Recs if you like The Secret Place ...

Is this dark academia? The dead body probably means yes. Mysteries set at boarding schools!

Dark academia without the magic!

For books filled with elite schools, universities, intellectual obsession, artistic ambition, secrets, rivalry, murder and beautifully dark atmospheres - with little to no fantasy or supernatural elements, and no YA.

August 2026 Reader’s choice of the best 100 thrillers All I gotta say is the definitely didn’t ask me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

i think sardonic is an interesting word! it really stands out to me when i hear it. so i’ve curated a list of books that have that word in it. seriously.