Meg McLean is trying to settle into life at the elite Douglas College boarding school she has recently started attending. Her plan is to keep her head down and work hard but her younger sister, Liza, is rebelling, and Meg is worried. As she attempts to bring her sibling into line, she is faced with a baffling new problem – Liza’s personality completely changes – she becomes polite and almost robotic overnight.
As Meg tries to work out what is going on with her sister, she gains an unlikely ally: Benedict Hargreaves an ultra-rich, aloof (yet handsome) boy who has his own suspicions about the school. When a gardener dies under mysterious circumstances, the duo realise they need to hurry up and uncover the college’s sinister secrets before it’s too late.
What Have they Done to Lisa Mclean is an absolute page-turner; I loved it and imagine young teens will as well. The chapters are split between Meg and Benny’s perspectives that really round out their personalities and burgeoning friendship well. Each character has a clear voice, and I enjoyed the cast of colourful supporting personalities who help the protagonists solve the deadly mysteries. This book reads like an exciting movie and would make a good film or TV series. Amy Doak gives nothing away and keeps you guessing until the end: the final sentences giving a whiff of potential for a second book … I hope!
Reviewed by Amanda Brinkman
Age Guide 12+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy Doak writes mysteries filled with action, adventure, fun and heart. Her debut Young Adult novel Eleanor Jones is not a Murderer won the 2024 Davitt Award for Best Crime Novel; was a CBCA 2024 notable; and was shortlisted for both the 2024 ABIA Awards Books of the Year for Older Readers, and for the 2024 Davitt Awards Best Debut Crime Novel. She has two more mysteries for teens coming out in 2025.
Amy lives in regional Victoria with her husband, two teenage children, dog, and a very grumpy cat.
0 Comments