American Psycho meets Mulholland Drive in this fever dream about making it in Los Angeles, Maeve Fly works because it goes full throttle with its concept: emotions are big, violence is outrageously explicit, and the characters are so crazed and larger-than-life, they somehow circle back to be immediately relatable and sympathetic. If you enjoyed a simmering descend into unhinged chaos, this one is not to be missed.

One aspect I greatly appreciate in Maeve Fly is its specificity; it is as much a story about Los Angeles as it is a character study; the meaningful incorporation of landmarks (Chateau Marmont, Le Brea tar pits, and a particular theme park not to be named!) really grounds the narrative into this city for dreamers: sparkling facade disguising layers of scheming, trauma and loneliness. The ultra-violence is one of the book's selling points, and it definitely doesn't shy away from putting things on display—I was even taken aback a couple times by some its creative 'presentations' (quite a few of them sexually oriented), each time an impactful release of confined female rage.

Maeve Fly is a fascinating individual to read from, her child-like love for Halloween is a stark contrast to some of her more devious behaviors, servicing to protect a more fragile inner-self. I also enjoy the snarky humor that is sprinkled throughout. There were moments when I was slightly concerned her character arc would be too similar to Patrick Bateman's in American Psycho, but the last few chapters really took a turn and arrived at a place quite profound, and emotionally not anticipated.

The audiobook is narrated by Sosie Bacon (daughter of Kevin Bacon), whose performance is spot-on as the titular character. However, the overall production (at least in the ARC version) comes across as slightly under-produced: I can hear paper shuffling, as well as some broken reading that sounded like an unrehearsed first take. Hopefully these minor imperfections are resolved in the published version.

Maeve Fly is an immersive experience that manages to pay homage to its inspiration (one can argue this is a West Coast version of American Psycho), as well as carving out its own identity.

What I Loved:
✨Horror + Romance: I don't know if I've ever read a romantic horror book?! I love this blended genre! Gideon truly sees Maeve for who she is! It's a match made in heaven (or hell since this is a horror book!)
✨Dark humor: really dark, satirical, and completely over the top. I find the absurdity quite amusing, laughing out loud multiple times.
✨Female empowerment - Maeve questions why society has always permitted men to be who they are regardless of their darkness but not women! Women’s darkness needs to be reasoned or answered. Maeve’s going to break that mold. She's unequivocal in her “desires,” never apologizing for who she is.
✨Narration: Sosie Bacon nails it! And not with a tiny tack hammer, but a big massive sledgehammer, reaping destruction across LA! Bacon embodies Maeve and all her wickedness.

Beware, though, this book is very graphic: body horror, torture (think American Psycho), and violence. And also lots of gratuitous sex. Parts of the story are disgusting and gory and amped for shock value. But in between all that, CJ Leede writes a terrific character study in her debut novel. I'm really excited to re-read this one because I think my WTFs clouded some of the details.

I was highly surprised by this first person, narrative story. It started off kind of slow, then picked up slowly into a freeway (not in L.A.) of amazing graphic horror. I was surprised that I enjoyed this book and audio so much, considering I am not into fetish type of horror.

CJ Leede did an amazing job for a first time novel. I can’t wait for more amazing writing from this auto in the future.

Rating: 2.45 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 2/5
-Cover: 2.75/5
-Story: 2/5
-Writing: 3/5
-Horror: 2.5/5
Genre: Horror/Contemporary/Romance
Type: Audiobook
Worth?: Meh

Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to listen to this book.

What a shit show. It was praised so much and if I have to get to anything good in a book PAST the damn 50% line it isn't it. I shouldn't be bored out of my mind for half the book. Maeve is a psycho, simple. The horror she brings is decent, nothing horrible. I am not big on gore but it seemed to line up. I knew some guy was suppose to be there and it basically turned into a horror spicy romance book. Not mad about it, Gideon sounds hot as hell... given his craziness.

In the end what really rated the story low was 1. How boring it was for a good chunk of the book. It was basic trash. Nothing stood out. Nothing really held my grasp. It got really good towards the end and that's about it. 2. The ending. It could have really gone a great way and it just fell flat.

So basically it is like sex with a hot guy and you think it is going to be great but in reality it it is shitty for play and 5 seconds of actually shitty intercourse.

Wow, this was such an intense read! Tons of trigger warnings and really intense content in this one. It still managed to be funny and satirical, while be gross and very intense.

And the narration was exceptionally good. I think this is one of the best narrated books that I've listened to in awhile. Sosie Bacon nailed the voice of a young, sweet sounding, but pretty evil MC.

Maeve Fly was a TRIP. I loved this book! It’s gory, delectable, gruesome, and delicious. If you love horror you need to read this book Maeve is my hero

I received the audio from NetGalley for review. This was one that I grabbed solely for the cover. After I was approved, I started seeing a lot of reviews, which definitely bumped it for me.

This novel is about Maeve Fly, a not-so specific “ice princess” at a not-so specific “amusement park” in California. She absolutely loves her job, but probably not for the reasons you’d imagine.

I enjoyed the literary voice in this as it’s almost poised as a good-for-her / finding yourself / meets Dexter-y esque inner-monologue type projection. I also liked how as the character becomes more unhinged, so does her crimes, and so does her public projection of herself. Sometimes literally going in public covered in real blood. Some might find that unbelievable, but I thought it nicely highlighted how people’s general perception is just I accept what they see and rationalize it. The police in the story included.

Other than that though, the character is incredibly narcissistic, completely misunderstanding themselves and the perception they present the world with. It’s arrogance in a not enjoyable way. Though the biggest flop for me, the stake in the heart, is the novels incredibly over-sexualized nature. This is something I’ve mentioned in reviews before, but it seems like such a large chunk of modern horror just uses sex and obscure kinks for whatever propellant it can get as shock value. And while again, I certainly find it “horrific” as it is a ‘horror’, that doesn’t mean I think it’s good or find it enjoyable.

The novel is still on the edge of enjoyability for me though for sure, and Sosie Bacon’s narration was fantastic. It’s quick, and that keeps it readable. Personally a 3/5* for me.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the arc! This book was viscerally disgusting and not for the faint of heart. Overall I didn’t enjoy the horror as this type of character is not my favorite. I think this would be great for fans of extreme horror who enjoy entirely unrelatable, sociopathic characters.

Many thanks to my friends at @tornightfire and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.

Highly entertaining yet <deeply> disturbing. Leede’s debut proves she is one to watch (and maybe be a little afraid of?).

This book begs the question: princess or villain? Maeve, our female protagonist, has a fervent answer: BOTH!

By day, Maeve is everything society expects. She’s pretty. She’s polished. She dotes on little children. But as day turns to night, she puts aside the crowns and pixie dust to embrace her depraved nature.

Trolling smoky dive bars, often covered in blood {Happy Halloween!}, she can’t quite understand why it is that men are allowed inner demons while women must answer for their darkness.

“Men have always been permitted in fiction and in life to simply be what they are, no matter how dark or terrifying that might be. But with a woman, we expect an answer, a reason.”

I loved the dichotomy found in Maeve. A murderous princess. It’s a smart, irreverent social commentary worth exploration.

There’s also a love story. (Is romantic horror a thing?) Oh to be fully seen and fully loved. The way Gideon looked at Maeve! The way he expressed himself to her! Alas there are no HEAs in horror. Sometimes love just isn’t enough.

Gross or engrossing? Unequivocally, both. Even with such a debauched narrative, I found myself captivated. It’s a provocative, fresh, and compelling tale.

BUT. It spares no details. It’s a vivid picture of gore and violence. The content is explicit and gruesome. It’s erotic and obscene. Trigger warnings abound and should be heeded as this isn’t for everyone. (I’m still wondering if it was for me!)

This made for a great buddy read and discussion with @bookmarked.by.becky @thats.one.for.the.books and @its_liz_reading

🎧 @sosiebackon has narrating chops! I utilized both print and audio for this read, but I found myself grabbing for my earbuds. Bacon’s narration amplifies the rage within Maeve while showcasing her softer sides too. It’s a full-bodied portrayal that I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener's copy of Maeve Fly!

Sosie Bacon was such an awesome narrator! I enjoyed listening to this captivating horror story. Sosie draws you in with her voice and takes you on a wild ride through Maeve's darkness. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and Maeve's bold character. Highly recommend giving this debut horror a listen, you won't regret it!

My singular complaint with this title was that by consistently bringing up how women don’t need a reason to be the villain it took away from the idea of not justifying the mc as a villain.

Maeve and Kate are two princesses at one of the happiest places on earth. Unbeknownst to the powers that be who believe the two girls are shining examples of their park and princesses, Kate is sleeping her way into an acting career (although let’s face it – is that really all that surprising in Hollywood?!) and Maeve is a smug sadist and just an all-around horrible human being. Gideon, Kate's hot professional athlete brother, moves to LA and insinuates himself into Maeve's life, despite her attempts to stay away and he is really not that much better.

I didn't like any character in this book. Tallulah, Maeve's grandmother who is in a coma, is really the only not asshole character (but the glimpses we get of her in flashbacks suggest if she were up and around, I'd hate her too). Even Lester the Cat is a douche bag, although that's not really too unexpected for a cat. Unlikeable characters are not a deal breaker by any means, but the story has to really capture me if that's the case. And this was not. It takes a loooooong time for this book to really get going. Way too long. If I hadn’t been listening to it on audiobook, I would have absolutely given up. It took 200 pages for this book to really get interesting. Once it did, we were off. But the lead up was WAY to long in my opinion.

After the 75% mark, it was a 4 star book, but only a 1 star prior to that so I split the difference.

✨ Review ✨ Maeve Fly by CJ Leede; Narrated by Sosie Bacon

I loved this. I hated it. I have no idea what to think about it.

This reminded me a lot of Motherthing, for the irreverent writing, the gruesome gruesome gore, and the general vibes.

I loved the irreverence in the talk of that magical mouse land where she places that famous ice princess, the history and built environment of LA - what grabs visitors and residents alike; what is artifice and what is real? The way Maeve tells it straight was a delight.

Some of the other parts got a little gross for me...I don't know 🤷‍♀️

Other parts made me laugh out loud -- whenever she's covered in blood, people believe it to be a halloween costume.

I enjoyed it but also found some of the gore a little over my limits. The narration was excellent - I need more Sosie Bacon!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: horror
Setting: LA, Anaheim
Reminds me of: Motherthing
Pub Date: June 6, 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ irreverence and satire
⭕️ all things Halloween
⭕️ Los Angeles / Anaheim in all its glory

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Tor Nightfire, and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!

It took me a minute to get into this but man oh MAN was it worth it. This book lulls you into a false sense of security and then keeps finding more rugs to pull out from under you. This book was at once terrifying and romantic, gruesome and hilarious. I loved every second of it.

Representation: none

Spice level: graphic sex scenes

tw: torture, on page murder, threats of violence, dismemberment, hospice setting, drugs, drugged drinks, death of a major character

I see you

It’s easy to go into this book and just write it off as some privileged white girl’s violent delights, but slowly stepping across this disheveled and grotesque Hollywood world and watching Maeve unravel through it is so much more than that.

A taut tale leaving one unbalanced and unsure as to what is truly happening, Maeve Fly is a psycho-thriller that is at once spellbinding and terrifying; a true experience that leaves an unrelenting distrust in self and perception.

I was fortunate to read the first few chapters via sample back in early May, and having the audio book readily available through NetGalley helped me experience the depths of world made it such a much more vast indulgence.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a suspenseful read through the shattered lens of Hollywood.

Maeve Fly is a contender for favorite book of the year. I requested this based on the amazing cover and ended up loving the story. I am even more impressed that this is a debut novel.

This book was: hilarious, gross, unhinged, spicy, and fun. Yes it had big American Psycho vibes, but Maeve also reminded me of the best parts of Holden Caulfield, Tyler Durden, and Amy Dunne if they were portrayed by Ryan Murphy. The splatterpunk parts were done well, and made me nauseous. The satire was top notch and not over the top. The scenes with Gideon rival any good dark romance book.

Sosie Bacon KILLED IT as narrator. I did not want to stop listening, I was so drawn in the entire time. She had great "Santino Fontana as Joe Goldberg" energy, which is a great thing in my book.

I can't reccomend Maeve Fly enough!

Let me start by saying that this book was not what I thought it would be. I thought (from the description) that it was a horror novel, with a bit of an adult edgy side. My opinion is that the first third of the book was interesting and had me hooked. The second two thirds included raunchy, torture, cringeworthy sex scenes that just weren’t my cup of tea. I’m no prude book wise, but I think some scenes are just added for their shock value in this one. It took away from the story, in my opinion. I guess there is a market for this, but I’m not the demographic they are looking for. Thank you to NetGalley and McMillan audio for an arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Maeve Fly by CJ Leede is a haunting and atmospheric book that takes readers on an unconventional journey. While I typically lean towards romance and thrillers, I decided to explore this highly acclaimed horror novel. Although I initially struggled to fully grasp its intricacies, I found myself captivated by the author's ability to create a chilling and immersive experience.

Leede's writing style is evocative, painting a vivid and eerie picture throughout the book. The suspense, mystery, and elements of horror are skillfully woven together, even if they didn't immediately resonate with me. The characters are complex and flawed, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

While I may not have fully connected with the horror elements, I can appreciate CJ Leede's storytelling prowess in Maeve Fly. This book offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective within the genre, challenging readers to confront their fears and delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche.

In conclusion, Maeve Fly may not have been my typical preference, but I recognize its merits. CJ Leede's ability to create a haunting and immersive tale, combined with complex characterization, makes this book a worthy choice for fans of unconventional horror. If you're seeking an evocative and unique reading experience, I recommend diving into the enigmatic world of Maeve Fly

This book was such a fun crazy ride! Maeve is an oddly likable character. The storyline really took it there with her internal monologue as well what she actually does with those desires.
An absolute must read!

3.5

A fun horror that namechecks Patrick Bateman, but ends up being more Norman Bates.

American Psycho is one of my favorite books, so I jumped at the chance of reading a feminist take. The first 1/3 hooked me with Maeve working as a princess at a theme park and reading and doing weird stuff at night. I'm not sure I ever completely got why she loved this job so much (I wish this duality had been explored more), but it meant everything to her. She had her job, her grandma who was dying, and her twisted dark thoughts.

One day, the hospice nurse suggests it's time to think of end of life preparations and this breaks Maeve - and the book takes a turn. But it's a very slow one. We first see Maeve meet Gideon, her best friend's brother, who she resists at first but then becomes more herself with. Towards the end of the book she fights this urge, which leads us to the wild last third and an amazing ending.

I wanted to love this book more than I did, I wanted to think good for her! But I never connected with Maeve and I was never sure what the point was in the end. I was just watching Maeve do her thing. Maeve says that there shouldn't be a reason for females to murder when men don't have to have one, but we are constantly reminded of her pre-grief due to her grandmother and how she's cut off from her family. I wish this were dug a little deeper.

There were story lines that didn't amount to much and there was just too much Halloween song talk lol I get that in AP Bateman loves to talk about music, but the joke is how much he gets wrong. Here Maeve just really loves some dumb songs (snl sketch? really?) and acts like "I'm not like other girls" to much for my liking. There is gore and violence, but a lot of it was off page (I wanted to read how Leede would handle the mouse scene different from Ellis).

Leede is definitely a writer to watch though and I'll be checking out whatever she writes next.

The audiobook narration was also great