Books Like The Secret History

Looking for books like The Secret History? A group of classics students at an elite college commit a murder — and you know from page one they got away with it.

What tends to stick with readers is its mysterious, thought-provoking and atmospheric feel. The book that basically invented dark academia as a vibe. Below are 7 books that carry that feeling in different ways, matched on shared mood, themes and reading experience. The Secret History is a long, can't put it down-paced read (reading level: moderate), so we've noted where each pick is quicker, slower or heavier.

The book you loved

The Secret History

Donna Tartt

7 books you might enjoy

1.
Piranesi
Susanna Clarke
Like The Secret History, Piranesi is mysterious and thought-provoking. Both carry the #atmospheric and #slow-burn tags. It runs a bit longer than The Secret History.
Medium · Slow pace · Easy to follow
Explore this book →Books like Piranesi
2.
In the Woods
Tana French
Like The Secret History, In the Woods is mysterious and thought-provoking. Both carry the #atmospheric tag. It's an easier read than The Secret History.
Long · Fast pace · Easy to follow
Explore this book →Books like In the Woods
3.
The Stranger
Albert Camus
The Stranger shares The Secret History's thought-provoking appeal. It's the quicker read of the two.
Short · Fast pace · Moderate
Explore this book →Books like The Stranger
4.
Kafka on the Shore
Haruki Murakami
Like The Secret History, Kafka on the Shore is mysterious and thought-provoking. Both carry the #atmospheric tag. It's a more demanding read than The Secret History.
Long · Slow pace · Challenging
Explore this book →Books like Kafka on the Shore
5.
The Shadow of the Wind
Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Like The Secret History, The Shadow of the Wind is mysterious. Both carry the #atmospheric tag. It's an easier read than The Secret History.
Long · Fast pace · Easy to follow
Explore this book →Books like The Shadow of the Wind
6.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
If it was the mysterious side of The Secret History you loved, Where the Crawdads Sing delivers it too. Both carry the #atmospheric tag. It runs a bit longer than The Secret History.
Medium · Fast pace · Beginner-friendly
Explore this book →Books like Where the Crawdads Sing
7.
Mexican Gothic
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic shares The Secret History's mysterious appeal. Both carry the #atmospheric tag. It runs a bit longer than The Secret History.
Medium · Fast pace · Beginner-friendly
Explore this book →Books like Mexican Gothic