The Not So Average Life of Average Jane: She's watching you, but you'll never notice her

by Marissa Malson

Jane Smith used to hate being average. With her mousy hair and watery brown eyes, she blends into the background, easily forgotten. But that’s exactly what makes her a successful private investigator. While others stand out, Jane goes unnoticed, gathering valuable information along the way. Her mother, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She’s the nosy busybody of the neighborhood and always wants Jane to investigate something. This time, it’s their new neighbors who have caught her attention. Despite numerous attempts to meet them, they seem to be hiding something. And according to her mother, anyone who rejects her invitations and welcome cookies has something to hide.

But when Jane investigates the suspicious death of a local man, she realizes the mysterious house next door may hold the answers she’s been searching for. Little does she know, the web she’s about to unravel will also reveal secrets of those closest to her.

With a blend of suspense, intrigue, and wit, this cozy mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.

Genres: Fiction

285 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Marissa Malson is a marketer turned author. She is the owner of Just A Good Book Publishing, which provides editing, book marketing, cover design, and publication plans for fellow independent authors. The Not So Average Life of Average Jane is her first book. But it won’t be her last.

Follow Marissa on Instagram at @marissamalsonauthor to keep up with her latest releases!

Reviews

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful and quirky read that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Following Jane, a self-proclaimed “average” woman, the story takes unexpected twists as her seemingly mundane life unravels into a series of charming, humorous, and heartfelt adventures. The author’s witty prose and relatable characters make it easy to root for Jane as she discovers her own uniqueness. While the pacing is occasionally slow, the book’s charm lies in its celebration of the everyday, proving that even the most average life can be anything but. Perfect for anyone seeking a light, uplifting escape with a touch of whimsy.

[Jennifer Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! From the first page, I was hooked—Jane's adventures pulled me in, and I needed to know what happened next. The clever writing and attention to detail made every twist and turn feel earned, and I loved how everything came together in the end.​

Jane is a character I could root for—smart, determined, and full of heart. The way her relationships evolved added depth without overshadowing the main plot.

The blend of humor and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was like being right there with Jane, solving the case together—her partner, her Watson. I can't wait for Jane's next adventure!​

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giddy-I just finished this cozy mystery and was quite satisfied. After being disappointed with thrillers I was in the mood for a good mystery. This book delivered that in a fun approachable way.

I wasn’t expecting the journey this book took me on. I was literally just expecting a story about a PI solving a crime pr multiple crimes but the plot thickened…

What to expect:
Suspicious neighbors
Classic supportive best friend
Plot twist
Family Secrets
Private Investigator
Ocean’s 11 vibes

Looking forward to more of Jane Smith!

[Louise Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun story with a lead character I really loved. There are plenty of funny scenarios mixed in with a pretty thrilling heist and the author’s knack for a quirky character really hits the mark.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightfully cozy mystery! One that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you are needing to get out of a reading slump!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning pages so fast! An unstoppable protagonist who has no idea what she’s stumbling upon and all the twists and turns that follow 👏

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. There is everything you could want in a cosy mystery read here, from the quirky characters to the witty remarks. It was a very easy book to get stuck into. I loved Jane's character, a basic, plain person who is often invisible but is actually so much more. She's clever, funny, fiercely determined, and has an expectional eye for detail. This is a character I really connected with. The book is written in such detail that you actually feel like you were part of the story and this was one i didn't want to end, so i really hope there's more "consulting" (and joe) to come☺️

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book!
Average Jane a PI easily overlooked by the people around her, the blurb got me interested but the book is so much better.

Full of humour, Jane’s narrated thoughts are brilliantly funny.
Short chapters and told through different POV mean it hard to put down, just one more chapter got me reading this really quickly.
It has a great flow to the writing you get immersed into the story and the twists I did not see coming.

I could write for ages about the characters in the book but what I really want to say is, read it!
Highly recommended cosy, quirky mystery and a debut book that will appeal to any mystery fans.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing mystery that switches between Jane's pov - a private investigator, and Anonymous, the suspicious new neighbour hiding secrets and wanting to avoid detection.
I loved how Jane uses her initiative to find out information and how to engage with people to get what she wants with cover stores, fake personas, and gaining sympathy.
What starts as a missing person investigation and being nosey at the new neighbour, quickly turns into an unexpected daring undercover operation and high stakes rescue mission.
I enjoyed the revelations, and the splash of romance amongst all the chaos and action.
This was a fun start to the series and I'm looking forward to more from Jane.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect cozy mystery! The story begins in a small town with Jane. She looks like just an average Jane, however she’s a private investigator who uses her unassuming nature as an advantage to fly under the radar. This makes for an incredibly interesting story but it also makes Jane very relatable and easy to feel like I’m walking alongside Jane.

As the case Jane is investigating unfolds and explodes into something far more complicated, the book becomes impossible to put down. This book had a perfect pace, an amazing balance of relatability to action, and the right mix of lighthearted vibes to keeping me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait until the sequel!!

[Tammy Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a blast not what I was expecting, I thought it was going to go a certain way as a mystery but then took a turn I did not see. Love that the chapter were different viewpoints, one being Jane and the other the mysterious neighbour that Jane's mother is trying to welcome to the neighbourhood but who she is also pestering her daughter to look into as she finds they aloofness suspicious. I love this story and was surprised by the direction it went into. Can't wait for another one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheli Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully entertaining from start to finish! A smart, well-written cozy mystery bursting with intrigue, wit, humor, and thrills. Not just a must-read book, but a must-read again fantastic debut novel from Marissa Malson! Grab a blanket, your favorite hot drink, and enjoy the ride of The Not So Average Life of Average Jane! Looking forward to any and all prequels and sequels from this author!

Very Satisfied Reader

[Kyly Wandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! It had all the ingredients for a cozy mystery novel. An average, but not so average PI, a small town setting, and a perfect twisty mystery that kept me on my toes. I was obsessed with the way this story was written in such great detail, like watching a movie in your head! If you’re looking to curl up and go on a little adventure, this is the perfect book to do that.

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to my PI authors! A cozy mystery with a great introduction to the characters.

Written in an easy reading style, flows quickly. Started out with Stephanie Plum vibes, average Jane going home every Sunday for a meal with the fam, nosy mom tracking the neighborhood.

It started to feel predictable near the middle where I was like yep that’s the bad guy and then they were revealed but bam with a twist you don’t see coming! Loved the turn at that point and sets the stage for a series.

Now there’s no Morelli or Ranger if you are an Evanovich fan, but there’s a hint at GI Joe😉

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a DELIGHT. Jane is a thoroughly ordinary, unnoticeable woman, and that very ordinariness is what allows her to do her private investigating. I had so much fun reading this, but it also made me think about celebrating Jane’s ordinariness- and my own! So charmingly written, I’m very much hoping for at LEAST one sequel. I want to solve more mysteries with Jane!

[Lynda McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane is one of the most exciting characters to enter the amateur sleuth annals in ages. I was rooting for her from page one! Love the humor, the good-heartedness, and the writing. Great book!

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story captured my attention right away and kept my interest the entire time! Great book and I hope to read more of Jane's adventures!

[Alexia | Books4Dreamz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and engaging cozy mystery that drew me in right away and kept my interest until the end. The writing is clear, fast-paced and confident, with a fresh concept that blends humor, intrigue, and charm—perfect for fans of the Finlay Donovan series. It’s entertaining, satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m fairly certain there will be a sequel and I’ll definitely be reading it.

[Karly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy, engaging read that pulls you in from the start. The characters are well-developed and the author does a great job capturing the inner thoughts of Jane, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a page turner! Jane is a PI who is drawn into a web of criminals. She has to think, think, think who is the link?

[Laura Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book!! Amazing ❤️

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic first book by author Marissa Malson! The story was fun and I kept finding myself thinking about the book even when I wasn’t reading - the sign of a great book!! I look forward to reading more books by Marissa!

[Olivia Glavac Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice cozy mystery with a side of whimsy and quirkiness! I really liked Jane, and I felt like I really got to know all the other characters well. The plot did get a little far fetched for me, but it was enjoyable and intriguing! The inner monologue was written well, as I felt like I was just having a conversation with Jane.
A great debut novel!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A great mystery novel that wasn’t over the top. I was always looking for more time to read about Jane’s adventures, I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to see what is next for author Marissa!

[Linzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

" ..you're not as forgettable as you think"

This was a fun read! It all unfolds through different POVs and with it's short chapters and fast pace throughout, it's easy to fly through it. I always enjoy books with different POVs and I quite liked how we get the POV of the mysterious neighbour, never really knowing what they're up to 🕵🏻‍♀️ There's quite a few characters in this book but not too many that you can't keep up. I think Jane's mum was probably my favourite, she definitely made me laugh at times! The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the twist, I just found it a little unbelievable that they never knew this whole time?! and at times I felt it was maybe a little too easy for Jane. I feel like being a PI things would be trickier to find out whereas everything just kind of fell into place, but that's just my opinion 🤷🏻‍♀️ I quite enjoyed the ending and feel there will definitely be more from Jane in the future! overall it's a fun, fast paced, cosy murder mystery that definitely keeps your attention!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

🕵️‍♀️ Marissa Malson’s The Not So Average Life of Average Jane is a whip-smart, light-hearted mystery that flips the script on what it means to be overlooked. With a protagonist who turns her “averageness” into a superpower, this debut novel launches a promising new series that’s equal parts caper, character study, and comedic romp.

👓 Jane Smith has always been forgettable—mousy hair, unremarkable features, and a knack for disappearing into the background. But what once felt like a curse becomes her greatest asset when she reinvents herself as a private investigator. While others chase leads with bravado, Jane listens, observes, and slips through social cracks unnoticed.

When her mother suspects the new neighbors of shady dealings, Jane’s casual surveillance turns serious. A disappearance, a smuggling ring, and a trail that leads all the way to France pull Jane into a case far bigger than she bargained for. What starts as a neighborhood curiosity becomes a globe-trotting mystery with real stakes—and real danger.

Jane is a refreshingly original heroine. She’s not glamorous, not fearless, and not particularly smooth—but she’s smart, self-aware, and quietly tenacious. Her dry wit and internal monologue are a highlight, offering both humor and insight as she navigates the absurdities of amateur sleuthing.

The supporting cast—from her meddling but well-meaning mother to the eccentric suspects she encounters—are drawn with warmth and comic flair. Malson strikes a balance between caricature and complexity, making even the most outlandish characters feel grounded.

✍️ Malson’s prose is breezy and engaging, with a rhythm that mirrors Jane’s observational style. The tone is playful but never flippant, allowing moments of genuine tension and emotional resonance to land.

Fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series or Janet Evanovich’s early Stephanie Plum novels will feel right at home—but Jane’s voice is distinct, and her story stands on its own.

The pacing is brisk, the dialogue snappy, and the mystery satisfying without being overly convoluted. It’s a book that knows exactly what it wants to be—and delivers.

The Not So Average Life of Average Jane is about reclaiming agency in a world that underestimates you. Jane’s journey isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about stepping into her own narrative, embracing her quirks, and realizing that being “average” is often just code for being underestimated.

Malson weaves this theme subtly through the plot, offering readers a heroine who doesn’t need to change who she is to make an impact—she just needs to own it.

The Not So Average Life of Average Jane is a charming, clever debut that turns invisibility into intrigue. Marissa Malson delivers a mystery that’s equal parts heart and hijinks, anchored by a heroine you’ll root for from page one. For readers who love cozy mysteries with a modern twist and a dash of international flair, Jane Smith is a name to remember—even if she prefers you don’t notice her.

[When Stories Mean Everything · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Smith has always been forgettable. People just don’t seem to see her. But rather than pout or mope, she decides to sleuth! She becomes a private investigator, slipping through crowds unnoticed, tailing suspects in plain sight, and gathering secrets from the shadows. Her greatest weakness becomes her stealthiest strength as she moves through rooms unseen, closing in on her marks before they even know she’s there. Unfortunately, her family is not quite so invisible. Her mother simply must involve herself in the business of the neighbours—and, as luck would have it, one of them happens to be a baddie. Now Jane is scrambling to save the day, with a dash of secret passages, underground criminal (and spy) networks, and itchy disguises.

Jane ──✦
According to her, she's just a face in the crowd. She insists it’s for the best as it's helping with her job, but you can tell it’s not coming from a healthy place. I’d love to see how she evolves in the sequels. I liked how resourceful she was—nothing mind-blowing, but entertaining nevertheless. That said, I don’t think this book was meant for her to shine. In the second half, she’s mostly just following along. I’d like to see how that changes, too. Overall, a heroine I could back 100%.

Plot & Pace ──✦
This started as a solid four-star read. But around the midpoint, the author revealed the villains’ identities, and soon after, the rest of the mystery unravelled. Even before the action picked up, I was given a front-row seat to all the planning. Personally, I prefer when the big reveal waits till the end and I’m kept guessing. The second half slowed down for me as a result. That said, the mystery was intriguing and quite smart.

Prose ──✦
It’ll be exciting to watch the author's writing mature in future books as I enjoyed it and had some good laughs with it. While it could use refinement in places, she had an undeniably witty style.

The best part of this book was Jane’s family—each a different character and lovably absurd in their own way (apart from her Grandmother, of course). Jane’s mom is just 👏🏻👏🏻.

This was a much-needed break from the heavy non-fiction I’ve been reading lately. I’d highly recommend it to fans of quirky, fun mysteries. It’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited if you want to check it out.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Color me amazed that this is the first book this author has written. Where has she been?

I found this to be an awesome book. Jane Smith is a private investigator whom people always considered average. Easy to forget, someone who they don't even notice. That certainly DOES help in her chosen field.

Her mom, who is a neighborhood busybody, wants Jane to investigate her new neighbors, who won't answer her invitations or even come to the door. Rolling her eyes, Jane complies, though she's sceptical.

Then, a man dies, and Jane is hired by his widow for an investigation into what she thinks was an affair.

The book is really well written, not relying on catch phrases, but just great storytelling, with wonderful characters and a lot of humor. The suspense builds up and the story goes into places that you just won't expect. There are so many surprises and twists and turns that it might make your head spin, but you'll be smiling as it goes around!

The story is told in the first person in different chapters by either Jane or the person who is living in the house next door to her parents. I loved this approach!

This book was REALLY hard to put down, and I was disappointed to have it end.

'm ready for the followup book to find out where things go from the end of the book (which hints a bit at a new story).

Well done! More, please!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all thank you so much to @marissamalsonauthor and @novel.tours for giving me the opportunity to review this book. In this book we follow Jane who used to hate being average but due to easily blending in to the background, she makes a successful private investigator. She goes unnoticed and can gather all the valuable information she needs while her mother is completely the opposite and is something of a out going person
When a murder pools up that is suspicious Jane takes it upon herself to investigate and investigate the suspicious new neighbours

This book like so many other reviewers have said, because there is no better word is quirky! It’s a fun read and in my opinion it falls into the category of “good holiday read”
The story is full of whit and Jane is a character who is easy to like, she has an unapologetic sense of humour that you can’t help but adore and really rally behind her.

This book does take a bit to get into but once you are you’re hooked! And for me as someone who reads a lot it was a nice length and the story flowed well and there weren’t any dull points

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve read in a long time!!! How can I sum up how good this book is in just a paragraph?! Everything hits the mark in this feel-good, cozy mystery—from the character development, to the writing style, to the fast pace, to the plot. The author develops the characters in such a way that makes them not only lovable, but feel like people you know. On top of that, the author has such a fresh voice, creating a vivid world you feel like you’re a part of. The story moves along at a clip that makes it hard to put down, and feels like the epitome of a “just one more chapter!” kind of book. The journey of Jane and the mystery she uncovers is full of suspense, intrigue, and twists and turns you won’t see coming, not to mention all the dashes of wit and humor along the way. (I truly don’t think I’ve laughed out loud so much while reading a book!) The end of the book was perfectly wrapped up, but left me wanting more. I’m already ready for a sequel, and need to know what Jane does next in her next adventure! This author is a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre, and I can’t wait for all her books in the future. Call me a fan!!