The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke: A Novel

by Jane Green

From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes her most poignant and timely novel yet—the story of a tech titan’s daughter, who, in the face of family crisis, must step into her own power to redefine a legacy

Missy Cooke’s parents divorced when she was young. While her mother did her best to make ends meet, her father devoted his life to work—and his new family. Missy only knew him from afar. He was distant and aloof. But when he came to visit, his light shone bright. He was Silicon Valley tech titan Marty Cooke.

Now an adult, with tech world aspirations of her own, Missy’s life is a constant negotiation between her own desires and the towering expectations of her father. But when a devastating diagnosis forces Marty to step down from his tech empire, ipryy, he doesn't choose a seasoned executive to take his place. He chooses Missy.

Thrust into a world of high-stakes board meetings and cutthroat corporate politics, Missy is completely out of her depth. As interim CEO, she must navigate the immense pressure of her father's legacy while wrestling with a strained relationship with her boyfriend, the reappearance of a childhood crush, and the constant scrutiny of a world that sees her as nothing more than a privileged heiress, an image totally at odds with her modest upbringing.

From the glittering galas of the French Riviera to the hidden realities of ipryy's global operations, Missy's journey of self-discovery becomes a battle for the soul of the company. When she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to destroy everything her father built, Missy must decide what kind of leader she will become. Can she forge her own path and prove her worth, or will she crumble under the weight of her father’s shadow?

Propulsive, timely, and emotionally resonant, The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke is an unforgettable family novel by a beloved author at the height of her literary power.

Genres: Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Jane Green is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one novels, and one cookbook. With over 10 million books in print in over 25 languages, she is credited as being one of the founders of the ‘chick lit’ genre.

Jane is also the author of the weekly Dear Jane column in the Daily Mail. She lives between London and Marrakech, where she holds writing and rewilding retreats, and tries not to rescue every stray kitten she comes across.

Connect with Jane:
www.janegreen.com

Find out about her retreats:
www.kitabamarrakech.com

Reviews

[Jodi Schulz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used love Jane Green but her last few books did not work for me. Sadly, this is kind of same. About the daughter of a tech icon who takes over the business, I could not connect to the main character at all. The story felt all over the place and then never really went anywhere.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I've been a fan of Jane Green ever since I read Jemima J years ago, so I'm always excited to pick up one of her books. The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke was an enjoyable read, even if the overall plot felt a little familiar at times.

Missy is very much the naïve younger adult who suddenly finds herself taking over the family business without realizing just how many people are intentionally putting obstacles in her path. It was frustrating watching her trust the wrong people for so long, especially considering just how much of a complete slime her mentor turned out to be (her boyfriend was a bit of a spineless weasel as well).

One of my favorite parts of the book was the friendship Missy developed with the owners of the company her business was partnering with. Those relationships felt genuine and supportive, and I found myself looking forward to those scenes. On the other hand, I thought the side plot involving Noah was a bit underdeveloped. There was enough there to make me interested, but I would have loved to see it explored in greater depth.

Missy's lack of self-confidence, rooted in her upbringing and plenty of daddy issues, made her an easy character to empathize with, even when I wanted to shake some sense into her. Watching her gradually find her voice and develop a bit of a spine by the end was satisfying and made her character growth feel earned.

Overall, while this wasn't my favorite Jane Green novel, it was still an engaging story with likable characters, frustrating villains, and a heroine whose journey toward believing in herself made the book worth the read.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy Cooke lives under her father’s oppressive shadow- as a tech giant he has created one of the largest, most viable companies in the world. Think of a story along the lines of Steve Jobs and his daughter. However, Missy has been in the media represented as a party girl and a failure- also a nepo-baby. When Missy’s dad learns of a significant illness and he must step back, Missy is given the reins to the company as a symbol of trust by her dad. Her allies and closest friends know that this is a huge challenge that Missy wants to meet head on and prove she’s got both smarts and the brains to handle. Missy ‘reforms’ the way she dresses and acts to create a public image befitting of an upcoming tech scion- so when the media starts pounding her for that, she becomes suspicious. Is someone deliberately trying to sabotage her success and set her up for failure?
Jane Green writes complicated family relationships with grace and talent- she gives us the messy truths we see in the mirror, the ones we don’t and the ones foisted upon us. She’s the best at writing interpersonal relationships- which Missy seems to have a lot of “Lives”, but which is the real Missy? Is Missy simply another nepo-hire who will fail because she’s shallow and incapable or will the real Missy find herself and her strength?

This book should be at the top of your fall reading list- like in 1st place. Thank you to Jane Green and Harlequin Trade/ Hanover Press for allowing me the incredible opportunity to read this free ARC in advance in exchange for an honest review.

#janegreen #libraryninja

[Darcy Bosque · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like Jane Green's books for a good break and some relatable characters. This one didn't quite hit the mark. Missy is the daughter of divorced parents. Her mother is depressed, poor, struggling, and resentful. Her father is a wealthy entrepreneur who drops in during her childhood with little consistency. Missy works at her father's company - trying to prove her place both at work and in her father's life. Meanwhile, she is dealing with a boyfriend, who while stable and supportive, isn't creating any sparks. The book flashes back to the past, while in the present day Missy is trying to find her footing. I can't say there is anything significantly wrong with this book. It is fine, but like Missy's boyfriend lacked the spark Green usually brings. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of an ARC from NetGalley.

Missy Cooke comes from a broken family. Her upbringing is filled with uncertainty and conflict between her parents, an inept mother and infamous father. As she grows up, her upbringing impacts her self-worth and belief that she can do great things.

I found myself struggling with Missy, at times. While I know that it's the character arc, the constant self-flagellation was frustrating. I also found this to be predictable, and had figured out the twist before it was revealed.

A few characters needed to be more tightly woven into the story, too.

In the end, Missy rallies and finds her worth and voice.

2.5 stars.

[Paula Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a longtime Jane Green fan, having read all of her previous work. I want her to get back to her roots, chick lit. Lighthearted, happy ending. The character of Missy is weak. All her father has to do is look her way, throwing her even a crumb, and she immediately drops everything, despite his complete absence in her life during the first five years. Marty Cook is arrogant, treating her like a second class citizen, and yet she follows him to the ends of the earth. The implausibility of a Harvard graduate with so little inner strength and backbone is just really sad. I hope the next Jane Green is a return to empowered female characters.

[Sherri Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable! An Absolute Masterpiece.

Jane Green has delivered a powerhouse of a novel with The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke. The story seamlessly blends high-stakes tech corporate drama with a deeply moving, intimate story of family legacy and self-discovery.
Missy is an incredibly relatable and resilient heroine.
The plot is fast-paced, timely, and packed with secrets. It is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant book.

[Beverly Husani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Many Private Lives of Missy Cooke! It had just the right amount of intrigue, along with a great story about coming to know yourself. I highly recommend this book as an inspiring and enjoyable read. I guess the only disconcerting aspect is realizing that there are people who think that Crate and Barrel is on the lower end of a shopping experience. 😮😊 Happy not to be one of them.

[Chris O'neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Jane Greens novels since the late 1990’s and she always manages to tell a different type of story. Her evolution as a writer and the changes in her personal life are reflected in her work. I was able to read this thru NetGalley and enjoyed the story throughout. The challenges that the main character faced were so appropriate to our current times and it was another Good Read!

[Heather Putnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Lots of storylines and twists. Lots of complicated family dynamics but also heartfelt moments. I enjoyed the corporate world being combined with family relationships and how all of that played out.