Day’s YA: OXFORD SECRETS

OXFORD SECRETS by Rachael Davis-Featherstone
9781250342331
1/12/2027
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Dark academia and thriller combine masterfully in this second book in Rachael Davis-Featherstone’s Oxford Secrets duology. In the first book, we meet Eva, whose dream to attend Oxford hits a bit of a snag during Interview Week, when she finds her best friend dead at the base of a controversial statue on campus and the anonymous student forum, Oxford Slays, names her as the prime suspect. Now in book two, Eva has made it to Oxford and is determined not to let the tragic death of her friend define her. She wants to make new friends, ace her classes, and put the events of Interview Week behind her. But Oxford Slays has other plans. The student forum is once again wreaking havoc on Eva’s life, but this time, it’s been hacked and usernames are being revealed. And as the forum’s most public critic, Eva once again finds herself at the center of the drama. Eva is determined to learn who is behind the hack and clear her name, but as she gets closer to the truth, she uncovers dark secrets that lead to another student’s death. With the stakes higher than ever, it’s up to Eva to solve the mystery.

I’m on the record saying that OXFORD BLOOD was dark academia at its finest, and I’m here to report that this sequel is on par with the first book. I adore the Oxford setting, with its many nooks and crannies (and rooftops) for the students to sneak around in. Eva and her friends are normal, relatable college freshmen, who happen to be dealing with some slightly abnormal situations on top of figuring out their classes, navigating crushes, and learning the ins and outs of university life. This is a high-stakes whodunit, with a slew of satisfying plot twists and fast-paced action. It’s clear that readers are hungry for more dark academia stories, and this duology finale will satisfy anyone looking for a tale full of mystery and drama, with a moody, ivy-clad setting.

Happy reading!
<3 Emily

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