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Genre Guide

Mystery - Dark Academia - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

Dark academia is a niche sub-genre that has been blowing up in mystery fiction lately, placing dark themes of obsession, secrecy, betrayal and often murder into an academic setting, like a boarding school or college. Some feature fantastical elements, while some remain based in reality, but you'll always find unreliable narrators, secret societies, toxic relationships and plenty of twists and turns in a gripping dark academia novel.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

15 items

15 items

The Secret History

The Secret History

by Tartt, Donna, 1963-

Book - 1992

'The Secret History' is the godfather of dark academia, the 1992 blueprint, the one that every subsequent entry to the genre will no doubt be compared to....Show more 'The Secret History' is the godfather of dark academia, the 1992 blueprint, the one that every subsequent entry to the genre will no doubt be compared to. It follows Richard, a lonely new student at a New England college who gets swept up by a group of whip-smart, Greek-speaking classics enthusiasts and their idiosyncratic professor. What follows is an elegant, entrancing tale of self-destruction as Tartt unfolds the events that led to the murder in the opening chapter, and the nerve-shattering aftermath. Show less

'The Secret History' is the godfather of dark academia, the 1992 blueprint, the one that every subsequent entry to the genre will no doubt be compared to....Show more 'The Secret History' is the godfather of dark academia, the 1992 blueprint, the one that every subsequent entry to the genre will no doubt be compared to. It follows Richard, a lonely new student at a New England college who gets swept up by a group of whip-smart, Greek-speaking classics enthusiasts and their idiosyncratic professor. What follows is an elegant, entrancing tale of self-destruction as Tartt unfolds the events that led to the murder in the opening chapter, and the nerve-shattering aftermath. Show less

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These Violent Delights

These Violent Delights

A Novel

by Nemerever, Micah

Book - 2020

The 1924 Chicago case of Leopold and Loeb provides the inspiration for this novel, in which two university freshmen at a Pittsburg college become embroile...Show more The 1924 Chicago case of Leopold and Loeb provides the inspiration for this novel, in which two university freshmen at a Pittsburg college become embroiled in an intimate, obsessive relationship, eventually spiralling into a meticulously planned crime that will be their undoing. This is a delicious slow-burn, with Nemerever's intelligent, magnetic prose leaving you utterly captivated by his twisted characters. Show less

The 1924 Chicago case of Leopold and Loeb provides the inspiration for this novel, in which two university freshmen at a Pittsburg college become embroile...Show more The 1924 Chicago case of Leopold and Loeb provides the inspiration for this novel, in which two university freshmen at a Pittsburg college become embroiled in an intimate, obsessive relationship, eventually spiralling into a meticulously planned crime that will be their undoing. This is a delicious slow-burn, with Nemerever's intelligent, magnetic prose leaving you utterly captivated by his twisted characters. Show less

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If We Were Villains

If We Were Villains

by Rio, M. L.

Book - 2017

'If We Were Villains' comes the closest to achieving what 'The Secret History' did, but is so absorbing in its own right that to reduce it to comparison w...Show more 'If We Were Villains' comes the closest to achieving what 'The Secret History' did, but is so absorbing in its own right that to reduce it to comparison would be a huge injustice. Set at a Shakespearean acting school where the roles of seven young thespians spill over into reality and lead to a shocking murder on their play's opening night, this real-life tragedy is clever, full of atmosphere and endlessly dramatic, as you could only expect from a bunch of over-ambitious theatre kids. Show less

'If We Were Villains' comes the closest to achieving what 'The Secret History' did, but is so absorbing in its own right that to reduce it to comparison w...Show more 'If We Were Villains' comes the closest to achieving what 'The Secret History' did, but is so absorbing in its own right that to reduce it to comparison would be a huge injustice. Set at a Shakespearean acting school where the roles of seven young thespians spill over into reality and lead to a shocking murder on their play's opening night, this real-life tragedy is clever, full of atmosphere and endlessly dramatic, as you could only expect from a bunch of over-ambitious theatre kids. Show less

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The Starless Sea

The Starless Sea

by Morgenstern, Erin, 1978-

Book - 2019

The author of 'The Night Circus' brings her enchanting touch to dark academia with this fantastical love letter to libraries, books and storytelling. When...Show more The author of 'The Night Circus' brings her enchanting touch to dark academia with this fantastical love letter to libraries, books and storytelling. When Zachary, a Vermont graduate student, finds a book that mysteriously contains a story from his own life, he follows a series of clues leading to a masquerade party, a secret club, and finally, an ancient underground library where he will uncover his own purpose. Show less

The author of 'The Night Circus' brings her enchanting touch to dark academia with this fantastical love letter to libraries, books and storytelling. When...Show more The author of 'The Night Circus' brings her enchanting touch to dark academia with this fantastical love letter to libraries, books and storytelling. When Zachary, a Vermont graduate student, finds a book that mysteriously contains a story from his own life, he follows a series of clues leading to a masquerade party, a secret club, and finally, an ancient underground library where he will uncover his own purpose. Show less

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The Atlas Six

The Atlas Six

by Blake, Olivie, pseud

Book - 2022

In a world very similar to our own, but for the existence of magic powers among a select few, six gifted young people train and compete for inclusion to t...Show more In a world very similar to our own, but for the existence of magic powers among a select few, six gifted young people train and compete for inclusion to the Alexandrian Society, preserver of ancient and secret wisdom. Full of relational intrigue, shifting alliances, and high-stakes consequences should one of them fail, Blake's novel is an exciting beginning to this engaging new series. Show less

In a world very similar to our own, but for the existence of magic powers among a select few, six gifted young people train and compete for inclusion to t...Show more In a world very similar to our own, but for the existence of magic powers among a select few, six gifted young people train and compete for inclusion to the Alexandrian Society, preserver of ancient and secret wisdom. Full of relational intrigue, shifting alliances, and high-stakes consequences should one of them fail, Blake's novel is an exciting beginning to this engaging new series. Show less

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The Swallows

The Swallows

A Novel

by Lutz, Lisa, 1970-

Book - 2019

Alex Witt, a new creative writing teacher at Stonebridge Academy, unwittingly starts a gender war at her school in this mystery, bringing an all-too-relev...Show more Alex Witt, a new creative writing teacher at Stonebridge Academy, unwittingly starts a gender war at her school in this mystery, bringing an all-too-relevant feminist perspective to the dark academia genre. As she delves deeper into the conflict and discovers the boys' involvement in a disturbing online forum called "The Darkroom," secrets among both the students and the faculty will be uncovered. Show less

Alex Witt, a new creative writing teacher at Stonebridge Academy, unwittingly starts a gender war at her school in this mystery, bringing an all-too-relev...Show more Alex Witt, a new creative writing teacher at Stonebridge Academy, unwittingly starts a gender war at her school in this mystery, bringing an all-too-relevant feminist perspective to the dark academia genre. As she delves deeper into the conflict and discovers the boys' involvement in a disturbing online forum called "The Darkroom," secrets among both the students and the faculty will be uncovered. Show less

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Bunny

Bunny

by Awad, Mona, 1978-

Book - 2019

Mona Awad's 'Bunny' sits on the weird end of the dark academia spectrum, incorporating elements of fantasy and horror to create a tale of 'The Craft' meet...Show more Mona Awad's 'Bunny' sits on the weird end of the dark academia spectrum, incorporating elements of fantasy and horror to create a tale of 'The Craft' meets 'Frankenstein', but in a wholly original way. When Samantha, a scholarship student in an MFA writing program, is unexpectedly initiated into the strange, saccharine clique of girls who call each other "Bunny," the events of their mysterious workshops cause her reality to come crashing down. Show less

Mona Awad's 'Bunny' sits on the weird end of the dark academia spectrum, incorporating elements of fantasy and horror to create a tale of 'The Craft' meet...Show more Mona Awad's 'Bunny' sits on the weird end of the dark academia spectrum, incorporating elements of fantasy and horror to create a tale of 'The Craft' meets 'Frankenstein', but in a wholly original way. When Samantha, a scholarship student in an MFA writing program, is unexpectedly initiated into the strange, saccharine clique of girls who call each other "Bunny," the events of their mysterious workshops cause her reality to come crashing down. Show less

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Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go

by Ishiguro, Kazuo, 1954-

Book - 2005

Kathy is 31, and has spent the past twelve years working as a 'carer'. On the cusp of concluding this role, she reminisces about her idyllic yet cloistere...Show more Kathy is 31, and has spent the past twelve years working as a 'carer'. On the cusp of concluding this role, she reminisces about her idyllic yet cloistered childhood at a rural boarding school, Havisham, and her relationship with fellow students Ruth and Tommy. As the details of their lives unfold, so too do the devastating realities of the world they live in. At once luminous and horrific, this is an emotional masterpiece by the Nobel Prize winner. Show less

Kathy is 31, and has spent the past twelve years working as a 'carer'. On the cusp of concluding this role, she reminisces about her idyllic yet cloistere...Show more Kathy is 31, and has spent the past twelve years working as a 'carer'. On the cusp of concluding this role, she reminisces about her idyllic yet cloistered childhood at a rural boarding school, Havisham, and her relationship with fellow students Ruth and Tommy. As the details of their lives unfold, so too do the devastating realities of the world they live in. At once luminous and horrific, this is an emotional masterpiece by the Nobel Prize winner. Show less

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Ninth House

Ninth House

by Bardugo, Leigh, 1975-

Book - 2019

YA fantasy author Leigh Bardugo steps firmly into adult fiction with this dark and moody twist on the infamous secret societies at Yale. Galaxy "Alex...Show more YA fantasy author Leigh Bardugo steps firmly into adult fiction with this dark and moody twist on the infamous secret societies at Yale. Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a survivor of intense trauma, is mysteriously offered a chance to attend Yale in order to investigate the occult activity of the societies. With a murder mystery at the centre and flashbacks to Alex's past, the story goes to some truly grim places; be aware, it's not a light and easy read, and comes with a plethora of trigger warnings. Show less

YA fantasy author Leigh Bardugo steps firmly into adult fiction with this dark and moody twist on the infamous secret societies at Yale. Galaxy "Alex...Show more YA fantasy author Leigh Bardugo steps firmly into adult fiction with this dark and moody twist on the infamous secret societies at Yale. Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a survivor of intense trauma, is mysteriously offered a chance to attend Yale in order to investigate the occult activity of the societies. With a murder mystery at the centre and flashbacks to Alex's past, the story goes to some truly grim places; be aware, it's not a light and easy read, and comes with a plethora of trigger warnings. Show less

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The Temple House Vanishing

The Temple House Vanishing

by Donohue, Rachel

Book - 2020

In the Irish countryside boarding school of Temple House, new student Louisa finds solace in her fellow outsider Victoria, the girls forging an intense bo...Show more In the Irish countryside boarding school of Temple House, new student Louisa finds solace in her fellow outsider Victoria, the girls forging an intense bond that is shattered when Louisa disappears, along with their unsettling young art teacher Mr. Lavelle. Chilling and suspenseful with a Gothic sensibility, Donohue's mystery will draw you in as a journalist investigates the still-missing teacher and student on the 25th anniversary of their vanishing. Show less

In the Irish countryside boarding school of Temple House, new student Louisa finds solace in her fellow outsider Victoria, the girls forging an intense bo...Show more In the Irish countryside boarding school of Temple House, new student Louisa finds solace in her fellow outsider Victoria, the girls forging an intense bond that is shattered when Louisa disappears, along with their unsettling young art teacher Mr. Lavelle. Chilling and suspenseful with a Gothic sensibility, Donohue's mystery will draw you in as a journalist investigates the still-missing teacher and student on the 25th anniversary of their vanishing. Show less

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Plain Bad Heroines

Plain Bad Heroines

A Novel

by Danforth, Emily M.

Book - 2020

A story within a story within a story, Emily M. Danforth's debut blends horror, mystery, comedy and romance to spin a queer Gothic tale that builds its hi...Show more A story within a story within a story, Emily M. Danforth's debut blends horror, mystery, comedy and romance to spin a queer Gothic tale that builds its historical and contemporary settings with finesse. The narrative crosses two timelines a century apart, flitting between 1902 when the deaths of two young students at Brookhants School for Girls ignite talk of a curse upon the grounds, and the present day, where the rumours are rekindled by the stars of a film depicting the tragedy. Show less

A story within a story within a story, Emily M. Danforth's debut blends horror, mystery, comedy and romance to spin a queer Gothic tale that builds its hi...Show more A story within a story within a story, Emily M. Danforth's debut blends horror, mystery, comedy and romance to spin a queer Gothic tale that builds its historical and contemporary settings with finesse. The narrative crosses two timelines a century apart, flitting between 1902 when the deaths of two young students at Brookhants School for Girls ignite talk of a curse upon the grounds, and the present day, where the rumours are rekindled by the stars of a film depicting the tragedy. Show less

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The Ancient Nine

The Ancient Nine

by Smith, Ian, 1969-

Book - 2018

An Ivy League secret society is at the centre of this novel, and the historic disappearance of a young man who attempted to infiltrate it. When Harvard un...Show more An Ivy League secret society is at the centre of this novel, and the historic disappearance of a young man who attempted to infiltrate it. When Harvard undergrad Spenser Collins is invited to an event hosted by the exclusive Delphic Club, he encounters the mystery of the disappeared man, and his quest for the truth takes him on a thrilling and perilous path through the dark recesses of Harvard. Show less

An Ivy League secret society is at the centre of this novel, and the historic disappearance of a young man who attempted to infiltrate it. When Harvard un...Show more An Ivy League secret society is at the centre of this novel, and the historic disappearance of a young man who attempted to infiltrate it. When Harvard undergrad Spenser Collins is invited to an event hosted by the exclusive Delphic Club, he encounters the mystery of the disappeared man, and his quest for the truth takes him on a thrilling and perilous path through the dark recesses of Harvard. Show less

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Catherine House

Catherine House

A Novel

by Thomas, Elisabeth

Book - 2020

Seeking to leave a hard-partying life behind her, Ines applies and is accepted to Catherine House, a prestigious private university, but one veiled in mys...Show more Seeking to leave a hard-partying life behind her, Ines applies and is accepted to Catherine House, a prestigious private university, but one veiled in mystery. Students must completely cut ties with the lives they leave behind, but as Ines tries to settle in to her new reality, cult-like routines and dark secrets begin to unspool, and she comes to suspect a dark agenda is at play. An intriguing new novel, pervaded with a Gothic and moody atmosphere. Show less

Seeking to leave a hard-partying life behind her, Ines applies and is accepted to Catherine House, a prestigious private university, but one veiled in mys...Show more Seeking to leave a hard-partying life behind her, Ines applies and is accepted to Catherine House, a prestigious private university, but one veiled in mystery. Students must completely cut ties with the lives they leave behind, but as Ines tries to settle in to her new reality, cult-like routines and dark secrets begin to unspool, and she comes to suspect a dark agenda is at play. An intriguing new novel, pervaded with a Gothic and moody atmosphere. Show less

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The Savage Kind

The Savage Kind

by Copenhaver, John (Novelist)

Book - 2021

In the late 1940s, teenagers Judy and Philippa form a close friendship, encouraged by their passionate English teacher and a mutual love of detective fict...Show more In the late 1940s, teenagers Judy and Philippa form a close friendship, encouraged by their passionate English teacher and a mutual love of detective fiction. After a classmate is found murdered in the nearby river and Miss Martin exhibits a sudden and unusual change in demeanour, the girls decide to solve the crime themselves, all while wrestling with their own dark impulses in this tightly-woven, character-driven mystery with shades of 'Heavenly Creatures.' Show less

In the late 1940s, teenagers Judy and Philippa form a close friendship, encouraged by their passionate English teacher and a mutual love of detective fict...Show more In the late 1940s, teenagers Judy and Philippa form a close friendship, encouraged by their passionate English teacher and a mutual love of detective fiction. After a classmate is found murdered in the nearby river and Miss Martin exhibits a sudden and unusual change in demeanour, the girls decide to solve the crime themselves, all while wrestling with their own dark impulses in this tightly-woven, character-driven mystery with shades of 'Heavenly Creatures.' Show less

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In My Dreams I Hold A Knife

In My Dreams I Hold A Knife

A Novel

by Winstead, Ashley

Book - 2021

Long-buried tensions and secrets rise to the surface in this page-turning whodunnit set at a college reunion. The members of the "East House Seven&q...Show more Long-buried tensions and secrets rise to the surface in this page-turning whodunnit set at a college reunion. The members of the "East House Seven" of Duquette University come together for the first time in a decade—all except Heather, who was murdered in their senior year. Told from the perspective of Jessica, a fellow member of the group, and alternating between their college days and the reunion, everyone becomes a suspect and Winstead will keep you guessing until the very end. Show less

Long-buried tensions and secrets rise to the surface in this page-turning whodunnit set at a college reunion. The members of the "East House Seven&q...Show more Long-buried tensions and secrets rise to the surface in this page-turning whodunnit set at a college reunion. The members of the "East House Seven" of Duquette University come together for the first time in a decade—all except Heather, who was murdered in their senior year. Told from the perspective of Jessica, a fellow member of the group, and alternating between their college days and the reunion, everyone becomes a suspect and Winstead will keep you guessing until the very end. Show less

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