Masks and Mirrors

The story opens in the dazzling, high-pressure world of LA's teen influencers, where every move is curated for millions of followers. Delilah, new to LA, is thrust into this world after a viral puppy rescue video makes her an overnight sensation. She's quickly befriended by Jasmine, a child star-turned-influencer, and Fiona, a fashion vlogger with a secret struggle. The trio navigates glamorous events, brand deals, and the constant need to appear perfect. But beneath the surface, each girl is hiding vulnerabilities, insecurities, and secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed images.

Viral Fame's Price

As Delilah's follower count explodes, she faces the double-edged sword of internet fame: adoration mixed with relentless criticism and jealousy. Jasmine, managed by her sister Ruby, feels trapped by her rainbow-bright brand and the expectations of her family, sponsors, and fans. Fiona, meanwhile, is haunted by obsessive-compulsive rituals and a traumatic past, even as she lands a coveted TV role. The girls' lives are a whirlwind of photo ops, DMs, and public appearances, but the pressure to maintain their personas is suffocating.

The Influencer Circle

Delilah is introduced to the inner circle of LA influencers, including the intimidating Scarlet Leigh, queen bee and half of the internet's favorite couple, "Jacklet." The group's relationships are a mix of genuine connection and strategic alliances, with everyone watching for the next scandal or opportunity. Delilah's awkward run-in with Jack Dono, Scarlet's boyfriend, sparks chemistry—and trouble. Meanwhile, Jasmine and Fiona bond over their shared struggles, but both sense that the influencer world is more cutthroat than it appears.

Secrets Behind the Screens

Each girl's private life is far messier than her feed suggests. Jasmine secretly questions her sexuality and yearns for authenticity, but fears losing her brand and family's support. Fiona's OCD spirals as she's blackmailed over a dark secret from her past involving a bully's death. Delilah, overwhelmed by fame and isolation, confides in Jack, deepening their connection. Scarlet, always in control, is revealed to be ruthless and manipulative, with her own secrets and vulnerabilities.

Rivalries and Reputations

Tensions escalate as Scarlet's rivalry with Fiona resurfaces, and Delilah's growing closeness with Jack threatens the "Jacklet" ship. Scarlet's fans, fiercely loyal, turn on Delilah, sending threats and fueling rumors. Fiona is forced to drop out of her TV role after being blackmailed, suspecting Scarlet is behind it. Jasmine, desperate for escape, attends a masked party and shares a transformative, anonymous kiss—only to later discover her mystery partner's identity is closer than she thinks.

The Party That Changed Everything

At the high-profile Gratitude Prom, secrets collide. Jack tries to orchestrate a public breakup with Scarlet, but she drops a bombshell: she's pregnant. The news goes viral, shattering relationships and sending shockwaves through the influencer community. Delilah, devastated by Jack's betrayal and the online hate, drinks too much and blacks out. The night ends in chaos, with Scarlet storming off, and the seeds of tragedy sown.

Blackmail and Betrayal

In the aftermath, Fiona is tormented by anonymous threats to expose her past unless she gives up her career. Jasmine's sister Ruby sabotages her chance at real love by intercepting messages from Jasmine's masked party partner. Delilah becomes the target of a viral exposé as Jack's "Mystery Girl," facing a tidal wave of online abuse. Scarlet's behavior grows erratic, and her relationships with friends and family fracture under the weight of her lies.

The Mystery Girl Exposed

A viral post outs Delilah as the girl Jack was seen with, making her the internet's most hated "homewrecker." Scarlet's fans unleash a torrent of threats, and Delilah's family fears for her safety. Meanwhile, Scarlet's own vlogs become increasingly unstable, hinting at deeper issues. The influencer world is rocked by scandal, and the girls' friendships are tested as they struggle to support each other while protecting their own secrets.

The Aftermath Unfolds

The morning after the after-party, Scarlet is found dead in her bed—Delilah, hungover and confused, wakes up beside her. The police launch an investigation, and Delilah, Fiona, and Jasmine become prime suspects due to their public conflicts with Scarlet. The influencer community and the world at large are obsessed with the case, dissecting every post and rumor. The girls are forced to confront their own guilt, fear, and the possibility that one of them—or someone close to them—could be a killer.

The Search for Truth

As the investigation intensifies, the girls band together to clear their names and uncover what really happened. They discover that Scarlet's pregnancy was faked, her phone was possibly cloned, and multiple people had motives to harm her. Delilah recalls being led into Scarlet's room by someone wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry, but her memory is hazy. Fiona realizes her blackmailer was not Scarlet, but Scarlet's mother, who manipulated many behind the scenes. Jasmine, haunted by her last encounter with Scarlet, searches for closure and the courage to be herself.

The Real Killer Revealed

The investigation reveals that Scarlet died from a fatal dose of insulin, not the Plan B overdose her ex, Chase, had given her. The real killer is shockingly revealed to be Faith, Delilah's little sister's friend and obsessive fan, who believed she was protecting Delilah from Scarlet's wrath. Faith's actions were driven by a twisted sense of loyalty and the toxic culture of online fandom. The girls are exonerated, but the trauma and fallout linger.

Coming Clean, Moving Forward

With the truth out, the girls face the consequences of their choices and the realities of influencer life. Jasmine comes out publicly, embracing her true self and inspiring millions. Fiona confronts her past, makes amends, and learns to manage her OCD. Delilah chooses to step back from the spotlight, focusing on real connections and her own well-being. The girls' friendship, tested by scandal and tragedy, emerges stronger and more authentic.

New Beginnings, True Selves

In the aftermath, the girls find new purpose. Jasmine lands a major movie role and reconciles with her sister. Fiona returns to acting, using her platform to advocate for mental health. Delilah starts school, balancing a quieter online presence with real-life relationships—including a hopeful, honest romance with Jack. The story ends with the girls supporting each other, determined to live authentically in a world obsessed with image, and to use their influence for good.

Characters

Delilah Rollins

Delilah is a sweet, animal-loving Midwestern girl whose viral heroism catapults her into LA's influencer elite. She's eager to fit in but struggles with anxiety, diabetes, and the overwhelming scrutiny of fame. Her innocence and honesty make her both beloved and vulnerable. Delilah's journey is one of self-discovery: learning to set boundaries, value real relationships over online validation, and face the dark side of internet celebrity. Her connection with Jack is genuine but complicated by public pressure and betrayal. Delilah's arc is about reclaiming her agency and finding her voice amid chaos.

Jasmine Walters-Diaz

Jasmine is a former child star and influencer, famous for her rainbow persona and "Lulu C" brand. Managed by her controlling sister Ruby, Jasmine feels suffocated by expectations and the need to be perfect. She secretly questions her sexuality and craves a life beyond the curated image. Jasmine's psychological struggle is between duty and desire, performance and truth. Her transformative moment comes when she embraces her identity, comes out publicly, and redefines her brand on her own terms. Jasmine's relationships—with her family, friends, and the mysterious girl she kisses—are central to her growth.

Fiona Jacobs

Fiona is a beautiful, successful fashion vlogger with a hidden battle: severe OCD rooted in trauma from being bullied and a tragic accident in her past. She's meticulous, anxious, and driven by a need for approval, but also deeply compassionate. Fiona's relationship with her boyfriend Chase and her rivalry with Scarlet expose her vulnerabilities. Blackmailed and manipulated, Fiona is forced to confront her darkest secrets and the limits of her control. Her journey is about self-forgiveness, honesty, and learning to live with imperfection.

Scarlet Leigh

Scarlet is the glamorous, ruthless top influencer, envied and feared by all. Her public persona is flawless, but privately she's insecure, lonely, and desperate to maintain her status. Scarlet's relationships are transactional, and she's willing to destroy rivals to stay on top. Her fake pregnancy, public scandals, and ultimate death reveal the emptiness and danger of living for the internet. Scarlet is both villain and victim, a symbol of the toxic extremes of influencer culture.

Jack Dono

Jack is a popular YouTuber and half of the "Jacklet" ship with Scarlet. He's funny, kind, and genuinely interested in Delilah, but feels trapped by his public relationship and his controlling father. Jack's struggle is between authenticity and obligation, and his attempts to break free have unintended consequences. His guilt over Scarlet's death and his support for Delilah show his growth from a passive participant to someone willing to fight for what's real.

Ruby Walters-Diaz

Ruby is Jasmine's older sister and manager, fiercely devoted but often overbearing. She micromanages Jasmine's life and career, believing she knows best. Ruby's inability to separate business from family causes tension and ultimately a painful rift. Her arc is about learning to let go, trust Jasmine, and repair their relationship as equals.

Cory

Cory is Scarlet's best friend and stylist, always by her side but harboring his own resentments and secrets. He's witty, sharp, and fiercely protective, but also complicit in Scarlet's manipulations. Cory's ambiguous morality and shifting loyalties make him both suspect and ally. His grief after Scarlet's death is genuine, and he ultimately helps the girls uncover the truth.

Faith

Faith is Ava's friend and Delilah's biggest fan, whose devotion turns deadly. She's young, impressionable, and unable to distinguish between online fantasy and reality. Faith's actions—murdering Scarlet to "protect" Delilah—are the tragic result of toxic fandom and the blurring of boundaries between influencers and followers. Her character is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the need for empathy.

Gina Leigh (Mrs. Leigh)

Scarlet's mother is a classic "momager," orchestrating her daughter's career and image with ruthless efficiency. She's willing to blackmail, threaten, and manipulate to ensure Scarlet's success. Gina's actions contribute to the toxic environment that leads to Scarlet's downfall, and her own motives are as much about her own status as her daughter's well-being.

Chase McGeehan

Fiona's boyfriend, Chase, appears loving and loyal but is hiding his own guilt and resentment. His affair with Scarlet and his desperate attempt to "fix" the pregnancy situation make him a key player in the tragedy. Chase's inability to communicate honestly and his fear of consequences lead to disastrous choices, ultimately exposing the fragility of even the most seemingly perfect relationships.

Plot Devices

Social Media as Double-Edged Sword

The novel uses social media as both a narrative structure and a plot engine. Instagram posts, vlogs, and DMs drive the story, reveal secrets, and escalate conflicts. The constant surveillance and performativity create a sense of paranoia and unreality, blurring the line between truth and fiction. The "ship" culture, viral scandals, and fan obsessions are both plot devices and commentary on modern celebrity.

Unreliable Memory and Perspective

The story is told through multiple points of view, each colored by the character's fears, biases, and incomplete memories. Key events—especially the night of Scarlet's death—are recalled in hazy, contradictory flashes, keeping the reader guessing. The use of blackout, missing time, and manipulated evidence (videos, DMs) heightens suspense and ambiguity.

Red Herrings and Misdirection

The narrative is structured as a whodunit, with multiple characters having plausible motives and opportunities to harm Scarlet. Blackmail, secret affairs, and past traumas are revealed in layers, with each new clue shifting suspicion. The real killer is hidden in plain sight, and the ultimate reveal is both shocking and thematically resonant.

The Masked Party and Anonymous Encounters

The masked party is a pivotal plot device, allowing characters to act on secret desires and form connections outside their public personas. The anonymity of the encounter between Jasmine and Scarlet is both liberating and dangerous, setting off a chain of events that leads to tragedy.

The Dangers of Fandom and Influence

The novel explores the dark side of influencer culture—not just for those in the spotlight, but for their followers. Faith's transformation from fan to killer is a chilling example of how blurred boundaries and online toxicity can have real-world consequences. The story uses this device to critique the culture of celebrity worship and the illusion of intimacy created by social media.

Analysis

Influence is a sharp, fast-paced thriller that dissects the seductive, perilous world of teen internet fame. Through its interwoven narratives, the novel exposes the psychological toll of living for likes, the fragility of online identity, and the dangers of confusing curated personas with reality. It's a cautionary tale about the cost of influence: how the pursuit of perfection, validation, and relevance can breed anxiety, rivalry, and even violence. The book's central lesson is the necessity of authenticity—embracing one's true self, flaws and all, and valuing real relationships over digital applause. It also warns of the toxic power of fandom, the ease with which online hate can escalate, and the importance of empathy and boundaries in a hyperconnected world. Ultimately, Influence urges readers to look beyond the filters, question what's real, and remember that behind every post is a person, struggling to be seen and loved for who they truly are.

Last updated: May 20, 2025