Author guide

Marisha Pessl Books in Order

Marisha Pessl is an American novelist whose work combines literary fiction, suspense, mystery, and speculative elements. She is the author of four published novels: Special Topics in Calamity Physics, Night Film, Neverworld Wake, and Darkly. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages.

literary fictionpsychological thrillermysteryyoung adult fictionspeculative fiction

Catalog record updated August 25, 2026.

Marisha Pessl's Newest Book

Darkly

novel · First published 2024

Arcadia “Dia” Gannon has been obsessed with Louisiana Veda, the game designer whose obsessive creations and company, Darkly, have gained a cultlike following. Dia is shocked when she’s chosen for a highly-coveted internship, along with six other teenagers from around the world. Why her? Dia has never won anything in her life. Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. The remaining games are priced like rare works of art, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction. As Dia and her fellow interns delve into the heart of Darkly, they discover hidden symbols, buried clues, and a web of intrigue. Who are these other teens, and what secrets do they keep? Why were any of them really chosen? The answers lie within the twisted labyrinth of Darkly—a chilling and addictive read by Marisha Pessl. This summer will be the most twisted Darkly game of all.

Not sure where to begin?

Start with one of these

Special Topics in Calamity Physics

Her debut novel and the earliest entry point into her distinctive blend of literary fiction, mystery, and suspense.

Outside the series

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Novels (4)

Special Topics in Calamity Physics
novel · 2006

A darkly funny coming-of-age novel and a richly plotted suspense tale told through the distinctive voice of its heroine, Blue van Meer. After a childhood moving from one academic outpost to another with her father (a man prone to…
Night Film
novel · 2013

When the daughter of a cult horror film director is found dead in an abandoned Manhattan warehouse, investigative journalist Scott McGrath, disbelieving the official suicide ruling, probes into the strange circumstances of the young…
Neverworld Wake
novel · 2018

Once upon a time, back at Darrow-Harker School, Beatrice Hartley and her five best friends were the cool kids, the beautiful ones. Then the shocking death of Jim their creative genius and Beatrice's boyfriend changed everything. One year…
Darkly
novel · 2024

Arcadia “Dia” Gannon has been obsessed with Louisiana Veda, the game designer whose obsessive creations and company, Darkly, have gained a cultlike following. Dia is shocked when she’s chosen for a highly-coveted internship, along with…

Frequently asked questions about Marisha Pessl

Who is Marisha Pessl?

Marisha Pessl is an American novelist known for intricate, genre-defying mysteries. She is a New York Times bestselling author, and her books have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Sources: marishapessl.com (opens in a new tab)dublinliteraryaward.ie (opens in a new tab)

Where did Marisha Pessl grow up and study?

Pessl grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and graduated from Barnard College after attending Northwestern University.

Sources: penguinrandomhousehighereducation.com (opens in a new tab)encyclopedia.com (opens in a new tab)

What did Marisha Pessl do before becoming a novelist?

Before establishing her fiction career, Pessl worked as a financial consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Source: encyclopedia.com (opens in a new tab)

What influenced Marisha Pessl’s writing?

Pessl has said that her childhood love of board games influenced her writing, while suspense gives her a way to explore coming-of-age and the realities of adult life.

Source: publishersweekly.com (opens in a new tab)

What awards and recognition has Marisha Pessl received?

Her debut novel won the Center for Fiction’s inaugural First Novel Prize in 2006, then called the John Sargent, Sr. First Novel Prize. It was also selected as one of The New York Times Book Review’s Ten Best Books of the Year.

Sources: centerforfiction.org (opens in a new tab)penguinrandomhousehighereducation.com (opens in a new tab)