ReadYourMood
Cover of The Secret History

Literary · Mystery

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

4.1 out of 5, from 1,648 ratings from Hardcover readers

A California student transfers to a small Vermont college and is admitted to an elite circle of classics students. We learn early that they have killed one of their own, and the book traces how it happened.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1992
Pace
Slow
Length
Long
Pages
578
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like atmospheric campus novels, long and literary, where you know the crime from page one.

Skip this if you want a fast plot or characters who are easy to like.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Addiction

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicide
  • Homophobia
  • Murder
  • Alcoholism
  • Incest
  • Suicide attempt
  • Animal death
  • Drug use
  • Classism

Quick answers about The Secret History

What is The Secret History about?
A California student transfers to a small Vermont college and is admitted to an elite circle of classics students. We learn early that they have killed one of their own, and the book traces how it happened.
Who should read The Secret History?
Read it if you like atmospheric campus novels, long and literary, where you know the crime from page one. Skip it if you want a fast plot or characters who are easy to like.
How long and how fast is The Secret History?
It is a slow-paced, long read of about 578 pages, first published in 1992.
Does The Secret History have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Addiction.
Can I borrow The Secret History for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Secret History; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Secret History?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Goldfinch, Ninth House, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved The Secret History

All picks

Literary

More to read

All literary