Ink and Shadows : A gripping YA dark academia thriller set within a secret occult society, the perfect witchy read for spooky season

Author: Willmore, Lauren

Thrillers (Children's/YA)

Published on 10 September 2026 by Hachette Children's Group (Tempest) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 352 pages
197 x 130 x 24 | 248g

Perfect Halloween reading for fans of The Traitors! 'Magical dark academia with a gothic, murderous twist? Take my money! Ink and Shadows is the campus book every witchy reader will want on their shelf.' - Melissa Welliver, author of To The Death.

All students offered a place at St Augustines University will get an elite education, but only a chosen few will be invited to join The Society of Ink and Shadows: the elusive group dedicated to practising the occult arts.

Having struggled to fit into university life, Eve is overjoyed when this invitation is extended her way. But when a fellow society member is maliciously attacked, setting off a series of deadly incidents across the campus, she soon learns that there's a price to pay for being part of such an exclusive circle.

As society members are picked off one by one, Eve must race to unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim. But can she trust her new friends, or is there a traitor among them?'Buried secrets, chilling murders and twists that keep you racing to the last page. Couldn't ask for more!' - P.C. Roscoe, author of How The Other Half Die.

'Simultaneously cosy and absolutely chilling. This should be required reading for spooky season.' - Felicity Epps, author of A Grave Inheritance.