Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow reminded him what he’d been missing. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton fears his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves, especially the girl he left behind.
Lorie Langdon is one half of the author team behind the bestselling Doon series. A few years ago, she left her thriving corporate career to satisfy the voices in her head. Now as a full-time author, she spends her days tucked into her cozy office, Havanese puppy by her side, working to translate her effusive imagination into the written word.
For more information, or just to say hi, visit
I knew that Lorie wouldn't disappoint me (evil glare) when she came out with her first solo book. (I so know your reading this Lorie!!! And well great job! Writing a thriller is CRAZY!! Ive heard a ton of different authors say it and well I'm saying as a reader as well. You have to have those mystery elements entwined with danger and then adding other elements to keep readers esp. teen readers going. So enter the romance! I really loved the characters in this book and to tell you the truth I really didn't see who had killed off the boy before the story even started. I didnt see it. I didn't even guess right!! (not sure if that is due to lack of sleep or over reading with this college stuff going on)
This story was very dark with a teen going to jail and a boy being dead. But I have to say that I'm excited to see what else Lorie can pump out of that brain of hers!! Cause if this is what she's giving us to read. Then I'm all in!!
I really liked Willow. She was pretty down to earth and what you would pretty much think of when you think teen. She had her insecurities and her flaws but she stood up for her friend no matter what anyone including her mother thought. So thats def. someone to look up to!
I do think that to start off that Ashton was a hot head and that he needed to cool his jets just a little. I understand he got a raw deal with both the court and his family. I really liked to see the growing he did during the story. I think he got a lot of his issues out of the way and will be a better person for it.
The world (town) that Lorie has created was wonderful. To start off I didn't even realize thats where the title came from. LOL does it show that I don't read the flaps or backs of books? (sorry) Well this little town was adorable. Pretty much what you would think of when you think little sleepy town. They have their royalty and their town clicks. It was a very nice dynamic.
This is def. one thrill ride of a murder mystery of who did it and why! Its one that I won't soon forget and will def. enjoy again!
Book in a Pinch
Wrongfully Accused Boy with Anger Issues, Girl who has Panic Attacks, Murdered Boy, One Hell of a Twist on Who Done It!
Go Into This One Knowing
You won't be able to put it down!!!
"All opinions are 100% honest and my own."
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me today about your upcoming debut solo release (try saying that three times fast) Gilt Hollow. Cue the fangirl screaming!
1. Why did you decide to write a solo book and why did you choose a murder mystery?
I started as a solo writer. My first completed novel was a time travel set during the Revolutionary War. That book is taking a little nap on my computer. I hope to introduce it to the world one day soon! After finishing that book, I knew I wanted to write a reimagining of Brigadoon and Carey Corp and I decided to embark on that adventure together. Between Doon books two and three, I wrote another solo novel; a historical mystery/romance set in Victorian London that supposes what it might look like if Oliver Twist had been born a girl. That novel seems to be loved by everyone who reads it, but has yet to find a publishing home. So, the short answer is, I guess I've always been writing solo novels as well as my co-authored Doon series. 
I decided to write a murder mystery for two reason; 1) I grew up reading Nancy Drew novels and then graduated to Dean R. Koontz, Mary Higgins Clark, and Nora Roberts. I adore a good edge-of-your-seat mystery thriller! 2) I saw a news story about a fourteen year old boy who was convicted of killing one of his friends and I couldn't get it out of my head. Which made me ask the all-important ‘what if’ questions. What if the boy spent his formative teen years in juvie? How would it change him? What if he lived in a small town and the girl who’d been his best friend most of his life was ostracized after his conviction? How would that change her? And what would happen to their relationship when the boy returned to the hometown after serving his time, seeking revenge against those who testified against him?
The ‘what ifs’ kept coming. I tried to ignore them, because contemporary suspense was new territory for me. But this story would not leave me alone. It had to be told!
2. How different was it writing Gilt Hollow vs. the Doon series?
In some ways, writing Gilt Hollow was easier than Doon because the contemporary setting is in my realm of experience, as opposed to a fantasy setting that needs to be created from imagination. But the legal aspects of writing Gilt Hollow required extensive research and weaving in the mystery itself; giving just enough information to keep the reader guessing, proved more challenging than I'd anticipated.
3. How did you come up with the town of Gilt Hollow?
I adore the setting of Gilt Hollow! It was inspired by the intimate, small town feel of Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls, and Yellow Springs, Ohio which is an eclectic town about ten miles from where I live. There are street musicians, and holistic healing shops, and even a little record store on the second floor of a vintage clothing shop. And yes, Yellow Springs does have yarn bombers!
4. Did the direction of the story change as you were writing?
Hmm...that's an interesting question. I sold the book on proposal which means the first fifty pages and the synopsis. So I had a plan for the large plot points. But I try not to plan too much detail in advance because I like the sense of discovery as I'm writing on a daily basis.
5. What is next for you?
I have several projects in the works. The two projects I mentioned above: A historical romantic, mystery that is a reimagining of Oliver Twist. A time-travel set during the Revolutionary War, and a YA epic fantasy that has a sort of reality show competition thread. I also have an idea for a Gilt Hollow spin off involving Toryn, Ashton’s roommate from juvie, but we’ll have to see if there’s a demand for more!
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