The Goldens

A Novel

By: Lauren Wilson

Narrated by: Cassandra Harwood

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

Chloe has always dreamed of becoming a bestselling writer. Then she meets Clara Holland, a prominent influencer, socialite, and model. Clara is enigmatic, dazzling, gorgeous. And at last, ordinary Chloe has something to write about.

Bonding instantly, Chloe moves into Clara’s grand family estate. They spend long afternoons together, writing Clara’s memoir, polishing social media posts, and planning sumptuous, decadent parties: fairy lights in the orangery, themed cocktails, sequined backdrops, roaring bonfires. But as Clara opens her home to more girls who want to live like her and inspire one another, the media calls them a cult.

As life becomes more claustrophobic, Chloe begins to hear unsettling rumors about Clara. When a girl goes missing after a spectacular New Year’s Eve party, the rumors take on a sinister new meaning. If she can’t escape Clara’s influence, everything Chloe holds dear may be in danger.

Dark, gut-wrenching, and simmering with danger and atmosphere, The Goldens is about to be your newest obsession.

A Macmillan Audio production from Pine & Cedar Books.

Critic 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, award-winning author of Our Infinite Fates

“An unputdownable book fueled 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 favor is a razor blade.”
—Hayley Scrivenor, #1 internationally bestselling author of Girl Falling

“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, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

“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. A real page-turner, I devoured it. 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

“A mesmerizing dive into the power girls hold over each other. I was spellbound by the beauty and decadence of Clara’s world, even as darkness encroached – and while Clara’s cult may be deadly, I highly recommend becoming one of this book’s loyal followers.”
—Olivia Worley, author of People to Follow

Must read of 2025!

I could not out this audio down!! This was a wild ride, honestly when I started it I wasn’t really sure what the book would be about. I just knew I liked the cover and it sounded interesting. After finishing it, interesting is not a strong enough word! This was a crazy ride, somehow I feel like it had a great conclusion but I also need more. Highly recommend it is such a mind turning dive into a girl’s want for connection and the danger it leads to for those around her.