"Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a dark academia YA thriller full of corruption, murder, and intrigue. It follows Eva, a mixed-race Black British girl applying to Oxford, who suddenly gets caught up in a deadly mystery when her best friend is found dead during interview week. I love dark academia and mysteries, so this combination grabbed me right away.
Eva and her best friend George, both state school students, are trying to get into Oxford and are invited for interview week. They decide to put their romance on hold until their places are secured. When they arrive, the controversial statue of Sir H. C. Glanville, who made his fortune through enslavement, stares at them. Because of his donations, the university hesitates to take it down — hypocrisy if I ever saw one.
There are ten candidates but only five spots, and the competition is fierce. “Slay or get slayed” is the ruling slogan. Among the applicants are another mixed-race Black woman, a couple of students from another school, and a group of five misogynistic and racist candidates called the “Reapers,” named after their ultra-exclusive school, Reapington.
The plot thickens when George is found dead just a day after they arrive. The detective on the case isn’t very competent, and Eva quickly becomes the main suspect. Being falsely accused — and as the daughter of a well-known police inspector — she decides to investigate the murder herself, both for George’s sake and her own. Posts on OxSlay, a gossipy social media forum just for enrolled Oxford students, add to the mayhem. Thus begins an intense tale of secret societies, hidden truths, and the ruthless side of academia.
Long-buried secrets and uncomfortable truths unravel in the most thrilling way. The book explores themes of racism, rape, entitlement, social hierarchy, an access scheme that falls short of its goals, and classism. The sharp social commentary is right on target. I loved Eva’s clear voice — her directness, her fearlessness in speaking her mind or taking action, and her determination to seek justice at any personal cost. She was too impulsive at times, and some of her actions required a suspension of disbelief, but I rooted for her all the way.
What I really enjoyed was how the author mixed sharp social commentary with a gripping mystery. While the social commentary occasionally overshadowed the mystery, it added depth to the story. Oxford felt real and atmospheric, and the tension kept building with every chapter. Who knew the academic world could be that cutthroat??
Overall, Oxford Blood is thrilling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, with just the right amount of twists and a solid cast of supporting characters — some more developed than others. I loved the vibes and the hint of romance, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy dark academia YA thrillers with sharp edges and high stakes.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone
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