The Afterdark

One of Indigo’s Best Ten Books of 2025

“[A] dark and twisted thriller interspersed with intense and steamy moments of sapphic romance.” —Publishers Weekly

“With engaging, emotionally charged prose, creative worldbuilding, and defined characterization, Latimer quickly establishes a world of entitlement and corruption. Themes of substance abuse, broken families, and financial privilege all provide the background to a complex and dark supernatural fantasy with angst that teens will find relatable. Baked into the setting, the woods surrounding Northcroft possess a tension and creepiness that creates a realistic suspense and enhances the sense of foreboding present from the very start.” —School Library Journal

“This slow-burning thriller successfully combines contrasting genres such as romance and body horror to deliver a dark, distorted love story with enough shocking revelations to induce whiplash.” —Booklist

“Readers looking for a dark academic read with a hint of sapphic romance will find here a satisfying blend of horror and mystery.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A queer horror/love story exploring themes of female rage, obsession, and the inherent urge of teenage girls to think they’re the monsters, The Afterdark takes place in a rich, atmospheric and decaying setting complete with ivy-covered walls, towering, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. The mystery elements are well-constructed and engaging.” —Quebec Library Association