Crushing Little Things

by Amy Meitz

Juliette Violet Valentine never intended to be a problem child; she just never tried very hard not to be. She was simply a product of her environment, a voyeur into the unscrupulous world of her misguided, calculating mother. Juliette never meant to weaponize the family dog. She and Spike were just playing... Besides, rabies shots aren't that painful. Her younger sister, Anna? That was an unfortunate accident. Juliette's mother was guilty of ignoring her at the worst possible time; therefore, she deserved to be punished.

Juliette had been a very bad girl, but she appeared to be the perfect child. At just fifteen years old, Juliette had it beauty, grace, charm, and talent. She mastered the art of gymnastics, astonishing even the most accomplished coaches and judges. Juliette effortlessly captured the attention of the one and only talent coordinator near her tiny town, soon becoming the girl everyone recognized from the Sunday newspaper. Unfortunately, being the perfect little prodigy became quite dull. She found herself choreographing exciting adventures that did not always turn out so well for everyone else. Juliette craved a challenge, soon setting her sights on Jonathon. He quickly became her pet project. Getting his attention was not enough; she wanted to own him. What Juliette did not expect was to experience actual human emotions and the desire to put someone else ahead of herself.

Like Juliette, sixteen-year-old Jonathon Smithfield was blessed with good looks and a charismatic personality. While he may have had the image of being the proverbial bad-boy-next-door, Jonathon had a heart of gold. He was a fragile soul trying to come to terms with his unfortunate, abusive childhood. Even with his mother gone and his tyrannical father on his heels, Jonathon managed to persevere, never allowing his past to break him.

Once Juliette got her hooks into Jonathon, he did not stand a chance. Jonathon unknowingly became the object of her obsession. Juliette, likewise, became the object of his obsession, all by her design... and while some may say he turned out for the better, one might wonder just how ethical it is to hunt, capture, trap and tame a free spirit.

Crushing Little Things brings to life a working-class neighborhood on Red Schoolhouse Road in 1987. Juliette's and Jonathon's exploits are carried out just under the nose of the resident fairy godmother, the well-meaning detective, and the negligent, abusive adults who set the entire ordeal in motion. The reader will get to know Juliette and Jonathon through their own unique perspectives and by way of various flashbacks of their traumatic childhoods.

Genres: Coming Of Age, Fiction

553 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Wallace Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, Nostalgic, and Deeply Unsettling
Set in the shadows of a small town in 1987, this story explores the darkest corners of youth and survival. With brilliant dual perspectives and eerie flashbacks, Crushing Little Things is a psychological gut-punch disguised as a coming-of-age tale.

[Sonali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darkly Mesmerizing Tale of Obsession and Innocence Lost

Crushing Little Things by Amy Meitz is a hauntingly addictive coming-of-age story that straddles the line between psychological drama and emotional thriller. Through the unsettling charm of Juliette—a brilliant but deeply disturbed teenager—and the fragile resilience of Jonathon, Meitz crafts a gripping narrative that explores the impact of trauma, manipulation, and twisted affection. Set in a vividly rendered 1980s small-town world, this novel dares to ask: what happens when brilliance turns cold, and innocence becomes the target? Riveting, disturbing, and impossible to put down.

[Lloyd Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sociopath in Small-Town Suburbia
Amy Meitz paints a haunting portrait of youth gone sideways. Juliette’s charm is terrifying, and her mind games keep you guessing. This isn’t your typical teen drama—it’s a razor-sharp psychological dive wrapped in a nostalgic 1980s backdrop.

[Eisha Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Crushing Little Things” by Amy Meitz is the perfect psychological thriller to keep you hooked for ages! The story focuses on the life of a small-town sociopath and her newest obsession, delving into the impact of upbringing (and a bit of human perverseness) on how relationships get shaped as we grow older!

The writing style was just TOP-NOTCH!! Absolutely loved the way Amy Meitz managed to slowly build the scenes until you would be filled with dread at Juliette’s next move. The delivery was PERFECT! She had me at the edge of my seat the entire time!

The characters were written beautifully, and the exploration of their individual perspectives really brought the story to life! Juliette, despite being a manipulative sociopath, was written to be a complex character you couldn’t fully dislike — you would scream at her, gasp at her, but then relate to her! You couldn’t fully hate her because you saw how she ended up that way — but you couldn’t forgive her either! It really makes you question if you can ever truly judge someone — so much more is always at play!

And Jonathan’s broken world seemed to triple the impact of Juliette’s manipulation — I genuinely felt distraught seeing him fall for her charm knowing what was to come! The proverbial dance between her and Jonathan as she sunk her claws in him and he seemed to blindly fall into her trap was written FLAWLESSLY! I think the multiple perspectives really did the story justice, as it allowed you to see just how much they influenced each other!

But honestly? I could ramble on about Juliette’s character for the entire review! Her charisma that pulled you in, her perfect deception that kept you hooked — no words! I think having a small town setting really added to it — it made her feel more predatory because it almost felt like they were caged in! Genuinely a thriller in every sense of the word!

Overall, I think Amy Meitz has created a world you never fully leave through this story! I went into it thinking it might be a casual read, but I simply could not put it down! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a psychological exploration of a deceptively sweet sociopath and the broken boy-next-door!

[Flavia Precup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Meitz delivers a captivating and thought-provoking story about Juliette Violet Valentine, a girl raised in a small town, shaped by her mother Rose’s ambitions and manipulations. Juliette’s seemingly glamorous life hides a tense relationship with her mother and an unexpectedly complex personality.  

The protagonist, Juliette, is portrayed with fascinating ambiguity. Though talented and admired, she is neither innocent nor entirely a victim of her circumstances. Her relationship with Jonathan, the town’s rebellious boy, adds a complex layer to the story, exploring themes of obsession, power, and vulnerability in teenage relationships. Jonathan, with his quintessential "bad boy" charm, balances Juliette's manipulative nature, and their interactions are as unpredictable as their fates.  

The book delves into heavy themes such as parental influence on a child's identity, emotional and psychological abuse, and the temptations and dangers of power. The dynamic between Juliette and her mother, Rose, is particularly gripping, reflecting a cycle of manipulation and impossible expectations. Meanwhile, secondary characters like Jeff add layers of moral ambiguity to the narrative.  

Meitz’s narrative style is fast-paced and intense, with moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Switching between Juliette and Jonathan's perspectives allows readers to explore both sides of the story, offering a nuanced view of the events.  

“Crushing Little Things” is more than just a coming-of-age novel; it’s an exploration of the darker sides of human relationships, ambition, and identity. It’s a story that shocks, moves, and challenges readers to reflect on human nature and the impact we have on one another. If you’re looking for an intense and well-written tale, this novel is not to be missed.  

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

638 pages, who knew how fast they could have been read.

This way so good. Enjoyed all the characters probably because there was so much time for them to be developed.
It was a page turner for me. Just enjoyed every minute of it.

[Dissolved Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just…wow. It is so rare I come across a book that simultaneously gives me goosebumps and tugs at my heartstrings, but this was it. A gut-punch to my psyche.

There were parts in it that were hard to read due to the similarities with my own childhood, but I think that’s why it was so powerful to me.

This was a self-published book, so there are some typos here and there, but the story was compelling enough that I didn’t care. I couldn’t put it down, literally finished 600 pages in 2 days. I still can’t believe this book didn’t get the hype it deserves.

~!Spoilers Ahead!~

The scene where Officer Tony had the two teens in his house in the midst of a love quarrel and couldn’t keep up with it was peak comedy and made me feel so much joy in my generally icy heart.

[Nadine Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsession, Manipulation, and the Fragile Line Between Love and Control
Juliette and Jonathon's relationship is the perfect storm of innocence and danger. You want to root for them, fear them, and warn them all at once. Meitz masterfully balances trauma, allure, and emotional wreckage with unnerving precision.

[Angela Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted, Beautiful, and Impossible to Look Away From
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. Juliette is chillingly complex, and her obsession with Jonathon is equal parts disturbing and heartbreaking. It's dark, bold, and brilliantly written—a coming-of-age story like no other.

[Beth Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the trauma bonding moment I really needed this week.

As an ex-gifted child, I found myself in a similar situation to Juliette. I was always pushing for something else to brag about, needing that high of another success, while dealing with horrible family issues that where plaguing every part of me. As soon as I found someone willing to put up with my eccentricities, I feel into the same mutually abusive relationship that we all know is doomed to fail and sure to destroy what is supposed to be the greatest years of our lives.

I appreciate the amount of research or experience that must have went into the authors creation of this book, it hit home in ways I can not begin to describe. I found myself thinking back to my own experiences with parents, boyfriends/girlfriends and peers and realizing the stress that comes along with trying to always be on top.

One of the biggest issues with always fighting for the attention that comes with it, Meitz attacks these issues from a very well crafted stand point through Juliette's relationships with adults and eventual boyfriend (Jonathon). They do not only focus on the main characters past, but the pasts of many of the characters, and the psychological and sociological effects that come with trying to make your way out of that past. Meitz stays away from just spouting information about the issues of coming from the traumatic upbringing but showing the effects in plain terms that match with some of the students I have the pleasure of teaching on a daily basis. She creates a smooth and enamoring story that is easy to fall into while also following this trauma-bond relationship between the reader and the characters.

I highly recommend this for a teacher who may be having issues connecting to their trauma-rich or foster students. I also would recommend it for kids around the same age (16) who may seek validation or regulation through trauma bonding with fictional characters.

Jonathon's story is heartbreaking. His relationship with his father is cursed by abusive possessiveness and his character matches that of so many of the children I deal with on a daily basis. There are people in this world that will tell kids like this that things, 'can't be that bad' but as a professional who sees these things happen every day, the author creates a very realistic and strait forward series of physically and mentally abusive behaviors on the part of Jack (Jonathon's father). It takes on a striking comparison to the manipulative behavior of Juliette's mother and makes a reader view abuse from all angles.

I very much enjoyed the emotional ride and tole this work took on me. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an important story to tell and I am thankful to have been someone to have read it.

[Stells Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me completely off guard. I came in expecting a standard psychological thriller, but what I got was something far more intense—an intimate, devastating character study disguised as a slow-burn suspense novel. Amy Meitz doesn't just write about manipulation and trauma—she immerses you in it. From the very first chapter, there's a low hum of dread that never goes away, and by the final pages, you realize just how deep she’s pulled you in.
Juliette is one masterfully written character. She’s magnetic, terrifying, and strangely vulnerable in ways that constantly challenge your perception of her. You see her cruelty, yes—but you also see how carefully it’s built on years of emotional neglect and psychological damage. She's not a caricature of evil; she's a product of a broken system, and that complexity is what makes her terrifying. She doesn’t snap—she strategizes. That’s what makes her dangerous, and so hard to turn away from.

Jonathan’s slow descent is equally tragic. He’s already unraveling when we meet him, and Juliette knows it. You want to protect him, to shake him awake—but at the same time, you understand why he’s drawn to her. When someone is hurting, even the wrong kind of attention can feel like salvation. That part of the story hit especially hard—how easy it is to fall into something toxic when you’re desperate for connection.

Moreover, the pacing is slow in the best way. I love that the atmosphere was heavy—claustrophobic, almost—and the emotional intensity just keeps building. By the time things spiral, you’re so invested that you feel every crash, every betrayal, every lie like it’s happening to you. What I love about this book is that it doesn't aim to comfort, it aims to disturb, and it succeeds. It’s not an easy book, but it’s an unforgettable one. It lingers in your mind long after the last page. If you’re into dark character-driven fiction that isn’t afraid to explore the uglier sides of love, pain, and manipulation, you need to read this.

[Johnny Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book days ago and I’m still thinking about it. Crushing Little Things isn’t your typical psychological thriller—it’s more personal, more suffocating, and honestly more heartbreaking than I expected. The writing is sharp and intimate, pulling you straight into the minds of both Juliette and Jonathan, and it doesn’t let you come up for air.

What really struck me was how much emotional weight the author packs into this story. Juliette isn’t just a villain—she’s complicated, deeply wounded, and terrifying in the way she reads and controls people. You’re never quite sure whether to pity her or fear her, and that tension never lets up. Her manipulations are subtle at first, but once you realize what she’s doing, it’s already too late—for Jonathan, and for you as a reader.

Jonathan’s perspective is equally powerful. Watching his gradual breakdown was painful because it felt real. He’s not naïve—he’s just exhausted. And when someone like Juliette offers him the illusion of care, he takes it, even when it’s poison. That dynamic between them—one broken, the other dangerous—drives the story in such a disturbing but fascinating way.

The flashbacks are handled beautifully. They don't interrupt the flow—they deepen it, showing us how these two people became who they are, and how much damage was already done long before they met. The small-town backdrop adds to the claustrophobia of it all—it feels like there’s no escape for either of them, and you feel that as you read.

This isn’t a story that wraps up neatly, or one that gives you easy characters to love or hate. It’s messy, emotional, and layered in a way that left me unsettled but completely satisfied. Highly recommend it for anyone who’s looking for something that doesn’t just entertain, but makes you feel and question and reflect long after it’s over.

[Nicole McCombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Crushing Little Things” is a beautifully written book that will take readers on quite the journey. The way that Amy Meitz is able to portray such delicate subjects of abuse and sociopathy was breathtaking. She challenges nature vs. nurture on a whole new level with this one.

The characters are all written with extreme depth that is highly impressive to be able to achieve through a book. I loved the way that Meitz alternated between the past and present for the story and unveiled the events that contributed to Jonathon and Juliette becoming who they are. The voice and style was perfect for this book to allow relatability with characters and see inside the minds of so many loveable (and some not-so-loveable) characters. The multiple point of views brought a very well-rounded story - even bringing in the abuser is a rare choice that was woven into the story with absolute grace and just added another layer. While parts were hard to get through and had me in tears, this book will leave you NEEDING to know what comes next!

You will laugh, you will cry, you will hurt. But you will also feel pride, enjoyment, and happiness. Strap into your skates for the ride. I highly recommend this book! 5/5

[Andy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crushing Little Things is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go—part psychological thriller, part coming-of-age chaos, and 100% unforgettable. The pacing is relentless, the stakes constantly escalating, and the tension? Absolutely delicious.

This book doesn't play nice. It peels back the layers of obsession, power, and identity with unflinching precision, all while maintaining razor-sharp prose and gut-punch emotional beats. Fans of Gone Girl, Heathers, and My Dark Vanessa will feel right at home here—though this ebook carves out its own space with a voice that’s uniquely unsettling and shockingly intimate.

What makes this novel especially compelling is how it walks the knife’s edge between sympathy and horror. You’ll find yourself rooting for characters you know you shouldn’t, caught in their web just as they’re caught in each other’s. Bold, fast-paced, and quietly devastating, it demands to be devoured in one sitting—and will haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Hussain AlMeraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏅🏅🏅 Twisted, Tender, and Unforgettable 🏅🏅🏅
Crushing Little Things is a deliciously dark, coming-of-age tale that’s equal parts haunting and heartbreaking. Amy Meitz crafts a story that burrows under your skin, led by Juliette—a disturbingly compelling small-town sociopath whose obsession with the wounded yet resilient Jonathon unfolds like a slow-burning fuse. With sharp prose, layered characters, and a gritty 1980s backdrop, this novel dives deep into the psychology of control, trauma, and twisted love. It’s chilling, oddly poignant, and impossible to look away from. A must-read for fans of complex antiheroes and emotionally charged drama.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a gamble on reading this practically unknown book, but the synopsis sounded intriguing and the few reviews it had were all glowing. I enjoyed it a lot. It's quite long, and a tad confusing at first as it flits around in time, but once I got the hang of it I raced through. I found the characters and storyling quite interesting and compelling, never quite knowing what was going to happen next. It involves a few heavy topics for those sensitive to trigger warnings. I'm glad the gamble paid off and I look forward to seeing what the author does next. I don't write reviews often, but thought I should help add to them in this case, plus I'd be interested to see what more people think.

[Janelle Boschert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. Fascinating story and author really understands childhood sociopathy, generational trauma and psychological effects of child abuse. Absolutely loved the characters, Juliette terrified me, I fell in love with Tony and I wanted to adopt Jonathan (or set him up with my own teenage daughter). Laughed and cried while I read this book. The flashbacks in time really helped me to relate to the characters. Little Jonathan is adorable! Older Jonathan is hilarious.

[L's of Kauai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good portrayal of how child abuse "looks" from the child's perspective.
It was also a story of how the children "triumphed" despite their situations.
I'd definitely read another book by this author.

[Jes Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read. couldn't put it down. love the twists.

[Beauxeault · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story held my interest; it is not your average formula story and there is evidence of the author having good knowledge of much of the subject matter. If that knowledge is first-hand, she has my sincere sympathy and congratulations for being able to write a book like this.

I celebrate the advent of self-published books, because without them we might not be exposed to authors with unconventional stories or points of view. But I would've given the book a rating of four stars rather than three if the author had bothered to have the book proofread before publishing it. It's not usually a particularly expensive step.

About a third of the way through the book, I started keeping a list of all of the errors in grammar and word choice, with the idea that I'd list them all in this review. I mention this as a confession, as it betrays my desire to try to look superior at the expense of the author, and so I apologize for that impulse. Nevertheless, the book is full of technical problems that a proofreader would catch, and which present stumbling blocks for many readers. Merely to illustrate the kind of issues to which I refer: "it's" used as a possessive, "your's," "in the throws of depression," etc. If the author did employ a proofreader, that proofreader should not be used in the future, and if it is possible, I recommend the current book be updated to a proofread and corrected version.

Finally, I am aware that it seems to be a law of the internet that any post calling attention to someone else's misspellings or other errors seems to be destined to contain its own such errors, so I acknowledge in advance that I probably should have had this review proofread as well. ;)

[Audrey Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ABSOLUTE amazing book! Never miss out on the chance to read it!