Little One: A Novel

by Olivia Muenter

This searing novel from the bestselling author of Such a Bad Influence, follows a young woman whose life is upended when a journalist uncovers her hidden past as the daughter of an insidious cult leader.

From the outside, Catharine West’s childhood sounds idyllic—balmy days spent running barefoot through the gardens, plucking ripe tomatoes straight from the vine as sunlight warmed her skin. Her parents built a life that was simple and community-focused, an ethos that soon attracted others in need of a change. For a time, Catharine’s magnetic father was enough to keep the farm thriving, and temptation outside its gates. But as she grew older, the farm and family she was raised to love faded into something darker, forcing Catharine to evolve with it.

​It’s now been a decade since Catharine abandoned the farm and has done her best to reinvent her life, until an email from a charismatic journalist interrupts her peace. Her first instinct is to ignore the stranger’s prying questions—whether she knew about a mysterious “cult” in central Florida, whether she is the same “Catharine-with-an-A” who lived there for a time. But when she realizes the journalist knows far more than he’s letting on, she reconsiders. If Catharine can stay one step ahead of him, she may be able to find the one thing she never wanted to leave behind—her sister, Linna—and make sure her own secrets remain buried too.

Sharp-eyed and sweltering, Little One masterfully captures the dread of facing your deepest desires, when the hunger to become your best self threatens to drown out everything else. An achingly astute look at modern womanhood and wellness culture, it tackles the enduring How far would you go to be good?

"Taut and unflinching ... A dark, deeply engaging and emotionally charged ride from start to finish."―Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Cults, Literary Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 3, 2026.

3.5 stars.

“The world isn’t asking for the perfect cult story as much as it is for another one, as soon as possible, please.” Cults, cults, cults, cults, CULTS! If you’re ever on this, my page, you may have probably have definitely have seen me talk about my love for the books about the cults. Because I like miserable people, I don’t know.

Catharine (something about this beautiful name spelled like this, really gets to me) West grew up in one in Central Florida in which her dad was the leader. The thing is, though, other than some references to fasting and a throwaway line about people giving up money to belong this really didn’t didn’t scream the type of cult addiction I’ve gotten used to. Not that it was an idyllic life or anything. Catherine’s first move should have Ben to get her gun, the second to get her car jeys (because it’s hers) and third step, toss the baby in the back seat (hey, we lived without car seats and are mostly fine.) speeding down the highways til you hit Orlando which has always go a million Disney-adjacent jobs available. But most of what is here just seemed to be a lot about, um, farming, I guess. Which I wouldn’t like either. But I digress.

Catherine left the farm ten years ago and now a journalist named Reese Campbell has figured out who she is and is after her tale. Reese claims to have a source, and Catherine is hopeful it’s her stepsister Linna who she hadn’t heard from in more than a decade. Oh, and Catharine is a bit obsessive about weight and food.

Will Catharine and the source tell the full story? What really happened down on the farm?

Like I said, I prefer a little more action in my cult books but this was a decent story, well-written with interesting characters. If it sounds interesting to you, i can recommend it,

[Rosie Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very niche mash up of genres: literary fiction/mystery/a dash of thriller. For lovers of Wild Dark Shore, None of This Is True, and Crawdads. I was on the edge of my seat to figure out what was going to happen next, which is where it read like a mystery/thriller, but the way it’s poetically written is SO beautifully done that most times, it felt like a true literary fiction. It makes a really special story to make you feel like you know the characters like they’re real people and this was it for me. Thank you Net Galley for this ARC!

[Gabrielle Massari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my jaw quite literally on the floor as I reached the end. Truly an ending I did not see coming, as well as unexpected twists and turns throughout the whole novel. This thrilling and unexpected story speaking on wellness culture, the insatiable need for validation, and the dangers of groupthink, told with such vivid detail, is a literary masterpiece.

[Han ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah?! This was so good. I listened to the audiobook and started wishing I had an e-arc because I couldn’t stop wanting to dive in! The short chapters and dual timelines kept me so engaged. I felt like the author’s writing was complete poetic and intoxicating. I loved the world of escaping a cult, and also exposing more of the “wellness” culture and how the extreme of this can be so dangerous. The woven themes in this plot were so well done. I loved the characters and found myself to feel like I knew them. The only reason I couldn’t give it five stars, was because the ending was almost too ambiguous that it left me a bit confused. I don’t like feeling that way at the end of a book, but it was still a literary masterpiece in so many ways! The mix of genres (literary thriller/mystery/general fiction) was amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hatchette audio and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me off guard so many times and that is absolutely a great thing!! It is an emotional book with a challenging story but beautiful story too!! It’s a thriller with lots of secrets too!! It’s a lot and it’s a great read!!!

It has been ten years since Catharine left the farm that she grew up on and is working hard to leave that in the past. She lost so much there and it’s difficult for her to understand her childhood. There were happy times but also very unhappy times. An email from journalist Reese inquiring about her time at the farm allows so much to resurface. After a few questions from the reporter, It becomes very obvious to her that her memories must be very slanted!! So much will be revealed and Muenter will reveal a lot in the last 25 pages or so!!! Hold on for the wild ride!!

This one will publish on 2/3/26 so get it preordered now!! If you loved the debut by Olivia, SUCH A BAD INFLUENCE, you definitely want to read this gem!!!

[Reading Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light book about growing up in a cult and leaving. I loved the way this book was written and the back and forth between past and present.. unfortunately I loved the past story more.

[Stacey Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️- I really loved this book. Almost but not quite 5 stars for me. Not sure I would reread it but it was fast paced and gripping. It felt like literary fiction mixed with mystery and a thriller. I liked the main character and how she was a bit unreliable. I also liked how she analyzed people and situations. I truly enjoyed the dual timelines but did want a bit more details from the past. I also am unsure if I loved the ending. It wasn’t what I completely. wanted to happen and that is okay. Overall- it was very close to 5 stars for me.

Thank you to Goodreads for the ARC giveaway! I was so excited to win a copy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little One by Olivia Muenter was an interesting read, but ultimately not a very memorable one for me. Having read Such a Bad Influence first, I found myself liking that book more.

The cult theme was familiar since I read a lot of books in this space, much of the story felt predictable rather than surprising. While the “then” and “now” narrative structure was a strong addition and helped maintain some momentum, I kept waiting for a major twist that never really came.

The ending, in particular, felt anticlimactic and didn’t deliver. Little One isn’t a bad book by any means, but it didn’t stand out for me and may resonate more with readers who are newer to cult-focused fiction.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report: Little One by Olivia Muenter

Little One is one of those books that immediately sinks its hooks in. From the first chapter…I was deep in Catharine’s world…what begins as an idyllic…back-to-the-land childhood slowly becomes something far more unsettling. Told in alternating timelines…the story moves between Catharine’s past on a communal Florida farm and her present life…where a journalist’s questions threaten to expose everything she’s worked to bury.

WOW. I could not put this down. Truly the definition of “just one more chapter” 😮‍💨✨ The tension builds so quietly and effectively and I found myself waiting on the edge of my seat to see how it would all unravel. Muenter explores the slippery overlap between wellness culture…control and cult-like devotion. How the desire to be pure or better can slowly eclipse autonomy and truth.

I love Olivia Muenter’s unique voice. Her novels read like literary thrillers…sharp…atmospheric and deeply unsettling in the most compelling way 🌀🌿

Thank you Little, Brown and Company for the advanced e-copy!

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down and read it so quickly. The author is quite poetic and I felt like I was there with the characters, feeling the heat of Texas summer and pang of hunger. I’ve read many cult stories but never one quite like Little One! The character development and story overall were very well done, with a twist at the end that had my jaw on the floor. I could absolutely see this turning into a tv series.

[Alycia Tidrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute stunner. It's the kind of story that grabs you by the collar on page one and does not let go. I genuinely think it has something for everyone: complicated family dynamics? CHECK. Cult-ish undertones? CHECK; A semi-unreliable narrator that keeps you guessing? CHECK. Complicated characters that you're still unequivocally rooting for? CHECK. A dual timeline that unfolds like a perfectly designed puzzle? CHECK. Un-put-down-able? CHECK (x infinity.)

I’ve been a longtime fan of Olivia Muenter as the co-host of the Bad on Paper podcast, and I enjoyed her debut… but THIS? This one takes the whole cake, the candles, and the bakery. It checked so many of my boxes it felt unreal. I am stingy with my 5 star reviews, but this one deserved every last glimmering spangle.

I’m also a reader who unapologetically loves a tidy ending, and this novel threads that needle with perfection. It ties up just enough to satisfy, but leaves that lingering “I’ll be thinking about this for weeks” feeling that only the best books deliver.

A sincere thank-you to NetGalley for the ARC — I’m genuinely grateful for the early access. I’ll be shouting about this one to both my personal and professional networks. I came across another reviewer who said this could easily be a Book of the Month pick (I’m an avid BOTM reader myself), and I could not agree more.

I may not be a book influencer, but I sincerely hope this catches fire on Bookstagram and TikTok. It deserves every ounce of attention it attracts.

My advice: Run — don’t walk — to read this one.

[Amanda George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, loved the depth, loved the complicated characters. I want to reread just to savor each beautiful sentence.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company & NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Kara McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book! It’s been ages since a book kept me up past my bedtime, but I (happily) missed out on several hours of sleep reading this one because I was so eager to see where it would go. Olivia is so good at writing complicated main characters and creating stories that are completely unique and yet wholly relatable. This one’s paced like a thriller, but is definitely scaredy cat approved. Just like with her first book, SABI, the last chapter in this one gave me chills—perfectly ambiguous.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Intriguing story & characters, beguiling writing.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for this e-ARC.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little One follows main character Catharine as she navigates how to share the story of her early years in a cult to a journalist. The novel switches back and forth from childhood to her life ten years after she breaks free. I was curious about the in-between and felt that the cult was lacking some detail. I'm assuming that was intentional, but I did wish there was a little more context peppered in.

That said, the writing was beautiful.

Overall - I liked this book and would recommend to friends who enjoy a literary slow burn!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsay Schnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gulped this down. I found the story and the structure to be really compelling & I had to know what happened next. Much like Olivia’s debut, the end twist was both surprising and satisfying. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[k mandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea how this got so many 4 and 5 star reviews. It was actually 2 stars until the last fifth of the book, when it improved a bit. This was a boring novel--I really try not to DNF ARCs but it was difficult. This book was longer than it should have been and had so many ties when a character would ask a question and it was followed by an excess of paragraphs saying absolutely nothing before another character would actually answer the question. I got so tired of the mind dump that the MC kept spewing. The author kept dropping the barest crumb in an attempt to develop intrigue and I found the pattern to be annoying and not at all engaging. Rather than want to read further in order to see what it was all about, I kept thinking: Can we please get on with the actual story here. I do not recommend the book.

[Brooke Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of mystery/ suspense/ thriller, I find it hard to really be shocked or particularly entranced by any “one” of this genre. From listening to BOP podcast, I know Olivia’s own appreciation of Gillian Flynn. I also find Gone Girl and Flynn’s Ouvre to be a pinnacle of both the popularity of this style and the peak example of it at its finest.

That being said, I have now read both Olivia’s novels and feel like she nails that undertone of darkness mixed with literary fiction. This is NOT a popcorn thriller but truly a work of dark art, just like Such A Bad Influence was. I loved them both, but think I may give Little One the slight edge for how masterfully it weaves the dual timeline narrative, and with how clear the narrators voice is from the very first page.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Olivia Muenter’s debut and was beyond excited to read her latest which doesn’t come out until February.

Much like her debut, this book kept me on my toes and I always wanted to read just a little more. The pace is quick and the alternating timelines keeps the reader super engaged. I found the plot of escaping a cult fascinating and in some ways this book reminded me a lot of What Kind of Paradise. So if you enjoyed that one, for sure grab this one.

I can’t wait for others to get to read this book! It was so compelling, I really enjoyed it and recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good cult book, but I honestly didn’t know that was what I was picking up when I grabbed this- I chose it because i really enjoyed Olivia Muenter’s debut last year. This is a dual timeline novel, and a rare one where I truly enjoyed the chapter that I was in but also couldn’t wait to get to the other timeline. As a result, I stayed up way too late finishing this one. Incredibly satisfying yet unpredictable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I am a big fan of Olivia Muenter and was so glad to get the chance to read an ARC of this book from Net Galley. The dual timeline melded together beautifully as the book went on, and I could not put it down. If you love literary fiction with some mild suspense, you will love this one! Once I was about 90 pages in I finished the rest in one sitting because I couldn’t stop!

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “Little One” is scheduled for release on February 3, 2026.
We don’t hear a lot about cults these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re not alive and actively recruiting. I mean, look no further than our country’s current administration for proof.
Olivia Muenter’s soon-to-be-released novel “Little One” examines the workings and impact of a cult, and it does so in a very well written and organized fashion. My only negative comment is the book’s title, but more on that later.
The narrative opens with 28-year-old Catharine West celebrating the 10th anniversary of her escape from the farm, a central Florida-based cult that was run by her father. His magnetic personality and the bountiful fields of fresh-grown tomatoes drew people to the farm. It’s hard to imagine, at least initially, why anyone would want to leave.
But when an investigative journalist (Reese) interrupts the peaceful and successful life that Catharine has built since fleeing the farm, all the memories come flooding back. It becomes clear that life on the farm was not idyllic, and the nightmares never fully left.
In alternating timeline fashion, Muenter juxtaposes Catharine’s teen years on the farm with her current struggles to keep the dark past of her life buried for as long as she can. Her present-day best friend, Stella, is an excellent secondary character and sounding board. But a gnawing question – whatever happened to her sister Linna – prevents Catharine from completely shutting out what went before.
It soon becomes apparent that the journalist (Reese) knows more than he initially lets on. And it’s through his interviews with Catharine and the timeline flashbacks that Muenter exposes the dark side of the farm and its gradual unraveling.
Two minor complaints, if you will.
The book ends with a jump ahead ten years. Those types of leaps, especially at the end of a story, usually throw me off kilter. And I understand why authors do that; it’s an attempt to conveniently tie up all the loose ends. And Muenter does that fairly well. But the 10-year-later scenario is a bit too pie-in-the-sky to easily accept.
Secondly, the book’s title. Catharine’s father occasionally calls her little one, but that name just doesn’t seem to convey the concept and nature of the story. Perhaps calling it The Cult Leader’s Daughter might have been more appropriate. But that’s just one man’s opinion.
Overall, “Little One” is a well-written novel that I can easily recommend. I give it four stars, and suggest you check it out in February.
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for a an advanced reader copy of Little One by Olivia Muenter in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Little One after hearing the author discuss the intriguing premise on her weekly podcast Bad on Paper. Little One is a literary thriller about Catharine, a survivor of a cult run by her pathological father. It delves into the idea of cult devotion, and the overlap of the wellness culture and cults.

The well written story is a mix of psychological darkness and literary fiction, with slowly building tension. It gave me What Kind of Paradise vibes and the writing style of Clemence Michallon. The story is told using dual timelines and is one of the rare novels where I found myself equally invested in both timelines. In the past, Catharine is being raised on a remote commune in Central Florida, where her father expects members to endure increasingly harsh conditions (fasting, weigh-ins, child labor) in an effort to “improve” themselves. And 10 years later, Catharine is trying to reinvent herself in New York despite years of trauma. Catharine’s trauma rears its head when a reporter finds her in the hope of telling her story. Revelations from her time at the commune are both shocking and expected. But I was floored by the ending which is left somewhat open to interpretation. Overall I would recommend this dark psychological thriller, especially to fans of cult stories. 4/5⭐️ (Anticipated pub date: 2/4/26)

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little different take on the cult novel. It was told from the perspective of the favorite daughter of the cult leader, Catharine, who has escaped to live an anonymous life in NYC. She is tracked down by a journalist and then must decide how much to tell and how much she wants to know what he knows. I thought the dual timelines were effective and the descriptions of the farm brought the place to life. You understood very vividly how Catharine was caught up with the values of the cult in that environment. Present day Catharine did not quite add up though. Her controlling nature is her most salient trait. A person with that background would have more serious problems than that, especially if she had not faced the reality of her childhood, which is as she is portrayed in the book. It is a curious choice to focus almost solely on that aspect of her personality. I understand the parallels with her father, but so what? The cat and mouse game between her and the journalist is not really effective because the book can end in one of only a few ways, so there is not much payoff. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

[Erin Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was bizarre to read this so soon after reading Paper Cut by Rachel Taff. The plot, structure, and themes are so similar. Of the two, I prefer this one.

We follow Catharine, a young woman who grew up in a cult led by her father. It’s dual timeline, so it alternates between her last months in the cult and her present day interactions with a podcaster/documentarian who wants to tell the story. As you can imagine, there are a couple reveals along the way, but any seasoned thriller reader will not be surprised at all. The more interesting aspect of this story is the way Catharine bought in to the cult, or tried to, as a teen.

You see her in denial, trying to keep her happy image of the cult and her father’s intentions as it gets worse and worse. It’s relatable for anyone who been brainwashed to whatever degree and sincerely tried to make the beliefs work.

I found the present day timeline less interesting. There isn’t much there besides highlighting the exploitative nature of time crime content creation. It doesn’t add anything new!

However, I thought the ending had a *vibe* that was fascinating. 👀

Pretty entertaining overall!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about Little One is stunning, dripping in prose and heart. Our main character Catherine, or Rin, is a former member of a Florida cult. Her parents started said cult, so she's almost the inherited heiress of sorts. Our POV's are dual, and so are our timelines, when Rin is approached by a potential journalist interested in her story. The only problem is, a former cult member who has been exploited in the spotlight too many times to count already doesn't want to easily delve into such drama, and huge gaps of her memory are missing, pieces all out of order and people uncommon to her in some scenarios. This is a riveting portrait of found family, love, and a pulse pounding thriller in the same vein. Muenter wrote so beautifully here, and for someone who also enjoyed the concept of SABI, I think I'll be trusting this author to deliver a stellar literary fiction all wrapped into an engaging mystery consistently if she continues in this way! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Dori Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SO good! I read this book — about a dual timeline from a woman who was in a cult as a child — right after reading another book about the same thing. And with the same narrator, Helen Laser. She is a wonderful narrator and this book was better than the last. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t stop listening. I finished this in a day.

Catharine hears from a reporter who figured out she was the daughter of a cult leader in central Florida 20 years ago. He wants to tell her story, and he has a source whose identity is a mystery. She has never told anyone who she is and has changed her last name but he found her. The dual timeline worked perfectly. The story is just so interesting and so good and I loved it. And, the ending. Well. You’ll have to listen to that yourself.

Thank you Hachette Audio and NetGallery for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story told NOW and THEN about a young woman who has carefully rebuilt her life after growing up in her father’s cult. She’s kept these two parts of her life quite separate until a journalist reaches out…
The writing and narration are excellent. The author shows us the cult from the young girl’s perspective, so the dangerous reality of that life are revealed very slowly, increasing the tension. Deducted a star for the ending. But definitely worth a read/listen.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HachetteAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #LittleOne for review purposes. Publication date: 3 February 2026.

[Shibani Faehnle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in dual timelines, Little One is the riveting story of Catharine West, a young woman who escaped a cult. In the present day an investigative journalist is trying to uncover the full story, forcing Catharine to confront her past. I stayed up way too late to finish!!!

[Haley Sparks]

Review TBD, but I feel so cool and lucky to have gotten to read an early copy!!! Everyone preorder this to support my favorite podcaster :)