Amy Doak
Amy Doak writes mysteries filled with action, adventure, fun and heart. Her debut young adult (YA) novel, Eleanor Jones is not a Murderer, won the 2024 Davitt Award for Best YA Crime Novel; was a CBCA 2024 notable; and was shortlisted for both the 2024 ABIA Awards Books of the Year for Older Readers, and the 2024 Davitt Awards Best Debut Crime Novel. The following two books in the Eleanor Jones series, Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep A Secret and Eleanor Jones Is Playing With Fire, have also been acclaimed.
Amy’s latest YA mystery, What Have They Done To Liza McLean?, was released in October 2025. Amy lives in regional Victoria with her husband, two teenage children, dog and very grumpy cat.
PRESENTATION ONE
Introduction to Crime (Fiction)
In this session, Amy will look at crime and mystery as a genre, and how history and real-life cases have shaped trends. Students will then enjoy solving their very own mystery; they’ll learn about means, motive, opportunity, and how clues and red herrings can shape story.
AUDIENCEÂ
Years 5–12 (ages 10+)
DURATIONÂ
60 minutes
Maximum Students
No limit
REQUIREMENTS
Screen
Microphone
PRESENTATION TWO
The Mystery of Being a Novelist
In this session, Amy will break down the steps to writing a novel and how the publishing process works. She will also discuss ways that students can incorporate their own everyday experiences in creating a thrilling mystery story.
AUDIENCEÂ
Years 5–12 (ages 10+)
DURATIONÂ
60 minutes
Maximum Students
No limit
REQUIREMENTS
Screen
Microphone
PRESENTATION THREE
Creating the Perfect Crime and Writing Tension
In this session, Amy will teach young writers the tropes and elements of mystery and crime writing from the sleuth to the crime, and the secrets of solving the puzzle. She will also give tips and tricks to add tension, action and excitement to stories.
AUDIENCEÂ
Years 5–12 (ages 10+)
DURATIONÂ
60 minutes
Maximum Students
60
REQUIREMENTS
Screen
Microphone
Students should bring pen and paper
