The Secret History -

Over 5 million copies sold and translated into 24 languages.

"Inverted detective story" (a "whydunit" rather than a "whodunit"). The Secret History

: Richard Papen, a working-class Californian, lies about his past to fit in with his wealthy peers. His narration is colored by his "morbid longing for the picturesque," which often blinds both him and the reader to the group's inherent cruelty . Over 5 million copies sold and translated into 24 languages

: The character Bunny Corcoran was reportedly inspired by Tartt’s classmate Matt Jacobson . Related Works for Fans His narration is colored by his "morbid longing

The 1992 debut novel by , The Secret History , is a genre-defining masterpiece that essentially birthed the dark academia subculture . Part psychological thriller and part classical tragedy, it follows a group of elite Classics students at the fictional Hampden College in Vermont who become so obsessed with ancient rituals that they commit two murders . Quick Feature Stats Published: September 1992.

If you enjoyed the "hothouse" atmosphere of The Secret History , critics often suggest:

: Another pillar of the dark academia genre focusing on high-stakes academic obsession.