Oxford Blood
Gripping YA crime thriller – a twisty Oxford University dark academia murder mystery about ambition, privilege and deadly secrets perfect for autumn armchair detectives
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Walker Books
Age 14+
Thrillers
The next gripping, must-read, YA crime mystery for readers of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus, and fans of The Secret History and Ace of Spades.
Eva has set her sights on studying English at Oxford University. Atmospheric old libraries; secret societies; eccentric professors – it’s the stuff of her dreams.
When she and her best friend (who she’s also secretly in love with), George, are invited to Interview Week, it seems like those dreams are coming true.
But only a day in, George is found dead on the steps of a university statue. And it is Eva who finds him.
All eyes are now on her as she races to clear her name, uncover the truth – and take back her future.
Oxford Blood is already captivating readers on Netgalley:
“Haunting, timely, and razor-edged – a dark academia gem wrapped in velvet and laced with menace. A stellar debut, and the start of a series I’ll be following closely.”
“Gripping, clever, and painfully relatable. A YA murder mystery for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in a world that wasn’t built for them.”
“A captivating YA thriller set in Oxford that delves into racism, corruption, and dark academia. It is perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
And the book trade:
“A smart, captivating murder mystery, packed full of twists and turns, with a courageous and fiercely intelligent heroine." The Bookseller (Young Adult Book of the Month)
Resources
Creators
Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a mixed-raced Black British multi-award-nominated author, literary agent and co-founder of Creative Roots Studio. She has published over twenty books, ranging from picture books to commercial fiction, and has been translated into seven languages. I Am NOT a Prince (2022) was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Rachael was also longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards and shortlisted for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards. Many of her books explore authentic representation of the Black British mixed-race experience, including Oxford Blood (2025). Rachael champions diversity in literature and was a judge for the inaugural Jericho Prize. She is a Non-Executive Director for ALCS and a Trustee for English PEN. In 2024, Rachael co-founded Creative Roots Studio, which helps writers and illustrators build sustainable careers.
Reviews
A smart, captivating murder mystery, packed full of twists and turns, with a courageous and fiercely intelligent heroine who asks challenging questions about Oxford and its relationship with people who, for far too long, have not felt welcome in its colleges.
The Bookseller (Children's Book of the Month)
Fast moving, full of twists and ultimately very dark. I loved it. . . A very powerful novel.
Read for Good
One hell of a compelling story. . . The author absolutely blew this story out of the park and I’m down for whatever she produces in the future – automatic read from me! A sure fire recommendation and I’ve just finished it but want to read it again.
Netgalley Reviewer
Loved everything about this book! The characters were great, it was quick paced and the story itself was amazing, the plot was so well done and gripping.
Netgalley Reviewer
This book has fast pacing, and lots of drama. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Ace of Spades. A fun, tense read with a smart main character and plenty of twists!
Netgalley Reviewer
