What do you think?
Rate this book
Lydia Cooper Is a Lie
For the first printing only! This paperback features sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.
A girl who doesn’t know she’s in witness protection accidentally reveals her identity and puts her life in danger in this twisty upper middle grade thriller.
For as long as Lydia can remember, it’s been her and her dad against the world. But while she loves him, her dad is so overprotective. Well-versed in the dangers of the internet from his job in cybersecurity, he refuses to let Lydia be online without heavy parental controls, and social media is out of the question.
One day, when all Lydia’s friends are invited to a movie night at her crush’s house—except her because she’s not in the group chat—Lydia gets fed up with her dad’s rules and makes a social media account. Then an armed intruder shows up at her home. Clearly, there’s more to her family’s past than she knows.
On the run and separated from her dad, Lydia will need to uncover the secrets her dad has been keeping if she wants to reunite with him. But how can Lydia know who to trust along the way when she doesn’t even know who she is?
A girl who doesn’t know she’s in witness protection accidentally reveals her identity and puts her life in danger in this twisty upper middle grade thriller.
For as long as Lydia can remember, it’s been her and her dad against the world. But while she loves him, her dad is so overprotective. Well-versed in the dangers of the internet from his job in cybersecurity, he refuses to let Lydia be online without heavy parental controls, and social media is out of the question.
One day, when all Lydia’s friends are invited to a movie night at her crush’s house—except her because she’s not in the group chat—Lydia gets fed up with her dad’s rules and makes a social media account. Then an armed intruder shows up at her home. Clearly, there’s more to her family’s past than she knows.
On the run and separated from her dad, Lydia will need to uncover the secrets her dad has been keeping if she wants to reunite with him. But how can Lydia know who to trust along the way when she doesn’t even know who she is?
Audible Audio
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Meaghan McIsaac
8 books72 followersMeaghan McIsaac is the author of several books for young readers, including The Bear House (shortlisted for the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award 2023) and Movers (a Shining Willow Finalist for the Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Awards). Meaghan completed a masters in Children’s Writing at the University of Winchester and now lives in Toronto, Ontario with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Read
June 4, 2026This was a pretty good read. Not “bite your nails” thrilling, but interesting enough to keep one turning pages until the end. Which drops off in a way that seems to signal a forthcoming sequel…
A book that reminded me of some 80’s classic Y.A. books, like “The Face on the Milk Carton” series, and those written by Norma Fox Mazer.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
A book that reminded me of some 80’s classic Y.A. books, like “The Face on the Milk Carton” series, and those written by Norma Fox Mazer.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
June 20, 2026
A thriller for grades 5 and up centers on witness protection, cybersecurity and social media with 14 year old Lydia discovering that she isn’t who she thought she was but maybe she is a whole lot more.
It’s just Lydia and her father and has been since her mom died in a car accident more than a decade ago. Dad is a big teddy bear of a man, is always there for Lydia and she loves him dearly, but with his job as a cybersecurity engineer at a big company has turned him into her personal Internet police and kept her completely offline except for a tightly controlled tablet she is hoping will be her way into the social media scene and out of the school’s social periphery. But it doesn’t take long after she cracks her dad’s passcode and posts a few pictures for someone with a Wolverine tattoo to break into their home and attack them. After her dad becomes an armed and protective bulldog instead of a teddy bear, he thrusts a new ID, some cash and cell phone at her and says he’ll meet her at a safe house. He disappears and, following his instructions, Lydia now Sarah, begins what is supposed to be a short train ride to a small town outside Boston but turns into a flight for her life filled with duplicity, revelations, and plenty of who-dun-it/who to trust drama to keep readers on the edge of her seat all the way to the last 17 pages of epilogue. That wrap up chapter leaves plenty of loose ends for interesting speculation on the part of those readers but enough resolution that most should feel satisfied. And, if some reviewers’ thoughts are true, a sequel.
High action and plenty of teen angst, drama and push back on parents’ rules by not only Lydia/Sarah but her crush Theo, as well. But is warm, kind, good-looking Theo a good guy or just as rotten as some others who shall remain nameless so not to ruin anything?? Best friend Max is only in the picture up until the chase is on, but it was nice to have a solid friendship without any bickering, soul-searching change in the relationship, trying to use the relationship for personal benefit or other tropes among teen friends in jr high/middle grade lit. One of best parts is the dialogue Lydia has with herself about each of the key characters and whether she should trust any of them, especially the US Marshall Melanie Blanchet character who may (or may not) be exactly who she says she is.
Highly recommended for older elementary, jr high/middle school and possibly even early high school kids who aren’t looking for edgier, more violence and sex-filled thrillers.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: armed intruder with defensive/offensive scuffling, plenty of Lydia-napping but no real blood or gore outside of injuries from teen-driven car, runs through the woods and scrambles under houses
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: few physical descriptions other than Lydia’s hair that is brown and her alter-ego Sarah is blonde which indicates she is White with race/cultural identity of any others being indeterminate; economic levels of significant characters vary from middle class to wealthy; healthy, single parent household
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the print ARC, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.
It’s just Lydia and her father and has been since her mom died in a car accident more than a decade ago. Dad is a big teddy bear of a man, is always there for Lydia and she loves him dearly, but with his job as a cybersecurity engineer at a big company has turned him into her personal Internet police and kept her completely offline except for a tightly controlled tablet she is hoping will be her way into the social media scene and out of the school’s social periphery. But it doesn’t take long after she cracks her dad’s passcode and posts a few pictures for someone with a Wolverine tattoo to break into their home and attack them. After her dad becomes an armed and protective bulldog instead of a teddy bear, he thrusts a new ID, some cash and cell phone at her and says he’ll meet her at a safe house. He disappears and, following his instructions, Lydia now Sarah, begins what is supposed to be a short train ride to a small town outside Boston but turns into a flight for her life filled with duplicity, revelations, and plenty of who-dun-it/who to trust drama to keep readers on the edge of her seat all the way to the last 17 pages of epilogue. That wrap up chapter leaves plenty of loose ends for interesting speculation on the part of those readers but enough resolution that most should feel satisfied. And, if some reviewers’ thoughts are true, a sequel.
High action and plenty of teen angst, drama and push back on parents’ rules by not only Lydia/Sarah but her crush Theo, as well. But is warm, kind, good-looking Theo a good guy or just as rotten as some others who shall remain nameless so not to ruin anything?? Best friend Max is only in the picture up until the chase is on, but it was nice to have a solid friendship without any bickering, soul-searching change in the relationship, trying to use the relationship for personal benefit or other tropes among teen friends in jr high/middle grade lit. One of best parts is the dialogue Lydia has with herself about each of the key characters and whether she should trust any of them, especially the US Marshall Melanie Blanchet character who may (or may not) be exactly who she says she is.
Highly recommended for older elementary, jr high/middle school and possibly even early high school kids who aren’t looking for edgier, more violence and sex-filled thrillers.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: armed intruder with defensive/offensive scuffling, plenty of Lydia-napping but no real blood or gore outside of injuries from teen-driven car, runs through the woods and scrambles under houses
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: few physical descriptions other than Lydia’s hair that is brown and her alter-ego Sarah is blonde which indicates she is White with race/cultural identity of any others being indeterminate; economic levels of significant characters vary from middle class to wealthy; healthy, single parent household
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the print ARC, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Half of me genuinely wants to just straight up give this a one but. Firstly, I should warn you, cause god knows the author never indicated this before the book, but THIS IS A SERIES!!! THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN A CLIFFHANGER. DO NOT PICK THIS UP EXPECTING A STANDALONE, OR IF YOU LIKE ME DON’T READ UNCOMPLETED SERIES.
Back to regular programming. Frankly, this book is pretty good if you turn off all your brain function and read it as simply a suspense novel where logical thinking skills isn’t a thing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t. But I could recognize it was a pretty good book otherwise. There were just so many questions… like we literally could’ve avoided this entire fucking book if her dad had simply communicated a bit better with her. She’s fucking 14!!! Of COURSE she wants to get social media and connect with her friends. What the hell did he expect to happen? And again. 14!!! Of course she’s going to rebel against you. Literally telling her at least SOMETHING could’ve saved so much trouble… and don’t even get me started on Melanie. Screw both of them for real. Why do all the adults in her life/this book suck.
But as much as that bothered me, what actually pissed me off about this book was the fact that… raise of hands, who knew this was a series before going in? Because I didn’t. No indication in the blurb, on Goodreads, nothing. I wouldn’t have picked it up if I knew it was going to be like this. Frankly, and I’m sorry to say it, but it feels like such a… scam when an author doesn’t advertise a series as a series. It’s like they know people will want to know what’s going on next, so they trap the readers in the first book by not telling them it’s a series, and then they’ll want to read the second/third/future books. Thank god this book was short, or I’d be so freaking mad honestly. Like why do this… just say it’s a series.
Theo. I really liked Theo from what we saw of him. I’d say I want to see what’s going on next with him, but just on principle of the whole… *waves hand to paragraph above*, I don’t think I’d read the second book. I’m just so pissed??? Like is that not deception…
As for Lydia. Well she made me so mad sometimes with how stupid she was, and I had to keep reminding myself she was 14. But then again, this book is YA, and I’m… not YA aged, so perhaps she’d resonate with kids in their age group. And I know it’s illogical, so this didn’t really factor into my rating, but it made me so mad how she never blamed her dad??? Like sure, she rebelled. But again. How did he never see this coming??? For someone who’s supposed to be extremely smart and an elite hacker, well. His EQ isn’t very high. I can’t say I don’t get it though: he’s her dad, and at that age, your parents should be the people you trust the most. In the end, I just felt bad for her, being a victim of all of those adults.
Overall though, book was fine. I’ve warned you though, turn off your brain before you go in, and expect a cliffhanger.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Back to regular programming. Frankly, this book is pretty good if you turn off all your brain function and read it as simply a suspense novel where logical thinking skills isn’t a thing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t. But I could recognize it was a pretty good book otherwise. There were just so many questions… like we literally could’ve avoided this entire fucking book if her dad had simply communicated a bit better with her. She’s fucking 14!!! Of COURSE she wants to get social media and connect with her friends. What the hell did he expect to happen? And again. 14!!! Of course she’s going to rebel against you. Literally telling her at least SOMETHING could’ve saved so much trouble… and don’t even get me started on Melanie. Screw both of them for real. Why do all the adults in her life/this book suck.
But as much as that bothered me, what actually pissed me off about this book was the fact that… raise of hands, who knew this was a series before going in? Because I didn’t. No indication in the blurb, on Goodreads, nothing. I wouldn’t have picked it up if I knew it was going to be like this. Frankly, and I’m sorry to say it, but it feels like such a… scam when an author doesn’t advertise a series as a series. It’s like they know people will want to know what’s going on next, so they trap the readers in the first book by not telling them it’s a series, and then they’ll want to read the second/third/future books. Thank god this book was short, or I’d be so freaking mad honestly. Like why do this… just say it’s a series.
Theo. I really liked Theo from what we saw of him. I’d say I want to see what’s going on next with him, but just on principle of the whole… *waves hand to paragraph above*, I don’t think I’d read the second book. I’m just so pissed??? Like is that not deception…
As for Lydia. Well she made me so mad sometimes with how stupid she was, and I had to keep reminding myself she was 14. But then again, this book is YA, and I’m… not YA aged, so perhaps she’d resonate with kids in their age group. And I know it’s illogical, so this didn’t really factor into my rating, but it made me so mad how she never blamed her dad??? Like sure, she rebelled. But again. How did he never see this coming??? For someone who’s supposed to be extremely smart and an elite hacker, well. His EQ isn’t very high. I can’t say I don’t get it though: he’s her dad, and at that age, your parents should be the people you trust the most. In the end, I just felt bad for her, being a victim of all of those adults.
Overall though, book was fine. I’ve warned you though, turn off your brain before you go in, and expect a cliffhanger.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lydia is turning fifteen, and disappointed that she doesn't get a smart phone so she can keep up with all of her friends. She and her father have moved around a lot, but she's finally with a group of kids she enjoys. Her father, who works in cyber security, is adamant: we are a no social media household. After hacking into the home wifi and creating a FriendScroll account for herself, she enjoys being able to catch up, especially with the cute Theo. She post a picture from one of his baseball games, and before she knows it, someone has broken into her home and attacked her in the middle of the night. Her father rescues her, but makes her leave immediately. He gives her a burner phone and instructions to get to a safe house in Ipswich, but doesn't tell her what's going on. When she thinks she is being followed, she doesn't get on the train and eventually runs into Theo in Boston. Shaken, she is grateful that his mother invites her to calm down and have some pizza at the family's hotel room. Shortly after, a woman from the Witness Protection Program shows up and states that she needs to take Lydia. Theo's mom backs down when Melanie mentions contacting US Marshals, and Lydia goes, even though she has reservations. These reservations make her doubt that her father was a hacker who worked for the Wolverines, taking information for the Fenrir company in a Robin Hood sort of way. She runs off from a diner, but is picked up by Ben... who is a Wolverine. Since the man who attacked her at home had a similar tattoo, she's pretty sure they aren't the good guys. There are lots of twists and turns as Lydia realizes truth about her family history, and learns that there really isn't anyone she can trust. The ending of the book leaves room for a sequel.
Strengths: If you're a teen and your folks forbid social media, listen to them. If not, THIS COULD HAPPEN! I loved that Lydia loved her father (her mother supposedly died when she was a baby, of course), and they generally got along, but he was just SO UNREASONABLE about social media that she had to go behind his back. I'm still not entirely sure who the good guys are, which is always an interesting thing to find in teen literature; things are usually boringly black and white! Lydia is resourceful and doesn't whine, and tries her best to do what is right and get back to her dad. I will look forward to the sequel eagerly, and enjoyed this author's short Cheat Code.
Weaknesses: If you were a member of an illegal, evil group of hackers, would it be a good idea to have an identifiable and visible tattoo on your neck? I'm not quite seeing the point of this. Other than that, this was a solid middle grade adventure, but it was hard to review without giving away key twists.
What I really think: This is a book I will definitely be purchasing for fans of April Henry's work, Otis' At the Speed of Lies, Van Draanen's The Steps, and Sorrell's 2005 Fake ID, which still circulates like crazy. I would also buy this for a high school library, and love that Lydia is 15 but there is no mature language or adult situations.
Lydia is turning fifteen, and disappointed that she doesn't get a smart phone so she can keep up with all of her friends. She and her father have moved around a lot, but she's finally with a group of kids she enjoys. Her father, who works in cyber security, is adamant: we are a no social media household. After hacking into the home wifi and creating a FriendScroll account for herself, she enjoys being able to catch up, especially with the cute Theo. She post a picture from one of his baseball games, and before she knows it, someone has broken into her home and attacked her in the middle of the night. Her father rescues her, but makes her leave immediately. He gives her a burner phone and instructions to get to a safe house in Ipswich, but doesn't tell her what's going on. When she thinks she is being followed, she doesn't get on the train and eventually runs into Theo in Boston. Shaken, she is grateful that his mother invites her to calm down and have some pizza at the family's hotel room. Shortly after, a woman from the Witness Protection Program shows up and states that she needs to take Lydia. Theo's mom backs down when Melanie mentions contacting US Marshals, and Lydia goes, even though she has reservations. These reservations make her doubt that her father was a hacker who worked for the Wolverines, taking information for the Fenrir company in a Robin Hood sort of way. She runs off from a diner, but is picked up by Ben... who is a Wolverine. Since the man who attacked her at home had a similar tattoo, she's pretty sure they aren't the good guys. There are lots of twists and turns as Lydia realizes truth about her family history, and learns that there really isn't anyone she can trust. The ending of the book leaves room for a sequel.
Strengths: If you're a teen and your folks forbid social media, listen to them. If not, THIS COULD HAPPEN! I loved that Lydia loved her father (her mother supposedly died when she was a baby, of course), and they generally got along, but he was just SO UNREASONABLE about social media that she had to go behind his back. I'm still not entirely sure who the good guys are, which is always an interesting thing to find in teen literature; things are usually boringly black and white! Lydia is resourceful and doesn't whine, and tries her best to do what is right and get back to her dad. I will look forward to the sequel eagerly, and enjoyed this author's short Cheat Code.
Weaknesses: If you were a member of an illegal, evil group of hackers, would it be a good idea to have an identifiable and visible tattoo on your neck? I'm not quite seeing the point of this. Other than that, this was a solid middle grade adventure, but it was hard to review without giving away key twists.
What I really think: This is a book I will definitely be purchasing for fans of April Henry's work, Otis' At the Speed of Lies, Van Draanen's The Steps, and Sorrell's 2005 Fake ID, which still circulates like crazy. I would also buy this for a high school library, and love that Lydia is 15 but there is no mature language or adult situations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lydia Cooper Is a Lie by Meaghan McIsaac (June 2026) [reading in May]
174-page [304] Kindle Ebook story pages 11-171
Uncorrected ARC courtesy of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Aladdin
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Middle Grade Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG possibly PG-13 for some blood
Featuring: Photos, Dates & Times, April, Teen MC, Internet Safety, Single Father, Nighthawk, On The Run Trope, Jr. High, May, Gun Violence, Massachusetts, Computer Technology, Cat & Mouse
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📱👩🏼💻🏃🏼♀️🦅
My thoughts: 🔖Page 149 of 179 [Chapter Twenty-Seven - This isn't a good spot to stop, lots of suspense, but it's late.
This book is aimed at readers aged 9 to 12, though I believe some of its themes, particularly those involving violence, might lean a bit towards young adult literature. I can see a 10-year-old enjoying this story significantly more than I did. Although I believe this book would be a hit for readers aged 13+, I recognize its categorization as middle grade rather than young adult, even though the main character is a 14-year-old 8th grader. Some of the protagonist's decisions were a source of minor frustration for me, a common experience I have with middle grade thrillers, and less so with those aimed at teens. However, I must commend McIsaac, as despite my reservations regarding several of Lydia's choices and her overall circumstances, I did not feel particularly bothered until around chapter 25. Lydia is smart, she just lacked experience. I could have easily completed this book in a single sitting, given its action-packed nature, but I started it late in the evening and needed to pause near the climax. Although I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat at that point, I was also quite fatigued, and I think that is the reason why I took a break. Overall, this is a great story for a younger audience, and I would certainly buy it for a classroom library. My son was reading Theodore Boone when he was 8, so I believe this book would be appropriate, as it does not go into extensive explanations and offers a quick, fast-paced reading experience. This could also potentially be developed into a series, although the current ending is satisfying. I think this is a five-star read for the middle grade crowd.
Recommend to others: Yes! But only if you’re under 15.
Songs for the soundtrack: "16 Candles" by The Crests, "Wannabe" by Spice Girls, "Say You'll Be There" by Spice Girls, "Who Do You Think You Are" by Spice Girls
Books and Authors mentioned: Fiddler on the Roof by JoPseph Stein [based on] Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem; The Legend of Robin Hood, The Brave Little Toaster by Jerry Rees and Joe Ranft [based on] The Brave Little Toaster by Thomas M. Disch
174-page [304] Kindle Ebook story pages 11-171
Uncorrected ARC courtesy of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Aladdin
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Middle Grade Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG possibly PG-13 for some blood
Featuring: Photos, Dates & Times, April, Teen MC, Internet Safety, Single Father, Nighthawk, On The Run Trope, Jr. High, May, Gun Violence, Massachusetts, Computer Technology, Cat & Mouse
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📱👩🏼💻🏃🏼♀️🦅
My thoughts: 🔖Page 149 of 179 [Chapter Twenty-Seven - This isn't a good spot to stop, lots of suspense, but it's late.
This book is aimed at readers aged 9 to 12, though I believe some of its themes, particularly those involving violence, might lean a bit towards young adult literature. I can see a 10-year-old enjoying this story significantly more than I did. Although I believe this book would be a hit for readers aged 13+, I recognize its categorization as middle grade rather than young adult, even though the main character is a 14-year-old 8th grader. Some of the protagonist's decisions were a source of minor frustration for me, a common experience I have with middle grade thrillers, and less so with those aimed at teens. However, I must commend McIsaac, as despite my reservations regarding several of Lydia's choices and her overall circumstances, I did not feel particularly bothered until around chapter 25. Lydia is smart, she just lacked experience. I could have easily completed this book in a single sitting, given its action-packed nature, but I started it late in the evening and needed to pause near the climax. Although I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat at that point, I was also quite fatigued, and I think that is the reason why I took a break. Overall, this is a great story for a younger audience, and I would certainly buy it for a classroom library. My son was reading Theodore Boone when he was 8, so I believe this book would be appropriate, as it does not go into extensive explanations and offers a quick, fast-paced reading experience. This could also potentially be developed into a series, although the current ending is satisfying. I think this is a five-star read for the middle grade crowd.
Recommend to others: Yes! But only if you’re under 15.
Songs for the soundtrack: "16 Candles" by The Crests, "Wannabe" by Spice Girls, "Say You'll Be There" by Spice Girls, "Who Do You Think You Are" by Spice Girls
Books and Authors mentioned: Fiddler on the Roof by JoPseph Stein [based on] Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem; The Legend of Robin Hood, The Brave Little Toaster by Jerry Rees and Joe Ranft [based on] The Brave Little Toaster by Thomas M. Disch
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of my favorite things about getting early access to middle grade books from Simon & Schuster Children’s via NetGalley is discovering the stories that are going to have kids racing to tell their friends, “You have to read this!” This one absolutely has that kind of energy.
4.25⭐️
I went back and forth on my Goodreads rating because I genuinely had such a good time with this. I think middle grade readers are going to devour it, whether they’re already thriller fans or just dipping their toes into the genre for the first time. The story grabs hold quickly and keeps the pace moving, making it a hard one to put down.
What I appreciated most is that beneath the suspense there’s a thoughtful layer about internet safety and the importance of critical thinking. It never feels preachy, but younger readers will come away with more than just an entertaining mystery.
As an adult reader, there were definitely a few moments where the adults’ decisions made me shake my head. But without those choices, there wouldn’t be much of a story, and I thought Lydia’s own actions felt completely believable for an eighth grader. Her decisions were age appropriate, and even when I could see certain twists coming, I still found myself eagerly wondering how she was going to get herself out of each new predicament.
This also appears to be the start of a series, which is exciting. While there were a few threads I would have loved to see explored a little more deeply, the ending feels satisfying and complete, with no frustrating cliffhanger hanging over the reader.
I can easily see this becoming a favorite for young thriller fans, and I think it would make an excellent addition to both school and classroom libraries.
4.25⭐️
I went back and forth on my Goodreads rating because I genuinely had such a good time with this. I think middle grade readers are going to devour it, whether they’re already thriller fans or just dipping their toes into the genre for the first time. The story grabs hold quickly and keeps the pace moving, making it a hard one to put down.
What I appreciated most is that beneath the suspense there’s a thoughtful layer about internet safety and the importance of critical thinking. It never feels preachy, but younger readers will come away with more than just an entertaining mystery.
As an adult reader, there were definitely a few moments where the adults’ decisions made me shake my head. But without those choices, there wouldn’t be much of a story, and I thought Lydia’s own actions felt completely believable for an eighth grader. Her decisions were age appropriate, and even when I could see certain twists coming, I still found myself eagerly wondering how she was going to get herself out of each new predicament.
This also appears to be the start of a series, which is exciting. While there were a few threads I would have loved to see explored a little more deeply, the ending feels satisfying and complete, with no frustrating cliffhanger hanging over the reader.
I can easily see this becoming a favorite for young thriller fans, and I think it would make an excellent addition to both school and classroom libraries.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One photo. That’s all it took to turn Lydia Cooper’s quiet life with her dad into a full-on run for survival.
Lydia’s dad works in cybersecurity, so he knows exactly what the internet can do to a person. No social media, heavy parental controls, the whole lockdown. Lydia thinks he’s just being the most overprotective dad on the planet. So when she gets left out of yet another group chat and misses movie night at her crush’s house, she’s had enough. She figures out his password, makes the account everyone at school is on, and finally starts to feel like she belongs. Then an innocent group photo she’s tagged in changes everything, and suddenly she and her dad are running for their lives from people she didn’t know existed. Turns out her whole history is built on secrets, and she’s not even sure who she really is.
Lydia Cooper Is a Lie is smart, fast, and packed with twists. What I loved most is that Meaghan McIsaac writes Lydia as an actual kid. No eye-rolling sarcasm, no 13-going-on-30 attitude, just an earnest girl who wants to fit in, which makes you root for her hard when things go sideways. Jensen Olaya’s narration is a big part of why it works. Her voice sounds young, and she nails all the swirl of nerves and confusion Lydia’s feeling. It’s the everyday middle school stuff, fitting in, first crushes, the pull of social media, dropped into a movie-style thriller, and the combo really works.
Quick note for parents: this gives your middle grade reader a genuine thriller without anything beyond a PG-13 rating.
Thank you to Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
Lydia’s dad works in cybersecurity, so he knows exactly what the internet can do to a person. No social media, heavy parental controls, the whole lockdown. Lydia thinks he’s just being the most overprotective dad on the planet. So when she gets left out of yet another group chat and misses movie night at her crush’s house, she’s had enough. She figures out his password, makes the account everyone at school is on, and finally starts to feel like she belongs. Then an innocent group photo she’s tagged in changes everything, and suddenly she and her dad are running for their lives from people she didn’t know existed. Turns out her whole history is built on secrets, and she’s not even sure who she really is.
Lydia Cooper Is a Lie is smart, fast, and packed with twists. What I loved most is that Meaghan McIsaac writes Lydia as an actual kid. No eye-rolling sarcasm, no 13-going-on-30 attitude, just an earnest girl who wants to fit in, which makes you root for her hard when things go sideways. Jensen Olaya’s narration is a big part of why it works. Her voice sounds young, and she nails all the swirl of nerves and confusion Lydia’s feeling. It’s the everyday middle school stuff, fitting in, first crushes, the pull of social media, dropped into a movie-style thriller, and the combo really works.
Quick note for parents: this gives your middle grade reader a genuine thriller without anything beyond a PG-13 rating.
Thank you to Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you grew up ✨OBSESSED✨ with the movie Abduction (2011) with Taylor Lautner like I did (like really… HEAVY on the obsession 👀 and I have no regrets 💁🏻♀️), then I think Lydia Cooper Is a Lie by Meaghan McIsaac is definitely for you!
While this book totally held up on its own, it definitely had that popular YA action thriller feel to it (and I mean that in the best way, as those types of movies/books are some of my *FAVORITES*). Despite this book being aimed at a younger middle grade audience, I couldn’t put it down! I’m typically a slow reader, but I read this in FIVE DAYS!! That might not seem very fast, but it can take me weeks to finish a book sometimes as a full-time college student.
While I did think this book was slightly rushed toward the end (and at times even a little predictable), I could also see that some things were left open-ended. I really hope this means we will get a second book because I think a continuation could add so much to an already interesting storyline. I really wish I could say more without spoilers, but just trust me when I say that you will be left with some interesting questions and theories. While my rating is three stars, I would say it’s actually closer to 3.5 stars, so I will definitely be recommending it closer to the June release!
Thank you to NetGalley, Meaghan McIsaac, and the wonderful people working at Simon and Schuster’s Aladdin imprint for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 💜
While this book totally held up on its own, it definitely had that popular YA action thriller feel to it (and I mean that in the best way, as those types of movies/books are some of my *FAVORITES*). Despite this book being aimed at a younger middle grade audience, I couldn’t put it down! I’m typically a slow reader, but I read this in FIVE DAYS!! That might not seem very fast, but it can take me weeks to finish a book sometimes as a full-time college student.
While I did think this book was slightly rushed toward the end (and at times even a little predictable), I could also see that some things were left open-ended. I really hope this means we will get a second book because I think a continuation could add so much to an already interesting storyline. I really wish I could say more without spoilers, but just trust me when I say that you will be left with some interesting questions and theories. While my rating is three stars, I would say it’s actually closer to 3.5 stars, so I will definitely be recommending it closer to the June release!
Thank you to NetGalley, Meaghan McIsaac, and the wonderful people working at Simon and Schuster’s Aladdin imprint for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, author Meaghan McIsaac, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Aladdin for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
If there's one thing about me as a youth services librarian, it is that I'm ALWAYS going to read the latest middle grade thriller!! Lydia Cooper is a Lie was a BLAST and a great new addition to this genre. This book was age-appropriate for the intended tween audience but never reads "young". It takes itself seriously and is not afraid to have truly thrilling moments! I loved the take on how social media exposes the fact that "Lydia Cooper" is not who she thinks she is. It is a great plot device that makes this novel feel current and fresh for the audience. Most of the novel, Lydia is separated from her dad, which helped to drive the tension for me. There is kidnapping, carjacking, escapes, betrayals, disguises, flashbacks, and more, all while the stakes and danger rise higher-- what else could you want?! McIsaac writes a great, twisty read with well-developed characters and a thrilling plot. I did find at times all the characters introduced a bit confusing, but that could be due to the fact I flew through this book in about 3 hours because I was hooked. I think she set it up fantastically at the end for a potential sequel, and if there is one released, I will definitely be reading.
If there's one thing about me as a youth services librarian, it is that I'm ALWAYS going to read the latest middle grade thriller!! Lydia Cooper is a Lie was a BLAST and a great new addition to this genre. This book was age-appropriate for the intended tween audience but never reads "young". It takes itself seriously and is not afraid to have truly thrilling moments! I loved the take on how social media exposes the fact that "Lydia Cooper" is not who she thinks she is. It is a great plot device that makes this novel feel current and fresh for the audience. Most of the novel, Lydia is separated from her dad, which helped to drive the tension for me. There is kidnapping, carjacking, escapes, betrayals, disguises, flashbacks, and more, all while the stakes and danger rise higher-- what else could you want?! McIsaac writes a great, twisty read with well-developed characters and a thrilling plot. I did find at times all the characters introduced a bit confusing, but that could be due to the fact I flew through this book in about 3 hours because I was hooked. I think she set it up fantastically at the end for a potential sequel, and if there is one released, I will definitely be reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lydia Cooper Is a Lie is a suspenseful middle grade book about a girl who doesn't know that she is in a witness protection program with her father. She is sick and tired of not being allowed on social media, so when she is given a tablet for her fourteenth birthday, she figures out her father's parental control password and creates an account. After she is tagged in a photo that gives away her location, an armed intruder breaks into her house and suddenly, she and her dad are on the run from bad guys. While the story line is exciting and will be great for the intended audience of preteens, there are some plot holes that bothered me as an adult. Some of the excitement was just a little too convenient and improbable. The story has some violence, but is squeaky clean.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2026
Review of arc from NetGalley
So apparently this is supposed to be the first book in a series which does explain the abrupt ending and loose ends.
This is a quick read, under 200 pages, and mostly fast-paced. I finished it in one day but I did not enjoy it. The book’s target audience might enjoy it as an introduction to suspense novels, but they might also struggle to stay interested in a story with a weak plot, uninteresting characters, and predictable reveals. By the way, if you want your child not to leak sensitive information online then maybe teach them about internet safety, and also tell them that they are in witness protection. The MC is fourteen, she could have handled it, and he was going to have to tell her eventually. Did her dad think she was never going to have a life? In four more years, she would be eighteen and leaving home. Suffice to say that I did not like her dad or anyone in this book and I will not be reading the next one.
So apparently this is supposed to be the first book in a series which does explain the abrupt ending and loose ends.
This is a quick read, under 200 pages, and mostly fast-paced. I finished it in one day but I did not enjoy it. The book’s target audience might enjoy it as an introduction to suspense novels, but they might also struggle to stay interested in a story with a weak plot, uninteresting characters, and predictable reveals. By the way, if you want your child not to leak sensitive information online then maybe teach them about internet safety, and also tell them that they are in witness protection. The MC is fourteen, she could have handled it, and he was going to have to tell her eventually. Did her dad think she was never going to have a life? In four more years, she would be eighteen and leaving home. Suffice to say that I did not like her dad or anyone in this book and I will not be reading the next one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
Fourteen-year-old Lydia Cooper lives under the strict, protective scrutiny of her father, a cybersecurity expert who has password-protected their home internet and forbidden her from having a cell phone or social media. In a single rebellious moment, she guesses the internet password and downloads the FriendScroll app, which immediately spirals her into a dangerous adventure of half-truths and lies. As she is stalked and hunted due to her father’s secrets, home break-ins, kidnapping, and late-night escape attempts become her new normal.
Perfect for middle schoolers, this fast-paced, suspense-filled adventure will keep readers guessing until the truth is revealed. Or is it?
Fourteen-year-old Lydia Cooper lives under the strict, protective scrutiny of her father, a cybersecurity expert who has password-protected their home internet and forbidden her from having a cell phone or social media. In a single rebellious moment, she guesses the internet password and downloads the FriendScroll app, which immediately spirals her into a dangerous adventure of half-truths and lies. As she is stalked and hunted due to her father’s secrets, home break-ins, kidnapping, and late-night escape attempts become her new normal.
Perfect for middle schoolers, this fast-paced, suspense-filled adventure will keep readers guessing until the truth is revealed. Or is it?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a non-stop adrenaline rush! Lydia makes some questionable choices in the beginning (what middle schooler doesn't?), but the fallout upends her entire life when an intruder breaks into their house. Suddenly, she and her dad are on the run. Along the way she encounters a variety of people who may be helping her, may be chasing her, or both. Lydia (and the reader) have no idea who is good or bad. She makes some very good decisions towards the end of the book, which leaves room for a possible sequel. Give this one to anyone who loves the rush of action movies, even if they think they don't like reading.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley & Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley & Edelweiss
April 9, 2026
For starters, I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book considering the age range it is marketed towards. It kept my attention and was very fast paced and intense. I really enjoyed the suspense and fear that was built up throughout all the different situations Lydia found herself in. A few of the twists were predictable but overall this was super enjoyable. I think my preteen daughter will enjoy this book, too! Not many stories are both appropriate for her age range and also captivating to myself as an adult reader, it’s nice to have found that in this story.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this with my granddaughter, and she absolutely loved it—which already makes it a win. But honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it too.
This story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and way more intense than I expected for middle grade. The author did a great job keeping the tension high and the story moving, making it really easy to stay hooked the entire time.
Reading it together made it even better—she was fully invested, and I found myself just as curious to see what would happen next. Such a fun, engaging read for both kids and adults.
This story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and way more intense than I expected for middle grade. The author did a great job keeping the tension high and the story moving, making it really easy to stay hooked the entire time.
Reading it together made it even better—she was fully invested, and I found myself just as curious to see what would happen next. Such a fun, engaging read for both kids and adults.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Aladdin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. The book opens with an intriguing and engaging beginning that immediately pulled me in. The pacing throughout is fast, which kept me turning pages and wanting to know what would happen next. However, the crime aspect of the story became confusing at times, making it difficult to fully follow the plot. Unfortunately, the ending felt abrupt and left many questions unanswered. While the book had its moments, I’m not sure I’m interested enough to continue with a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy.
I believe this book has potential and is on the right track to really engage middle grade readers. I think the storyline is confusing and I don’t think the work Wolverine does will resonate or be understood by young readers.
Also, serious consideration needs to be taken into how often the name Melanie Blanchet appears in the text. Oh my! It drove me crazy. Also, the part about Tess ought to be removed entirely. It served no purpose and felt super tacky and cheesey.
I believe this book has potential and is on the right track to really engage middle grade readers. I think the storyline is confusing and I don’t think the work Wolverine does will resonate or be understood by young readers.
Also, serious consideration needs to be taken into how often the name Melanie Blanchet appears in the text. Oh my! It drove me crazy. Also, the part about Tess ought to be removed entirely. It served no purpose and felt super tacky and cheesey.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely loved this book! I enjoyed this book being something different than normal. I had never read a book where the main character didn't know they were in witness protection. I really hope that there will be a sequel because I have so many questions that I would love to find out answers to.
Reveiw provided by middle schooler.
Reveiw provided by middle schooler.
July 7, 2026
Solid thriller! I liked the young teen character (age 14) she was very believable in her emotions and characterization. In books like these there it can be so easy to make the MC super good at deception and spy stuff but this FMC is very well written. The plot so well done and not confusing and there’s lots of twists. My students will enjoy this one for sure.
July 10, 2026
This is a real page turner with the nonstop action and twists and turns. Unfortunately, I listened to this and I don’t know if this was an AI narrator or someone with a fluency issue, but I took off a star for ruining the listening experience. I don’t know why a publisher would choose someone who can’t read with expression and fluency to read a book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fun fast paced mystery! Gave me the naturals vibes, though not the found family. Just fast paced, a lot of movement, fun plot twists. Highly recommend for younger readers, the content is very safe and it’s written well!
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity
March 30, 2026
Fast paced, fun, I read through most of it in a single sitting. This upper middle grade was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an early review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an early review copy.
Review of advance copy
The suspense and predictability in this book were in perfect balance to keep the reader second guessing ever assumption they make along the way. "Trust no one," her dad had said. But to survive, Lydia must learn to trust herself.
January 28, 2026
Fast paced upper middle grade offering. Some of the details of the crime were hard to follow. The ending was a pretty obvious set up for a sequel that seemed forced.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can't remember where I first heard about this book, but I'm glad I marked it to-read! I really enjoyed the whole story and was on the edge of my seat to see if Lydia and her dad were okay.
June 3, 2026
(arc from netgalley) moral of the story: people in witness protection should probably know they are in witness protection
June 25, 2026
Middle grade thriller. Interesting conflict but unbelievable at times 3.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars. Kids will like be the suspenseful, adventurous mystery.
June 28, 2026
Fun MG appropriate adventure/mystery
Totally PG
Totally PG
July 1, 2026
Rounding up to a 4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews