Growing up with nothing, I always wondered what it would be like to be rich. What do they eat? How do they spend their days? I used to think being wealthy must be amazing, no worries, no stress, just an easy, carefree life. After all, every problem I had could have been solved with money, so in my mind, the answer was simple: I needed to be rich.

Ah, how naive I was. Everyone has problems, yes, even the rich. And sometimes, their problems are just as messy, complicated, and destructive as anyone else’s. That’s exactly why I loved The White Lotus so much. It perfectly captures the chaos lurking beneath luxury, and with Season 3 on the horizon, you can bet I’ll be on the edge of my seat every week.

While waiting for the new season, I started looking for books that give off the same White Lotus energy, stories about wealth, privilege, and the secrets people will do anything to keep buried. If you love messy rich people drama, exotic locations with a dark twist, and sharp social commentary, you’re going to love these book recommendations.

1. The Guest List by Lucy Foley

A glamorous wedding on a remote island turns deadly when secrets start to unravel. It’s a tense, atmospheric read with plenty of White Lotus-style drama.

A lavish wedding on a remote Irish island should be the perfect celebration. The groom is a rising TV star, the bride a successful magazine publisher—everything is meticulously planned, from the designer gown to the boutique whiskey. But beneath the polished surface, tensions simmer. Old rivalries, unspoken grudges, and jealousies bubble up as the festivities begin. The groomsmen revive reckless traditions, a bridesmaid’s mishap doesn’t seem entirely accidental, and a toast feels a little too personal. Then, amidst the revelry, a body is discovered. Someone didn’t come to celebrate—someone came with a darker purpose. But who? And why?