“There is blood in the fountain turning the water an eerie rust color. I call someone to drain it.”

This is how this sick story begins. Let me start by saying these rich people are assholes! The biggest assholes you will ever meet. I hated them all immediately! I’d need bottles of Moët-their drink of choice - to survive a day with them.
The main character Lyla is married to the gorgeous, successful, totally-messed-up Graham. They live in a glass house on the edge of a cliff on Graham’s mother Margo’s property. She lives in a castle of course. Margo is the most vulgar rich person of all.
“When you’re rich, you can control everything. Except the richer.”
Lyla married into this cult where rich people don’t cook, shop, or even walk “Rich people don’t walk. Their shoes aren’t designed for it.”

Lyla is bored! Graham is bored! Margo is bored! They are all so bored and self-centered that they create their own entertainment. The game: invite successful people to live in their guest house and then destroy their lives. Hence the blood in the fountain when the game went too far. I don’t know how, but I actually started to feel sorry for these rich bastards!

The newest target Demi moves in. But this woman is pretending. She’s hiding deadly secrets of her own. She won’t go down without a fight. And the fight gets serious quick!

I went down to 4 stars because I wanted more from the ending. It comes full circle, but I wanted a bigger bang for my buck! This book was stuffed full of rich people that were so fun to hate.

“ I wonder if wealth is like heroin. Being high: You don't feel good. You don't feel bad. It's the absence of feeling. Good and bad cease to exist."

Definitely, an author I’d read again!

I love a good rich people problem story and this took things to the next level.

The couple in this story is lyla and graham. Really though, it’s lyla, graham, and grahams mother. They have more money than they know what to do with so in an attempt to stave off boredm, they invented a game. They rent out their guest house, but only to self made money people. They HATE boots trappers and take turns at ruining each of their tenants lives. Lyla doesn’t actually want to play the game but graham has a way of getting her to do what he wants, so she goes along.

Their latest tenant is Demi- a woman who has always felt like the odds were stacked against her. She moves into this guesthouse and unwittingly becomes the subject of the upstairs couple’s wicked entertainment. But Demi has been struggling forever and has a few secrets of her own. she’s not about to go down without a fight.

I really had fun with this. It’s a little silly and super dark, but there’s also really thoughtful juxtaposition between the the gluttony and excess of those that are wealthy and the invisibility of those that are not. I also liked how the city of LA was presented and kept turning the pages to see how it would end. While neither woman is particularly likable, I did enjoy their sarcasm.

I started out really into this twisted dark thriller. But then it just got so dark, and every single character was so unlikeable, that I couldn’t read the last 20%

When I first saw this cover, I knew I needed it and it totally did not disappoint!

I was hooked immediately and totally binged this devilishly addictive read in a day!

I loved the satirical perspective of the privileged community and I found it wickedly funny! With some truly savage and fun characters, this clever and thought provoking story was wildly entertaining!

With an abundance of twists and turns, this is one dark and compulsive read you don’t want to miss!

Let the games begin!

Holy unlikable characters. I mean these are TRULY AWFUL PEOPLE but I couldn't stop reading about them. I flew through this book in just one day. I enjoyed the alternating points of view between Lyla, the wife, and Demi, the tenant and it was very easy to root for neither of them. I will say the twist felt rather ~obvious~ but the pure wickedness of the Herschel family made up for that and kept me entertained.

If you're someone who does not enjoy unlikable characters, even if they're well done, this book is not for you. But if you can get behind reading about some rich people who definitely aren't good, this is not one to miss.

What does it say about this book and it's characters that more people upset about the dog dying than the humans?

You can see the polarizing effects of this book: 5 stars loved the near avante garde hyperbole, the 2 stars just couldn't jive with the over-the-top-ness, and the 3 stars are still stunned and trying to figure out what just happened. There are so many strong reactions to this book!

I feel like the author kept saying "yes, AND" and "make it MORE" while crafting the outline for this book. It's a dark, satirical look at wealth and classism, but so dark and satirical and biting that it's comical (I mean, those character names...). The characters are terrible, despicable human beings that you don't care what happens to them but you can't stop reading this wild ride of a book. You turn every page just wondering what they're going to do next.

That being said, there are some issues with the plot that kept me from rating this a 5 star. There are two characters that were added, and could have been interesting additions to the plot, but weren't fully actualized, for example the housecleaner who appears out of no where (or not) and is part of their daily lives but we never get to know her. I get that she's not of the wealthy class so our characters would never "see" her, but the author truly missed an opportunity to let us see behind the scenes. Maybe they were added as a foil to the ultra-rich?

Another plot issue that didn't sit right was the issue of time. The story is told from multiple POV and in order to do so, we bounce around in time seeing the same scene from two different POV. Understandable, but something about it was jarring, which may be the point, I think, as I write this. The other issue with time are the jumps in setting (?) for certain characters. For example, we are outside on a hike with two characters and the next moment one of them is in jail for trespass. Again, probably done for it's jarring effect to make the reader on edge.

So if you're looking to read something different, this certainly fits the bill.

I can't wait to see which patrons I recommend this book to; it'll be interesting to see their reactions.

I have read Eliza Jane Brazier's previous book, If I Disappear, and though I found that book to be predictable, I felt this book warranted giving it a go, and so I picked up a copy.

I found this book to be a darker and in some parts, more brutal and violent in the writing than her previous book, most of which didn't add anything to the story.

I struggled with how to rate this book, and after consideration I went with my 3 star rating as shown because the book did keep keep me reading, despite the somewhat disturbing and darker parts. I also found the transition between the narrators to lose me a couple of times in terms of who the narrator was, especially during the more suspenseful/action parts.

I feel like if you enjoyed this author's previous book and you go in prepared this book is detailed in the descriptions of some more violent parts, then give it a read, but I might suggest you borrow a copy.

I loved this book! It was wild and had crazy characters that kept me hooked. It was also somewhat disturbing but also hilarious. I am such a fan about books about the wealthy elite and bonus this was a thriller too! I don't want to say to much but basically read this one!!

OMG this book started with a bang and it just kept going. I was so intrigued by the story and the characters. Nothing was what it seemed. I loved the way it was written. It was so fast paced and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. Luckily, I was able to devour this in one setting. I’m not sure if you were supposed to love Lyla, but I loved her! I thought she was just so realistic. She isn’t supposed to be funny but I loved the stuff that she said! Her husband and mother in law were so horribly wonderful. I couldn’t get enough of how evil they were! I really loved this book. Definitely give this book a chance!

You will absolutely not like one of these main characters at all! (Maybe at times you might care for Lyla and Demi but...) These people are freaking insane! Then again, I must be for wanting to keep reading and being totally engrossed in it all.

These crazy rich people have nothing better to do than to ruin other peoples' lives in the sickest of ways. They play a "game" where someone has to do such awful damage to someone else. If the worst happens, then oh well. Now it is Lyla's turn to prove to them that she has what it takes to be one of them. She thinks her mother-in-law is setting her up and her oddball husband could care less because he has become bored with her.

The story plays out in the strangest, harshest ways. It is hard to feel sorry for any of them. It is that old adage "be careful what you wish for". There may be some kind of satisfaction to how things work out.

It is a crazy ride but well worth reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for a copy of this book.

Dark and disturbing look at the difference between poor and rich.

I loved this atmospheric read. It wasn't the surroundings that were atmospheric, but the people. The dark and disturbing, very unlikeable and evil people. The differences between the rich and the poor were so obnoxious, almost unbelievable, but at the same time you know that is how it is. The rich get bored, and they feel like they are privileged to entertain themselves in any way they want. There's this disturbing need to hurt others, because you're not seeking for a better life on your own. Where's the poor always feel like the nuisance. Their need not to disturb, feeling guilty about just existing. The differences were astonishing and will keep me thinking.

I love this author's writing style and will be looking forward to more of her books.

Good Rich People is the story of Lyla, a young woman who married into fabulous wealth, wealth, wealth with a capital B. Her husband, Graham, is unnaturally handsome and she is both in love with and infatuated with him. Sadly, his focus is centered more on his mother than his wife. The house they live in is a physical representation of their lives. On the top of the hill, overlooking the ocean is his mother’s mansion with descending gardens representing the circles of hell. Their home is carved into the mountain and breaks out of the cliff with breathtaking ocean views. Right below them is another home carved out of the mountain, a guest house his mother rents to tenants.

And Graham and his mother love their tenants. More accurately, they love to play games with their tenants, competing against each other to enthrall and ruin them. They hate the up-and-coming, the strivers, and are entertained by lifting them up only to cast them down. But now they think it’s Lyla’s turn to play and the tenant is not who they think she is.



Good Rich People is not the easiest book to get into,. It’s written in the present tense. I have a deep distaste for writing in the present tense. Most of the time, it just feels so unnecessary and pretentious. I was [this] close to giving up but stuck with it and was well-rewarded. I mean this book is hilarious and compulsive. I read it in one sitting. And really, I am not sure anyone in this book is good, and maybe that is why it has to be in the present tense. If it were told by Lyla and Demi in the past tense, they would have already justified and excused things that they just flat out confess in the present tense.

Good Rich People is mean and the people are despicable, mostly. Graham and his mother are cartoonishly evil but all of that is what makes the book work. I enjoyed it far more than I probably should have.

I received an e-galley of Good Rich People from the publisher through NetGalley

Good Rich People at Berkley | Penguin Random House
Eliza Jane Brazier author site

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐.5/ 5 stars

A duo POV thriller about a wealthy woman named Lyla and her tenant, Demi. Lyla is very wealthy, married to a cold, handsome, manipulative sadistic man who thrives off of ruining people’s lives, especially those he (and his mother Margo) befriend. In order to keep his trust and love, Lyla agrees to destroy Demi by learning all her secrets and befriending her. Demi comes from a rough childhood with a single parent - jumping from job to job and finding refuge in the tent city in LA. She has a once in a lifetime opportunity to take on another’s identity and finally be more than she is ( i.e. a shopping spree on Rodeo Drive). Eventually, it’s unclear who the game really is for as they both battle it out to the end to keep their place in the hills.

This book had my full attention - it is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. It was highly entertaining, chaotic, and disturbing. The dog part was what knocked off half a point for me, it didn’t add to the story and I hate (fictional) animal deaths if it doesn’t move the story along. Either way, it was refreshing and I could totally see this as a tv show!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

This started off with what I thought would be a five star stunner. The sarcasm, wit and snark made me chuckle and seemed to be setting the stage for a fun ride. Rich people behaving badly is usually a good time. The timelines confused me at times as the povs were not linear but i did like having multiple povs. I would have loved more of Margot or perhaps even Grahams pov. I'd have loved to be in their messed up minds. Lyla proved herself to be a bit of a dud as well as Demi. Overall it was fun and kept my attention, albeit a bit messy.

Good Rich People is a masterful thriller by a rising star. No one is writing books like Eliza Jane Brazier, and she awes me. This captivated me from the moment I picked it up and didn't let go. Whip-smart and razor-sharp and laugh-out-loud funny in the dryest way possible. Highly reccomend!

This was a DARK and twisty tale of class and privilege and the absolute depravity that a family of bored rich people get up to. Told in alternating perspectives between Lyla, a wealthy LA wife who has been coerced into playing a sick game with her husband and mother-in-law, and Demi, their new tenant and target. I enjoyed the focus on the realities of homelessness and the clever way the tables got turned on the repugnant characters. Entertaining and suspenseful and great on audio narrated by Karissa Vacker and Sophie Amoss. Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my advance review copy!

This book was a wild ride. A cautionary tale of money destroying the moral fiber of society. It very much reminded me of the movie The Hunt, where rich people hunt poor people for sport. Like many others have said in their review of this book, all of the characters are deplorable! I wanted to like “Demi” but she just disappointed me with her choices.

Lyla is always trying to please her husband Graham. He has more money than he knows what to do with. He’s never struggled a day in his life and therefore he's bored with life. To make things interesting, his rich and powerful mother and he like to invite self-made success stories or bootstrappers, into their guest house just to destroy their lives. This is their form of entertainment. Lyla just wants the game to end.

Demi is their latest charity case. Demi has always struggled in life and despite her best efforts has wound up living on the street. She is presented with the opportunity to change here circumstances one fateful night, taking over another person’s life. This makes her Graham and Margot’s latest victim. Demi will not be rolling over for this mother and son, not when she has made it this far.

This book was a powerful commentary on the privileged and the disparity of those that have and those that do not. On ist’s surface, it is a light read but I believe one could find much deeper meaning to the commentary on society this book makes. There is wonderful symbolism int he book like Margot’s gardens being modeled off of Dante’s nine stages of hell that many of the characters find themselves in.

“Except I earned it. I earned it the same way every rich person does: by stepping over a body.” - Demi

This is a mind fuck of a book. Rich people behaving badly is a favorite trope of mine. In this case, the rich people are so bored with their extravagant lives that they invent a game. Not just any game, one in which they choose a person carefully, a bootstrapper, and systematically dismantle and destroy their life. Margot, Graham and Lyla live on a massive estate with a guest house that they rent to just the right tenant. And then the game ensues.

The characters:
Lyla: the wife
Graham: the husband
Margot: the mother-in-law who owns and runs everything
Demi: the tenant/target of the game

The chapters alternate between lyla and Demi’s POV.
I found Demi’s insights far more interesting than lylas and definitely would have liked see more of her.
Graham is a class A sociopath and it’s riveting. I would have loved even one chapter from his POV.
Demi leans towards extremely un likable, her choices are ridiculous. However her parts were the ones that had me immersed.

I loved the description of the mansion and it’s surrounding property. The garden with nine terraces, each representing a circle of Hell. The tower with its pin prick spire…
This is dark, satiric and a helluva page turner.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy, this in no way affected my review.

Hoo boy, this one is both WILD and amazing! It had a slow start that took me a minute to get into as it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but looking back, I’m not sure what I could have expected? That being said, I can always appreciate snark, and for that reason alone I kept going, and lo and behold, the further in I got, the more vested I was and could not stop until I was done. As this is a sarcastic take on rich people as a whole, the characters are not meant to be likable, so this did not bother me one bit. Overall I really enjoyed this dark, disturbing story, especially the ending, which actually had me chuckling a bit.

I listened to this via audio and it was really well done, narrated by Karissa Vacker and Sophie Amoss. Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.

POV: It's only the end of January and GOOD RICH PEOPLE is claiming a spot on my top 10 books of the year.⁠
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Okay, so Brazier's first novel was just okay for me... a little weird, but promising so it made me want I wanted to read her second novel.⁠
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This one-I don't know how to explain it, but it was just the right amount of weird. OUTRAGEOUS is more like it actually. ⁠
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While I HATED everyone in this book-yes everyone there, was one character in particular that I kept saying 'KILL HIM'⁠
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Poor Lila is just so caught up with the lifestyle she married into that she does some downright dumb things. She even knows how bad it is, but she is under Graham's spell.⁠
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This one is just plain outrageous, clever, wicked and VERY cat and mouse. I actually pictured Tom and Jerry.⁠
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There aren't any major twists, but there are definite gasp inducing ones. ⁠
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I also listened to the audio (narrated by Karissa Vacker and Sophie Amoss) and it was AWESOME!