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 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? 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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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
This one was a little more advanced than other storied I’ve previewed but i really enjoyed it. It was a really great story line with HEAPS of twists and turns. I needed to pay attention so I didn’t miss anything but I still really enjoyed the feeling of wanting to know what happens next!! If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on your toes and leave you wanting more, this is definitely one to check out. Great read, highly recommend! Violet, WA, 5 stars
A great read with twists and turns right till the end. I especially liked the characters of Meg and Benedict (Benny). I enjoyed Amy’s style of writing and would definitely read more of her books. Story set in a school where strange things and murders take place and right at the end all will be revealed. Once I started it could not put it down. Would thoroughly recommend. Anne, VIC, 5 stars
What have they done to Liza McLean is an imaginative story with plenty of dark twists. I really enjoyed the relationship between Benny and Meg, who were both well-written and completely believable characters. Another excellent YA novel by Amy Doak. Pauline, VIC, 5 stars
Murder suspense at its best for young adult fiction. A great page turner especially the characters in the book which will keep you hooked. Take a chance with this amazing novel. Will you solve the mystery before the ending of this book. Maree, TAS, 5 stars
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 seemed 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. Lisa, QLD, 4 stars
I am a big thriller fan but have yet to delve into YA thrillers – What Have They Done to Liza McLean? was a really great introduction to the YA thriller genre. I loved the prestigious college setting, sisterly bonds, the twists I did not see coming and the romance did not interfere with the overarching plot, it more so just added a little something extra without being overpowering or too sappy. Highly recommend! Talys, WA, 4 stars
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! Tara, VIC, 4 stars
What Have They Done to Liza McLean? by Amy Doak is one of those mysteries that hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The story centres on Meg, a scholarship student at the elite Douglas College, who quickly realises something’s not right with her younger sister, Liza. Once bright and full of spark, Liza starts acting strange, like she’s being pulled by strings she can’t see. Meg’s gut tells her the college itself has something to do with it, and she’s determined to find out who’s pulling those strings. The book does a great job of building that creepy, closed in vibe you’d expect from an exclusive institution hiding dark secrets. The mysterious “they” who seem to control everything adds a chilling edge, especially as Meg uncovers layers of manipulation, secrets and flat-out lies. Throw in a couple of murders and a suspiciously charming rich boy, Benedict Hargreaves, and the tension goes through the roof. If you’re into twisty, atmospheric mysteries where nothing is as it seems, this one’s definitely worth picking up. It’s dark, fast-paced, and keeps you second-guessing every character right up to the end. Antony, VIC, 4 stars
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 throughout 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. Anne, QLD, 4 stars
‘What have they done to Liza Mclean?’ has a bit of everything. Romance, mystery, fantasy, friendship and murder. The book focuses on a new student Meg and the son of a prestigious boarding school board man, Benny. Funny things start to happen at the boarding school and Benny and his friends try and hack the system. Meg joins in when her rebellious sister starts acting strange. This book is clever and fast paced. A real page turner. For anyone who has dreamed of living an elite life or being at boarding school. You won’t be able to pick the ending. Melanie, NSW, 3 stars
An easy YA read aimed for the younger of the YA demographic. The story kept pulling suspense and twists until the very end. Even though you could probably figure out the ending as you read through, it didn’t make it any less enjoyable. Great character development throughout as well. Alexandra, TAS, 3 stars
What have they done to Liza? By Amy Doak failed to hit the mark with me. The shy MFC Meg (not like other girls)- is instantly attractive to the MMC Benny but doesn’t know that. This book has a confusing sense of place – one chapter mentioning Prime Ministers and in another mentioning characters going off to College. I left feeling unsure if the book was set in Australia or the US. The resolution of the book’s central mystery felt rushed, i.e. MFC’s mother’s released from jail in just a few weeks? All in all it’s a unsophisticated YA Thriller that doesn’t know exactly what it is. Julia, TAS, 1 stars
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