5 novels on the dysfunctionally wealthy that’ll completely entrance you 

From timeless indulgences like Gossip Girl and Dynasty to more recent obsessions White Lotus, Inventing Anna, and Succession, our love for stories that take us into the decadent, fascinatingly dangerous, mysterious world of the insanely wealthy, isn’t new. 

Now imagine being a part of this world through the written word. This Gatsby-esque allure of complex characters and hidden motives amid the settings of shady wills and trust funds, private jets and never- ending estates, family jewels and home addresses that aren’t even on the map is undeniably hard to resist. 

Here's a round-up of five perfectly indulgent, yet underrated novels that feed the dark and sexy charm of the world of riches.

SHE REGRETS NOTHING, ANDREA DUNLOP

After getting a taste of the top-tier life she could have had as the granddaughter of one of the wealthiest men in New York, orphaned Leila Lawrence resolves to claim the Upper East Side old money lifestyle she felt she was unfairly denied, one way or another. The story tracks her journey as she gets embroiled into the decadent chaos of the luxuriously dangerous lives of the creme de la creme of New York City and moves further away from her morals to make the glitter in front of her eyes last. 

THE LION’S DEN, KATHERINE ST. JOHN

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, a dream vacation turns into an absolute nightmare. From the extreme control of her friend’s billionaire boyfriend and being locked in their rooms as prisoners to discovering just how far her own friend would go to maintain her high-flying lifestyle, our protagonist Belle’s fanciful getaway on a luxury yacht takes a decadently dangerous turn.

THE DARLINGS, CRISTINA ALGER

From Park Avenue apartments to summer in the Hamptons, this story revolves around—as the name suggests—the Darlings, a mind numbingly wealthy family in New York. As this crazy rich family finds itself amid a huge financial scandal with the media at its heels, our protagonist Paul Ross, son in law of the Darling family and an attorney who’s wealthy by marriage, finds himself at crossroads between protecting himself and showing loyalty toward his wife and the in-laws who’ve given him the lifestyle of his dreams. 

THE CLUB, ELLERY LLOYD

A Reese’s Book Club pick, this story transports the reader into the world of some of the most exclusive clubs that one would, quite literally, die to get into. Set against the backdrop of the impending launch of Island Home, the most highly anticipated addition to The Home Group—a bunch of ultra-luxurious member’s-only clubs for the famous and the wealthy all over the globe—the story characterises the breaking point of the company’s CEO, his employees, and the practically perfect guests on the invitees list. All of them seem to have their own set of ugly and potentially sinister secrets to hide. 

THE PERFECT COUPLE, ELIN HILDERBRAND 

Set against the backdrop of Nantucket’s generationally wealthy wedding season, this story is your invitation to the lavish Otis-Winbury wedding at the groom’s parents’ oceanfront estate. With shocking revelations, everyone—from the couple and their families, to all their friends—becomes a murder suspect as a body is discovered in the Nantucket Harbour.