Darkly by Marisha Pessl - A Game of Secrets and Shadows

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What would you kill for?

Darkly was my first experience reading Marisha Pessl, and it left me eager to explore more of her work. Known for her adult novels with a cult-media vibe and eerie undertones, Pessl brings the same energy to her second YA novel, blending gothic charm, psychological intrigue, and a dash of horror.

The story follows Arcadia "Dia" Gannon, a 17-year-old who runs her mother's antique shop and finds companionship in her two elderly coworkers, Agatha and Basil. Dia is obsessed with the mysterious board games known as Darklys, created by the enigmatic Louisiana Veda. After Veda's suspicious death, Dia is selected for a secretive internship with the Darkly company, joining six other teens equally obsessed with Veda's legacy.

They're transported to a remote island where Veda supposedly created her games, and from there, the mystery deepens. Pessl crafts a world that's immersive and unsettling, filled with impossible puzzles, hidden truths, and a protagonist determined to uncover it all.

The characters are memorable, and while I wished for more development of the supporting cast, Dia's voice carries the story with strength and vulnerability. The love triangle adds emotional tension without overshadowing the central mystery. Pessl's writing is atmospheric and layered, weaving together multiple threads that kept me guessing until the end.

Darkly is more than a creepy board game mystery - it's a story about obsession, legacy, and the lengths we go to uncover the truth. Pessl's world-building is masterful, and the novel's eerie tone lingers long after the final page.

Published: November 26, 2024
Read: October 2025