Oh gosh, I have read Joy Fielding since the 80's. I am a huge fan and was obviously super-excited to pre-read Jenny Cooper Has a Secret. I loved it! This story is a bit different than her usual domestic suspense. The story centers around 76-year-old Linda. Linda is visiting her friend Carol at her retirement home and runs into Jenny and a dead pedophile. Jenny has already been telling Carol that she kills people sooooooo........ did she? This was actually a sweet, fun and sort of emotional story that really touched on the aging process without being depressing or heavy-handed. Yes, there is suspense, but we also get Linda's fear of losing her friend Carol, who is showing signs of dementia and her relationship with Jenny is greatness!! I loved their interactions. Plus, it was just awesome to read about women in a certain age group that rarely get a lot of main character time, and they all turned out to be fascinating. Even the secondary characters were interesting. Linda's daughter, for instance. This 58-year-old lady is very happy after reading this, but it is a heart-warming sort of thriller for all adult stages still.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Joy Fielding and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication day of August 5, 2025.

This was a fun book as I couldn’t stop reading and wanting to see how many secrets Jenny had and if they were true. I enjoyed Jenny’s personality and also the main character, Linda Davidson, (ha) and the story of her family and her visits with her friend with dementia and with Jenny. I kind of saw the ending coming although couldn’t be certain. I love Joy Fielding books and was happy to read an early copy thanks to he publisher and Netgalley.

Don’t you just hate the phrase “That’s for me to know and you to find out”? That’s exactly what Jenny Cooper, 92 year old assisted living resident, tells Linda Davidson, a 76 year old visitor of her best friend Carol who is also in the same facility, after Linda realizes that Jenny overheard a conversation mentioning that another memory loss resident, Ralph MacMillan, was a pedophile, and now he’s dead and Jenny is standing over his body. Jenny has previously boasted to Linda that she kills people and Linda asks her point-blank “Did you kill him?”

This isn’t an action-packed thriller; it’s a mostly sweet and emotional essay on growing old that explores the relationships of older people. Linda’s friend Carol no longer remembers Linda (or Carol’s lonely husband Lorne who sweet on Linda, a widow), but Linda keeps coming back to Legacy Place and Jenny Cooper, crazy or not, is the attraction. Jenny is quirky and we, like Linda, desperately want to know if Jenny really is a serial killer. But getting the truth out of Jenny is frustrating. At the very least it’s distracting Linda from her growing guilty attraction to Lorne, her horrified reaction to Carol’s inappropriate affection for a fellow resident, and the marital distress between her daughter Kleo and creepy son-in-law Mick, who are living and bickering in her house. Linda’s life is a mess, but maybe Jenny’s is messier. And maybe Linda can learn something from Jenny. 4 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Linda’s friend Carol has piercing green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): For all her talk about poisons, you’d almost expect Jenny to be growing belladonna, nightshade, or hemlock, but she maintains a regular medicine cabinet.

Thank you to Ballantine Books/Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy of Jenny Cooper Has a Secret in exchange for my honest review.

Always a pleasure to read Joy Fielding's books. I've been reading them since I was a teenager.

This was a fun story as I loved the dynamics between Jenny and Linda. Quite a few laugh out loud moments too!

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.

I have always been a fan of Joy Fielding. This book truly was very entertaining. So Linda is 76 years old and oldest friend is now living in a memory care facility due to the fact she has dementia. It is very difficult for Linda and Lorne Carol’s current husband. At the same time she meets another resident who tells Linda she has a secret. She has killed many people. This all takes place in Florida. Also Linda has two daughters. Vanessa lives in Connecticut with her husband three children, very happy and very well off. Her other daughter Kleo and her husband Mick live with Linda in her house and it is not a good situation. Anyway, Carol eventually moves to Miami to another facility because her condition has worsened and her children want her closer but Linda continues to visit Jenny because she finds this 92 year old women entertaining. Things get worse in Linda’s house between her daughter and husband. Towards the the end of the book I guessed what was going to happen but no spoilers here. I want to thank net galley and the publisher for the ARC I received for an honest review. Truly very enjoyable and a light read.

Something about this mystery felt different from the start — it didn’t spoon-feed answers or try to be neat. The story pulled me into a web of secrets and half-truths, making it impossible to predict what would come next. The characters were complex, their lives tangled in ways that weren’t clear right away, which kept me curious the entire time.
I had to pay close attention, piecing together hints and wondering what was real and what was a distraction. The tension grew steadily, never forced, and it made the whole experience feel authentic and immersive. There was a richness beneath the surface, a feeling that every detail mattered even if I didn’t see how at first.

I’m holding back from sharing more to avoid spoilers, but this story kept me engaged with its layered mystery and the quiet weight of the connections between people. It was the kind of book that made me slow down and think — exactly what I was hoping for.

Years ago I remember reading a Joy Fielding book, but for some reason she dropped off my radar. I am so glad I saw this book on Netgalley and decided to get reacquainted with the author. This was a good drama (and mystery) about life and a deep revelation how much life changes into what it really is rather than what we thought it was.
Linda Davidson has been widowed for three years. She had a happy marriage, but she has found that she is doing less things in her life now and with no husband, friendships and activities with those that are still married have dwindled. Now her very best friend is showing signs of dementia and she is losing her too. Linda’s almost daily visits to Carol are taking a toll on her. Then she meets Jenny Cooper, a 92 year old woman who is also a resident in the care center. Jenny is much different from Carol. She is rough, mean and outspoken. She also likes to tell secrets. Secrets that Linda has a hard time believing. This wonderful book made me think so much of life’s unexpected changes. It made me laugh and it made me once more appreciate the writing of Joy Fielding. Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Bantam Books for this delightful book. This review is my personal opinion.

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.

Cute story about 76 year old Linda a Jenny, a dementia patient at Legacy. The two develop an unlikely friendship while Linda was visiting her best friend. Easy read. Entertaining.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and to PRH Audio for the ALC.

This was an interesting novel that I had a hard time putting down. I was hooked from the very first page.

I must say that in some ways, this story reminded me of the book/movie "Fried Green Tomatoes". I couldn't help but picture Jenny as Mrs. Threadgoode and Linda as Evelyn. I am wondering if other readers made the connection between the two stories, or am I the only one? Either way, I enjoyed the bond that Jenny and Linda created. My only complaint is that we didn't get as many answers about Jenny's past as I was hoping we would. (sorry for the mild spoiler). Still, this book was an unputdownable thriller!

Furthermore, I also listened to an ALC of the audiobook and I thought that Carol Monda did a good job bringing these characters to life. I don't believe that I have listened to her narrate a book before, but I would enjoy listening to her in the future for sure!

Overall, Joy Fielding is a really good thriller writer and I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

“The woman is ninety-two years old and suffering from dementia. Even if I were to share her secret with the world, who would believe me?”

Jenny Cooper has a Secret by Joy Fielding is a fun, quick read that begs the question: What can you believe from an elder woman in a memory care facility? Linda Davidson (full name is necessary!) is visiting her best friend, Carol, at Legacy Place, when 92-year-old Jenny Cooper tells her a surprising secret – that she kills people! Now, Linda looks forward to visiting Jenny just as much as Carol, to hear Jenny’s outrageous stories. Is she telling the truth? Does she even remember her past having dementia, and does Linda have an obligation to tell anyone?

This was a fun read. While repetitive, I felt a tad like Linda did talking to Jenny reading this: it was an “amusing way to fill my time.” I loved the literal nature of a lot of the dialogue (“so it goes” – “what goes where?!” . . . In all seriousness, I can't wait to scream out a ballpark name now when the opportunity presents itself in the future) and the general good-hearted nature of this book.

Living in Palm Beach County, I liked knowing the landmarks and street names used! Yes, Publix cakes are the best (and I go to the Gardens Mall for Cooper’s Hawk! Let me buy you a drink sometime Ms. Fielding!) . . . and I cannot stand driving to Miami.

There are a lot of heavy issues talked about in the novel – abuse, dementia, trauma – but the author does a great job of making you stay focused on Jenny and Linda where there really doesn’t need to be any trigger warnings. It was refreshing reading a book on a different subject matter with a different age group of characters.

3.5 stars – but since I must pick 3 or 4 and I am very glad that the book ended the way I was hoping it would end – net necessarily predictable, but perfection nonetheless – I bumped it up to 4 stars.

Don’t over think this! Just read it when it comes out on August 5, 2025!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this unforgettable arc! All opinions are my own.

“And who are we without our memories? I wonder now. Memories both shape and define us. We are nothing but empty shells without them.”

A quick, fun and quirky mystery. Perfect beach read - little unbelievable, often repetitive, somewhat gappy but entertaining and laugh aloud humor.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing House - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC.

“Jenny Cooper Has a Secret” is by Joy Fielding. This book is a thriller that follows Linda, a widow, who befriends Jenny, a dementia patient, who tells Linda stories about men she claims to have killed. Linda tries to figure out if Jenny is telling the truth or is confused. I thought the idea of the plot was an interesting one - though at times the believability of the plot was stretched … and some of the family drama felt unnecessarily draggy - but this was a good read. Loose ends were wrapped up nicely and the characters were interesting too.

This was a little different than other Joy Fielding books, more fiction than thriller. She deals well with the Alzheimer's story line, and her daughter and son in law are interesting characters. It didn't have the usual, didn't see that coming ending, but still was ended nicely.

Jenny Cooper Has a Secret is a rare gem: a story about growing older that refuses to treat aging as a tragic decline or a punchline. Instead, it’s a vibrant, sometimes messy celebration of reinvention, resilience, and the quiet rebellions that define a life well lived.

At 76, Linda isn’t just the protagonist—she’s a revelation. She falls in love, makes new friends, and even confronts a long-buried mystery. But what makes her journey so compelling is the subtle tension the author creates: Is Jenny’s version of the truth reliable, or is her memory softening with time? This ambiguity adds a layer of tenderness and intrigue, making her every revelation feel earned and poignant.

The novel also doesn’t shy away from harder truths. Linda’s best friend’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is handled with grace, underscoring the fragility of memory without reducing the character to a symbol of loss. And in a moment I found deeply affirming, Linda models agency in her romantic life, unapologetically prioritizing her own pleasure—a quiet but radical act, especially for a woman society often renders invisible.

Meanwhile, her daughter’s late-in-life PhD (at 49!) is a subtle rebellion against the idea that achievement has an expiration date. So many stories sideline characters over 40, but this one insists their lives are still unfolding, still mattering.

Funny, moving, and full of heart, this book is a gift for anyone who’s ever feared becoming irrelevant—or who just loves a well-told story about second (and third, and fourth) chances

Linda Davidson's best friend, Carol Kreiger, is in a memory care facility. While visiting her, another patient named Jenny Cooper, gets Linda's attention and tells her she has a secret and what a secret it is! Linda gets to be good friends with Jenny and finds out about all of her secrets. The big question was is Jenny telling the truth, or is it her dementia doing taking over. I loved the other storylines in this book as well and I did get tired of the Carol/Jenny banter that was very repetitive. This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballentine for the ARC of this very exciting book.

This was my first time reading a Joy Fielding book and I know it will not be the last. I am your newest fan!

I absolutely loved Jenny Cooper Has a Secret! It’s so refreshing to read a thriller where the main characters are older women. Linda and Jenny felt real, complex, and full of life! It’s rare to see stories that center on older folks in such a layered, engaging way, and this book nailed it.

The mystery kept me hooked, but what really made it stand out was the deep friendship between Linda and Jenny. Their relationship felt genuine and heartfelt, adding emotional weight to the suspense. Plus, the humor sprinkled throughout made it so much fun to read and balanced the darker moments perfectly.

The mix of psychological tension, tender moments, and humor made this book hard to put down. It also made me think differently about aging, memory, and how we all carry secrets.

If you want a thriller that’s both smart, heartfelt, and genuinely entertaining, with characters you don’t often get to read about, this one’s a must-read!

I enjoyed this book so much! I loved the premise and it was executed so well. Dealing with aging, memory issues and Alzheimer’s are tough topics but Joy handled it beautifully. I laughed and wanted to cry a bit. Jenny and Linda are just figuring out how to deal with their new normal when they find each other. Their relationship was so great. Jenny was the best!!! It made me want to go hang out at the local senior center and make some friends and listen to some stories.

•When Linda’s longtime best friend moves to a memory care facility, it crushes Linda. Despite how difficult it is to see her friend like this, she still visits her every other day. During one of these visits, Linda meets a woman named Jenny Cooper.

•Jenny is a fiery elderly woman, also in the memory care unit, who has a dark secret.. Jenny tells Linda she kills people. Linda doesn’t really believe her at first, but then other patients seem to die suspiciously. Linda tries to get to the bottom of what’s really happening with Jenny Cooper.

•This book had an interesting premise, but I felt underwhelmed by the book as a whole. A lot of the conversations between Jenny and Linda were repetitive as well.

•Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, and Joy Fielding for this ARC. It will become available on August 5, 2025.