6 Books on the Dark Side of Influencer Culture and Social Media

Whether we choose to use it or not, social media a huge part of many of our lives—from tweets appearing in news headlines to the constant possibility of appearing in the background of content as an innocent passerby.

For those who do use social media, there are few profiles more addictive than an influencer’s. No matter their niche, their content is designed to draw us in. They’re who we want to be. They are—as the name suggests—pretty influential.

Now, with choices of Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more to rake in the big sponsorship bucks, it feels like influencers are more prevalent than ever. And, naturally, so are books about them!

These picks all explore the darker side of influencing—from identity theft to murder.

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Emily Jane Hodgkin, Life of Zanna

Five years after influencer Hannah “Zanna” Zagalo is brutally murdered, her former best friend, ghostwriter and biggest collaborator Paige White is invited to take part in a documentary about her life—and her death.

Since Zanna’s death, Paige has stepped out from behind the scenes on Zanna’s Instagram account and into the spotlight—and, now in financial trouble, she’s desperate to keep the lavish lifestyle she’s showing off online.

So she agrees. And then the email arrives, saying “I know what you did.”

Told through scenes from the present day, flashbacks, and transcripts from the documentary, Life of Zanna is an addictive whodunit for the Instagram era.

Liann Zhang, Julie Chan is Dead

Supermarket cashier Julie Chan and her identical twin, influencer Chloe VanHuusen, were separated at a young age. Although they briefly reunited for one viral video (initiated by Chloe) they rarely spoke – and Julie became increasingly resentful of her sister’s luxurious lifestyle.

Chloe has everything: designer clothes, huge sponsorship deals, and millions of adoring followers who hang on to her every word. So when Julie receives a strange phone call from Chloe and then finds her dead, it seems all too easy for her to step out of her dull, boring life…and into Chloe’s shiny one.

However, she quickly discovers that Chloe’s life wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.

It’s clever, it’s witty, and it’s wild. If you enjoyed Bunny, you’ll love this one. And you’ll never look at a pink sugar mouse the same way again.

Olivia Worley, People to Follow

Ten influencers arrive at a remote Caribbean island, excited to take part in a brand new reality show called ‘In Real Life’, where they’ll unplug for three weeks.

But then the production crew don’t turn up – and one of their own is violently killed.

Trapped on the island with a dead body and no way to communicate with the outside world, the remaining nine influencers can’t imagine how things could get much worse.

Until they begin receiving messages from a mysterious figure called the Sponsor, who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets….

Blurbed by fellow author Alexa Donne as “Agatha Christie meets TikTok,” this unforgettable debut is a perfect summer read for dark influencer fans!

Caro Claire Burke, Yesteryear

This book is everywhere right now—and, in my opinion, with good reason!

Yesteryear follows trad wife influencer Natalie through two timelines: one as she wakes up in the 1800s and is forced to live the gritty lifestyle she promotes on social media, and another showing how she became such a famous (or infamous) influencer in the first place.

Natalie is a pretty unlikeable character, but she’s no less compelling for it. And I did not see that twist coming!

If you’re interested in the world of trad wives and influencers, and how the two combine, this novel is an absolute must-read.

Fortesa Latifi, Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online

If you enjoyed the At Home with the Shaws plot thread in Tell Your Friends, you’re sure to find journalist and author Latifi’s book both fascinating and sinister.

In it, Latifi explores the reality of family vlogging and “momfluencing”—from potential earnings and the hired help that’s often hidden behind the scenes, to the negative impact that growing up in the spotlight can have on influencer kids in their own words.

It’s a timely, important and sometimes shocking read.

Lauren Wilson, The Goldens

A bit of cheeky self promo here!

My debut novel The Goldens follows eighteen-year-old Chloe as she starts her first year at university. She’s desperate to fit in and make friends, but gets off to a rocky start – before a coincidence puts her in the sights of influencer Clara Holland.

Their friendship quickly deepens as they host wild parties at Clara’s family mansion for her many admirers, and Chloe even mores in with Clara – but it isn’t long before things escalate, cult accusations begin to fly…and someone ends up dead.

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