Unveiling Shadows: 6 Must-Read Dark Academia Novels of Murder and Enigma

The allure of concealed truths and esoteric wisdom has always been a staple in fiction, with the enigmatic and often peculiar academic world serving as the ideal backdrop for such narratives.

The dark academia genre typically revolves around educational institutions, frequently incorporating elements like covert organizations or cryptic symbols, with a strong inclination towards the Gothic, eerie, and unconventional. As noted by The New York Times, this subculture is characterized by a profound focus on scholarly pursuits and a distinctive aesthetic that blends classic academic attire with a Gothic twist—envision cozy brown sweaters, antique tweed trousers, a weathered leather bag brimming with books, moody photography, somber verse, and candlelit skull displays.

Educational establishments and spiritual havens provide the perfect stage for showcasing unique, insular communities rife with strange occurrences, where the boundary between safety and fear is perilously thin. Below, explore six exceptional dark academia novels that will immerse you in this intriguing literary category.

1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt; $7

Aspiring writers are often told to "write what you know," and American novelist Donna Tartt took this advice to heart in her highly acclaimed debut. Tartt's time at Bennington College, a private liberal arts institution in Vermont, played a crucial role in shaping The Secret History, though she has since refuted claims that the fictional Hampden College in the book is modeled after it.

The story revolves around six students whose lives are upended by a murder. Tartt employs a unique narrative style, recounting the tale from a perspective set years after the tragic event, offering insights into its consequences and the complex social fabric of the college. Despite numerous close calls, The Secret History remains unadapted for the screen—a missed opportunity, as its vivid setting and nuanced character dynamics would translate beautifully to film.

2. Bunny by Mona Awad; $11

Mona Awad has a remarkable talent for immersing readers in the inner worlds of young women, especially those who feel marginalized. In this novel, the protagonist Samantha is a solitary and self-doubting character with a vivid imagination, who joins an exclusive graduate program at the fictional Warren University.

Awad transforms what might have been a typical tale of an outsider seeking acceptance into a chilling and unforgettable folk horror masterpiece. The title refers to the Bunnies, a clique of overly sentimental wealthy girls. When Samantha is unexpectedly invited to their secretive Smut Salon, she is pulled into a surreal and increasingly unsettling world where reality bends and twists in shocking and perilous ways. Plans to adapt Awad’s acclaimed novel for the big screen are currently in progress.

3. The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton; $6

Though not set in an academic environment, G.K. Chesterton infuses this story with such rich layers of esoteric knowledge and philosophical depth that it earns its place among dark academia novels. Born in 1874 in London, Chesterton was a literary and art critic who authored numerous philosophical and theological works, alongside novels and short stories. His writing often features fantastical elements, exemplified in this 1908 masterpiece where Gabriel Syme, a Scotland Yard detective, goes undercover to uncover a clandestine anarchist group.

Syme learns that the anarchists are governed by a council of seven enigmatic leaders, each named after a day of the week. After securing the role of “Thursday,” he plunges into a surreal and disorienting world where reality is constantly shifting. Chesterton’s metaphysical mystery has seen multiple adaptations for radio and stage, including a notable 1938 version by Orson Welles, and has been referenced in Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.

4. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé; $10

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, born in Croydon, England, tackles themes of homophobia within the Black community in her debut novel Ace of Spades. This gripping young adult thriller draws from her experiences at the University of Aberdeen, a stark contrast to her South London upbringing. The novel won the 2022 NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Youth/Teens) and secured a spot in the top 10 of The New York Times bestsellers list the previous year.

The narrative follows Chiamaka Adebayo, a high-achieving Queen Bee, and Devon Richards, a socially awkward outcast, the only two Black students at a prestigious private school. What starts as a critique of social dynamics, prejudice, and cyberbullying escalates into a chilling conspiracy. Àbíké-Íyímídé’s work has been likened to the thrilling narratives of Jordan Peele, who inspired her. She shared with Nerdist in 2021, “[Jordan Peele's Get Out] was a major influence for Ace of Spades, alongside Gossip Girl. Without Get Out, I wouldn’t have ventured down this path.”

5. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco; $12

First published in 1980, The Name of the Rose is widely regarded as a masterpiece. This dark academia classic has even sparked academic studies due to its intricate plot and rich symbolism. Umberto Eco, drawing on his expertise in medieval history and philosophy, sets the story in 1327 Italy, crafting a gripping murder mystery.

The story follows Franciscan friar William of Baskerville, whose name nods to both Sherlock Holmes and the real-life philosopher William of Ockham. Set in a Benedictine monastery with a renowned library, the narrative unfolds as Baskerville investigates a series of deaths within the order. As the mystery deepens, he uncovers a web of theological and philosophical conspiracies. Fans of the novel should also explore the 1986 film adaptation, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, featuring Sean Connery as Baskerville and a young Christian Slater.

6. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova; $12

Elizabeth Kostova’s debut novel, the result of ten years of dedication, became a massive success. It secured her a $2 million advance and made history as the first debut novel to claim the No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list.

This intricately crafted story unfolds through three interconnected narratives, presented via letters and personal accounts, all tied to Vlad Tepes, a 15th-century Wallachian prince (part of modern-day Romania). Tepes, a historical figure, partly inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula.

Kostova weaves a tale of Paul, a professor, and his daughter as they search for Vlad’s tomb in the 1950s, interwoven with narratives from Paul’s mentor two decades prior and his daughter two decades later. The Historian blends Gothic horror, crime, and detective fiction into a captivating and unpredictable story brimming with unsettling atmosphere. For insights into Kostova’s inspirations and writing process, explore this engaging author Q&A.