I always enjoy a Joy Fielding thriller, and with Jenny Cooper Has a Secret, she has put a fantastic twist on her usual domestic thriller. When Linda Davidson visits her best friend at Legacy Place, she meets 92-year-old Jenny Cooper who tells her that she has a secret...she kills people. As a resident in a memory care facility, Jenny is not the most reliable of sources, and her stories are a bit unbelievable--or are they?

Characters that are in their senior years are having a moment right now, and Jenny Cooper was such a fun, unreliable character. Her friendship with Linda was a joy, and I had to laugh out loud numerous times as Jenny gave Linda a hard time about one thing or another. While the way the story played out was quite predictable, it was still a fun read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the digital ARC of Jenny Cooper Has a Secret by Joy Fielding. The opinions in this review are my own.

📚 Book Review
Title: Jenny Cooper Has a Secret
Author: Joy Fielding
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 384
Publication Date: August 5, 2025
Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A BIG YES

Seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson is still reeling from the loss of her beloved husband when her daughter and son-in-law move in, bringing more stress than comfort. Her best friend, Carol, has recently been diagnosed with dementia and moves into Legacy Place, an assisted living facility.

During one of Linda’s visits, she meets ninety-three-year-old Jenny Cooper, another resident living with dementia. Jenny casually drops a bombshell: she’s killed several people aka “meanie poos” who, in her opinion, deserved it.

At first, Linda dismisses Jenny’s claim as harmless rambling. But when a particularly unpleasant resident dies under suspicious circumstances, Linda begins to wonder: is Jenny just a quirky, confused old woman… or is she telling the truth?

My Thoughts:
This is a fast-paced, darkly funny mystery that manages to balance laugh-out-loud moments with heart felt explorations of aging, loneliness, dementia, and abuse. The banter between Linda and Jenny is sharp, heartwarming, and at times deeply emotional.

I absolutely loved both Linda & Jenny and the fact that Jenny might have also claimed to kill JFK just makes her even more deliciously unreliable.

Fielding’s mix of humor and suspense makes this an irresistible read. By the end, you’ll still be wondering: Is Jenny a sweet, delusional senior… or a secret serial killer?
Thank you to NetGalley & Ballantine Books for the eARC. Releases August 5, 2025.

What a fun and delightful book with some great characters! Linda is a 76 year old widow who sets out to visit her lifelong friend, Carol in a memory care facility. While Carol has pretty much “checked out”, Linda meets Jenny Cooper, another patient who is 92 years old and has no family and approaches Linda to tell her that she has committed several murders. Even though Jenny’s stories are hard to believe, Linda, being a true crime fan, is fascinated with Jenny and begins to visit her regularly and encourages her “tales”. Meanwhile, Carol’s husband is pursuing a relationship with Linda and Linda is also stressed by her daughter and son in law moving in with her, bringing their significant marital problems.
This book is so entertaining! I loved all the subtle references to being an aging woman such as Linda feeling “invisible”, as she notes having to step off the sidewalk to let couples pass and getting irritated with constant directions from her smart watch. I can certainly relate to these challenges and found the author’s descriptions very amusing. While Linda’s friendship with Jenny develops, she encounters many challenges with being an aging widow, including finding new activities, making friends and dating, all while worrying over her daughter. So the book incorporates some serious issues but there is also a lighthearted and amusing component that makes it a very fun read. The main characters are well developed and the ending very satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I must be in the minority here because I only got to about 20 percent and did not finish. I find this so hard to believe this author actually wrote this book. It was so repetitive and I didn't care for any of the characters.

Jenny Cooper is quite the character. She is quirky, sarcastic, unhinged, and possibly murderous, but the real showstopper of this bittersweet story was the main protagonist, Linda Davidson. She is fierce, bold, strong, and highly lovable.This story revolves around the relationship formed between these two elderly women and their confessional type conversations as well as Linda's present tumultuous life. While there is a lot of humor involved, there is also a lot of grief. It explores the inevitably of aging and everything that comes with it, including having to move on once those around you are gone. The balance between the mystery, humor, and sadness was perfectly balanced. This is a book that is impossible not to like and characters that are impossible not to love. Four and a half stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Ballantine for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Joy Fielding. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Linda Davidson's life is not going well. She's still reeling from her husband's death and her best friend's dementia diagnosis and move into a care facility. Her daughter, Kleo, and her husband, Mick, have moved in with Linda, but their constant fighting just causes more stress. Linda goes to visit her friend at the care facility and meets Jenny Cooper, a 92-year-old patient. She tells Linda her secret - she kills people. Is it her dementia talking or is it true?

I have been a huge fan of Fielding's books for decades and loved this one. It's filled with sharp, dark humor and characters that you will love and those you will love to hate. The story plays out in short chapters that keep you reading just one more to find out if you are dealing with unreliable narrators or not. It's got tough themes of abuse and dementia, but it's also a look into aging well and moving on after grief. I loved spending time with Linda and Jenny - this is a must read!

When I first arrived in the U.S. and began to navigate the complexities of speaking and reading in English, one of the first authors to capture my attention was none other than Joy Fielding and Danielle Steel. I owe them a debt of gratitude; their stories became my companions in a new country, a new language, and while my family remained thousands of miles away. Imagine my delight when I discovered that their books are also translated in my home country, the Czech Republic! Kudos to them for bridging cultures!

Seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson struggles with grief after her husband's death and her best friend's dementia diagnosis. While her daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick move in to support her, their bickering adds to her worries. Seeking an escape, Linda visits her friend at a dementia care facility, where she meets ninety-two-year-old Jenny Cooper. Jenny claims to have a dark secret about killing men who harmed her. Initially dismissing Jenny's claims as the confusion of dementia, Linda begins to question their truth when a fellow patient dies unexpectedly, raising suspicions about Jenny's revelations...

Now, let’s talk about Linda, the main character. She’s the kind of relatable character you can’t help but root for. Just the other day, I confided in my husband that with only his family left, we might find ourselves in a bit of a pickle as we age—who will help us out? It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? As we come to terms with the realities of aging, health, and independence, Linda’s journey resonates deeply.

However, I must admit, I found Linda’s daughter a bit frustrating. She really needed to toughen up and assert herself instead of being such a pushover. It took her far too long to realize that her husband was getting away with far too much!

Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The pacing was just right, and the witty banter among the characters, especially the delightful old ladies, kept me chuckling. Jenny Cooper, in particular, stole the show for me. I aspire to be as spunky and fun as she is—she had me turning pages just to see what mischief she’d get into next!

If you enjoy short chapters filled with humorous moments that might just mirror your own future, along with a satisfying ending, then this book is a must-read. Some may find the pace a tad slow, but I felt the characters’ vivacity kept the momentum going, leaving me eager to discover what would happen next!

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Joy Fielding delivers another gripping psychological mystery with Jenny Cooper Has a Secret, a story that masterfully plays with truth, perception, and the fine line between curiosity and obsession. When Jenny starts confiding in Linda, what begins as casual conversation quickly spirals into something far more unsettling—and addictive.

Fielding crafts a tightly woven narrative that keeps readers questioning Jenny’s version of events. Is she revealing a shocking truth, or is there something more manipulative at play? As Jenny unravels her secrets, Linda becomes increasingly entangled, unable to resist the magnetic pull of a story that might be too wild—or too real—to ignore.

With its layered characters and steady suspense, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a compelling exploration of how easily people can get swept up in someone else’s drama. Fielding’s talent for psychological tension shines, delivering a story that hooks you early and never lets go. A smart, absorbing mystery that’s hard to put down.

Thank you to Ballentine and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy of Jenny Cooper Has a Secret. This book was the first one I’ve read of Joy Fielding and it won’t be the last! The story is about Linda who befriends Jenny Cooper, a 92 year old, while visiting her best friend Carol at Legacy Place, a facility for patients with dementia. We don’t know if Jenny Cooper is who she really says she is, but it sure was fun finding out. The story takes a somewhat predictable turn but I really enjoyed it! Don’t miss it!

I featured Jenny Cooper Has a Secret in my August 2025 new releases video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq3pme6mIno&t=858s and though I have not read it yet, I am so excited to and expect 5 stars! I will update here when I post a follow up review or vlog.

Jenny Cooper Has a Secret
by Joy Fielding
Pub Date: Aug 05 2025

This is a lighthearted mystery where Linda Davidson has lost her best friend to Alzheimer’s and she has been moved to a memory care facility. One day Linda goes to visit her friend Carol and runs into another woman named Jenny Cooper, an eccentric 92-year-old woman with a wild past and a jaw-dropping secret. Is this secret real? HMMMM This story offers a thoughtful look at aging, memory loss, and the emotional toll of caretaking,

I found the story entertaining, at times believable and I had a lot of compassion for those who are in a memory care facility.

Many thanks to #JennyCooperHasaSecret #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishingGroup #Ballantine for providing me an E-ARC of this book.

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.

A fun and intriguing ride. The main characters, Linda and Jenny, have great chemistry together and after a rocky beginning, become unexpected friends. Suspenseful writing with the plot moving swiftly. Just like Linda was suckered into Jenny’s stories, so is the reader. The ending is satisfying and some how the right thing.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

Joy Fielding, a master of psychological suspense and my all-time favorite author, returns following The Housekeeper with another delightful, witty, and entertaining sharp thriller with a killer sense of humor, JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET.

In this enthralling psychological thriller, we delve into the complexities of trust and memory as a woman navigates the unsettling claims of a dementia patient who insists she harbors a chilling dark secret: she has committed murder, primarily of men.

Is there any truth to her shocking confession?

This book is impossible to put down! When you pick up a Joy Fielding novel, you know you're in for a rare treat filled with twisty turns, wickedly delicious dark humor, and characters you will root for. You will laugh out loud, and don’t we all need more laughter and smiles these days?

About..

Meet Linda Davidson, a spirited septuagenarian visiting her lifelong friend, Carol Krieger, who resides in the upscale oceanfront memory care facility, Legacy Place, in the sun-drenched locale of Jupiter, Florida. Their friendship has blossomed since the fourth grade, a bond that has weathered countless storms.

Linda, still grappling with the loss of her husband Bob two years prior, finds her heart heavy as she faces the impending loss of Carol to the ravages of time.

Compounding her sorrow, her daughter, Kleo, and her husband have temporarily moved in with her while Kleo pursues her PhD. Meanwhile, her son-in-law, Mick, is attempting to launch a new business after quitting his job; however, he spends more lavishly than he invests in effort, creating a cacophony of tensions in the household. Carol also has another younger daughter, Vanessa, and is married with three children in Connecticut (well off).

As a result, Linda seeks refuge at Legacy Place, where she relishes her time spent with Carol and a newfound friend, the enigmatic Jenny.

Enter octogenarian Jenny Cooper, another intriguing resident of Legacy Place whose mind is clouded by dementia yet brimming with strange wisdom and humor. In a moment of candor, Jenny approaches Linda, declaring she has a secret she wishes to share. She boldly states her belief that she has killed people.

Linda finds herself charmed by Jenny's outspokenness, captivated by her lively spirit, and intrigued by the depths of her story.

But the burning question lingers: Is Jenny genuinely confessing to murder, or is she simply adrift in the turbulent sea of her mind?

My thoughts...

I adored JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET! Joy possesses a delightful knack for blending humor and suspense, and Jenny’s outrageous personality is an absolute delight. I find immense joy in these narratives featuring spirited, older women, especially since I, too, am in the same age demographic and share the beautiful surroundings of Jupiter, Florida.

Geriatric thrillers resonate deeply with me, as they are brimming with rich life experiences, tantalizing secrets, and stories begging to be uncovered.

Jenny is a brilliantly crafted, zany character who is utterly lovable. Her hilarious one-liners leave you in stitches while you grapple with whether her confessions are real or simply the imaginings of a frail mind.

I also found Linda's character refreshing, and together they form a captivating duo. Beneath their humorous banter and twisting plot is a poignant exploration of friendship, the realities of aging, the bittersweet nature of memories, and the foundations of trust and reflection.

As a longtime fan of Joy Fielding, every novel is a thrilling adventure waiting to be experienced. I particularly relish her whip-smart wit, snappy dialogue, clever twists, and the tantalizing mysteries that culminate in wickedly satisfying conclusions.

This novel is a heartfelt exploration, a thriller brimming with emotional depth. It leapt off the pages and compelled me to read it in a single sitting—I simply couldn’t put it down. Whether you’re a devoted fan like me or embarking on your first journey into Fielding's world, you must meet the unforgettable Jenny Cooper!

The ideal recommendation for anyone seeking a narrative that is as different as it is engaging, masterfully twisty, clever, and delightfully entertaining.

Recs...

JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET is perfect for fans of the author and her previous works, as well as readers who enjoyed Samantha Downing's (Aug 2025) "Too Old for This," Elle Cosimano's "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave," Paul Cleave's "Trust No One," and Rebecca A. Keller's "You Should Have Known." Additionally, this book will appeal to those who enjoy the writing of Sally Hepworth, Elizabeth Berg, Kaira Rouda, Victoria Helen Stone, and Ellen Meister.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 5, 2025
Aug 2025 Must-Read Books
Aug Newsletter

Jenny Copper Has a Secret…and it’s a big one! Once again Joy Fielding proves she’s one of the best when it comes to thrillers. This one hooked me right from the get go. While Linda is visiting her best friend, who happens to be suffering from Alzheimer’s, she runs into Jenny Cooper, another resident, who claims to have a secret. That secret? She kills people. Linda doesn’t know what to think. This old lady, who happens to be in her nineties, can’t possibly be telling the truth. And yet when a resident turns up dead, Linda decides she has to know the truth. Fascinating characters and an engaging plot made this one hard to put down and is sure to delight long time fans. Thanks so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jenny-cooper-has-a-secret-joy-fielding/1146518568?ean=9780593873175&bvnotificationId=970e223a-7219-11f0-9c51-0affc12c8b85&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/353496045

A darkly funny and surprisingly emotional thriller about a possibly murderous woman with dementia—and the new friend who can’t stop thinking about her.

This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. Jenny Cooper walks up to a stranger in a nursing home and announces she’s killed people. From there, it’s a slow unraveling of truth, lies, and chaos. The suspense isn’t built on twists—it’s built on doubt. Is Jenny confused, or is she a master manipulator? The writing leans into this question and makes it the centerpiece of the story.

I loved how Jenny’s presence slowly took over Linda’s thoughts. That mental shift was subtle but clever. The pacing was steady, the dialogue was strong, and the side plots (especially involving Linda’s family) added depth without distraction.

My only critique: I didn’t feel as emotionally invested by the end as I thought I would. But I still really enjoyed the journey.

Highly original, slightly unhinged, and definitely worth a read.

Another great thriller from Joy! Jenny’s story especially, left me on the eve of my seat wanting to know more. I really enjoyed following each of the characters and seeing how their story played out.

What happens when a patient in a memory care facility confesses to murder? Linda Davidson, a new widow faithfully visiting her closest friend, a woman who no longer recognizes her, and navigating her new, highly volatile, living arrangements with her daughter and her son-in-law, is shocked by Jenny Cooper’s revelation. But is it true?

Drawn in by Jenny, who is the polar opposite of herself, Linda finds she cannot resist finding out if Jenny’s confession is true. What follows is a twisty exploration of trust, friendship and trauma.

Fielding handles dementia deftly, with grace and a light touch that feel authentic and never exploitative. The characters were engaging, and the pace was perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This book was intriguing. I found Linda to be a bit of a pushover; always avoiding conflict.

Linda Davidson is a 76 year old widow, who lost her husband two years ago. She's now trying to cope with the fact that her childhood best friend, Carol, who has Alzheimer's, doesn't know who she is anymore. Her husband moved her to a memory care facility, Legacy Place. After her husband died, her daughter, Kleo and her lazy son-in-law, Mick, have moved into her home so she wouldn't be alone. But the constant fighting between the couple is driving Linda insane.

Desperate to get out of the house, Linda goes to visit Carol. Even though she doesn't recognize Linda anymore, it's a way to leave the constant tension at home. There she meets another resident, 92 year old Jenny Cooper. Jenny confides in Linda that she's killed people. At first, Linda doesn't believe her, thinking that Jenny is suffering from dementia. But Jenny is really lucid compared to the other residents. When Jenny was eavesdropping on a conversation Linda had with the granddaughter of a resident, she begins to worry. The resident used to abuse the girl at a young age. After hearing their conversation, the man dies unexpectedly a few days later. Linda can't help but wonder if Jenny poisoned him like she's done to her other victims. Nevertheless, Linda continues to visit Jenny, desperate to hear her stories. Jenny confesses to Linda that she only kills abusive people. Not sure what to believe, she just listens to her stories.

When Mick has an affair and then breaks Kleo's arm, Linda's had enough. Will she take a page out of Jenny's book to solve her daughter's problem?

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was not a riveting psychological thriller as in the book description. It centers around a 76 year old woman Linda who has recently lost her husband and is trying to find purpose in her life. Her daughter and son-in-law live with her because neither is working and they need the assistance. Her best friend is in a long term care facility for Alzheimer's. Linda visits her friend Carol and meets another "crazy" patient Jenny Cooper who tells her she has a secret! She's killed people. So do you believe her or do you just deem her crazy?? The story for me was very redundant. The chapters seemed to be repeats of the previous chapters. There was funny dialogue between Jenny and Linda but other than that it was blah. Thanks to #netgalley, #ballantinebooks and @fieldingjoy for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.