Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC and Flatiron Books / Pine and Cedar Books, #partner for the advanced copy of The Goldens in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Pine and Cedar / Macmillan Audio
Published: July 15, 2025
Summary:
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.
My thoughts:
It’s not too often I read YA thrillers but this one sounded too good not to pick up, plus it was a debut and I’ve been on a roll with those! And I’m a little bit obsessed with this cover!
I love the cultist elements in this one as well as the way it hit on toxic friendships. The desire to belong as well as obsession are explored so well here – didn’t we all have experience with these at some point growing up? This book went a lot deeper than I first thought it was going to go and definitely kept me guessing as to where it was ultimately headed. I’m so glad I picked it up! I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for what this author writes next!
Audio thoughts:
This was narrated by Cassandra Harwood, a new-to-me narrator, and I thought she did a great job bringing this story to life, especially with the younger characters.
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