What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
28 days and 21:05:53
25 copies available
U.S. only
Society Women
Win a free print copy of this book!
28 days and 21:05:53
25 copies available
U.S. only
The USA Today bestselling author of the Influencer series delivers a riveting psychological thriller about power, betrayal, and the haunting legacy of family secrets filled with diabolical turns and shocking twists.
Some invitations are meant to be declined. . . .
Ellie works as an accountant at her father’s successful investment company in New York City. She enjoys all the comforts her privileged lifestyle affords—a two-bedroom apartment overlooking Central Park, a generous trust fund, and a devastatingly attractive if often absent husband who works long hours for her father as well. Yet the introverted young woman who wants for nothing feels aimless and untethered. Ellie lost her mother at a young age and still has nightmares about her death. She sometimes sleepwalks at night and finds herself stumbling through the days.
But Ellie’s life takes a turn when she receives an anonymous invitation in the mail, asking her to join an elite women’s club known only as “The Society.” Intrigued, she begins to attend their lavish gatherings where she meets her new close companion, Aubrey, and enjoys the benefits of belonging to the group—friendship, sisterhood, and support from other successful and glamorous women. Then Ellie makes a horrifying discovery about the society and its “philanthropic work.” The women of The Society harbor dark, dangerous secrets—secrets that may implicate Ellie’s own family.
Wickedly twisty, Society Women is a gripping story of prestige, power, and dirty secrets that will hook you with every surprising turn and leave you questioning every truth until the final, shocking end.
Some invitations are meant to be declined. . . .
Ellie works as an accountant at her father’s successful investment company in New York City. She enjoys all the comforts her privileged lifestyle affords—a two-bedroom apartment overlooking Central Park, a generous trust fund, and a devastatingly attractive if often absent husband who works long hours for her father as well. Yet the introverted young woman who wants for nothing feels aimless and untethered. Ellie lost her mother at a young age and still has nightmares about her death. She sometimes sleepwalks at night and finds herself stumbling through the days.
But Ellie’s life takes a turn when she receives an anonymous invitation in the mail, asking her to join an elite women’s club known only as “The Society.” Intrigued, she begins to attend their lavish gatherings where she meets her new close companion, Aubrey, and enjoys the benefits of belonging to the group—friendship, sisterhood, and support from other successful and glamorous women. Then Ellie makes a horrifying discovery about the society and its “philanthropic work.” The women of The Society harbor dark, dangerous secrets—secrets that may implicate Ellie’s own family.
Wickedly twisty, Society Women is a gripping story of prestige, power, and dirty secrets that will hook you with every surprising turn and leave you questioning every truth until the final, shocking end.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2025
20850 people want to read
About the author
Adriane Leigh
58 books2,826 followersis a USA Today bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. With appearances in publications such as Vogue Magazine and The Montreal Gazette, the award-winning author, in addition to writing, founded RARE: Romance Author & Reader Events, a community of internationally-renowned book conventions that draw thousands of readers and #1 bestselling authors to events around the world each year.
She hosts a podcast, The Rebel Artist, and her books are translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
She lives on Lake Michigan with her family.
She hosts a podcast, The Rebel Artist, and her books are translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
She lives on Lake Michigan with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 16, 2025
ARC for review. To be published March 24, 2026.
1 star
So, this one took an odd turn. And, and you may think I am mistaken because the Good Lord knows she only mentions it every ten pages or so, but there is no way this FMC went to Columbia. In fact, if I had to guess, the city in South Carolina would be iffy about letting her in there. Because she is dumb. Beyond dumb. Imbecilic.
Can you really root for hopeless, naive idiots? I think you just stick a helmet on them and send them on their ways. An actual line of dialogue from the book: “”You wouldn’t listen. You wouldn’t play your part. Your goodness is a liability.’” And so many plot holes. Just so, so bad.
1 star
So, this one took an odd turn. And, and you may think I am mistaken because the Good Lord knows she only mentions it every ten pages or so, but there is no way this FMC went to Columbia. In fact, if I had to guess, the city in South Carolina would be iffy about letting her in there. Because she is dumb. Beyond dumb. Imbecilic.
Can you really root for hopeless, naive idiots? I think you just stick a helmet on them and send them on their ways. An actual line of dialogue from the book: “”You wouldn’t listen. You wouldn’t play your part. Your goodness is a liability.’” And so many plot holes. Just so, so bad.
October 6, 2025
This kicks off with a woman named Kat refusing to use nicknames (Kat being her given name, obviously) and ends somewhere in the realm of one character revealing the existence of a hidden camera broadcasting live to another character who promptly responds by confessing everything. I'm not exaggerating.
November 20, 2025
Society Women was an addictive, messy kind of read. I liked following Ellie as she gets drawn into the glamorous, secret world of The Society. She’s trying to figure out her life while surrounded by wealth, privilege, and people who seem perfect on the outside but are hiding dark secrets.
I liked the twists and the way the book showed how toxic ambition and appearances can be. The tension kept me turning pages, and the cat-and-mouse between Ellie and the other women had some really satisfying moments. That said, a few plot points felt a little over-the-top, and Ellie sometimes felt more reactive than fully in control of her story.
Overall, it’s a fun, bingeable thriller with plenty of glitz, drama, and secrets. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
I liked the twists and the way the book showed how toxic ambition and appearances can be. The tension kept me turning pages, and the cat-and-mouse between Ellie and the other women had some really satisfying moments. That said, a few plot points felt a little over-the-top, and Ellie sometimes felt more reactive than fully in control of her story.
Overall, it’s a fun, bingeable thriller with plenty of glitz, drama, and secrets. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
October 28, 2025
Society Women is a fast-paced, bingeable thriller — I flew through it in under 24 hours. It’s an easy, compulsive read filled with twisted characters and unhinged decisions. The plot goes way over the top — think Blacklist-level chaos — and definitely stretches reality, but it kept me entertained the whole time. A solid 3-star read for when you’re in the mood for drama.
dnf
January 26, 2026DNF at 26%.
Unfortunately this was not for me. The main character here is a wet dishrag. She complains about her husband when she is with her conniving friend, but when she is around him she is begging him to pay attention to her. His treatment is abusive, and she is being used on all fronts. It was hard to care what happened to her.
Unfortunately this was not for me. The main character here is a wet dishrag. She complains about her husband when she is with her conniving friend, but when she is around him she is begging him to pay attention to her. His treatment is abusive, and she is being used on all fronts. It was hard to care what happened to her.
January 20, 2026
ARC for Review:
“Society Women” by Adriane Leigh is a story about Ellie Taylor (nee Thomas) who marries her so-called college sweetheart named Jack, lost her mother when she was a child, grows up believing her powerful and rich father has her best interest at heart, and has a best friend by the name of Aubrey who lives in the same apartment building as Ellie and Jack, but everything she believes is a lie.
I would have dismissed stories such as this one as “far-fetched” years ago, but given the current state of affairs, this story comes off as hopeful for women who want to take their power back. Trigger Warning: This story also contains mentions rape, slight BDSM, blood, mutilation, sexual assault, manipulation, mansplaining, drugging, alcohol, murder, and mystery.
Notes for the Editor and Author:
Pg. 27: Paragraph 7 Should “She reported him, …” be on a separate line from “I’m so sorry,” I breathe? It’s appears to be two different people speaking.
Pg. 29: First paragraph, “says. The slow” should have a period and word separation.
Pg. 33: That second paragraph “I shrug. “Maybe he’s right, but…” is one of the best paragraphs in the book. Thank you!
Pg. 81: Second paragraph, “moment but” needs to be separated.
Pg. 91: Final paragraph, there are two commas near each other in one sentence.
Pg. 98: Final sentence on the page ends in a comma.
Pg. 152: Final Paragraph, the word “like” is missing an “l” in the second sentence.
Pg. 157: Third line: I love “The Incredible Hulk” reference, and it seems fitting for what’s happening in the book at this point.
Pg. 173: First or second paragraph, “after-school special”, please separate school and special”.
Pg. 188: Fifth paragraph, separate “You’re right, I’m sorry.” The comma and “I’m” are right next to each other.
Pg. 208: Second paragraph, drop the unnecessary “f” after “Jason.”
Pg. 235: Final paragraph on the page, “is a” should be separated in the sentence “The glass between us is a mirror on one side”.
Overall, it was a good read. Ellie comes off as a sympathetic character, but Aubrey stays questionable throughout. If that was your goal with Aubrey, it worked out. Thanks for letting me review this book.
“Society Women” by Adriane Leigh is a story about Ellie Taylor (nee Thomas) who marries her so-called college sweetheart named Jack, lost her mother when she was a child, grows up believing her powerful and rich father has her best interest at heart, and has a best friend by the name of Aubrey who lives in the same apartment building as Ellie and Jack, but everything she believes is a lie.
I would have dismissed stories such as this one as “far-fetched” years ago, but given the current state of affairs, this story comes off as hopeful for women who want to take their power back. Trigger Warning: This story also contains mentions rape, slight BDSM, blood, mutilation, sexual assault, manipulation, mansplaining, drugging, alcohol, murder, and mystery.
Notes for the Editor and Author:
Pg. 27: Paragraph 7 Should “She reported him, …” be on a separate line from “I’m so sorry,” I breathe? It’s appears to be two different people speaking.
Pg. 29: First paragraph, “says. The slow” should have a period and word separation.
Pg. 33: That second paragraph “I shrug. “Maybe he’s right, but…” is one of the best paragraphs in the book. Thank you!
Pg. 81: Second paragraph, “moment but” needs to be separated.
Pg. 91: Final paragraph, there are two commas near each other in one sentence.
Pg. 98: Final sentence on the page ends in a comma.
Pg. 152: Final Paragraph, the word “like” is missing an “l” in the second sentence.
Pg. 157: Third line: I love “The Incredible Hulk” reference, and it seems fitting for what’s happening in the book at this point.
Pg. 173: First or second paragraph, “after-school special”, please separate school and special”.
Pg. 188: Fifth paragraph, separate “You’re right, I’m sorry.” The comma and “I’m” are right next to each other.
Pg. 208: Second paragraph, drop the unnecessary “f” after “Jason.”
Pg. 235: Final paragraph on the page, “is a” should be separated in the sentence “The glass between us is a mirror on one side”.
Overall, it was a good read. Ellie comes off as a sympathetic character, but Aubrey stays questionable throughout. If that was your goal with Aubrey, it worked out. Thanks for letting me review this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
I’m supposed to believe that a naive, meek woman suddenly becomes a natural “spy” — well I don’t. Also the whole time, main girl is like “I know this is stupid but here I am doing it anyway” — lazy writing imo.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
nice book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: March 24, 2026
“Society Women” by author Adriane Leigh is a revenge thriller that delivers pulse-pounding suspense and delightful redemption.
Ellie grew up wanting for nothing, being handed everything she ever wanted on a silver platter. Raised by her real estate magnate father, after her mentally ill mother tried to burn down their house when she was a child, Ellie still considers herself to be very lucky. As an adult, she works as an accountant for her father’s real estate empire, alongside her father’s partner, and her husband, Jack. When she receives a mysterious invitation in the mail, asking her to join the super secret “Society”, she initially feels that it was received in error. Then Ellie shows up to the mansion of the Society’s founder and realizes that she if she accepts, she may find herself in too deep to turn back.
“Women” is narrated by Ellie (and less frequently by her friend and neighbour, Aubrey), in the present day. Readers experience the early days of Ellie’s relationship with Jack through Ellie’s flashbacks, and we learn about Ellie’s mother through her mother’s journal entries, but overall, the novel is told in the current timeline. Initially, Ellie seems guileless and self-conscious, willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to make the men in her life happy, men who continue to gaslight her at every turn. But it doesn’t stay that way and boy, does Ellie seek her revenge in an epic way.
Overall, the story flows well. Any questions from the story line are given satisfying answers by Leigh and the numerous twists and turns provide the right amount of suspense and intrigue. There aren’t a whole lot of characters to keep track of, so there’s more opportunities to connect with Ellie, and there are a heck of a lot of unlikable characters that mix in with the likable ones, so expect a big range of emotions.
Aubrey’s character came completely out of nowhere, as she simply appears as Ellie’s friend and neighbour right at the beginning, with no introduction, but right away it was obvious that she was pertinent to the plot. I was on the fence about Aubrey’s motivations from the get-go, but I have a feeling that that is what Leigh intended, and I was not disappointed by how Aubrey’s story turned out.
“Women” will bring about the inner societal rage in all of us, and it’s quite refreshing to see vengeance being sought in such memorable ways. “Women” had me raging, and cheering, right through to the final pages. I loved the girl power vibes this book inspired, and the ending was absolutely all I wanted it to be.
Expected publication date: March 24, 2026
“Society Women” by author Adriane Leigh is a revenge thriller that delivers pulse-pounding suspense and delightful redemption.
Ellie grew up wanting for nothing, being handed everything she ever wanted on a silver platter. Raised by her real estate magnate father, after her mentally ill mother tried to burn down their house when she was a child, Ellie still considers herself to be very lucky. As an adult, she works as an accountant for her father’s real estate empire, alongside her father’s partner, and her husband, Jack. When she receives a mysterious invitation in the mail, asking her to join the super secret “Society”, she initially feels that it was received in error. Then Ellie shows up to the mansion of the Society’s founder and realizes that she if she accepts, she may find herself in too deep to turn back.
“Women” is narrated by Ellie (and less frequently by her friend and neighbour, Aubrey), in the present day. Readers experience the early days of Ellie’s relationship with Jack through Ellie’s flashbacks, and we learn about Ellie’s mother through her mother’s journal entries, but overall, the novel is told in the current timeline. Initially, Ellie seems guileless and self-conscious, willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to make the men in her life happy, men who continue to gaslight her at every turn. But it doesn’t stay that way and boy, does Ellie seek her revenge in an epic way.
Overall, the story flows well. Any questions from the story line are given satisfying answers by Leigh and the numerous twists and turns provide the right amount of suspense and intrigue. There aren’t a whole lot of characters to keep track of, so there’s more opportunities to connect with Ellie, and there are a heck of a lot of unlikable characters that mix in with the likable ones, so expect a big range of emotions.
Aubrey’s character came completely out of nowhere, as she simply appears as Ellie’s friend and neighbour right at the beginning, with no introduction, but right away it was obvious that she was pertinent to the plot. I was on the fence about Aubrey’s motivations from the get-go, but I have a feeling that that is what Leigh intended, and I was not disappointed by how Aubrey’s story turned out.
“Women” will bring about the inner societal rage in all of us, and it’s quite refreshing to see vengeance being sought in such memorable ways. “Women” had me raging, and cheering, right through to the final pages. I loved the girl power vibes this book inspired, and the ending was absolutely all I wanted it to be.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Society Women” by Adriane Leigh is a glitzy, fast-paced psychological thriller that pulls you into the glittering world of Manhattan’s elite, and then slowly peels back the polished veneer to reveal something far more chaotic and unsettling underneath. At the center of it all is Ellie, an accountant whose seemingly secure life with her husband and steady job masks grief, insomnia, and a lingering sense that she’s drifting without purpose. When she receives an anonymous invitation to join an exclusive circle of glamorous, influential women known only as The Society, the allure of belonging becomes impossible to resist.
What begins as an intoxicating mix of sisterhood, prestige, and privilege soon curdles into a tense game of secrets and manipulation. Ellie finds herself simultaneously drawn in and watched, especially through her friendship with the magnetic Aubrey, and her personal history becomes tangled with the darker truths driving The Society’s philanthropic front. The more she learns, the more she begins to question not only her new “sisters,” but her marriage, her family, and her own memories.
Adriane Leigh excels at atmosphere with cocktail parties that feel like traps, whispered conversations dripping with menace, glittering events that hide emotional bruises. The Manhattan setting becomes a character in itself, amplifying themes of toxic ambition, generational privilege, and how appearances can be weaponized. The tension moves quickly, and the book’s short length makes it a true binge read; you can easily finish it in a single sitting.
That said, “Society Women” isn’t without its rough edges. The breakneck pacing keeps the story engaging, but occasionally at the expense of depth; some characters within The Society feel underdeveloped, and a few twists land with less surprise than I was expecting. While the first half is taut and addictive, the later chapters felt a bit rushed, especially with certain plot threads left vague or incomplete. Ellie herself is compelling, but I wished she’d taken a more active role in steering her own story rather than reacting to the chaos surrounding her.
Still, if you crave messy, over-the-top drama laced with psychological tension, then this story definitely delivers. It’s the kind of book where you need to know what’s really going on even if the answers aren’t always neat, and the truth leaves a lingering sting.
Overall, “Society Women” is a glossy, twisty thriller that explores the cost of belonging and what’s sacrificed to seem perfect. It may not stick every landing, but its addictive premise, sharp psychological edge, and bingeable pacing make it a gripping escape into the darker corners of high society.
“Society Women” by Adriane Leigh is a glitzy, fast-paced psychological thriller that pulls you into the glittering world of Manhattan’s elite, and then slowly peels back the polished veneer to reveal something far more chaotic and unsettling underneath. At the center of it all is Ellie, an accountant whose seemingly secure life with her husband and steady job masks grief, insomnia, and a lingering sense that she’s drifting without purpose. When she receives an anonymous invitation to join an exclusive circle of glamorous, influential women known only as The Society, the allure of belonging becomes impossible to resist.
What begins as an intoxicating mix of sisterhood, prestige, and privilege soon curdles into a tense game of secrets and manipulation. Ellie finds herself simultaneously drawn in and watched, especially through her friendship with the magnetic Aubrey, and her personal history becomes tangled with the darker truths driving The Society’s philanthropic front. The more she learns, the more she begins to question not only her new “sisters,” but her marriage, her family, and her own memories.
Adriane Leigh excels at atmosphere with cocktail parties that feel like traps, whispered conversations dripping with menace, glittering events that hide emotional bruises. The Manhattan setting becomes a character in itself, amplifying themes of toxic ambition, generational privilege, and how appearances can be weaponized. The tension moves quickly, and the book’s short length makes it a true binge read; you can easily finish it in a single sitting.
That said, “Society Women” isn’t without its rough edges. The breakneck pacing keeps the story engaging, but occasionally at the expense of depth; some characters within The Society feel underdeveloped, and a few twists land with less surprise than I was expecting. While the first half is taut and addictive, the later chapters felt a bit rushed, especially with certain plot threads left vague or incomplete. Ellie herself is compelling, but I wished she’d taken a more active role in steering her own story rather than reacting to the chaos surrounding her.
Still, if you crave messy, over-the-top drama laced with psychological tension, then this story definitely delivers. It’s the kind of book where you need to know what’s really going on even if the answers aren’t always neat, and the truth leaves a lingering sting.
Overall, “Society Women” is a glossy, twisty thriller that explores the cost of belonging and what’s sacrificed to seem perfect. It may not stick every landing, but its addictive premise, sharp psychological edge, and bingeable pacing make it a gripping escape into the darker corners of high society.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The problems with this book begin as early as the description provided where it claims FMC, Ellie, meets her new best friend, Aubrey, at the meeting of The Society. ERROR - they meet and have a prior relationship in the high end apartment building that overlooks Central Park. When Ellie receives an unexpected request to attend a gathering of this group, she is nervous about it and asks Aubrey to go along with her. What they discover is far more intriguing than a social club for wealthy women.
It’s hard to raise sympathy or empathy for the character of Ellie. She’s supposed to be a graduate of Columbia University, raised in privilege, an accountant in a successful investment firm; one would assume highly competent. Altho’ she continues to grieve the loss of her mother, she does little to help herself, regardless of the resources readily available to someone in her position. Her husband is not helpful and might be an antagonist. His time is monopolized by her father and the company. He says the right things but… Regardless of what author, Adriane Leigh, lays down as a characterization, this FMC cannot find herself.
What some might consider “twists and turns” read like smarmy manipulations, to me. These elements are incredibly predictable and done by oh so many others in this genre. Yawn.
If you’re interested in high end fashion, there will be interesting passages and descriptions. It’s used to assist Ellie in becoming a femme fatale; laughable given her emotional status. I found so many aspects of this story to be absurd because the characters couldn’t stand up. Usually, characters grow over the course of a story. Ellie does blunder thru to a conclusion but the ending is manipulated, convenient and unsatisfying.
Sadly, no recommendation on this one📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to the author and publisher.
It’s hard to raise sympathy or empathy for the character of Ellie. She’s supposed to be a graduate of Columbia University, raised in privilege, an accountant in a successful investment firm; one would assume highly competent. Altho’ she continues to grieve the loss of her mother, she does little to help herself, regardless of the resources readily available to someone in her position. Her husband is not helpful and might be an antagonist. His time is monopolized by her father and the company. He says the right things but… Regardless of what author, Adriane Leigh, lays down as a characterization, this FMC cannot find herself.
What some might consider “twists and turns” read like smarmy manipulations, to me. These elements are incredibly predictable and done by oh so many others in this genre. Yawn.
If you’re interested in high end fashion, there will be interesting passages and descriptions. It’s used to assist Ellie in becoming a femme fatale; laughable given her emotional status. I found so many aspects of this story to be absurd because the characters couldn’t stand up. Usually, characters grow over the course of a story. Ellie does blunder thru to a conclusion but the ending is manipulated, convenient and unsatisfying.
Sadly, no recommendation on this one📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to the author and publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ⭐️
Glamour, greed, and dangerous secrets—Society Women proves that behind every perfect life lies something worth hiding.
I really liked how Adriane Leigh blended privilege, secrecy, and psychological tension in this addictive thriller. Ellie’s life looks flawless—luxury apartment, handsome husband, and a role in her father’s high-profile firm—but beneath the gloss, she’s haunted by loss and insomnia. When she’s invited into an exclusive club of glamorous women known only as The Society, the allure of sisterhood and success turns sinister fast.
What stood out most to me was how Leigh used the glittering Manhattan setting to explore the darker side of wealth and ambition. Every cocktail party hides a secret, every smile a lie. Her writing is sleek, emotional, and immersive—the kind of story that pulls you in with its elegance before revealing its bite. I also appreciated how the twists hit when I least expected them—what started as a familiar premise turned into something deeper and far more intriguing.
While I was fully absorbed in the premise and atmosphere, a few parts of the story felt a bit predictable once the main mystery took shape. Some of the side characters within The Society could’ve been developed more deeply. I wanted to know more about their motives and the inner dynamics of the group. That being said, the glossy setting and psychological unease kept me reading, and the ending delivered enough surprise to make it worthwhile.
All in all, Society Women is a sharp, twist-filled psychological thriller about power, privilege, and the cost of belonging. I recommend to those who like their domestic suspense with a glossy, dangerous edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Glamour, greed, and dangerous secrets—Society Women proves that behind every perfect life lies something worth hiding.
I really liked how Adriane Leigh blended privilege, secrecy, and psychological tension in this addictive thriller. Ellie’s life looks flawless—luxury apartment, handsome husband, and a role in her father’s high-profile firm—but beneath the gloss, she’s haunted by loss and insomnia. When she’s invited into an exclusive club of glamorous women known only as The Society, the allure of sisterhood and success turns sinister fast.
What stood out most to me was how Leigh used the glittering Manhattan setting to explore the darker side of wealth and ambition. Every cocktail party hides a secret, every smile a lie. Her writing is sleek, emotional, and immersive—the kind of story that pulls you in with its elegance before revealing its bite. I also appreciated how the twists hit when I least expected them—what started as a familiar premise turned into something deeper and far more intriguing.
While I was fully absorbed in the premise and atmosphere, a few parts of the story felt a bit predictable once the main mystery took shape. Some of the side characters within The Society could’ve been developed more deeply. I wanted to know more about their motives and the inner dynamics of the group. That being said, the glossy setting and psychological unease kept me reading, and the ending delivered enough surprise to make it worthwhile.
All in all, Society Women is a sharp, twist-filled psychological thriller about power, privilege, and the cost of belonging. I recommend to those who like their domestic suspense with a glossy, dangerous edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2025
1/5 Stars
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I'm sorry, but Ellie is the worst character in a book of the most terrible characters. Ellie went straight from Columbia (this is her only personality trait) to working with her father at his company, where her husband also works, but as an attorney. At the being, it seems she's executive level and sees her father first thing in the morning, but halfway through the book, she suddenly has a manager she is calling out sick to and her father never checks on her. She literally only sees him again at the end.
Ellie is feeling lonely (and seriously has the least chill of anyone ever) when she gets an invitation to a retreat for a group called Society Women. She does not question this at all and with her new neighbor/apparently only friend, heads to upstate New York for a group of women she has never met or heard of before. Who does this? Then she finds out the group gets revenege on men who've hurt/killed women and they immediately decide this anxious, chaotic mess of a woman will be their hitman.
Meanwhile, her husband is drugging her and maybe sleeping with her new friend? (Idk it's never actually a closed plot). There are so many plots that are never closed. They never explain what this big secret her husband and father (who are bffs) are hiding from her and why they are making her think she's going crazy. This book basically took the movie promising young woman and replaced the main character with the worst person you could ever ask to do this.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I'm sorry, but Ellie is the worst character in a book of the most terrible characters. Ellie went straight from Columbia (this is her only personality trait) to working with her father at his company, where her husband also works, but as an attorney. At the being, it seems she's executive level and sees her father first thing in the morning, but halfway through the book, she suddenly has a manager she is calling out sick to and her father never checks on her. She literally only sees him again at the end.
Ellie is feeling lonely (and seriously has the least chill of anyone ever) when she gets an invitation to a retreat for a group called Society Women. She does not question this at all and with her new neighbor/apparently only friend, heads to upstate New York for a group of women she has never met or heard of before. Who does this? Then she finds out the group gets revenege on men who've hurt/killed women and they immediately decide this anxious, chaotic mess of a woman will be their hitman.
Meanwhile, her husband is drugging her and maybe sleeping with her new friend? (Idk it's never actually a closed plot). There are so many plots that are never closed. They never explain what this big secret her husband and father (who are bffs) are hiding from her and why they are making her think she's going crazy. This book basically took the movie promising young woman and replaced the main character with the worst person you could ever ask to do this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m in my psychological thriller era right now, and this book sounded perfect!
Ellie is an accountant in her father’s NYC investment company. She lives a privileged life complete with an apartment overlooking Central Park, a trust fund and a handsome husband. Yet, introverted Ellie suffers from nightmares of her mother’s death and sleepwalking that leaves her stumbling through her days.
So, when she receives an invitation to an elite women’s club known as “The Society,” she jumps at the chance to make friends and shake things up in her stagnant life. Alongside her companion, Aubrey, Ellie jumps into the society, accepting tasks that have her questioning their “philanthropic work” and everything they stand for.
The premise was super promising, but the execution was a little clunky. I found myself starting chapters and wondering what had just happened. Perhaps that was the author’s intention, emulating how Ellie would wake from sleep and be disoriented, but it felt confusing and difficult to follow at times. There were some great twists and a few of the characters were intriguing, so those elements kept me going, but some of the things that happened to Ellie were over the top and made it hard for me to keep going at times. I look forward to seeing more from the author.
Thank you to Adriane Leigh, Harper Perennial and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
Ellie is an accountant in her father’s NYC investment company. She lives a privileged life complete with an apartment overlooking Central Park, a trust fund and a handsome husband. Yet, introverted Ellie suffers from nightmares of her mother’s death and sleepwalking that leaves her stumbling through her days.
So, when she receives an invitation to an elite women’s club known as “The Society,” she jumps at the chance to make friends and shake things up in her stagnant life. Alongside her companion, Aubrey, Ellie jumps into the society, accepting tasks that have her questioning their “philanthropic work” and everything they stand for.
The premise was super promising, but the execution was a little clunky. I found myself starting chapters and wondering what had just happened. Perhaps that was the author’s intention, emulating how Ellie would wake from sleep and be disoriented, but it felt confusing and difficult to follow at times. There were some great twists and a few of the characters were intriguing, so those elements kept me going, but some of the things that happened to Ellie were over the top and made it hard for me to keep going at times. I look forward to seeing more from the author.
Thank you to Adriane Leigh, Harper Perennial and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
I have not read a hot mess of a book like this in awhile. While the action ramps up fast, it quickly runs itself off the deep end. Ellie is immediately suspicious of her husband and we have little to no rationale as to why - there is no suspense building in any plot in this entire book. Her father ends up being this horrible human and he and Ellie maybe have one total interaction before the last chapter? The society plot line, the whole description of this book, is only in the first 40% of the book and hardly mentioned again (though I guess it does connect, but they just stop contacting her, no questions asked). Ellie doesn’t question at all the motives of the group and seems to have no qualms to go on dates with supposed horrible men despite being married. Then in a matter of days she’s carving a man’s chest! A high security government official?! Yet her violent tendencies are hardly found in the rest of this book. I find it quite wild the first person thanked in the acknowledgments of this book is the editor because frankly this book feels like nobody edited it at all. A whole ass mess, truly.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
I received an ARC of Society Women ahead of its release on 24 March 2026.
I was instantly drawn to the concept — an elite women’s society promising glamour, sisterhood, and success, only for the polished surface to crack and reveal something much darker underneath. At just 256 pages, it’s a short (ish) and very bingeable read. I finished it quickly, and there’s no denying the premise has plenty of intrigue.
For me, the idea was stronger than the execution. The pacing is fast which kept me turning the pages, but the storyline felt a little messy in parts and some of the twists were easy to see coming. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and at times the drama stretched beyond what felt believable.
That said, if you enjoy chaotic, over the top thrillers centred on privilege, toxic friendships, and secrets unraveling fast, this could still scratch the itch. The premise absolutely hooked me — I just wish the delivery landed with the same impact.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was instantly drawn to the concept — an elite women’s society promising glamour, sisterhood, and success, only for the polished surface to crack and reveal something much darker underneath. At just 256 pages, it’s a short (ish) and very bingeable read. I finished it quickly, and there’s no denying the premise has plenty of intrigue.
For me, the idea was stronger than the execution. The pacing is fast which kept me turning the pages, but the storyline felt a little messy in parts and some of the twists were easy to see coming. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and at times the drama stretched beyond what felt believable.
That said, if you enjoy chaotic, over the top thrillers centred on privilege, toxic friendships, and secrets unraveling fast, this could still scratch the itch. The premise absolutely hooked me — I just wish the delivery landed with the same impact.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
This is my first read from Adriane Leigh. I wasn't able to finish. The story doesn't flow for me. First off the author has a few things right off that tell me she didn't research. Stolen evidence is inadmissable in court. The check stub.
There needs to be more descriptive scenes. Elly not having her phone, struggling with Matt then running out of the apartment and her phone is in her pocket. Who leaves their phone lay to use a virtual strangers bathroom then comes back there's a struggle and she now has her phone in her pocket?
I really struggled with the entire plot of a group of women who hate men and want revenge. Elly and her husband living virtually separate lives and her suddenly getting this invitation, the neighbor best friend ish Aubry that also felt a bit off.
The story did not hold my interest. Details other than fashion, setting the scenes and having the story play out, unfold in a readers head is lacking.
Review posted on Goodreads for Netgalley will follow onto Amazon once available. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
December 6, 2025
What a roller coaster of a ride! This novel has the perfect ingredients for a psychological thriller! Suspense, twists, lies, manipulation, power, betrayal - with a dash of murder, mystery, and a secret society of course.
Ellie has a picture perfect life from the outside looking in. A handsome husband, an expensive New York apartment, a good career, a hefty bank account, and the apple of her father’s eye - or so it all seems. As Ellie begins to question if her mother’s battle with mental illness was passed down to her, the lines between what’s real and what’s not real become blurred. Can Ellie trust her dad? Her husband? Her closest friend? Did she inherit her mother’s dark mental illness - or is Ellie facing a web of lies? One day, a society finds Ellie and recruits her into their life. At first, it seems too good to be true. But this society is up to some sinister doings. How far is Ellie willing to go to discover the truth?
Unputdownable and such a good read - I finished it in one sitting!
Ellie has a picture perfect life from the outside looking in. A handsome husband, an expensive New York apartment, a good career, a hefty bank account, and the apple of her father’s eye - or so it all seems. As Ellie begins to question if her mother’s battle with mental illness was passed down to her, the lines between what’s real and what’s not real become blurred. Can Ellie trust her dad? Her husband? Her closest friend? Did she inherit her mother’s dark mental illness - or is Ellie facing a web of lies? One day, a society finds Ellie and recruits her into their life. At first, it seems too good to be true. But this society is up to some sinister doings. How far is Ellie willing to go to discover the truth?
Unputdownable and such a good read - I finished it in one sitting!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received Society Women from NetGalley for an honest review. Definitely check your trigger warnings. Society Women takes the perspective of two women who are friends but have more intertwined lives. The main character gets an invite to an elite society. She is excited to join and then finds out that the goal is to expose men who have harmed women. She gets invested rather quickly and does not question much. As the story progresses there is an additional storyline about her mental health and the mental health of her mother who had to be institutionalized when she was a child. This is coupled with a toxic marriage. The beginning of the book was slow, but it picked up towards the end. Many of the twists were predictable and there were loose ends that were not tied up. If you are into a fast paced book with multiple plot lines, this might be for you.
September 8, 2025
Society Women follows Ellie, an accountant in New York City who lives a seemingly comfortable life with her husband, Jack. She struggles with sleepwalking and nightmares about her mother. Her world changes when she receives an anonymous invitation to join an elite club known simply as “The Society.” Drawn by the glamour and sisterhood—especially her friendship with Aubrey—Ellie soon discovers a darker side to this exclusive organization. The Society’s philanthropic front hides deeply disturbing secrets, ones that could implicate Ellie’s own family. While Ellie discovers a new version of herself, she realizes that things in her life are not as they seem. Definitely a twisty tale for fans of psychological thrillers!
November 14, 2025
2.75/5
I really love the concept of this book, but was a bit disappointed in the execution. I was just expecting more (mainly, more drama and intrigue).
This follows the drama and personal issues of the women within an "elite women's' society."
The characters are suspicious, snobby, unlikable, and have strange motivations. I do think all of that was on purpose, but it did make it hard for me to root for anyone. I felt like I was just watching, not really caring.
And I also think some of my confusion with this book must have come from the plot holes. That's the only think that makes sense to me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I really love the concept of this book, but was a bit disappointed in the execution. I was just expecting more (mainly, more drama and intrigue).
This follows the drama and personal issues of the women within an "elite women's' society."
The characters are suspicious, snobby, unlikable, and have strange motivations. I do think all of that was on purpose, but it did make it hard for me to root for anyone. I felt like I was just watching, not really caring.
And I also think some of my confusion with this book must have come from the plot holes. That's the only think that makes sense to me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 16, 2026
🌸Review🌸
Thank you so much @harperperennial for the gifted copy of SOCIETY WOMEN which is releasing on 3/24/26.
“A riveting psychological thriller about power, betrayal, and the haunting legacy of family secrets, filled with diabolical turns and shocking twists.”
SOCIETY WOMEN started out strong for me. I was enjoying getting to know Ellie and the idea of an invitation to a secret society was definitely appealing. But then I started to get a little lost. There were definitely some plot points that weren’t as well explained as they could have been. And while some of the twists were definitely surprising, by the end of the book I found myself wanting more and feeling like maybe this would have worked better as a longer book.
3/5 ⭐️
Thank you so much @harperperennial for the gifted copy of SOCIETY WOMEN which is releasing on 3/24/26.
“A riveting psychological thriller about power, betrayal, and the haunting legacy of family secrets, filled with diabolical turns and shocking twists.”
SOCIETY WOMEN started out strong for me. I was enjoying getting to know Ellie and the idea of an invitation to a secret society was definitely appealing. But then I started to get a little lost. There were definitely some plot points that weren’t as well explained as they could have been. And while some of the twists were definitely surprising, by the end of the book I found myself wanting more and feeling like maybe this would have worked better as a longer book.
3/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. I found the premise intriguing but I have to say, it's not my favorite. I think the author did a good job with describing the mental chaos throughout this book. I think the picture the author paints throughout this book is similar to how a psychological thriller (movie version) is depicted.
If you don't like topics of abuse or violence, this is not the book for you. This type of read is not my norm, but I can see how a feminist with a pension for thrillers would enjoy this.
Would I read it again, no. Am I glad I didn't pay for this, yes. It's not my cup of tea, but I thought the author did a good job with the twists and turns throughout the book. This is the reason for the 3 stars.
If you don't like topics of abuse or violence, this is not the book for you. This type of read is not my norm, but I can see how a feminist with a pension for thrillers would enjoy this.
Would I read it again, no. Am I glad I didn't pay for this, yes. It's not my cup of tea, but I thought the author did a good job with the twists and turns throughout the book. This is the reason for the 3 stars.
Read
October 25, 2025Society Women by Adriane Leigh is a dark and addictive read that peels back the polished surface of privilege to reveal what lies beneath. The story is full of sharp twists and shifting loyalties that kept me guessing at every turn. Leigh does a great job of blending glamour with grit, creating characters who are as flawed as they are fascinating. Every secret that unravels adds another layer of tension, and by the time I reached the ending, I was genuinely stunned. It’s the kind of book that makes you question how well you really know the people at the top. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.
December 30, 2025
Sleepless nights lingered alongside fading memories of her mother. A father perpetually consumed by work. A husband rarely present, equally submerged in ambition—justified as devotion to her father and to their shared future. An invitation into a women’s society promised new connections, yet provoked unsettling questions. It was overwhelming, layered, and utterly compelling—I relished every moment.
El trusted no one, scarcely even herself, especially when her fate rested in her husband’s hands. This was a gripping, unputdownable read. Also the author of the Influencer, she delivered in every way, and did not disappoint.
El trusted no one, scarcely even herself, especially when her fate rested in her husband’s hands. This was a gripping, unputdownable read. Also the author of the Influencer, she delivered in every way, and did not disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read the synopsis of the book and then laugh. That is NOT what this book is about. Read the headlines about Epstein and then pretend that every woman who has ever been abused by these POS has decided enough is enough and formed a Society to take them down. THAT is what this book is about I say YES!! THIS is what is needed. Forget the DOJ. Forget the "oversight committee" going nowhere. THIS book is what we need!!
Also, I got this book from my library so I have no idea why Goodreads is saying it's not published yet. There are a lot of things about Goodreads that no longer make sense to me.
Also, I got this book from my library so I have no idea why Goodreads is saying it's not published yet. There are a lot of things about Goodreads that no longer make sense to me.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I was intrigued by the mysterious The Society invitation Ellie received. This story checked a lot of boxes for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 90-ish pages. The story lost me somewhat during the second vague, urgent Society assignment. I didn't feel there had been enough character development for the second assignment to be so easily completed in the manner it was completely. Needed more character development overall IMO. I love a good fast-paced thriller. This story, however, felt rushed.
Thank you so much to Goodreads and the publisher Harper Perennial for the uncorrected proof of this book.
Thank you so much to Goodreads and the publisher Harper Perennial for the uncorrected proof of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ellie seems to have it all. A perfect friend. Her and her husband work for her father’s empire and just now she has been invited to a secret women’s society. But then the panic sets in. Her sleepwalking has grown worse and she can’t seem to shake the nightmares of her mother and the house fire.
Accepting the invitation to the society has its perks or so she thinks. A weekend of wine, fancy food, gardening, and bee keeping - but something is odd. All these women are bonded over knowing powerful men. . . who have all used their power to rape women.
This book is filled with twists and turns. It kept me engaged and I finished it in less than three hours. Definitely a must read.
Accepting the invitation to the society has its perks or so she thinks. A weekend of wine, fancy food, gardening, and bee keeping - but something is odd. All these women are bonded over knowing powerful men. . . who have all used their power to rape women.
This book is filled with twists and turns. It kept me engaged and I finished it in less than three hours. Definitely a must read.
November 16, 2025
I thought this book sounded fascinating. A secret society thriller is usually a good time. This one wasn’t any different. I finished in one day and it was a page turner, but I think the concept was better than the execution. The main character felt so inconsistent to me and some unbelievable shit happens. The latter happens a lot though when rich people are behaving badly. I’ll take fictional accountability though since IRL there seems to be none. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Society Women by Adriane Leigh is a powerful and eye-opening book that shows how women are shaped—and often limited—by societal expectations. I found the characters very realistic, especially in how they struggle between fitting in and staying true to themselves. Leigh does a great job showing the emotional weight of living up to appearances and social status. Overall, I enjoyed this book because it made me think more deeply about gender roles and the pressure society places on women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews