The best 68 Manipulation books

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs (2009) explains how any presenter can be as convincing and inspiring as the legendary Steve Jobs. From planning to rehearsal and delivery, Carmine Gallo details the anatomy of a great presentation.

• Anyone who holds presentations at work, school or in their free time
• Communication professionals who want to engage their audiences more fully
• Anyone who is interested in Steve Jobs’s presentation techniques

Blink examines the phenomenon of snap judgments, meaning the split-second decisions we make unconsciously. These snap judgments are important decision-making tools, but can also lead to bad choices and all manner of problems. Blink explains how we can best make use of them.

• Anyone interested in intuition and decision-making
• Anyone interested in ridding themselves of their prejudices and stereotypes
• Anyone who wants to know when to trust their intuition

Influence (1984) explains in detail the fundamental principles of persuasion. How do you get people to say yes? How do other people get you to say yes?  How are you manipulated by sleek salesmen, clever marketing folks and sneaky confidence tricksters? These blinks will help you understand the psychology behind their techniques, enabling you to unleash your own persuasive powers, while also defending against their tactics of manipulation.

• Anyone working in marketing or sales
• People who sometimes find it hard to say no to salespeople or marketers
• Those interested in how their decision-making is constantly being manipulated

Give and Take offers a breath of fresh air to traditional theories of what it takes to be successful. Backed by ground-breaking research, Give and Take demonstrates how giving more to others, rather than competing against them, may be the secret to profound success and fulfillment.

• Anyone who wants to understand how those who give become so successful
• Anyone who wants to learn how to influence others without being domineering
• Anyone who suffers from burnout by giving too much to others

Snakes in Suits (2006) examines what happens when a psychopath doesn’t wind up in jail, but instead puts on a suit and gets a job. The book outlines the tactics these predators use, how they damage companies and how you can protect yourself.

• Anyone who thinks their boss, colleague, subordinate, friend or partner may be a psychopath
• Anyone who wants to know how to protect themselves or their company from the destructive influence of psychopaths

You Are Not So Smart (2011) explores the many different ways we have of deluding ourselves. By delving into a wide range of psychological research, the author challenges the notion that we are logical, rational beings who see the world as it really is and makes a case that we mislead ourselves every single day, for better and for worse.

• Anyone who believes that they’re quite rational in their thinking and behavior
• Anyone interested in how we delude ourselves every day

The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

• Anyone who wants to know what constitutes charisma
• Anyone who wants to learn how to become more charismatic

Salt Sugar Fat examines the rise of the processed-food industry in America and globally, and why it has been fueled by the liberal use of salt, sugar and fat. These three ingredients are near irresistible to us humans, but their overuse also comes with devastating health effects.

• Anyone who wants to eat more healthily
• Anyone interested in why processed foods are so popular today

Spy the Lie reveals the typical strategies that liars use to try to deceive you, as well as the tools to help you detect them. This book draws on field-tested methods for lie detection developed by former CIA officers, which helps to spot the signs of a lie and ask the right questions to uncover the truth.

• Anyone who conducts interviews
• Anyone who works in sales, marketing or law enforcement
• Anyone interested in communication

We often swallow scientific-sounding language used in advertisements or on the news without any further thought. But if we analyze it a little, we often find that it’s merely pseudoscience. Bad Science shows us that this bogus science can lead to serious misunderstandings, injustice and even death.

• Anyone worried about science reporting in the media
• Anyone who thinks understanding science is beyond them
• Anyone who buys vitamins or homeopathic remedies

In Mindwise, author Nicholas Epley looks at our ability to read the minds of other people, arguing that we believe ourselves to be far more adept at “mind reading” than we actually are. He reveals the common mistakes we make when trying to figure out what other people feel or want, and provides an entirely new perspective on how to handle both your own stereotypes and those of other people.

• Anyone wanting to understand the desires of people around them
• Anyone curious about the common mistakes we make when guessing others’ feelings
• Anyone interested in learning how their own mind works

This book is all about the hidden meanings we can find in our body language. Our brains control our body movements without us being conscious of it, and sometimes those movements can be very revealing. This book goes into detail about the ways you can train yourself to become an expert in observing other people’s nonverbal cues and uncovering their meaning.

• Anyone interested in psychology
• Anyone who wants to improve his or her observational skills
• Anyone who wants to get better at understanding people’s true thoughts and intentions

Think Like A Freak is a blueprint for thinking unconventionally and creatively. It demonstrates the benefits of letting go of conventional wisdoms, and teaches you to dig deeper to find out how things really work. By learning to think like a "freak", you’ll gain access to an entirely new way of solving problems and making sense of the world.

• Anyone who likes to challenge conventional beliefs
• Anyone interested in how statistics can help solve problems
• Anyone who wants to learn how to think more creatively and unconventionally

The Prince is a 16th century guide on how to be an autocratic leader of a country. It explains why ends like glory and power always justify even brutal means for princes. Thanks to this book, the word “Machiavellian” came to mean using deceit and cunning to one’s advantage.

• Anyone who wants to understand how autocratic leaders think
• Anyone interested in political philosophy/history
• Anyone who wants to know what truly cold, amoral leadership looks like

Going Clear offers a rare glimpse into the secret history and beliefs of Scientology as well as the conflicted biography of its founder L. Ron Hubbard. It also details some of the Church’s darker qualities: a tooth and nail method of managing criticism and systematic approach to celebrity recruitment.

• Anyone who’s interested in the history of Scientology
• Anyone who wants tips on how to start his or her own successful religion

The Upside of Your Dark Side looks into the darkest depths of the human psyche, only to discover that the painful emotions that we often wish we could just make go away – anger, anxiety, guilt – are sometimes the key to our success. Backed by many fascinating scientific studies, The Upside of Your Dark Side makes it clear that psychological health means wholeness rather than happiness.

• Anyone who’s fed up with the happiness-hype in popular psychology
• Anyone who tries to bottle up his or her negative emotions
• Anyone interested in psychology

The Small BIG offers 52 examples on how minor changes in your behavior can make you more confident and successful when it comes to negotiating with and persuading others. Those who read this book will be able to draw value from the examples and make significant improvements to their persuasion style.

• Anyone who manages individuals or teams
• Anyone with children
• Anyone who wants to improve his or her persuasiveness

You Are Now Less Dumb provides thought-provoking studies and examples on how our brains often misguide us. It also enlightens readers with tips on how to uncover these unfounded beliefs and find out what’s actually happening in and around us.

• Anyone who wants to feel a little bit smarter
• Anyone interested in how our minds play tricks on us
• Anyone interested in psychology

The True Believer (1951), published in the aftermath of World War II, is an exploration of mass movements and the means by which they attract followers. These blinks will take you on a walk through history – showing how, under certain circumstances, be they right or wrong, anyone can become a true believer.

• People wanting to learn about the history, logic and component parts of mass movements
• Those interested in group psychology
• Anybody with an interest in politics and how change is affected

59 seconds (2010) lays out some handy tips and insights backed by scientific research. Apply them today, and experience the change you want in your life.

• People sick of the same old self-help books
• Creative thinkers
• Psychology enthusiasts

Just Mercy (2014) is a walk through the American criminal justice system of the 1980s. These blinks explain how a system that is supposed to safeguard the rights of the nation’s citizens became an unjust tool to mistreat and abuse the most vulnerable members of society through mass incarceration and excessive sentencing.

• Lawyers, judges and legal scholars
• Anybody interested in the legal history of America
• People wanting to understand the unjust nature of America’s criminal justice system

Social Engineering (2011) reveals the secret methods hackers and con artists use to manipulate their targets and scam their victims. The book provides detailed step-by-step depictions of how criminals plan a scheme, and gives you all the tools you need to prevent yourself from being duped.

• Anyone who wants to know how hackers and scammers plan a heist
• Anyone interested in how to influence a stranger’s behavior
• People who watched the BBC series Hustle or The Real Hustle

Out of Character (2011), introduces a more flexible idea about character that goes beyond the classic dichotomy of the saint and the sinner. These blinks use psychological experiments to demonstrate how many of the traits we consider fixed are prone to influence by outside events, often in surprising ways.

• Students of psychology and philosophy
• Anyone who is interested in human behavior

In The Upside of Irrationality (2011), Dan Ariely uses behavioral economics to show us why we behave irrationally, how it affects our decision-making processes, and what we can do to make better choices.

• Psychology and behavioral economics students
• People who want to know why they act irrationally sometimes
• People curious about human behavior

In Sheep’s Clothing (1996) reveals the aggressive, undercover agenda of manipulative individuals, whose covert tactics would otherwise remain hidden. These blinks offers you tools to become aware of, prepare for and deal with the tricks used by manipulative colleagues, family members and friends.

• People who are overly anxious and fearful of social rejection
• People who believe they might be in a relationship with a manipulator
• People who want to learn how to fight back against manipulators

Phishing for Phools (2015) reveals the ways in which modern free-market systems, so often praised as the epitome of rational exchange, are fueled instead by willful deceit, with the goal of pushing you to act against your self-interest.

• Economists or students examining free-market systems
• Any consumer interested in how the market works
• Socially-conscious business owners

Thank You for Arguing (2013) is a guide to the art of rhetoric. These blinks explain what rhetoric really is, how persuasion works and how to win a debate by drawing on in-depth research, anecdotes and theories from the great orators of history.

• Anyone interested in making good arguments
• Politicians or anyone who debates politics
• Parents looking for techniques with which to persuade their children

Games People Play (1964) explores the fascinating and bizarre world of psychological games, where players unconsciously manipulate each other into acting in alienating and self-destructive ways. Eric Berne dissects the hidden dynamics beneath the games people play – and shows how to escape from them and find true intimacy.

• People interested in human behavior
• Life coaches and therapists
• Anyone who wants to learn how to deal with difficult people

Emotional Blackmail (1997) helps us understand, identify, confront and remedy manipulation in our closest relationships. These blinks are filled with insightful explanations about the true nature of toxic relationships and provide you with the tools you need to break out of this vicious cycle.

• Anyone tired of fighting a losing battle with a loved one
• People who suspect they let fear run their life
• People who want to empower themselves in their relationships

Talking to Crazy (2015) acknowledges that each person has the potential to be a little crazy, giving into irrational behavior when the mood strikes. These blinks offer sound advice on how to empathize and communicate with a person in “crazy mode” so you can keep yourself from going off the deep end, too.

• People with anger management issues
• Anyone struggling with constructive communication in a relationship
• Parents and teachers dealing with young adults

We live in a society that pushes us to fear what’s out there. Risk (2008) delves into the psychological and sociological reasons why fear is so deeply rooted in modern times, and why the world isn’t really as bad as we’re made to think it is.

• Students of psychology, sociology or politics
• Anyone interested in the media

Nonsense (2015) is all about ambiguity and the effect it has on our lives. We encounter situations we don’t understand all the time, both in regular daily life and in extreme situations like natural disasters. These blinks outline the widespread effects, both negative and positive, that this nonsense has on our behavior, and why it’s so important to understand it.

• Anyone tasked with important decision-making
• Negotiators and mediators
• Language teachers

The Confidence Game (2016) reveals exactly how con artists can strike it rich by taking advantage of some major flaws in human nature. Find out why people believe incredibly unlikely stories and ignore incriminating evidence, and discover how basic human trust and optimism can be used to a con artist’s advantage.

• Aspiring con artists who want to learn how anyone can be fooled
• People who think they could never be fooled by a con artist
• Students of human nature and human behavior

Irresistible (2017) shows how dangerously dependent we’ve become on the smartphones, tablets, video games and social platforms that we’ve surrounded ourselves with. Is our attachment to these devices strictly related to the convenience they provide? Or have we actually grown addicted to the psychological rewards they offer?

• Psychology students
• Technology addicts
• Anyone looking to be more productive

The Art of Seduction (2001) examines the amoral game of seduction, explaining how seduction always starts in the mind and that the most successful seducers know this very well indeed. It explains strategies for inciting interest, disorientating the target of seduction, stirring desire and kindling emotions. These tactics will lead to the eventual seduction of the target.

• People who want to learn the art of seduction
• Historians interested in landmark seductions
• Psychology enthusiasts

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling (2016) reveals the unexpected relationship between screenwriting and the art of presenting a legal case. These are two disciplines that both rely on great storytelling skills and effective rhetoric. So with the aid of real-life examples and tips people in television and film, you’ll find out how you can use the art of storytelling to craft compelling cases that will keep the courtroom riveted.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“I love all the quirks and oddities of human behavior showcased in these blinks, they make for great conversation!”

– Ben H, Head of Editorial at Blinkist

• Lawyers looking to up their storytelling game
• Anyone wanting to uncover how successful lawyers win cases
• Budding public speakers interested in the art of rhetoric

Experiments With People (2003) is a survey of social psychology throughout the twentieth century, and everything we have come to learn from it. These blinks will teach you about yourself, the hidden sides of human nature, why we make the choices we do and how altruistic humans really are.

• Students of psychology and the social sciences
• Impulsive people looking to include more rationality in their daily lives
• Highly social people interested in the intricacies human nature

Stick with It (2017) offers sensible advice that you can start using today to make positive changes in your life. Drawing from real-world case studies and the latest behavioral research, author Sean Young provides a thorough and rational plan for how you can combat your bad habits and follow through on your dreams and goals.

• Anyone struggling to make lasting changes in their life
• Readers who are eager to break bad habits
• Professionals keen to improve ineffective personal work routines

Political Tribes (2018) is an insightful study of one of today’s most pressing issues: tribalism. From postwar Iraq to Chavez’s Venezuela and Trump’s America, political life has become increasingly polarized. That’s a problem. Once people stop trying to understand each other and retreat into the safety of their own tribes, conflict becomes inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Amy Chua argues that foreign and domestic policy can defuse tensions as long as those policies are based on a sound understanding of tribalism.

• Anyone who’s wondered what exactly went wrong in Iraq
• Citizens tired of endless political partisanship
• Fans of penetrating social analysis

Skin in the Game (2018) explores the ways in which our interactions with others are secretly influenced by risk and symmetry. By drawing on ideas from the field of probability, and applying them to everyday scenarios, Taleb reveals unexpected and often dazzling insights about what really makes society tick.

• Anyone interested in risk analysis
• Anyone looking for fresh insights into economics
• Social psychology students and enthusiasts

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies (2015) is an introduction to the basic principles behind NLP. If you’ve ever struggled to say what’s on your mind, NLP may be of use to you. Discover the human traits that can keep us from understanding each other and the helpful methods that can lead to clear and effective communication.

• Readers who strive to communicate clearly
• Students of neuroscience and linguistics
• Anyone open to new ideas and techniques for improvement

Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

• Young people who want to improve their social skills
• Singles looking to become dating pros
• Managers and entrepreneurs who want their employees to do their best

The Laws of Human Nature (2018) takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of the human condition that often go overlooked or unacknowledged. As author Robert Greene explains, we are all a bit narcissistic, irrational, short-sighted and prone to compulsive and aggressive behavior. But once we accept and start to understand these aspects of human nature, we can begin to control and even benefit from them.

• Students of psychology and human nature
• Those seeking to understand their behavior
• People who want to live a better life

I’m Judging You (2016) provides a uniquely humorous take on all the ways modern society can produce annoying, absurd and downright terrible people. Whether it’s misusing hashtags on social media or being an unbearable sexist monster, author Luvvie Ajayi is ready to call out their awfulness and provide readers with some pointers on how to avoid her judgemental wrath.

• Anyone looking to get more woke
• People fed up with racism and sexism
• Readers who want a humorous take on American society

Super Thinking (2019) is a conceptual toolkit designed to help you cut through complexity and make better decisions. Drawing on insights from fields as varied as biology and economics, entrepreneur Gabriel Weinberg and statistician Lauren McCann present the “mental models” used by today’s top problem-solvers and decision-makers. But this isn’t a dry academic treatise on logic: apply these models to your personal and professional conundrums and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a super thinker in your own right!

• Thinkers and logicians
• Science buffs 
• Self-optimizers 

Talking to Strangers (2019) is a powerful exploration of how little we know about the people we don’t know. It explores how we misjudge and misunderstand strangers, sometimes with terrible consequences, making a powerful case for more tolerance and patience in our dealings with others.

• City dwellers living in a crowd of strangers
• Malcolm Gladwell fans
• Those who think they’re a good judge of character

Loserthink (2019) looks at the various ways in which we fall victim to unproductive thinking habits. Drawing upon history, psychology, global affairs, and business to reveal the pitfalls of such habits, these blinks will sharpen your thinking in an increasingly irrational world.

• Entrepreneurs seeking motivation
• Frustrated political debaters or Twitter fanatics
• Dilbert fans

Messengers (2019) is a fascinating exploration of why we listen to, follow, or believe in some people but not others. It explains why thoughtful experts are sometimes ignored in favor of confident blowhards. And it reveals why apparently irrelevant details, like the color of someone’s lipstick or the roundness of their face, can make a huge difference to how we respond to them. 

• Communicators who want to step up their influence 
• Professionals who want to be more persuasive 
• Anyone who wants to find more ways to connect with the people in their lives

The Power of Bad (2019) is a thorough exploration of the outsized influence negativity has in our personal lives and our society. Based on well-researched insights from social psychology, political science, and economics, it unpacks how this “negativity bias” came about and what we can do to overcome it.

• Pessimists looking for a brighter perspective
• Amateur psychologists seeking insight into human behavior
• Anyone desiring a new perspective on what shapes society

The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit (2021) uses real-world examples to help you build critical thinking habits – which will enable you to recognize and resist all the false information that pervades society.

• Bullshit detectors who want to hone their skills
• People who think they’re immune to bullshitting
• Anyone who yearns for a bullshit-free world

Surrounded By Narcissists (2022) is a guide to recognizing narcissists and understanding how they operate. Erikson suggests simple, effective methods for dealing with any narcissists you know, whether it’s your partner, a relative, someone you work with, or possibly all three – you may be surrounded.

• Victims of narcissists
• Empaths who are worried about being manipulated
• Anyone who’s interested in psychology or personality types

The Secret History (1992) is the gripping tale of a group of Classics students at a New England college who are involved in the murder of a classmate. The novel explores the complex relationships between the friends, and the impact the incident has on their lives.

• People who enjoy psychological fiction
• Fans of the “dark academia” genre
• Anyone with an interest in Classics

Collective Illusions (2022) explores the idea of conformity bias: how it shapes our decisions for better or worse, and how we can overcome this behavior and even use it for good.

• Amateur brain scientists
• People who want to be the change
• Dissenters and activists

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (2022) explores the ramifications of having a narcissistic parent, and what you as an adult can do to release yourself from your mother’s toxic hold. Its toolkit will help you manage the difficult feelings that come with being raised by a narcissist – like self-doubt, shame, and anxiety – so that you can start living on your own terms. 

• Adults with controlling, manipulative, or domineering mothers
• Those who have struggled with anxiety and insecurity since they were young
• Anyone who has felt fundamentally flawed since they were a child

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

• Anyone not feeling seen, heard, or respected by a partner
• People dealing with a narcissistic parent, friend, or colleague
• Those struggling to decide whether they should stay in or leave a relationship

If You Tell (2019) details the story of Michelle “Shelly” Knotek, the mother of three daughters who subjected her family to an ongoing nightmare of abuse and torture. Those who got close to Shelly had a way of succumbing to her methods of manipulation and control. For some, it meant their death.

• True crime fanatics
• Anyone interested in stories of incredible resilience
• People curious about the psychology of serial killers

Propaganda (1928) is a plain-speaking and unashamed defense of the techniques of political and social manipulation. Far from being a dark art practiced by despots and dictators, Bernays suggests that propaganda instead plays an essential and necessary role in the life of modern democracies. Not everyone agrees, of course, but nearly 100 years later the enduring influence of Bernays’s arguments is reason enough to engage with them.

• Anyone who works in PR, advertising, or marketing
• History buffs
• Politicos interested in American democracy

Flipnosis (2010) looks at the role of persuasion in our lives, and the social and biological underpinnings that allow some people to quickly and successfully encourage and convince those around them. By examining the science and looking at real-world master persuaders – from magicians and advertisers to criminals and psychopaths – you too can tap into the art of persuasion.

• Would-be social engineers, looking for a few tricks to improve their influence
• Free-thinkers who want to make sure that their choices are, in fact, their own
• Anyone who has been sold something they didn’t want, and were left wondering: What just happened?

Exactly What to Say (2017) is designed to provide you with the key phrases and words to make your conversations count and bring you success. It contains magic words. Words that are heard and interpreted by the subconscious mind. Words which will help you get the results you want.

• Anyone interested in how words can influence others at a subconscious level
• Success-driven individuals who want to up their game
• Entrepreneurs who want to get their prospects to say yes more often

Gaslighting (2018) is an illuminating guide in the obscure world of emotional manipulation. It reveals how to identify and break free from the devastating impact of gaslighting, so you can regain control of your life and restore your sense of self.

• Emotional abuse victims searching for coping strategies
• Friends and relatives hoping to understand their loved ones' gaslighting experiences
• Mental health professionals seeking deeper insights into gaslighting and its effects

The Uses of Delusions (2022) ventures into the intriguing realm of irrational beliefs and delusions, highlighting their essential role in shaping our lives and detailing how these misconceptions surprisingly confer benefits. These beneficial delusions serve as crucial contributors to our happiness, relationships and even survival, constructing a compelling narrative about the paradoxical power of irrationality. 

• Psychology enthusiasts fascinated by the human mind’s quirks and misconceptions
• Self-help seekers desiring to understand and improve their own mental processes
• Skeptics and rational thinkers keen on understanding the roots of superstition and irrational behavior

Othello (c. 1603) stands as one of Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies. It tells the story of a respected military commander who is manipulated into questioning the loyalty of the woman he loves—setting in motion a chain of events with devastating consequences. With its powerful themes of love, betrayal, race, and revenge, the play remains strikingly relevant even today.

• Shakespeare fans unfamiliar with Othello
• Lovers of intense drama and psychological complexity
• Anyone exploring power, race, and identity in literature

Forget mind control. In Cultish (2021), Amanda Montell exposes the verbal tricks that bind groups, from Heaven’s Gate to your Peloton Group. A fascinating look at how words shape beliefs and persuade us. Decode the language of domination and reclaim your power.

• Word wizards
• Cult detectives 
• True crime fans

It’s Not You (2024) delves into the complexities of narcissistic personality traits and their devastating effects on personal and professional relationships. With a compassionate and pragmatic approach, it offers strategies and insights to help navigate these challenging dynamics.

• Those who have experienced, or are currently in, relationships with narcissistic partners, family members, friends, or colleagues
• Human resource professionals and managers who want to understand narcissistic behavior in the workplace better
• Anyone who is navigating complex relationships with narcissistic personalities they can’t walk away from

May Contain Lies (2024) explores the intricate world of misinformation and its pervasive impact on society, media, and personal decision-making. It delves into the psychological underpinnings that make us susceptible to deception, and examines how falsehoods spread and the long-term consequences for public trust and individual behavior, then offers several strategies readers can adopt to improve critical thinking and discernment. 

• Anyone consuming news and social media 
• Individuals wanting to make evidence-based decisions 
• Policymakers and government officials

On Gaslighting (2024) explores the concept of gaslighting as a distinctive form of manipulation that undermines a person’s ability to trust their own perceptions, reasoning, and emotions. Through the lens of contemporary philosophy this text analyzes the conception, tools, and implications of gaslighting, linking this psychological phenomenon to broader social issues like racism, sexism, and trust in relationships.

• Therapists who want to understand the psychological and emotional effects of gaslighting 
• Ethicists seeking to understand the moral dimensions of gaslighting
• Social justice advocates who want to uncover how gaslighting exploits oppressive social systems 

The Narcissist's Playbook (2019) is a guide to recognizing, understanding, and breaking free from the manipulation and abuse of narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths. It offers practical tools for identifying manipulative behaviors, understanding why they occur, and empowering their targets to protect themselves and reclaim control of their lives.

• Partners who suspect they’re in an emotionally abusive relationship
• People who want to set boundaries with manipulative family members
• Anyone with a narcissist in their lives

Charlatans (2025) examines why smart people fall for obvious scams by dissecting the psychological drivers and technological vulnerabilities that make everyone a potential target for exploitation. It explores how digital-age charlatans use the same basic playbook as historical con artists but now operate at a viral, global scale through social media and emerging technologies.

• Technologists and social platform moderators dealing with the proliferation conspiracy theories, scams, and misinformation on digital platforms
• Those working with victims of fraud, cult involvement, or conspiracy theory addiction who need to understand the psychological mechanisms at play
• Anyone feeling overwhelmed by misinformation who wants practical tools for critical thinking and media literacy