A review by theliterati_list
Little Eve by Catriona Ward

5.0

This novel opens with a ritual murder and then takes us back in time to examine the twisted manipulations that occurred in the lives of the characters to bring them to their violent end.

This is hands down the best book I've read this year. Every word is expertly crafted to lead readers down an ominous and thrilling road. Every detail matters, and nothing is what it seems. As a writer, and avid reader, it is very difficult for stories to surprise me anymore, but this one knocked me off balance, in the best way.

I am giving it five stars because it contains the holy trinity of excellent literature:
1)A gripping plot that propels the reader urgently along and makes the book impossible to put down.
2)Authentic, layered characters that the reader seamlessly inhabits.
3)Rich, language that is to be savored, melting on the tongue like chocolate.
It is so rare to find a book that is plot, character, AND language-driven. Good books accomplish one of those things. Great books master two. Only very few, truly excellent books can get a handle on all three.

I can enthusiastically recommend this as reading for all fans of suspense/thriller/horror, as well as anyone who appreciates well-crafted literature.