Jayne Doe

by Jamie Brook Thompson

Jayne is my sister. Johnny is her boyfriend. A week ago he murdered me. Today he put Jayne in the hospital. Tomorrow he's going to die. I'll make sure of that.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Ghosts, Ebooks

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

I'm a small town girl just wanting to write a good story!

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

There once was a family who lived in a trailer park. A mum who was an alcoholic and had several boyfriends coming and going , three daughters - one who was a slut, one - the nicest girl around and someone who would go places and the baby of the family and last but not least - a son who a jerk and the kind of guy you expect to grow up in a trailer park. The middle daughter Jayne loved her baby sister Jill and would do anything for her; often it was like Jayne was Jill's mother despite their close age-gap. Jayne had a boyfriend Johnny who was wealthy and his family in law enforcement. Johnny, however, was a sicko, and after reading this book, I will have to warn you that you will never look at a packet of crayons especially not a purple one again. During this book, there is an incident of sexual abuse, and then it leads to death. The coroner believes that Jill died of asthma, but Jayne and an old family friend Cody who now works in Autopsy believes otherwise. During Jayne Doe, we read as Cody tries to figure out what happened to Jill and we read as Jill who is currently stuck on earth as a ghost tries to let Jayne know what her boyfriend is really like. What will happen though when Jayne ends up pregnant? Will she stay with Johnny for the sake of the baby or when his true colors are revealed will Cody swoop in to save Jayne from the same fate as Jill? Jayne Doe was an edgy book which reminded me of the book/movie The Lovely Bones where the one who died was still able to walk the earth till her killer was caught. If you are in the mood for a crime/mystery read, then check out Jayne Doe by Jamie Brook Thompson today.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes a book is so bad that it is good, but other times it is so bad that you really wonder why it was ever written in the first place, and that is the case with this one. Why did nobody say “stop” to the author?

I was expecting something along the lines of The Lovely Bones crossed with Ghost, certainly not the train wreck it turned out to be.

We have a 13 year old girl Jill who is murdered by Johnny , her sister Jayne’s boyfriend. Jill and Jayne are good sisters, they love each other and Jayne looks out for her. They live in a trailer park in a house that is large enough for their mother, Jayne and Jill and their brother and sister, Martha and ”I forget his name” because he didn’t really seem to add anything to the plot”. With a mother who is too drunk most of the time to get herself to bed, it is like “good half of the family” versus “bad half of the family”.

Johnny is evil, we are constantly told that, and he does evil things – that is something that really bugged me. He is so vile with no redeeming qualities and no charisma – what attracted Jayne to him in the first place? The events leading up to the murder are, well, corny and contrived. It was like one of those old silent movies where the villain dramatically twizzles his moustache before moving in to do the dirty deed.

Then, think about it. A murder taking place in a trailer with nobody hearing? A 13 year old girl dying unexpectedly and no investigation? Really?

I was really irritated by the way Jayne’s family are portrayed. A mother, brother and sister who showed no signs of mourning whatsoever with a sister fidgeting through the funeral because she was missing a party and a brother too stoned to know where he was. Really? Even the most dysfunctional, poverty stricken family on the plant should surely show some sorrow for the death of one of their own.

In the end I got as far as chapter 18, well over halfway, and thought “no, I deserve better than this”.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've had to pack this in at only 6% because of bloody formatting !!! Its made it unreadable. If it occurred a couple of times I'd have managed to live with it but not when it creeps into every page !! I've taken a photo on my phone which I hope to add to my review as it shocked me so much that this is "out there" on Amazon to purchase !!
I figured out what it was, eventually....it's every time she writes something in italics and the formatting message has been inexplicably left in the final draft. I got to the page I photographed and had to pack it in. It's just too hard to try and read around that mess. I can't add the picture here as it warrants too much messing around I can't be bothered with but I'll add it to the Amazon version.
It's such a shame as the story was moving on OK. I'll not delete it off my Amazon account in the hope a revision maybe gets pushed through to correct it at some point in the future.

[Misty Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! This book was different. By the fourth page I was hooked and read Jayne Doe late into the night. (When you have to get up at 5:00 AM that's not a good idea. But this book was really that good.) This author clearly displays her creative abilities by making the scenes begin one way and then finish in an unexpected way. Secondly, I thought that the author did an excellent job of making the reader want the best for her characters. There are a lot of books I begin to read, find I don't care what happens by about a third of the way through and then give up on. This book just continued to get better as the pages went by. I congratulate this author for marching to the beat of her own drum and writing a very original novel that was worth the time to read.

[Matu Nila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really different genre for me. I didn't know what to expect and ended up enjoying this a lot!
I loved Jill, hated Johnny and hoped for the worse for him.
Definately worth the read!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Good book that just sucks you right in.

[Tiramisue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was SO close to just flounce this book, and really, I started skimming after page 40.

The rough plot was good, as were the first two chapters. However, everything that followed was just a hot mess. For one, there was no consistency to Jayne's "abilities", they came and went as the situation called for/the author saw fitting. Then, there was WAY too much crammed "story" crammed into these 200 pages. The topics approached in this story-- physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, murder, etc-- are heavy and to be taken seriously! Not only by the author, but also for the sake of the reader. I guess the author meant to evoke the compassion and sympathy for the misery of Jayne and her sister, but really, all her attempts at doing so fell completely flat. ALL of the topics mentioned above are harsh and severe and cruel, and that's exactly why they need to be handled gentle and with care -- but here, it seemed they were all used just for the sake of effect.

Then there was all this jumping around... either your character/the narration is omniscient, or it's not. Only in very rare cases having both in one story works, and this isn't one of them.

The turnaround at then end was too prompt and too easy. Again, too much going on and stuffed into this few pages.

Also, some of the gems found in this book:

- There are no fat and/or ugly people in heaven.

- A woman that's been beaten to the inch of her life by her psychotic boyfriend needs a man to control her in order to get better

Yeah...NO.

UGH. Another good plot idea going to waste.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to express my opinion about this book. Even though I read the short synopsis of it on Amazon before I added it to my library, it still was not what I expected. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Some people might take issue with that statement and say the subject matter was violent, and it's true; and some would call it a rather sappy ending, and in a way that's true, too. But the fact is, I'm just a chick at heart (albeit an old one) and I love happy endings.
I must admit the book is better written than some of the free books I have gotten from Amazon. There were a couple of grammatical errors that caught my attention, but no where near enough to interfere with my reading. The story flows along well and there are some very interesting developments. I just realized that even though it's a murder story (can't say mystery because everything is known at the beginning), it is done without gore, gratuitous sex or profanity every other word.
I must admit, this is not my typical book, I'm more of a courtroom, police procedural kind of girl (?), but a very pleasant surprise. Who would expect to find references to Heaven in a ghost story/murder mystery? Well, they're here and in my humble opinion, well done. I'm glad I didn't miss this one. It's really sad when you find yourself reading on the way to the bathroom because you don't want to put it down! Thank you, "a story written by a girl", whoever you are. You made my night!

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Girls should never be alone in cars with boys. Bad things happen." (5) Unfortunately, young Jill had to find out the hard way.

The writing style is concise and full of mystery; it's not very impressive but it compells you to want to read more. As Jill lingers between life and death, she is overwhelmed with confusion while witnessesing the pain and sadness of her loved ones. What I liked best was that even though her tale is tragic, she tells it with a dose of wry humor.

It seems that her soul is still connected to her body by the way she randomly appears by it. Everything is seen through the eyes of this ghost. In fact, the whole story plays out as a series of pop-ins from scene to scene. The character just kept on jumping all over the place that it was hard to keep up.

Things get even more confusing when Jill tries to touch people--it seems she can possess the living, allowing her to see into the memories and thoughts. It was strange and puzzling. I didn't know what was going on sometimes. One minute, she's in somebody's memory, and the next, she's in her own heaven. Weird.

This wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was an okay read. It was basically a story of a ghost watching over the monotony of the living A.K.A. her family while trying to bring her killer to justice. It wasn't as exciting as I thought it was going to be.

[Margaret Brochu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! it was a freebie that I downloaded onto my kindle. I am so glad I grabbed this one.

The story was frustrating and sad. As sappy as I know this sounds, I had tears in my eyes as I read the ending. I loved the characters. Our heroine Jill is intelligent, sensitive and courageous. I was so happy when she finally took control of Jayne and took care of business!

It is a short read and definitely worth your time.

[A Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an indie author I am very proud of working with highly skilled editors and cover artists that really made the book Jayne Doe shine. I really connected with the character Jill and loved being able to write her story. She's was so enduring and remained in my head until her story was finished. This book will always have a special place in my heart.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting in that the main event in the story happens in the first few pages. I loved this story and wished I spent more than 2 days reading it. It does contain violent and disturbing acts, so steer clear if that's not for you. There were a few typos that distracted my reading, but overall I would recommend the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Fallon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories I had a hard time editing because I was so emotionally involved with Jill's plight and the heartbreak she goes through. But I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Our author is a talented story writer and I wish her all the best. She's going to be an author to watch.

[Shirley A Gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jayne Doe

I did not like this book...
the storylines were ok but the "ghosts" we're not.
Their was no continuity in the whole story.
I do not recommend this book....
the reason I gave it one star is because it was written and published.
(That will always get a star for that)

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

A thirteen year old girl - Jill, is abused and murdered by her eldest sister’s boyfriend. Jill’s soul remains on earth in an attempt to find a way to let Jayne know exactly what her boyfriend is like. There is a reasonable book somewhere inside but sadly it needs so much work. I understand that Indie authors don’t have a team of publishers etc. but a quick proof read before publishing would make a huge difference.

[Marcos McCullum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't put it down, pageturner

I opened this book to see what it was about and an hour later was chapters in. I read this book in 2 days! It wasn't anything i was expecting, took me for a journey, and had me hooked immediately. Without giving too much away, she gives intersting views on many outlooks on life, now and after death. Definitely worth reading!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book though it is mostly sad and about the unfortunate circumstances of a poor “trailer-trash” girl from a pretty crappy family. I loved the shots of beauty in the boy next door and the love between sisters. It is a lot like The Lovely Bones but different enough. The end brought a surprising tear to my eye.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected is sometimes great!!

This was one hell of a book. It is raw and full of emotion. Beautiful too. I love the unbreakable bond these two sisters share. Without giving anything away, the right relationships are too strong to break. And this story gives an affirmation on what’s meant to be, will always find a way to be.

[bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't be put down

It is too well done to put down, even when I realized it was too dark for me. Not dark fantasy dark, but the world filled with overwhelming evil dark. 4.5 star since I couldnt put it down when I wanted to.

[Albablume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from Amazon's deals and got hooked right away by its blurb.

This book is unputdownable from start to finish. It's heart-wrenching with a flimsy thread of hope that things will get better, that good shall prevail over evil.

I highly recommend this book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

I actually wanted more even though everything was wrapped up. Think author is really good details but glossing over to have that floaty ghost feeling.

[Kathy Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

It was fast-paced, one of those books you can’t put down. I loved the quirkiness of the story! Give it a shot!

[Ashley Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

has potential

The story is good. The “starti endi” was so annoying though! It made it hard for me to get into the story as much as I wanted

[Rishika S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd give Jayne Doe 2.5 stars instead of 2.

Thompson weaves a tale that attempts to take you into the depths of nightmares and the pinnacles of sweet dreams. The book is written from the perspective of Jill, from the time that she was alive, to well past her death. A spirit lost in search of justice, revenge and freedom, Jill sees things after her death to which she remained oblivious during her lifetime.

But that is both, a good and bad thing.

The book takes you on a roller coaster ride as you follow Jill’s search for answers. The story itself is interesting and even touching. You get to see the worst and best of the characters that Thompson had brought to life. Marring a few typos, it even reads well, keeping you hurriedly turning the pages.

It’s not long, and moves at a quick pace that keeps things running at all times. Thompson’s descriptions even gives you a sense of ‘being right there’. Some parts get pretty intense and will leave you surprised or shocked.

Yet, in spite of having so many things going for it, Jayne Doe manages to stack up only an average rating; primarily because of its choppy style.

Going at such a quick pace, there are too many times you feel like you’re just jumping from one scene to another. The very idea Thompson attempts to present is abstract. Many scenes are jumpy, moving really fast because the chaos is part of the charm. But even the rest of the story does that, leaving it a list of scenes that have been thrown together, rather than woven together seamlessly. The smooth and invisible joints should have been considered equally important to the seams left intentionally visible.

I agree with the author when she says that her book is a piece of art and she wants to keep it raw. But then, just like with a painting, some people will like it and some won’t. Personally, I thought the story and the necessarily choppy scenes were incredibly raw, and beautifully so, in themselves. A little more flow in bringing it all together would’ve gone a long way in increasing the appeal of Jayne Doe for me.

So, should you read Jayne Doe? Not if you are easily offended by the fact that people can be strange and evil and tainted. And definitely not if you are unwilling to experiment with a genre. But if you want to read a story that is touching and interesting and are able to completely overlook the typos and choppiness, Jayne Doe could just make it to your to-be-read list.

[Niina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jayne Doe is a story told from the point of view of Jill who is a 13 year old girl and, for the lack of better word, a ghost. After her death her spirit hangs back for the sole reason of protecting Jayne from her boyfriend, Johnny, the murderer of Jill.

I hadn’t heard of this book or author before and it’s maybe out of my usual reading scope, but I liked the story premise. Despite it’s obvious supernatural nature (the narrator being dead and all), the story is very down to earth. Jill’s family is poor and lives in a trailer park where things aren’t made any easier by their mother’s alcoholism.

Jayne is the best kid, helping mother and playing with Jill, while their brother Billy and sister Martha care more about themselves than anything. The center of the story is Jill’s attempts to keep Jayne safe and make her see what her boyfriend really is. Not an easy task when Jayne isn’t put off even by his violent behavior.

The main plot was clear and held up through the story but there were also subplots and mysteries that Jill had to follow. The story also hopped around quite a bit and varied between first person and omniscient narrator. The book was an okay read despite the unpleasant themes, but most characters were very one dimensional, bordering cliches, especially the family. Their reactions to a lot of things (including the murder of Jill) were odd and felt unnatural. Jayne felt more real, although that just made it sadder.

The amount of unpleasant things in the book was a bit overflowing. They lost their effect when bad things followed another set of bad things without the story really stopping to consider their effects. Also while I liked Jill most of the time, her ghostly skills seemed to come and go too randomly. Despite the flaws I mentioned, I still liked reading this book and I had no trouble finishing it.

[moxieBK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not often does a book come along that is very emotional that I end up enjoying so much. I did not know really much of anything about this book when I downloaded it. When I got to the murder part (which is not a spoiler, since it's in the blurb,) I about fell out of my chair and thought I would stop reading. But the wrap-around story was absolutely breathtakingly awesome. I felt the emotions that Jayne went through, I saw the down-on-her luck upbringing, and yet I saw the beauty between sisters in this book. Writing this review brings tears to my eyes at how sadly, and yet uplifting this story is.

Very well written, with come to life characters that you just can't shake, even weeks and months after reading about them.

Awesome!

Four stars.

[Tracy Trixy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had serious potential! I liked the idea behind it, Jaynes boyfriend kills her sister Jill because he thinks she told of the abuse she suffered at his hands... Cue a story where Jill is still present and doesn't opt to stay with Stephen... (Not sure who he is) but stays with Jayne and Johnny
We learn through Jill a lot about the different characters and their lives past which as I said had potential for more, but that's untapped and maybe that's a good thing, but for me not enough.
Quite a short read, managed to read within a day.
Would still recommend :)

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

I picked this book up when it was offered for free, so I wasn't expecting a whole lot from it. I am from the time of the dime store novel, and that's how in think of these types of books. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It took me a bit to get used to the style of writing the author used, but when I did I found I really enjoyed it.

If you are looking for a book tho pass some time with that entertains you without making you think, then you will enjoy this book.

[Sharlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new genre for me, totally unexpected and original. I couldn't stop reading and being drawn in to the story. Emotions were tugged in multiple directions. Always at the forefront was LOVE – the literally undying selflessness of two siblings, powerful friendships and unconditional devotion held in secret desires. The author did an amazing job of taking a dark, violent topic and allowing us to see beyond with hope.