The author sets up the story so well, I couldn't wait to get through it, and read it in a few days.  When I finally came up for air, I was a bit disappointed.    If a novel casts its net wide, I want it to slowly, slowly draw the disparate edges together till the conclusion suddenly takes form, with all  the characters thrashing inside.  Alas, by the end of The Little Friend, several of major characters seem to have just been decorative flourishes who contribute little to the real story.  On the other hand, Ms Tartt has a great ear for the dialogue of children, and recreates their furtive, passionate world as well as anyone I have read.  I can recommend this novel as a “good read”, but it may leave many feeling a bit unsatisfied.