The People-Pleaser

A Dark Academia Psychological Thriller

By: Corey L. Johnson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

BRIX CAME TO RIPLEY UNIVERSITY TO KEEP HIS HEAD DOWN.

He’s always been good at making people comfortable—agreeable, polite, easy to like. It’s how he’s survived. But at Ripley, that skill doesn’t make him popular.
It makes him useful.

When a charismatic inner circle takes an interest in him, Brix finally gets what he’s always wanted: a seat at the table. Friends. Invitations. A sense that he actually belongs.

But something about them is too practiced—too coordinated—and the cost of staying close keeps rising. Conversations don’t match his memory. His instincts keep screaming while his mouth keeps cooperating. Even his reflection feels like it’s trying to become someone else.

Brix tells himself he’s overreacting.
That’s what people-pleasers do.

Until the group asks for a favor that isn’t a favor—and “community” starts to feel like a trap.

Because at Ripley, belonging isn’t free.
It’s a contract.

The People-Pleaser is a dark academia psychological thriller with cult energy, social coercion, gaslighting, and creeping body-horror—perfect for readers who love:
• campus secrets and social power games
• slow-building dread and “what is happening to me?” paranoia
• characters pushed past the point of choice

Start reading today—and see what it costs to be liked.