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Ah, high society! It’s a world filled with glitz, glamour, and just the right amount of drama.
Whether it’s the secrets whispered behind closed doors or the romantic entanglements at lavish parties, there’s something undeniably fascinating about the lives of the elite.
If you’re ready to lose yourself in tales of opulence, intrigue, and maybe a bit of scandal, you’re in for a treat.
I have compiled this list of the best high society books that will have you flipping pages late into the night.
1. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
The Luxe takes you straight into the glamorous world of Manhattan in 1899, where wealth, power, and social status rule.
Sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland seem to have it all, but things start to unravel when their family’s standing among New York’s elite is threatened.
As they deal with family expectations, backstabbing friends, forbidden romances, and dangerous secrets, you get a front-row seat to all the drama.
And just when you think you know where it’s all heading, a shocking twist turns everything upside down.
I was hooked on The Luxe from the very beginning. The world Anna Godbersen creates is so lush and dramatic that I couldn’t help but get swept up in it.
Elizabeth’s struggle between following her heart and her duty to her family really hit home, and I loved how each character had their own secrets and agendas.
The relationships are complicated in the best way—just when you start rooting for one couple, something unexpected happens.
It’s a total page-turner, and if you love historical fiction with a mix of romance and high society drama, you’ll devour this book.
2. Not That Rich by Belinda Lei
Not That Rich drops us into the fast-paced world of Winchester High, a prestigious school where wealthy students juggle AP classes, college applications, and their often messy social lives.
Hunter Wang is balancing his relationship with Sierra Jones while trying to get into Stanford, and his sister Trisha is navigating a budding romance with Ray Martinez, an outsider to their high-society bubble.
Add in a mysterious new student, Jack Zhou, and some serious secrets among their friends, and things get complicated fast.
This book was so relatable and yet so full of the high school drama we all love to read about.
I really enjoyed how Belinda Lei mixes the pressures of high academic expectations with juicy social gossip.
What I liked most was how the characters felt so real, even when their situations were totally over the top.
There’s a bit of mystery throughout too, which kept me flipping the pages, and the mix of friendships, relationships, and ambitions makes it a fun, fast-paced read.
3. American Duchess by Karen Harper
In American Duchess, Karen Harper tells the fascinating story of Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American heiress who is forced into a loveless marriage with the Duke of Marlborough.
Set in the Gilded Age, this novel takes you through Consuelo’s journey as she navigates life at Blenheim Palace, battles societal expectations, and fights for her independence, all while yearning for real love.
This book will be such a treat for anyone who loves historical fiction, especially those of us obsessed with stories of old-world aristocracy and high society.
Consuelo Vanderbilt’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her the whole way.
I loved how Karen Harper captured Consuelo’s strength as she fought against her mother’s control and the rigid expectations of her new life in England.
There’s so much glamour and grit in this book—you get to experience the lavish parties and grandeur of Blenheim Palace, but also the personal struggles behind the scenes.
If you’re into historical fiction about real women making their mark, this is definitely worth a read.
4. Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin
In Primates of Park Avenue, Wednesday Martin gives us a hilarious and sharp take on the social behaviors of Upper East Side mothers.
Using her background in anthropology, Martin compares her experience of trying to fit in with these ultra-rich moms to studying a tribe of primates.
She breaks down everything from their obsession with status symbols (like the Birkin bag) to their cutthroat competitiveness at school drop-off, all while giving readers a glimpse into the emotional side of life in this exclusive world.
I loved how smart and funny this book was. It’s not just about the ridiculous wealth of Upper East Side mothers; it also has real insight into human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their place in the social hierarchy.
Wednesday Martin’s mix of humor and anthropology made the book feel like a mix of a tell-all and a research paper, but in the best possible way.
The comparisons she makes between the moms and primates had me laughing out loud, and her honesty about her own struggles to fit in made it relatable.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the closed doors of the wealthy elite—or just love a good social satire—this one’s for you.
Related: 25 Lesser-Known Classic Books You’ve Been Sleeping On
5. People Like Us by Dominick Dunne
People Like Us plunges you into the world of New York high society, where old money reigns supreme, but new money is always trying to get in.
The story follows Elias and Ruby Renthal, who have made a fortune and are now navigating the tricky waters of high society, where scandal and secrets lurk behind every glittering event.
People Like Us is perfect the lovers of juicy, high-society drama.
Dominick Dunne does an amazing job of showing the ridiculousness and ruthlessness of the social elite.
The characters are sharply drawn, and the mix of old money vs. new money drama adds an interesting layer.
It’s one of those books that feels a little gossipy, but in a way that you just can’t put down – Read this one if you’re into high-stakes social scandals and love a bit of mystery mixed in.
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The Talented Mr. Ripley introduces us to Tom Ripley, a young man desperate to escape his past and enter a world of wealth and privilege.
Hired to bring a rich playboy, Dickie Greenleaf, back from Italy, Tom becomes obsessed with Dickie’s life and slowly begins to blur the line between admiration and envy, with deadly consequences.
I didn’t expect to be so captivated by Tom Ripley, but this book completely drew me in.
Highsmith’s writing is chilling and brilliant, and the slow descent into Tom’s increasingly dangerous obsession was impossible to look away from.
The settings—whether it’s the lavish life in Italy or the darker moments—are incredibly vivid, and you almost feel like you’re there with these characters.
It’s psychological, tense, and a bit eerie in a way that keeps you glued to the pages, so you’ll enjoy The Talented Mr Ripley if you love a good psychological thriller with a dark twist on high society.
7. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians gives us a peek into the ultra-glamorous and wildly wealthy world of Singapore’s elite.
When Rachel Chu, an ABC (American-born Chinese), goes to Singapore with her boyfriend, she’s thrown into a world of unimaginable riches, intense family dynamics, and a wedding that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
It’s packed with gossip, backstabbing, and over-the-top luxury that’s hard to believe.
Crazy Rich Asians is outrageous in the best way—there’s so much wealth and drama that it feels like a fantasy, but the characters are also super relatable in their own ways.
Rachel’s journey into Nick’s world is both hilarious and full of heart and while it’s full of luxury and ridiculous extravagance, it also has really touching moments about family and cultural expectations.
If you’re looking for something fun, funny, and dripping in opulence, this is the book for you. Plus, it’s so addictive, you won’t want to put it down!
8. Tai-Pan by James Clavell
Tai-Pan is set in the 1840s, during the founding of Hong Kong, and follows Dirk Struan, the leader of a powerful trading company in the Far East.
Struan is a fierce and ambitious businessman, willing to do whatever it takes to dominate the trading world, even if it means crossing moral boundaries.
With pirates, opium smuggling, and manipulation as key themes, the novel paints a vivid picture of the brutal yet fascinating world of colonial trade.
This book is epic in every sense of the word. I didn’t expect to get so invested in the world of trade and empire-building, but Clavell’s writing totally hooked me.
Dirk Struan is such a complex character—part hero, part ruthless businessman—and watching him navigate the turbulent waters of both business and personal life was fascinating.
The historical backdrop of the founding of Hong Kong is richly detailed, and you really get a sense of the stakes involved during that time.
What I loved most was how it combines action, history, and high society drama all in one and anyone who enjoys sweeping historical novels with a strong, morally complex lead needs to read this.
You May Also Like: 20 Must-Read Historical Fiction Books Set In The 1900s and 1910s
9. Privileged Lives by Edward Stewart
Privileged Lives tells the story of a high-society queen who suddenly awakens from a seven-year coma, only for her return to be tied to a shocking murder in a luxury high-rise.
A dedicated detective is on the case, trying to connect the dots between her past and the mutilated corpse.
It’s a mystery wrapped up in the world of the rich and powerful, where secrets run deep and danger lurks behind the wealth.
This book was like a mix of Dynasty and CSI—totally addictive!
The whole concept of a coma queen returning to high society and then getting mixed up in a murder investigation is wild, and the way Stewart pulls it off is gripping.
It’s part murder mystery, part high-society drama, and I loved how it combined the two genres.
The pacing is fast, and there’s a real sense of intrigue throughout. If you love a good whodunit mixed with the glitz of the ultra-wealthy, Privileged Lives will keep you guessing until the end.
10. The Husband Hunters by Anne de Courcy
The Husband Hunters is a fascinating look at the American heiresses who, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, crossed the Atlantic to marry into the British aristocracy.
These “Dollar Princesses,” as they were called, brought vast wealth with them, helping revive old British estates and secure noble titles for themselves.
Anne de Courcy dives deep into their lives, exploring how they navigated the complex social rules of both American and British high society.
I’m a sucker for historical non-fiction, and The Husband Hunters delivered everything I wanted.
It’s like Downton Abbey but real, with American women trying to climb the British social ladder.
The stories are full of glamour, ambition, and a little bit of scandal, and I loved learning about how these women used their money to influence a system that, traditionally, was closed off to outsiders.
De Courcy’s research is impressive, and she makes these historical figures feel like characters in a novel.
This book is perfect if you’re into history, especially the kind that involves high-society maneuvering and lavish lifestyles.
11. The Riviera Set by Mary Lovell
The Riviera Set takes us into the world of the wealthy, famous, and scandalous who partied and politicked at the Château de l’Horizon near Cannes from the 1920s to the 1960s.
At the center of it all is Maxine Elliott, a fisherman’s daughter turned socialite, who brought together figures like Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, and Hollywood royalty.
The book covers everything from world events to bedroom dramas, all while giving a glamorous peek into life on the French Riviera.
Mary Lovell does an incredible job of capturing the wild, carefree spirit of this exclusive group of people, while also grounding the story in the historical events happening around them.
Maxine Elliott is such an intriguing figure, and the stories of her guests—from Winston Churchill to Hollywood stars—are endlessly fascinating.
It’s the perfect blend of history and celebrity gossip, and it gave me major vacation vibes just reading about it.
If you’re into books that transport you to another time and place while spilling all the glamorous (and sometimes scandalous) details, The Riviera Set is a must-read.
12. The Fraud Squad by Kyla Zhao
In The Fraud Squad, we follow Samantha Song, who dreams of making it big in Singapore’s high society.
With the help of her wealthy friends, she begins to infiltrate the glamorous world of parties, designer clothes, and influential people.
But as she gets closer to achieving her dream, Samantha has to deal with the fear of being exposed and the pressure to maintain the façade she’s built.
This book was such a fun, modern take on the high-society genre.
Samantha is a super relatable character, and her struggle to balance her real life with the fake one she’s building in high society is so engaging.
I loved how Kyla Zhao portrays the pressure of keeping up appearances and the tension that comes with trying to fit into a world you don’t really belong to.
The pacing is great, and there’s always something happening—whether it’s a glamorous event or a moment where Samantha’s secret threatens to come out.
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13. What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
What the River Knows is a lush historical fantasy set in 19th century Buenos Aires and Cairo.
The story follows Inez Olivera, a wealthy girl whose parents’ mysterious deaths leave her with a fortune and a magical artifact—an ancient ring.
Desperate for answers, Inez embarks on an adventure to Egypt, where magic is still very real.
With the help (or hindrance) of her guardian’s handsome assistant, Inez must unravel her parents’ secrets before they consume her.
I was completely captivated by the world Isabel Ibañez built in What the River Knows.
I loved how the story wove together real historical settings—like Cairo—with elements of fantasy, making it feel both grounded and otherworldly at the same time.
Inez is a fierce and determined protagonist, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she dove headfirst into a world of ancient magic and dangerous secrets.
The romance is a bit of a slow burn (which I adore), and the tension between Inez and her guardian’s assistant adds a delicious layer to the story.
If you enjoy sweeping historical tales with a bit of magic and a lot of heart, this one’s a winner.
14. An American Beauty by Shana Abé
An American Beauty is inspired by the true story of Arabella Huntington, one of the wealthiest women in America during the late 19th century.
Arabella starts with nothing, working in a gambling parlor, but through her grit, beauty, and business acumen, she becomes the wife of railroad magnate Collis Huntington and builds a fortune of her own.
The novel follows her rise in society, from her humble beginnings to navigating the treacherous waters of New York’s high society, all while balancing scandal, ambition, and an unexpected romance.
This is the kind of rags-to-riches story that I just couldn’t put down. Arabella is such an inspiring character—strong, smart, and unapologetically ambitious.
Shana Abé does a fantastic job of bringing her to life, showing not only her glamorous ascent into high society but also the personal struggles and sacrifices she had to make along the way.
I loved the blend of historical detail and drama, and Arabella’s journey felt like a real-life fairy tale, but with plenty of grit to make it feel grounded.
If you’re into stories of powerful women defying the odds and taking on a world that wasn’t built for them, An American Beauty is a fantastic read.
15. My Fine Fellow by Jennieke Cohen
My Fine Fellow is a historical reimagining set in 1830s England, where “Culinarians”—chefs who create gourmet masterpieces—are society’s biggest stars.
The story follows Elijah, a Jewish street vendor with a gift for flavors, who is taken under the wings of two ambitious women: Helena, an elite Culinarian, and Penelope, who wants to bring non-European cuisine into the limelight.
Together, they hatch a plan to transform Elijah into a gentleman chef, but the road to success is anything but smooth.
My Fine Fellow takes the idea of a culinary competition and gives it a historical twist, which is just so much fun.
Elijah’s journey from street vendor to high society chef is heartwarming and hilarious, especially with Helena and Penelope guiding him (and sometimes misguiding him) along the way.
The dynamic between the characters is fantastic, with plenty of humor, romance, and food descriptions that made my mouth water.
I loved how the book touches on class and cultural diversity, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.
And if you enjoy historical fiction with a fresh twist, lots of delicious food, and a dash of romance, you’ll love My Fine Fellow.
16. The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post is a sweeping historical novel about the real-life Marjorie Merriweather Post, the cereal heiress who became one of the most influential women in American society.
From her humble beginnings working in her father’s cereal company to becoming the wealthiest woman in America, Marjorie’s life is full of extraordinary moments—surviving the Great Depression, rubbing shoulders with presidents and movie stars, and hosting lavish parties at her estate, Mar-a-Lago.
But behind the glamour, Marjorie is also a woman searching for love, purpose, and a way to use her wealth for good.
Marjorie Post’s life is nothing short of incredible, and Allison Pataki does a beautiful job of capturing her larger-than-life journey in this novel.
I was amazed by Marjorie’s resilience and her ability to not only succeed in a man’s world but thrive in it.
The book covers so many fascinating parts of history and what I loved most was how Pataki didn’t just focus on the glamour.
She also went into Marjorie’s personal struggles, making her feel like a fully fleshed-out character with real vulnerabilities.
If you love historical fiction about strong women who break barriers and make their mark on history, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post is an inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Up Next: 11 Sweet & Dazzling Gilded Age Books You Need To Read
So, there you have it—my picks for the best high society books that serve up all the drama, intrigue, and romance you could ever want!
These stories are perfect for when you need a little escape into a world of elegance and secrets.
Grab a comfy spot, a tasty snack, and remember that I’d love to hear your thoughts too, so drop your favorite high society books in the comments.
