A Deadly Pledge : A dark academia thriller perfect for fans of Wednesday and Holly Jackson

Author: Bennett, M.A.

Interest age: from c 14 years

Published on 9 April 2026 by Hachette Children's Group (Welbeck Children's Books) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 272 pages
197 x 130 x 20 | 196g

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The secret society everyone's dying to join ...

A case of mistaken identity means Eddie Dontay is hurled into the exclusive world of New Haven School. Pretending to be Bartholomew 'Brat' Van Buren III, the sole heir to a rich family, who mysteriously disappeared a year ago, Eddie is sent undercover to expose the dark secrets of the Gloomth society.

But all is not what it seems. Eddie must participate in a series of difficult initiations, which prove his fitness for the club, competing against other students. An increasingly deadly contest culminates in the most dangerous challenge of all at a horror-filled, legendary Gothic house.

Is joining the Gloomth really worth dying for?Perfect for fans of Wednesday and Holly Jackson.