A young girl goes to college and find herself in the orbit of a popular Instagram influencer who’s cult of personality quickly shifts into a more old school cult. It inevitably becomes violent. Nice twist on a cult novel, with something to say about the way social media can warp culture. No giant surprises in how they got to the end, but a breezy read.

This one wasn’t for me. It is well written and gripping but I did not like the characters or connect with the “Charles Manson” vibe of the book. My heart broke for Clara’s victims and I felt zero sympathy for Chloe. Cults. Murder. It just wasn’t what I was expecting!

When Chloe meets influencer, Clara, her whole world opens. At first, they forge a great friendship- filled with celebrity-attended parties, expensive brunches, and job opportunities. But as Clara starts to get more famous, her parties grow more wild and she opens her home to other girls, which the media starts to call a cult. When one of the party-goers goes missing, Chloe starts to worry she may be next.

I loved this thriller I read it one sitting! I thought the characters were compelling and the social media-cult blend was so fun. I will definitely read more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

People want to be, or at least be near, her

Clara Holland is someone who seems to have it all, leading an amazing life. Her parents are highly successful in their fields....one in fashion photography, the other in fashion design...so its not terribly surprising that Clara is a successful influencer and occasional model with more than half a million followers on her social media accounts. Chloe Hughes could not be more different, from a blue collar background, a quiet, bookish girl with a mild anxiety disorder who hopes to be a published author. What they do have in common is their initials, C. A. H., which is what causes the two girls' paths to cross one day at Dern University during their freshman year. Chloe has had a rough time adjusting to university life...her three dorm mates are openly dismissive of and nasty to her, though she has made a good friend finally in Olivia. Yet somehow the two inital-linked girls become friendly, and Clara invites Chloe to come to one of her very select, invitation-only parties (the type which always cause a social media stir). Full of star athletes, glamorous models and rising actresses, Chloe can't imagine how or why she has been included in this rarified atmosphere, but soon she is a part Clara's world, in fact her best friend and roommate. Clara's fame online grows and Chloe is thrilled to be along for the ride...but then other girls are invited to live with her and Clara, girls who aspire to live Clara's version of life. They become known as The Goldens....and rumors arise about Clara's past and concerns about the almost cult-like atmosphere developing at Deneside Manor make Chloe question her choices, a concern echoed by Olivia. Friendship between young women can be a powerful force, and Chloe is coming to learn how true that is...and not always in a positive way.
The Goldens is a compelling story about female friendships, toxic influencer culture, and obsession, Chloe is very relatable, an introverted girl who hopes that university life will be different than her earlier school experiences only to find that mean girls are everywhere, and that she herself is still the same person she was before boarding the train to Dern. Its hardly surprising that she looks with awe upon the beautiful, always chic and put together Clara who lives (alone) in her parents' opulent country home nearby and who showers Clara with attention, That Clara is also manipulative and exhibits signs of anger or jealousy if Chloe strays from her admiring role is obvious to everyone but Chloe, as is often the case in abusive or toxic relationships. The details of the sumptuous lifestyle Clara and The Goldens enjoy are lavishly described (sometimes in a bit too much depth for my liking), and while the ancillary characters aren't developed quite as well as Clara and Chloe are, the relationships between the girls, the vying for position, the longing for validation and acceptance are adeptly chronicled. The story's pacing a bit uneven, but overall its a thriller that mixes glamour with menace, a darker spin on the Gossip Girl story, one likely to appeal to readers of Stacy Willingham, Emma Cline and Liane Moriarty, My thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar for allowing me access to this compelling debut in exchange for my honest review.

3.75/5 rounded up

Thank you to Flatiron Books/Pine & Cedar for the advanced reading copy!

What a wild ride! I had NO idea what this book was about going into it, and was not expecting a crazy, cultish, twisty, female, college drama -- but what a great time! I was so shocked by the twists and turns throughout the story, and the overall plot was not what I anticipated at all.

My only real issue with this one is that it dragged a bit in the middle, and started to feel repetitive. We already had enough information to determine and make judgements about the situation, but continued to get more and more unnecessarily. To be clear -- I was still entertained and interested, just feel we could have skipped a few details.

THAT ENDING! 🤯!! So many great surprises in this one. I wish I would have been able to attend book club last month and discuss this one -- I'm sure there were lots of hot takes and discussion points on the story, characters and plotting. Overall this was a fun and solid cultish thriller!

The Goldens by Lauren Wilson by @flatiron @pineandcedar for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Chloe meets social media influencer and socialite, Clara, they become instant friends. Chloe is brought into a world of glitter and decadent parties, but she begins to hear unsettling rumors about Clara.

This was a fun and wild story that escalates and escalates, much further than I thought it was! I loved how we see the dangers of social media, imposter syndrome, FOMO, and the idolization of influencers. While a fun read, it’s also quite tragic. The ending was great too… a little twist I wasn’t expecting.

“She was a girl who thought, who truly believed that she had earned and deserved the term goddess as a moniker and she was untouchable. And, as I watched her preen and smile her coy little smile, I knew that she knew it too.”

The Goldens comes out 7/15

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

I was disappointed in this book. I had high hopes for it and was super excited to start reading, but when I finally started reading, I was bored. The narrator was pretty good, so there is that. But overall, this book was a letdown for me.

Binge worthy dark academia!

This is the story of Chloe and Clara. Chloe is an aspiring writer and also a social misfit longing to be noticed. Clara is a popular influencer loved and envied by thousands. Struggling to make their way in their first year away at college, Clara does in fact notice Chloe and takes her under her wing. After only knowing each other for a few months, Chloe moves into Clara’s mansion that is staffed and funded by her wealthy parents. Chloe plans to write Clara’s memoir, hoping to make them both successful. Clara makes Chloe her social media manager, lends her fabulous wardrobe to her and together they throw big lavish parties attended by Clara’s admirers. Things take a dark turn when Clara forms a ‘girl gang’ known as The Goldens. The purpose of this group is to provide a place for girls to support each other and rebel against patriarchal ideals. But before long, there are rumors of ‘rituals’, and the Goldens are labeled as a cult. When young women begin to go missing after these parties, Chloe can no longer ignore the twisted darkness that lives within Clara. But if she isn’t careful, Clara could be next.

This was a fascinating story and cautionary tale for all young women who long to be accepted into the ‘popular’ group. This was a well written novel and I look forward to this author’s next book.

Thank you Netgalley, Flatiron Books, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on July 15, 2025

Perfect beach read! I picked this up and read it in a single sitting at the pool. It was that type of thriller-lite story where you're the perfect level of intrigued and there's good plot pacing, so you're never sitting waiting for something to happen. Personally, I also found myself wondering if we were being set up for an unreliable narrator situation because of how odd Chloe talks about Clara and the other Goldens. It was just like hmm, maybe that's what's off here?

I liked the conclusion of the story and the actual last page got me good – didn't see that coming!

“The Golden” is by Lauren Wilson. This was an interesting YA thriller. I think it’ll be one people will enjoy upon its release. The setting was interesting. I couldn’t really connect to any of the main characters, but that’s due to not really being the right age group. However, the message about social media and influencing, I found on point, so there was that. The pacing felt a bit slow, but I think that was done to highlight the fact that something was off, so kudos to Ms. Wilson for that. 3.25 stars because it didn't work for me, but I do think others will enjoy it more.

The Goldens is a dark academia book written in a time when influencers are more popular than celebrities. Clearly inspired by the dark academia grand poobah The Secret History, but I also saw inspiration from The Basic Eight, Special Topics in Calamity Physics, and The Virgin Suicides.

I loved it. Dark Academia is my favorite genre. Poor, hardworking girl at fancy college meets rich girl who is lazy yet a popular influencer on social media. Poor girl is quickly infatuated with rich girl - both in a non-sexual and sexual way - and they become friends because rich girl loves having people around who idolize her.

They bond and poor girl moves into rich girls' huge house near the college. Lavish parties with celebs are thrown. Drugs, drinks, and excess ensue. Rich girl decides to invite more girls to live with her. The house falls into disrepair while the girls live a hedonistic life. Descriptions of sparkles sit alongside descriptions of decay, which mirror the sweet moments and much darker moments among the girls.

Eventually, people start to fear the girls. Rich girl is perceived as a cult leader. The descent into madness is quick and beautiful.
If you like dark academia, you will love it. If you have never read dark academia, give it a try!

Prepare to be utterly captivated and deliciously unsettled by Lauren Wilson's debut thriller, "The Goldens". This is not just a book; it's an intoxicating descent into a world where glamour and influence collide with chilling secrets, and the line between inspiration and obsession blurs with deadly consequences. If you're looking for a read that is exciting, engaging, thrilling, and brimming with suspense, get ready for your newest obsession.

Wilson masterfully introduces us to Chloe, a young woman with aspirations of becoming a bestselling writer, who is suddenly swept into the orbit of Clara Holland. Clara is the epitome of a modern-day siren: a prominent influencer, socialite, and model, whose enigmatic beauty and dazzling persona are utterly magnetic. For ordinary Chloe, meeting Clara is a revelation – finally, she has a subject worthy of her pen.

Their bond forms instantly, and soon Chloe is living in Clara's opulent family estate, immersed in a world of long afternoons spent crafting Clara's memoir, perfecting social media posts, and orchestr creating sumptuous, decadent parties. Picture fairy lights illuminating an orangery, themed cocktails flowing, sequined backdrops shimmering, and roaring bonfires casting an eerie glow. It's a world of glittering excess, designed to inspire and be shared.

But as Clara opens her home to more young women eager to emulate her lifestyle and find their own inspiration, the outside world begins to whisper. The media, with a cynical eye, labels them a cult. And as the gilded cage of Clara's influence becomes more claustrophobic, unsettling rumors begin to surface about the woman at its center.

The suspense ratchets up to a fever pitch when a girl goes missing after a spectacular New Year's Eve party. Suddenly, the rumors take on a sinister, terrifying new meaning. Chloe, entangled in Clara's web, begins to fear that if she can't break free, everything she holds dear – her dreams, her safety, her very identity – may be in grave danger.

"The Goldens" is a dark, gut-wrenching, and atmospheric thriller that simmers with danger on every page. Lauren Wilson has crafted a compelling narrative that explores the seductive power of influence, the perils of obsession, and the terrifying possibility that the most beautiful surfaces can hide the darkest truths. Get ready to be pulled into a world you won't want to leave, even as it chills you to the bone. This is a debut that demands to be read.

Honestly this seems a bit silly for an adult audience so I'm surprised at the marketing. While I understand the publisher included the "new adult" label, this really reads more like young adult. If it were marketed as YA, then I would say it's a great success and will appeal to that sort of reader. Full of dishy gossip and an inside look at influencer culture, the author keeps the pacing up and spins an entertaining story.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

3 stars

Chloe Hughes left her one horse town (do people still say that or know what it means?) to go to Dern University and she hopes to become a writer. Right away she becomes dazzled by Clara Hollander, an artist influencer and socialite, and, to her surprise, Clara seems interested in getting to know Chloe.

Ultimately Chloe moves into Clara’s gorgeous estate and the two work on Clara’s memoir and social media accounts and plan fancy parties. But then other girls who admire Clara begin to move in. Words like “cult” start going around. Then a girl goes missing at a NYE party. Can Chloe escape?

This was just fine. You kind of get Chloe. Nothing earth shattering here. No one appreciates a good friend, that’s for sure.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this book, the characters and plot was just a little young for me. If I had read it 15, 17 years ago, I would have loved it. I actually DNF around 50%, so I don't plan to review it anywhere else at this time. If a younger person is looking for a suggestion, I might recommend this- but not likely to happen with someone near my age.

Sure to appeal to YA readers, The Goldens offers a glimpse into both influencer culture, sororities, and cults and where the Venn diagram overlaps. Full of glamour and angst, Wilson keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

‘A delicious, intoxicating debut thriller about a young woman who is swept into a glamorous world of fascinating influencers, glittering parties—and possibly murder.’

Is this not marketed as YA? Certainly reads like one. That or perhaps I was simply the wrong audience. What with my inability to connect with the FMC or any of the other characters and my struggle to relate to the plot, I felt like I was in the wrong age-bracket to find this book enjoyable or satisfying.
The young FC's were juvenile and petty; obsessed with Instagram and an influencer who’d garnered an obscene amount of followers. The influencer herself was overtly ostentatious, selfish and jealous which seemingly induced a malevolent and murderous side.

None of this to say the writing wasn’t well done. It was. I just couldn’t identify with the jejune subject matter and I found the cast insufferable. I think my daughter would be more likely to appreciate this story and I will certainly recommend it to her.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I am always grateful.

Pub: 7.15.2025.

“The Goldens” by Lauren Wilson is an obsessive mysterious read about two women in their first year of college. One who is a rich successful model, blogger, and influential social media personality. The second, a naïve, lonely, storyteller who longs to be something special. As their friendship develops it begins to shift into an unsettling and tense relationship. Social media attention describing the wild parties, beautiful clothes, drugs alcohol excesses cause more young women enter their world and a cult like culture develops until a girl mysteriously disappears.
This book is about the power of devotion that can be created by the media, and the scary consequences of being a “follower” when there is an evil force behind it.
I read this book in one sitting and recommend it to everyone, especially those who have children in this age group. There is an important awareness that comes from reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Goldens has a delicious blurb and gorgeous cover I’m certain will lead to many picking it up, and the book itself delivers with a storyline that marries cultlike bad behavior and the charming and toxic personality of an enigmatic young woman, much like some influencers today (or how some seem to be).

Chloe, not so golden, is taken in by Clara, joining her many followers (essentially, worshippers) while in school. At first it all seems a dream for the rather ordinary Chloe until Clara starts to reveal the dark side which compliments the equally golden one that pulls so many in. I was rooting for Chloe but she absolutely had me a bit torn on whether she’d be strong enough to own who she was - and what was right.

I wasn’t surprised by what happened in this dark story, but the ending sentences was where I was left shocked, and raised so many questions, which I loved. This book looks to be for teen and young adult readers, but take it from me - you’ll enjoy this regardless of your age.

A moment for this enchanting and perfect book cover.

*pauses*

Okay, now let's get into the story: The Goldens follows many similar arcs of an (ahem) golden girl who's charismatic, privileged, and lacks self awareness. However, it takes things a step further in multiple mysterious and dark ways. As other reviewers have noted, the plot is fast-paced and is almost a sneaky thriller. For me, it was a delightful way to break a recent string of lackluster books.

One note that isn't a huge deal, but kind of threw me for a loop: The book's blurb doesn't exactly follow the arc of the story. Several elements are either incorrect (Chloe isn't inspired to write; she notably *doesn't* work on her own projects) or happen out of order (the rumors in relation to the NYE party). Just a head's up to other readers who might have also gotten confused.