This story got under my skin, an intense mystery that I found difficult to put down. Ward has a way of captivating, taking me into the psyche of the characters, their torture and how it defines them. There is a cult and child abuse but necessary for this story. It’s a story I know I shouldn’t like but is memorable and sticks with me long after I finish. Highly recommend to fans of horror and gothic atmosphere.

ARC was provided by Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Pub Date: 11 Oct 2022

A solid whodunit mystery that kept me guessing (incorrectly!), featuring atmospheric writing and plenty of surprises. I'm a fan of Ward's work and was eager to get my eyeballs on Little Eve, now available for the first time to US audiences, and this one didn't disappoint. It has multiple unreliable narrators and it catapults you back and forth through time while unraveling the real story behind a multiple homicide that took place on the outskirts of a Scottish isle on the fringes of society.

Inside a run-down castle lives a cult-like family led by a charismatic but malicious Uncle who uses starvation, snakebites, drugs, neglect, lies, and other forms of physical and mental torture to keep his found family in line. He imparts his wild religious beliefs to his familial companions, until one day--when we join this family at the beginning of the book--the family is found murdered in some strange ritualistic killing, with some family members missing and various clues that don't quite add up. The rest of the story is told in flashback and flashforward format, told mostly from the point of view of two 'sisters' in the cult, as well as a policeman who is obsessed with the case.

The story is a tricky one, and pulls the rug out from under you several times. There are plenty of red herrings but none of them felt trite or overused. While the central mystery is a good one, the book explores themes of found family, loyalty, motherhood, and obsession in interesting ways. And each chapter is tinged with enough horrifying elements to give the story an unending sense of malaise and tension that lasts from cover to cover. It made the story compelling and compulsively readable. Another winner from Ward, one of my "insta-read" authors of the moment.

4.5/5

This was so beautiful and haunting. I highlighted the opening passage while I was reading, but I want to give it some more attention here, as I found it stunning:

<i>My heart is a dark passage, lined with ranks of gleaming jars. In each one something floats. The past, preserved as if in spirit. Here is the scent of grass and the sea, here the creak of wheels on a rough path, here a bright yellow gull's beak. The sensation of blood drying on my cheek in the wind. Abel crying for his mother. Uncle's hand on me. Silver on a white collarbone. The knowledge of loss, which comes like a blow to the heart or the stomach. It does not reach your mind until later.</i>

In several ways, that passage set the tone of the whole story for me. This is an atmospheric book, with vivid, immersive imagery, and if you want atmospheric family gothic with a remote and unfriendly setting, then honestly, you probably can't do much better than this. I had such a growing sense of dread throughout, and was just captivated by the beautiful writing.

Obviously, this is Catriona Ward, so there are some degrees of fucked up, but what a beautiful way to go.

4.5

Epitome of an atmospheric novel; I mean, Catriona Ward nailed it. Through the narrative of Eve, we become gradually more aware of the situation occurring around Altnaharra with this "clan"of sorts-- we become more and more horrified by the realities taking place. Although Eve is the main narrative throughout the novel, we are given several accounts from different characters; resulting in an ending that pulls all those narratives together for the complete twisted truth of it all. There are some parts of the novel that I found to be particularly weak and rather took away from the story as a whole. I won't go into particular events or conversations too much for spoiler reasons but... Rose, what was her purpose? What was the "draw" between Rose and Eve? Idk, maybe I just missed something?
BUT, Catriona Ward naiiiiled the mindset of the victims towards their abuser (IN MY OPINION). The false sense of power and expected servitude and obedience. Subtle, yet powerful hints of further various abuses. However, there are also not so subtle hints towards certain abuses as well; extreme forms of punishments unfitting of any "crime" members of the clan committed. I really hesitate going on in regards to this point because I don't want to give any kind of spoilers. It's just really disturbing that one horrible character can infect the minds of innocents.
ALSO ALSO, my jaw just about dropped open after I finished reading this and realized the parallel of Elizabeth and her bird towards the end of the novel. Like what. That was strong.
Just read this. It was really good okay?

Reading Catriona Ward is always a richly Gothic, intimate experience. You can't quite trust the walls around you, but neither can you resist the pull. Little Eve, her latest to hit the US, is no exception. Within its pages is the kind of depth and draw that only comes from living with and knowing the world created inside out and upside down. Ward is the kind of writer who constantly surprises with her adept turns of the knife - just when you think you know where the characters are leading you, they pull the wool over your eyes and rip the carpet from beneath your feet - but with Little Eve it is strikingly obvious that she is able to do so because she knows her worlds and people so intimately.

A family cobbled together on the outskirts of a town hold themselves together with the strength of traditions. The town around them keep their distance with the wariness of rumor-filled fear. Uncle has a plan and a system not to be disrespected. Eve and her siblings are often too caught up in vying for his affections to notice the truth. When secrets come to light and the town around them begins to crumble under the weight of them, it will take everything they have to survive the wrath of the Adder.

As usual with Catriona Ward, to step too close to plot is to risk diving off the cliff and into spoilers, but it is no risk to say entering the world of Little Eve immediately has the feel and pull of a cult narrative long before the family themselves realize their reality. The impressive feat is that despite our knowing it ahead of time, the reveal for Eve is no less terrifying. Therein lies Ward's greatest skill: to give you all the pieces right before your eyes and still shock with the ultimate picture.

Little Eve is both a devastating examination of family dependence and cult dynamics and a fascinating look into what and how mythologies of the mysterious are made. Just as Lizzie Borden received a children's rhyme about her crimes, so too does Altnaharra have the air and town story of ghosts and death and daring risk. Somewhere between Bloody Mary and We Have Always Lived in the Castle lies the tale of Eve and the Adder, and what it takes to carve life and a future from a past riddled with shadows and threat of death.

All of Catriona Ward's work has a bit of the Gothic at its heart, but perhaps none moreso than Little Eve, whose crumbling castle and haunted characters hearken to the soul of what makes a Gothic tale work best. That this is the novel credited with lauching Ward's career is no surprise, given its intricacies and twisted depths. That it is her second written is a marvel; that it is finally arriving in the US in the coldly atmospheric autumn months is a gift none should pass up.

I would like to thank Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Little Eve comes to American shelves October 11, 2022.

Ward has done it again!!!!! I loved darn near everything about this book- the characters, the twists, the clever little details Ward hid throughout the book. Aaaaa!!!! I loved it so much that I just could not put it down until I found out what happened. Another one I will definitely be adding to my shelf and one that further cements Ward as my favorite author.

This was a very well done and well rounded novel. I really enjoyed the characters and the development of the plot throughout.

After reading and loving Ward’s two newer novels, Needless Street and Sundial, I was excited to receive an ARC of this one. Unfortunately overall, this book wasn’t for me. I did enjoy the initial creepiness and setup of the novel, but over time I found the story less interesting. I did find the writing style to match the setting and time period perfectly, but also that it didn’t propel the story forward and hold my attention the way I was hoping. This ultimately felt more like a true gothic story than the horror novel I was expecting. Probably a case of me entering this novel with the wrong expectations. I’d love to revisit this one, maybe on audio or true physical form one day, to see if I can connect more deeply with the story and the characters. I will continue to read Ward’s work, as I really like her newer publications!

Oh, Catriona Ward.....you have brought me such joy in the form of Little Eve.

How can one person leave a review for your tales? How does one describe your writing?

This is the third book I have read of yours and I am just as floored and speechless as the first.

My review will never give this book justice so I will leave it as this....

Little Eve is one of a kind and as absolutely mind boggling as your other titles. 5 stars for an outstanding book.

Another winner from the genius Catriona Ward!

I loved this more than Sundial and as much as The Last House on Needless Street, but in a different way. In true Cat Ward fashion, I had no idea what was going on half the time but couldn't stop reading anyway because you know the pay-off is going to great. And it was!

I couldn't tear myself away from the book even though it was disturbing and so messed up. It's heavy on abuse and cruelty — things I don't like to read for entertainment. So why do I love Little Eve so much?!

The writing is beautiful and paints a vivid portrait of the setting, which made for such a sinister and atmospheric story. Sure, some parts were frustrating to read but that's just proof of what a fantastic job the author did in showing how deeply entrenched the characters are in the cult and the tight reins that the Adder has on them.

There were plenty of twists and revelations that I never could have guessed. After finishing the novel, I went to re-read certain parts and had my mind blown all over again.

Dark, haunting and seriously brilliant. Cat Ward continues to impress yet again!

fi really enjoy Catriona Ward’s writing style. I enjoyed The Last House on Needless Street. Thai book has a good suspense and twist going for it. I did like it and it kept me guessing.

Ooh, this is a tricky one!!

I read Last House on Needless Street earlier this year and I instantly became a big fan of Catriona Ward. It is a book that you could immediately reread to see things from a new perspective after coming across the twists.

Little Eve is full of twists as well. The story unfolds in a way that requires you to pay close attention to every detail. At times I found myself confused as to what exactly was going on. I find this story to be similar to Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle. A lot of the information is hidden in plain sight but you may miss it.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy books about cults. It always reminds me of a vintage mystery movie. Twists and turns at every corner and no one is who you think they are.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this. I have written this review voluntarily.

Catriona Ward never ceases to blow my mind. I spend like 75% of her books wondering what the hell is going on but she sure knows how to bring it home! To enjoy this one you need to like multiple POV, a jumbled up timeline, and very dark reads. But trust me when I say all the confusion is well worth it. Just an incredible, well-written piece of literature. Ward does gothic horror very well and setting this story in between the two World Wars was the perfect choice. I really loved the first chapter, the rest was a bit of a slow build, and I absolutely LOVED the last 3 chapters. The characters had great arcs, there was an answer to every mystery in the book, and the conversation at the end between two of the main characters was the perfect way to close the book. I’m actually really looking forward to rereading this and picking up on the little clues I missed my first read through. The Last House on Needless Street is still my favorite of hers but this is a very close second, much better than Sundial. Highly recommend, horror fans!

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed The Last House of Needless Street, so I was excited for the opportunity to read Little Eve.

In a lot of ways, it reminded me of We Have Always Lived in the Castle, which was a weird and somewhat dark book.

Little Eve took a few chapters to get into and the story was weird and jumbled, but I thought it was short enough to keep me turning the pages and trying to guess who was who and which parts of the story were true.

I recommend to any fans of weirder and less in your face horror. I don’t want to go into too much detail since I think I enjoyed it so much because I didn’t really know what was going on, so if you like horror and weirdness, try this book out! It’s also not incredibly long, either, so it’s worth the effort.

DId not finish I got about thirty percent in and couldn’t really get into it. I was not vibing with the writing style but I’m sure others will enjoy it. Sorry.

Like many readers, I’m guessing, I discovered Catriona Ward with the one-two punch of The Last House On Needless Street and Sundial. Those two novels heralded a seismic shift in horror fiction. They were so sharply written, so self assured, so downright audacious, it was like someone had found long-lost novels by Shirley Jackson. Which makes sense, because as it turns out, those were not Ward’s first novels. In fact, Little Eve was her second novel, and won the Shirley Jackson award for best novel. This is an ARC review because it’s now being reissued on October 11, 2022. I can’t think of another novel more deserving of reissue.

Here’s the thing, though. Much like The Last House On Needless Street and Sundial, when it comes to reviewing, to say too much about Little Eve would be a literary crime. One of the chief pleasures of this book is discovering the gothic horrors awaiting you beyond each and every turn of the page.

The bare bones, and that’s all your getting: On the desolate Scottish Island of Altnaharra, a small cult-like found family with limited interaction with the outside world prepares for the end of the world. There are relationships that are twisted, corrupted at the core. There are secrets, mysterious ceremonies, and betrayals, all of it set in a crumbling castle on a windswept island beneath a threatening sky, surrounded by the unforgiving sea. Speaking of secrets, every character has them. More than that, they are bound up in them, like barbed wire that’s been pulled tight.

Ward excels at weaving the various threads of her story into a gothic tapestry. Her language is darkly evocative, and she keeps you guessing. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, she spun me in circles until I was dizzy and disoriented, and I loved every minute of it. Little Eve is unnerving, sometimes overwhelmingly bleak, and always mesmerizing. I loved this novel.

As I mentioned above, Little Eve will be reissued October 11, 2022. Definitely worthy of a preorder. Do not miss this one.

I first read Catriona Ward when I, like many people, read The Last House on Needless Street. That is one of those books that you finish and just think, "WOW," and then you hear people say, "I guess it all along," and you get angry because there's no way. There are too many layers to the story. Did they guess one part? Maybe. But all of it? No. I thought that book was disturbing and brilliant. It appears that this book was released years ago, but due to the success of Last House, it is being re-released. There's a really wonderful introduction by the author about this that I found interesting. Unfortunately, I found the book less so.

Weird Scottish island that is almost impossible to get to? Check. Weird ritualistic stuff/murders? Check. Strange cult? Check. Yet somehow, it didn't click for me. I wanted MORE. I wanted to know more about Uncle, about the cult, about what they were trying to accomplish. Every time something about "Him" was mentioned, I eagerly read it because I thought the overarching theme of their "religion" would be revealed, but it wasn't. That could be by design as this is at least partly narrated by a member of the family, but it still felt hollow. I also found the book hard to follow at times. Mr. Black kept popping in and out, the timeline was hazy, and a big reveal at the end felt sort of meaningless at that point - the kind of reveal that you think, "I'd have to go back through the book and reread the entire thing to really grasp it," but you aren't going to do that so you appreciate it as much as you can. Overall, I think it's an interesting book, good for people who like the same weird stuff that I do, but not as thorough as I would have liked.

This is different than anything I’ve read. This is a gothic tale that takes place between 1917-1921. The family cult is lead by a man who is referred to as “Uncle.” You learn the bizarre rituals and dynamics of the members who have ostracized themselves from society. The story opens as a local butcher delivers an order to the castle and finds the family has been massacred. The story flops between 1917 and 1921 and even jumps to 1931 as the surviving members of the massacre tell their story. This story is mysterious and compelling, once you figure out what's going on. It took me about a quarter of the book to figure out what was going on and who was who. After that it a bit easier to read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan/Tor-Forge for the Advanced Copy of this ebook.

Gorgeously, hauntingly atmospheric, populated with fascinating characters and a kind of creeping horror which seems to dance the line between supernatural and human. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys the Gothic genre, extremely atmospheric horror, or cult stories, and anyone who liked Ward's previous work, especially The Last House on Needless Street.

I knew I wanted to read more of Catriona Ward after I tore through The Last House on Needless Street earlier this year, and this book did not at all disappoint. At its heart, it tells the story of a young woman growing up in a very small apocalypse cult on a small island in Scotland, and the ways that this childhood, and its attendant trauma, have shaped her.

The writing is gorgeous, the characters are wonderfully realized; the plot, which is half-mystery and half-horror, unfolds beautifully as you read on. The twist at the end is *extremely* well-executed; I didn't manage to predict it until just before it was revealed in-text, but the clues are absolutely there along the way, and once you realize it, everything slots easily into place. And, just as she did in Needless Street, Ward handles the psychological aspects of this book with sensitivity and deftness.

Can't say enough good things about this one, and I really hope to see much more from Catriona Ward in the future. Enormous thanks to Tor and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title!

This book was amazing. This is my third novel by Catriona Ward and every single one has been a five star. I loved the dark, twisty tale told of a castle by the water and a cult like family of sorts slowly going mad. It was a complex creepy read. Give me more!