Jenny Cooper Has a Secret

A Novel

By: Joy Fielding

Narrated by: Carol Monda

In this riveting psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of All the Wrong Places, a dementia patient reveals a deadly secret—and one woman must decide whether to believe her.

“An epic murder mystery . . . This novel is a delight, tugging at your heartstrings as it explores the grief, insecurities, and beauty that come with aging.”—Oprah Daily (Best Books of the Fall)

Reeling from her husband’s death and best friend’s dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda’s long list.

Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking confession: she kills people.

Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims—mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of a sick old man, but Linda can’t help but wonder: is there any chance Jenny’s telling the truth?

©2025 Joy Fielding (P)2025 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Enough suspense to keep readers turning the pages so quickly that they risk paper cuts . . . another fine novel from this talented storyteller.”—Booklist

“Death, dementia, marital problems, abuse and humor . . . While they don’t seem to go together, in Fielding’s extremely capable hands, they combine for a delightfully fascinating read.”—Bookreporter

“Excellent . . . This is an intense novel you do not want to put down. Joy Fielding has written another winner.”—Red Carpet Crash

Another page turner

This book was very entertaining and was a page turner. It kept me guessing until the end. I kept thinking in my head there was multiple different ways this could have ended. Very good flow of a storyline, a couple good chuckles throughout. As far as the ending, all's well, that ends well lol. My only criticism would be that, throughout the book, a lot of people speaking are repeated over and over back to each other which was a little bit annoying. But I get the point it was trying to relay. I absolutely love all of Joy Fieldings books! I hope she continues to keep the new books coming for a very long time. Not a single one of her books have disappointed me yet.

Murderously hysterical

Ms. Fielding, that was a helluva story! With family and friends suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia, the story rang true in all its sadness. But then…goodness gracious lands sakes alive! Jenny’s secret is so engagingly funny in its gruesome unfolding. Carol Monda clearly enjoyed this performance: it is nothing less than brilliant. I hear the characters whispering to me; their creepy yet somehow righteously hilarious secrets keep me up at night. Watch out for side effects like avoiding pharmacies and medicine cabinets.

Engrossing plot with great narrator

I'm 60 years old and loved this book, but I would have loved this book at 20. I could relate with a lot of it, having taken care of a parent with dementia while raising small children, sometimes they're completely lucid, sometimes you don't know what to believe they say-true? false? somewhere in the middle? I also have an aversion to too much technology (hate smart watches)! It's definitely one of the best fiction books I've read in ages. Joy Fielding has been a favorite author of mine for years--she knows how to write dialogue that makes sense. Too many of the 20 and 30 something authors I've read lately, don't know how to write--heaping on too much unnecessary detail, with repetitive dialogue.

Having worked in a hospital, but also nursing homes, I have known residents similar to Jenny (without the murder proclamations), and I can relate in many ways to Linda who still has a lot of life left to live and is at a crossroads.

The narrator, Carol Monda, is excellent, and I will look for more books that she narrates. She really brings a lot to every character.

I Wish I was Jenny

This book reads like your favorite ornery aunt is telling you a story. It is funny as well as heart touching. It was great to see there is still much life to be had even when you think it’s over.

What Serial Killers Do in the Gloaming

Clever storyline brings humor and insight to realities of dementia and aging, while cleverly spinning a yarn about murder(s)? All this from the perspective of deciphering the fragmented ruminations of a nearly 93 year old Jenny Cooper who has dementia. The storyline of domestic violence is woven quite masterfully on the sidelines. My advice while listening... don't overthink it. Just enjoy the ride.

Not for me--but other may enjoy

I have loved some of Joy Fielding's books and preordered this one. And there were some aspects of this work that were great--the crisp writing style, the emphasis on female friendship, the depiction of what it's like to be a successful woman past retirement age. What I didn't enjoy was the endless repetition of Jenny Cooper's tales of murder. The rather abrupt fairy tale ending didn't redeem what had come before.