Books Set In Private Schools

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Books Set In Private Schools
Enjoy a range of subject matter from recollections to murder mysteries, all set in private schools here at home and abroad.

It's exciting to discover a veritable treasure trove of books set in private schools published recently. The United States, United Kingdom, and Peru. You can find most books at your favorite bookseller or library in both traditional paperback and electronic format. In addition, I have given you links to the authors' websites wherever possible. Happy reading!

The Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious

ASIN: B07252X6ZH

The Vanishing Stair

ASIN: B078LXZ8CS

The Hand On The Wall

ASIN: B07QVL5SLT

The Box In The Woods

ASIN: B08CRBSN2R

"The Agatha Christie-like ecosystem pairs with lacerating contemporary wit, and alternating past and present scenes makes for a multilayered, modern detective story." -- New York Times Book Review

From the pen of Maureen Johnson comes a series of murder mysteries set in famous Ellingham Academy in Vermont. Stevie Bell solves the murders with great aplomb.

This video offers a recap of Truly Devious.

Dark Rooms: A Novel by Lili Anolik

ASIN: B00KVI9DH2

Lili Anolik's first novel tackles a murder disguised as a suicide. The murder victim's sister signs on to teach at the prestigious Connecticut boarding school where the murder took place. We suspect that this will not be the only murder Grace solves.

Atlas of Men by David Sklar

ASIN: B07HGFSNC7

"…a haunting, mesmerizing story about coming-of-age, of innocence lost and the search for redemption."

— Hedy S. Wald, PhD

I think the reason that this book is so intense is that the author is a doctor. Thus, his writing has gravitas in the best authoritative kind of way.

A Study In Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

ASIN: B00Z74LWWY

"A thrilling twist on a classic. Readers will be pulled in by both the riveting mystery and Charlotte Holmes, a brilliant heroine with secrets of her own." —Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Shades of London series)

A murder mystery featuring the descendants of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson? I'm in!

This video is the official book trailer for A Study In Charlotte.

English Monsters by James Scudamore

ISBN-13: ‏ 978-1529111637

'Heart-wrenching… A searing indictment of a culture that downplays and covers up horrors… Harrowing, deeply moving and richly insightful, this is Scudamore's best novel yet.' Philip Womack, Financial Times

The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa (translated by Lysander Kemp)

ASIN: B004QGYWDA

"This 1962 novel caused outrage in Lima, Peru, at the time of its publication in Spanish as La Ciudad y Los Perros (The City and the Dogs)." Kirkus Reviews

In this video, Angel Solo sets out the background for the novel.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

ASIN: B000FCK2TW

“Superbly unsettling, impeccably controlled . . . . The book’s irresistible power comes from Ishiguro’s matchless ability to expose its dark heart in careful increments.” —Entertainment Weekly

This video is a trailer for the movie version of this novel.

The Ruined Boys by Roy Fuller

ASIN:‎ B0007JUKUO

This 1959 novel tells the story of an innocent boy's transformation into a rebellious, cynical young man.

If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka & Emily Wibberley

ASIN: B07G6SKL8Y

"Cameron may be a mean girl, but she's also smart, self-aware and willing to do the hard work necessary to earn her happy ever after -- and that makes her heroine material in my book."--NPR.com

This video offers a review of If I'm Being Honest, set in Los Angeles, California.

S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett

ASIN: B074DGVYMF

"Bennett creates a chilling atmosphere on every page. Reads like a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or an Agatha Christie mystery for modern teens . . . .[a] suspenseful study of British Aristocracy." —SLJ

This video is the trailer for the book.

Do you have a favorite novel set in a private school? Let us know.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @privateschoolreview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the setting of the Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson?
The Truly Devious series is set in the famous Ellingham Academy in Vermont.
Which book features a murder disguised as a suicide at a prestigious Connecticut boarding school?
Dark Rooms by Lili Anolik features a murder disguised as a suicide at a prestigious Connecticut boarding school.
What type of story is Atlas of Men by David Sklar described as?
Atlas of Men is described as "a haunting, mesmerizing story about coming–of–age, of innocence lost and the search for redemption."
Which novel caused outrage in Lima, Peru, upon its 1962 publication?
The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa caused outrage in Lima, Peru, when published in 1962.
What kind of atmosphere does S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett create according to School Library Journal?
S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett creates a chilling atmosphere on every page, similar to a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie mystery for modern teens.

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