7 Books That Expose the Dark Side of “Boss Babe” Culture
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If you’ve ever found yourself fascinated (or horrified) by multilevel marketing schemes, you’re not alone. I’ve spent the past few years diving into anti-MLM commentary on YouTube and Instagram—it’s my ultimate comfort watch. From Beachbody’s rebrand to the downfall of MONAT, these stories of “get rich quick” schemes reveal how seductive (and destructive) MLM culture can be.
In this week’s episode of the What to Read Next Podcast, I’m sharing a mix of romance, cozy mysteries, and nonfiction that take on pyramid schemes, hustle culture, and the promises of “financial freedom.” Whether you want a page-turning mystery or an audiobook deep dive, these picks will scratch that anti-MLM itch.
📚 Books Mentioned
How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin
Romance, Contemporary | Audio ✅
A kindergarten teacher gets roped into joining an MLM at the worst possible time—just as she’s falling for an investigative journalist exposing the company’s shady practices. Expect sweet romance, sharp commentary on deceptive business models, and a dose of spice.
The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant
Cozy Mystery, PTA Sleuth | Audio ✅
This PTA-mom sleuthing series is delightful. In the second book, Mavis finds herself caught between school chaos, murder, and a self-care “community” that looks a lot like an MLM. It’s witty, cozy, and spot-on in showing how recruitment-based models prey on women’s vulnerabilities.
Death in the Downline by Maria Abrams
Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth | Audio ✅
Inside the world of MLM conferences, product hoarding, and endless “personal development”… and then murder strikes. This standalone cozy mystery blends true MLM details with a clever whodunit.
Homemaker by Ruthie Knox & Annie Mare
Cozy Mystery | KU ✅ / Audio ✅
Available on Kindle Unlimited, this mystery centers on moms navigating money pressures, side hustles, and shady recruitment schemes. If you love small-town cozies with a satirical edge, this is one to check out.
Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson
Nonfiction, Memoir/Investigative | Audio ✅
Written by a former top MLM distributor turned whistleblower, this memoir exposes the toxic culture of conventions, recruitment, and “personal development.” Emily Lynn Paulson offers an insider’s look at how MLMs prey on women—plus her own story of addiction and recovery.
Selling the Dream by Jane Marie
Nonfiction, Business/Culture | Audio ✅
From the creator of the hit podcast The Dream, this book dives into MLM history and the modern influencers keeping recruitment culture alive. If you loved the podcast, the book expands with even more jaw-dropping details.
Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read
Nonfiction, Cultural History | Audio ✅
Dense but fascinating, this book traces the history of MLMs and their deep ties to American hustle culture. It shows how pyramid-style businesses replicate and adapt over decades, revealing how ingrained they are in our economy and culture.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
Want to hear my full thoughts (plus some personal stories about falling into wellness and coaching schemes)? Listen to the full episode here:
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for a romance with MLM drama, a cozy murder that skewers recruitment culture, or investigative nonfiction that reads like fiction, these books are perfect picks for your TBR.
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