Wilson's 'deliciously dark' YA thriller pre-empted by HarperCollins for six figures

HarperCollins Children’s Books has bought the debut novel, The Goldens by Lauren Wilson, as part of a six-figure pre-empt.  

Publishing director Natalie Doherty acquired UK and Commonwealth rights and translation rights for two books. The deal was negotiated as a six-figure pre-emptive offer, from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn. North American rights were sold by Seager at auction to Christine Kopprasch at Flatiron Books. German rights have also been sold by HarperCollins to Frankfurt-based publisher Fischer Kinder-und Jugendbuch Verlag.  

The Goldens is slated for publication in paperback original in May 2025, with a second thriller coming in 2026.  

HarperCollins said: “A gripping, intoxicating and unputdownable YA crossover thriller, The Goldens follows ordinary girl Chloe who is swept into the glamourous world of rich, famous, and beautiful party girl, Clara – only for the party to spiral into a murderous cult.

"Chloe has always dreamed of becoming a bestselling writer. Then she meets Clara Holland, a prominent influencer, socialite and model. And at last, Chloe has something to write about. Bonding instantly, Chloe moves into Clara’s grand family estate spending long afternoons taking sensational photos of Clara and writing her memoir.  

“But as Clara’s fame skyrockets, she starts behaving strangely. Increasingly wild parties, bonfire rituals, moonlit river baptisms... The media call it a cult. As life becomes ever more claustrophobic, Chloe begins to hear unsettling rumours from Clara’s past. After a spectacular New Year’s Eve 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 publishers described the debut as “dark, gut-wrenching, and simmering with danger and atmosphere... [and] about to be your newest obsession”.  

It has drawn comparisons with Faridah ÀbíkéÍyímídé’s Ace of Spades (Usborne), Laura Steven’s The Society For Soulless Girls (HarperCollins), Emma Cline’s The Girls (Penguin) and Louise O’Neill’s Idol (Transworld). 

Wilson said: “Becoming a published author is truly a lifelong dream, and I’m absolutely over the moon to have found such an incredible publishing team with HarperCollins Children’s Books and Flatiron Books. I’ve always wanted to write a book about complex female friendships and the darker side of social media and influencer culture, and I can’t wait for readers to be drawn into the glittering, seductive and sinister world of The Goldens.”

Doherty commented: “I was utterly bewitched by this novel from the opening pages. Tense, unsettling and deliciously atmospheric, it’s a fascinating insight into the power of the influencer on young women, a gorgeous portrayal of darkly co-dependent female friendships, and a nail-biting descent into murder. And to top it all off, Lauren writes a hedonistic party like I’ve never read before. We are beyond thrilled to be publishing The Goldens in 2025, and to be launching Lauren as a fabulous new talent.”  

Seager said: “I was so mesmerised by Lauren’s beguiling writing that I read the book in one sitting in the middle of a hospital waiting room. Lauren is a rare talent and I’m delighted this deliciously dark, evocative and compelling debut found the perfect home with Natalie at HarperCollins and Christine at Flatiron. I can’t wait for readers to join the party.”