"MAEVE FLY" A Debut Novel By Cj Leede Introduces A New Literary Horror Icon

Did you ever want to read a book from the perspective of a young girl who is the embodiment of Patrick Bateman, lives in L.A., and works as a theme park princess? If so, the debut novel from C.J. Leede, Maeve Fly, is the book for you. 

Our protagonist(?) is Maeve Fly. A lover of all things dark and twisted. She works at a popular theme park in L.A. (heavily implied to be DisneyLand) as the iconic Ice Princess. Maeve spends her nights drinking at her favorite bar and allowing her mind to wander to forbidden desires or hunting the internet for easy targets and ruining lives. Maeve’s only companions are her best friend and co-princess, Katie and her ailing grandmother, Tallulah. While Maeve adores her job, Katie is attempting to break out into the acting scene. On top of her friend slipping away, Maeve’s grandmother is growing sicker. Maeve’s life is quickly slipping out of her control. Not to mention the arrival of Katie’s brother Gideon, a famous hockey player. His passion threatens to create even more chaos in Maeve’s life. He brings out the parts of her that she has carefully kept hidden. Before, Maeve has been able to control her rage. However, as her life seems to be spiraling, her murderous fantasies may get the best of this ice princess.

Chalk full of horror references and an obvious ode to the genius of Bret Easton Ellis and the iconic character Patrick Bateman, Leede’s debut novel is a horror lover's dream that is sure to cause nightmares. 

Author CJ Leede

Leede has solidified Maeve as a new literary horror icon. She is a complex cliche who checks all the stereotype boxes and yet, discovers feelings outside of her darkness that she does not recognize. She is sexually explorative and abusive, a recluse, methodical, arrogantly hides compromising evidence in plain sight, and is deeply lonely. As the Ice Princess (implied to be Elsa from Frozen), she draws parallels between herself and the villainous heroine. She often blames societal norms and human’s moral limitations for not allowing her to be her true self.

The reader is immersed in her delusion of justice and begins to wonder how true her account of her actions truly are. Much like American Psycho, the reader wonders how Maeve can be so obviously diabolical and escape consequences. Could it all be in her head? Who doesn’t love when an author makes them question their own comprehension?

Tallulah is the only person that sees past Maeve’s mask and understands her sinister fantasies. She instructs Maeve to control her “inner wolf” and advises her to never let others see what she truly is. Although it may not be obvious to Maeve, the reader understands her desperate desire to feel understood and be heard. Leede masterfully creates a tie between Maeve and Tallulah that the reader can relate to and empathize with Maeve as Tallulah’s health declines. 

Between Tallulah and Katie, Maeve attaches herself to two contradictory personalities. One obviously dark and one obviously good. She is able to be both parts of herself as long as she has these women in her life. 

Interestingly, Maeve is fully aware that her actions are unacceptable. She simply has no remorse and relishes causing harm. She is curious about these experiences and is desperate for a semblance of control. I found myself comparing Maeve to the fiery Pearl from Pearl (2022). Misunderstood, deeply lonely, and fully aware of their appetite to harm, the audience still recognizes the character’s uncontrollable emotions and basic human desire to be loved as well as acknowledge the overwhelming limitations placed on them as women. Both women were discovered by their mother figure and told to repress those desires.  

“I have tried the way of the misanthrope, the way of the deviant, the philosopher, the observer, the pretender. But there is one road I have not seriously considered walking down, have not permitted myself to. Perhaps it is time.” 

-C.J. Leede, Maeve Fly

As Gideon enters Maeve’s life, he does just as his name implies and destroys her perception of relationships and love. Despite her deliberate avoidance of him, they are drawn together in a Bonnie and Clyde-esque passion. She is often angered and frustrated by his ability to understand her and allow her to be totally herself. Of course, the reader only naturally questions his sanity as well. 

Maeve Fly is the American Psycho for the age of feminist and has the potential to emotionally impact the reader in a way that is not often experienced in the world of horror. This book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions between disgust, empathy, heartbreak, hatred, hope, and fear.  Although I believe it is important to the development of understanding who Maeve is, there are several graphic scenes that depict sexual abuse. I strongly suggest skipping those scenes or finding something else to read. I must admit that those particular moments did leave me extremely uncomfortable which is a sign that Leede accomplished what they set out to do. 

Leede has revealed that they have two more novels in development with Nightfire.  After this shocking debut, I am looking forward to following Leede who has undoubtedly cemented her place in the world of contemporary horror fiction. 

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