Review: Bad Influence by C.J. Wray

Bad Influence was one of those books that had members smiling from the very first pages. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, it quickly became a firm favourite with the Michelle Gordon Book Club.

The novel's humour was one of its biggest strengths. Members repeatedly described it as funny, warm and hugely entertaining, with several readers singling out the wonderfully exaggerated Italian accent as an unexpected highlight. Beneath the comedy, however, readers also recognised that the book explored an important subject, giving the story both heart and substance.

The characters were another standout. Readers loved spending time with them, describing them as engaging, memorable and full of personality. One member even commented that the novel transported them back to a time when life felt lighter and people didn't take themselves quite so seriously, capturing a sense of nostalgia that resonated long after the final page.

The structure of the novel also prompted discussion. Many readers enjoyed the way the story moved between the past and present, feeling it added depth to both the characters and the unfolding mystery. While one member found the shifting timeline a little challenging at first, they still appreciated the story's themes and ambition.

Overall, Bad Influence delivered exactly the kind of book club read we love: entertaining, thought-provoking and packed with memorable characters. It generated an excellent discussion at our meeting and left many members keen to read more from C.J. Wray.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)