Although we’re still soaking up the summer rays, we can’t help but acknowledge that ~fall szn~ is en route. Autumn is a time of renewal, a time to slow down and reflect on all the fun that went down during the summer. This cerebral season coincides with our back to school era, making it the perfect time to brush up on our reading.
And there’s one book genre in particular which begs to be read throughout the dark academia season: Mystery novels. We’re totally tempted to treat ourselves to a mug of pumpkin-spiced anything and investigate the mysterious disappearance of anyone, Ã la Agatha Christie. And with Halloween celebrations right around the corner, a dark and mysterious BookTok novel is all the more fitting.
In light of this, Cosmo ME is pleased to present a list of dark academia BookTok reads, comprised of the best performing murder mysteries and detective novels on TikTok in 2023. Think: The BookTok version of your favourite psychologically thrilling murder documentaries.
Our 9 BookTok recommendations this fall szn…
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
This suspenseful BookTok novel explores a mother’s life following her fifteen-year-old daughter’s disappearance. Ellie Mack was a beloved daughter, a kind friend, a diligent classmate, and a golden girlfriend. After her final-exams, the student goes on a blissful summer vacation, and then… she was gone.
Ten years have elapsed since the young girl’s mysterious disappearance. One fateful day, Laurel Mack coincidentally meets Floyd, a charismatic man for whom she develops romantic feelings. Shockingly, Floyd’s daughter bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie.
Who is Floyd, and why is his daughter “Laurel” a carbon copy of Ellie? Could he be involved in Ellie’s disappearance?
Via Goodreads
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Readers have described this BookTok gem as “a psychology major’s dream.” In it, reporter Camille Preaker is tasked with reporting on the mysterious murder of two young girls from her home town. Camille has a turbulent relationship with her neurotic mother and practically estranged half-sister, a thirteen-year-old who is well-acquainted with the town.
Upon returning to her old bedroom in her family mansion, Camille finds that she resonates with the murdered young victims to an alarming degree. She is forced to confront her own demons and past in order to solve the two murder mysteries, while she’s still alive.
Via Goodreads
Final Girls by Riley Sager
“If you liked Gone Girl, you’ll like this,” shares world-renowned author Stephen King regarding this BookTok read.
Quincy Carpenter is the *only* survivor of a massacre which took place 10 years ago, whilst she was on vacation with five friends at Pine Cottage. Much to her dismay, this grants her membership status at a club known as “Final Girls.”
She joins fellow members Lisa, who is the sole survivor among nine murdered sorority sisters, and Sam, who survived an attack during her shift at the Nightlight Inn.
Just as Quincy begins to move on with her life, Lisa is found dead in her bathtub. Under the guise of solving Lisa’s murder mystery, Sam forces Quincy to relive the past, a task which becomes increasingly detrimental to Quincy’s well-being. Suspicious of Sam’s intentions, Quincy begins to remember the details of the Pine Cottage massacre and uncover Sam’s lies.
Via Amazon.ae
Behind Closed Doors by B.A Paris
This BookTok novel follows the story of newlyweds Grace and Jack Angel who, from the outside looking in, seem to be the perfect couple. But everything is not what it seems, and it turns out that Jack, who is a handsome and accomplished lawyer, is also a twisted psychopath who has sadistically sequestered Grace at their home in England.
If it weren’t for her beloved 17-year-old sister Millie, Grace would rather die than live with her cruel husband. And when Millie movies in with the couple, Jack promises that the young girl will suffer just as badly.
Will Grace manage to escape and rescue her sister?
Via Goodreads
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Lo Blacklock, a travel magazine writer, has received the work opportunity of a lifetime: Reporting aboard a luxury cruiseship with a limited number of cabins. At the beginning of the BookTok novel, the journalist’s journey is serene and blissful – but it takes a turn for the worse when she shockingly witnesses a woman being thrown overboard.
When she reports the nightmare that she had witnessed, the crew inform her that all passengers are present and accounted for. Why won’t anybody listen to her desperate attempts to explain the horror that she witnessed?
Via Goodreads
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
This chilling BookTok novel starts in 1982 and follows the story of Viv Delaney who intends to move to New York City. To finance her move, she takes on a job as a night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. She disappears mysteriously.
In 2017, Carly Kirk decides to investigate her aunt Viv’s mysterious disappearance at the Sun Down Motel prior to her birth. When she visits the hotel, she finds herself entangled in the same dangers that befell her aunt.
Via Goodreads
Sadie by Courtney Summers
This mysterious BookTok recommendation explores the life of Sadie who has always struggled to make ends meet. She grew up on her lonesome, having to raise and provide for her beloved little sister Mattie in a lonely small town.
One day, the police department informs Sadie that her sister was found dead. Grief-stricken and unconvinced by the police report, Sadie decides to investigate the matter for herself and avenge her late sister. A local radio host empathizes with Sadie’s story and joins her cause, starting a podcast titled Sadie’s journey to solve her little sister’s murder mystery before time runs out.
Via Goodreads
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
In this BookTok read, Sadie and Will Foust decide to move out of their small-town and into Chicago. Upon arriving, they discover that their neighbor, Morgan Baines, has been found dead in her home. Sadie’s fear heightens as she suspects that the killer may be present in her own backyard.
The couple’s eerie and unsettling new home, which they had inherited from Imogen, a disturbed teenager who had died unexpectedly, is enough to trigger Sadie’s anxiety. In a neighbourhood which has grown increasingly suspicious of the newcomers, Sadie takes it upon herself to investigate Morgan’s mysterious death.
But a lot is at stake for Sadie and her husband as they approach the truth of what truly happened.
Via Goodreads