Books About Rich People Behaving Badly
Few things can compare to the satisfaction and sensation that comes from watching the ultra-wealthy get tangled in webs of deception, betrayal, and truly terrible decisions. Whether it’s scheming socialites, rebellious royals, or families that hide long-buried secrets in a veneer of perfection, we can’t look away when the lives of the elite start to unravel. And with shows like Netflix’s Sirens, Hulu’s We Were Liars, and HBO’s The White Lotus and Succession rising in popularity, it’s clear we’re not the only ones obsessed with designer-clad country club queens and privileged private school attendees causing chaos. We’ve rounded up 15 novels that explore the dark, dramatic, and messy lives of the wealthy. If you love your stories with a healthy helping of wealthy and wicked behavior, consider this your ultimate TBR.
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1
Add to BookshelfYou Will Never Be Me
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Influencer Meredith Lee has it all — an amazing wardrobe of clothes, invitations to killer parties, and awesome brand deals. There’s just one problem: Fellow influencer — and Meredith’s former protégé — Aspen Palmer has more. More followers, better sponsors, and access to even more exclusive events. One day, the jealousy becomes too much, and Meredith does the unthinkable to her “best friend.” From the USA Today bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties comes a propulsive and thought-provoking thriller that explores the envy, greed, and the dark side of society’s obsession with social media.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Lies and Weddings
by Kevin Kwan
From the internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asian trilogy comes a fresh new story about a Hawaiian summer wedding that blows up when a volcanic eruption burns through the nuptials. Deep family secrets are brought to light, scandalous affairs are revealed, and reputations are left in ruin. Filled to the brim with glamour and a cast clad in designer outfits, this chaotic romantic comedy delivers drama, dysfunction, and designer fashion in spades.
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$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Saltwater
by Katy Hays
Every year, Helen’s wealthy family, the Lingates, vacation in Capri, Italy. It also happens to be the place where her mother, Sarah Lingate, died under mysterious circumstances in the early ’90s. With the thirtieth anniversary of her mother’s death approaching, her family’s already sky-high paranoia reaches a new peak. Scandalous, riveting, and packed with jaw-dropping twists, this family’s messy drama will keep you guessing until the very end!
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$30.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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The Downstairs Girl: Reese’s YA Book Club
by Stacey Lee
Named one of People Magazine’s Best Books of the Year, Stacey Lee’s New York Times bestselling novel follows Jo Kuan, a Chinese-American teenager working for one of Atlanta’s richest and most ruthless men. But secretly, at night, she’s the mysterious author of the vastly popular “Dear Miss Sweetie” column. With anonymity on her side, she uses her voice to spotlight high society’s woes and challenges unfair norms about race and gender. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, this immersive and dazzling historical drama gives a heartfelt portrayal of racism and class differences in the 1920s New South.
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$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Hatchet Girls
by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
When Tessa Gomez’s brother, Vic, is accused of murdering his girlfriend’s wealthy parents, it’s up to her to prove his innocence. The odds are stacked against her, especially since Vic was found standing over their bodies, hands covered in blood. As Tessa investigates, she learns the two victims were harboring a dark secret that could destroy their pristine reputation. Gruesome and haunting, this twisted horror novel blends a historical legend with a modern-day crime so gory, it’ll send chills down your spine.
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6
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Royal Scandal
by Aimée Carter
Ever since Evan Bright’s identity as the King of England’s illegitimate daughter was discovered, she’s been fast-tracked to life in the public eye. But despite crash courses in etiquette, protocol, and a growing relationship with her half-sister, Princess Maisie, the heir to the throne, she’s racked up more enemies than she can keep track of. Things turn deadly after an assassination attempt, and Evan is certain the culprit is within the palace walls. Palace intrigues turn deadly in this royal mystery, perfect for fans of Katharine McGee and Karen M. McManus.
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7
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Pineapple Street: A GMA Book Club Pick
by Jenny Jackson
The opulent life of NYC’s one-percenters is explored in this witty and wildly observant novel. Chosen as a best book of the year by The New York Times, Jackson’s debut novel follows three women of the old-money rich Stockton family as they ensconce themselves in doomed romances and larger-than-life business dealings. Hilarious, witty, and featuring an unforgettable cast of characters and just the right amount of sass, this domestic drama is perfect for fans of Emma Rosenblum and Ann Napolitano.
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$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
It wouldn’t be a roundup of the rich without the iconic millionaire Jay Gatsby! Fitzgerald’s timeless classic encapsulates the excess, debauchery, and emotional wreckage of the Roaring Twenties. Outrageous parties, a secret second-chance romance, and murder crash together in mesmerizing style. Themes of class differences, love, and the destructive consequences of not being able to let go of the past are brought to life in classic F. Scott Fitzgerald style.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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The Gatsby Gambit
by Claire Anderson Wheeler
Here’s a modern take on Fitzgerald’s timeless classic! Meet Greta Gatsby — the younger sister of the elusive and mysterious Jay Gatsby. While summering in Long Island, murder befalls the Gatsby Mansion. Greta makes it her mission to find out what happened. Smart and fun, a clever twist is added to the 1920s favorite.
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$30.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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The Hunting Wives
by May Cobb
Named a Most Anticipated Novel by The Skimm and adapted into a Netflix original series starring Brittany Snow and Chrissy Metz, this propulsive thriller tells the story of Sophie O’Neill, a housewife who moves from bustling Chicago to a small town in Texas. There, she becomes entranced by Margot Banks, a socialite who’s a member of the elite clique known as the Hunting Wives. Mean Girls meets Stepford Wives in this salacious bestseller.
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11
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We Were Liars: Deluxe Edition
by E. Lockhart
Before you dive into the crazy addictive Prime original series, catch up on the source material! This #1 New York Times bestseller takes place on a private island off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Four teens — the Liars — harbor a dark secret that can turn all their lives upside down and inside out. With its luxurious setting, old money vibes, and beautiful prose, it’s easy to see why this psychological mystery is so addictive.
Be sure to catch the prequel, Family of Liars!
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$14.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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The Cuban Heiress
by Chanel Cleeton
From the New York Times bestselling author of Our Last Days in Barcelona comes a deliciously new historical fiction with no shortage of twists and turns. Aboard Morro Castle bound for Havana are two women – Catherine Dohan, a woman hiding from the secrets of her past, and Elena Palacio, a woman on the run. Out for revenge, the two of them will risk everything to see justice served. An NPR “Books We Love” selection for 2023, this alluring historical fiction contains the right amount of suspense and mystery that’ll keep you guessing until the end.
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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13
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Mademoiselle Revolution
by Zoe Sivak
Les Misérables meets White Lotus in this must-read historical novel! With the outbreak of the Haitian Revolution, Sylvie de Rosiers, a biracial heiress, is forced to flee her privileged life in Paris only to land in the heart of even greater political chaos. As she becomes entangled with Maximilien Robespierre and his mistress, Cornélie Duplay, members of the revolution — the lines between liberation and manipulation blur. Rich and vivid in its details, this thought-provoking novel offers biting commentary on privilege, power, and the hypocrisy of revolutionary ideals — especially among the elite.
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14
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The Duchess
by Wendy Holden
Calling all royal fans, this one’s for you! Before Kate and William and Diana and Charles, there was Wallis and Edward. Wallis is a lonely, married American woman living in England. A chance encounter with Edward, the Prince of Wales, leads to a fast friendship and even faster romance. With Edward being the heir to the throne, a relationship is impossible. What follows is a series of scandalous events that forever change the British royal family’s line of succession.
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15
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They Wish They Were Us
by Jessica Goodman
Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart and Kara Thomas, this Gossip Girl-style murder mystery is set against the backdrop of an elite prep school with an exclusive secret society. When Jill’s best friend, Shaila Arnold, was murdered, her boyfriend, Graham, was sent away for the crime. But Graham didn’t do it. And now, three years later, Jill’s world is torn apart, and the chilling hunt for the truth unfolds. Fans of Maxwell Hall and Netflix’s Elite will instantly get hooked on this twisted thriller.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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16
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The Inheritance
by Trisha Sakhlecha
Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion. Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children — who all have secrets they would die to protect — the succession plan for his multimillion-dollar Delhi-based company. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One this is certain: This family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity.
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$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
