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What Have They Done to Liza McLean?
Meg McLean is a scholarship student at the ultra-elite Douglas College. Meg's younger sister, Liza, is along for the ride, and everything Liza has done since they arrived at the school seems to be putting their chances of success at risk.
Until one day, when Liza's behaviour is so at odds with her usual temperament that Meg knows something is very, very wrong.
Benedict Hargreaves (the 4th) is Douglas College's wealthiest student and perhaps the only one who isn't influenced by the school and its strict code of conduct. Is he brave enough to help Meg uncover what has happened to her sister? Or is he part of the elusive 'they' who seem to be controlling everything - and everyone?
And, when more than one murder takes place, can Meg really trust anyone?
Until one day, when Liza's behaviour is so at odds with her usual temperament that Meg knows something is very, very wrong.
Benedict Hargreaves (the 4th) is Douglas College's wealthiest student and perhaps the only one who isn't influenced by the school and its strict code of conduct. Is he brave enough to help Meg uncover what has happened to her sister? Or is he part of the elusive 'they' who seem to be controlling everything - and everyone?
And, when more than one murder takes place, can Meg really trust anyone?
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First published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 29, 2025
I’ve never read any of Amy Doak’s previous books, but now I think I might have to
October 30, 2025
Want to see more...
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Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was such a ride! Basically, part mystery, part drama, and totally addictive from page one. Liza McLean is one of those characters who instantly pulls you in: smart, sharp, and just messy enough to be relatable. When strange things start happening and pieces of her past begin to resurface, you know you’re in for secrets, lies, and a few “wait, WHAT?” moments.
Doak showed a knack for weaving tension with humor — one minute you’re laughing at Liza’s witty comebacks, the next you’re holding your breath as everything starts to unravel. The supporting cast is equally juicy (everyone’s hiding something), and the pacing is just right: fast, punchy, and impossible to put down.
Overall, if you are looking for a book that’s sharp, funny, and full of twists, What Have They Done to Liza McLean is the perfect weekend binge for anyone who loves a little scandal with their suspense.
Bookstagram
Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was such a ride! Basically, part mystery, part drama, and totally addictive from page one. Liza McLean is one of those characters who instantly pulls you in: smart, sharp, and just messy enough to be relatable. When strange things start happening and pieces of her past begin to resurface, you know you’re in for secrets, lies, and a few “wait, WHAT?” moments.
Doak showed a knack for weaving tension with humor — one minute you’re laughing at Liza’s witty comebacks, the next you’re holding your breath as everything starts to unravel. The supporting cast is equally juicy (everyone’s hiding something), and the pacing is just right: fast, punchy, and impossible to put down.
Overall, if you are looking for a book that’s sharp, funny, and full of twists, What Have They Done to Liza McLean is the perfect weekend binge for anyone who loves a little scandal with their suspense.
September 6, 2025
Didn't go where I expected, and all the better for that.
Fast-paced, action-packed, twisty.
All good. Great actually.
Fast-paced, action-packed, twisty.
All good. Great actually.
December 16, 2025
2.5 rounded up.
Did not resonate. Neither the characters nor the plot did much for me. The lack of actual location did not help either.
Did not resonate. Neither the characters nor the plot did much for me. The lack of actual location did not help either.
December 3, 2025
please tell me there’s more, i need more.
October 9, 2025
Theme: Sisters, Secrets, and Suspense!
What’s better than diving into a YA thriller that actually keeps you guessing? I thought I’d seen it all - every twist, every trope, every “gotcha!” moment. But this one? It totally surprised like a twist I didn’t see coming.
The Setup: Two sisters, Meg and Liza, enroll at a prestigious boarding school, trying to outrun a traumatic past. Meg’s the quiet and introspective type. Liza? The social butterfly until she suddenly isn’t.
What I enjoyed:
❥ Alternating narrative between Meg and Ben (yaaasss, Ben!) gave the story depth and made the mystery feel personal.
❥ Sisterly devotion: Meg’s fierce love for Liza had me rooting for her like she was my own sibling (although I don't have one!). She’d walk through fire, or at least a suspiciously creepy garden party to figure out what’s going on.
❥ Botanical vibes: Plants, garden parties, and secret whispers? Yes please! It added a whimsical layer to the tension.
What felt off:
❥ The star-crossed lovers trope - can we please retire this already? It’s been to prom too many times.
❥ The slow burn beginning had me checking my watch, but once it picked up, it really picked up.
❥ That one character with a family connection so strong they’re basically untouchable? Classic cliché. I rolled my eyes but kept reading anyway.
Ratings Breakdown:
Setting - ⭐️⭐️/5
Character Building - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Message - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Final Verdict: This book reminded me why YA thrillers are such a blast - emotional stakes, layered characters, and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages. If you love sisterhood, secrets, and a touch of garden glam then this one’s worth the read.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and author Amy Doak for providing me with an advance reader copy of this novel. Please note that this courtesy has not influenced my review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
~JaNnA~
What’s better than diving into a YA thriller that actually keeps you guessing? I thought I’d seen it all - every twist, every trope, every “gotcha!” moment. But this one? It totally surprised like a twist I didn’t see coming.
The Setup: Two sisters, Meg and Liza, enroll at a prestigious boarding school, trying to outrun a traumatic past. Meg’s the quiet and introspective type. Liza? The social butterfly until she suddenly isn’t.
What I enjoyed:
❥ Alternating narrative between Meg and Ben (yaaasss, Ben!) gave the story depth and made the mystery feel personal.
❥ Sisterly devotion: Meg’s fierce love for Liza had me rooting for her like she was my own sibling (although I don't have one!). She’d walk through fire, or at least a suspiciously creepy garden party to figure out what’s going on.
❥ Botanical vibes: Plants, garden parties, and secret whispers? Yes please! It added a whimsical layer to the tension.
What felt off:
❥ The star-crossed lovers trope - can we please retire this already? It’s been to prom too many times.
❥ The slow burn beginning had me checking my watch, but once it picked up, it really picked up.
❥ That one character with a family connection so strong they’re basically untouchable? Classic cliché. I rolled my eyes but kept reading anyway.
Ratings Breakdown:
Setting - ⭐️⭐️/5
Character Building - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Message - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Final Verdict: This book reminded me why YA thrillers are such a blast - emotional stakes, layered characters, and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages. If you love sisterhood, secrets, and a touch of garden glam then this one’s worth the read.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and author Amy Doak for providing me with an advance reader copy of this novel. Please note that this courtesy has not influenced my review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
~JaNnA~
December 7, 2025
Meg McLean is a scholarship student at the ultra-elite Douglas College. Meg’s younger sister, Liza, is along for the ride, and she kept putting their chances of success at risk. Until one day, when Liza’s behaviour is so at odds with her usual temperament that Meg knows something is very, very wrong. Benedict Hargreaves (the Fourth) is Douglas College’s wealthiest student and perhaps the only one who isn’t influenced by the school and its strict code of conduct. Is he brave enough to help Meg uncover what has happened to her sister?
I love Dark Academia, so when I saw Amy Doak wrote one, I couldn’t not pick it up! This was a solid mystery, with some creepy elements and good flirtatious banters.
The setting was nicely atmospheric, and the mystery was fun. I didn’t really guess the whodunnit, which I was happy about. Loved the chemistry between Benny and Meg, and the buildup of their relationship over time!
I’d really recommend jumping into this blind - just enjoy the ride! And now that I’ve known Meg and Benny well, I hope there’ll be a sequel?!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
I love Dark Academia, so when I saw Amy Doak wrote one, I couldn’t not pick it up! This was a solid mystery, with some creepy elements and good flirtatious banters.
The setting was nicely atmospheric, and the mystery was fun. I didn’t really guess the whodunnit, which I was happy about. Loved the chemistry between Benny and Meg, and the buildup of their relationship over time!
I’d really recommend jumping into this blind - just enjoy the ride! And now that I’ve known Meg and Benny well, I hope there’ll be a sequel?!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
October 28, 2025
eerie dark academia but make it aussie private school vibes
Throw in a couple of murders and you get a pretty fast paced and action packed mystery thriller with a lot of sneaking around, spying, stakeouts, sinister secrets, some casual hacking and of course a fancy garden party to keep you on your toes.
One of the best things the author does is writing realist teenage characters as seen in the natural dialogue and impulsive actions. The dual POV was fun to read because they're both just so blunt and really will do whatever they need to get answers. Special mention to when Macks completely sold over Meg (and me) when he gave her dress pockets.The romantic subplot was sweet with a nice progression of bad first impressions to co-conspirators and friends.
In the nicest way possible, Benedict was giving unbothered teenage boy (but cooler because he can hack) with daddy issues and an endless curiosity that he kept on pushing. He was lowkey standoffish and rude at times but he is self aware and does care so we love that. also was really down bad for Meg from the get go 😭 I found that I really related to Meg because god forbid a girlie likes learning and overthinks. She was put through some umm extraneous situations in her past that she has to deal with while trying to find a new normal.
Mystery wise, I do think there were enough clues hinted at that you could gauge what is happening and who might be involved before the mc's figured it out, but the suspense and creepy tone comes from this paranoia of somehow knowing it's THIS THING but not knowing exactly HOW it works or if it's even possible??? That was the question I kept asking myself throughout and then getting freaked out by the answers. There was also that one plot twist that I did not see coming (don't trust anyone)
This book was layered with commentary on classism and multigenerational privilege. There were characters of many different backgrounds and surprising motivations, so there were a lot of discussions on what people value and have (money, love, freedom ect.) as well as depicting the cultish like nature of eliticism.
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy for an honest review
“They did all the right things, said all the right things, but there was something off about them”
Throw in a couple of murders and you get a pretty fast paced and action packed mystery thriller with a lot of sneaking around, spying, stakeouts, sinister secrets, some casual hacking and of course a fancy garden party to keep you on your toes.
One of the best things the author does is writing realist teenage characters as seen in the natural dialogue and impulsive actions. The dual POV was fun to read because they're both just so blunt and really will do whatever they need to get answers. Special mention to when Macks completely sold over Meg (and me) when he gave her dress pockets.The romantic subplot was sweet with a nice progression of bad first impressions to co-conspirators and friends.
In the nicest way possible, Benedict was giving unbothered teenage boy (but cooler because he can hack) with daddy issues and an endless curiosity that he kept on pushing. He was lowkey standoffish and rude at times but he is self aware and does care so we love that. also was really down bad for Meg from the get go 😭 I found that I really related to Meg because god forbid a girlie likes learning and overthinks. She was put through some umm extraneous situations in her past that she has to deal with while trying to find a new normal.
Mystery wise, I do think there were enough clues hinted at that you could gauge what is happening and who might be involved before the mc's figured it out, but the suspense and creepy tone comes from this paranoia of somehow knowing it's THIS THING but not knowing exactly HOW it works or if it's even possible??? That was the question I kept asking myself throughout and then getting freaked out by the answers. There was also that one plot twist that I did not see coming (don't trust anyone)
This book was layered with commentary on classism and multigenerational privilege. There were characters of many different backgrounds and surprising motivations, so there were a lot of discussions on what people value and have (money, love, freedom ect.) as well as depicting the cultish like nature of eliticism.
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy for an honest review
October 20, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Behind impressive facades, grand buildings and among the manicured and curated grounds of an elite private school lurk sinister secrets and activities.
A place for the rich to educate, a place where tradition dictates enrolment and a place to exploit.
Meg and her sister Liza are scholarship students and are polar opposites when it comes to academia.
Not many are privy to the truth of their situation.
A sudden change in behaviour and a studious approach has Meg worried about her sister.
What has happened to create a new version of Liza…….
Benedict Hargreaves belongs to the elite and the school is his playground.
An unlikely alliance with Meg as they work together unraveling embedded secrets.
The adventures of these youngsters was so entertaining and a great insight into life behind the fences of an elite school.
It highlighted the hierarchical nature of society starts at a young age.
Behind impressive facades, grand buildings and among the manicured and curated grounds of an elite private school lurk sinister secrets and activities.
A place for the rich to educate, a place where tradition dictates enrolment and a place to exploit.
Meg and her sister Liza are scholarship students and are polar opposites when it comes to academia.
Not many are privy to the truth of their situation.
A sudden change in behaviour and a studious approach has Meg worried about her sister.
What has happened to create a new version of Liza…….
Benedict Hargreaves belongs to the elite and the school is his playground.
An unlikely alliance with Meg as they work together unraveling embedded secrets.
The adventures of these youngsters was so entertaining and a great insight into life behind the fences of an elite school.
It highlighted the hierarchical nature of society starts at a young age.
August 25, 2025
Pre-release review
Wow! I really enjoyed this read. This was an action packed, fast paced YA novel that had me hooked and guessing right for the start. I really liked how the story line progressed, with interchanging perspectives. I also enjoyed the character development throughout. I thought I guessed it and of course, there was a big plot twist at the end. I recommend to YA readers or anyone wanting a fast paced easy read!
Wow! I really enjoyed this read. This was an action packed, fast paced YA novel that had me hooked and guessing right for the start. I really liked how the story line progressed, with interchanging perspectives. I also enjoyed the character development throughout. I thought I guessed it and of course, there was a big plot twist at the end. I recommend to YA readers or anyone wanting a fast paced easy read!
December 31, 2025
Content warnings: drugging, death, murder, classism
I was super excited to see what Doak would do with a story that wasn't part of the Eleanor Jones universe, and this was a twisty, turny little mystery! It took me a little while to wrap my head around everything, but this was a lot of fun and I can see it making a fantastic movie/miniseries.
I was super excited to see what Doak would do with a story that wasn't part of the Eleanor Jones universe, and this was a twisty, turny little mystery! It took me a little while to wrap my head around everything, but this was a lot of fun and I can see it making a fantastic movie/miniseries.
January 24, 2026
3.5
It's been a while since I've read any YF. This was terrific. Set in a boarding school, there are some odd things happening.
Cue Meg whose sister Liza has seemingly been turned into almost a robot. Mysterious deaths, strange codes in files, rich cold people, what's not to love? Definitely well pitched for a teen audience.
It's been a while since I've read any YF. This was terrific. Set in a boarding school, there are some odd things happening.
Cue Meg whose sister Liza has seemingly been turned into almost a robot. Mysterious deaths, strange codes in files, rich cold people, what's not to love? Definitely well pitched for a teen audience.
October 26, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Vibes: Dark Academia, Prep School Secrets, Twisty Drama
- - -
I’ve been a big fan of Amy Doak’s Eleanor Jones series, so when I heard she had a new standalone, my excitement level was high.
Then a stunning package from Penguin arrived at my door complete with greenery, a preppy bold black bow, sleepy tea, a lock necklace and a mysterious card introducing Douglas College - a prestigious boarding school where perfection reigns and secrets lie just below the surface. The vibes were immaculate.
From page one, the suspense hit hard and didn’t let go. I genuinely had no clue where the story was heading. I threw out plenty of theories to myself along the way but not one of them was right (which I love).
This book had everything - a dash of romance, a whisper of magic, a heap of darkness and a good dose of prep school drama all wrapped up in an atmospheric, mysterious plot that keeps you hooked until the end.
If you love your YA reads dripping in gothic academia, strong characters and twists that keep you guessing, you’ll want to enrol at Douglas College immediately.
Vibes: Dark Academia, Prep School Secrets, Twisty Drama
- - -
I’ve been a big fan of Amy Doak’s Eleanor Jones series, so when I heard she had a new standalone, my excitement level was high.
Then a stunning package from Penguin arrived at my door complete with greenery, a preppy bold black bow, sleepy tea, a lock necklace and a mysterious card introducing Douglas College - a prestigious boarding school where perfection reigns and secrets lie just below the surface. The vibes were immaculate.
From page one, the suspense hit hard and didn’t let go. I genuinely had no clue where the story was heading. I threw out plenty of theories to myself along the way but not one of them was right (which I love).
This book had everything - a dash of romance, a whisper of magic, a heap of darkness and a good dose of prep school drama all wrapped up in an atmospheric, mysterious plot that keeps you hooked until the end.
If you love your YA reads dripping in gothic academia, strong characters and twists that keep you guessing, you’ll want to enrol at Douglas College immediately.
Read
August 18, 2025Disclaimer I work for PRH, opinions are my own
This was twistyyyyy I did not see that coming
This was twistyyyyy I did not see that coming
December 9, 2025
I love this!
January 30, 2026
2.75⭐️ 12 year old me would’ve had a field day with this one
December 22, 2025
way too much worldbuilding which meant a rushed ending but still had me hooked
November 10, 2025
Douglas Collage is an A-list boarding school and home to children and teens of some of the most wealthy families. Meg McLean and her sister Liza are some of the very lucky ones to attend thanks to a scholarship
After living through a traumatic experience, Meg is happy to blend into the background and quietly finish school. Liza on the other hand is rebellious and has already made friends with the most popular girl in school and in turn visited the Principles office many times
Benedict Hargreaves the 4th is one of the schools most wealthy pupils. He doesn’t buy into the popularity scene and in his own way doesn’t conform with the schools rules
When Liza’s behaviour and mood changes rapidly overnight, Meg is sure there is something more sinister going on within the school grounds. Benedict reluctantly agrees to help her get to the bottom of it, and when a body is found dead more questions are raised
Channeling the elite high school vibe such a Gossip Girl from the first few pages I was hooked in. The story weaves effortlessly between Meg and Benny’s POV. They are both wonderful characters in their own right and even better together
What Have They Done to Liza McLean is page turning YA mystery packed with many twists and turns and shady side characters I thoroughly enjoyed it
Thank you so much Penguin Books for my gifted review copy
After living through a traumatic experience, Meg is happy to blend into the background and quietly finish school. Liza on the other hand is rebellious and has already made friends with the most popular girl in school and in turn visited the Principles office many times
Benedict Hargreaves the 4th is one of the schools most wealthy pupils. He doesn’t buy into the popularity scene and in his own way doesn’t conform with the schools rules
When Liza’s behaviour and mood changes rapidly overnight, Meg is sure there is something more sinister going on within the school grounds. Benedict reluctantly agrees to help her get to the bottom of it, and when a body is found dead more questions are raised
Channeling the elite high school vibe such a Gossip Girl from the first few pages I was hooked in. The story weaves effortlessly between Meg and Benny’s POV. They are both wonderful characters in their own right and even better together
What Have They Done to Liza McLean is page turning YA mystery packed with many twists and turns and shady side characters I thoroughly enjoyed it
Thank you so much Penguin Books for my gifted review copy
November 22, 2025
High key enjoyed way more than I thought I would, was fun and was fast paced but it didn’t feel too rushed. Was def just too young for me I think cause I wanted a bit more depth to all aspects lmao, but overall very fun.
December 15, 2025
had no clue where this was going but everything tied in so well
benedict hargreaves the fourth you will be famous
benedict hargreaves the fourth you will be famous
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August 27, 2025woah twisty herby skeletons woah
*read this for work
*read this for work
January 22, 2026
The plot twist was maybe the craziest thing I've read in a mystery definitely the most unrealistic if I'm being honest but it was so good. Also I can't tell you how smug I was when I guessed the plot twist correctly. I guessed it was the fragrance mist they were pumping through vents during the conversation that Meg had with her mum. I can't tell if it's impressive guessing it that late or not. Side note I felt so bad for Meg's Mum and Dad they deserved so much better, so did Meg and Liza.
Benny and Meg were so great and I love that we get both their perspectives it just makes their developing romance so much better. Or really developing on Meg's side because Benny just spent the whole book yearning since day one. I was kicking my feet when they finally kissed it was nothing special but still really romantic to read and Benny's perspective afterwards was so sweet.
I have to be honest I was so suspicious of Clara at the beginning I don't why I just did.
I felt so bad for Ophelia, I was obviously upset that she sprayed Benny but like I still felt so bad because what do you mean you don't think your parents don't know you well enough to love you.
Also Prudence Johnson is actually INSANE. So is Kitty. I guess it runs in the family.
Anyway I would say the book is a 4.5/5. My one and only complaint is the ending because what do you mean it just ends with the school motto I was expecting more than that. Also I wanted an actual reunion with Meg and Liza because the book title literally has Liza in the title and the plot is literally Meg just wanting to have her sister back and we don't even get to see a proper conversation with them at the end. Side note that I forgot to say I love Meg so much. Like there were so many times in the book where I just kept saying me too Meg. Like when she said she was a nerd who loved school. Being so happy a dress has pockets and swishing in it. Being obsessed with her school library. Also the MOST relatable thing was her having an unruly little sister who doesn't listen and no matter how much you want to kill her sometimes you would also do anything for her, again that's another reason I was so upset we didn't get a proper reunion.
Benny and Meg were so great and I love that we get both their perspectives it just makes their developing romance so much better. Or really developing on Meg's side because Benny just spent the whole book yearning since day one. I was kicking my feet when they finally kissed it was nothing special but still really romantic to read and Benny's perspective afterwards was so sweet.
I have to be honest I was so suspicious of Clara at the beginning I don't why I just did.
I felt so bad for Ophelia, I was obviously upset that she sprayed Benny but like I still felt so bad because what do you mean you don't think your parents don't know you well enough to love you.
Also Prudence Johnson is actually INSANE. So is Kitty. I guess it runs in the family.
Anyway I would say the book is a 4.5/5. My one and only complaint is the ending because what do you mean it just ends with the school motto I was expecting more than that. Also I wanted an actual reunion with Meg and Liza because the book title literally has Liza in the title and the plot is literally Meg just wanting to have her sister back and we don't even get to see a proper conversation with them at the end. Side note that I forgot to say I love Meg so much. Like there were so many times in the book where I just kept saying me too Meg. Like when she said she was a nerd who loved school. Being so happy a dress has pockets and swishing in it. Being obsessed with her school library. Also the MOST relatable thing was her having an unruly little sister who doesn't listen and no matter how much you want to kill her sometimes you would also do anything for her, again that's another reason I was so upset we didn't get a proper reunion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Amy Doak’s latest YA novel hooks the reader from the start. Meg attends the prestigious Douglas College on a scholarship, along with her sister Liza. Where Meg is very studious and determined to make the best of the opportunity she has been given, Liza is more intent on enjoying life. Then suddenly something causes a seismic change in Liza’s behaviour which concerns Meg. What has happened to her? Why? Who’s responsible? Who can help Meg find out? But Meg and Liza have a secret they are keeping from everyone at the school - what is it?
Benny (Benedict) comes from a wealthy family and appears to have everything he could want, but the one thing he’d love is his father’s approval and it’s the one thing he can’t have. What is the issue within his family? Also, what secrets is the school hiding? What appears to be a happy, successful school starts to look a bit more sinister.
Meg and Benny’s stories run alternately through the book as they both seek answers to these questions and more.
As a secondary teacher, I enjoyed this book and even shared a couple of early chapters with students to get their opinion. They, too, enjoyed the start and were keen to read more. The inevitable romance within the story is not sappy or sexual, meaning it’s suitable for a wider range of reading ages.
Benny (Benedict) comes from a wealthy family and appears to have everything he could want, but the one thing he’d love is his father’s approval and it’s the one thing he can’t have. What is the issue within his family? Also, what secrets is the school hiding? What appears to be a happy, successful school starts to look a bit more sinister.
Meg and Benny’s stories run alternately through the book as they both seek answers to these questions and more.
As a secondary teacher, I enjoyed this book and even shared a couple of early chapters with students to get their opinion. They, too, enjoyed the start and were keen to read more. The inevitable romance within the story is not sappy or sexual, meaning it’s suitable for a wider range of reading ages.
September 14, 2025
This was a fun YA mystery with a hint of romance and a dark underbelly!
The elite boarding school setting combined with speculative fiction elements gives the book a creepy and slightly gothic vibe.
It also provides lots of opportunity for commentary on the toxicity of multigenerational privilege, while also showing that money can't replace genuine love and support.
Each chapter alternates between Meg and Benedict's POV, which I really enjoyed. It was interesting seeing the investigation, their secrets and doubts, and their growing relationship from each side.
To sustain the mystery, most of the secondary characters were a bit one dimensional. Benny’s fashion forward friend Macks was a highlight, who stole every scene he was in.
As the mystery of Liza’s behaviour deepens, and bodies start appearing, the protagonists and reader struggle to work out who to trust, and where the danger is coming from.
Some clues were obvious, but don't be fooled! Even when I thought I knew what was happening, it still surprised me multiple times.
Overall this was a quick and easy read, with some fun twists and turns, and a killer ending.
****
Thanks to Better Reading Australia for my review copy.
The elite boarding school setting combined with speculative fiction elements gives the book a creepy and slightly gothic vibe.
It also provides lots of opportunity for commentary on the toxicity of multigenerational privilege, while also showing that money can't replace genuine love and support.
Each chapter alternates between Meg and Benedict's POV, which I really enjoyed. It was interesting seeing the investigation, their secrets and doubts, and their growing relationship from each side.
To sustain the mystery, most of the secondary characters were a bit one dimensional. Benny’s fashion forward friend Macks was a highlight, who stole every scene he was in.
As the mystery of Liza’s behaviour deepens, and bodies start appearing, the protagonists and reader struggle to work out who to trust, and where the danger is coming from.
Some clues were obvious, but don't be fooled! Even when I thought I knew what was happening, it still surprised me multiple times.
Overall this was a quick and easy read, with some fun twists and turns, and a killer ending.
****
Thanks to Better Reading Australia for my review copy.
December 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book was such a page turner, but it wasn’t particularly groundbreaking.
I’ve read the first of the Eleanor Jones books and I felt a similar sentiment while reading this one. The plot was quite predictable, but you still don’t want to put the book down lol. I enjoyed the dual POV, the romance subplot, and that this was a standalone.
The ending felt a bit rushed and I couldn’t help but feel like I wanted something more…? I also wished that there were more jaw-dropping plot-twists. There was one towards the end but I feel like it wasn’t set up and executed as well as it could’ve been. Some reveals/explanations that were a bit of a reach, especially since I felt like we definitely could have done more setup in the beginning.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. YA mysteries are often great palate cleansers and, for the most part, it did what it needed to. I’d recommend this to teen/YA readers who want to read a standalone about an elite, secretive boarding school with a romance sub-plot.
This book was such a page turner, but it wasn’t particularly groundbreaking.
I’ve read the first of the Eleanor Jones books and I felt a similar sentiment while reading this one. The plot was quite predictable, but you still don’t want to put the book down lol. I enjoyed the dual POV, the romance subplot, and that this was a standalone.
The ending felt a bit rushed and I couldn’t help but feel like I wanted something more…? I also wished that there were more jaw-dropping plot-twists. There was one towards the end but I feel like it wasn’t set up and executed as well as it could’ve been. Some reveals/explanations that were a bit of a reach, especially since I felt like we definitely could have done more setup in the beginning.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. YA mysteries are often great palate cleansers and, for the most part, it did what it needed to. I’d recommend this to teen/YA readers who want to read a standalone about an elite, secretive boarding school with a romance sub-plot.
December 31, 2025
Amy Doak has written a masterful mystery set in an elite and prestigious boarding school. Scholarship students Meg and Liza McLean, with a mysterious and tragic past, have quite a culture shock when they start mid term at Douglas College. Meg is a straight-A student, but her younger sister Lisa spurns study, takes risks and gets into trouble. Benedict Hargreaves the Fourth (aka Benny), and his small crew of friends believe that there is something innately sinister about the school and crack the school's computer system to find out just what is going on. When Lisa does a complete about face and becomes a model and decorous student, Meg and friend Carla seek the help of Benny and co. Evil is definitely afoot.
Told in alternating stances between Meg and Benny, the diverse supporting characters add depth and nuance to the story line. With mystery, murder, sinister mind control and a developing romance the story maintains tension and will engage teens 14+. Highly entertaining!
Told in alternating stances between Meg and Benny, the diverse supporting characters add depth and nuance to the story line. With mystery, murder, sinister mind control and a developing romance the story maintains tension and will engage teens 14+. Highly entertaining!
November 5, 2025
For fans of A Good Girls Guide To Murder, it doesn’t have the podcast element but a similar prose style and mystery plot.
Something weird is going on Douglas College. Meg and her sister Liza are scholarship students and feel like outcasts. That is until Meg’s vivacious little sister starts behaving weird. Suddenly she is a model student and people are calling her Elizabeth? As Meg digs, she begins to suspect that things at this prestigious school aren’t what they seem and is the sexy rich boy with Harry-Styles hair trying to help or stop her?
This was a fun, easy read that I finished in two sittings. Just the right kind of interesting but also easy to follow 👌
Thank you @penguinbooksaus for sending this my way to read and review 🫶🏻
Something weird is going on Douglas College. Meg and her sister Liza are scholarship students and feel like outcasts. That is until Meg’s vivacious little sister starts behaving weird. Suddenly she is a model student and people are calling her Elizabeth? As Meg digs, she begins to suspect that things at this prestigious school aren’t what they seem and is the sexy rich boy with Harry-Styles hair trying to help or stop her?
This was a fun, easy read that I finished in two sittings. Just the right kind of interesting but also easy to follow 👌
Thank you @penguinbooksaus for sending this my way to read and review 🫶🏻
January 7, 2026
This book was super entertaining. A mystery at a boarding school that two lovers are trying to solve, what more could you want?
I really loved how realistic the dialogue was for teenagers. Generally YA books try to use tooo much slang which results in the characters sounding weird and unauthentic. Thisss book did banter and everything sooo well tho.
The plot was soooooooo goood. Like multiple rebellious kids randomly turning into academic robots like whattt?? I do wish they gave a better explanation to how it was solved tho, bc how did everyone randomly become normal again???
BENNY AND MEG!!!! It is required that i fangirl over their sweet romance. I love how Benny was always down bad for Meg. We love a man who yearns.
Remember this is just my silly little opinion. 💕
I really loved how realistic the dialogue was for teenagers. Generally YA books try to use tooo much slang which results in the characters sounding weird and unauthentic. Thisss book did banter and everything sooo well tho.
The plot was soooooooo goood. Like multiple rebellious kids randomly turning into academic robots like whattt?? I do wish they gave a better explanation to how it was solved tho, bc how did everyone randomly become normal again???
BENNY AND MEG!!!! It is required that i fangirl over their sweet romance. I love how Benny was always down bad for Meg. We love a man who yearns.
Remember this is just my silly little opinion. 💕
January 12, 2026
When Meg’s sister starts acting strangely, she looks into the new school they attend and finds a pattern of students suddenly changing behaviour. To get to the bottom of it, however, she’ll need to enlist the help of the richest boy on campus. But Benny isn’t how she thought he’d be at all, and even Meg’s dark family past doesn’t turn him off helping her. When their investigations lead to a dead body, the stakes and theories get deeper and deadlier than they ever imagined.
I really enjoyed the characters of this book, and the premise was unique. Excellent foreshadowing brought everything together in the end, and it’s an entertaining read for anyone interested in mysteries that take a different turn than the usual.
I really enjoyed the characters of this book, and the premise was unique. Excellent foreshadowing brought everything together in the end, and it’s an entertaining read for anyone interested in mysteries that take a different turn than the usual.
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this one! All thoughts are my own.
Amy Doak is definitely proving herself to be a queen of YA thrillers. This book had me hooked right from the start.
I loved the creepy cult-like boarding school vibe and as the weirdness continued to ramp up with students changing, deaths being covered up, and the mystery of Meg’s parents unravelling, I just could not put this down.
Meg and Benny are both such likeable main characters. They’re so smart and determined yet so different from each other too. Their romance was so sweet. The amount of happiness they felt around each other even with all the awfulness had me grinning like a fool.
Thank you Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this one! All thoughts are my own.
Amy Doak is definitely proving herself to be a queen of YA thrillers. This book had me hooked right from the start.
I loved the creepy cult-like boarding school vibe and as the weirdness continued to ramp up with students changing, deaths being covered up, and the mystery of Meg’s parents unravelling, I just could not put this down.
Meg and Benny are both such likeable main characters. They’re so smart and determined yet so different from each other too. Their romance was so sweet. The amount of happiness they felt around each other even with all the awfulness had me grinning like a fool.
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