Helena Echlin’s Clever Little Thing delivers a taut, psychological thriller that deftly blends elements of "mom-noir" with supernatural suspense. The novel captures the creeping terror of a mother’s increasing paranoia as she watches her daughter’s sudden and disturbing transformation following a traumatic event. Clever Little Thing is a page-turner that plays on the anxieties of motherhood, making it both unsettling and thought-provoking.

The story centers on Charlotte, a mother already stretched thin by her challenging daughter, Stella, and a draining second pregnancy. After the unexpected death of Stella’s babysitter, Blanka, something terrifying begins to unfold. Once a rebellious, anti-social child, Stella inexplicably becomes calm and compliant—but there’s more to her new behavior than meets the eye. The disturbing shift in Stella’s personality doesn’t feel like a simple case of grief or trauma; instead, she begins to mimic Blanka, right down to her phrases, accent, and even Blanka’s cravings for meat stew—despite being raised vegetarian.

The novel’s slow-burn tension is masterfully handled by Echlin. Charlotte’s increasing obsession with the idea that her daughter has somehow been possessed by Blanka drives the plot forward, and the ambiguity of the situation keeps readers guessing. Is Charlotte imagining things? Is Stella truly being influenced by something otherworldly, or is there a rational explanation for the changes? These questions form the spine of the narrative, keeping readers engaged and creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread.

Charlotte’s perspective is the driving force of the novel, and Echlin does an excellent job of portraying her as a deeply flawed but sympathetic character. Charlotte’s maternal instincts scream that something is wrong with her daughter, but her exhaustion from pregnancy and the skepticism of her husband, Luke, make her question her own sanity. The tension between Charlotte and Luke adds another layer to the story, as his disbelief in her fears creates a sense of isolation for Charlotte, leaving her alone in her quest to "save" Stella.

Echlin’s writing shines in her ability to blur the lines between psychological thriller and supernatural horror. There’s an ever-present sense of ambiguity—has Stella been possessed by Blanka’s spirit, or is Charlotte’s fear of losing control over her child making her see things that aren’t there? This uncertainty adds to the novel’s haunting quality, and readers are left wondering what’s real and what’s imagined until the very end.

The novel also explores broader themes, particularly around motherhood and the caretaking industry. Charlotte’s role as a mother is scrutinized—she’s trying to protect Stella, but her methods, particularly in the eyes of her husband and the outside world, appear irrational. This theme of maternal instinct versus societal expectations is well-explored, making Charlotte’s character even more compelling. The critique of the caretaking industry, particularly the complex and often underappreciated role of nannies and babysitters, adds another dimension to the story, giving it more depth beyond its psychological thrills.

Where the novel stumbles slightly is in its pacing. While the slow buildup of tension is effective in the first half, the middle section drags a little as Charlotte’s obsession with Stella’s behavior begins to feel repetitive. Additionally, while the supernatural elements are unsettling, some readers may feel the resolution leaves too many questions unanswered. The ambiguity that works so well in building tension can feel frustrating by the end, especially for readers hoping for a more definitive explanation.

Final Thoughts:
Cleaver Little Thing is a chilling, suspenseful exploration of motherhood, obsession, and the fine line between rationality and paranoia. Helena Echlin expertly blends psychological tension with supernatural undertones, creating a story that will haunt readers long after they’ve turned the last page. While the pacing stumbles at times and the resolution may leave some readers craving more answers, the novel’s eerie atmosphere and well-drawn characters make it a gripping 4-star read for fans of psychological thrillers with a hint of the supernatural.

Charlotte spends all of her time trying to avoid meltdowns by her precocious daughter Stella. Her husband Pete works a lot, and Charlotte carries most of the child rearing responsibilities. When their nanny,Blanka quits with no notice, Stella seems to change overnight.
The changes well according to Charlotte, they are not good. Stella may be acting more her own age, but to Charlotte, she has lost what made her special. Is Charlotte the problem? She is pregnant and there is just too much stress weighing her down.
Pete is thrilled that Stella seems to be acting more ‘normal’. Which parent is seeing the truth? How could Charlotte believe that Blanka lives on Stella?
I figured some of this story out, but did not have a clue about what happened in the end. Kudos to the author for not only keeping me guessing, but also adding so many twists and turns that I was never quite sure if my guesses were correct. I will not say more and risk venturing into spoiler territory. I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on.

This is a somewhat disturbing story about Charlotte, the mother of Stella and pregnant with Luna. Stella's beloved nanny, Blanka, leaves their employ suddenly and dies a short time later. Stella's personality, difficult throughout her life, starts to change dramatically after Blanka dies. Blank's spirit seems to be sticking around their household. Or is Charlotte, sick from pregnancy, somehow mistaken? This story will keep you guessing while shedding light on the power of a mother's instinct and the difficulties of navigating motherhood and a difficult child. Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced reader's copy.

Helena Echlin's Clever Little Thing is a taut psychological thriller that delves into the dark complexities of motherhood, mental health, and the supernatural. The story follows Charlotte, a mother who becomes increasingly alarmed after her daughter Stella undergoes a dramatic change in behavior following the sudden death of their babysitter, Blanka. Stella begins to mirror Blanka’s personality in eerie ways—from her speech patterns to her dietary preferences, which raises the unsettling question: has her daughter been possessed?

Echlin weaves a tense narrative that explores the blurred lines between maternal instinct, psychological disturbance, and the possibility of a supernatural explanation. Charlotte's pregnancy adds another layer of vulnerability as she struggles to convince her husband and those around her that something sinister is happening, while they dismiss her concerns as delusions.

What sets Clever Little Thing apart is its chilling atmosphere and tight pacing, reminiscent of the creeping dread found in novels like The Push by Ashley Audrain. The book is a critique of the caretaking industry and the pressures mothers face in modern society, but it also keeps readers on edge with its supernatural undertones and unreliable narration. Echlin’s ability to maintain this balance makes for a captivating and haunting read​.

I LOVE ME A GOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER!!

although this was a tad bit predictable, but Helena Echlin still did a wonderful job catching the essence of a psychological thriller with a sprinkle of paranormal. it kept me on my toes throughout!

thankyou netgalley for the advance readers copy. all opinions are my own!

Excellent psychological thriller/mystery with a bit of paranormal thrown in. I couldn't put this one down. I didn't know how it was going to end!
Well written perspective from a mother struggling with anxiety/paranoia/post partum. She KNOWS something isn't right with her kid and fights like hell to figure it out.
Unsettling and addicting!

Thank you netgalley for advance copy! This book gives “the push” or “the perfect child” vibes but I thought it was better. Ending was excellent! Somewhat predictable but satisfying.

I generally enjoy the "mom noir" genre, such as "The Whispers" and "The Push," which are definitely favorites. I would consider this title to be firmly in that genre. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The somewhat sinister undertones were enjoyable, with the promise of a twist at the end. The "twist" wasn't quite as earthshattering as I'd hoped, but still satisfying. The characters were well-defined. All in all, a title I will recommend, especially for patrons requesting book club titles that will encourage discussion.

Clever Little Thing is a deeply unsettling novel about a prenatal mother. It raises questions about the way we view mothers, hormones, and their mental health.

Stella is a precocious and highly intelligent little girl who also struggles with sensory issues and getting along with her peers. Despite these struggles her mother vehemently rejects suggestions that she be evaluated, embracing her idiosyncrasies. Then, almost overnight, Stella begins to change. Is she simply maturing? Traumatized by the recent departure of her babysitter? Or is something more supernatural at work…

I rate this book 4 stars. I was slightly disappointed with the very end. It felt like it was trying to create further tensions and questions in a way that I found unnecessary. It was a quick read and very enjoyable while keeping me guessing.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Domestic thriller lovers you are in for a treat! Go ahead and preorder "Clever Little Thing" and clear your calendar because this one is impossible to put down. I devoured it in one sitting.

Charlotte is a mom who is trying to do the best she can for her difficult but very intelligent 8 year old daughter Stella who appears to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. Stella's caretaker quits suddenly and then commits suicide and Stella's personality starts to change. While Stella is becoming more agreeable and easier to deal with she is also losing interest in the things that used to delight and consume her. Charlotte knows that something is very wrong with her daughter, but her husband and everyone else around her thinks its great that Stella is becoming more "normal". The more Charlotte's mom intuition alarm bells are ringing the crazier she appears to her husband and others.

5 stars from me and many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Viking/ Pamela Dorman books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. .

The story begins with Charlotte's admission to a mental facility, driven by her growing fears for her daughter, Stella, and the strange, unsettling changes she observes in her. As Charlotte battles to discern the line between her fractured reality and the unhealthy, suffocating bond she shares with Stella, the reader is drawn into a psychological web of doubt and unease.

This gripping narrative pulls at the core of parental instincts, making you question reality alongside the main character. The tension is palpable, building continuously as Charlotte's attempts to break free from her mother's influence clash with the realization that it has shaped her own journey through motherhood—for better or worse.

A powerful exploration of the psychological toll of pregnancy, childbirth, and the complexities of motherhood, this story binds it all together in a taut, suspenseful narrative that will leave you questioning the fine line between love and control.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the free ARC; this was an amazing read! I really liked the storyline. Everything flowed and the characters were in depth and personable. I thought it might be scary because it deals with some paranormal activities, but it was suspenseful and eerie without being over the top. I gave this novel the highest rating and am looking forward to reading more from this author. I received this ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily,

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for an ARC of Clever Little Thing.

I knew when I saw Ashley Audrain's endorsement on the cover that I needed to read this book and I'm so glad I did. This earns a rave review from me just like The Push! I absolutely love a book that can make me question reality right alongside the main character and I was hooked from beginning to end. Much like The Push, I think readers who are not mothers may not feel a strong connection to the story but as a mother I felt the story in my bones.

5 terrifying, achingly beautiful stars!!

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Unfortunately not for me. In a world with SO many books being published, I just don't see this as a must in our collection.

This book was great - as the reader, you're really not sure if the narrator is reliable, or truly slipping into insanity. This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through, and I cannot wait to recommend it once it's out!

✨CLEAR YOUR CALENDARS for January. You will be doing nothing but devouring this absolutely breathtaking page-turner of a book.

✨It’s a heart wrenching look at motherhood in the trenches with a hint of supernatural and is an absolute roller coaster of a thrill ride. Think THE PUSH – on steroids.

✨The author has masterfully written a layered and intriguing story that will keep you guessing and second guessing throughout. I could not put this one down

🌿Read if you like:
✨Mom noir
✨Psychological thrillers
✨Hints of supernatural
✨Stories of neurodivergent children

This book was a surprising up and down and twisty ride. Each time I thought I knew the plot, I was blindsided until the end. I had to stay up til late at night to read the ending.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes being surprised and those who like mother-daughter stories.
Thank you Netgaley and Penguin Group Filing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book

I could not put this book down! The book begins with Stella, a precocious child, and her mother Charlotte going to the beach with another child from school and her mom. Stella spends most of the time with her hands over her ears, while the other mom tells Charlotte that Stella’s babysitter Blanka has died. Almost immediately afterward, Stella begins to change and mimic her babysitter’s mannerism. Is she possessed? Or, is Charlotte losing her mind?

The book is very well-written and incredibly tense all the way through. Charlotte is not a particularly likable character: privileged with a vapid job and a constant ball of anxiety, but utterly unable to self-assess. She does gain some insight into herself and her privileges in the course of the book. That’s what elevates this book from others like it: Charlotte is not likable, but she is trying to do the best she can and is clearly the product of her upbringing in more ways than one. The book ends exactly the way it should, which is satisfying but also dispiriting because it makes the reader confront the limits of the domestic thriller genre.

Despite that, hours after having read the book, I can’t stop thinking about it and feel compelled to review it. Echlin is clearly a talented writer, and I look forward to reading her next book. 4/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for letting me read an ARC of this book.

“Clever Little Thing” by Helena Echlin was a thrilling and imaginative mystery that I could not put down! The story revolves around an eight year old girl who is somewhere on the spectrum in an unusual way. Her babysitter dies suddenly and the child suddenly takes on all the characteristics of the babysitter’s personality to the extreme degree. The Mom knows something is not right, but because the child was so difficult before taking on the babysitter’s characteristics no one else sees it! The twists and turns are propulsive and I truly had no idea where this story was going. It’s a mystery, a thriller and ventures into the paranormal. Clear your calendar because it’s unputdownable! Loved it!!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.