This was a thoroughly enjoyable, gripping YA thriller. I read the first half in a single sitting. If you’re a fan of dark academia mysteries like The Secret History, or sparkly social-media driven narratives like Gossip Girl or Emily in Paris, you’ll enjoy the two smashed together in this fast-paced rollercoaster. I thought the author perfectly summarised the sometimes rapid development of female best friendships, in which you throw yourself into a new friend and embracing their proximity before you really know them. Chloe is awestruck by Clara’s shiny, glamorous, influencer lifestyle, and flattered by her attention, and it was easy as a reader to get sucked in and absorbed in the luxury of it all. Soon the cracks start to show, with frequent references to true crime reporting and trials building the tension, ready for the explosive third act. I really loved this book, and it’s full of beautifully written phrases that did remind me of The Secret History and If We Were Villains, with an almost poetic quality, but a much brighter, sparkly feel to the setting. Anyone who has experienced the tumultuous nature of young female friendships and feeling out of place will relate to Chloe, and see why she was so easily led into Clara’s perfect visage of a world. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what the author writes next!

Okay, I need a minute to recover because The Goldens just wrecked me in the best possible way. Lauren Wilson has crafted a hypnotic, unsettling tale about the seductive allure of power and the dangerous lengths we’ll go to feel like we belong.

The story follows Chloe, an ordinary college girl who dreams of being a writer, and Clara, the kind of effortlessly glamorous, wildly charismatic social media star who makes you feel like your entire life is beige in comparison. When they meet, Chloe is instantly pulled into Clara’s golden orbit—the mansion, the parties, the hypnotic charm that makes you ignore every red flag waving in your face. At first, it’s all champagne and late-night confessions, but then things start getting… weird. Like, bonfire rituals and river baptisms weird. And when a girl disappears after one of Clara’s infamous parties, Chloe has to ask: Is she part of something magical, or something seriously dangerous?

What makes this book so gripping is how real it feels. Clara is that girl the one who makes you feel special just by noticing you, but whose smile never quite reaches her eyes. You know the type. And Chloe? Relatable as hell. She’s not some fearless heroine; she’s messy, insecure, and so desperate to be someone that she ignores every warning sign. I spent half the book yelling at her in my head, obviously and the other half realizing, Oh no, I’d probably do the same thing.

The cultish vibes are chef’s kiss Wilson slowly ramps up the tension until you’re as trapped as Chloe, questioning whether Clara’s a visionary or a villain. And that ending?

If you’re into stories that make you side-eye every too-perfect influencer on your feed, this is your next obsession. And yeah, it’s technically YA, but don’t let that fool you—this is a razor-sharp, unputdownable thriller that’ll mess with your head no matter how old you are.

4/5 stars, zero regrets, and a strong urge to go delete some apps off my phone ! Thanks for the psychological damage.

Lauren Wilson’s debut is NOT TO BE MISSED!!
She has created a captivating story, immaculately written with impecable characters. Orloe and Carla are fascinating and devastating. The Goldens is brilliant and terrifying ... Because this could happen. You could tell me it has happened, that it’s based on a true story and l’d believe it.
I am obsessed.

Lauren’s writing is perfect for this book, and with the combination of an excellent cast of characters and a plot to die for, how could someone want more?