An allusion is a short, indirect reference to another literary work, famous person, place, event, or idea. Authors use allusions to add significance and context to their work. Allusions can communicate tone or deepen knowledge about a character. An allusion connects the author’s and the reader’s shared set of beliefs, ideas, or knowledge. If the reader does not recognize or understand an allusion, its significance is lost, and the reader can become confused or lose interest in the work.

McNeil makes extensive use of popular-culture allusions in #MurderTrending. They include references to contemporary songs, TV shows, films, celebrities, popular expressions, and even consumer products. Like literary allusions, pop-culture allusions add familiarity and, especially in #MuderTrending, humor. They help readers connect to the text and a specific cultural identity. Pop culture allusions often appeal to a particular demographic.

The danger of using pop-culture allusions is that their relevance can fade with time, making the story feel dated. Also, pop allusions may exclude other demographics. For example, McNeil writes #MurderTrending for a young-adult audience but uses extended references to the films Die Hard (1988), Zoolander (2001), The Breakfast Club (1985), and The Shining (1980).