Book Review: Jenny Cooper Has A Secret by Joy Fielding

Joy Fielding, known for her skillful blend of suspense and emotional depth, returns with Jenny Cooper Has A Secret—a slow-burning psychological thriller that explores aging, memory, and the unsettling possibility that a dementia patient might be telling the truth about a lifetime of murders.

The story follows 76-year-old Linda Davidson, a recent widow struggling to navigate life after loss. With her daughter and son-in-law living under the same roof and creating more stress than comfort, Linda seeks solace in visiting her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility. There, she meets 92-year-old Jenny Cooper, a woman with dementia who matter-of-factly claims she has killed people. Initially, Linda chalks it up to confusion or delusion—until another resident dies under suspicious circumstances.

The premise is both chilling and unique, inviting readers to question what truth might lie beneath the haze of a failing mind. Fielding weaves themes of loneliness, trust, and justice into an eerie narrative that slowly gains momentum.

As a long-time fan of Fielding’s work (with Missing Pieces still being a personal favorite), I was eager to get my hands on this book before its official release. Admittedly, it took some time to get into—perhaps due to its slower pace and quieter tension—but once it found its rhythm, it became an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Fans of psychological thrillers with a human touch will appreciate Fielding’s thoughtful characterization and layered storytelling. While not her most gripping work at the outset, Jenny Cooper Has A Secret ultimately delivers a rewarding journey that lingers in the mind, much like the secrets it slowly unveils.