Review: The Goldens

The Goldens by Lauren Wilson

Published By: Harper Fire
Publication Date: July 7, 2025
Date Read: July 28, 2025
Genre: YA – Thriller
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384

Add to Goodreads | Add to Storygraph

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.

The Goldens is a book I haven’t had on my radar for all that long. One of my friends received a proof and loved it and recommended it to me but it wasn’t until the author was doing an event at my local independent bookshop that I decided to pick this one up. I’ll be honest and say I was quite apprehensive about The Goldens as I had read a number of YA Thrillers in the past year or so and found them a bit disappointing. This book has restored my faith in YA Thrillers as this was truly fantastic. I couldn’t put it down.

The Goldens is really different from other YA Thrillers that I have read. Most of the other thrillers in this age range I’ve picked up have been very murdery ‘who dunnit’ kind of books. The Goldens is much more slow paced and shows a slow descent into chaos. It really looks at the darker side of the rich and famous, following a famous influencer and how she slowly and ‘accidentally’ ends up starting a cult. I actually really enjoyed this slower paced psychological thriller, and this is definitely the type of thriller that is my kind of thing as I adored all the psychological aspects to this story.

One thing I think Lauren Wilson does superbly is show how easy it is for people to find themselves caught up in these dangerous groups. It starts with a friendship and just shows how Clara, our main influencer, takes things one step further… and then one step further and so on. It really does highlight how easy it is to find yourself entrapped in a dodgy situation by a very charismatic leader. It’s very current for today’s climate in particular. I think Lauren did a fantastic job of showing how easy it is to be caught up in things like this as even though you knew where it is heading, you still can’t help but see Clare as likeable at points. You as the reader also become enamoured with her a little bit, and really understand why people fall for it. It shows toxic friendships superbly as you can completely understand why they don’t pick up on certain things. It was just fantastic storytelling. What a talent Lauren Wilson truly is.

I would honestly recommend this book to everyone. It was absolutely thrilling and fantastic. While it does take a slower pacing, I still flew through this book as I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. It was such a wild ride, and I will immediately be adding Lauren Wilson to my auto-buy author list. I can’t wait to see what she writes next, I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic. If you’re looking for a great psychological thriller, with a hint of Gossip Girl glitz and glamour, The Goldens is a must-read for you. You won’t be disappointed.

“I think friends can be soulmates. What’s more romantic than friendship? You haven’t made any commitments, but there you are. Together.”