Emma Cline's debut novel is dirty and intoxicating. Her portrayal of a lonely 14 year Eve, unsure of herself in every way, preoccupied with sex and boys and far too willing to let others determine her worth, is pretty spot on. So much so, that the first section of the book had me feeling a bit queasy and uncomfortable and very, very grateful to have those particular years far behind me. 
 With her parents' divorce, her father's abandonment, her mother's inattention and a falling out with her best friend, it is no wonder that Evie would become enamored of the new girls attracting attention in town. 
 "These long haired girls seemed to glide above all that was happening around them, tragic and separate. Like royalty in exile." 
 Evie's acceptance into the cult is propelled by her own desire for attention, affection and inclusion. She is free to come and go and while eventually singled out by the cult leader, she is never forced into action (although we never see a refusal to challenge that). Evie's youth and obvious thirst for acceptance from Suzanne, along with her mother's cash, make her a prime candidate for the cult. 
 This book is not an in depth look at cults or even a statement on the murders. Cline has written a book where Evie's past is reluctantly dusted off and re-examined by her as an adult. Because the book is written from Evie's point of view, there are lots of areas of interest left unexamined and therefore kept mysterious and alluring. 
 I read this in a little over a day which precluded me from experiencing the same lag in pacing that some other reviewers had. The ending was succinct and the perfect place to leave Evie.