Jane Run is that, I was second guessing myself around every corner. There was nothing that I wasn’t suspicious about. And there were quite a few scenes that I didn’t expect–so there wasn’t much that I couldn’t predict. In fact, I couldn’t predict anything since like I said: everything was under suspicion.
I was kept on my toes from start to finish.
December 27, 2013
An entertaining read. I enjoyed the book, but there were a few things that kept it from being a higher rating. Riley is not a character to be admired. She is very passive allowing events to happen to her rather than having agency herself. She never presses her parents for answers even when she knows they are lying, and she is always wandering off on her own and getting in trouble. The parents seemed two dimensional - overprotective but not much else to them. The dialogue seemed forced for most of the book. It felt unnatural and cliche. It was a quick read and kept you wondering what was going to happen next. And while the ending wasn't very surprising, it was satisfying.
January 3, 2014
I love this book. I was kept guessing til the very end.
See Jane Run is about a girl named Riley who has super over protective parents. One day he and her friend Shelby are in her parents room where she is not suppose to be. In there she finds her baby book with a different birth certificate and she is unsure if it is her. If it is her did her parents kidnap her, who is she really.
This book is exciting until the very end. I don't want to give away too much, but I definitely enjoyed this book!!!!!
See Jane Run is about a girl named Riley who has super over protective parents. One day he and her friend Shelby are in her parents room where she is not suppose to be. In there she finds her baby book with a different birth certificate and she is unsure if it is her. If it is her did her parents kidnap her, who is she really.
This book is exciting until the very end. I don't want to give away too much, but I definitely enjoyed this book!!!!!
March 13, 2014
Promising little YA thriller, but I'm afraid Jane ran out of puff and didn't last the distance as far as I'm concerned.....
Riley's parents are overprotective of her, and when she finds a mysterious birth certificate hidden amongst her mother's things, she begins to question them... of course she gets no answers from them, and the more she tries to find out, the more mysterious things become... until she is running for her life, or what she thought was her life....
Riley's parents are overprotective of her, and when she finds a mysterious birth certificate hidden amongst her mother's things, she begins to question them... of course she gets no answers from them, and the more she tries to find out, the more mysterious things become... until she is running for her life, or what she thought was her life....
December 4, 2013
I have to admit there were several times when I wanted Riley to just ask the question, ask it already. A little annoying but not enough to stop reading.
This is a great YA novel with just the right hint of suspense, some twists to keep you guessing, mixed in with a healthy dose of teenage life.
Wanting to read another one by this author!
This is a great YA novel with just the right hint of suspense, some twists to keep you guessing, mixed in with a healthy dose of teenage life.
Wanting to read another one by this author!
January 2, 2026
I'll be honest when I picked up See Jane Run, I was practically buzzing with excitement. Hannah Jayne has become one of those authors whose books I snatch up the moment I spot them, and this premise? Absolutely brilliant. A mysterious postcard, a hidden birth certificate, parents who might not be who they claim , it's the kind of setup that should have had me racing through pages late into the night with my reading lamp on full blast.
The story follows Riley, who receives an unsettling postcard with just four words: "I know who you are." Things spiral from there when she discovers a birth certificate for Jane Elizabeth O'Leary tucked inside her baby book. Suddenly, Riley's overprotective parents seem less endearing and more suspicious. Were they keeping her safe all these years, or were they hiding something far more sinister?
I loved watching Riley transform from a sheltered teenager into someone determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the cost. Hannah Jayne does an excellent job building that creeping sense of paranoia ,the kind where you start questioning everything you thought you knew about your own life. The pages turn easily, and there are enough twists to keep you guessing about Riley's real identity and what happened to the mysterious Jane.
But here's where I have to be honest: something felt missing. Maybe my expectations were just too high after Hannah Jayne's previous books, but this one didn't quite deliver that gut-punch I was hoping for. The revelations felt a touch predictable, and I found myself wanting deeper character development, particularly with Riley's parents. Their motivations could have been explored more thoroughly to really amp up the emotional stakes.
That said, this is still a solid YA thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy. Hannah Jayne's writing remains sharp and engaging, perfect for those cozy reading sessions curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea (though you might grip that mug a bit tighter during the tenser moments). If you're new to Hannah Jayne's work, this is a decent entry point, though I'd still recommend checking out her earlier novels first.
See Jane Run didn't become my new favourite, but it reinforced why I keep coming back to Jayne's books , she knows how to craft an intriguing mystery that keeps you turning pages, even when you've guessed where they're heading.
The story follows Riley, who receives an unsettling postcard with just four words: "I know who you are." Things spiral from there when she discovers a birth certificate for Jane Elizabeth O'Leary tucked inside her baby book. Suddenly, Riley's overprotective parents seem less endearing and more suspicious. Were they keeping her safe all these years, or were they hiding something far more sinister?
I loved watching Riley transform from a sheltered teenager into someone determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the cost. Hannah Jayne does an excellent job building that creeping sense of paranoia ,the kind where you start questioning everything you thought you knew about your own life. The pages turn easily, and there are enough twists to keep you guessing about Riley's real identity and what happened to the mysterious Jane.
But here's where I have to be honest: something felt missing. Maybe my expectations were just too high after Hannah Jayne's previous books, but this one didn't quite deliver that gut-punch I was hoping for. The revelations felt a touch predictable, and I found myself wanting deeper character development, particularly with Riley's parents. Their motivations could have been explored more thoroughly to really amp up the emotional stakes.
That said, this is still a solid YA thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy. Hannah Jayne's writing remains sharp and engaging, perfect for those cozy reading sessions curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea (though you might grip that mug a bit tighter during the tenser moments). If you're new to Hannah Jayne's work, this is a decent entry point, though I'd still recommend checking out her earlier novels first.
See Jane Run didn't become my new favourite, but it reinforced why I keep coming back to Jayne's books , she knows how to craft an intriguing mystery that keeps you turning pages, even when you've guessed where they're heading.
June 10, 2024
old post reposted
My tentative goal for October is to read only thrillers/murder mysteries/dark romances/paranormals/etc (unless my mental health kicks up a fight about it). Here's Hannah Jayne's "See Jane Run."
["I know who you are.
When Riley first gets the postcard tucked into her bag, she thinks it's a joke. Then she finds a birth certificate for a girl named Jane Elizabeth O'Leary hidden inside her baby book.
Riley's parents have always been pretty overprotective. What if it wasn't for her safety...but fear of her finding out their secret? What have they been hiding? The more Riley digs for answers, the more questions she has.
The only way to know the truth? Find out what happened to Jane O'Leary."]
Another who-should-you-believe gaslight-y novel (not super gaslight-y), but definitely full on the paranoia (loooooots of paranoia--okay, I lied, there's also a lot of gaslighting, too). There are two or three compelling stories/versions of the truth. You want to believe Riley's parents, but the "evidence" against them is also strong (as is the suspicion of the people working with/for her parents).
It's also hard because at some point (spoiler alert) Riley stops taking her anxiety meds (or what she's told is her anxiety meds), so when she starts seeing things/people and being followed/stalked and genuinely paranoid as fuck? Do you believe her (because, how many narrators in the thriller/mystery genre are actually mentally unstable--plus, like of course he's being stalked), or do you think it's all in her head due to the lack of meds (because, how many narrators in the thriller/mystery genre are actually mentally unstable--it would be a good twist)??
My head hurt after this one (not sure if it's allergies or speed-reading or reading three+ books in one day--ooorrr if it's the general paranoia/anxiety/gaslight-y-ness of this beautiful disaster).
#seejanerun #hannahjayne #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
My tentative goal for October is to read only thrillers/murder mysteries/dark romances/paranormals/etc (unless my mental health kicks up a fight about it). Here's Hannah Jayne's "See Jane Run."
["I know who you are.
When Riley first gets the postcard tucked into her bag, she thinks it's a joke. Then she finds a birth certificate for a girl named Jane Elizabeth O'Leary hidden inside her baby book.
Riley's parents have always been pretty overprotective. What if it wasn't for her safety...but fear of her finding out their secret? What have they been hiding? The more Riley digs for answers, the more questions she has.
The only way to know the truth? Find out what happened to Jane O'Leary."]
Another who-should-you-believe gaslight-y novel (not super gaslight-y), but definitely full on the paranoia (loooooots of paranoia--okay, I lied, there's also a lot of gaslighting, too). There are two or three compelling stories/versions of the truth. You want to believe Riley's parents, but the "evidence" against them is also strong (as is the suspicion of the people working with/for her parents).
It's also hard because at some point (spoiler alert) Riley stops taking her anxiety meds (or what she's told is her anxiety meds), so when she starts seeing things/people and being followed/stalked and genuinely paranoid as fuck? Do you believe her (because, how many narrators in the thriller/mystery genre are actually mentally unstable--plus, like of course he's being stalked), or do you think it's all in her head due to the lack of meds (because, how many narrators in the thriller/mystery genre are actually mentally unstable--it would be a good twist)??
My head hurt after this one (not sure if it's allergies or speed-reading or reading three+ books in one day--ooorrr if it's the general paranoia/anxiety/gaslight-y-ness of this beautiful disaster).
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February 20, 2018
This book is about a girl who is named Riley Spencer, or at least that's what she knows herself as, but when she sees a birth certificate with the name of Jane Elizabeth O'Leary in her parents closet where she was told to never go, her world was turned upside down. Riley wants to find out who Jane is. Riley's friend, comes up with these cray assumptions like Riley was kidnapped by her "parents" when she was so young she doesn't even remember and her real name is Jane Elizabeth O'Leary and they switched her name to Riley Spencer so her real birth parents could never find her. Riley doesn't want to believe that, she doesn't want to believe her "parents" she knows and have grown up with her whole life are criminals. Riley doesn't want to let her friends thoughts get into her head but they do and it's all she can think about. Riley doesn't have any siblings, cousins or any family members that she knows of besides her parents and no baby pictures of her before she was around the age of three. Riley can't sleep because all she can think about is Jane Elizabeth O'Leary. Riley tries to look and find history of Jane on the internet but finds nothing, she goes to the hospital where Jane was born, and there are no records. Who is Jane Elizabeth O'Leary? I recommend this book who love mystery and thriller books. I really liked this book because I never wanted to put it down and it was really fun to read.
May 20, 2021
I’m pleasantly surprised. I actually really liked this book a lot :D So much so that I took a “break” from it so that it was something I could come back to when I was done reading other books. It never got boring. I was hooked the whole way through. The mystery unfolds little by little, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, another twist is thrown in the mix. The characters are easy-to-like. Yes, the protagonist is emotional—she has a right to be. I’d be pretty upset too if everyone around me seemed to be lying. It drives you crazy, makes you wonder if you’re literally crazy. Wonder if you’re hallucinating, and wondering who’s on your side and who has malicious intent. There’s a lot of reasonable doubt thrown on a lot of characters in here, so you don’t know which ones are innocent and which ones aren’t. I also found the friendship between Riley and Shelby to be quite heartwarming toward the end. I find it rare to see that in fiction between 2 teen girls. It was thrilling and suspenseful. It also has powerful themes of familial love, friendship, and the romance is more of a side/background thing rather than the central focus. I will be keeping this one around on my shelves.
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