The Little Grave Book Review: Promising, but Falls Short of Expectations

It’s not every day that you get 80% through a book and still end up not finishing it. But that’s exactly what happened to me with The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold. Although I’m a fan of crime thrillers, this one just didn’t hold up all the way through for me.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️🤍🤍

"Promising, but falls short of expectations.”

Check The Little Grave on Goodreads

What is The Little Grave about?

The Little Grave follows Detective Amanda Steele as she investigates the death of a man she shouldn’t have. It’s someone who, five years earlier, was responsible for killing her husband and daughter in a car accident. Amanda has never fully moved on from the tragic loss, but when she discovers the man’s body, something compels her to dive into the case despite the deep emotional scars it’s sure to reopen.

The book gives you everything you’d expect from a crime thriller: serial killers, drug dealers, sex trafficking, and plenty of plot twists. Yet, for all the suspense and drama, there’s something missing. The narrative starts strong, but as it progresses, the pacing gets bogged down by one too many side quests and repetitive emotional reflections.

Why did I DNF The Little Grave?

I was so close to the finish line, yet I couldn’t make it. It’s rare for me to DNF a book this far into the story, but The Little Grave simply lost momentum. Amanda’s grief is understandable, but it becomes repetitive—every few pages, there’s another flashback or monologue reminding us of her tragic past. Her loss eventually overshadows the thriller aspect, making the book drag in parts.

The side quests also become a distraction. Amanda gets tangled up in other investigations and personal distractions that don’t always contribute meaningfully to the story. At times, you can skip entire sections and not miss much, which makes it hard to stay fully engaged.

To read or not to?

The Little Grave has all the makings of a heart-stopping crime thriller, and it’s clear that Carolyn Arnold knows how to build suspense. However, the repetitive nature of Amanda’s emotional reflections made it difficult to stay invested. Characters blurred for me, and by the end, you might find yourself struggling to keep track of who’s who.

That said, if you’re a fan of detective stories, you might still enjoy The Little Grave. It has its moments of intensity, but I personally found that it lost steam.

Who is The Little Grave for?

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy crime thrillers with a strong emotional undercurrent. Amanda Steele is a compelling character, and her personal struggles add depth to the story, even if it occasionally feels like too much. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, this one might not be for you. If you appreciate a slower mystery with a personal touch, The Little Grave could still hit the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold is a solid entry into the crime thriller genre, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. While the emotional depth of Amanda Steele’s character adds layers to the narrative, the slow pacing and frequent side distractions make it hard to stay fully engaged. The thriller elements are there, but they get lost in the emotional repetition. A decent read, but not one I’d rush to recommend to every crime fiction fan.

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