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Jenny Cooper Has a Secret: A Novel
In this riveting psychological thriller from the
New York Times
bestselling author of
All the Wrong Places
, a dementia patient reveals a deadly secret—and one woman must decide whether to believe her.
Reeling from her husband’s death and best friend’s dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda’s long list.
Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking she kills people.
Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims—mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of an sick old man, but Linda can’t help but is there any chance Jenny’s telling the truth?
Reeling from her husband’s death and best friend’s dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda’s long list.
Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking she kills people.
Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims—mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of an sick old man, but Linda can’t help but is there any chance Jenny’s telling the truth?
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First published January 1, 2024
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About the author
Joy Fielding
121 books2,197 followersJoy Fielding (née Tepperman; born March 18, 1945) is a Canadian novelist and actress. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, she graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As Joy Tepperman, she had a brief acting career, appearing in the film Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) and in an episode of Gunsmoke. She later changed her last name to Fielding (after Henry Fielding) and began writing novels.
Fielding is also the screenwriter of the television film Golden Will: The Silken Laumann Story.
At the age of 8, Joy Tepperman wrote her first story and sent it into a local magazine, and at age 12 sent in her first TV script, however both were rejected. She had a brief acting career, eventually giving it up to write full-time in 1972. She has published to date 22 novels, two of which were converted into film. Fielding's process of having an idea to the point the novel is finished generally takes a year, the writing itself taking four to eight months. Joy Fielding sets most of her novels in American cities such as Boston and Chicago. She has said that she prefers to set her novels in "big American cities, [as the] landscape seems best for [her] themes of urban alienation and loss of identity. Fielding is a Canadian citizen. Her husband's name is Warren, and they have two daughters, Annie and Shannon. They have property in Toronto, Ontario, as well as Palm Beach, Florida.
Fielding had an interview with the Vancouver Sun in 2007, just after her publication of Heartstopper. She enjoys catching readers off guard with the endings of her stories, but insists that "[it] isn't what her fiction is about", but rather more about the development of her characters. Discussing her novels with the Toronto Star in 2008, she said "I might not write fiction in the literary sense. But I write very well. My characters are good. My dialog is good. And my stories are really involving. I'm writing exactly the kind of books I like to write. And they're the kind of books I like to read. They're popular commercial fiction. That's what they are."
Fielding has been noted as a novelist who is more popular in the United States and foreign countries, rather than in her native Canada. For example, the novel Kiss Mommy Goodbye was more popular in the States, and See Jane Run in Germany. In addition, she had an American agent and publisher, although she has now switched to a Canadian publisher.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, she graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As Joy Tepperman, she had a brief acting career, appearing in the film Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) and in an episode of Gunsmoke. She later changed her last name to Fielding (after Henry Fielding) and began writing novels.
Fielding is also the screenwriter of the television film Golden Will: The Silken Laumann Story.
At the age of 8, Joy Tepperman wrote her first story and sent it into a local magazine, and at age 12 sent in her first TV script, however both were rejected. She had a brief acting career, eventually giving it up to write full-time in 1972. She has published to date 22 novels, two of which were converted into film. Fielding's process of having an idea to the point the novel is finished generally takes a year, the writing itself taking four to eight months. Joy Fielding sets most of her novels in American cities such as Boston and Chicago. She has said that she prefers to set her novels in "big American cities, [as the] landscape seems best for [her] themes of urban alienation and loss of identity. Fielding is a Canadian citizen. Her husband's name is Warren, and they have two daughters, Annie and Shannon. They have property in Toronto, Ontario, as well as Palm Beach, Florida.
Fielding had an interview with the Vancouver Sun in 2007, just after her publication of Heartstopper. She enjoys catching readers off guard with the endings of her stories, but insists that "[it] isn't what her fiction is about", but rather more about the development of her characters. Discussing her novels with the Toronto Star in 2008, she said "I might not write fiction in the literary sense. But I write very well. My characters are good. My dialog is good. And my stories are really involving. I'm writing exactly the kind of books I like to write. And they're the kind of books I like to read. They're popular commercial fiction. That's what they are."
Fielding has been noted as a novelist who is more popular in the United States and foreign countries, rather than in her native Canada. For example, the novel Kiss Mommy Goodbye was more popular in the States, and See Jane Run in Germany. In addition, she had an American agent and publisher, although she has now switched to a Canadian publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews
October 2, 2025
Walking into this story, it became clear from the onset, that this book title fit the character perfectly. This is my first Joy Fielding novel, and I doubt it will be my last, now that I have had a chance to experience her well-crafted, well-paced and intricate writing style.
Jenny Cooper is a 92-year-old resident of Legacy Place, a memory care facility. Jenny has dementia and a secret. And, while on the way to visit her friend Carol who also lives at Legacy Place, 76-year-old, recently widowed Linda Davidson, learned from Jenny her secret. But is her secret believable?
When a suspicious death occurs at Legacy Place, could Jenny’s secret be true?
Surprisingly, Linda enjoys visiting Jenny, and begins to find comfort in this unlikely friendship, with her. Especially now that her daughter has come to live, with her, which also includes her not so very nice, manipulative, unlikable son-in-law, Mick.
How will Jenny’s secret guide Linda through the ongoing machinations of Mick?
This easy-to-read, thought-provoking, page-turning, somewhat predictable mystery, also provides a very delectable ending. Dare we have such thoughts?! 😳
The novel touches on some sensitive and discussable topics, such as; aging and dementia (the repetitiveness that occurred in the storytelling, emphasized this, but may also vex some readers, too), loneliness and friendship, grief, abuse, trust – wondering what is true, and if failing memory can be trusted. And, justice – when the lines between right and wrong become blurred. Which makes this entertaining and rather satisfying read a great book group discussion selection.
4.5 stars
Jenny Cooper is a 92-year-old resident of Legacy Place, a memory care facility. Jenny has dementia and a secret. And, while on the way to visit her friend Carol who also lives at Legacy Place, 76-year-old, recently widowed Linda Davidson, learned from Jenny her secret. But is her secret believable?
When a suspicious death occurs at Legacy Place, could Jenny’s secret be true?
Surprisingly, Linda enjoys visiting Jenny, and begins to find comfort in this unlikely friendship, with her. Especially now that her daughter has come to live, with her, which also includes her not so very nice, manipulative, unlikable son-in-law, Mick.
How will Jenny’s secret guide Linda through the ongoing machinations of Mick?
This easy-to-read, thought-provoking, page-turning, somewhat predictable mystery, also provides a very delectable ending. Dare we have such thoughts?! 😳
The novel touches on some sensitive and discussable topics, such as; aging and dementia (the repetitiveness that occurred in the storytelling, emphasized this, but may also vex some readers, too), loneliness and friendship, grief, abuse, trust – wondering what is true, and if failing memory can be trusted. And, justice – when the lines between right and wrong become blurred. Which makes this entertaining and rather satisfying read a great book group discussion selection.
4.5 stars
September 3, 2025
A delightful tale of a murder mystery inside of a women’s lit novel, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret was everything I could want from a quick, easy read. With perfect pacing, short chapters, and a handful of serious themes, I found myself flying through the pages of this unputdownable book in no time at all. And while it wasn’t exactly action-packed or adrenaline-fueled, the seniors at the center of this simple yet addictive plot kept me firmly hooked on the words. Realistic, compelling, and running the gamut from unlikeable in the extreme to oddly endearing, this cast of characters was the definition of complete and utter perfection. That’s right, Fielding hit it out of the park with this group of unforgettable personas.
My favorite part to this one, though, was easily Jenny Cooper herself. Eccentric, funny, and the kind of woman I’d want to know, she made for the absolute best kind of character: one I could connect with while also making me giggle with glee. You see, while the plot might’ve been somewhat predictable, the eccentric cast of characters made this book into an utter home run. Darkly comedic and laugh-out-loud funny, the plot also contained a number of thought-provoking topics that had me feeling all of the feels. From outrage to sorrow, Fielding brought out all the stops. Perfect for a book club selection, there was plenty to discuss inside of this story. Besides, don’t you want to know if Jenny was really a serial killer?
All said and done, I’m sure that I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. A truly special novel that explored both friendship and loss, I was tied up in knots as we were given a fly on the wall view of what’s waiting for us all later in life. Alongside of that, though, was a healthy dose of secrets and lies that gave this book the suspense my thriller-loving brain always craves. With plenty of page-turning cliffhangers and an ominous vibe, it was no big surprise that I sped through this novel in under twenty-four hours. After all, I was constantly waiting for the next shoe—or body—to drop. A fast-paced tale of intrigue and love, I don’t know a single person who won’t be won over completely by Mrs. Jenny Cooper. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Reeling from her husband’s death and best friend’s dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda’s long list.
Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking confession: she kills people.
Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims—mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of a sick old man, but Linda can’t help but wonder: is there any chance Jenny’s telling the truth?
Thank you to Joy Fielding and Ballantine Books—Random House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 5, 2025
Content warning: dementia, gaslighting, infidelity, stroke, death of a friend, blackmail, murder, mention of: molestation, domestic abuse
My favorite part to this one, though, was easily Jenny Cooper herself. Eccentric, funny, and the kind of woman I’d want to know, she made for the absolute best kind of character: one I could connect with while also making me giggle with glee. You see, while the plot might’ve been somewhat predictable, the eccentric cast of characters made this book into an utter home run. Darkly comedic and laugh-out-loud funny, the plot also contained a number of thought-provoking topics that had me feeling all of the feels. From outrage to sorrow, Fielding brought out all the stops. Perfect for a book club selection, there was plenty to discuss inside of this story. Besides, don’t you want to know if Jenny was really a serial killer?
All said and done, I’m sure that I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon. A truly special novel that explored both friendship and loss, I was tied up in knots as we were given a fly on the wall view of what’s waiting for us all later in life. Alongside of that, though, was a healthy dose of secrets and lies that gave this book the suspense my thriller-loving brain always craves. With plenty of page-turning cliffhangers and an ominous vibe, it was no big surprise that I sped through this novel in under twenty-four hours. After all, I was constantly waiting for the next shoe—or body—to drop. A fast-paced tale of intrigue and love, I don’t know a single person who won’t be won over completely by Mrs. Jenny Cooper. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Reeling from her husband’s death and best friend’s dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda’s long list.
Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking confession: she kills people.
Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims—mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of a sick old man, but Linda can’t help but wonder: is there any chance Jenny’s telling the truth?
Thank you to Joy Fielding and Ballantine Books—Random House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 5, 2025
Content warning: dementia, gaslighting, infidelity, stroke, death of a friend, blackmail, murder, mention of: molestation, domestic abuse
October 14, 2025
Wow, what a ride! Joy Fielding has always done right by me, and I was excited to get my hands on her newest release, without even reading the synopsis! This one did not disappoint, and deserves every bit of the 5-Star rating I've given it!
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret follows 76-year-old widow Linda Davidson, who’s adjusting to a busy household after her daughter and son-in-law move in. Seeking a little peace, she often visits her best friend, Carol, at a memory care facility called Legacy Place. That’s where she meets 92-year-old Jenny Cooper—an unforgettable woman who leans in and whispers, “I have a secret. I kill people.” At first, Linda dismisses the claim as dementia-fueled rambling, but when residents start dying under strange circumstances, she can’t help but wonder: is Jenny telling stories, or is there truth to her chilling confession?
This was such a fun, yet surprisingly emotional read. From the very first page, I was hooked—and not once did the pacing slow down. Every chapter left me eager (and sometimes anxious!) to know whether Jenny was truly who she claimed to be.
Joy Fielding has such a knack for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and utterly human. Jenny’s story pulled at my heartstrings more than I expected—I was borderline in tears by the end. Jenny Cooper is a character unlike any I have read recently; she was witty, sharp and never ceased to make me laugh, but also incredibly intriguing. Even though this book was not what I would call my typical read, it kept me invested from start to finish and reminded me why I love stories that blur the lines between genres. It might not even technically be a thriller, but it’s one of the best books I’ve read all year.
I split this one up between print and audio book and highly recommend the audiobook format - Jenny's voice alone is worth the investment! I highly recommend this if you love fast-paced, emotionally charged reads that keep you guessing and feeling all the way through and also stick with you long after finishing it! Bravo, Ms. Fielding, you've once again knocked my socks off!
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret follows 76-year-old widow Linda Davidson, who’s adjusting to a busy household after her daughter and son-in-law move in. Seeking a little peace, she often visits her best friend, Carol, at a memory care facility called Legacy Place. That’s where she meets 92-year-old Jenny Cooper—an unforgettable woman who leans in and whispers, “I have a secret. I kill people.” At first, Linda dismisses the claim as dementia-fueled rambling, but when residents start dying under strange circumstances, she can’t help but wonder: is Jenny telling stories, or is there truth to her chilling confession?
This was such a fun, yet surprisingly emotional read. From the very first page, I was hooked—and not once did the pacing slow down. Every chapter left me eager (and sometimes anxious!) to know whether Jenny was truly who she claimed to be.
Joy Fielding has such a knack for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and utterly human. Jenny’s story pulled at my heartstrings more than I expected—I was borderline in tears by the end. Jenny Cooper is a character unlike any I have read recently; she was witty, sharp and never ceased to make me laugh, but also incredibly intriguing. Even though this book was not what I would call my typical read, it kept me invested from start to finish and reminded me why I love stories that blur the lines between genres. It might not even technically be a thriller, but it’s one of the best books I’ve read all year.
I split this one up between print and audio book and highly recommend the audiobook format - Jenny's voice alone is worth the investment! I highly recommend this if you love fast-paced, emotionally charged reads that keep you guessing and feeling all the way through and also stick with you long after finishing it! Bravo, Ms. Fielding, you've once again knocked my socks off!
April 25, 2025
Oh, this has SUCH a satisfying ending!
The book is sad and funny and simply a delight.
I adored Jenny. I also loved Linda, though I really worried that a certain relationship would go the wrong way. Both Jenny and Linda are badass older women who are so much fun to read.
Much of the plot deals with challenging subjects - things like aging, dementia and abuse come into play. But there's also so much heart.
I loved this one.
The book is sad and funny and simply a delight.
I adored Jenny. I also loved Linda, though I really worried that a certain relationship would go the wrong way. Both Jenny and Linda are badass older women who are so much fun to read.
Much of the plot deals with challenging subjects - things like aging, dementia and abuse come into play. But there's also so much heart.
I loved this one.
October 28, 2025
As far as I'm concerned, Joy Fielding created the domestic thriller. Her 1982 bestseller, Kiss Daddy Goodbye, created the templete for future writers such as Freida McFadden and Sally Hepworth. Fielding's novels center on women who's lives are at a standstill that gets into a crisis that will test their wills and resolves. Fielding's latest novel, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret, has all of her classic elements that I've come to expect in her novels.. Recent widow, Linda Davidson is visiting her Alzheimer's disease ridden best friend, Carol, at a memory care facility. Jenny Cooper is a fellow patient, but who from Dementia. The center's staff Jenny's dementia attributes to her often crass behavior and outrageous claims. Linda witnesses both sides of Jenny's noted behavior and listens to her claims that she's a killed people. Linda dismisses Jenny's claims, but reconsiders when she forms an unexpected friendship with her. Linda continues to question Jenny's claims then during her lucid moments she'll influence her own descions on how she handles the upcoming turmoil in her own life. Fielding once again demonstrates her ability to create a heroine who I'm sure many women will relate to and a story that is not just a thriller, but also a credibly told story of an unexpected bond between two women. There are moments that are touching such as Linda's visits with Carol, hillarious when Jenny's filter free statements and the constant suspense if Jenny is telling the truth or not? I also commend Fielding her accurate depections of both Alzheimer's and Dementia because of I've seen the devistating effects of both has on its victims.
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is an example of why Joy Fielding deserves more credit as pioner of the domestic thriller. As you're waiting for Mcfadden's next book, I highly suggest checking out Fielding's backlist titles. You'll see how well her books among the current cop of domestic thrillers.
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is an example of why Joy Fielding deserves more credit as pioner of the domestic thriller. As you're waiting for Mcfadden's next book, I highly suggest checking out Fielding's backlist titles. You'll see how well her books among the current cop of domestic thrillers.
July 31, 2025
Jenny Cooper does not, in fact, have a secret. She shares her "secret" with our unlikable protagonist on the very first page,so the mystery goes immediately out the window. When Linda visits Legacy Place, a memory care facility, to visit her long-time friend, Carol, she immediately comes upon a frail women about 20 years her senior. This woman is clearly nuts. Linda clearly doesn't care. Uncomfortably living with her daughter and her son-in-law in the wake of her husband's passing, Linda is eager to find something to fill her time. For some reason, she selects Jenny Cooper.
This has got to be some of the least enjoyable writing I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. I would say these characters have many uncharacteristic outbursts, but I don't feel that I got to know anyone in this story well enough to know what was uncharacteristic. Most of the dialogue within these pages is completely nonsensical, riddled with chapter-long repetition, useless side characters, and just downright unrealistic back-and-forth. Fielding plops random characters into the story and removes them without much thought. She seems to do the same with major plot points. What became of Carol, Ms. Fielding? Do we care?
There was not a single red herring in this story. I think I figured out exactly how it would end 30 pages in.
TRIGGER WARNING for completely unnecessary child sexual assault, spousal abuse, and bad plot development.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this arc.
This has got to be some of the least enjoyable writing I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. I would say these characters have many uncharacteristic outbursts, but I don't feel that I got to know anyone in this story well enough to know what was uncharacteristic. Most of the dialogue within these pages is completely nonsensical, riddled with chapter-long repetition, useless side characters, and just downright unrealistic back-and-forth. Fielding plops random characters into the story and removes them without much thought. She seems to do the same with major plot points. What became of Carol, Ms. Fielding? Do we care?
There was not a single red herring in this story. I think I figured out exactly how it would end 30 pages in.
TRIGGER WARNING for completely unnecessary child sexual assault, spousal abuse, and bad plot development.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this arc.
July 21, 2025
Im obsessed with the cover! The greeny-blue is sooooo appealing!! (The netgalley cover is different to the Goodreads one and I pray the netgalley is the official cover cos it is 1000x better! 😬)
Our FMC Linda meets a patient (Jenny) in a memory care facility, after striking up a friendship of sorts Jenny begins to tell Linda stories of her past which are very entertaining yet feature many apparent murders. Linda likes spending time with Jenny and doesn’t take her stories too seriously given the fact she could be entirely bonkers but is happy to hear them nonetheless. As was I the reader happy to hear these stories too 😆
This book is a quick read, very fast paced you get into the rhythm very early on. I enjoyed the characters budding relationship and the fact they found someone to connect with through different stages of their lives. The plot isn’t super serious but it does have some suspense and twists for those who like easy breezy thrillers.
I liked the quirkiness of the characters and thought the read was entertaining overall. This is a good palette cleanser for in between longer / darker books, I thought it was a nice break in between my usual reads,
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Joy Fielding for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publishes : August 26th
Our FMC Linda meets a patient (Jenny) in a memory care facility, after striking up a friendship of sorts Jenny begins to tell Linda stories of her past which are very entertaining yet feature many apparent murders. Linda likes spending time with Jenny and doesn’t take her stories too seriously given the fact she could be entirely bonkers but is happy to hear them nonetheless. As was I the reader happy to hear these stories too 😆
This book is a quick read, very fast paced you get into the rhythm very early on. I enjoyed the characters budding relationship and the fact they found someone to connect with through different stages of their lives. The plot isn’t super serious but it does have some suspense and twists for those who like easy breezy thrillers.
I liked the quirkiness of the characters and thought the read was entertaining overall. This is a good palette cleanser for in between longer / darker books, I thought it was a nice break in between my usual reads,
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Joy Fielding for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publishes : August 26th
April 28, 2025
Ein ungewöhnlicher Thriller....der bis zur vorletzten Seite ohne Mordopfer auskommt.....und trotzdem wirklich spannend ist....!
Eine demente 93jährige berichtet einer Zufallsbekannten im Seniorenwohnheim von ihren zahlreichen Mordtaten.....doch hat sie diese wirklich begangen????
Außergewöhnlich, spannend und routiniert geschrieben!
lesenswert!
Eine demente 93jährige berichtet einer Zufallsbekannten im Seniorenwohnheim von ihren zahlreichen Mordtaten.....doch hat sie diese wirklich begangen????
Außergewöhnlich, spannend und routiniert geschrieben!
lesenswert!
August 14, 2025
Wow this was disappointing. I can’t believe it was promoted as a thriller. I was bored to tears. A book with two old women having conversations that make little sense.
September 19, 2025
More a commentary on the loneliness of aging then a suspenseful read.
August 30, 2025
Soooo... this was another that based on the synopsis I thought it would be good, and it flopped. Lol, it was just very repetitive, not very entertaining/thrilling and the characters were all unlikeable.
August 25, 2025
Grandmother and widow, Linda Davidson meets Jenny Cooper, an eccentric old woman while visiting her friend Carol in a home for dementia patients. The more time she spends with Jenny, the more she hears about all the people Jenny claim's she's killed (mostly the asshole men in her life).
Jenny's supposed actions inspire Linda when her live in son-in-law Nick starts treating her daughter terribly too. This was good on audio and a great book exploring the complexities of aging, toxic masculinity and the lengths angry women will go to for justice, even if it means taking the law into their own (very crafty, wily) hands.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Too old for this by Samantha Downing. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Canadian mystery author, Joy Fielding and now I'm eager to dive into her backlist!
Jenny's supposed actions inspire Linda when her live in son-in-law Nick starts treating her daughter terribly too. This was good on audio and a great book exploring the complexities of aging, toxic masculinity and the lengths angry women will go to for justice, even if it means taking the law into their own (very crafty, wily) hands.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Too old for this by Samantha Downing. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Canadian mystery author, Joy Fielding and now I'm eager to dive into her backlist!
August 15, 2025
This is marketed as a thriller. It is NOT a thriller. It’s a monotonous tale that is demeaning to the elderly, especially those suffering from dementia and memory problems. I couldn’t finish it, and I’m embarrassed for anyone who could write this and think it’s funny or thrilling or whatever it was thought to be. I’m giving a generous 1 star, a giant “shame on you”, and all kinds of “I’m sorry” hugs to those who encounter this awful joke book about this heartbreaking illness. THUMBS DOWN!👎🏻
September 2, 2025
Jenny Cooper Has A Secret by joy Fielding is one of the best most funniest laugh out loud cringe inducing read I’ve read in a while. when Linda Davis stops to see her lifelong friend Carol who has dementia and is living at Legacy assisted living facility she runs into 92 year old Jenny Cooper who tells her in a whisper “I have a secret. “I have killed people“ this stops Linda in her tracks but when Jenny Cooper introduces herself and then does it again immediately after Linda remembers where she is and continues on her way. Linda lives in the house she raised her two children in it was married to the love of her life for 45 years and now she lives with her daughter Cleo and husband Mick who insisted on coming to live with her supposedly to help her out. at first it was great but then Nick’s true colors started to shine a little too bright when he claimed to be working Linda would find him snoozing on the couch he would go out supposedly to get business deals and come home drunk or not at all. Overall Linda does her best to keep things even tempered and for the most part even gets along with Nick. This is why she tells Nick and her daughter Cleo all about Jenny Cooper thinking she’ll never see her again. before it’s over however Jenny will become at first a distraction from the agony of watching her best friend not know who Linda is and everything at home to an addiction and by the time the story is over Jenny will make a big impact on all of their lives. I really loved this book it wasn’t intense it wasn’t on the edge of your seat reading except for the stories Jenny Cooper told Linda that at the best is dubious and at the worst is too long ago to be prosecuted lol! I thought this was fabulously done and I can’t believe I’m saying this but I really cheered at the end you go Linda. I loved Linda’s relationship with her Apple Watch that was funny and it even caused a meat cute in the middle of the mall. I just really enjoyed this book it is a definite five star read and I couldn’t understand how others disliked it but I guess that is why they say there is a book for every reader and this is definitely my book… Does that say anything bad about me… I don’t care. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #JoyFielding, #JennyCooperHasASecret,
August 20, 2025
Simmering, intricate, and compulsive!
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a compelling, cunning thriller that takes you into the lives of a handful of people, including widow Linda Davidson, who after attending a memory care facility to visit with her ailing best friend, inadvertently befriends ninety-three-year-old Jenny Cooper, who may or may not be a serial killer and who may actually have a special secret Linda might one day find extremely useful.
The prose is tight and intense. The characters are unique, dubious, and troubled. And the plot is a gripping tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, secrets, deception, dementia, manipulation, and murder.
Overall, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a complex, meticulous, twisty tale by Fielding that, with its exceptional character development and ominous storyline, not only kept me intrigued from start to finish, but also reminded me just how blurry the line between right and wrong can often truly be.
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a compelling, cunning thriller that takes you into the lives of a handful of people, including widow Linda Davidson, who after attending a memory care facility to visit with her ailing best friend, inadvertently befriends ninety-three-year-old Jenny Cooper, who may or may not be a serial killer and who may actually have a special secret Linda might one day find extremely useful.
The prose is tight and intense. The characters are unique, dubious, and troubled. And the plot is a gripping tale full of twists, turns, surprises, familial drama, secrets, deception, dementia, manipulation, and murder.
Overall, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a complex, meticulous, twisty tale by Fielding that, with its exceptional character development and ominous storyline, not only kept me intrigued from start to finish, but also reminded me just how blurry the line between right and wrong can often truly be.
July 15, 2025
Thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted copy.
JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET, was suspenseful and all too humorous. I loved the characters of Jenny and Linda. They were opposites that clicked from the start. Jenny was such a unique character and different from any character that I’ve read about before. I can’t recommend this enough. The narration by Carol Monda was outstanding, her voice change for Jenny had me giggling! Bravo! I highly recommend the audiobook.
JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET, was suspenseful and all too humorous. I loved the characters of Jenny and Linda. They were opposites that clicked from the start. Jenny was such a unique character and different from any character that I’ve read about before. I can’t recommend this enough. The narration by Carol Monda was outstanding, her voice change for Jenny had me giggling! Bravo! I highly recommend the audiobook.
August 13, 2025
I was kind of hoping to get more details about the people Jenny murdered and how. This was more a story about friendship.
September 1, 2025
A pleasant read about Linda, a 76-year-old woman, who befriends Jenny, an 89-year-old woman with dementia, when visiting a nursing home. The woman says she has killed her husbands. Linda doesn’t know if she’s telling the truth but finds herself intrigued and it does inject some excitement into her life. On top of that, Linda’s daughter and her jerk of a son-in-law are living in her house so Linda’s visits to Jenny certainly break up the day.
This is a story about friendship, aging, and family relationships and Linda was very likeable. However, I found the story to be quite slow-paced and I ended up skimming some pages. There was a predictable ending. This is not a psychological thriller as the publisher blurb says but rather a story of friendship with a mystery element.
I was hoping to enjoy this one more.
This is a story about friendship, aging, and family relationships and Linda was very likeable. However, I found the story to be quite slow-paced and I ended up skimming some pages. There was a predictable ending. This is not a psychological thriller as the publisher blurb says but rather a story of friendship with a mystery element.
I was hoping to enjoy this one more.
July 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published August 5, 2025.
This was my third book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jenny Cooper is 93 and has dementia… or does she? She blurts out swear words, accuses you of working for the CIA and claims to have killed between 4-20 people. I absolutely loved her character!
Themes include unlikely friendships, family and protecting those you love.
Trigger warnings for dementia, domestic abuse and pornography.
This was my third book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jenny Cooper is 93 and has dementia… or does she? She blurts out swear words, accuses you of working for the CIA and claims to have killed between 4-20 people. I absolutely loved her character!
Themes include unlikely friendships, family and protecting those you love.
Trigger warnings for dementia, domestic abuse and pornography.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
Enttäuschend
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Joy Fielding gehört schon lange zu den festen Größen im Bereich der Romane mit Spannungsfaktor. Ich war noch ein Teenie, als ich “Lauf, Jane, lauf!” von ihr gelesen habe. Weitere Bücher sind gefolgt. Und wenn ich mich recht erinnere haben sie mir immer ganz gut gefallen. Jetzt war mir ihr neuer Roman “Die Besucherin” aufgefallen und spontan hatte ich mal wieder Lust, etwas von Joy Fielding zu lesen.
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Darum geht’s: Lindas beste Freundin Carol ist an Demenz erkrankt. Bei einem von Lindas Besuchen in der Pflegeeinrichtung offenbart ihr die ebenfalls demente Patientin Jenny, mehrere Menschen getötet zu haben. Dann stirbt auch noch unerwartet ein Patient auf der Station…
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Auf dem Cover steht “Roman”. Trotzdem verspricht der Goldmann-Verlag hier vollmundig einen hochspannenden Thriller. Da gehen unsere Meinungen aber deutlich auseinander. Für mich ist die Geschichte keines von beiden. Also weder hochspannend noch ein Thriller. Aber auch als Roman konnte mich die Story nicht begeistern. Abgesehen vom flüssigen Schreibstil der Autorin, habe ich nicht viel Positives daran gefunden. Die Handlung ist zu Beginn noch ganz vielversprechend. Das verflüchtigt sich aber schnell. Das Ende ist dann zwar nochmal okay, kann es aber auch nicht mehr rausreißen.
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Die Geschichte klingt an sich interessant. Sie wird von Joy Fielding auch authentisch wiedergegeben. Das bringt aber auch eklatante Probleme mit sich. Jennys fehlende Erinnerung führt zu redundanten Gesprächen. Das ermüdet doch sehr beim Lesen und führt dazu, dass die Handlung durch ständige Wiederholungen auf der Stelle tritt. Außerdem haben mich Jennys Tourette-artige Anwandlungen, in denen sie das F-Wort zig mal aneinanderreiht, beim Lesen extrem gestört. Auch der Handlungsstrang mit Lindas Tochter und Schwiegersohn und ihren Eheproblemen hat mich nicht gepackt. Am Ende wird zwar deutlich, wofür das alles gebraucht wurde, aber rückblickend konnte es mich auch dadurch nicht begeistern.
.
Fazit: Das Buch hat mich genervt. Die Geschichte habe ich als saft- und kraftlos empfunden. Mir persönlich fehlt es an Spannungsmomenten. Und das wird noch nicht mal durch eine tolle Atmosphäre wettgemacht. Die hat das Buch nämlich auch nicht. Schade, aber “Die Besucherin” ist für mein Empfinden leider sehr schwach. Damit habe ich mit Joy Fielding jetzt wohl abgeschlossen.
.
Joy Fielding gehört schon lange zu den festen Größen im Bereich der Romane mit Spannungsfaktor. Ich war noch ein Teenie, als ich “Lauf, Jane, lauf!” von ihr gelesen habe. Weitere Bücher sind gefolgt. Und wenn ich mich recht erinnere haben sie mir immer ganz gut gefallen. Jetzt war mir ihr neuer Roman “Die Besucherin” aufgefallen und spontan hatte ich mal wieder Lust, etwas von Joy Fielding zu lesen.
.
Darum geht’s: Lindas beste Freundin Carol ist an Demenz erkrankt. Bei einem von Lindas Besuchen in der Pflegeeinrichtung offenbart ihr die ebenfalls demente Patientin Jenny, mehrere Menschen getötet zu haben. Dann stirbt auch noch unerwartet ein Patient auf der Station…
.
Auf dem Cover steht “Roman”. Trotzdem verspricht der Goldmann-Verlag hier vollmundig einen hochspannenden Thriller. Da gehen unsere Meinungen aber deutlich auseinander. Für mich ist die Geschichte keines von beiden. Also weder hochspannend noch ein Thriller. Aber auch als Roman konnte mich die Story nicht begeistern. Abgesehen vom flüssigen Schreibstil der Autorin, habe ich nicht viel Positives daran gefunden. Die Handlung ist zu Beginn noch ganz vielversprechend. Das verflüchtigt sich aber schnell. Das Ende ist dann zwar nochmal okay, kann es aber auch nicht mehr rausreißen.
.
Die Geschichte klingt an sich interessant. Sie wird von Joy Fielding auch authentisch wiedergegeben. Das bringt aber auch eklatante Probleme mit sich. Jennys fehlende Erinnerung führt zu redundanten Gesprächen. Das ermüdet doch sehr beim Lesen und führt dazu, dass die Handlung durch ständige Wiederholungen auf der Stelle tritt. Außerdem haben mich Jennys Tourette-artige Anwandlungen, in denen sie das F-Wort zig mal aneinanderreiht, beim Lesen extrem gestört. Auch der Handlungsstrang mit Lindas Tochter und Schwiegersohn und ihren Eheproblemen hat mich nicht gepackt. Am Ende wird zwar deutlich, wofür das alles gebraucht wurde, aber rückblickend konnte es mich auch dadurch nicht begeistern.
.
Fazit: Das Buch hat mich genervt. Die Geschichte habe ich als saft- und kraftlos empfunden. Mir persönlich fehlt es an Spannungsmomenten. Und das wird noch nicht mal durch eine tolle Atmosphäre wettgemacht. Die hat das Buch nämlich auch nicht. Schade, aber “Die Besucherin” ist für mein Empfinden leider sehr schwach. Damit habe ich mit Joy Fielding jetzt wohl abgeschlossen.
July 24, 2025
When Linda finds herself at a crossroads in life, she encounters Jenny Cooper while visiting her lifelong friend at a memory facility in Florida, becoming fascinated by Jenny's proclamation that she's killed people. Ever since her daughter and contentious son-in-law moved in, she's felt at a loss as to how to spend her days. What was strong about this book was that interplay between Linda, aged 76, and her new friend who at 92 has dementia. The conversations rang true, the repetitions and frustrating lapses, but also the flashes of awareness that indicate Jenny has more going on than is readily apparent. Joy Fielding has a true knack for recording these back-and-forths, and a reader can certainly understand why Linda is drawn to her. I plan to look up Fielding's earlier works.
August 12, 2025
Horrible book. Both characters, Linda and Jenny were completely unlikable. One main gripe - the main character has issues dealing with phone technology which has been around for years. Really how hard is it to enter a a persons phone number in your phone? Also who doesn’t check their phone when getting off a plane to see if their ride is there? Too much repetition. A third of the book could have been edited out. There is no surprise ending. You saw it coming a mile away. Never read this author before and will not read any more of her stuff.
August 6, 2025
I became a lifelong fan of Joy Fielding many years ago, and I remain one to this day. Jenny Cooper Has A Secret is a captivating, very entertaining, enjoyable, hard to put down book!!!!!!!!!!!! I read this book in one sitting and loved every word of it!!!!!!!! Jenny Cooper is a diabolical and very wise old woman with a whopper of a story to tell.
September 22, 2025
This is my first time reading this author's work. Her writing is smooth and easy to read; the pages practically turn themselves. The premise of this novel is very intriguing, and the characters are thoroughly entertaining. While there wasn't much suspense or thrill to this novel, it was a solid read. This novel touches on sensitive subjects about life, growing older, and murder. All while being a bit comical.
November 7, 2025
Jenny Cooper is a 93 year old serial killer….. or is she? She also has dementia….. or is she faking it? You just don’t know with her. There were so many things I loved about this book. I loved that the FMC is older (76 I believe). I love that Jenny Cooper is 93. As far as thrillers go, this one could be deemed “lighter”. Jenny Cooper, the character, is really funny. There is also some really good nuggets of wisdom in the book. Having said all these things, there are things that may be triggering to some - ie DV, advanced dementia, etc.
December 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. A great palate cleanser. Characters, good story, mystery. And as a woman of a certain age, it was enjoyable to have a similarly aged protagonist. I did see the ending coming but it wasn’t any less “worth it.” Thoughts on motherhood, friendship, relationship, and crime fascination. Definitely recommending it.
And with this book I met my Goodreads challenge for the year!!
And with this book I met my Goodreads challenge for the year!!
August 9, 2025
Jenny is a great character; some parts had me laughing out loud. Predictable, but enjoyable.
June 7, 2025
placed in a memory care facility, Legacy Place. While visiting Carol, Linda encounters a quirky character, Jenny Cooper, who claims that she “kills people.” When two residents of Legacy Place die, Linda begins to suspect that perhaps there is some truth to Jenny’s claim. As she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Jenny, she finds she enjoys her company and it also provides a respite from her situation at home where her married daughter and ne’er-do-well husband have moved in with her.
I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. While it certainly falls under the mystery/thriller genre, I found it to be also akin to literary fiction or women’s fiction. Fielding’s observations of aging, friendships, marital relationships, and the Florida lifestyle are both painfully and humorously accurate. She tackles difficult topics in such an entertaining manner that it diffuses their discomfort. And, oh that ending!
This story really resonated with me. I live in Florida, am aging, am dealing with friends facing the inevitability of assisted living, and I fall asleep every night watching Dateline, just like Linda. I am sorry to admit that this is the first Joy Fielding novel I have read and have to ask myself, what have I been missing out on?
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks for the DRC.
I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. While it certainly falls under the mystery/thriller genre, I found it to be also akin to literary fiction or women’s fiction. Fielding’s observations of aging, friendships, marital relationships, and the Florida lifestyle are both painfully and humorously accurate. She tackles difficult topics in such an entertaining manner that it diffuses their discomfort. And, oh that ending!
This story really resonated with me. I live in Florida, am aging, am dealing with friends facing the inevitability of assisted living, and I fall asleep every night watching Dateline, just like Linda. I am sorry to admit that this is the first Joy Fielding novel I have read and have to ask myself, what have I been missing out on?
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks for the DRC.
May 30, 2025
Jenny Cooper Has a Secret
By: Joy Fielding
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Pub date: August 26, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An entertaining novel. Linda Davidson has lost her husband and her friend is suffering from dementia. Her daughter and son in law move into her home.
Tensions between the couple have Linda looking for an escape. She meets up with Jenny at Legacy Place where she is in the memory care unit. Jenny starts telling Linda that she has killed people, but how can Jenny believe this?
This novel deals with dementia, family drama, abuse and death but
also has humor. Life is so unpredictable and I found this novel a breath of fresh air even with the difficult subjects.
By: Joy Fielding
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Pub date: August 26, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An entertaining novel. Linda Davidson has lost her husband and her friend is suffering from dementia. Her daughter and son in law move into her home.
Tensions between the couple have Linda looking for an escape. She meets up with Jenny at Legacy Place where she is in the memory care unit. Jenny starts telling Linda that she has killed people, but how can Jenny believe this?
This novel deals with dementia, family drama, abuse and death but
also has humor. Life is so unpredictable and I found this novel a breath of fresh air even with the difficult subjects.
September 23, 2025
Not gonna lie…this was not what I expected. I saw “psychological thriller” and I immediately grabbed it.
This was NOT a psychological thriller…this was a cozy mystery with a fun cast of characters and an enjoyable conclusion. It did marketed as a cozy mystery. I would absolutely give it four stars, but because it was marketed as a psychological thriller, and it read like a cozy mystery. I’m only gonna give it three stars. It didn’t deliver what it said it would deliver, but I still liked what it did deliver.
Do it that way you will.
This was NOT a psychological thriller…this was a cozy mystery with a fun cast of characters and an enjoyable conclusion. It did marketed as a cozy mystery. I would absolutely give it four stars, but because it was marketed as a psychological thriller, and it read like a cozy mystery. I’m only gonna give it three stars. It didn’t deliver what it said it would deliver, but I still liked what it did deliver.
Do it that way you will.
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