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Bad Influence: A Psychological Thriller
A toxic friendship plunges a family into chaos in an explosive new psychological thriller by the bestselling author of The Landlord and The Exes.
After fifteen years of marriage, Adrian and Steph Wall’s relationship is in crisis. But their troubles multiply when their teenage daughter falls under the spell of Scarlett, a charismatic teen with a knack for shoplifting, joyriding—and secretly triggering tragic “accidents.”
Steph worries from the start about Scarlett’s negative influence on their daughter. But when Adrian discovers the girl’s connection to a powerful figure who could make or break his career, he’s torn between ambition and protecting his family from Scarlett’s growing menace.
As danger escalates and lies unravel, the Walls must confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets to save their family. Can they overcome the sinister forces threatening to rip them apart—or will bad influences destroy their family forever?
A pulse-pounding drama of betrayal, redemption, and the harrowing depths of familial bonds tested to their limits, Bad Influence will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, heart-stopping revelation.
After fifteen years of marriage, Adrian and Steph Wall’s relationship is in crisis. But their troubles multiply when their teenage daughter falls under the spell of Scarlett, a charismatic teen with a knack for shoplifting, joyriding—and secretly triggering tragic “accidents.”
Steph worries from the start about Scarlett’s negative influence on their daughter. But when Adrian discovers the girl’s connection to a powerful figure who could make or break his career, he’s torn between ambition and protecting his family from Scarlett’s growing menace.
As danger escalates and lies unravel, the Walls must confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets to save their family. Can they overcome the sinister forces threatening to rip them apart—or will bad influences destroy their family forever?
A pulse-pounding drama of betrayal, redemption, and the harrowing depths of familial bonds tested to their limits, Bad Influence will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, heart-stopping revelation.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
333 people are currently reading
1811 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books881 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
July 7, 2024
Brandon Massey did it again. This was wild. That damn Scarlett was EVIL. And Adrian got on my everlasting damn nerves with his selfish ass. That selfishness almost wrote him a check he would never be able to cash. And poor Harper! She was just damn gullible and dumb😂
April 23, 2025
This was one story that everybody was toxic & crazy. The kids toxic, the adults toxic, geesh nobody stood a chance. What would you do if your 13 year old befriended a sociopathic demon seed? This unhealthy obsessive friendship will jeopardize everyone involved..
Scarlett is
…Malachi from “Children of the Corn” sister
…Macaulay Culkin from “The Good Son” niece
…Damien from “The Omen” cousin
…Esther from “Orphan” daughter
In other words.. PURE EVIL
Adrian, Gina & Scarlett made me cringe and I yelled at them 99.9% of the book. Steph was the only one that had some sense!
Being held hostage doesn’t always mean with a gun, because the Wall’s family was definitely at a disadvantage as they were not equipped to deal with Lucifer’s biological relatives lol. Amazzzinnngggg read that I highly recommend!
Scarlett is
…Malachi from “Children of the Corn” sister
…Macaulay Culkin from “The Good Son” niece
…Damien from “The Omen” cousin
…Esther from “Orphan” daughter
In other words.. PURE EVIL
Adrian, Gina & Scarlett made me cringe and I yelled at them 99.9% of the book. Steph was the only one that had some sense!
Being held hostage doesn’t always mean with a gun, because the Wall’s family was definitely at a disadvantage as they were not equipped to deal with Lucifer’s biological relatives lol. Amazzzinnngggg read that I highly recommend!
July 12, 2024
The characters mad me mad but I loved every minute of it
June 27, 2024
****4.5/5****
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I will say, the overuse of the words "sis" and "boo" irritated me, but evidently not enough to take away from the story. This was my first book by this author, and I'll be looking for more. Well done.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I will say, the overuse of the words "sis" and "boo" irritated me, but evidently not enough to take away from the story. This was my first book by this author, and I'll be looking for more. Well done.
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Bad Influence
Meet Scarlett, she’s a Psychopath… that’s the book 😭😭.
When i tell you i HATED Scarlett/Gina/ and Lamont, just useless and dumb THE WHOLE BOOK! Scarlett is the definition of the spawn of Satan.
She’s a 14 yr old girl with a penchant for murder. She befriends Harper at school and takes Harper and her family for the ride of their lives 😳. No plot twist just a psycho girl and her stupid parents and i loved every minute of it.
Bad Influence
Meet Scarlett, she’s a Psychopath… that’s the book 😭😭.
When i tell you i HATED Scarlett/Gina/ and Lamont, just useless and dumb THE WHOLE BOOK! Scarlett is the definition of the spawn of Satan.
She’s a 14 yr old girl with a penchant for murder. She befriends Harper at school and takes Harper and her family for the ride of their lives 😳. No plot twist just a psycho girl and her stupid parents and i loved every minute of it.
August 28, 2024
Talk about a drag!!!! This story had great potential I just think the completely missed the mark. No one in this book was likable at all. Harper was beyond delusional but hey maybe it’s bc her parents were going through a rough patch. I just do not remember myself being this out of touch at 13! Adrian was willing to blow up his entire life just for a couple dollars. He is weak and I’m kind of satisfied with how he ends in the story. Steph was the only logical one here but she was still mad annoying. As soon as they introduced Scarlet I was irritated and I know that was the point but SHEEEEESH. On top of that if her own parents didn’t want to be bothered with her why did Adrian not notice that this was the first sign of a red flag? I think I finally got interested around 85% and that’s is entirely too late for a book to get interesting. I’m proud of myself for finishing this one.
July 4, 2024
Gripping story!
This story made me want to scream and throw things. The characters were well written and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
This story made me want to scream and throw things. The characters were well written and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
September 22, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Brandon Massey, why hadn’t I heard of you until now?!! His writing style flowed fluidly and he wrote short chapters with most of the chapters ending in cliff hangers. Aside from his skillful writing ability, I liked how Massey alternated between each characters’ perspective. It made the story all the more compelling and left me guessing what was going on or what was going to happen next. Having read Bad Influence, my first read by this author, I have officially added him to “I need to read more by this author” list. Collectively, this was a gripping, addictively tension filled dramatic story of betrayal, redemption, and the harrowing depths of familial bonds tested to their limits. All of the characters were well written & developed. The plot was uniquely engaging with twists that at times had me wanting to throw the book across the room. That’s how crazy mad it made me feel (in the best possible way of course). I really liked how the characters, Adrian, Steph, and Harper, were relatable. Scarlett, on the other hand, was over the top; but it worked well with the clever, distinct plot. On top of that, Scarlett was beyond irritating and infuriatingly annoying that it was hard not to immediately hated her. In fact, I disliked her so much that I found myself rolling my eyes and nearly talking back to the book, saying “seriously?!” or “how could you!” whenever she behaved ludicrous…She drove me mad!! Luckily the other characters were more likable. That said, I couldn’t help but root for them hoping they would come out on top and be done with Scarlett’s cruel and deadly antics.
All in all, I was drawn into this dramatic story of betrayal, deceit, and redemption from the start. I was at the edge of my seat throughout. I definitely recommend this one if you favor a slow to steady to fast paced psychological family drama with the most likable and unlikable characters and a shocking end reveal.
Brandon Massey, why hadn’t I heard of you until now?!! His writing style flowed fluidly and he wrote short chapters with most of the chapters ending in cliff hangers. Aside from his skillful writing ability, I liked how Massey alternated between each characters’ perspective. It made the story all the more compelling and left me guessing what was going on or what was going to happen next. Having read Bad Influence, my first read by this author, I have officially added him to “I need to read more by this author” list. Collectively, this was a gripping, addictively tension filled dramatic story of betrayal, redemption, and the harrowing depths of familial bonds tested to their limits. All of the characters were well written & developed. The plot was uniquely engaging with twists that at times had me wanting to throw the book across the room. That’s how crazy mad it made me feel (in the best possible way of course). I really liked how the characters, Adrian, Steph, and Harper, were relatable. Scarlett, on the other hand, was over the top; but it worked well with the clever, distinct plot. On top of that, Scarlett was beyond irritating and infuriatingly annoying that it was hard not to immediately hated her. In fact, I disliked her so much that I found myself rolling my eyes and nearly talking back to the book, saying “seriously?!” or “how could you!” whenever she behaved ludicrous…She drove me mad!! Luckily the other characters were more likable. That said, I couldn’t help but root for them hoping they would come out on top and be done with Scarlett’s cruel and deadly antics.
All in all, I was drawn into this dramatic story of betrayal, deceit, and redemption from the start. I was at the edge of my seat throughout. I definitely recommend this one if you favor a slow to steady to fast paced psychological family drama with the most likable and unlikable characters and a shocking end reveal.
September 24, 2025
Predictable
The plot was somewhat like the one in the classic movie The Bad Seed, (one of my all-time favorites.) Unfortunately for me, Bad Influence didn't do it for me. All of the characters were horrible and unlikable. The one character that I wanted to shake the you know what out of was Adrian, the Husband/father. What a dummy. I've enjoyed a few other of Brandon Massey's books but this one ended up being flat and too predictable. 2.75 rounded up the 3.
The plot was somewhat like the one in the classic movie The Bad Seed, (one of my all-time favorites.) Unfortunately for me, Bad Influence didn't do it for me. All of the characters were horrible and unlikable. The one character that I wanted to shake the you know what out of was Adrian, the Husband/father. What a dummy. I've enjoyed a few other of Brandon Massey's books but this one ended up being flat and too predictable. 2.75 rounded up the 3.
July 25, 2024
Massey is gonna write the most insufferable characters of all time every time but I love it! Never stop 😭 the dad PISSED ME CLEAN OFF
March 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ Highly Intense.
Wickedly entertaining.
Fast & bingeable!
Slappable characters!
Bad Influence follows a family that has been upended by a maniacal 14 year old terror.
Adrian and his wife Steph have been separated because they couldn't get on the same page about life. Adrian has been uber focused on his career and his family took a backseat. Now, that comes to bite him in the ass once his 13 yo daughter, Harper, meets a bad influence at school, a little mischievous psychopath, Scarlett.
The girls meet and become fast sister friends. The parents soon recognize new, odd habits in their daughter and they want to put an end to it. But, Adrian once again can't prioritize his family because he's trying to keep his paper coming in.
Sheesh, this book had me so tight! Foolish characters, unbelievable decisions, outlandish actions. Adrian had no spine AT ALL. The things that kept happening had me shouting and screaming, like, 🗣️"stand up, Adrian". Harper was so desperate to finally have a friend that she overlooked every instinct screaming that something was OFF. Scarlett was unhinged! And poor Steph was always the last to know!
I liked that the story is mostly told from the dad’s perspective, but we get other POVs throughout. This story shows why parents should be “one band, one sound” when it comes to their children. The lack of communication between husband and wife was one of the biggest barriers to squashing things before they veered so far off the rails. These parents, I fear, failed Harper and this was a FAFO effect.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated very well. This was a fun buddy read with lit_eraryqueen and also, separately with my friend who is not on IG. We spent hours on the phone breaking down every little aspect of this book, which was fun! If you enjoy Freida McFadden books, you will likely enjoy this one!
Wickedly entertaining.
Fast & bingeable!
Slappable characters!
Bad Influence follows a family that has been upended by a maniacal 14 year old terror.
Adrian and his wife Steph have been separated because they couldn't get on the same page about life. Adrian has been uber focused on his career and his family took a backseat. Now, that comes to bite him in the ass once his 13 yo daughter, Harper, meets a bad influence at school, a little mischievous psychopath, Scarlett.
The girls meet and become fast sister friends. The parents soon recognize new, odd habits in their daughter and they want to put an end to it. But, Adrian once again can't prioritize his family because he's trying to keep his paper coming in.
Sheesh, this book had me so tight! Foolish characters, unbelievable decisions, outlandish actions. Adrian had no spine AT ALL. The things that kept happening had me shouting and screaming, like, 🗣️"stand up, Adrian". Harper was so desperate to finally have a friend that she overlooked every instinct screaming that something was OFF. Scarlett was unhinged! And poor Steph was always the last to know!
I liked that the story is mostly told from the dad’s perspective, but we get other POVs throughout. This story shows why parents should be “one band, one sound” when it comes to their children. The lack of communication between husband and wife was one of the biggest barriers to squashing things before they veered so far off the rails. These parents, I fear, failed Harper and this was a FAFO effect.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated very well. This was a fun buddy read with lit_eraryqueen and also, separately with my friend who is not on IG. We spent hours on the phone breaking down every little aspect of this book, which was fun! If you enjoy Freida McFadden books, you will likely enjoy this one!
September 25, 2024
4.25⭐️!! Whoa this was a thrill ride! I devoured this book about a sociopath teenager and the crazy stunts she pulled throughout this book. It was fast paced, captivating, and frightening. The characters were all flawed to some degree, and I thought that Massey depicted them perfectly. I’m so thankful for the loan, Jackie! This was so good and I can’t wait to read more by him!
March 31, 2025
I have never wanted to climb into an audiobook and slap a character more in my entire life aghhjkfmfiffn!!!!
adrien gotta be one of the biggest losers ever! harper was delusional and naïve. and scarlet…let me not.
adrien gotta be one of the biggest losers ever! harper was delusional and naïve. and scarlet…let me not.
December 15, 2024
What in the Tyler Perry's Haves and the Have Nots soap opera drama did I just read? How in the hell was this book rated so damn high? No, Just absolutley.... Not.
Two stars because even though the characters were absolutely horrible cliches and the plot was completely ridiculous, I continued to read it just because I wanted to see how it would end.
Two stars because even though the characters were absolutely horrible cliches and the plot was completely ridiculous, I continued to read it just because I wanted to see how it would end.
October 28, 2024
Baby listen!!!! Scarlett and her parents were dang lunatics 😂. Like, they were really out here doing whatever they wanted to do. Gina and Lamont had no control over Scarlett, and even though she was out in these streets acting a darn fool they did whatever they needed to do to protect their baby.
Then you have Steph and Adrian who are the parents of Harper. They struggling with what they struggling with, and trying to find their way back. Adrian just trying to get his coins together, and the opportunity is dangling like a carrot in his face, but how far will you go for a few dollars?
The friendship between Scarlett and Harper was crazy, but the adults in this story were just as unhinged. I was in here SCREAMING at these people 😂
My first read by Brandon and I loved it. I’ll definitely be reading more.
Title: Bad Influence
Author: Brandon Massey
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 344
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Then you have Steph and Adrian who are the parents of Harper. They struggling with what they struggling with, and trying to find their way back. Adrian just trying to get his coins together, and the opportunity is dangling like a carrot in his face, but how far will you go for a few dollars?
The friendship between Scarlett and Harper was crazy, but the adults in this story were just as unhinged. I was in here SCREAMING at these people 😂
My first read by Brandon and I loved it. I’ll definitely be reading more.
Title: Bad Influence
Author: Brandon Massey
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 344
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 4, 2026
“Snitches get stitches.”
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will take you on a very wild ride then this may be the book for you.
-middle school FMCs
-separated parents in their 40s
-violence & crimes
-rich, Black parents
-based in Georgia
-found family
-manipulation & secrets
-“Orphan” movie vibes
-feels like a movie
-8/10 audiobook
-the ebbs & flows of parenting
-lies & betrayal
-toxic relationships
-an unpredictable storyline
-solid epilogue
This is the most “unhinged child” thriller that I’ve ever read & I’m here for it!
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will take you on a very wild ride then this may be the book for you.
-middle school FMCs
-separated parents in their 40s
-violence & crimes
-rich, Black parents
-based in Georgia
-found family
-manipulation & secrets
-“Orphan” movie vibes
-feels like a movie
-8/10 audiobook
-the ebbs & flows of parenting
-lies & betrayal
-toxic relationships
-an unpredictable storyline
-solid epilogue
This is the most “unhinged child” thriller that I’ve ever read & I’m here for it!
July 20, 2024
Loved it. If you like thrillers, this is the one!
July 28, 2024
Thrilling and chilling!
This book did not disappoint. Such a great realistic storyline and the plot twists were never ending lol. I truly enjoyed this book and love this author.
This book did not disappoint. Such a great realistic storyline and the plot twists were never ending lol. I truly enjoyed this book and love this author.
March 23, 2025
Easy, quick read that kept you engaged. Was expecting more of a plot twist at the end. The ending felt rushed & could have wrapped up a few more things better.
August 9, 2025
2.5⭐️ I just can’t get past how genuinely awful all the characters are (with the exception of Steph). Adrian in particular is the most selfish ass piece of trash father.
It was definitely a fast-paced read but you will be pissed and annoyed reading it.
It was definitely a fast-paced read but you will be pissed and annoyed reading it.
January 3, 2026
This is my 2nd book by the author and same as before I loved everything about the book. He should’ve called this A Teen Gone Wild cause WTF‼️
Did the characters piss me off? Yes
Did this have me on the edge of my seat? Yes
Was I thoroughly engaged? Yes
Is this a page-turner? I turned the ebook page so fast I was done with the book as soon as I started!
I just know Brandon Massey graduated magna cum laude with a degree in character development. He knows how to create the perfect, most memorable character’s especially the villain.
With Steph and Adrian already going through a rough patch in their marriage the last thing they needed was their daughter acting out. But that’s their fault for not teaching her not to be a follower‼️Steph was the only character with sense in this book. Adrian was an idiot is all I will say about him. Gina and her husband Lamont were the worse parents in life. I felt like they had Scarlett just to say they had a kid cause they had absolutely no control over her. Harper was an innocent bystander through it all lol she only made me mad because she didn’t say nothing. And Scarlett . . . I’m still mad about the ending!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was highly entertained. From the beginning you’re gonna be hooked because things unravel fast! All the drama, chaos, and unexpected twists won’t let you put the book down. The characters are fully developed he put in work on Scarlett I felt like he was rage baiting me. Although toxic friendships are a central theme in the book the consequences of one’s actions was another. The Wall’s family really had to FAFO. If you’re looking for your next psychological thriller you found it!
Did the characters piss me off? Yes
Did this have me on the edge of my seat? Yes
Was I thoroughly engaged? Yes
Is this a page-turner? I turned the ebook page so fast I was done with the book as soon as I started!
I just know Brandon Massey graduated magna cum laude with a degree in character development. He knows how to create the perfect, most memorable character’s especially the villain.
With Steph and Adrian already going through a rough patch in their marriage the last thing they needed was their daughter acting out. But that’s their fault for not teaching her not to be a follower‼️Steph was the only character with sense in this book. Adrian was an idiot is all I will say about him. Gina and her husband Lamont were the worse parents in life. I felt like they had Scarlett just to say they had a kid cause they had absolutely no control over her. Harper was an innocent bystander through it all lol she only made me mad because she didn’t say nothing. And Scarlett . . . I’m still mad about the ending!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was highly entertained. From the beginning you’re gonna be hooked because things unravel fast! All the drama, chaos, and unexpected twists won’t let you put the book down. The characters are fully developed he put in work on Scarlett I felt like he was rage baiting me. Although toxic friendships are a central theme in the book the consequences of one’s actions was another. The Wall’s family really had to FAFO. If you’re looking for your next psychological thriller you found it!
November 5, 2024
This book took awhile to get use to as the book is written as the narrator telling the story. I eventually got used to it but another reason I gave this 3 stars is because both the daughter and dad were dumb as rocks almost unbelievably dumb. I mean the father and daughter both were so naive and gullible, it was like you look up and the sky is blue , but you try to convince yourself is purple then someone else tells you it's blue and you're so surprised. Maybe a bad analogy but you get my point. Lol
January 30, 2025
Scarlett… when I catch you… This book reminded me of a crazy Lifetime movie. I hated the way the word “sis” was on every page, but outside of that this was a good read.
February 20, 2025
This book is a page turner & easy to read, but the storyline falls flat, the characters are very dumb (god forgive me) and the ending is horrible. I gave it one star for page turning & and one star for easy to read. The author could’ve done so much more with book- every scene was just very boring. I def wouldn’t read this book again and I wouldn’t recommend it either.
November 11, 2024
Good quick read. Pretty far fetched- makes me glad my kids never had friends like this!
December 4, 2024
This book was weirddddd lol and a bit predictable. I was going to dnf it but it was an audiobook and I just pushed through.
January 9, 2025
“What good will it do you to gain a small fortune but lose your entire world?”
Maaaannnn, listen! Brandon be writing the stupidest and weakest MMCs I’m convinced. I’m talking WEAK IN THE SPINE. What that girl said “STAND UP!” However, he knows how to keep you engaged and entertained. Adrian behind had me too upset with him. This is what happens when you’re more concerned about replaceable things rather than what’s important. Like family.
Harper really needed therapy for what was going on at home but Scarlett caught her at weak moment and pounced. Now that damn Scarlett only had one screw left and that thang was barely hanging on. That whole family was something else. And open as hell with each other. They needed to be in the padded room with white walls.
If you need to be entertained and pissed at the same time go listen to the audiobook. Found it on audible.
Maaaannnn, listen! Brandon be writing the stupidest and weakest MMCs I’m convinced. I’m talking WEAK IN THE SPINE. What that girl said “STAND UP!” However, he knows how to keep you engaged and entertained. Adrian behind had me too upset with him. This is what happens when you’re more concerned about replaceable things rather than what’s important. Like family.
Harper really needed therapy for what was going on at home but Scarlett caught her at weak moment and pounced. Now that damn Scarlett only had one screw left and that thang was barely hanging on. That whole family was something else. And open as hell with each other. They needed to be in the padded room with white walls.
If you need to be entertained and pissed at the same time go listen to the audiobook. Found it on audible.
June 29, 2024
4.5 ⭐️s. This was GOOD. It’s been awhile since I’ve found myself yelling at the pages and hating a character with everything inside of me 😂 I wanted to strangle that girl lmfao Massey didn’t disappoint. This was a quick, entertaining, nail biting read.
July 13, 2024
Wow!
Whew, Scarlett needed her tail BEAT!!! Definitely had me thankful as a parent that my children are adults and past that phase of worrying about who they befriend in school…… cause there’s no way.
This was such a good book…. You can never go wrong with Brandon Massey!
Whew, Scarlett needed her tail BEAT!!! Definitely had me thankful as a parent that my children are adults and past that phase of worrying about who they befriend in school…… cause there’s no way.
This was such a good book…. You can never go wrong with Brandon Massey!
August 6, 2024
OMG! Any book that has me yelling at the characters is really good! I will say that Adrian got on my nerves by not having his priorities straight but I won’t say much more. I’m wondering if there will be a sequel. 🙂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews