Julie Chan Is Dead is a wildly inventive and sharply observant debut by Liann Zhang. Blending satire, mystery, and social commentary, this novel dives into influencer culture, identity, and the dark side of internet fame with biting wit and surprising heart.

The plot follows a mysterious death—and the unraveling chaos that ensues—as one woman questions not only what happened to Julie Chan, but who she herself really is in a sea of curated identities and digital masks. It’s clever, twisty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, while also raising deep questions about performative culture and the price of being seen.

Liann Zhang has a distinct, engaging voice, and while some parts felt a bit over-the-top or intentionally surreal, it fit the tone and themes well. The pacing kept me hooked, and the ending left me thinking long after I closed the book.