10 Books Set at College That Will Bring You Back to Your School Days: 'Ninth House' and More
Every August, as we say goodbye to summer and enter back-to-school season, we can’t help but reminisce about our own school days. While students of all ages are hitting the books, it’s a wonderful time for us non-students to do a bit of reading, too. And books set at college are the perfect choice. With bucolic settings, secret societies, mysteries, drama and more, you’re sure to be immersed!
To help you go back to school, we rounded up 10 books set at colleges or universities. If you’re intrigued by the dark and mysterious, consider the cult classic The Secret History by Donna Tartt. If you prefer a cozy romantic read, opt for Love, Theoretically. Pack your backpacks and keep scrolling for our favorite books that take place on college campuses. Happy Reading!
’Ninth House’ by Leigh Bardugo
Meet Galaxy “Alex” Stern, the newest and most unlikely member of Yale University’s freshman class. After dropping out of school previously and learning to survive on her own, Alex is given a second chance to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country, but she can’t help wondering if there’s a catch. And when she gets to school and is tasked with monitoring Yale’s secret societies, her inner turmoil continues. The underground parts of Yale reveal wicked activities beyond Alex’s imagination.
What readers are saying: “I love Leigh Bardugo's storytelling capabilities, and this one is a must-read. This book is full of dark academia, with fantasy and mystery elements stirred right in there. The modern world of Yale University mixed with magic and darkness was compelling and captivating. It’s a rich and hearty book you can't help but savor.”
‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt
Set at Hampden College, a fictional liberal arts school based on Bennington College, this book is a heart-racing, chilling thriller from bestselling author Donna Tartt. The story follows six students who are studying classical literature as they reflect on the events that led up to the murder of their friend Edmund "Bunny" Corcoran. Richard Papen, one of the six, is the narrator, and as the story gets deeper, so do his perspectives on the friend group.
What readers are saying: “The two things I love most about Donna Tartt’s novels are the character development and how beautifully written they are. The Secret History is up there with the best because of both of these things. This story is so character-driven, and that’s what makes it great for me. It’s really a wonderful book that I’d recommend to anyone.”
‘Educated’ by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s gripping memoir recalls her childhood living in the mountains of Idaho, where her survivalist parents keep her and her 6 siblings isolated from mainstream society. They don’t attend school; they work in their father’s junkyard and they’re taught to distrust the government and be prepared for the end of days. But after a childhood filled with trauma, doubt and fear, 17-year-old Tara decides she wants a different life, so she takes the ACT, passes and is accepted to Brigham Young University.
What readers are saying: “Not often does a memoir engage me as much as this one did. A page turner of self-discovery, this book opened my eyes to the author's upbringing and made me appreciate my own access to education so much more. Would recommend!!”
‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy
The first in the Off Campus series, readers head to Briar University for a sweet and steamy hockey romance. Hannah Wells has a crush. The only problem: She’s not so skilled in the art of seduction. Then she begins tutoring Garrett Graham, the captain of the hockey team. When he agrees to help Hannah catch the attention of her crush if she agrees to tutor him, the two start to get closer. Will Hannah and Garrett develop feelings for each other in the meantime?
What readers are saying: “The Deal was the first Elle Kennedy book I ever read — and I loved it,” says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “Kennedy really transports readers to this quintessential college setting with a fun, memorable cast of characters. But she also weaves in difficult topics throughout as well. You’ll definitely find yourself rooting for Garrett and Hannah as you read!”
‘Past Present Future’ by Rachel Lynn Solomon
From bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon comes a heartwarming sequel to her 2020 novel Today Tonight Tomorrow. Set across Seattle, Boston and New York City, the book follows Rowan and Neil as they embrace their first year of college, navigate their relationship as a long-distance couple and discover new friendships and life lessons along the way. From former class rivals to lovers, the book picks up right after the events from book one.
What readers are saying: “Rowan and Neil have my entire heart and soul, hands down. I didn't think I could love something more than Today Tonight Tomorrow, but Past Present Future is just as special (if not more) of a book for me. The character development between the two of them is immaculate and I loved seeing them in their respective college spaces. Everything was done so beautifully, and I can't get enough of these characters and their love story.”
‘The Maidens’ by Alex Michaelides
This fast-paced mystery thriller by Alex Michaelides — author of the bestseller The Silent Patient — follows Mariana Andros, a psychologist and recent widow investigating a perplexing murder at Cambridge University. Her prime suspect is Greek Tragedy professor Edward Fosca. In the process of proving his guilt, Mariana becomes obsessed with Fosca’s cultish student followers who call themselves “The Maidens.” This engrossing whodunit is told through Mariana’s narration as well as through letter excerpts from an anonymous author who might be the killer. Will Mariana expose the murderer, or will her spiraling obsession engulf her before she has the chance?
What readers are saying: “I found this book to be a slow starter but, once it got underway, it had me hooked to the point where I was disappointed to turn the last page. The characters are strong and well-written, the setting is atmospheric and reflects the plotline wonderfully. Slow burn is a plus in this book, and the pace it builds up is wonderful. So many times, I thought I'd figured it out, only to have a plot twist appear and leave me wondering.”
‘In My Dreams I Hold a Knife’ by Ashley Winstead
A college reunion turns dark in this debut novel from Ashley Winstead. Ten years after her graduation, Jessica Miller has finally planned her return to Duquette University, wearing a confident facade, making her nothing like the girl she was when she left campus back after Heather Shelby’s murder. Now, she and six friends are brought together and forced to confront what happened that night. And someone wants to make the real killer pay. With dual timelines and a complex look into friendships, this book will leave you reeling.
What readers are saying: “Wow! This was unlike any thriller I’ve read before, and I loved it. The back and forth from present to past and the little tidbits of information from college days was so fun to read. The twist and turns left me guessing!”
‘The Sixes’ by Kate White
In the unsuspecting setting of a peaceful college town in rural Pennsylvania, a death surrounded by peculiar circumstances initiates a domino effect of wicked events. Phoebe Hall, who is escaping the clutches of a crumbling writing career to work as a teacher at the local boarding school, takes it upon herself to investigate this mysterious death and its precarious consequences. As she searches for answers, she finds herself in the clutches of a dangerous secret society — the Sixes — who play a part in resurfacing details from Phoebe’s past that she’d rather remain buried.
What readers are saying: “Best book I’ve read in a long time! Creepy thriller I could not put down. The book kept me in suspense page after page. The ending was a total surprise I didn’t see coming. I highly recommend this author as I keep enjoying more of her books.”
‘The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love’ by India Holton
Bestselling author India Holton is adored for her unique romantic stories filled with charm and whimsy — and her latest novel follows suit! When Beth Pickering is hunting the rare deathwhistler bird, Professor Devon Lockley swoops in and steals it. Then, the competition for “Birder of the Year” heats up and the duo joins forces. A fun, magical rivals-to-lovers tale that will delight any romance fan.
What readers are saying: “The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is my first book from India Holton, but it will absolutely not be my last. This book was completely bonkers in the best way. It's a bit of magical realism mixed with historical romance mixed with rom com, and everything about that combination worked. I loved that the two main characters were ornithologists but what was even cooler is that the birds in this book were magical! And deadly. The book makes fun of academic rivalries but takes it to the extreme.”
‘Love, Theoretically’ by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood returns with another strong romance, this time featuring an adjunct STEM professor and an experimental physicist. Elsie, a theoretical physicist, grades labs but she also acts as a fake girlfriend to make a little extra cash. However, when she learns that her favorite client’s older brother is Jack, the physicist who ruined her mentor’s career, Elsie’s world comes toppling down. She’s prepared for an all-out scholarly war, but when she uncovers the real Jack, Elsie’s feelings shift unexpectedly.
What readers are saying: “I don't know why I picked up this book, but I was certainly glad I did. I love their dynamic. While Elsie was my fictional soul sister, I found Jack to be so cute. I am a sucker for the whole ‘he falls first,’ and Hazelwood weaved that trope nicely with Elsie's tendencies to get stuck in her own head.”
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