Books About Secret Societies
There is so much allure to reading books about secret societies. The mystery, secrets, and exclusivity of these secret societies make each of these books a fast-paced read you will not want to put down. I wanted to make a list of all of my favorites in one place.
You’ll find books about secret societies that are both sinister in nature and formed for a good cause. But all of these secret society books are fantastic. They will suck you in and you’ll be sad when they end.
The Best Books About Secret Societies
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Thriller Book About Secret Societies
The Burning Library by Gillan Macmillan- jump to section
Best Historical Fiction Book About Secret Societies
Juliet by Anna Fortier – jump to section
Best Magical Realism Book About Secret Societies
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store by Robin Sloane- jump to section
Best Fantasy Book About Secret Societies
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo- jump to section
Best Dark Academia Book About Secret Societies
The Secret History by Donna Tart – jump to section
Best YA Book About Secret Societies
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn- jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Thriller Books About Secret Societies
The Burning Library
Author: Gilly Macmillan
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: November 18, 2025
More info: Internationally bestselling author of The Nanny and What She Knew
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Two rival organizations (The Order of St. Katherine and the Fellowship of the Larks) are trying to find a medieval manuscript, and a scrap of embroidery may be the key. When Dr. Anya Brown is picked to join the Institute of Manuscript Studies in St. Andrews, she does not know that her recruiter is a high-ranking member of the Fellowship.
Detective Cleo Spicer from Scotland Yard is investigating the death of Eleanor Bruton, a middle-aged woman who had been keeping a secret- the scrap of embroidery. As secrets are exposed and the two organizations come closer to finding the manuscript, Anya’s life is in danger. Cleo is racing to uncover the truth before the death toll increases.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a fast-paced book that kept me turning the pages. It is also felt very current. The two rival societies are based on very different philosophies (empowered women vs women who empower their husbands). I loved that this thriller was book-related as well. Thank you, William Morrow #gifted.
Find this book in: Books Set in Scotland / Books About Secret Societies / Books About Libraries and Librarians
Plot
Do you love books about secret societies as I do? Then join me in diving into the world of Panthera Leo and their mission to help women conquer the world.
Nicole needs the women in her “Pride” to help her find a new apartment and get back on the partner track at her law firm. But are these women out to help her or is there something more sinister happening with Panthera Leo?
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This one was so quick but also so enjoyable. It’s the perfect read for fall for anyone looking for a thriller.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Books About Cults
The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown
Year: 2003
Genre: Thriller
More info: Robert Langdon Series #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is one of the first books about secret societies that I ever read. Dan Brown found a way to incorporate symbolism and brilliant riddles into this modern-day mystery.
While visiting Paris, Robert Langdon receives a phone call that the curator of the Louvre is dead. The body is covered in strange symbols that lead them on a search for the killer and for answers. This is one of the best murder mystery books I have ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
The plot does not slow for a minute from the first page to the last. It is the second in the Robert Langdon series and but it’s favorite. I love the mystery, the suspense, and the non-stop action in this amazing novel!
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books About Puzzles / Best Mystery Books of All Time
Historical Fiction Books About Secret Societies
Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Magical Realism Books About Secret Societies
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store
Author: Robin Sloan
Year: 2012
Genre: Fiction
More info: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore #1, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This was a light and enjoyable magical realism book. When Clay takes a job in a bookstore, he thinks he will be selling books. He doesn’t realize that the “wayback” of the store is more like a library to an elite group of readers. Mr. Penumbra’s bookstore is exactly the type of store that you will never want to leave.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was not what I was expecting. There was a lot more mystery and action than I thought and a little more magic as well. The characters developed and changed and the story moved quickly.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book about a bookstore which is always something to love, but this book has puzzles to solve before you can understand why the bookstore is so special.
Find this book in: Books About Puzzles / Books About Bookstores / Books About Secret Societies
The Cartographers
Author: Peng Shepard
Year: 2022
Genre: Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nell Young is a cartographer who has not talked to her father in seven years since he humiliated her, fired her, and ruined her reputation over a seemingly worthless map.
Now, he is found dead in his office at the New York Public Library with the worthless map he fired hidden in his desk. Now Nell is curious about the real meaning behind the map. When there is a break-in at the library the next day, Nell is in more danger than she thinks.
Trigger Warnings
Fire, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
I do not want to ruin anything but this mystery, dark academia, magical realism book has it all and I loved it.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Beach Reads 2022
Plot
Tom is moving through life mourning the loss of his true love who died hundreds of years ago. The story follows Tom back and forth between the present as he searches to find his purpose.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Suicidal Thoughts
Why Jackie loves it
I love that the story doesn’t glamorize long life but, portrays it as simultaneously poignant and beautiful. However, the book isn’t “heavy”- I couldn’t put it down! It’s a great historical fiction with a fantastical twist.
Fantasy Secret Society Books
Ninth House
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Alex Stern #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alex Stearn is the sole survivor of a horrible homicide. While recovering in the hospital, she is offered a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. She finds the Secret Societies of Yale, each practicing a unique type of magic.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many things about this urban fantasy book that I love. It is filled with magic, unlike anything you have ever read before. It has fantasy, secret societies, magic, and mystery. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Set in College / Books About Secret Society / Adult Books similar to Harry Potter / Best Books of 2019 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Leigh Bardugo Books In Order / Dark Academia Books
The Book of Night
Author: Holly Black
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Black is able to make our world into something else and make it seem entirely plausible. In this world, shadows can be manipulated and changed into something else. They can be removed and controlled.
Charlie is a Con artist who finds herself pulled into something that is over her head. Desperate to save herself and her sister, Charlie will do almost anything. While nobody calls themselves witches in this book, the manipulation of matter is certainly witch-like. I would definitely consider this a witch book like no other.
Why Jackie loves it
I have read Holly Black for years and love her so I was so excited to read this adult fantasy. This fantasy is complex and dark which I should have guessed from the name. The idea of manipulating shadows is fascinating to me and unlike any other fantasy I have read.
Find this book in: The Best Witch Books / Urban Fantasy Books
The Atlas Six
Author: Olivie Blake
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
More info: (Atlas Series Book 1)
Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Vulture Best Fantasy Novel 2022
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Alexandrian Society members are the guardians of knowledge from the greatest civilizations that have ever existed. Six of the most brilliant magical academicians are chosen every decade to take their place in this secret society. Five will go on the secure a life filled with all the wealth and power they could dream of.
When the candidates of this decade are chosen, they each have powerful abilities that could lead to greatness or destruction. They find that The Society may not be everything it appears. This is book has an almost cult-like following and is an urban fantasy book you will not want to miss.
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many twists and turns to this fantasy dark academia novel, that I am not sure where to begin. I do know that I will be reading the next book! The plot is twisty and the characters are complex. This is a dark adult fantasy for those that like a lighter read.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books About Secret Societies / The Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like Ninth House / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Books With Numbers in the Title
A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Year: 2011
Genre: Fantasy
More info: All Souls Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Diana Bishop is in Oxford’s Bodleian Library when she accidentally recovers an ancient book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for hundreds of years. In doing so, she triggers her long-forgotten magic and opens the door for vampires, witches, and demons to search out Diana and the book.
Matthew de Clermont is one of the vampires drawn to Ashmole 782. He has been looking for it for hundreds of years. Soon it is clear that even though relationships between species is forbidden, Matthew is drawn to Diana for more than just the book. The two begin to work together to unravel the mysteries behind the book, the magic and the people looking for the book.
This urban fantasy book about secret societies, witches, vampires, and more is a blend of heart-pounding action, historical fiction, and romance with the perfect mix of fantasy as well.
Trigger Warnings
Blood, torture
Why Jackie loves it
If you love the witch aspect of Harry Potter, Vampires, fantasy books, or time travel books then you will love The All Souls trilogy. This adult fantasy novel explores the history of witches, demons, and vampires. This series reads like a historical fiction and I love it. I thought the series was done at book four and was so excited to learn that there is a new book in the series!
Find this book in: Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Fantasy Books for Adults / Books About Witches / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books About Libraries / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Author: Sangu Mandanna
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book for fall is definitely the feel-good book of the Halloween season. Mika Moon knows that she must hide her magic and stay away from other witches so their powers do not draw the attention of other people. She also knows that witches are destined to be orphans, a very lonely existence.
When she is asked to come and teach magic to three young witches, she finds the life that she had always dreamed of, even if it is temporary. But, does it have to be? Can she find the life she always wanted?
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this charming book in one day and loved it. This adult fantasy book is a delightful pick book for fall. The characters we sweet and the book left me with a smile on my face. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Witch Books / Feel-Good Books / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books With Secret in the Title / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books
Dark Academia Books About Secret Societies
The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Year: 1992
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: December 2022 Read with Jenna Book Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Richard is one of a select group of six students who have been hand-picked to work under the guidance of a classics teacher named Julian Morrow. Richard is narrating the story and he begins by telling about the death of one of the students named Bunny.
As the story progresses, it is clear that this secret society of students rides the line of morality. The strained friendships and sexual tensions continue to push the edge until Bunny is killed.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide
Why Jackie likes it
This is one of the books about secret societies that was deeply disturbing and difficult to read. It certainly earns its place on our list of dark academia books and books about cults! And as with most books set in college, this one is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Books set in College / Books about Cults / Books about Secret Societies / Best Fall Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in the 80s / Books With Secret in the Title / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022
Plot
Mariana is a therapist who is still grieving the loss of her husband when she gets a call from her niece, Zoe. Zoe’s best friend Tara is missing and Zoe is afraid something has happened to her. When women start dying at Cambridge, Mariana gets deeply involved as she tries to solve the mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
What an amazing thriller. Alex Michaelides did it again! This secret society book was insane with twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart beating a little faster!
Adaptation Information
A series adaptation is in the works for this best-seller with Miramax.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Creepy Halloween Thrillers / Books Becoming TV Shows / Serial Killer Books / Best Books of 2021
The Cloisters
Author: Katy Hays
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: November 2022 Read With Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Ann Stilwell is desperate to escape her small town and her painful past. She arrives in New York City where she is supposed to spend her summer working as a curatorial associate at the Met. When she arrives, she is informed her supervisor is gone for the summer and she does not have a job.
Luckily, she is able to get an assignment with The Cloisters, a gothic museum, that is known for its medieval art collection. Ann suddenly finds herself entwined with a small group of students with secrets of their won. When she finds a 15th-century deck of tarot cards, she is reluctant to share her findings and this starts a dangerous game that Ann is not prepared for.
Why Jackie likes it
This is one of the dark academia books about secret societies you don’t want to miss. This is a creepy, gothic book.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Read With Jenna 2024 / Dark Academia Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022
YA Fantasy Books About Secret Societies
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read. While Bree is technically still in high school, she is attending a college program which means, I get to scream about this book from the rooftops in both college and high school book lists.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books Like Ninth House
Plot
At a prestigious private school in New England, a group of kids known as “The Players” rule the school. They get top grades, get into the best schools, and rule the social scene. But when one of the girls in the group is murdered, her best friend Jill begins to investigate who the real murderer is and just how dark their privileged world is.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book that will make you think about what privilege means and the lengths people will take to get what they want. I read it in one sitting because the story drew me in. I couldn’t go to sleep until it was done!
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Best Mystery Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Books Set in High School / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novels / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books of 2021
Expert Tip
Do you want to pick the perfect book about Secret Societies? Here are some things to consider
- Do you have a favorite genre? I included a variety of genres on this list.
- Have a look at the descriptions of each book and see what appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a secret society book?
A secret society book is any book that has a secret society as a main part of the plot. Whether the book is historical fiction, thriller, or fantasy, these books will keep you guessing throughout.
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Epilogue
Did we miss anything on our list of books about secret societies?
