Eleanor Jones is Not Drowning

Eleanor Jones #4

by Amy Doak

Eleanor Jones is over the rain. The drought has finally broken, and the Cooinda River is rising – fast.

When fellow student Letisha Sabri asks her to prove her boyfriend’s death was not an accident or suicide, but rather murder, Eleanor is thrown back into detective mode. The more Eleanor investigates – which she fits in around school, spending time with Troy and planning for the upcoming Deb Ball – the more it seems like Letisha might be right.

As the riverbank starts to spill over and reveal its secrets, it becomes increasingly difficult for Eleanor to keep her head above water.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Humor

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

Amy Doak is a lifelong lover of books, reading and writing. Her debut YA crime novel Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer was released in September 2023 (followed by two further titles in the series: Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret and Eleanor Jones Is Playing With Fire). In late 2025, her stand alone YA mystery thriller: What Have They Done To Liza McLean? was released.

Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer won the 2024 Davitt Award for Best Crime Novel for YA Readers and the 2025 Singapore Red Dot Book Award for Mature Readers.

Amy has written for many years, working as a freelance writer, and also publishing multiple non-fiction titles. She has also worked in marketing and media (radio, television, magazines) and continues to consult in these fields – particularly with those seeking to publish. Enjoying a enduring passion for reading, Amy loves to encourage others to foster a joy of story in all forms.

Amy lives in regional Victoria (Dja Dja Wurrung country). with her husband, two teenage children and a very grumpy cat.

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!
Dare I say that this is the best one yet?! This book is a great demonstration of Amy Doak’s captivating writing style. You can see just how much her writing is improving more and more with each book!

The setting of this series is a quintessential rural Australian town and is a very realistic demonstration of the community and friendships of these places (hopefully minus the stabbing, arson, murder and breaking bad style substance production). If you are or have been a teen in Australia this is the series for you!

The plot of this book follows the main characters that you meet throughout the previous books in this series. They are the friends of Eleanor Jones a 16-year-old Australian girl who grew up moving around frequently with her single mother. Never spending too much time in one place.

The mystery in this book is higher stakes than some of the others in the series and will have you glued to your book from the start.

In an attempt to not spoil anything I will say that this book has mystery, some incredible found family, a bit of romance, character growth and everything you could want from it.
5⭐️

[George!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you enter the competition for the biggest Eleanor Jones fan but you see me in the room so you leave.

YUUUUUP BEASTED IN 2 HOURS ONCE MORE!! I say this every book, but MAN was this one truly the best. You can really see Amy's writing style get better and better with each book, and this one did NOT disappoint!!!

My only problem is I wish there were a bitttt more stakes..... but that seems like a me issue because who wants to see a teenager get harmed?

Yeah, I should likely work on that...

[Sim ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my fave of the series... but I enjoyed it nonetheless! I think the reveal was slightly unsatisfying

[hannah! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like a book where eleanor just gets to be a normal teenager please!

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen Australia for sending me a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.

This was another great instalment in the Eleanor Jones series. How has this girl only lived here six months?! So much has happened!

I always just love being back with these characters. The mysteries are always fun, full of twists and turns with fantastic reveals, and this one was no different. But it’s this fantastic cast or characters that will always have me coming back for more. They’re just so wonderful. Amy does an incredible job of bringing the town of Cooinda to life.

[A Good Girl's booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

We love some good consistency and I get even more hyped everytime to find out what Eleanor is *not* doing.

🌧️🔎If you're looking for a YA mystery with an ever so stubborn fmc who doesn't know when to stop digging, a recognisable Australian setting, coming of age themes with meaningful relationships AND highlighting a range of social concerns, you should check out this book (and the rest of the series).

"And what? She wants you to investigate?
No! Yes."

As always Eleanor's internal monologues were entertaining to read with her sarcasm and exasperated reactions. And the fact that it went from drought and bushfires in the previous book to floods (aka Australia's whiplash weather states) was really fitting.

⋆.ೃ࿔⛈ ݁ ˖*༄"Alfie - that’s my friend, Alfred Ryan - gave me a lesson in what happens when drought-hardened soil can no longer absorb water and now I’ve gone from freaking out about bushfires to freaking out about floods, so that’s great."

I think the way the mystery plotted was the best yet. I really appreciated that SHE WORKS FOR CLUES. Suspects are casually badgered, there's some snooping around places not supposed to be snooped in and stake outs, they go tediously eliminating things on lists (shoutout poor Ethan the designated chuffeur) and it just all builds up to the final reveal nicely. I always like how the investigation is framed within scenes of Eleanor balancing school, extracurriculars (in this case, deb ball prep) and hangouts with friends all amongst the total town chaos of the floods, because it just adds that sense of realism.

ALSO SCREAMING AT THIS THEY'RE SO CUTE

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆"He leans forward and grabs the hood of his jumper with one hand, pulling it over his head with one swift movement. When it comes off, his hair is more mussed up than usual and I notice he is still wearing my hairband on his wrist."

It's the nuances in both romance and friendships that Amy Doak integrates really well. There's certain arcs the characters have including cultural identity, family dynamics and struggle to belong that are consistently explored across the entire series but in the in between moments of vulnerabilities. Yay for healthy and friendships and romantic relationships because even when there are individual grievances or misunderstandings THEY ACTUALLY COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.
⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆

[fayths bookcase ୨୧⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favourite found family murder mystery case solving book series. i love how easy and short these books are. and how in depth they can be too when it’s so simple too read. i truly love eleanor jones.

[Ella ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better, so cute!!
The Australian narrator is soo refreshing too <3

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think this might’ve been my favourite one yet!!
loved that we’re getting back on the murder train hehe

[Ash · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Vibe check: After School Adventures, Modern Day Nancy Drew

full review ⬇️

I know it’s always a fun reading time in store for me when a new Eleanor Jones book lands in my hands.

These books have such a fun, adventurous feel to them like a modern day Nancy Drew mystery for a new generation. I adore the curiosity, courage and clever problem solving on every page and can already picture my own kids wanting to follow in Eleanor's footsteps one day (hopefully safely 😅).

In Eleanor Jones Is Not Drowning, Amy Doak once again strikes that wonderful balance between mystery and heart. There's enough intrigue to keep the pages turning with a potential murder mystery and looming town flood but it's the friendships, community and Eleanor herself that make this series so enjoyable.

Eleanor is such an easy character to cheer for. She's resourceful and determined and her endless curiosity makes every mystery feel like one I want to solve alongside her.

This series also never underestimates its readers. It delivers genuine suspense while remaining warm and full of heart, making it just as enjoyable for adults as it is for younger readers.

I just love the Eleanor Jones series and I can’t wait to keep building my library of her adventures reading to re-read with my kids when they’re past the picture books.

A big thank you to Penguin for continuing my to share the love for my Eleanor Jones addiction!

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the drought breaks and the Cooinda River rises, Eleanor Jones is thrown back into detective mode when fellow student Letisha Sabri asks her to prove her boyfriend's death was actually murder. Balancing school, her relationship with Troy, and prep for the upcoming Deb Ball, Eleanor's investigation reveals that Letisha might be right. But as the flooded riverbank begins to spill over and unearth hidden secrets, keeping her head above water becomes more dangerous than ever.

I think the title of this one is so clever! Following the theme of fire in the last book, introducing water in this one is a brilliant, creative touch. By now, Eleanor feels like such a beloved character - reading this book felt like coming home.

I was immediately excited about the Deb Ball, mostly because I wanted to see more of Eleanor and Troy together. Unfortunately, they didn’t get as much page time as I’d hoped (more for future books, I guess!). Luckily, the suspense kept me thoroughly engaged - Letisha’s boyfriend’s death was tragic and mysterious, and I was desperate to find out what had happened.

The looming flood in the background was fantastic. Throughout the story, the impending disaster stayed in the back of my mind, making me feel just as anxious as the rest of the town about when the water would break through. When it finally arrived, it didn’t disappoint.

While this wasn’t my favourite of Eleanor’s adventures, I loved seeing her bond with her found family continue to grow. I can’t believe it’s only been a few months since the events of the first book - Eleanor has certainly faced her fair share of ordeals! I’m looking forward to the next instalment, and hopefully, we’ll get to see much more of Troy.

(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In what I will boldly claim to be the best Eleanor yet, we are thrust back into another mystery with Eleanor, Namita, Troy, Alfie and Ethan. Eleanor is approached by Letisha Sabri to investigate the death of her boyfriend who she believes was murdered! Throw in rising flood waters and the ensuing debutant ball and you get an action packed ride with all your favourite characters. It has those found family feels with a dash of Nancy drew and a sprinkle of Scooby doo! Although YA it is written to be enjoyed across all age groups (I actually know quite a number of adults who adore this series!) and the characters are so easy to love. Over four books now we’ve seen a lot of character growth but still that familiarity, like growing up with friends. And the setting could so easily be a regional town nearby instead of a fictional one because it’s so well written - my brain literally conjures up images of Cooinda. If you haven’t already got onto this series I urge you to give it a go, I will guarantee you will fall in love with Eleanor and the rest of the Scooby gang.

This particular book feels very high stakes and each book in the series, Eleanor seems to add more and more elements of danger to get involved in. So if I haven’t convinced you yet but you trust my recs then please go and check out this wonderful Aussie YA series I promise you won’t be disappointed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for my early copy of Eleanor Jones is not Drowning by Amy Doak in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book will release on June 30th. Gives you sometime to read the others if you haven’t already done so 😉

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drought has finally broken, the Cooinda River is quickly rising, and Eleanor Jones is over all the rain. Recruited by a fellow student, Letisha, to investigate the death of Letisha’s boyfriend, Xavi, which is thought to be a terrible accident, or even suicide. But Letisha think he was murdered. Juggling school, getting ready for the Deb Ball and spending time with her boyfriend Troy, Eleanor begins to investigate, and soon starts to think that Letisha could be right. As the river rises and breaks its banks, revealing long forgotten secrets, Eleanor struggles to keep her head above water.

I absolutely loved every moment of this book. This is the fourth and, in my opinion, the best Eleanor Jones book… so far! This series just keeps getting better and better, it was so good to return to the would have Eleanor, to the town of Cooinda and her group of friends. The mystery was perfectly weaved into the story, and the threat of the rising river breaking its banks added a layer of urgency and suspense that ran throughout the book. I kept changing my mind on who I thought was behind Xavi’s death, as each time I thought I had it figured out something new would pop up to have me doubting my theory. Overall a great YA mystery, and a series I won’t stop recommending.

[Girl Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually a little sad to be finished with this series!

The Eleanor Jones books have been such a fun little series for me. I’ve basically used each one as a “filler” book between some of the heavier thrillers I’ve been reading, but somewhere along the way I ended up getting really attached to Eleanor, her friends and the little world of Cooinda.

I probably enjoyed some of the previous books a little more than this final one, but my 4 stars are really for the way this book wrapped up the series as a whole. It felt like such a nice ending for characters I’ve really grown to love.

These books are easy, fun reads with a bit of mystery, a bit of drama and characters that became more familiar with every book. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy the series as much as I did when I picked up the first one!

I’m going to miss using Eleanor Jones as my little palate cleanser between books 😂

Such a cool little series, and I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye ❤️

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve actually never read any of the Eleanor Jones books and I was hoping to before reading this one but didn’t get a chance. That being said, you can still read this as a standalone if you want just like I did!

This was a great YA murder mystery, super easy and quick to read I binged it in a day! I liked that the cop involved actually listened to Eleanor and doesn’t dismiss her like some other books. This could be because its a later book in the series but regardless I appreciated it because it always bugs me when they dont listen and brush them off because they’re kids.

I feel like this was a nice light mystery read with some found family. It was a little predictable but i didnt mind because it kept me engaged. I also liked that this was more than just the murder mystery. Like you had Eleanor trying to solve it amongst other things like deb ball prep and the town floods.

Overall I enjoyed this and would like to go back and read the previous ones too!

Eleanor Jones is Not Drowning is out now! ✨

[Lee-Ann · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Another fantastic instalment in this series! I highly recommend these books for high school students. They are engaging, entertaining and easy to get immersed in, with a refreshingly clean approach to romance and dating that makes them a great choice for young adult readers.

In Book 4, Eleanor is tasked with investigating the death of Xavi, a young street artist. As she delves into the mystery, she and her friends are also busy preparing for their upcoming Deb ball. Meanwhile, the town is on edge as heavy rainfall causes river levels to rise, adding another layer of tension to the story.

With its blend of mystery, friendship, romance and small-town drama, this series continues to deliver an enjoyable read that will appeal to high school students.

[Madi McCosker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must first write that I absolutely hated the first and second books and mildly disliked the third, so I came into this book a hater. That being said this book did not exceed my expectations and dare I say I severely disliked this book. Not much to say that I haven’t said in previous reviews. I’m pretty sure I’m not the target audience for this series because it definitely seems geared towards younger teens and tweens which I am not. Nevertheless, I read the whole series and disliked the whole series. Also Troy and Eleanor have no chemistry whatsoever and I really wish Namita was the protagonist.

[Laura_mc_08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ Los amo tanto. Desde el 1er libro me han enamorado todos (aunque muchas veces haya dudado de cada uno de ellos) y los llevó para siempre en el corazón. Es un found family precioso. No es una serie de libros que resolten pero, por "sencillos" que sean, siempre me van a merecer la pena. Y shout out to el romance que es muy muy subtle y la mínima interacción me tiene volando, además de que se ha construido desde la amistad y conexión desde el primer libro.
Ahora sólo me queda pedir que PORFAVOR no sea este el final, que la autora sepa que me voy a leer cada palabra que escriba sobre ellos y que porfavor esta serie sea infinita. NECESITO MÁS.

[K.M. Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The delightful conclusion to this heartfelt series from Amy Doak, Eleanor Jones Is Not Drowning, sees Eleanor and her friends caught up in murder once again.

When the boyfriend of a friend goes missing and is then found washed up downriver, Eleanor is asked to look into the death. Everyone says it was an accident, but once this teenage sleuth starts digging, clues, suspects, and trouble arise.

This third book builds on Eleanor's relationships with her friends, her new romance with Troy, and the fact that trouble always seems to find her. Throughout the series, Eleanor has grown from the lonely new girl into someone who knows and has helped so many, and this final installment brings her story to a beautiful close.

If you love great characters, small-town mysteries, and wholesome friendships, don’t hesitate to add this series to your TBR pile.

[Helen Farch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Doak has done it again.... a new Eleanor Jones mystery that I devoured in one plane ride.

If you follow my posts you will know that I adore the Eleanor Jones books, and this new - fourth - instalment in the series is another winner.

Eleanor is at her snarky best.. the mystery is compelling... it is heartwarming, funny, and a real page turner.

If you have teens who love a mystery read, then get them on to this series.

Eleanor Jones (and Amy Doak)... I just can't get enough... more please!

Thanks to Penguin Australia for the review copy of this book.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series (and the narration). Even though it's aimed at YA it holds you attention throughout for adult readers. It is also a good entry level muder/mystery book series for younger readers and reminds me a little of the series The Agathas but with a distinct small-town Australian feel to it. I'm not sure if there will be more in the series (the ending could lead either way) but I hope there will be.

[zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟4🌟

another super enjoyable instalment in this series! i know its aimed at a much younger audience than me, but genuinely i get so into these books, and the characters just feel so lifelike to me now. i almost wish id had these when i was the target age, because i fear they would have made a much bigger impact. that said, im glad i get to experience them now.

shoutout to doak for creating such a likeable town, and a likeable group of friends, and such intriguing stories to match!

[Megan Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth installment of a YA mystery crime thriller and it just keeps getting better. The writing makes it almost impossible to put down. I was glued to the fast pace of the story, the completely relatable feeling of being a teen in a small town and the impending dread and thrill of being near a possible murderer. Yes, I guessed the ending but with the satisfaction and familiarity of a story well done.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

first book i have finished in agessss amy doak always gets me out of a reading slump. i just love eleanor and all the characters in this book. omg omg also i got a signed copy amy you're amazing!! sorry back to business i could just read about the characters doing whatever bc i love all of them there doesn't have to even be a mystery but this one was good not as good as other ones but i still loved it!!

[Sarkara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk I feel I wasn’t really in the right mindset but it just seemed done and over too fast, and like the dead guy didn’t even matter that much. Also the whole plot reveal was just a bit boring and just could’ve used more.. something? Like I get that Rachel was meant to be a surprise and I do like seeing more side characters but it just felt like they were all doing some random things with each other and there wasn’t enough tying up at the end of the other characters.

[Cel Jel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Eleanor and friends investigate a death. They think it has more to it than the initial explanation. The street artist had been painting bridges for the council so more tourists could be attracted to the town. The town is boing threatened by the worst floods in years, which adds to the story. Afternwrong turns and twists Amy and her friends find the answer to the death of the street artist.

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything Amy Doak writes, I will read!

When fellow student Letisha believes her boyfriend Xavi’s recent death was not an accident, she enlists Eleanor to help prove he was murdered.

Eleanor juggles school, friends, boyfriend, getting ready for her debutant ball all while trying to get to the truth of Xavi’s death mystery needing to be solved! Plus there is a horrible threat of a flood looming in her hometown

But as the river banks rise, more and more secrets start to flow out.. it appears that Letisha could be right, there might be a murderer in their small town of Cooinda. Who would want to hurt Xavi?

Eleanor Jones is one of my most favourite characters, and this would have to be my favourite book so far in the series! Each book gets better and betterer!

All our favourite characters are back and love seeing them grow with each book.

Thank you so much Penguinbooks for my gifted copy

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting and thought provoking. This series continues to tackle very real and complex issues faced by everyday Australians - this one particularly focused on flooding and the dangers of flood waters. On top of that, the mystery was well put together and believable! I may relate just a little too much to Min 😂

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Eleanor Jones and her friends and world and was so happy to find another mystery in cooinda while I did find this mystery a tiny bit unnatural in the way they figured it out with whole Deb ball and that but overall I love you Eleanor please release more Amy!!!!!!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆
I thought the previous book was gonna be the last but I was wrong. Maybe this is the last one? It does seem like it. I actually thought there was going to be one more concluding chapter to the book like an epilogue but it kinda just ended. It was entertaining though