The essay analyses through semiotics the circulation of conspiracy theories related to the fandom of J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye. Such conspiracy theories link some of the contents of the novel and certain traits of the biography of its author to the manifestation of violent behaviors among Salinger’s fans and readers. The essay explains the genesis of such conspiracy theories as depending on the vicious circle between misinterpretation of the novel by some readers and misinterpretation of their behaviors by some social commentators.