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Bad Influence
Two bored, obsessed teenagers break into – and secretly live in – influencers' houses. But when they choose the wrong home, their twisted experiment turns deadly.…
Alyssa wants to be seen. Less wants to be someone. She takes two buses to class, posts pictures of her lunch, and pretends it's all effortless. He hides his privilege beneath thrifted clothes and a sketchbook full of impossible designs. Together, they are inseparable – two outsiders constructing a version of themselves the world might finally applaud.
Then Alyssa stumbles upon the hidden world of phrogging – living unnoticed inside other people's homes. She and Less slip through Los Angeles' glossy influencers, producers, pop stars, all so busy performing their perfect lives they don't notice the shadows in their attics, the scratching in their walls.
An act of rebellion. A harmless thrill. A social experiment.
Until they choose the wrong house.
Until the influencer they idolise catches them in the act.
Until the cameras, already rolling, capture everything.
What begins as a reckless adventure becomes a nightmare of lies, power and the cost of visibility. Bad Influence is a breathtakingly tense, darkly funny thriller about the lives we curate, the secrets we hide, and the monsters made by the need to be seen.
____________
'Will Carver uses his unique voice to skewer the vacuous world of wannabe influencers and reality TV … a savage, scathing, compelling but deeply funny take-down of a fake, narcissistic world. Totally on point and enormous fun!' Trevor Wood
'A smart, stylish writer' Daily Mail
'Will Carver follows Kill Them With Kindness with another satirical look at the world we live in and he does it brilliantly … captures the zeitgeist of 21st century culture and I cannot wait to see where he goes next' Michael Wood
–––––
Praise for Will Carver
'One of the most exciting authors in Britain' Daily Express
'Incredibly dark and very funny' Harriet Tyce
'Unlike anything you'll read this year' Heat
'Impossibly original, stylish, sinister and heartfelt' Chris Whitaker
'Weirdly page-turning' Sunday Times
'Ambitious, dark and funny' Mike Gayle
'A highly original state-of-the-nation novel' Literary Review
'Arguably the most original crime novel published this year' Independent
'Mesmeric' Guardian
'Memorable for its unrepentant darkness…' Telegraph
'Perceptive and twisted in equal measure' CultureFly
'Unflinching, blunt and brutal' Sam Holland
'Equally enthralling and appalling' James Oswald
'One of the most compelling and original voices in crime fiction' Alex North
'Brilliantly original' Sam Holland
'Clever, compelling, funny'
Alyssa wants to be seen. Less wants to be someone. She takes two buses to class, posts pictures of her lunch, and pretends it's all effortless. He hides his privilege beneath thrifted clothes and a sketchbook full of impossible designs. Together, they are inseparable – two outsiders constructing a version of themselves the world might finally applaud.
Then Alyssa stumbles upon the hidden world of phrogging – living unnoticed inside other people's homes. She and Less slip through Los Angeles' glossy influencers, producers, pop stars, all so busy performing their perfect lives they don't notice the shadows in their attics, the scratching in their walls.
An act of rebellion. A harmless thrill. A social experiment.
Until they choose the wrong house.
Until the influencer they idolise catches them in the act.
Until the cameras, already rolling, capture everything.
What begins as a reckless adventure becomes a nightmare of lies, power and the cost of visibility. Bad Influence is a breathtakingly tense, darkly funny thriller about the lives we curate, the secrets we hide, and the monsters made by the need to be seen.
____________
'Will Carver uses his unique voice to skewer the vacuous world of wannabe influencers and reality TV … a savage, scathing, compelling but deeply funny take-down of a fake, narcissistic world. Totally on point and enormous fun!' Trevor Wood
'A smart, stylish writer' Daily Mail
'Will Carver follows Kill Them With Kindness with another satirical look at the world we live in and he does it brilliantly … captures the zeitgeist of 21st century culture and I cannot wait to see where he goes next' Michael Wood
–––––
Praise for Will Carver
'One of the most exciting authors in Britain' Daily Express
'Incredibly dark and very funny' Harriet Tyce
'Unlike anything you'll read this year' Heat
'Impossibly original, stylish, sinister and heartfelt' Chris Whitaker
'Weirdly page-turning' Sunday Times
'Ambitious, dark and funny' Mike Gayle
'A highly original state-of-the-nation novel' Literary Review
'Arguably the most original crime novel published this year' Independent
'Mesmeric' Guardian
'Memorable for its unrepentant darkness…' Telegraph
'Perceptive and twisted in equal measure' CultureFly
'Unflinching, blunt and brutal' Sam Holland
'Equally enthralling and appalling' James Oswald
'One of the most compelling and original voices in crime fiction' Alex North
'Brilliantly original' Sam Holland
'Clever, compelling, funny'
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 19, 2026
There’s a quote by T. S. Eliot that refers to being “distracted from distraction by distraction” and despite the many years that have passed since he penned this famous phrase, in no era is this more relevant to our society. So, in the spirit of Eliot, Will Carver , one of the most brilliantly versatile and unpredictable writers turns his astute gaze and acerbic wit onto the subject of social media in Bad Influence, and you just know that you will be in for a glorious mindf*ck as usual…
From the man who has brought us a colourful back catalogue of books railing against so many endemic evils in this world, and fighting the cause of those who rail against them in their own moral or immoral ways, it was only a matter of time before the vainglorious, shallow, self primping, and to a large extent, soullessly meaningless world of click bait, likes and shares came to Carver’s attention. As an aside I did have the ultimate earworm of Bros’ When Will I Be Famous (Google it kids) accompanying my reading for much of this book, as Carver immerses us in a world of shallow individuals who share their falsely enhanced lives and mind numbing routines in some kind of attempt to be noticed, worshipped and perhaps most tellingly to add validation to their existence. The book traverses the experience of a social media wannabe, another who is desperate to build their reach with a tinpot health hack that gave me the ick, and an established influencer who begins a descent into madness. It also brings into play the insidious world of reality shows and those who manipulate the hapless fools who take part, whilst setting the whole affair against the backdrop of ‘phrogging’ and its dangerous consequences. It’s all going on.
What I love about Carver’s books is the varying degrees of sympathy, antagonism, or just bone deep dislike that his characters and their actions raise in the reader. The young friends Alyssa and Less encompass all the bone crushing need for attention that defines a lot of kids’ social media habits. Alyssa in particular, despite being an all round good kid as her care for her family shows, has a determination to be ‘famous’ and ropes Less in to her crackpot plans. Less is more measured, and his loucheness and casual ennui (when there really is so much more to him) provides a wonderful foil to Alyssa’s exuberance. What begins as her mild infatuation with a social media eco-warrior then takes them on a strange journey indeed, right into the homes of this generation’s new gods- the successful influencers. I liked Alyssa and Less very much, and although my heart was in my mouth a lot with their actions, I think they perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the time, and how social media is deeply influential generally in the lives of young people, and the false reality it creates for them of what life is.
I have a great deal of sympathy for Carver that as someone who is evidently well versed in the fitness and nutrition industry themselves, probably had to watch a significant amount of these ‘healthy living’ charlatans to establish the contentious relationship between influencers Paige and Ariel vying for the body and soul of their audiences online, and the increasingly poisonous relationship between them. He does this with laser beam precision and well-informed commentary, but also delightfully peppered with the trademark Carver pithy observations. Paige, the more successful influencer, is, well, completely unhinged and I did very much enjoy her increasingly twisted and self gratifying actions to cling on to her influence. When her life is taken over virtually through a network of cameras controlled by two utterly ruthless reality TV producers, you know things are going to take a significant turn for the worse. And it so does. It’s marvellous.
As all the characters eventually collide in Carver’s anarchic playing out of events, the denouement is crazy. But rest assured, crazy in a maniacally good way. How many times do I write that about a book by this author?! As usual, I embraced the insanity, laughed at the madness of our modern existence that Carved so astutely mimics, and kept those pages a turning. Also an inspired layout of the book which totally mimics the protocols of social media scrolling- loved that too…
Carver is just consistently brilliant and Bad Influence is absolutely no exception.
Just get your hands on this one.
You can all stop scrolling now.
^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^
From the man who has brought us a colourful back catalogue of books railing against so many endemic evils in this world, and fighting the cause of those who rail against them in their own moral or immoral ways, it was only a matter of time before the vainglorious, shallow, self primping, and to a large extent, soullessly meaningless world of click bait, likes and shares came to Carver’s attention. As an aside I did have the ultimate earworm of Bros’ When Will I Be Famous (Google it kids) accompanying my reading for much of this book, as Carver immerses us in a world of shallow individuals who share their falsely enhanced lives and mind numbing routines in some kind of attempt to be noticed, worshipped and perhaps most tellingly to add validation to their existence. The book traverses the experience of a social media wannabe, another who is desperate to build their reach with a tinpot health hack that gave me the ick, and an established influencer who begins a descent into madness. It also brings into play the insidious world of reality shows and those who manipulate the hapless fools who take part, whilst setting the whole affair against the backdrop of ‘phrogging’ and its dangerous consequences. It’s all going on.
What I love about Carver’s books is the varying degrees of sympathy, antagonism, or just bone deep dislike that his characters and their actions raise in the reader. The young friends Alyssa and Less encompass all the bone crushing need for attention that defines a lot of kids’ social media habits. Alyssa in particular, despite being an all round good kid as her care for her family shows, has a determination to be ‘famous’ and ropes Less in to her crackpot plans. Less is more measured, and his loucheness and casual ennui (when there really is so much more to him) provides a wonderful foil to Alyssa’s exuberance. What begins as her mild infatuation with a social media eco-warrior then takes them on a strange journey indeed, right into the homes of this generation’s new gods- the successful influencers. I liked Alyssa and Less very much, and although my heart was in my mouth a lot with their actions, I think they perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the time, and how social media is deeply influential generally in the lives of young people, and the false reality it creates for them of what life is.
I have a great deal of sympathy for Carver that as someone who is evidently well versed in the fitness and nutrition industry themselves, probably had to watch a significant amount of these ‘healthy living’ charlatans to establish the contentious relationship between influencers Paige and Ariel vying for the body and soul of their audiences online, and the increasingly poisonous relationship between them. He does this with laser beam precision and well-informed commentary, but also delightfully peppered with the trademark Carver pithy observations. Paige, the more successful influencer, is, well, completely unhinged and I did very much enjoy her increasingly twisted and self gratifying actions to cling on to her influence. When her life is taken over virtually through a network of cameras controlled by two utterly ruthless reality TV producers, you know things are going to take a significant turn for the worse. And it so does. It’s marvellous.
As all the characters eventually collide in Carver’s anarchic playing out of events, the denouement is crazy. But rest assured, crazy in a maniacally good way. How many times do I write that about a book by this author?! As usual, I embraced the insanity, laughed at the madness of our modern existence that Carved so astutely mimics, and kept those pages a turning. Also an inspired layout of the book which totally mimics the protocols of social media scrolling- loved that too…
Carver is just consistently brilliant and Bad Influence is absolutely no exception.
Just get your hands on this one.
You can all stop scrolling now.
^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^
July 23, 2026
I have been a HUGE Will Carver fan since I read Nothing Important Happened Today. When I saw he had a new book out, you know I had to pick it up ASAP. This one was about Alyssa and Less, two friends who want to be famous. One wants to be an influencer and one wants to be a fashion designer. But both want to be part of the rich and famous, which leads them to start phrogging. This means hiding in people's homes without being noticed. But then someone does notice, and things start to go horribly wrong.
Thoughts: This book was so much fun. It was nothing like I thought it would be and addictive in the best way. It dives deep into influencer culture and the lives of those who are always on our screens. The audio book was amazing and the narrators were fantastic. Even though it got slow in some parts, I still couldn't wait to find out what happened. So much fun- 4 stars!
Thoughts: This book was so much fun. It was nothing like I thought it would be and addictive in the best way. It dives deep into influencer culture and the lives of those who are always on our screens. The audio book was amazing and the narrators were fantastic. Even though it got slow in some parts, I still couldn't wait to find out what happened. So much fun- 4 stars!
June 16, 2026
Alyssa and Alessandro (or Less) are best friends, but their social situations are stark opposites. Less’s family are rich and his dream is to become a hat designer. Alyssa comes from a working-class family, who watch every cent in their bank account. She is inspired by influencers on social media, and is hoping to become one.
One day, by total accident, Alyssa discovers phrogging – entering into people’s houses and staying there without their consent and knowledge. She is immediately hooked, and persuades Less to join her on her escapades.
Soon, their jaunts turn more daring and dangerous…
What can I say?
Will Carver has done it AGAIN!
This time he has transported us into the ugly world of social media. He perfectly captured Alyssa who was so enamoured with the influencers that she’s put them on a pedestal, thinking they were sentient beings. However, we all have a darker side, even the so called “perfect” influencers. Once again, Will Carver tells us not to believe everything that we see.
Another theme is the instant gratification that comes with social media. People quickly become bored, so they scroll up and forget. Today’s news is tomorrow’s chip paper never sounded more true!
This book is deliciously dark and disturbing. I definitely recommend it.
One day, by total accident, Alyssa discovers phrogging – entering into people’s houses and staying there without their consent and knowledge. She is immediately hooked, and persuades Less to join her on her escapades.
Soon, their jaunts turn more daring and dangerous…
What can I say?
Will Carver has done it AGAIN!
This time he has transported us into the ugly world of social media. He perfectly captured Alyssa who was so enamoured with the influencers that she’s put them on a pedestal, thinking they were sentient beings. However, we all have a darker side, even the so called “perfect” influencers. Once again, Will Carver tells us not to believe everything that we see.
Another theme is the instant gratification that comes with social media. People quickly become bored, so they scroll up and forget. Today’s news is tomorrow’s chip paper never sounded more true!
This book is deliciously dark and disturbing. I definitely recommend it.
July 1, 2026
I was sucked in by how vibrant this cover is!
I listened to this book and the voice actors did a great job of bringing the story to life and seamlessly moving between characters with ease and clear definition! The voices definitely sounded true to age thus making the story feel more authentic.
We are in the age of celebrity, fast fame, influencers, and curated lifestyles that play out online. Of course it is enticing and people will want what they don't have, especially when it seems within such easy grasp.
Lesz and Alyssa are two friends from different backgrounds. Alyssa lives with her mum and grandmother, who she helps to look after. Lesz, meanwhile, comes from money, is arty and has less cares in the world.
What starts out as a seemingly harmless hobby - entering the homes of rich/famous people to look around - soon turns deadly and they find themselves in a dangerous situation. Maybe this time they have gone too far.
This story definitely carries an important message, but pacing wise I felt like it dragged in the beginning and then raced ahead at the end. I don't necessarily mind this, but the end felt a little bit too rushed, and some of the action might take a little suspension of belief. The twist at the end was interesting...
My rating is 3.5.
Overall, an alright story. You might enjoy this if you like slow burn, character-driven stories and seeing how the rich live and may appeal more to a younger demographic.
Thank you to Will Carver, Georgie Sadler, Nezar Alderazi and Bolinda Audio for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
I listened to this book and the voice actors did a great job of bringing the story to life and seamlessly moving between characters with ease and clear definition! The voices definitely sounded true to age thus making the story feel more authentic.
We are in the age of celebrity, fast fame, influencers, and curated lifestyles that play out online. Of course it is enticing and people will want what they don't have, especially when it seems within such easy grasp.
Lesz and Alyssa are two friends from different backgrounds. Alyssa lives with her mum and grandmother, who she helps to look after. Lesz, meanwhile, comes from money, is arty and has less cares in the world.
What starts out as a seemingly harmless hobby - entering the homes of rich/famous people to look around - soon turns deadly and they find themselves in a dangerous situation. Maybe this time they have gone too far.
This story definitely carries an important message, but pacing wise I felt like it dragged in the beginning and then raced ahead at the end. I don't necessarily mind this, but the end felt a little bit too rushed, and some of the action might take a little suspension of belief. The twist at the end was interesting...
My rating is 3.5.
Overall, an alright story. You might enjoy this if you like slow burn, character-driven stories and seeing how the rich live and may appeal more to a younger demographic.
Thank you to Will Carver, Georgie Sadler, Nezar Alderazi and Bolinda Audio for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2026
I think Bad Influence by Will Carver is going to find its audience, even if I wasn’t quite the right reader for it.
The premise is really unique. I’d never even heard of phrogging before, so I actually learned something new while reading this. I also liked the way the story digs into influencer culture, identity, and the lives people present to the world. If you enjoy books that feel more like character studies with some dark humor, social commentary, and a twisty ending, I think this one could really work for you. It reminded me of Five by Ilona Bannister in the sense that both books are unique character studies. This one just happens to focus on influencer culture and the versions of ourselves we put out for everyone else to see.
For me, it tracked a little younger than I usually enjoy. The characters are described as being in their twenties, but the audiobook performances by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi made them sound even younger to me. I thought both narrators fit the characters well and were very believable. I just found myself wishing there was a little more emotion in the performances because I think that would have helped me connect with the story a bit more.
The beginning pulled me in right away, the middle slowed down a little for me, and then the ending took off with a twist I definitely didn’t see coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the complimentary advanced listening copy of this audiobook ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.
The premise is really unique. I’d never even heard of phrogging before, so I actually learned something new while reading this. I also liked the way the story digs into influencer culture, identity, and the lives people present to the world. If you enjoy books that feel more like character studies with some dark humor, social commentary, and a twisty ending, I think this one could really work for you. It reminded me of Five by Ilona Bannister in the sense that both books are unique character studies. This one just happens to focus on influencer culture and the versions of ourselves we put out for everyone else to see.
For me, it tracked a little younger than I usually enjoy. The characters are described as being in their twenties, but the audiobook performances by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi made them sound even younger to me. I thought both narrators fit the characters well and were very believable. I just found myself wishing there was a little more emotion in the performances because I think that would have helped me connect with the story a bit more.
The beginning pulled me in right away, the middle slowed down a little for me, and then the ending took off with a twist I definitely didn’t see coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the complimentary advanced listening copy of this audiobook ahead of publication. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
I read a review of another book recently that described it as "self indulgent millennial whining". The various, mainly GenZ protagonists of Bad Influence have turned their own self indulgent whining talents into influencing, wannabee influencing or medium level criminality. The level of self-centredness is off the charts!
For the first half of Bad Influence I was engaged in the plot but certainly not a fan of either of the 'anti-heroes'. However, if you find yourself feeling the same, do persist because, without spoilers, things soon pick up! Let's just say that what happens will make a great film set piece one day.
Not my favourite Carver so far, but good to have something that is so up-to-date. Many of us are technically the wrong target demographic. Get your teenagers to read it now they are banned from all the similar platforms so they can see it's not all 'wine and roses' (or Prime and Matcha)!
For the first half of Bad Influence I was engaged in the plot but certainly not a fan of either of the 'anti-heroes'. However, if you find yourself feeling the same, do persist because, without spoilers, things soon pick up! Let's just say that what happens will make a great film set piece one day.
Not my favourite Carver so far, but good to have something that is so up-to-date. Many of us are technically the wrong target demographic. Get your teenagers to read it now they are banned from all the similar platforms so they can see it's not all 'wine and roses' (or Prime and Matcha)!
June 30, 2026
• 3 ☆ •
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Bad Influence had a premise I was immediately sold on. Two teenagers, Alyssa and Less, start phrogging, which means secretly living inside other people's homes. The concept becomes a launching point into influencer culture, curated personas, and the desperate need to be someone worth watching. That setup is genuinely unsettling in a way that feels very plausible.
The dynamic between Alyssa and Less was the strongest part for me. They come from completely different backgrounds but fit together in this strange, believable way. Alyssa wants visibility. Less wants to reinvent himself into someone people notice. Watching them sink deeper into this bizarre experiment was compelling, and I found myself wondering how much further they would go.
The Los Angeles setting does a lot of work too. That glossy surface, hollow underneath energy fits the themes perfectly, and the commentary on influencer culture and the hunger for attention mostly lands.
Where it lost me was the pacing. The opening is fast and chaotic and it works, but the middle drags in a way that had me drifting. The social media commentary started to feel a bit repetitive after a while, and the escalation from thrill seeking to something darker felt a little abrupt. I wanted more time with these two before everything started spiraling.
The audiobook is narrated by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi, and while both gave solid performances, the audio production itself was distracting. There were these stilted pauses throughout that kept throwing me off. I kept finding myself checking if the audiobook was still playing because the pauses were so noticeable.
Still, this is a bold concept with genuinely interesting characters and a lot of potential. The middle just needed to be tighter.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ social media thrillers
✔️ influencer culture gone wrong
✔️ sharp satire
✔️ online personas vs reality
✔️ obsession with fame
✔️ psychological suspense
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: Jul 1, 2026 🎧
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Bolinda Audio. All opinions are my own.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Bad Influence had a premise I was immediately sold on. Two teenagers, Alyssa and Less, start phrogging, which means secretly living inside other people's homes. The concept becomes a launching point into influencer culture, curated personas, and the desperate need to be someone worth watching. That setup is genuinely unsettling in a way that feels very plausible.
The dynamic between Alyssa and Less was the strongest part for me. They come from completely different backgrounds but fit together in this strange, believable way. Alyssa wants visibility. Less wants to reinvent himself into someone people notice. Watching them sink deeper into this bizarre experiment was compelling, and I found myself wondering how much further they would go.
The Los Angeles setting does a lot of work too. That glossy surface, hollow underneath energy fits the themes perfectly, and the commentary on influencer culture and the hunger for attention mostly lands.
Where it lost me was the pacing. The opening is fast and chaotic and it works, but the middle drags in a way that had me drifting. The social media commentary started to feel a bit repetitive after a while, and the escalation from thrill seeking to something darker felt a little abrupt. I wanted more time with these two before everything started spiraling.
The audiobook is narrated by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi, and while both gave solid performances, the audio production itself was distracting. There were these stilted pauses throughout that kept throwing me off. I kept finding myself checking if the audiobook was still playing because the pauses were so noticeable.
Still, this is a bold concept with genuinely interesting characters and a lot of potential. The middle just needed to be tighter.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ social media thrillers
✔️ influencer culture gone wrong
✔️ sharp satire
✔️ online personas vs reality
✔️ obsession with fame
✔️ psychological suspense
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: Jul 1, 2026 🎧
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Bolinda Audio. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Bad Influence was one of those books where you can’t help but feel bad for the main character because things just keep getting worse… and then somehow get even worse. It was a really interesting story, and what made it hit even harder was how relatable it felt to the world we’re living in today and the way social media and public opinion can spiral out of control.
I listened to this as an ARC audiobook, and the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life and keeping me engaged from start to finish. It wasn’t always an easy listen because of everything the characters go through, but it definitely kept me invested. A solid 4-star read for me.
Bad Influence was one of those books where you can’t help but feel bad for the main character because things just keep getting worse… and then somehow get even worse. It was a really interesting story, and what made it hit even harder was how relatable it felt to the world we’re living in today and the way social media and public opinion can spiral out of control.
I listened to this as an ARC audiobook, and the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life and keeping me engaged from start to finish. It wasn’t always an easy listen because of everything the characters go through, but it definitely kept me invested. A solid 4-star read for me.
June 18, 2026
Phrogging"?? It's not a term I was familiar with until I picked up this book. It's defined as "the act of a person secretly living in another person's home without their knowledge or consent, typically hiding in unused spaces like attics, basements, or guest rooms. The term, which is pronounced "frogging," comes from the idea of "leaping" from one occupied house to another to avoid detection." And that is what Alyssa (desperate for attention, poor) and her best friend Less (desperate for attention, wealthy) start doing. But not just in any people's houses. They choose the homes of top social media influencers who make it easy for everyone to know when they won't be home.
Carver's scathingly sharp commentary on the world of social media, and influencers in particular, makes for riveting reading. His characters are morally grey, and most have highly questionable motives for most of their actions. And to be honest, it's all like a colossal car wreck that you can't tear your eyes away from!
Told in alternate POV's the story unfolds as we hear from Alyssa and Less. Intertwined within their narratives are hashtags and social media handles where we hear from various others: influencers, celebrities, wannabes and the cacophony of voices that make up the online world.
It all combines to create the most deliciously awful tale of the lengths people are willing to go to just to be noticed, no matter the reason. And sometimes that length takes them so incredibly far from who they started out as, that they no longer recognise themselves when they look in the mirror.
Oh, and let's not forget the delightful little trolls who take their role as keyboard warriors extremely seriously.
Carver leaves no stone unturned as he goes on a relentless rampage of undisguised disdain for the realms of social media and reality TV and all who wish to dominate them.
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. A bit of a slow build up while I wondered where it was heading, and in the beginning I took some time to figure out who was who. But once I did ... WOW!!
Yes, there's shock value!
Yes, you might have to stretch your imagination just a tad, but actually when you think about it, a lot of things that seem unbelievable actually do happen!! The world (and those who inhabit it) is just THAT crazy!
I absolutely LOVED it!!!
Thank you to THE Book Club for my ARC.
Carver's scathingly sharp commentary on the world of social media, and influencers in particular, makes for riveting reading. His characters are morally grey, and most have highly questionable motives for most of their actions. And to be honest, it's all like a colossal car wreck that you can't tear your eyes away from!
Told in alternate POV's the story unfolds as we hear from Alyssa and Less. Intertwined within their narratives are hashtags and social media handles where we hear from various others: influencers, celebrities, wannabes and the cacophony of voices that make up the online world.
It all combines to create the most deliciously awful tale of the lengths people are willing to go to just to be noticed, no matter the reason. And sometimes that length takes them so incredibly far from who they started out as, that they no longer recognise themselves when they look in the mirror.
Oh, and let's not forget the delightful little trolls who take their role as keyboard warriors extremely seriously.
Carver leaves no stone unturned as he goes on a relentless rampage of undisguised disdain for the realms of social media and reality TV and all who wish to dominate them.
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. A bit of a slow build up while I wondered where it was heading, and in the beginning I took some time to figure out who was who. But once I did ... WOW!!
Yes, there's shock value!
Yes, you might have to stretch your imagination just a tad, but actually when you think about it, a lot of things that seem unbelievable actually do happen!! The world (and those who inhabit it) is just THAT crazy!
I absolutely LOVED it!!!
Thank you to THE Book Club for my ARC.
June 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT ~ Book Tour
A delightfully clever and dark satirical thriller! 😍
What a brilliant read this was! So different, so very appropriate and so utterly easy to read. I loved the acerbic focus on influencing and reality TV and found this lens perfect for a thriller, ensuring wit, twists and drama!
Alyssa and Less, two bored teens, stumble upon the world of phrogging, living unnoticed inside other people’s homes. This thrill has murderous consequences when they choose the wrong influencer’s house!
I loved the premise of this read with its want for something you can’t have and living the high of life you shouldn’t be living. The phrogging was terrifying for the victims, especially with the added psychological mind games.
Comedic, dark, thrilling and containing some big and shocking twists, Carver has created an unputdownable read. I was gobsmacked at one point and really didn’t see it coming!
The structure was fantastically unique, with little snippets of each perspective, page breaks and continuous pages with no chapters. So easy to inhale, I demolished this book in a matter of sittings.
I found my attention slightly dipped in the middle, but this was soon heavily captured again as events unfolded and the onslaught of fame and power increased. This thriller highlights an important message and Carver has cleverly delivered it with one hell of a sharp plot!
A huge thank you @randomthingstours, @orendabooks & @will_carver for this proof copy of Bad Influence and for having me on the Book Tour! 🩷
This is one book you don’t want to miss! 🙌
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT ~ Book Tour
A delightfully clever and dark satirical thriller! 😍
What a brilliant read this was! So different, so very appropriate and so utterly easy to read. I loved the acerbic focus on influencing and reality TV and found this lens perfect for a thriller, ensuring wit, twists and drama!
Alyssa and Less, two bored teens, stumble upon the world of phrogging, living unnoticed inside other people’s homes. This thrill has murderous consequences when they choose the wrong influencer’s house!
I loved the premise of this read with its want for something you can’t have and living the high of life you shouldn’t be living. The phrogging was terrifying for the victims, especially with the added psychological mind games.
Comedic, dark, thrilling and containing some big and shocking twists, Carver has created an unputdownable read. I was gobsmacked at one point and really didn’t see it coming!
The structure was fantastically unique, with little snippets of each perspective, page breaks and continuous pages with no chapters. So easy to inhale, I demolished this book in a matter of sittings.
I found my attention slightly dipped in the middle, but this was soon heavily captured again as events unfolded and the onslaught of fame and power increased. This thriller highlights an important message and Carver has cleverly delivered it with one hell of a sharp plot!
A huge thank you @randomthingstours, @orendabooks & @will_carver for this proof copy of Bad Influence and for having me on the Book Tour! 🩷
This is one book you don’t want to miss! 🙌
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
June 19, 2026
"None of this feels real. None of this feels like anything. I'm numb. A zombie. It's like I'm not even really here. So I need this, I need something that I know is real. I need something that can remind me how to feel."
Bad Influence, by @will_carver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Look at my page. I am not typically a thriller reader, but I saw this one and thought, y'know what? That actually sounds super interesting.
And look at me now. Sat staring at the wall, emotional and mental whiplash fully activated, possibly having an existential crisis. 🤣 Five stars. I'm serious.
Now, Bad Influence having a book tour is pretty ironic considering it is essentially a novel built around criticising the worst bits of social media: the desperate quest for fame, the lengths people will go to be seen, and the sick thrills people get from messing with lives.
I thought I'd figured it out. I liked the clever narrative style: the social media posts, articles, multiple POVs, and shifts in perspective. I thought I knew what I was in for.
I WAS NOT PREPARED.
The first twist hit like a truck, the second like a freight train — AND THEY JUST KEPT COMING.
I can't say anything else because I refuse to spoil it, but thriller readers, you need this. Not a thriller reader? Apparently, you need it too. No notes. I am not okay.
Bad Influence, by @will_carver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Look at my page. I am not typically a thriller reader, but I saw this one and thought, y'know what? That actually sounds super interesting.
And look at me now. Sat staring at the wall, emotional and mental whiplash fully activated, possibly having an existential crisis. 🤣 Five stars. I'm serious.
Now, Bad Influence having a book tour is pretty ironic considering it is essentially a novel built around criticising the worst bits of social media: the desperate quest for fame, the lengths people will go to be seen, and the sick thrills people get from messing with lives.
I thought I'd figured it out. I liked the clever narrative style: the social media posts, articles, multiple POVs, and shifts in perspective. I thought I knew what I was in for.
I WAS NOT PREPARED.
The first twist hit like a truck, the second like a freight train — AND THEY JUST KEPT COMING.
I can't say anything else because I refuse to spoil it, but thriller readers, you need this. Not a thriller reader? Apparently, you need it too. No notes. I am not okay.
June 18, 2026
Two bored, best friends Alyssa & Less couldn't be more different. Alyssa is from a working class family and isnt better off. Less on the other hand comes from a very privileged family and openly admits that. But they work great together. It does take a wee bit to get to know them.
Alyssa discoveres phrogging - pretty much breaking an entering while someone is home but without their knowledge. Ofcourse she has to get Less into it aswell. How much can they get away with?
Social media and influencing play a big part of this story aswell and social media posts feature. Showing that what we see isnt always the truth and what goes on behind the scenes. Its not all sunshine & making money. The dark side is very real in this book.
I enjoyed it, it did take me about 10% to get fulling into thw style of writing but once I did, it was full steam ahead. I really enjoyed the way Will portrayed social media Influencing.
Alyssa discoveres phrogging - pretty much breaking an entering while someone is home but without their knowledge. Ofcourse she has to get Less into it aswell. How much can they get away with?
Social media and influencing play a big part of this story aswell and social media posts feature. Showing that what we see isnt always the truth and what goes on behind the scenes. Its not all sunshine & making money. The dark side is very real in this book.
I enjoyed it, it did take me about 10% to get fulling into thw style of writing but once I did, it was full steam ahead. I really enjoyed the way Will portrayed social media Influencing.
July 13, 2026
The premise of this book really intrigued me! Super unique, and I’ve definitely never heard of phrogging. While the writing was unique, lots of hashtags, lots of POVs, I just couldn’t connect. This book I think is more for the YA readers who are into Influencers. I didn’t care for any of the characters.
The narrators were great, I listened at 2x.
I think this book took way too long to get into anything particularly thrilling or suspenseful. It was bogged down by a lot of back story of Alyssa and Les and other influencers. The 3 stars are for the last 75% of the book as it picked up and actually got interesting.
This book wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the writing style and the fact that it was probably meant for a different demographic.
The narrators were great, I listened at 2x.
I think this book took way too long to get into anything particularly thrilling or suspenseful. It was bogged down by a lot of back story of Alyssa and Les and other influencers. The 3 stars are for the last 75% of the book as it picked up and actually got interesting.
This book wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the writing style and the fact that it was probably meant for a different demographic.
June 19, 2026
Thought provoking, great book. It shows the dark side to social media. Phrogging freaks me out. I would die if I found someone hiding in my home!
July 11, 2026
More of a slow-burn than I've come to expect from this author, and not my favourite book by him, but still entertaining and I loved the final part.
July 8, 2026
✨ALC Review✨
You can't believe everything you see online. 👀
You can't believe everything you see online. 👀
July 11, 2026
took a lot of turns
June 13, 2026
Anyone who has ever read a Will Carver substack, or followed his social media posts will know that he is unafraid to voice his opinions on certain subjects. Rightly so. That sometimes acerbic, unflinching honest wit is what makes him so very Will Carver and what makes his writing so refreshingly original. Never the same story twice, even when set very clearly in the same world. For his latest novel, Bad Influence, he turns this razor sharp narrative towards the modern day plague of insanity that is social media, and the relatively modern phenomena of the 'Influencer'. A subject he has voiced opinion on before, one that dominates the headlines far too often, for disproportionately negative reasons, given the Carververse treatment. Who could resist that?
The story follows two friends, Alyssa and Less, short for Alessandro, who come from opposing worlds but who fit together like hand and glove. Alyssa wants to be able to emulate the success and pull of the people she idolises - the titles' 'influencers'. Less wants to make a career as a designer. It is almost as though either would do anything to achieve their dreams, and just how far that 'anythintg will take them really is the crux of the story. It's the strangest thing, the way in which Will Carver has developed these characters, given that I could never really like them, for reasons that become clear in the reading - very flawed in their own unique ways - but I was completely and utterly engaged in their fates, fascinated by their behaviour, and kind of mentally championing their cause, even though it was very, very, wrong. And that is perhaps the most telling aspect of the book. How well if reflects reality, that morbid fascination with car crash TV, where you know what you are witnessing is so very wrong that it becomes compellingly right.
I'll be honest, perhaps one of the most shocking elements of this books is how little anything that happened surprised me, and not because I am used to Will Carver's vision of the world. This book is set in L.A, and perhaps as far removed from the world of Nothing Important and Hinton Hollow as you could imagine. Glitz, glamour and affluence abound, there is also a seedy underside to proceedings that the author captures in unerringly honest, but depressingly plausible fashion. In the modern era of reality television and instafame, the lengths people will go to in order to achieve that level of acclaim and recognition is reflected in the lives of not just the two lead protagonists here, but in those who inhabit the world around them, be that the influencers, Paige and Rosie, or the TV Producers, Edie and Tammy, who seem to get off on creating the most out there programming, designed purely to shock. And yet, whilst I expected the unexpected, Will Carver still has that uncanny knack of being able to surprise and shock just that little bit more.
Then that ending. Worthy of the best of the Carververse mind melts. Not what I was expecting, but given the references throughout, the parallels between Alyssa and Lee's behaviour and another, very high profile LA story, I should maybe have been less surprised. And, as it is a Will Carver book, I should know better by now. The book is slower in pace in the first half whilst the lives and situations of each of the key players is established, but when the scene is properly set, and we get into the heart of the tale, the moment where you know that Alyssa and Less's actions are about to lead to a pivotal moment of reckoning, it picks up a pace, driven as much by shock as direct action.
If you are looking for a loving tribute to the wonderful world of the influencer, well, this is definitely not it. If you want to read a book about a madly modern phenomena - influencing and phrogging (I had no idea before this book either) - that is written with a pitch perfect cutting narrative, aping the very style of social media communication - #hashtageverything - and that acknowledges that the on screen perfection we all see masks what is often a world of paranoia, insecurity and carefully polished excrement, then this is the perfect book for you.
The story follows two friends, Alyssa and Less, short for Alessandro, who come from opposing worlds but who fit together like hand and glove. Alyssa wants to be able to emulate the success and pull of the people she idolises - the titles' 'influencers'. Less wants to make a career as a designer. It is almost as though either would do anything to achieve their dreams, and just how far that 'anythintg will take them really is the crux of the story. It's the strangest thing, the way in which Will Carver has developed these characters, given that I could never really like them, for reasons that become clear in the reading - very flawed in their own unique ways - but I was completely and utterly engaged in their fates, fascinated by their behaviour, and kind of mentally championing their cause, even though it was very, very, wrong. And that is perhaps the most telling aspect of the book. How well if reflects reality, that morbid fascination with car crash TV, where you know what you are witnessing is so very wrong that it becomes compellingly right.
I'll be honest, perhaps one of the most shocking elements of this books is how little anything that happened surprised me, and not because I am used to Will Carver's vision of the world. This book is set in L.A, and perhaps as far removed from the world of Nothing Important and Hinton Hollow as you could imagine. Glitz, glamour and affluence abound, there is also a seedy underside to proceedings that the author captures in unerringly honest, but depressingly plausible fashion. In the modern era of reality television and instafame, the lengths people will go to in order to achieve that level of acclaim and recognition is reflected in the lives of not just the two lead protagonists here, but in those who inhabit the world around them, be that the influencers, Paige and Rosie, or the TV Producers, Edie and Tammy, who seem to get off on creating the most out there programming, designed purely to shock. And yet, whilst I expected the unexpected, Will Carver still has that uncanny knack of being able to surprise and shock just that little bit more.
Then that ending. Worthy of the best of the Carververse mind melts. Not what I was expecting, but given the references throughout, the parallels between Alyssa and Lee's behaviour and another, very high profile LA story, I should maybe have been less surprised. And, as it is a Will Carver book, I should know better by now. The book is slower in pace in the first half whilst the lives and situations of each of the key players is established, but when the scene is properly set, and we get into the heart of the tale, the moment where you know that Alyssa and Less's actions are about to lead to a pivotal moment of reckoning, it picks up a pace, driven as much by shock as direct action.
If you are looking for a loving tribute to the wonderful world of the influencer, well, this is definitely not it. If you want to read a book about a madly modern phenomena - influencing and phrogging (I had no idea before this book either) - that is written with a pitch perfect cutting narrative, aping the very style of social media communication - #hashtageverything - and that acknowledges that the on screen perfection we all see masks what is often a world of paranoia, insecurity and carefully polished excrement, then this is the perfect book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have to add my congratulations to Will Carver, who, since I initially wrote this review, won the Capital Crime Fingerprint Award for Genre-Busting Book of the Year for his novel Kill Them With Kindness. This is so well deserved and long awaited. If anyone writes genre-busting stories, it is Carver and he does them so very well.
I always get really excited about a new book from Will Carver, but I ALWAYS struggle to write a review. He is so clever, so very different, so unexpected, continually surprising, it is really difficult to find the words! Oh, and it's a crime novel with a PINK COVER!!
So here goes! Just when I think I've worked out where his imagination might take him next, he delivers something entirely unexpected. Bad Influence is bold, provocative, darkly funny and utterly compelling from the very first page.
The premise immediately grabs attention. Two teenagers discover the world of phrogging and begin secretly living in the homes of social media influencers, slipping unnoticed through the cracks of carefully curated online lives. It is a fascinating concept and one that the author explores so well, with such creativity.
Alyssa and Less are such brilliantly drawn characters. They are both desperate to be noticed, desperate to mean something, and their friendship really is the heart of this story. It is not really easy to like either of them, but they are both so compelling to learn about. Will Carver has an extraordinary ability to create characters who are so real and flawed and entirely believable, even when their actions push far beyond what most of us would ever consider doing!
The authors intense examination of influencer culture, social media obsession and society's endless craving for validation is just spot on. He is incisive, often uncomfortable, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. There is an awesome sense of satire running throughout the novel, but beneath the humour lies something much darker and far more thought-provoking.
The structure works brilliantly. Multiple voices, social media snippets, hashtags and online commentary combine to create a world this is both exaggerated and frighteningly familiar. It is clever and completely addictive.
Will Carver's distinctive voice shines through every page, drawing the reader deeper into a story that becomes increasingly unsettling as it unfolds. There were numerous moments when I found myself shaking my head in disbelief, yet unable to stop reading.
Bad Influence is daring, original and wonderfully entertaining. It is a novel that captures the absurdity of modern celebrity culture, yet is also a gripping story. Will Carver continues to push boundaries in ways few writers can, and the result is a book that is impossible to ignore.
Dark, witty, inventive and thought-provoking, Bad Influence is another outstanding novel from an author who never takes the easy route. I loved every page.
I always get really excited about a new book from Will Carver, but I ALWAYS struggle to write a review. He is so clever, so very different, so unexpected, continually surprising, it is really difficult to find the words! Oh, and it's a crime novel with a PINK COVER!!
So here goes! Just when I think I've worked out where his imagination might take him next, he delivers something entirely unexpected. Bad Influence is bold, provocative, darkly funny and utterly compelling from the very first page.
The premise immediately grabs attention. Two teenagers discover the world of phrogging and begin secretly living in the homes of social media influencers, slipping unnoticed through the cracks of carefully curated online lives. It is a fascinating concept and one that the author explores so well, with such creativity.
Alyssa and Less are such brilliantly drawn characters. They are both desperate to be noticed, desperate to mean something, and their friendship really is the heart of this story. It is not really easy to like either of them, but they are both so compelling to learn about. Will Carver has an extraordinary ability to create characters who are so real and flawed and entirely believable, even when their actions push far beyond what most of us would ever consider doing!
The authors intense examination of influencer culture, social media obsession and society's endless craving for validation is just spot on. He is incisive, often uncomfortable, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. There is an awesome sense of satire running throughout the novel, but beneath the humour lies something much darker and far more thought-provoking.
The structure works brilliantly. Multiple voices, social media snippets, hashtags and online commentary combine to create a world this is both exaggerated and frighteningly familiar. It is clever and completely addictive.
Will Carver's distinctive voice shines through every page, drawing the reader deeper into a story that becomes increasingly unsettling as it unfolds. There were numerous moments when I found myself shaking my head in disbelief, yet unable to stop reading.
Bad Influence is daring, original and wonderfully entertaining. It is a novel that captures the absurdity of modern celebrity culture, yet is also a gripping story. Will Carver continues to push boundaries in ways few writers can, and the result is a book that is impossible to ignore.
Dark, witty, inventive and thought-provoking, Bad Influence is another outstanding novel from an author who never takes the easy route. I loved every page.
June 26, 2026
Will Carver always delivers the unexpected and Bad Influence is no exception.
This time he's turning his attention to the world of influencers; the story is told through a variety of media formats including Instagram posts that brutally detail the number of likes and follows that each post gets.
Alyssa and Less are a pair of teenage best friends, though their home lives couldn't be further apart. Less is the son of a mega-wealthy family who craves a close family and dreams of getting fame for his fashion skills. Alyssa is from the poorer side of town, getting two buses every time she goes to meet Less. Alyssa lives with her hardworking mother and quiz-show obsessed grandmother in a house which is full of love but she envies Less's luxurious lifestyle and freedom to waste his days .
The pair of them are bored and looking for their next thrills - and what could be more intoxicating than phrogging (living in someone's house without them knowing). They decide to break into their favourite influencer's house to snoop around, using all the clues inadvertently left on her social media to track her down within minutes. They see it as quite a harmless pastime, certain that they aren't causing any harm or distress to the unwitting influencer. The first time that they break into Gabi's house, they use the key that she''s left under the doormat (because carrying a key would ruin the lines of her outfit) - and just look around, marvelling that they can touch all of these items that they've seen on social media before.
But their new habit doesn't stop there and they are soon seeking bigger thrills and escapes, breaking into more famous people's houses - often narrowly missing discovery or having to talk themselves out of some tight corners.
One of their new interests is fitness influencer Paige, whose wholesome god-loving lifestyle is making her name more and more well-known in the fitness world. But despite all her fame, Paige is really quite lonely - there's a heartbreaking scene in the book when this hits home for her. Paige is also being courted by reality-TV executives Tammy and Edie, who think that she'll work well in an upcoming, yet to be determined, new show. Unbeknown to Paige, they are filming everything she does for content, sure that there will be a story in there. They are the queens of reality TV with a never-ending queue of wannabes waiting to sign their life away for the chance of fame or infamy.
The stories come together in an utterly shocking and unguessable series of twists and turns that will literally leave your jaw on the ground. And those cameras in Paige's house are there, silently recording every second.
It is a stark reminder about the longevity of anything that we put on the internet and how it can be used against you at any time. There are plenty of lighter moments too and it is as sharp and cutting as anything that Will Carver has ever written before.
Where will he go next?
This time he's turning his attention to the world of influencers; the story is told through a variety of media formats including Instagram posts that brutally detail the number of likes and follows that each post gets.
Alyssa and Less are a pair of teenage best friends, though their home lives couldn't be further apart. Less is the son of a mega-wealthy family who craves a close family and dreams of getting fame for his fashion skills. Alyssa is from the poorer side of town, getting two buses every time she goes to meet Less. Alyssa lives with her hardworking mother and quiz-show obsessed grandmother in a house which is full of love but she envies Less's luxurious lifestyle and freedom to waste his days .
The pair of them are bored and looking for their next thrills - and what could be more intoxicating than phrogging (living in someone's house without them knowing). They decide to break into their favourite influencer's house to snoop around, using all the clues inadvertently left on her social media to track her down within minutes. They see it as quite a harmless pastime, certain that they aren't causing any harm or distress to the unwitting influencer. The first time that they break into Gabi's house, they use the key that she''s left under the doormat (because carrying a key would ruin the lines of her outfit) - and just look around, marvelling that they can touch all of these items that they've seen on social media before.
But their new habit doesn't stop there and they are soon seeking bigger thrills and escapes, breaking into more famous people's houses - often narrowly missing discovery or having to talk themselves out of some tight corners.
One of their new interests is fitness influencer Paige, whose wholesome god-loving lifestyle is making her name more and more well-known in the fitness world. But despite all her fame, Paige is really quite lonely - there's a heartbreaking scene in the book when this hits home for her. Paige is also being courted by reality-TV executives Tammy and Edie, who think that she'll work well in an upcoming, yet to be determined, new show. Unbeknown to Paige, they are filming everything she does for content, sure that there will be a story in there. They are the queens of reality TV with a never-ending queue of wannabes waiting to sign their life away for the chance of fame or infamy.
The stories come together in an utterly shocking and unguessable series of twists and turns that will literally leave your jaw on the ground. And those cameras in Paige's house are there, silently recording every second.
It is a stark reminder about the longevity of anything that we put on the internet and how it can be used against you at any time. There are plenty of lighter moments too and it is as sharp and cutting as anything that Will Carver has ever written before.
Where will he go next?
Review of advance copy
I am the biggest fan of this author - I have read and loved every one of his previous books- especially his January David series. So much so that I was over the moon to get my hands on this, his latest offering and, ignoring my carefully curated TBR list, I swiftly finished my current read (I'm not a monster) and dove straight in...
And I Blooming LOVED it!
We follow Alyssa and Less, who are pretty much chalk and cheese, as they negotiate life. Alyssa is from a poor background and lives with her mum and gran, looking after gran when mum is out working to try and keep the wolves from the door. Less - or Alessandro to give him his full name - is from a very privileged background but, unlike Alyssa, is emotionally neglected by his family.
But they are best friends and, like best friends should, they share things. One of the things that Alyssa wants to share with Less is her new found thing - phrogging - where she invades people's homes, having a nosey and even living there without their knowledge. It's easy to do these days with everyone's movements blasted all over their socials, including when their homes are empty...
Meanwhile, we also follow three internet "celebrities" Paige - an influencer, Rosie - an activist, and Arial - Rosie's nemesis... but I will leave you to get to know them as the author intends...
And then there's Edie and Tammy of Lincoln Lovell Productions. Gurus of reality TV that is really close to the knuckle and boy do they have an idea for their next venture...
Quite how all these characters come together is another thing I'm leaving for you to discover... suffice to say... hang onto your hat... it's going to be a wild ride...
And oh my days... as with his previous books, this author pulled the wool over my eyes, misdirected me, sent me down dead ends and... I have to say... I went totally willingly... He is the master of obfuscation (did you read Kill them with Kindness) and always goes above and beyond to dupe the reader without them realising it, and when they do, there is no bitterness, no feeling of being cheated, just pure unadulterated joy and appreciation for a job well done.
And the way the book is written, the use of posts and hashtags, of short punch chapters, with multiple viewpoints, switching regularly to keep the reader on their toes. Absolutely befitting the story being told and only enhancing it all the more.
Honestly... I could bang on and on about how much and why I loved this book. Suffice to say that it eventually left me wholly satisfied, albeit exhausted from all the punches it delivered towards the end. Ones I was only too happy to receive I hasten to add. I am also going to do what I have done with all this author's books and revisit it on Audiobook once it's published. And I really can't wait to do that...
And I Blooming LOVED it!
We follow Alyssa and Less, who are pretty much chalk and cheese, as they negotiate life. Alyssa is from a poor background and lives with her mum and gran, looking after gran when mum is out working to try and keep the wolves from the door. Less - or Alessandro to give him his full name - is from a very privileged background but, unlike Alyssa, is emotionally neglected by his family.
But they are best friends and, like best friends should, they share things. One of the things that Alyssa wants to share with Less is her new found thing - phrogging - where she invades people's homes, having a nosey and even living there without their knowledge. It's easy to do these days with everyone's movements blasted all over their socials, including when their homes are empty...
Meanwhile, we also follow three internet "celebrities" Paige - an influencer, Rosie - an activist, and Arial - Rosie's nemesis... but I will leave you to get to know them as the author intends...
And then there's Edie and Tammy of Lincoln Lovell Productions. Gurus of reality TV that is really close to the knuckle and boy do they have an idea for their next venture...
Quite how all these characters come together is another thing I'm leaving for you to discover... suffice to say... hang onto your hat... it's going to be a wild ride...
And oh my days... as with his previous books, this author pulled the wool over my eyes, misdirected me, sent me down dead ends and... I have to say... I went totally willingly... He is the master of obfuscation (did you read Kill them with Kindness) and always goes above and beyond to dupe the reader without them realising it, and when they do, there is no bitterness, no feeling of being cheated, just pure unadulterated joy and appreciation for a job well done.
And the way the book is written, the use of posts and hashtags, of short punch chapters, with multiple viewpoints, switching regularly to keep the reader on their toes. Absolutely befitting the story being told and only enhancing it all the more.
Honestly... I could bang on and on about how much and why I loved this book. Suffice to say that it eventually left me wholly satisfied, albeit exhausted from all the punches it delivered towards the end. Ones I was only too happy to receive I hasten to add. I am also going to do what I have done with all this author's books and revisit it on Audiobook once it's published. And I really can't wait to do that...
July 26, 2026
Bad Influence by Will Carver was recommended to me by none other than Lexa, and I cannot thank her enough! I know she's been waiting months for my thoughts and probably wondering whether I was going to disown her after this recommendation... but Lexa, you absolutely nailed it. I loved it just as much as you did!
By now you all know I'm a firm believer that the less you know going into a thriller, the better. What I will say is that Bad Influence is one of those books where you can't help but feel for the main character because things just keep getting worse... and then somehow get even worse. It was such an interesting story, made even more unsettling by how relevant it feels to the world we're living in today and the way social media and public opinion can spiral completely out of control.
Two bored, obsessed teenagers secretly break into—and begin living in—influencers' homes. But when they choose the wrong house, their twisted experiment turns deadly. Told through alternating POVs from Alyssa and Less, the story unfolds alongside hashtags, social media posts, and commentary from influencers, celebrities, wannabes, and the endless chorus of voices that make up the online world. It perfectly captures the overwhelming, chaotic nature of social media and how quickly narratives take on a life of their own.
And the scathingly sharp commentary on social media culture and influencer obsession that makes for absolutely riveting reading. His characters are deeply morally gray, and nearly everyone has questionable motives behind their actions. Honestly, reading this book is like watching a colossal car crash—you know you should look away, but you simply can't.
The audiobook narration by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi was flawless. They absolutely understood the assignment, delivering performances that were slightly heightened and performative when the story called for it—which feels exactly right for a book about people constantly performing versions of themselves online. At the same time, they handled the quieter, more reflective and occasionally quietly unhinged moments just as well.
The writing is razor-sharp, observant, and just the right amount of savage. It's obvious Carver had a blast poking fun at the hyper-curated world of influencers and the relentless "please look at me" economy.
I'd absolutely recommend this one if you're looking for an entertaining, fast-paced thriller that blends stranger-than-fiction absurdity with biting social commentary and a surprisingly wicked sense of humor. It was a wildly entertaining ride from start to finish. If you're a fan of Jessie Garcia, I think you'll really enjoy this one.
By now you all know I'm a firm believer that the less you know going into a thriller, the better. What I will say is that Bad Influence is one of those books where you can't help but feel for the main character because things just keep getting worse... and then somehow get even worse. It was such an interesting story, made even more unsettling by how relevant it feels to the world we're living in today and the way social media and public opinion can spiral completely out of control.
Two bored, obsessed teenagers secretly break into—and begin living in—influencers' homes. But when they choose the wrong house, their twisted experiment turns deadly. Told through alternating POVs from Alyssa and Less, the story unfolds alongside hashtags, social media posts, and commentary from influencers, celebrities, wannabes, and the endless chorus of voices that make up the online world. It perfectly captures the overwhelming, chaotic nature of social media and how quickly narratives take on a life of their own.
And the scathingly sharp commentary on social media culture and influencer obsession that makes for absolutely riveting reading. His characters are deeply morally gray, and nearly everyone has questionable motives behind their actions. Honestly, reading this book is like watching a colossal car crash—you know you should look away, but you simply can't.
The audiobook narration by Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi was flawless. They absolutely understood the assignment, delivering performances that were slightly heightened and performative when the story called for it—which feels exactly right for a book about people constantly performing versions of themselves online. At the same time, they handled the quieter, more reflective and occasionally quietly unhinged moments just as well.
The writing is razor-sharp, observant, and just the right amount of savage. It's obvious Carver had a blast poking fun at the hyper-curated world of influencers and the relentless "please look at me" economy.
I'd absolutely recommend this one if you're looking for an entertaining, fast-paced thriller that blends stranger-than-fiction absurdity with biting social commentary and a surprisingly wicked sense of humor. It was a wildly entertaining ride from start to finish. If you're a fan of Jessie Garcia, I think you'll really enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In Bad Influence, by Will Carver, college students Less (Alessandro) – who dreams of being a milliner to the stars – and Alyssa – who just wants to be famous for something – discover “phrogging”, or spending time in other people’s homes without their knowledge. Together, they stay overnight in an activist influencer’s attic, sneak into a legendary music producer’s party, and hang out in a rock star’s house in the Hills.
When they target highly-strung fitness influencer Paige, though, it all goes very wrong, very quickly. Contrary to what she told her followers, Paige is at home for the weekend, and she over-reacts when she finds Alyssa and Less in her living room. What’s more, a pair of unscrupulous reality TV producers who recently rigged up Paige’s home for a show are already watching her without her knowledge, and absolutely lapping up the drama.
Every time I think Will Carver can’t possibly top his previous novel (in this case, Kill Them With Kindness) for unsubtlety, darkness, and stark observations, he proves me wrong. Bad Influence had me hooked with its sharp twists and turns, as well as the sometimes shockingly bad behaviour of its characters.
I don’t want to give anything away, but Alyssa and Less’ audacious actions as they turn into “phroggers” had me constantly on the edge of my seat, there are a couple of huge “wait, what?!” turning points, and there’s also some unreliable/highly evasive narration in the mix.
None of the characters are all-out loveable, but some are more forgiveable than others. Alyssa and Less may be fame-hungry and irresponsible, but I found I couldn’t be too harsh on them, because they’re young and likely to grow out of it/look back and cringe. Along with the influencers we spend time with (including Paige), they’re prone to navel-gazing and neatly making sense of their lives and selves using pop psychology, which can make them come across as irritatingly self-absorbed. Again, though, I couldn’t strongly judge them for it, as social media has kind of done that to me as well.
In contrast, Edie and Tammy, the TV producers who’ve set up cameras in Paige’s house and had her sign a contract that essentially gives them laissez-faire to ruin her life for the purposes of entertainment, are old enough to know better. The way they watch and comment on what they’re seeing shows they lost their human decency – if they ever had any in the first place – long ago.
There’s an argument to be made that this pair are clinging on to forms of media – linear TV, and “reality” shows where desperate wannabes are manipulated and edited into looking bad and being hated by viewers, with little-to-no aftercare – that are on the way out. You could say that, by filming, editing, and uploading their own videos, influencers have seized the means of production, and if they’re obsessed with projecting exactly the right image, it’s because they’ve seen what can happen when the public are persuaded to turn on a reality TV star, and they’re keen to avoid that.
Like Carver’s other novels, while set in the world-famous location of LA, Bad Influence feels curiously untethered from any real space or time. The celebrities, producers, and influencers are, by necessity, made-up (though Andy Warhol is a point of convergence between our world and what I’ve come to think of as the “Carver-verse”!), and there are fleeting references to characters and events from Carver’s other novels, which always pleases me. As the events of Kill Them With Kindness aren’t mentioned, and Alyssa and Less refer to themselves as Millennials (so won’t have been born later than 1996), I did situate it in around 2015 in my head, though.
Bad Influence is a fast-paced thriller packed with compelling characters and jaw-dropping moments.
I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in return for an honest review.
When they target highly-strung fitness influencer Paige, though, it all goes very wrong, very quickly. Contrary to what she told her followers, Paige is at home for the weekend, and she over-reacts when she finds Alyssa and Less in her living room. What’s more, a pair of unscrupulous reality TV producers who recently rigged up Paige’s home for a show are already watching her without her knowledge, and absolutely lapping up the drama.
Every time I think Will Carver can’t possibly top his previous novel (in this case, Kill Them With Kindness) for unsubtlety, darkness, and stark observations, he proves me wrong. Bad Influence had me hooked with its sharp twists and turns, as well as the sometimes shockingly bad behaviour of its characters.
I don’t want to give anything away, but Alyssa and Less’ audacious actions as they turn into “phroggers” had me constantly on the edge of my seat, there are a couple of huge “wait, what?!” turning points, and there’s also some unreliable/highly evasive narration in the mix.
None of the characters are all-out loveable, but some are more forgiveable than others. Alyssa and Less may be fame-hungry and irresponsible, but I found I couldn’t be too harsh on them, because they’re young and likely to grow out of it/look back and cringe. Along with the influencers we spend time with (including Paige), they’re prone to navel-gazing and neatly making sense of their lives and selves using pop psychology, which can make them come across as irritatingly self-absorbed. Again, though, I couldn’t strongly judge them for it, as social media has kind of done that to me as well.
In contrast, Edie and Tammy, the TV producers who’ve set up cameras in Paige’s house and had her sign a contract that essentially gives them laissez-faire to ruin her life for the purposes of entertainment, are old enough to know better. The way they watch and comment on what they’re seeing shows they lost their human decency – if they ever had any in the first place – long ago.
There’s an argument to be made that this pair are clinging on to forms of media – linear TV, and “reality” shows where desperate wannabes are manipulated and edited into looking bad and being hated by viewers, with little-to-no aftercare – that are on the way out. You could say that, by filming, editing, and uploading their own videos, influencers have seized the means of production, and if they’re obsessed with projecting exactly the right image, it’s because they’ve seen what can happen when the public are persuaded to turn on a reality TV star, and they’re keen to avoid that.
Like Carver’s other novels, while set in the world-famous location of LA, Bad Influence feels curiously untethered from any real space or time. The celebrities, producers, and influencers are, by necessity, made-up (though Andy Warhol is a point of convergence between our world and what I’ve come to think of as the “Carver-verse”!), and there are fleeting references to characters and events from Carver’s other novels, which always pleases me. As the events of Kill Them With Kindness aren’t mentioned, and Alyssa and Less refer to themselves as Millennials (so won’t have been born later than 1996), I did situate it in around 2015 in my head, though.
Bad Influence is a fast-paced thriller packed with compelling characters and jaw-dropping moments.
I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2026
“Bad Influence” is basically #DontTryThisAtHome meets #InfluencerCore but make it deeply unsettling. It’s weird, sharp, a bit chaotic in the best way and has a slightly unhinged energy that Carver seems to specialise in.
The story follows two bored, slightly lost young people decide that normal life isn’t cutting it and stumble into this bizarre trend of secretly living inside other people’s homes. Naturally, they pick the absolute worst house to mess with and what starts as a reckless “experiment” turns into something much darker and messier.
#PlotTwistEnergy
I haven’t always seen eye to eye with Carver’s books. But this one? I was in. Fully. It’s creepy. Properly creepy. Not jump-scare creepy, more “I will never look at a quiet house or think of producers in the same way again” creepy. There are loads of unexpected turns that feel like the book is side-eyeing you the whole time. You think you know the vibe… you do not know the vibe.
#ItsAllContentNow
The writing is so good - sharp, observant and just a bit savage about online culture. You can tell Carver is having a field day poking at the hyper-curated world of influencers and the whole “please look at me” economy. As someone whose social media presence ends at “goodreads”, this has absolutely reaffirmed my life choice. I’ll stick to reading books about the chaos, thanks.
#AudiobookApproved
The audiobook works brilliantly. Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi absolutely get the tone—when needed slightly heightened, a bit performative, which feels exactly right for a story about people constantly performing themselves. It’s very easy to imagine the influencers, the voices, the whole slightly surreal ecosystem. But they can also do quiet reflective (or quiet unhinged).
#FinalVerdict
Creepy, clever and weird. Would I expand my social media consumption after this? Absolutely not. Would I read more Carver like this? #100Percent
Thank you to Bolinda Audio, NetGalley and Will Carver for an advance listening copy of this book.
The story follows two bored, slightly lost young people decide that normal life isn’t cutting it and stumble into this bizarre trend of secretly living inside other people’s homes. Naturally, they pick the absolute worst house to mess with and what starts as a reckless “experiment” turns into something much darker and messier.
#PlotTwistEnergy
I haven’t always seen eye to eye with Carver’s books. But this one? I was in. Fully. It’s creepy. Properly creepy. Not jump-scare creepy, more “I will never look at a quiet house or think of producers in the same way again” creepy. There are loads of unexpected turns that feel like the book is side-eyeing you the whole time. You think you know the vibe… you do not know the vibe.
#ItsAllContentNow
The writing is so good - sharp, observant and just a bit savage about online culture. You can tell Carver is having a field day poking at the hyper-curated world of influencers and the whole “please look at me” economy. As someone whose social media presence ends at “goodreads”, this has absolutely reaffirmed my life choice. I’ll stick to reading books about the chaos, thanks.
#AudiobookApproved
The audiobook works brilliantly. Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi absolutely get the tone—when needed slightly heightened, a bit performative, which feels exactly right for a story about people constantly performing themselves. It’s very easy to imagine the influencers, the voices, the whole slightly surreal ecosystem. But they can also do quiet reflective (or quiet unhinged).
#FinalVerdict
Creepy, clever and weird. Would I expand my social media consumption after this? Absolutely not. Would I read more Carver like this? #100Percent
Thank you to Bolinda Audio, NetGalley and Will Carver for an advance listening copy of this book.
June 23, 2026
All the stars for the latest, mind-blowing thriller from Will Carver!
Alyssa and Less are two bored teenagers from opposite worlds. Alyssa’s family are poor, spends her spare time caring for her grandmother with dementia, and just wants to be seen. Less is from a rich family, is ignored by his parents and wants to make a name for himself. Despite their differences the pair are inseparable. And when Alyssa discovers phrogging - the act of secretly living in someone else’s home without their knowledge - she introduces it to Less and the pair embark on a dangerous game that spirals out of control…
Will Carver has done it again. Suspenseful, surprising, and totally unpredictable, this book blew me away. Exquisitely written, cleverly plotted and intricately interwoven, Will had me in the palm of his hands from start to finish. He builds the story slowly, lulling you into a false sense of security before pulling the rug out from under you with a twist that will make your jaw hit the floor. I was literally sitting with my mouth hanging open wondering where on earth the story could go from here. I knew there was no chance of me sleeping now until I knew what happened and I devoured it in one sitting. It was a wild ride but I loved every second and it was totally worth losing sleep for.
I’ve been a proud member of the Carver Cult for many years and Will’s books are always a highlight in my reading year. He is one of the most unique voices in fiction today and I know I can always rely on him to deliver a story that is timely, entertaining, full of scathing social commentary and great characters. Bad Influence lives up to that reputation, taking us behind the curtain of the world of influencing. Everyone in this book is flawed and they commit some terrible acts, but some are more likeable than others. I liked Alyssa and Less and found them easy to root for despite their illegal deeds. Paige was likeable at first but when the twist hit at the end of chapter one it changed everything and she unsettled me from that moment on.
A must-read for any thriller lover.
Alyssa and Less are two bored teenagers from opposite worlds. Alyssa’s family are poor, spends her spare time caring for her grandmother with dementia, and just wants to be seen. Less is from a rich family, is ignored by his parents and wants to make a name for himself. Despite their differences the pair are inseparable. And when Alyssa discovers phrogging - the act of secretly living in someone else’s home without their knowledge - she introduces it to Less and the pair embark on a dangerous game that spirals out of control…
Will Carver has done it again. Suspenseful, surprising, and totally unpredictable, this book blew me away. Exquisitely written, cleverly plotted and intricately interwoven, Will had me in the palm of his hands from start to finish. He builds the story slowly, lulling you into a false sense of security before pulling the rug out from under you with a twist that will make your jaw hit the floor. I was literally sitting with my mouth hanging open wondering where on earth the story could go from here. I knew there was no chance of me sleeping now until I knew what happened and I devoured it in one sitting. It was a wild ride but I loved every second and it was totally worth losing sleep for.
I’ve been a proud member of the Carver Cult for many years and Will’s books are always a highlight in my reading year. He is one of the most unique voices in fiction today and I know I can always rely on him to deliver a story that is timely, entertaining, full of scathing social commentary and great characters. Bad Influence lives up to that reputation, taking us behind the curtain of the world of influencing. Everyone in this book is flawed and they commit some terrible acts, but some are more likeable than others. I liked Alyssa and Less and found them easy to root for despite their illegal deeds. Paige was likeable at first but when the twist hit at the end of chapter one it changed everything and she unsettled me from that moment on.
A must-read for any thriller lover.
July 3, 2026
Entertaining contemporary story on social media, fads and 'Influence'
Slightly disconcerting at times, we change narrators and perspectives, though I both got used to this after a while when the speaker became apparent, but also this technique led us to a fantastic ending that I hadn't been expecting. Bravo.
Enjoyed this. A true 'how the other half lives' idea, where two young people, one already very wealthy and the other rather more poverty-defined, best friends, decide to have a laugh and break into social media influencers' houses. Cos they can. To experience their lives in secret, without getting caught and without leaving a sign.
Alyssa already tries to gather a following on the internet, but she'll never be one of those have-it-all Influencers with free stuff, millions of simpering fans and huge houses. Less (silly name, never sounded like it was a name on the audiobook) is actually hugely rich but bored. Together they stalk particular social media stars and work out ways into their homes undetected.
Sometimes successful, sometimes caught, you just know one day it's all going to go wrong. And at one house it does, where a mentally exhausted Influencer is pretending she's gone away for the weekend but is actually still at home, not filming her usual exercise videos but scoffing doughnuts. And on camera too... The stage is set for scenes none might have planned.
Great premise, and great to sit and watch unfold. You can't feel sorry for many of the people here. Those who have a hard life filming themselves talking about green tea and unboxing free lifestyle equipment.
It's cathartic, entertaining and lots of changes in perspective to show the Phroggers, the householders, the people watching behind cameras (set up in one house for programming). It's a modern phenomenon and plot, and a fun read.
Made a good audiobook but occasionally hard to follow when the protagonist changes.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
Slightly disconcerting at times, we change narrators and perspectives, though I both got used to this after a while when the speaker became apparent, but also this technique led us to a fantastic ending that I hadn't been expecting. Bravo.
Enjoyed this. A true 'how the other half lives' idea, where two young people, one already very wealthy and the other rather more poverty-defined, best friends, decide to have a laugh and break into social media influencers' houses. Cos they can. To experience their lives in secret, without getting caught and without leaving a sign.
Alyssa already tries to gather a following on the internet, but she'll never be one of those have-it-all Influencers with free stuff, millions of simpering fans and huge houses. Less (silly name, never sounded like it was a name on the audiobook) is actually hugely rich but bored. Together they stalk particular social media stars and work out ways into their homes undetected.
Sometimes successful, sometimes caught, you just know one day it's all going to go wrong. And at one house it does, where a mentally exhausted Influencer is pretending she's gone away for the weekend but is actually still at home, not filming her usual exercise videos but scoffing doughnuts. And on camera too... The stage is set for scenes none might have planned.
Great premise, and great to sit and watch unfold. You can't feel sorry for many of the people here. Those who have a hard life filming themselves talking about green tea and unboxing free lifestyle equipment.
It's cathartic, entertaining and lots of changes in perspective to show the Phroggers, the householders, the people watching behind cameras (set up in one house for programming). It's a modern phenomenon and plot, and a fun read.
Made a good audiobook but occasionally hard to follow when the protagonist changes.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Bolinda Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
I was a bit confused by the quote from The Daily Express that’s highlighted in the book’s description. Referring to it as a story about “two bored, obsessed teenagers” doesn’t really fit because this isn’t a YA novel, and both main characters are in their early twenties. Why does that matter? Well, I read the audiobook, and I struggled with the casting of the narrators, so I was hyper-aware of the characters’ ages throughout.
Narrators Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi both did a solid job overall, but they sounded much younger than I expected for our two protagonists. They came across as actual teenagers, which only added to my confusion about that promotional quote. It also shifted my perception of their motivations and decision-making. That said, the story itself was a lot of fun and the audio production was clean and well produced.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, and honestly, I found myself wishing I had a physical copy to follow along with. The timeline jumps around a bit, and having the text in front of me would have made it easier to keep everyone and everything straight.
The fact that this complete train wreck of a situation is inspired by the real-life antics of phroggers is absolutely mind-boggling, but it also makes for incredibly entertaining reading. Every time I thought things couldn’t possibly get worse, they somehow did. I was hooked from start to finish, even if I occasionally had to rewind to make sure I hadn’t missed an important detail.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for an entertaining, fast-paced read. It blends the absurdity of stranger-than-fiction real events with sharp social commentary and a healthy dose of humor, making for a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
I was a bit confused by the quote from The Daily Express that’s highlighted in the book’s description. Referring to it as a story about “two bored, obsessed teenagers” doesn’t really fit because this isn’t a YA novel, and both main characters are in their early twenties. Why does that matter? Well, I read the audiobook, and I struggled with the casting of the narrators, so I was hyper-aware of the characters’ ages throughout.
Narrators Georgie Sadler and Nezar Alderazi both did a solid job overall, but they sounded much younger than I expected for our two protagonists. They came across as actual teenagers, which only added to my confusion about that promotional quote. It also shifted my perception of their motivations and decision-making. That said, the story itself was a lot of fun and the audio production was clean and well produced.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, and honestly, I found myself wishing I had a physical copy to follow along with. The timeline jumps around a bit, and having the text in front of me would have made it easier to keep everyone and everything straight.
The fact that this complete train wreck of a situation is inspired by the real-life antics of phroggers is absolutely mind-boggling, but it also makes for incredibly entertaining reading. Every time I thought things couldn’t possibly get worse, they somehow did. I was hooked from start to finish, even if I occasionally had to rewind to make sure I hadn’t missed an important detail.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for an entertaining, fast-paced read. It blends the absurdity of stranger-than-fiction real events with sharp social commentary and a healthy dose of humor, making for a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
June 18, 2026
Will Carver's latest novel is set in the world of American reality television and social media, where everyone is chasing attention and validation.
Lyss (Alyssa), an aspiring influencer desperate to grow her following, forms an unlikely friendship with Less (Alessandro), a gay fashion design student who dreams of having his work recognised. Together, they discover the world of "phrogging", secretly living in or visiting celebrities’ homes without their knowledge as a way of experiencing how the other half lives.
Meanwhile, Edie and Tammy, wealthy reality TV executives, have grown bored with their privileged existence. In search of something out of the mundane, they begin pushing boundaries, caring little about the consequences for those caught in their wake.
As these storylines converge, Carver delivers a dark tale of deception, greed and manipulation, with the stakes becoming increasingly deadly.
In a departure from conventional storytelling, much of the narrative is filtered through the lens of social media, complete with hashtags, follower counts and online commentary. This approach reinforces the novel's themes and highlights society's growing fixation with digital validation.
The book held my interest throughout, and Carver's writing is as assured as ever. However, I struggled to connect with the characters, finding few of them particularly sympathetic or relatable. According to the author's notes, the novel is aimed at a generation that has grown up immersed in social media and reality television, so I may not be the ideal target audience. If anything, the story strengthened my resolve to keep that world at arm's length.
A well-written and thought-provoking novel that effectively explores the darker side of online culture, even if it wasn't entirely to my taste.
Lyss (Alyssa), an aspiring influencer desperate to grow her following, forms an unlikely friendship with Less (Alessandro), a gay fashion design student who dreams of having his work recognised. Together, they discover the world of "phrogging", secretly living in or visiting celebrities’ homes without their knowledge as a way of experiencing how the other half lives.
Meanwhile, Edie and Tammy, wealthy reality TV executives, have grown bored with their privileged existence. In search of something out of the mundane, they begin pushing boundaries, caring little about the consequences for those caught in their wake.
As these storylines converge, Carver delivers a dark tale of deception, greed and manipulation, with the stakes becoming increasingly deadly.
In a departure from conventional storytelling, much of the narrative is filtered through the lens of social media, complete with hashtags, follower counts and online commentary. This approach reinforces the novel's themes and highlights society's growing fixation with digital validation.
The book held my interest throughout, and Carver's writing is as assured as ever. However, I struggled to connect with the characters, finding few of them particularly sympathetic or relatable. According to the author's notes, the novel is aimed at a generation that has grown up immersed in social media and reality television, so I may not be the ideal target audience. If anything, the story strengthened my resolve to keep that world at arm's length.
A well-written and thought-provoking novel that effectively explores the darker side of online culture, even if it wasn't entirely to my taste.
June 30, 2026
This is one of those books that starts off steady and builds in pace and intensity as the story unfolds gradually.
We follow a number of diverse characters, each with their own intriguing storyline.
These seem only mildly connected for most of the book, but just as you think you know what's going on, the whole perspective changes and you realise how each of the elements links up with the rest and this becomes a whole different story.
I was really interested in the friendship and dynamic between Alyssa and Less.
The contrast between these two characters was vast - yet their shared need to fit in, drew them together and they formed an unbreakable bond.
When Alyssa discovers the world of phrogging, she and Less embark on and adventure that eventually becomes a dangerous game with consequences.
This explores a society where we all rely on technology and live and share everything online.
Each of the characters takes a different element of this and we go behind the scenes with influencers, producers and pop stars - but I loved that we got to see all sides of their lives - the on-screen perfection balanced out with the slightly unhinged need for normality.
This was packed with twists, especially towards the end and every time I thought I knew where this was going, something would shift and veer us off in a new direction again, right down to the very last line in the book.
Such a clever storyline and premise.
One that ten years ago would have sounded outlandish - yet feels so relatable and quite frightening in it's authenticity.
With an important lesson to all about our obsession with online personas, social media and the world of the influencer.
A compelling read - I devoured this over the course of a day and will be thinking about it for a long while.
We follow a number of diverse characters, each with their own intriguing storyline.
These seem only mildly connected for most of the book, but just as you think you know what's going on, the whole perspective changes and you realise how each of the elements links up with the rest and this becomes a whole different story.
I was really interested in the friendship and dynamic between Alyssa and Less.
The contrast between these two characters was vast - yet their shared need to fit in, drew them together and they formed an unbreakable bond.
When Alyssa discovers the world of phrogging, she and Less embark on and adventure that eventually becomes a dangerous game with consequences.
This explores a society where we all rely on technology and live and share everything online.
Each of the characters takes a different element of this and we go behind the scenes with influencers, producers and pop stars - but I loved that we got to see all sides of their lives - the on-screen perfection balanced out with the slightly unhinged need for normality.
This was packed with twists, especially towards the end and every time I thought I knew where this was going, something would shift and veer us off in a new direction again, right down to the very last line in the book.
Such a clever storyline and premise.
One that ten years ago would have sounded outlandish - yet feels so relatable and quite frightening in it's authenticity.
With an important lesson to all about our obsession with online personas, social media and the world of the influencer.
A compelling read - I devoured this over the course of a day and will be thinking about it for a long while.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Huge thanks to Random Book Tours for my spot on the Bad Influence tour, what a book!
Bad Influence is a novel which observes with pinpoint accuracy the pop psychology of the influencer culture.
Alyssa (21) grafts hard for everything in her life and spends her time supporting her mum caring for her elderly grandmother, whilst dreaming of being famous one day. Her best friend Less from school (Alessandro) couldn't be more different, born into a wealthier family he enjoys his privilege and his passion for fashion design but struggles to be accepted by his peers.
The novels plot is told from different point of views and interspersed with Instagram messages highlighting the vitriol that many people face from keyboard warriors who are intent on tearing people down based on their own insecurities and judgements against someone they don't know without fear of real repercussions.
The range of characters we are introduced to include Paige (fitness influencer), Ariel (health influencer), Rosie (animal and eco activist), Edie and Tammy (TV producers) and Jack a singer in a famous band, known for his infamous house parties, and they all have their part to play in the lives of Alyssa and Less, which adds good depth to the story.
The imposter syndrome seemed strong in Ariel who has been battling health issues for a long time and used her nutritional advice to try and help others and the online feud between her and Paige that starts was very reminiscent of things you see online.
One day Alyssa seizes upon an opportunity to go see her favourite influencer Paige in real-life, Paige has posted stories and Alyssa has managed to work out where Paige lives... Less initially gets swept along for the ride, after all Alyssa just wants a peek at how the other half lives, what's wrong with that? Turns out Alyssa doesn't just want a peek, she wants to step into Paige's shoes and the two best friends then find themselves in a dangerous situation.
From that point the twists just kept on coming and I was compelled to keep reading - be prepared for some late nights! This book highlights the insecurities and unrealistic expectations that many people have living with an "online persona", the image we project to the online community is one of just many masks that we wear in our life. It's a topical book with layers focusing on subjects of mental health, class and societal expectations and whilst the book is dark I had a few laugh aloud moments when bookstagrammers were referenced!
Read this book, you will NOT be disappointed!
Bad Influence is a novel which observes with pinpoint accuracy the pop psychology of the influencer culture.
Alyssa (21) grafts hard for everything in her life and spends her time supporting her mum caring for her elderly grandmother, whilst dreaming of being famous one day. Her best friend Less from school (Alessandro) couldn't be more different, born into a wealthier family he enjoys his privilege and his passion for fashion design but struggles to be accepted by his peers.
The novels plot is told from different point of views and interspersed with Instagram messages highlighting the vitriol that many people face from keyboard warriors who are intent on tearing people down based on their own insecurities and judgements against someone they don't know without fear of real repercussions.
The range of characters we are introduced to include Paige (fitness influencer), Ariel (health influencer), Rosie (animal and eco activist), Edie and Tammy (TV producers) and Jack a singer in a famous band, known for his infamous house parties, and they all have their part to play in the lives of Alyssa and Less, which adds good depth to the story.
The imposter syndrome seemed strong in Ariel who has been battling health issues for a long time and used her nutritional advice to try and help others and the online feud between her and Paige that starts was very reminiscent of things you see online.
One day Alyssa seizes upon an opportunity to go see her favourite influencer Paige in real-life, Paige has posted stories and Alyssa has managed to work out where Paige lives... Less initially gets swept along for the ride, after all Alyssa just wants a peek at how the other half lives, what's wrong with that? Turns out Alyssa doesn't just want a peek, she wants to step into Paige's shoes and the two best friends then find themselves in a dangerous situation.
From that point the twists just kept on coming and I was compelled to keep reading - be prepared for some late nights! This book highlights the insecurities and unrealistic expectations that many people have living with an "online persona", the image we project to the online community is one of just many masks that we wear in our life. It's a topical book with layers focusing on subjects of mental health, class and societal expectations and whilst the book is dark I had a few laugh aloud moments when bookstagrammers were referenced!
Read this book, you will NOT be disappointed!
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