My book review of 'Finding Jennifer Jones' by Anne Cassidy

by Anne Cassidy
Recommended age: Young adult
Finding Jennifer Jones
by Anne Cassidy

Jennifer Jones killed a child when she was just 10 years old.

This was the shocking and controversial storyline in Anne Cassidy's book 'Looking for JJ', published in 2004. In 'Finding Jennifer Jones' we find out what happened next.

Jennifer is now 19, at university, dating, and has a job. It seems she has rebuilt her life, with her new identity. But when a child is murdered in the town, Jennifer, who is now called Kate, becomes a suspect and she realises that she will never escape her past.

This is an astonishing novel. It tackles a hugely difficult subject with sensitivity and compassion, and challenges the reader to confront a multitude of prejudices and perspectives. It's completely engrossing and beautifully written. Each character and development is convincing and gripping, and the pace is pitched perfectly. However the conclusion was rather too tidy, I felt. Overall this is a fantastic, thought-provoking and consuming read. And it makes me want to pick up 'Looking for JJ' again.

Date of this review: December 2013