Books Like The Secret History | The Book Box
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Books Like The Secret History
If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the shadowy allure of The Secret History by Donna Tartt, you’re not alone. With its brooding atmosphere, morally ambiguous characters, and a slow-burning descent into intellectual and emotional chaos, it’s one of those novels that stays with you long after the final page. But once you’ve finished it, the real question is: where do you go next?
We’ve put together a list of books that scratch the same literary itch—stories steeped in dark academia, psychological complexity, and that haunting, cerebral beauty. If you're into lush prose, ethically murky friendships, and secrets that unravel over time, these titles are for you.
1. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Often referred to as a spiritual cousin to The Secret History, this novel follows a group of elite Shakespearean actors at an arts conservatory as they spiral into tragedy. With its obsession over literature and blurred lines between performance and reality, this one is practically essential reading for Tartt fans.
2. Bunny by Mona Awad
Equal parts surreal horror and biting satire, Bunny is what happens when The Secret History meets Heathers with a splash of David Lynch. Set in an elite MFA program, it explores female friendships, loneliness, and the dangerous allure of belonging—all wrapped in a bizarre and unforgettable package.
3. The Likeness by Tana French
Tana French’s second Dublin Murder Squad novel reads like a literary thriller with a strong academic undercurrent. When Detective Cassie Maddox goes undercover as a murdered woman who looked exactly like her, she enters a tight-knit group of university students with secrets of their own. It’s eerie, intelligent, and gorgeously written.
4. Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates
A psychological game among six Oxford students spirals out of control in this twisting debut. Told between past and present timelines, it shares The Secret History’s fascination with consequence, memory, and manipulation among the young and brilliant.
5. The Idiot by Elif Batuman
While not as dark or mysterious as the others on this list, The Idiot shares the intellectual exploration and introspective mood that fans of Donna Tartt will appreciate. It’s a wry, poignant coming-of-age novel set in the Ivy League, exploring identity, language, and miscommunication.
Want a steady stream of brilliant, emotionally complex reads like these?
If you’re craving more darkly literary fiction with beautiful prose, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes, check out our Contemporary Literary Fiction Book Subscription. Every month, you’ll receive a thoughtfully selected novel that echoes the richness and depth of books like The Secret History—perfect for readers who love to linger in the grey areas.