I absolutely loved this book! After so many 3-4 star reads lately, this was such a gem. It is an absolute must read for any mother and for anyone who loved The Push. I seriously can’t think of a single complaint and cannot wait to read more from this author in the future! 5⭐️s!!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking- Pamela Dorman Books for an ARC of this novel.

Helena Echlin adds another novel, “Clever Little Thing” to the genre of Mom-noir/bad seed books like “The Push”, “House of Glass”, “Baby Teeth”, “Beware the Woman”, “A Good House for Children,” and “None of This is True.” The mom is usually reaching a breaking point whether or not her progeny is supernaturally possessed, truly evil or just overly difficult. Mental health is a major theme in most of these.

This book does open as mom Charlotte is being settled into a minimum two-day stay at a mental health facility for mothers with postpartum issues. It’s just three days after her daughter Luna was born. She also has another daughter, Stella, age eight, that she’s extremely worried about. Why?

Stella had always been precocious (reading at adult level), but overly sensitive: she hates the sound of the ocean and running faucets, won’t eat if food that is touching other food, refuses to be hugged or touched, and has late night freak-outs — full blown screeching meltdowns. At her birthday party, there was an incident that horrified the invitees. Stella was being taken care of by Blanka, a young foreign woman with limited English, but who got along well with Stella. But Blanka suddenly quit and died in an accident.

Charlotte was overwhelmed by her pregnancy, and quit her job. But she’s overly permissive, never disciplines Stella, and refuses to believe that Stella could benefit from professional help. Charlotte had a terrible relationship with her own mother, Edith, who died recently, so she tried to be the loving mother. Her husband Pete was concerned about Stella’s behavior until after Blanka died.

Quite the opposite of a child slowly becoming a demon after the death of her caregiver, Stella is finally agreeable and sociable, and has an appetite. Charlotte is the only mum in the world worried that her wild child has become calmer and better behaved. But some changes (mimicking Blanka’s phrases, craving Armenian stew, wanting to be closer to Blanka’s mother Irina), really bother Charlotte. Has the deceased Blanka managed to possess Stella? What happened that put Charlotte into institutional care?

Well-written and well-paced, we experience Charlotte unraveling. She seems like the ultimate unreliable narrator, but much about Stella’s odd behavior can’t be explained. Author Echlin has written a twisty novel that will keep you engrossed until the end. 4 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Stella has a rosebud mouth and big green eyes, as does her friend Zach.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I initially doubted it, but there is something called mushroom packaging.

Thank you to Penguin/Viking, Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Clever Little Thing is a bingeable psychological thriller with paranormal elements.
If you enjoyed The Push definitely check this one out. The characters are intriguing, the story is suspenseful and the twists are twisting! It’s a rollercoaster of a ride.
I went into this one blind and I recommend doing so!
This one will be released on January 14, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC!

Outside of being a thriller, I think this was a fabulous exploration of motherhood, mental health, and relationships.

Definitely recommend this slow burn, dual timeline thriller to fans of The Push.

This book has a good premise but it was just not for me. It gave me The Push vibes, so you enjoyed that book, you will enjoy this one. i unfortunately did not like THe Push. If I had known it had those vibes going into the book I would not have read it. So for what it was, not a bad book, just not for me personally.

What a weird book, in the absolute best way. After Stella's nanny dies, her mom, Charlotte, notices that her mannerisms and personality have suddenly shifted. It's more of a slow burn than a fast-paced thriller, but I loved every minute of it. If you liked The Push, I would recommend picking this one up.

This.. this is what a true psychological thriller is 👏🏻

Charlotte’s daughter Stella has a particular way of liking things: she doesn’t eat meat, she doesn’t like the sound of water, she often has melt downs.

After the sudden death of Stella’s babysitter, Blanka, Charlotte notices abrupt changes in Stella’s behavior. All of a sudden, she devours meat stew, she doesn’t mind the sound of water, she seems to be behaving without meltdowns. Charlotte is desperate to find out why her daughter has changed so much, amidst her husband and friends saying she has just grown out of it and also easier to get along with/manage.

This book was so well written! Hats off to the author. There are dual timelines, psych evals, and immense character depth. It reminded me of an Alice Feeney book which is HIGH praise.

Definitely put this one on your radar - pub date 01.14.25

4.5⭐️

Thanks so much to Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley, and GOODREADS (giveaway) for my e-arc and physical copy!

Overall, this was pretty good. It wasn’t what I was expecting (a creepy, intense thriller), but it was a good slow burn for me. I wasn’t really getting into the book for the first half, but I’m glad I stuck with it because a little more than halfway through things started to pick up and it kept me turning the pages. While Charlotte wasn’t the most reliable narrator and I found myself second guessing her sanity at times, the gaslighting from Pete was real. I guess Charlotte wasn’t the only one being gaslit — I was too. Then once everything seemed to all make sense, a slight cliffhanger at the end left me wondering about Stella/Blanka. I will definitely be recommending Clever Little Thing.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group/Viking for the opportunity to read this ARC and offering the “read now” option. I had been eyeing this one for a while.

"Clever Little Thing" deviated from my initial expectations. It contains several poignant moments that explore motherhood and the bond between a parent and child. However, the pacing of the narrative felt somewhat sluggish at times. The conclusion revealed unexpected twists regarding Blanka, the babysitter, which added an intriguing element to the story. If you enjoy novels centered around themes of possession, this book may be a great choice for you!

3.5 stars. I'm not sure what I was expecting this book to be, but it wasn't what I expected. I was looking for more creepy and thrilling. This book is more focused on motherhood and maternal instinct. It is a slow burn and the first part is more of a catalog of what Stella does day by day. Things start to pick up at about the 60% mark and get quite interesting from there. This one didn't work for me, but I know it will be enjoyable for many!

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Pamela Dorman Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Clever Little Thing by Helena Echlin was part psychological suspense and part domestic drama. I'm always a fan of books that alternate between the present and the past which this book does. I think it helps tie things together. While the book deals with the topic of a neurodivergent child which I personally don't have any experience with, I thought Echlin did a great job of portraying the grief, exhaustion, love, and psychology that go into motherhood.

I didn't love the supernatural element throughout the book but thought that the theory was tied up rather nicely at the end. There were definitely some twists and turns that I did not see coming

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for providing a digital review copy.

Having Audrey Audrain blurb this was a great idea. Very similar vibe to her writing style and subject matter--if you like her books, which I do, you'll like this one. Other reviewers have said it, but i agree, the less you know the better. It's a commentary on modern parenting, marriage, neighborhood friendships, raising a child with special needs, and mental illness, while also pushing into a sort of supernatural thriller? Or is it? The main character is quite annoying at times, but I think that was purposeful. Is she an unreliable narrator? Or is she the truth teller? I'll definitely watch for this author in the future.

Clever little thing was an interesting one for me. Definitely a slow burn but picked up half way through. I definitely recommend!

I wanted to love this book. Especially since it comes recommended by Ashley Audrain, but I just couldn’t get into it. The story was slow and boring, the book didn’t keep me guessing at all and the fact that it had a supernatural ending was a big disappointment. Regardless, thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

A mother must confront a sudden change in her daughter's behavior after the abrupt death of their babysitter. Charlotte is convinced that the babysitter's spirit has possessed her daughter, and she becomes obsessed with saving her. This chilling psychological thriller explores the blurred lines of diagnosis in children and the power of maternal instinct.

This book is absolutely phenomenal! I love so many aspects of it. Firstly, it was completely unexpected, so I recommend not reading the blurb before diving in. The characters were captivating, and the subtle paranormal occurrences added an intriguing element.

The book was clever, fast-paced, and full of unpredictable twists. I appreciated the cultural references, as I also come from a different country, and the author did an excellent job incorporating them. I was immediately drawn into the story, and while you may predict a few twists, the true outcome will surprise you.

There are a few triggers to be aware of, so I recommend checking before reading. The author's depiction of the children's behavior was so vivid, I couldn't help but wonder if it was based on personal experience or thorough research. The dynamics between the mother and daughter, and their compromises to avoid conflicts, were fascinating to read about.

I don't want to give too much away, but I truly adored this book! If you enjoy a touch of the paranormal and a well-written story that will keep you hooked, this is the perfect read. It's so engaging that you won't be able to put it down, so clear your schedule before starting, because you'll be binge-reading this book in no time.

Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Pamela Dorman Books for digital ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Clever Little Thing is, unsurprisingly, a very clever thriller. I loved the way the author both played into and sometimes subverted thriller tropes; but my favorite part of this book was the unexpected emotional weight it carried.

Our narrator Charlotte is slightly obsessed with and overprotective of her daughter Stella, so when Stella begins to behave differently after the death of her babysitter, Charlotte notices at once. The personality changes start out small, but then start becoming more sinister & unexplainable; but no one else seems to see any changes in her daughter, and no one takes her concerns seriously. As the situation escalates, Charlotte becomes determined to save her daughter, no matter what; but what if it's all in her head?

Clever Little Thing is a tense thriller revolving around motherhood. It is very well-written, and surprisingly emotional as it explores the relationships & strains of motherhood throughout the story. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoys thrillers with narrators you aren't sure if you can trust or not; possible supernatural themes; and interesting family commentary.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the arc!

Eight year old Stella is sensitive and brilliant, maybe even a genius, but a recent change in her behavior after the sudden death of her babysitter has alarmed her parents, especially her mother Charlotte. Now the once disruptive and anti-social child has become docile and agreeable and has begun to mirror Blanka’s personality. From Blanka’s repetitive phrases to her accent, to fierce cravings for Armenian meat stew after being raised a vegetarian Stella resembles Blanka. Charlotte is pregnant with her second child, and depleted and sick with the pregnancy. She is convinced that Blanka herself is somehow responsible for Stella’s transformation. Has Blanka possessed Stella? Is Stella Blanka? As Charlotte becomes increasingly obsessed, she is sure that only she can save her daughter.

Clever Little Thing is a quick read that keeps you turning the pages. Charlotte is an unreliable narrator and I was fascinated watching her become increasingly desperate. I also cringed at most of her actions, including her parenting style. While I give Charlotte credit for noticing a change in her daughter I didn't like her. She's frustrating and obsessive.

You'll spend a lot of time wondering what is really going on. It certainly seems Charlotte has it figured out. It's never that simple though and there is a twist that reveals something major. I had that figured out and I thought it would shed a new light on things. And that's really all I can say without spoilers. I can't say I like the "resolution" and how it was arrived at. There is a final potential twist that is also hard to talk about without spoilers. It wasn't a twist for me and I don't see how it wasn't the ___ _______. Like come on, seriously? No matter what, you have to suspend belief. There is a lot to discuss about Clever Little Thing and it is perfect for book clubs or buddy reads.

Clever Little Thing will be published January 14th. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for the chance to read this ARC and the opportunity to give my honest thoughts and review!

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, unsettling, and slightly paranormal psychological thriller, then look no further than Clever Little Thing. I randomly decided to pick up this book one night and by the next morning, I had finished it because it hooked me to the point I actually stayed up late because I couldn’t stop reading it! In this book, we follow Charlotte, a married pregnant mother of a little girl named Stella, who by all accounts, is most likely autistic. Charlotte has been doing everything she can to nurture Stella and her unusual interests, but things start to change when Stella’s babysitter, Blanka unexpectedly quits her job and is later found to have died suddenly.

This is where things start to get weird and unsettling as Charlotte begins to notice that Stella has started to take on some of the characteristics of her old babysitter, including changes in her behavior like not reading above her age level (when Stella used to read textbooks and dense informative books all the time based on her current interests) and wanting to eat meat when she was raised vegetarian. Charlotte begins to wonder what happened to her daughter… and if Blanka has somehow taken her daughter’s place.

This was twisty, turny, and definitely chilling as it explores the questions and burdens of motherhood, especially when it comes to knowing your children and wanting the best life for them. I will say that the ending was kind of surprising to me and it kind of came out of nowhere for me, but thinking on it now, I can see some of the signs and it does make more sense in a way now than when I first finished the book. I feel like this will be the next big thriller once it is released in 2025 and I can’t wait to hype it up!

If you enjoy bingeable psychological thrillers, pick this one up and go into it BLIND!

As an avid thriller reader, I find it more and more difficult to find a 5-star one to really impress me. This one had a different type of twist to it, and although I could see a lot of the reveals coming it was still done so well. Echlin’s writing is the true star of the book though, I wasn’t expecting this to pack such an emotional punch - one reveal in particular around the halfway mark really hit home for me and provided some really fantastic quotes.

This should be a buzzy thriller for early ‘25 and it deserves all the praise.

CLEVER LITTLE THING by Helena Echlin has an odd premise, so odd that it was hard for me to buy into the story. The story starts with Charlotte, a new mom to her second daughter, settling into a facility while her newborn is in NICU. As the story unfolds, Charlotte thinks her older daughter Stella has been possessed by her recently deceased nanny Blanka. Her daughter had been showing signs of being autistic, but, after Blanka dies, Stella becomes more social and exhibits far fewer sensory processing issues and also takes on Blanka’s preferences.

I found this novel to be unsettling but not in an intriguing way. I was confused by the different elements, like the “possession,” Charlotte’s munchausen by proxy toward her daughter Stella, Stella’s radical change in behavior, Charlotte not being a trustworthy narrator, and just not liking being in Charlotte’s perspective. I did enjoy THE PUSH tremendously, so I’m not opposed to novels with a nuanced look at motherhood. This one just didn’t land for me.

CLEVER LITTLE THING publishes January 14, 2025.