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Eleanor Jones #1
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer
Eleanor Jones has just started at her ninth high school in less than five years. Since she and her mum are always moving on, Eleanor likes to stay on the outer, to stay invisible. So maybe it’s just bad luck that the very first person she talks to at Cooinda Secondary College, Angus Marshall, is stabbed and left for dead the same day. The last message on Angus’s phone is from Eleanor Jones.
After being interviewed by the police, Eleanor realises they don’t have all the facts and decides to investigate. In trying to understand what happened to Angus, Eleanor inadvertently becomes involved with an eclectic group of fellow students – all of whom have their own reasons to want to solve the mystery.
As they slowly unravel Angus’s secrets, Eleanor discovers the true meaning of friendship – and uncovers a danger lurking at the heart of the town . . .
After being interviewed by the police, Eleanor realises they don’t have all the facts and decides to investigate. In trying to understand what happened to Angus, Eleanor inadvertently becomes involved with an eclectic group of fellow students – all of whom have their own reasons to want to solve the mystery.
As they slowly unravel Angus’s secrets, Eleanor discovers the true meaning of friendship – and uncovers a danger lurking at the heart of the town . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2023
75 people are currently reading
2385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 9, 2024
Entirely not my standard genre, but I found myself looking for a shorter read, ending up with Eleanor. A smart resilient young woman who finds herself in way too many schools by the time we find her here in senior high school, school number 9.
The action picks up fast, finding herself slap bang in the middle of a serious crime. Having had to often fend for herself during her upbringing as the daughter of a hard working young mother, Eleanor is most adept at working things out. She seemed to have things together the most out of the ensemble cast.
Themes of new friendships forming, being the outsider and the possibility of unexpected first love, it was a sweet story. I enjoyed watching her subtly bloom from the outsider status, perhaps wanting to not be so invisible anymore. I am not at all the right target audience for this one, SO many others will love this well written YA book. I couldn't help noticing the Breaking Bad vibes.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my local library.
The action picks up fast, finding herself slap bang in the middle of a serious crime. Having had to often fend for herself during her upbringing as the daughter of a hard working young mother, Eleanor is most adept at working things out. She seemed to have things together the most out of the ensemble cast.
Themes of new friendships forming, being the outsider and the possibility of unexpected first love, it was a sweet story. I enjoyed watching her subtly bloom from the outsider status, perhaps wanting to not be so invisible anymore. I am not at all the right target audience for this one, SO many others will love this well written YA book. I couldn't help noticing the Breaking Bad vibes.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my local library.
November 7, 2023
Trigger warnings: death, hospitalisation, murder, assault, drug use, violence.
I am always here for new Aussie YA crime books. They're usually compelling and twisty and REAL. And this was no exception. I loved Eleanor as a protagonist. I loved the friendships she develops through the course of the story, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequel next year. The mystery was a TAD on the predictable side, but I was having such a wonderful time reading this that I honestly didn't mind.
I do generally like my YA crime books a little more on the creepy side than the straightforward investigation side, but this was great so I'm willing to let things slide. It helped that there were a couple of extremely tense scenes that I didn't anticipate.
I am always here for new Aussie YA crime books. They're usually compelling and twisty and REAL. And this was no exception. I loved Eleanor as a protagonist. I loved the friendships she develops through the course of the story, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequel next year. The mystery was a TAD on the predictable side, but I was having such a wonderful time reading this that I honestly didn't mind.
I do generally like my YA crime books a little more on the creepy side than the straightforward investigation side, but this was great so I'm willing to let things slide. It helped that there were a couple of extremely tense scenes that I didn't anticipate.
July 9, 2024
the “I’m not like other girls” attitude really pissed me off.
March 9, 2024
4.50 ★
fantastic! yes, the mystery was extremely predictable but the characters and their friendships were soooo good. i loved the sheer aussieness as well! a new fave ya title
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
fantastic! yes, the mystery was extremely predictable but the characters and their friendships were soooo good. i loved the sheer aussieness as well! a new fave ya title
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
January 4, 2024
I can’t stand the main character. Constantly bringing up The Catcher in the Rye and trying so hard to be not like the main character there but desperately wanting to be like him. The main character is really annoying. The writing is okay. But the characters are not engaging enough.
July 2, 2023
This was an arc and i loved this so much. It was a fun Australian YA murder mystery that had me turning all the pages wanting to find out what happened. The setting was very outback Australia. The friends group was a lot of fun with the different dynamics and the mystery itself kept me entertained. I will be highly recommending this when it comes out in September.
July 20, 2024
Just as bad as I remembered 😞😞
* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
This was the funniest thing ever as I DNF'D it in Feb and then my school assigned us to read it. I should have just sticked with DNFING it and faced the consequences. It was that bad. 1000000% DO NOT recommend.
* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
Original review
DNF page 79
* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
This was the funniest thing ever as I DNF'D it in Feb and then my school assigned us to read it. I should have just sticked with DNFING it and faced the consequences. It was that bad. 1000000% DO NOT recommend.
* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
Original review
DNF page 79
November 28, 2023
Let’s just say - I love a good YA mystery and this isn’t one. I have been waiting for almost half of the book for the story to pick up, for the suspense to start building and for the characters to develop. None of that happens. In the name of a murder mystery all we get is a very plain and non-mysterious novel. There are couple of pages where the author has made an attempt to build up the suspense but it’s failed because we all knew the plot all along.
Let’s talk about our protagonist. She is a “I am not like others”, I am above everyone else” girl and yet has no talent. Why she and her mom keep moving towns, nobody knows. There hasn’t been any reasoning provided except that “Min likes to be on to go”.
The fact that Angus wants to share his secrets with Eleanor after meeting her once, makes no sense.
The point towards the end where everyone keeps saying - good job Eleanor, you figured it all out to her, makes no sense. She hasn’t figured out a single thing. She didn’t figure out who the killer was until the killer was right in her face attempting to murder her. I wouldn’t call that solving a mystery.
There are other sub plots and characters that are just there increase the word count of the book and have not been followed through.
What happens to Alfie and Millie plot? Or Ethan and Namita or Troy or Eleanor for that matter. No close looping at all.
Overall, very underwhelming book with not a single unexpected twist whatsoever. I will say Holly Jackson and Karen McManus are your better bets in YA mystery.
Let’s talk about our protagonist. She is a “I am not like others”, I am above everyone else” girl and yet has no talent. Why she and her mom keep moving towns, nobody knows. There hasn’t been any reasoning provided except that “Min likes to be on to go”.
The fact that Angus wants to share his secrets with Eleanor after meeting her once, makes no sense.
The point towards the end where everyone keeps saying - good job Eleanor, you figured it all out to her, makes no sense. She hasn’t figured out a single thing. She didn’t figure out who the killer was until the killer was right in her face attempting to murder her. I wouldn’t call that solving a mystery.
There are other sub plots and characters that are just there increase the word count of the book and have not been followed through.
What happens to Alfie and Millie plot? Or Ethan and Namita or Troy or Eleanor for that matter. No close looping at all.
Overall, very underwhelming book with not a single unexpected twist whatsoever. I will say Holly Jackson and Karen McManus are your better bets in YA mystery.
August 25, 2024
definitely one of favs this year. i love eleanor and her taste in books and music <3
also loved reading an aussie mystery book and all of the references haha
ill write more when i get mmy copy back (i gave it to a friend and i want it back) but idk why i hadnt already written a review for this !!
also loved reading an aussie mystery book and all of the references haha
ill write more when i get mmy copy back (i gave it to a friend and i want it back) but idk why i hadnt already written a review for this !!
July 2, 2024
Its always the irrelevant middle aged man.
September 5, 2025
3.75 ⭐
Essere la nuova arrivata non è mai semplice ma Eleanor Jones è un vero asso in questo!
Eleanor ha poche ma semplici regole per poter superare incolume il suo primo giorno di scuola in una nuova città: testa bassa, non farsi notare e non cercare di fare amicizia eppure qualcosa va storto, infatti, dopo un piccolo scambio di messaggi con Angus (suo nuovo compagno di classe) viene trovato accoltellato e tutti gli indizi sembrano portare a Eleanor, anche se non lo conosce affatto.
Per scoprire la verità sull'aggressione di Angus e scovare il vero colpevole, Eleanor Jones dovrà infrangere le sue stesse regole, ovviamente con un piccolo aiuto.
Questo romanzo è riuscito a conquistarmi fin dalla prima pagina con uno stile semplice e asciutto e un ritmo spedito. Il mistero non è così complicato ma riesce comunque a tenere il lettore con il fiato sospeso grazie a piccoli ma ben piazzati colpi di scena; il colpevole non è scontato come sembrerebbe e le scene d'azione che mettono in pericolo la protagonista non mancano.
Eleanor Jones è una protagonista diversa dalle altre per il semplice fatto che non fa nulla per esserlo: è la classica ragazza di sedici anni che cerca solo di non affezionarsi troppo ai suoi coetanei per evitare di soffrire per via dei numerosi trasferimenti della madre, nonostante vorrebbe con tutto il cuore trovare un gruppo di amici come tutti gli altri (e magari anche un ragazzo) e trova come unico conforto a questa sua solitudine autoimposta nei libri.
Se siete alla ricerca un mystery young adult abbastanza breve ma che sia in grado di intrattenervi ve lo consiglio!
(Spero che la casa editrice porti anche i restanti volumi della serie!)
Essere la nuova arrivata non è mai semplice ma Eleanor Jones è un vero asso in questo!
Eleanor ha poche ma semplici regole per poter superare incolume il suo primo giorno di scuola in una nuova città: testa bassa, non farsi notare e non cercare di fare amicizia eppure qualcosa va storto, infatti, dopo un piccolo scambio di messaggi con Angus (suo nuovo compagno di classe) viene trovato accoltellato e tutti gli indizi sembrano portare a Eleanor, anche se non lo conosce affatto.
Per scoprire la verità sull'aggressione di Angus e scovare il vero colpevole, Eleanor Jones dovrà infrangere le sue stesse regole, ovviamente con un piccolo aiuto.
Questo romanzo è riuscito a conquistarmi fin dalla prima pagina con uno stile semplice e asciutto e un ritmo spedito. Il mistero non è così complicato ma riesce comunque a tenere il lettore con il fiato sospeso grazie a piccoli ma ben piazzati colpi di scena; il colpevole non è scontato come sembrerebbe e le scene d'azione che mettono in pericolo la protagonista non mancano.
Eleanor Jones è una protagonista diversa dalle altre per il semplice fatto che non fa nulla per esserlo: è la classica ragazza di sedici anni che cerca solo di non affezionarsi troppo ai suoi coetanei per evitare di soffrire per via dei numerosi trasferimenti della madre, nonostante vorrebbe con tutto il cuore trovare un gruppo di amici come tutti gli altri (e magari anche un ragazzo) e trova come unico conforto a questa sua solitudine autoimposta nei libri.
Se siete alla ricerca un mystery young adult abbastanza breve ma che sia in grado di intrattenervi ve lo consiglio!
(Spero che la casa editrice porti anche i restanti volumi della serie!)
August 7, 2024
Loved this murder mystery, listened to audioBook, narrator was engaging and added to the suspense.
Set in rural small town Australia, Eleanor and her mum (Mim) move regularly which makes it difficult for Eleanor to make friends as she never becomes invested as she assumes that she will just be moved on. On her first day at the new school she chats with Angus, who usually chats with no one, then he is mysteriously stabbed and is in a coma. Eleanor is momentarily thought to be involved, in the meantime she meets new classmates that all have some connection to Angus. They become friends and try to solve the mystery together.
I liked Eleanor and her mum, the friends were great fun, all very different and there interactions were entertaining. It had me wanting to find out what happened. Highly recommend.
Set in rural small town Australia, Eleanor and her mum (Mim) move regularly which makes it difficult for Eleanor to make friends as she never becomes invested as she assumes that she will just be moved on. On her first day at the new school she chats with Angus, who usually chats with no one, then he is mysteriously stabbed and is in a coma. Eleanor is momentarily thought to be involved, in the meantime she meets new classmates that all have some connection to Angus. They become friends and try to solve the mystery together.
I liked Eleanor and her mum, the friends were great fun, all very different and there interactions were entertaining. It had me wanting to find out what happened. Highly recommend.
June 23, 2024
3.2 ⭐️
May 6, 2024
Another okay-but-not-great YA mystery... There were elements I liked (the character interactions, Eleanor slowly developing friendships), but the overall plot felt almost farcical. It's a shame as I really wanted to like this, but it wasn't to be.
October 24, 2023
Debatable.
May 18, 2024
It was okay! I feel like it was too quick but also shouldn’t be any longer lol
This might just be a me problem
This might just be a me problem
July 28, 2025
The story read like a typical middle school mystery, complete with your usual lineup of characters. The premise and plot were fun, but it all felt super cliché. The characters? Straight out of a Disney Channel high school sitcom.
Take our main girl Eleanor Jones, for example. She’s "not like everyone else," doesn’t really fit in, awkward but smart (of course), keeps to herself—but not in a creepy way. Basically, she’s not like other girls (okayyy…). Yet somehow, she ends up befriending the school's other popular guy. The (very) subtle romance felt pretty forced and sudden. He liked her right of the bat. And also a bunch of other people who just... vibe with her. As one does, apparently.
The friendship dynamics were fun, though. I won’t lie. But the attempt at high school slang? That was funny. Zero character development, but honestly? I still enjoyed it. It was refreshing to read something light, fun, and not overly creepy or serious for once.
So if you're looking for an old-school mystery with a Disney-ish cast and a classic "teenagers-solve-a-mystery-because-they’re-curious-or-whatever" plot, this is it. Don’t expect jaw-dropping twists or anything mind-blowing—because there are none.
Final rating: 3.5 stars ᯓᡣ𐭩
Take our main girl Eleanor Jones, for example. She’s "not like everyone else," doesn’t really fit in, awkward but smart (of course), keeps to herself—but not in a creepy way. Basically, she’s not like other girls (okayyy…). Yet somehow, she ends up befriending the school's other popular guy. The (very) subtle romance felt pretty forced and sudden. He liked her right of the bat. And also a bunch of other people who just... vibe with her. As one does, apparently.
The friendship dynamics were fun, though. I won’t lie. But the attempt at high school slang? That was funny. Zero character development, but honestly? I still enjoyed it. It was refreshing to read something light, fun, and not overly creepy or serious for once.
So if you're looking for an old-school mystery with a Disney-ish cast and a classic "teenagers-solve-a-mystery-because-they’re-curious-or-whatever" plot, this is it. Don’t expect jaw-dropping twists or anything mind-blowing—because there are none.
Final rating: 3.5 stars ᯓᡣ𐭩
February 5, 2024
Just say no to superfluous sequels
July 18, 2024
3,75 ⭐️
É uma história memorável? Não, mas manteve-me entretida, gostei das personagens e não adivinhei o "plot twist".
Gostei da protagonista e da dinâmica dela com os amigos.
Thrillers YA como este são sempre ótimos para evitar reading slumps.
É uma história memorável? Não, mas manteve-me entretida, gostei das personagens e não adivinhei o "plot twist".
Gostei da protagonista e da dinâmica dela com os amigos.
Thrillers YA como este são sempre ótimos para evitar reading slumps.
February 2, 2025
Nice easy quick read.
Enjoyed the humour and the sarcasm.
Enjoyed all the literary references.
Refreshing to get a book set in an Australia and read all the Aussie references.
I liked Eleanor Jones as a main character and her group of new friends. Has One of Us Is Lying vibes in that they’re all kind of brought together when apart from Troy and Alfie they wouldn’t spend time together.
Picked the twist very early on but still enjoyed it.
Enjoyed the humour and the sarcasm.
Enjoyed all the literary references.
Refreshing to get a book set in an Australia and read all the Aussie references.
I liked Eleanor Jones as a main character and her group of new friends. Has One of Us Is Lying vibes in that they’re all kind of brought together when apart from Troy and Alfie they wouldn’t spend time together.
Picked the twist very early on but still enjoyed it.
December 1, 2023
I read this at the same time as my teen niece after signing her up to a teen book club. She is an avid reader and was struggling to find books she enjoys again after having to read different style’s of books at school. This one hit the nail right on the head. She loved it. She is 14. This book is included in the 15 year old book club (which I signed her up for with parental permission. She is an advanced 14 year old.) There are good reasons why this book falls into a slighter older age bracket. Some of the content includes drugs, murder, stabbing but…. It’s not as bad as it sounds. The messages are all very good. The other themes are friendship, family, belonging and trust. It’s been a very long time since I’ve read a YA novel and while it wasn’t a page turner for me it was terrific to get into the heads of these young characters and get a better understanding of what my niece likes to read.
September 22, 2024
Okay so it actually wasn’t THAT bad just very juvenile. Even though the book has themes of drugs, alcohol poisoning, family issues, death/murder, assault, swearing and mentions of child abuse it was written as though it was for a ten year old. I know that sounded really harsh/bad but it WASN’T BAD. Just the dialogue and some of the descriptions just made me want to die. But I swear it wasn’t bad. The main character kinda pissed me off a little sometimes but I really liked her character development sooo yeah.
June 20, 2023
3.5 - the friendship group that Eleanor formed was really sweet.
October 13, 2024
im not like other girls - im entirely insufferable ;D
September 2, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Young adult fiction provides me with a window into the mental constructs of our youth and how with technology they cope in all types of situations.
Each generation tends to put their own stamp on the youth category and meeting this group was enlightening.
Eleanor is in senior high school and blends in, multiple school moves has given her wisdom and an adaptation strategy.
A student stabbing puts the spot light on her.
Friendships form, parental relationships tested and danger lurks as the truth of the stabbing comes to light.
Teenagers working together and showing maturity as they help in the unravel of the illegal activity.
Tense moments and a scary truth is revealed.
I enjoyed my trip back to school and seeing the kids work through this mystery and put on sleuthing skills to the test.
A genre I enjoy especially when well written like this.
Young adult fiction provides me with a window into the mental constructs of our youth and how with technology they cope in all types of situations.
Each generation tends to put their own stamp on the youth category and meeting this group was enlightening.
Eleanor is in senior high school and blends in, multiple school moves has given her wisdom and an adaptation strategy.
A student stabbing puts the spot light on her.
Friendships form, parental relationships tested and danger lurks as the truth of the stabbing comes to light.
Teenagers working together and showing maturity as they help in the unravel of the illegal activity.
Tense moments and a scary truth is revealed.
I enjoyed my trip back to school and seeing the kids work through this mystery and put on sleuthing skills to the test.
A genre I enjoy especially when well written like this.
January 30, 2024
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Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer is an outback-based thriller that ropes you in. First with the interesting title and then you start reading and before you know it you have devoured half the book. It is your typical YA who-dun-it thriller but that doesn’t make it any less interesting and that suspense filled ending was brilliant. Mix that in with some Eleanor Jones being a strong-minded character, fuelled by determination, you can’t help but be interested. Overall, this thriller was a quick and interesting read but it wasn’t unique enough for me to rave about.
Bookstagram
Website
Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer is an outback-based thriller that ropes you in. First with the interesting title and then you start reading and before you know it you have devoured half the book. It is your typical YA who-dun-it thriller but that doesn’t make it any less interesting and that suspense filled ending was brilliant. Mix that in with some Eleanor Jones being a strong-minded character, fuelled by determination, you can’t help but be interested. Overall, this thriller was a quick and interesting read but it wasn’t unique enough for me to rave about.
January 22, 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ Engagement
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Enjoyment
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Readability
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Pacing
★ ★ ✩ ✩ ✩ Impact
What I Liked:
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer kept me interested from start to finish. The story held my attention, and I enjoyed the exploration of perception, small town judgement, and hidden secrets within a community. These themes added tension which kept me reading. I also connected with the protagonist's journey as the new kid at school and her journey to find friendship and acceptance. That part of the story was relatable, even if it wasn't explored as deeply as I'd hoped. The Australian setting reminded me of my own teenage experience, and added an authentic backdrop to the story as it explored topical issues affecting rural communities.
What Didn't Work:
While the writing was simple and clear, it occasionally felt too conversational, and some fourth wall breaks disrupted the story's flow. The pacing felt a bit rushed, particularly the ending which wrapped up too abruptly. The character dynamics could have been explored further to add emotional depth. At just 288 pages, it was a quick read, but not one that left a lasting impression.
I found the amateur sleuth trope frustrating. A lot of the drama could've been avoided if the adults or police had been involved sooner. While I didn't guess the ending, it didn't deliver the shocking payoff I was hoping for - it felt a bit underwhelming.
Overall Thoughts
This book reminded me of Karen M. McManus's novels - entertaining and light but lacking the complexity or emotional depth to make it truly memorable. It's a sold read for fans for quick mysteries with small town secrets, but it may not satisfy those looking for a thrilling or significant emotional impact. While it had its moments, I won't be picking up the sequel.
Would I Recommend It?
If you enjoy mysteries with small town dynamics and don't mind some predictable tropes, this could work for you.
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Enjoyment
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Readability
★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩ Pacing
★ ★ ✩ ✩ ✩ Impact
What I Liked:
Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer kept me interested from start to finish. The story held my attention, and I enjoyed the exploration of perception, small town judgement, and hidden secrets within a community. These themes added tension which kept me reading. I also connected with the protagonist's journey as the new kid at school and her journey to find friendship and acceptance. That part of the story was relatable, even if it wasn't explored as deeply as I'd hoped. The Australian setting reminded me of my own teenage experience, and added an authentic backdrop to the story as it explored topical issues affecting rural communities.
What Didn't Work:
While the writing was simple and clear, it occasionally felt too conversational, and some fourth wall breaks disrupted the story's flow. The pacing felt a bit rushed, particularly the ending which wrapped up too abruptly. The character dynamics could have been explored further to add emotional depth. At just 288 pages, it was a quick read, but not one that left a lasting impression.
I found the amateur sleuth trope frustrating. A lot of the drama could've been avoided if the adults or police had been involved sooner. While I didn't guess the ending, it didn't deliver the shocking payoff I was hoping for - it felt a bit underwhelming.
Overall Thoughts
This book reminded me of Karen M. McManus's novels - entertaining and light but lacking the complexity or emotional depth to make it truly memorable. It's a sold read for fans for quick mysteries with small town secrets, but it may not satisfy those looking for a thrilling or significant emotional impact. While it had its moments, I won't be picking up the sequel.
Would I Recommend It?
If you enjoy mysteries with small town dynamics and don't mind some predictable tropes, this could work for you.
March 8, 2024
Similar to AGGGTM but still good. Kinda could guess who the murderer was at the start.
September 28, 2024
“This is high school not breaking bad”
Quieres escuchar algo interesante y divertido (con su misterio) de fondo? Este libro es el indicado jajaja. Me ha gustado, Eleonor me fastidió un toque pero es entendible ya que tiene 16 años y a esa edad no hay más neuronas adecuadas jajaja.
Vale la pena para distraerte :) y además es chiquito, así que pasa super rápido.
Quieres escuchar algo interesante y divertido (con su misterio) de fondo? Este libro es el indicado jajaja. Me ha gustado, Eleonor me fastidió un toque pero es entendible ya que tiene 16 años y a esa edad no hay más neuronas adecuadas jajaja.
Vale la pena para distraerte :) y además es chiquito, así que pasa super rápido.
November 28, 2024
reasonably good, more of a 3.5 though
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