Avenging Janie resulted from the many discussions I have had with students over the years about why people believe the things they believe, especially psychic claims.

So often they would comment: "They'd have to be stupid to believe that!". I don't agree. I think people will often believe a claim which seems ridiculous to others because they have a very real need.  So I accepted their challenge to prove my point. I believe fiction is the best way to do this. But then, as Marie, my narrator, would respond:
"People believe what they want to believe, don't they?"
 
I worry how little our society allows us to talk about our beliefs, especially when they are in a state of flux. If Janie had been able to express her doubts openly with her family and friends, would she still be alive?

I worry also about the nature of truth. I confess now to telling small lies when I want to avoid hurting someone. I believe they are harmless, or that's how I justify my lies.

Should Janie have been told the truth about the Movement when it was offering her so much comfort? When? By whom?

Here's what written on the back of the book:

What the reviewers have said about Avenging Janie:

"It's good to be reminded that there are still new plots out there - and writers for young people brave enough to take them on."
John Marsden, The Age, December 13, 2003
 
"The issues are very well handled. A good novel for deeper-thinking older readers who still want some action."
Reading Time, Vol 48 No 1

"This is a well-paced story that will hold your attention as it moves along at a cracking pace. The issues raised within the story will generate discussion about the nature of truth and the role of the media as propagator of get rich schemes."
Margaret Linley Geelong Advertiser, September 27, 2003

"It is not often that you can say a book is utterly unique, and represents a unique achievement. This one is. This one does."
Ian Rowland,  author of The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading, www.ianrowland.com

Cold reading is a method used by psychics to appear to know a great deal about you. Sheridan and Ilona use it in Avenging Janie. I use it regularly when doing 'psychic' readings, as is discussed in my latest book, The Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal.