Books about guilt

Kill Creatures is a gripping and atmospheric young adult thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls. The story follows Nan, a girl living with a dark secret: a year ago, she killed her three best friends in the canyons near their small town. While the town of Saltcedar believes the girls simply vanished, Nan knows the truth. However, her world is turned upside down during a memorial service when one of the girls, Luce, crawls out of the river, very much alive and looking for answers.

This dark tale explores the toxic side of female friendships, the weight of guilt, and the lengths one will go to for revenge. It is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy psychological suspense with a sharp edge and complex, morally gray protagonists. Perfect for fans of dark mysteries and twisty narratives, this book offers a shocking conclusion that will leave readers breathless and eager to discuss every detail. Great choice for those who love stories about secrets and the consequences of the past.

Highlights:

• A haunting exploration of jealousy and the dark side of teenage friendship.
• A fast-paced, suspenseful plot with a shocking twist ending.
• Ideal for readers interested in psychological thrillers and intense emotional stakes.
• Features complex LGBTQ+ representation and atmospheric storytelling.
• Written by a master of unsettling and immersive YA fiction.

The Afterdark is a spine-tingling young adult novel that masterfully blends Lovecraftian horror with a slow-burn queer romance. Set within the prestigious but eerie walls of Northcroft boarding school, the story follows Evie Laurent and Holland Morgan as they navigate a world that transforms into a macabre nightmare every night. When the bell tolls, the surrounding forest becomes the Afterdark—a terrifying, negative-photograph version of reality filled with unspeakable horrors. This atmospheric read is perfect for teenagers who enjoy dark mysteries and stories where the setting is just as much a character as the protagonists.

As Evie and Holland find themselves drawn to each other, they must also confront the darkness within themselves. Evie is haunted by the tragic death of her sister, while Holland is trying to escape a history of poor choices. Their growing obsession with one another mirrors the beckoning shadows of the Afterdark, forcing them to decide whether to fight the darkness or embrace it. Ideal for readers interested in complex character studies, The Afterdark offers a unique take on the dark academia aesthetic with a supernatural twist that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.

Highlights:

• A hauntingly atmospheric setting that blends elite boarding school life with cosmic horror.
• A compelling queer romance featuring complex, morally grey protagonists.
• Explores deep themes of guilt, trauma, and the struggle to define one's own identity.
• Great choice for fans of dark YA fantasies and psychological thrillers.