Sunday, July 27, 2025

Eight books featuring cults

Lauren Wilson has a degree in Journalism and an MA in Creative Writing, both from Northumbria University. She has previously worked as a freelance radio reporter, set up her own content writing and social media management business, and she currently works for Mslexia, a magazine committed to championing women’s writing.

The Goldens is her first novel.

At CrimeReads Wilson tagged her eight favorite books featuring cults. One title on the list:
The Project – Courtney Summers

In this dark and striking YA thriller, journalist Lo is determined to track down her older sister, Bea, who joined a group called The Unity Project after their parents were killed in a car accident. Lo is determined to both expose The Project for what she believes it really is – a sinister cult led by a charismatic leader – and save her sister at any cost. Told from the perspectives of both Lo and Bea, this is a hard-hitting read that explores both family and cult dynamics.
Read about the other books on Wilson's list at CrimeReads.

Also see Lisa Black's five books about cults, Kate Robards's five essential books about cults, Janice Hallett's five top books on cults, Melanie Abrams's seven novels about crimes in communes, cults, & other alternative communities, Joanna Hershon's seven darkly fascinating books about cults, Claire McGlasson's top ten books about cults, and Sam Jordison's top ten books on cults and religious extremists.

--Marshal Zeringue