Oxford Blood (Book 1)
The first in a series of compelling and skilful dark academic thrillers from a brilliant new voice in YA fiction.
Eva has one dream: to study English at Oxford University. Not only will she receive a world-class education – getting into Oxford is a pass to freedom.
But when Eva and her best friend George are invited to Interview Week, they find themselves part of a kill-or-be-killed competition on an anonymous student forum, Oxford Slays. When Eva finds George dead on the steps of a statue in the college, she knows he’s been murdered – but all eyes are now on her. Can she clear her name, catch the true killer and win her place at Beecham College?
Eva has one week to prove her innocence, and Oxford Slays will be watching.
Ace of Spades meets The Secret History in this riveting murder mystery thriller, full of narrative twists and turns, complex and appealing characters and a captivating, authentic setting – set against the backdrop of an important message about the true cost of privilege.
Rachael Davis-Featherstone
Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a mixed-raced, Black-British, multi-award-nominated author. She grew up in a low-income, single-parent family and studied mathematics at Oxford University before receiving a master's in English literature at Surrey University.
Rachael has published more than twenty books, ranging from picture books to commercial fiction, and her works have been translated into seven languages. I am NOT a Prince, illustrated by Beatrix Hatcher, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Rachael was also longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards and shortlisted for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards.
Rachael champions diversity in literature and was a judge for the inaugural Jericho Prize. She is a non-executive director for ALCS and a trustee for English PEN. In 2024, Rachael cofounded Creative Roots Studio which helps writers and illustrators build sustainable careers.