The Goldens

A deliciously dark thriller with provocative and disturbing themes of toxic obsession and deadly glamour, this scintillating debut for the upper age range of Young Adult readers focuses on the increasingly sinister cult that starts to form around influencer Clara Holland.

A dark, intoxicating and unputdownable thriller, simmering with atmosphere

Chloe has always dreamed of becoming a bestselling writer. Then she meets enigmatic influencer Clara Holland, and at last, Chloe has something to write about. They bond instantly, and Chloe moves into Clara’s mansion. But as Clara’s fame skyrockets, she starts behaving strangely, hosting increasingly wild parties, complete with bonfire rituals and moonlit river baptisms.

Clara opens up her home to other girls desperate to live like her. The media call it a cult, and soon Chloe begins to hear unsettling rumours from Clara's past. After one spectacular party, a girl goes missing and the rumours take on a sinister new meaning. If Chloe can’t escape Clara’s influence, she may be next …

The Goldens is about to become your newest obsession.

About the Author

Lauren Wilson is originally from County Durham, and now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, and an MA in Creative Writing, both from Northumbria University. She has previously been a freelance radio reporter, set up her own content writing and social media management business, and worked for Mslexia, a magazine committed to championing women's writing.

MEDIA REVIEWS

‘One of the best debuts I’ve ever read – The Goldens is the influencer-starts-a-murder-cult story I never knew I needed. Dark, seductive and ruthlessly compelling, this is a cuttingly deep exploration of tender girlhood and toxic obsession … but I would still follow Clara Holland to the ends of the earth. Nobody is ready for this book’ Laura Steven, author of Our Infinite Fates

‘The Goldens is a thoroughly insidious thriller, set in a glittering, decadent world that will lure you in just as surely as the cast’s characters fall to the influence of their intoxicating, charismatic leader’ Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

‘With creeping dread building to a nerve-shredding finale, The Goldens is sprinkled with the glamorous, the glittering and the gothic’ H. F. Askwith, author of A Dark Inheritance

'Deliciously dark and incredibly cool … An unputdownable novel' The Bookseller

‘A hedonistic exploration of when fascination becomes obsession, The Goldens is a deftly plotted tale of toxic friendships, wild revelry and the tipping point of social-media darling to cult leader. If Serena van der Woodsen had the personality of Rebecca de Winter and decided to start a teen cult, The Goldens would be the result’ Rachel Greenlaw, author of Compass and Blade

‘An unputdownable book fuelled by ride or die, toxic friendships and an irresistibly coquettish cult led by a social media influencer. The Goldens is feverish, sultry and tense – trust me, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever read’ Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb

‘Lauren Wilson has delivered a sparkling debut – hidden inside this glittery party favour is a razor blade’ Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town

‘A seductive tale of effervescent glamor, toxic friendship and the fragile line between devotion and worship – irresistible’ Kate Alice Marshall, author of Rules for Vanishing ‘An outrageously good thriller’ The Sun