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Holidays & Homicide #3
Crazy Little Thing Called Love: A Thriller Novella
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a twisted Valentine’s Day novella brimming with obsession, terror, and a deadly case of unrequited love. Each book in the Holidays & Homicide series can be read as a standalone.
Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
Fans of Freida McFadden and Lucinda Berry will love Crazy Little Thing Called Love—a shocking thriller novella you’ll tear through in one sitting.
Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
Fans of Freida McFadden and Lucinda Berry will love Crazy Little Thing Called Love—a shocking thriller novella you’ll tear through in one sitting.
158 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2026
42 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Mulligan
5 books233 followersBased in Southern California, Kristin Mulligan writes stories that blur the line between heart-pounding suspense and heartwarming romance.
Her two romance novels are open-door and full of steam and spice. The Acts Of Life features sibling rivalry, secrets, and a jaw-dropping twist, while Grounded delivers laugh-out-loud moments, emotional depth, and a swoony touch of forbidden love.
Her novella series, Holidays & Homicide, twists familiar holidays into dark, suspenseful tales. The series includes I’ll Be Alone for Christmas and A Christmas to Die For , two chilling Christmas stories steeped in secrets, mystery, and murder. Her newest novella, Crazy Little Thing Called Love , is set around Valentine’s Day and explores obsession, terror, and a kidnapping that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Each title stands alone and can be read in any order. The next installment is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2026.
Fueled by a genre-hopping imagination and far too much cold brew, Kristin is also an exhausted boy mom to the fastest five-year-old you’ll ever meet. She works full-time, and when she’s not chasing her son around, she’s stealing quiet moments to catch her breath and write a few more words.
Her two romance novels are open-door and full of steam and spice. The Acts Of Life features sibling rivalry, secrets, and a jaw-dropping twist, while Grounded delivers laugh-out-loud moments, emotional depth, and a swoony touch of forbidden love.
Her novella series, Holidays & Homicide, twists familiar holidays into dark, suspenseful tales. The series includes I’ll Be Alone for Christmas and A Christmas to Die For , two chilling Christmas stories steeped in secrets, mystery, and murder. Her newest novella, Crazy Little Thing Called Love , is set around Valentine’s Day and explores obsession, terror, and a kidnapping that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Each title stands alone and can be read in any order. The next installment is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2026.
Fueled by a genre-hopping imagination and far too much cold brew, Kristin is also an exhausted boy mom to the fastest five-year-old you’ll ever meet. She works full-time, and when she’s not chasing her son around, she’s stealing quiet moments to catch her breath and write a few more words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 11, 2026
EXCERPT: When I first saw the flyer tacked to my apartment's bulletin board, it barely registered. It was just another piece of clutter jammed between ads for dog walkers, babysitters, and someone trying to sell a used Peloton. I walked past it without a second thought.
But about a week later, someone cleared the board and pinned that same flyer front and center. Suddenly, this loud, pink-and-purple announcement was impossible to ignore. The bold lettering practically screamed at me: "Find Love Before Valentine's Day!"
The event was set for February 6th - far enough ahead of Valentine's Day to plant the idea that maybe you could meet someone in time, yet close enough to feel the pressure of not being alone for the big day.
As much as I wanted to scoff, roll my eyes, and ignore it completely, a tiny part of me paused.
What if, against all odds, something good came from it? What if I stayed home and missed my chance at finally meeting someone worth knowing?
ABOUT 'CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE': Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
MY THOUGHTS: Right from the beginning - and I mean the beginning - the Dedication in fact, I was hooked. Who wouldn't be after reading: This book is for me, dammit. Because I love this unhinged love story.
There is a lot packed into this thriller novella which is brimming with obsession, terror, and a deadly case of unrequited love.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is told in the first person, mainly from the POV of Chloe, with occasional chapters written from the POV of her abductor and switch back and forth between NOW and BEFORE (her abduction).
This thriller is crisply written, fast-paced and utterly addictive. I kept changing my mind about who Chloe's abductor might be, but I still didn't hit on the right person.
Kristin Mulligan is a new-to-me author, and after this little gem, I'll be looking for any and everything this author has written.
If you're thinking you may be alone the Valentine's Day and it's not sitting easy with you, give Crazy Little Thing Called Love a read. You might change your mind.
Definitely "unhinged" and I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLove #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: KRISTIN MULLIGAN - Based in Southern California, Kristin Mulligan is known for crafting stories that blur the line between heart-pounding suspense and heartwarming romance.
Fueled by a genre-hopping imagination and plenty of cold brew coffee, Kristin is also an exhausted boy mom to the fastest four-year-old you’ve ever seen. She works full-time at a senior living community, and when she’s not chasing her toddler, she’s finding a quiet moment to catch her breath and type out a few more words.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
But about a week later, someone cleared the board and pinned that same flyer front and center. Suddenly, this loud, pink-and-purple announcement was impossible to ignore. The bold lettering practically screamed at me: "Find Love Before Valentine's Day!"
The event was set for February 6th - far enough ahead of Valentine's Day to plant the idea that maybe you could meet someone in time, yet close enough to feel the pressure of not being alone for the big day.
As much as I wanted to scoff, roll my eyes, and ignore it completely, a tiny part of me paused.
What if, against all odds, something good came from it? What if I stayed home and missed my chance at finally meeting someone worth knowing?
ABOUT 'CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE': Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
MY THOUGHTS: Right from the beginning - and I mean the beginning - the Dedication in fact, I was hooked. Who wouldn't be after reading: This book is for me, dammit. Because I love this unhinged love story.
There is a lot packed into this thriller novella which is brimming with obsession, terror, and a deadly case of unrequited love.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is told in the first person, mainly from the POV of Chloe, with occasional chapters written from the POV of her abductor and switch back and forth between NOW and BEFORE (her abduction).
This thriller is crisply written, fast-paced and utterly addictive. I kept changing my mind about who Chloe's abductor might be, but I still didn't hit on the right person.
Kristin Mulligan is a new-to-me author, and after this little gem, I'll be looking for any and everything this author has written.
If you're thinking you may be alone the Valentine's Day and it's not sitting easy with you, give Crazy Little Thing Called Love a read. You might change your mind.
Definitely "unhinged" and I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLove #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: KRISTIN MULLIGAN - Based in Southern California, Kristin Mulligan is known for crafting stories that blur the line between heart-pounding suspense and heartwarming romance.
Fueled by a genre-hopping imagination and plenty of cold brew coffee, Kristin is also an exhausted boy mom to the fastest four-year-old you’ve ever seen. She works full-time at a senior living community, and when she’s not chasing her toddler, she’s finding a quiet moment to catch her breath and type out a few more words.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
November 12, 2025
ARC -
Valentine’s Day speed-dating event but unhinged. A chilling fight for survival, but she's just looking for love. From the first page you’re plunged into a head-spinning mix of claustrophobia, mistrust and raw, pulsing fear. While the short format keeps the pacing razor-sharp, the emotional impact lingers; your heart races, your skin tingles, and the question of “who can I really trust?” echoes long after the last page.
I loved the back and forth in the timeline; it kept the suspense building and building. I'm normally really good at guessing "whodunit" but I literally guessed everyone but the right one this time! Such a fantastic quick read.
Valentine’s Day speed-dating event but unhinged. A chilling fight for survival, but she's just looking for love. From the first page you’re plunged into a head-spinning mix of claustrophobia, mistrust and raw, pulsing fear. While the short format keeps the pacing razor-sharp, the emotional impact lingers; your heart races, your skin tingles, and the question of “who can I really trust?” echoes long after the last page.
I loved the back and forth in the timeline; it kept the suspense building and building. I'm normally really good at guessing "whodunit" but I literally guessed everyone but the right one this time! Such a fantastic quick read.
November 6, 2025
The author said "let's make Valentine's Day absolutely unhinged" and honestly? She delivered.
Chloe just wanted to find a date—instead she got kidnapped by someone from her speed dating event. Talk about a bad Bumble alternative.
The setup is perfection: a handful of suspects from one night, flashbacks that reveal who's actually deranged, and Chloe is fighting for her life while we play detective. I had my theories. I was wrong. Multiple times.
This novella comes with content warnings for a reason. Graphic violence, captivity, torture, sexual assault.
Fast-paced, brutal, and shockingly hard to put down. I blazed through it and immediately questioned every person I've ever met at a social event.
Chloe just wanted to find a date—instead she got kidnapped by someone from her speed dating event. Talk about a bad Bumble alternative.
The setup is perfection: a handful of suspects from one night, flashbacks that reveal who's actually deranged, and Chloe is fighting for her life while we play detective. I had my theories. I was wrong. Multiple times.
This novella comes with content warnings for a reason. Graphic violence, captivity, torture, sexual assault.
Fast-paced, brutal, and shockingly hard to put down. I blazed through it and immediately questioned every person I've ever met at a social event.
December 5, 2025
A suspenseful thriller novella with a great plot and so much action that I couldn’t put it down…and one that also makes me seriously question the dating world right now. So spot on with times today! After a speed dating event in her small town, Chloe wakes up as a captive to an unknown crazed man who lusts after her. Her character is so fierce and cunning! I truly was left guessing who the captor was and instantly know I detested him. Such a cool, quick novella, I’love be sure to check out this author’s other works. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC via NetGalley.
Thanks to the author for the eARC via NetGalley.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a free ARC of this book.
I was really interested in this novella, as I wanted something short and twisty to spend my evening on.
Our main character, Chloe, has been single for a long time and finally agrees to go to this speed dating event, where she will end up getting kidnapped and trapped in some guy’s dark basement. We then follow her in the “past” at the matchmaking event, and in the “present” as she tries to escape, while we try to figure out which of the men she met at the event could be the one to have taken her.
Now, I love a good thriller, and especially one with a kidnapping and escape plot, but this story did not do it for me. There were a few beats that I liked, as the main character made some good choices during her captivity and managed to outsmart the bad guy a few times, but she was overall quite annoying.
Her commentary throughout the book was a bit cringy and repetitive. She kept saying (or thinking, I guess) things that were way too self-aware (like saying “oh, I'm going to be traumatized by men after this”), that were not realistic of how someone would react in her situation.
The writing was fine but pretty average, and because the main character felt so flat, the whole novella ended up dragging despite its short length.
Overall, it seemed like a good idea that wasn’t executed well, and this story could have used a little more time in the oven.
I was really interested in this novella, as I wanted something short and twisty to spend my evening on.
Our main character, Chloe, has been single for a long time and finally agrees to go to this speed dating event, where she will end up getting kidnapped and trapped in some guy’s dark basement. We then follow her in the “past” at the matchmaking event, and in the “present” as she tries to escape, while we try to figure out which of the men she met at the event could be the one to have taken her.
Now, I love a good thriller, and especially one with a kidnapping and escape plot, but this story did not do it for me. There were a few beats that I liked, as the main character made some good choices during her captivity and managed to outsmart the bad guy a few times, but she was overall quite annoying.
Her commentary throughout the book was a bit cringy and repetitive. She kept saying (or thinking, I guess) things that were way too self-aware (like saying “oh, I'm going to be traumatized by men after this”), that were not realistic of how someone would react in her situation.
The writing was fine but pretty average, and because the main character felt so flat, the whole novella ended up dragging despite its short length.
Overall, it seemed like a good idea that wasn’t executed well, and this story could have used a little more time in the oven.
January 7, 2026
Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine's Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? The evening is filled with awkward small talk and flirty smiles, but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting to confess their undying love for Chloe. When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her—and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is the third installment in Mulligan's suspenseful Holiday & Homicide series. Instead of a Christmas theme, we delve into the upcoming Valentine's Day season, where Chloe participates in speed dating but later awakens in a stranger's room against her will. I instantly liked Chloe; she was super direct and wasn't scared to say what she thought. She also showed great intelligence and bravery in dire situations.
As for her captor, what a psycho! It was quite entertaining to observe his delusions from his perspective. It was enjoyable attempting to determine his identity, as Mulligan skillfully presented several shady characters who could have been responsible. Ultimately, the revelation was satisfying, and the conclusion was well-executed. Mulligan's novellas are consistently delightful; they reliably provide a fast-paced story that is difficult to put down!
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is the third installment in Mulligan's suspenseful Holiday & Homicide series. Instead of a Christmas theme, we delve into the upcoming Valentine's Day season, where Chloe participates in speed dating but later awakens in a stranger's room against her will. I instantly liked Chloe; she was super direct and wasn't scared to say what she thought. She also showed great intelligence and bravery in dire situations.
As for her captor, what a psycho! It was quite entertaining to observe his delusions from his perspective. It was enjoyable attempting to determine his identity, as Mulligan skillfully presented several shady characters who could have been responsible. Ultimately, the revelation was satisfying, and the conclusion was well-executed. Mulligan's novellas are consistently delightful; they reliably provide a fast-paced story that is difficult to put down!
January 12, 2026
This was the perfect thriller novella - the book opens with Chloe trapped in a dark room with only a toilet, replaying every man she met the night before at a Valentine’s Day speed dating event. Can you figure out who abducted her?
December 31, 2025
content read
thriller
holiday theme
stalker
thriller
holiday theme
stalker
January 6, 2026
Quite simply put, this book is a FUN thriller. It has a very hooky premise with sharp writing and twists that will keep you guessing all the way until the end. I wish I could read it again for the first time! Kristen’s thrillers are exactly my favorite type of book. This Valentine’s Day will be one to remember, or forget, if you’re Chloe Simpson. ☎️💓🔪
January 11, 2026
Short and brutal
Chloe can’t seem to find Mr. Right. A simple flyer advertising a speed dating session could be the answer. Maybe. What could it hurt? Round after round of men sit and chat with her and she even thinks she made a few connections, until the following day. Her world is shattered and what should have been a night to remember becomes a time to forget.
Another great read from this author!
Chloe can’t seem to find Mr. Right. A simple flyer advertising a speed dating session could be the answer. Maybe. What could it hurt? Round after round of men sit and chat with her and she even thinks she made a few connections, until the following day. Her world is shattered and what should have been a night to remember becomes a time to forget.
Another great read from this author!
January 11, 2026
great thriller novella! thought I could predict who took her but had that oooooh it was him moment! would rec to anyone who like thriller novellas!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
Wild, crazy, unpredictable!
January 12, 2026
Maybe I should’ve saved this one for closer to Valentine’s Day to really feel the vibes lol
I really liked the twist of who the kidnapper was, but overall it all kinda felt far fetched
I really liked the twist of who the kidnapper was, but overall it all kinda felt far fetched
January 15, 2026
3.75ish just bcz I had guessed the antagonist. But it was brutal and disturbing.
November 13, 2025
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a sharp, unsettling Valentine’s Day novella that I read in one sitting. It’s actually Book 3 in the Holidays & Homicide series, but the author notes that each instalment is a standalone and can be read in any order — which worked perfectly for me, as this was my first title by Kristin Mulligan. Now I’m absolutely intrigued by the rest of the series.
What begins as a slightly awkward singles mixer on the 6th of February quickly descends into something far more sinister. The story unfolds across dual timelines, and at times dual POVs, which creates such a clever drip-feed of information as everything slowly clicks into place. The pacing is tight, claustrophobic, and very much in that addictive psychological lane where you can feel someone watching even when you don’t know who it is yet.
I didn’t pick the perpetrator at all, which is always a win for a novella this size. Mulligan balances tension, misdirection, and character insight surprisingly well, and the escalation hits exactly where it needs to.
Creepy, fast, tense, and really engaging from start to finish. I’ll definitely be picking up the others in this series.
What begins as a slightly awkward singles mixer on the 6th of February quickly descends into something far more sinister. The story unfolds across dual timelines, and at times dual POVs, which creates such a clever drip-feed of information as everything slowly clicks into place. The pacing is tight, claustrophobic, and very much in that addictive psychological lane where you can feel someone watching even when you don’t know who it is yet.
I didn’t pick the perpetrator at all, which is always a win for a novella this size. Mulligan balances tension, misdirection, and character insight surprisingly well, and the escalation hits exactly where it needs to.
Creepy, fast, tense, and really engaging from start to finish. I’ll definitely be picking up the others in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Speed dating. Fifteen men. Five minutes each. One captor.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author 🙏 for providing me with an advance review copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this gripping novella ahead of publication.
I appreciate the trust placed in reviewers to engage thoughtfully with stories like this one, especially when they explore challenging and relevant themes. Access to ARCs through NetGalley continues to be invaluable in supporting early engagement, honest feedback, and meaningful discussion within the reading community.
On paper, Crazy Little Thing Called Love sounds like a rom-com setup. In reality? It’s a tight, nerve-shredding psychological thriller that turns modern dating into a literal survival game, and honestly, it does not play nice. Chloe Simpson, single and thirty-something, signs up for a speed dating event strategically timed just before Valentine’s Day. The logic is painfully relatable: meet someone now, skip the February 14th loneliness spiral later. What she doesn’t expect is that by the end of the night, she’ll be trapped in a dark space with no escape, fully aware that her captor is one of the men she casually chatted with over awkward smiles and timed rotations.
That premise alone is anxiety fuel, and the book absolutely leans into it.
What works well for me 😊
The dating commentary hits hard.
This novella doesn’t just scare you, it makes you think. The story quietly interrogates how unsafe dating can be, especially for women, and how easily danger hides behind charm, politeness, or social norms. Add alcohol to the mix, plus the pressure to be “nice,” and suddenly the risks feel disturbingly realistic. This isn’t exaggerated horror; it’s the kind that makes you side-eye everyone.
The structure is smart and effective.
The alternating Now and Before chapters are doing serious heavy lifting. Watching Chloe’s earlier impressions of the men- Jude the gorgeous paramedic, Lucas the accountant, Dominic the wholesome farmer, Grant the charmer, while knowing one of them will destroy her life, creates nonstop tension. Every interaction becomes suspicious in hindsight. The mystery isn’t just who did it, but how you missed the signs.
The occasional first-person POV chapters from the kidnapper? Chilling. Just enough insight to unsettle you without giving the game away.
Chloe is a strong, believable protagonist.
Her voice is honest, self-aware, and refreshingly grounded. She doesn’t suddenly become superhuman in captivity, but she does use what she realistically knows. Her profession as an architect actually matters when she references drywall or caulk; it feels earned, not convenient. That attention to detail adds credibility and makes her attempts to survive feel intelligent rather than lucky.
There’s also a brutal bit of foreshadowing in Chapter 9 (Before), where Chloe casually notes that she knows exactly where she’ll be during the event, unknowingly predicting her own imprisonment. It’s subtle, smart, and deeply unsettling on a reread.
The writing is visceral. This book doesn’t flinch. The fear, confusion, and psychological stress are written with sensory detail that makes the provided content warnings not just appropriate but necessary. The author clearly understands the weight of the themes and handles them with care rather than shock value.
The vibes💁🏼
The title is a clever nod to Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and the chapter titles are doubling as a playlist? Chef’s kiss. It adds a strange nostalgia to an otherwise dark story, and the contrast works. By the end, you’re not just shaken, you’re lowkey ready to queue those songs and emotionally decompress.
My Final thoughts:💭
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is fast-paced, disturbing, and painfully relevant. It takes something familiar, dating, and exposes how thin the line can be between romance and danger. With strong character work, a clever structure, and an atmosphere that keeps tightening the screws, this novella punches way above its weight.
The premise of unhinged love isn’t new, but the author’s execution is what makes this story stand out. By smartly packaging a familiar idea and exposing the real danger of obsession, the novel feels fresh, unsettling, and impactful. The writing elevates the concept, earning this book a strong recommendation from me.
This is not a comfort read. But if you like your thrillers psychological, character-driven, and uncomfortably real? Yeah. Read it. You will love it.😍
Thank you to NetGalley and the author 🙏 for providing me with an advance review copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this gripping novella ahead of publication.
I appreciate the trust placed in reviewers to engage thoughtfully with stories like this one, especially when they explore challenging and relevant themes. Access to ARCs through NetGalley continues to be invaluable in supporting early engagement, honest feedback, and meaningful discussion within the reading community.
On paper, Crazy Little Thing Called Love sounds like a rom-com setup. In reality? It’s a tight, nerve-shredding psychological thriller that turns modern dating into a literal survival game, and honestly, it does not play nice. Chloe Simpson, single and thirty-something, signs up for a speed dating event strategically timed just before Valentine’s Day. The logic is painfully relatable: meet someone now, skip the February 14th loneliness spiral later. What she doesn’t expect is that by the end of the night, she’ll be trapped in a dark space with no escape, fully aware that her captor is one of the men she casually chatted with over awkward smiles and timed rotations.
That premise alone is anxiety fuel, and the book absolutely leans into it.
What works well for me 😊
The dating commentary hits hard.
This novella doesn’t just scare you, it makes you think. The story quietly interrogates how unsafe dating can be, especially for women, and how easily danger hides behind charm, politeness, or social norms. Add alcohol to the mix, plus the pressure to be “nice,” and suddenly the risks feel disturbingly realistic. This isn’t exaggerated horror; it’s the kind that makes you side-eye everyone.
The structure is smart and effective.
The alternating Now and Before chapters are doing serious heavy lifting. Watching Chloe’s earlier impressions of the men- Jude the gorgeous paramedic, Lucas the accountant, Dominic the wholesome farmer, Grant the charmer, while knowing one of them will destroy her life, creates nonstop tension. Every interaction becomes suspicious in hindsight. The mystery isn’t just who did it, but how you missed the signs.
The occasional first-person POV chapters from the kidnapper? Chilling. Just enough insight to unsettle you without giving the game away.
Chloe is a strong, believable protagonist.
Her voice is honest, self-aware, and refreshingly grounded. She doesn’t suddenly become superhuman in captivity, but she does use what she realistically knows. Her profession as an architect actually matters when she references drywall or caulk; it feels earned, not convenient. That attention to detail adds credibility and makes her attempts to survive feel intelligent rather than lucky.
There’s also a brutal bit of foreshadowing in Chapter 9 (Before), where Chloe casually notes that she knows exactly where she’ll be during the event, unknowingly predicting her own imprisonment. It’s subtle, smart, and deeply unsettling on a reread.
The writing is visceral. This book doesn’t flinch. The fear, confusion, and psychological stress are written with sensory detail that makes the provided content warnings not just appropriate but necessary. The author clearly understands the weight of the themes and handles them with care rather than shock value.
The vibes💁🏼
The title is a clever nod to Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and the chapter titles are doubling as a playlist? Chef’s kiss. It adds a strange nostalgia to an otherwise dark story, and the contrast works. By the end, you’re not just shaken, you’re lowkey ready to queue those songs and emotionally decompress.
My Final thoughts:💭
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is fast-paced, disturbing, and painfully relevant. It takes something familiar, dating, and exposes how thin the line can be between romance and danger. With strong character work, a clever structure, and an atmosphere that keeps tightening the screws, this novella punches way above its weight.
The premise of unhinged love isn’t new, but the author’s execution is what makes this story stand out. By smartly packaging a familiar idea and exposing the real danger of obsession, the novel feels fresh, unsettling, and impactful. The writing elevates the concept, earning this book a strong recommendation from me.
This is not a comfort read. But if you like your thrillers psychological, character-driven, and uncomfortably real? Yeah. Read it. You will love it.😍
November 10, 2025
Chloe Simpson, still single in her early 30s, signs up for a speed dating event for singles, to be held on Friday, February 6, a week before Valentine’s Day, allowing enough time for singles to hit it off with someone and pair up for the big day. She will meet 15 men for 5 minutes each, hoping one of them will be the man of her dreams.
When she arrives there, she meets Jude, a drop-dead handsome paramedic that she hopes she will be paired with. Inside there are other good men. There’s Lucas, a handsome accountant; Dominic, a kind-hearted farmer who appears so wholesome; Peter, a podiatrist with a foot fetish, and Dustin, the over-animated organiser of the event. Then there’s Augustine, who gives Chloe the creeps, and Warren, who is horribly sexist and rude, Tyler, who is polished but still married, and the charming Grant.
Before the night is over, Chloe finds herself trapped in a dark space, with no way of escaping. It is clear that her captor is someone related to the speed dating night. But who is it? And what plans do they have for her?
The book is written in the 1st person present tense PoV of Chloe, with occasional chapters written in the 1st person present tense PoV of her kidnapper. The chapters alternate between Now and Before, meaning Before she was kidnapped.
WHAT I LIKED: The book raises questions about the fraught world of dating, with its dangers as much as the unrealistic expectations that this social ritual raises. The story also serves as a cautionary tale, in terms of alcohol combined with the malicious intentions of unknown people.
The author has thoughtfully provided a content warning for attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, physical violence and psychological stress, among other grievous crimes.
I liked the Main Character; her brand of honesty and self-awareness was very relatable. Her experience was so graphic and visceral that the trigger warnings made sense. I was totally hooked on the story as it played out. The writing was good, evoking imagery that was vivid and sensory.
For once, the Main Character’s profession is not just a random thing. Here, Chloe’s knowledge as an architect helps her in captivity. When she uses terms like drywall and caulk, we don’t question, how does she know.
There is a point in Chapter 9, in the Before, when Chloe tells us, I know where I’ll be held prisoner during the event, effectively and unknowingly foreshadowing the future for herself.
There are 15 men at the event who could have kidnapped Chloe. The mystery bothers us as much as it bothers her.
The name of the book, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, reminded me of the song by Queen. The chapter names are a playlist of some of my favourite songs from the 80s and 90s, and a few from the 60s and 70s too, songs I haven’t heard in ages. I’m going to listen to them once I’m done with this review.
The song titles cleverly evoke reactions and emotions that are the opposite of those evoked by the songs whose names they bear. Coupled with the story of unhinged love, the chapter names take on new meaning.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Nothing
WHAT DIDN’T WORK: There was one mistake, where the narrator tells us that Dustin has just made a wildly inappropriate remark. But Dustin hadn’t said anything at that point.
At one point, the captor reveals that the first woman he ever kidnapped escaped. We are never told who that woman was or what happened to her. This felt like a loose end.
ALL SAID AND DONE: The premise of unhinged love is not an uncommon one. But the clever way in which the author has packaged this story, showing us the danger posed by obsession and unhinged love, and the manner in which she has written it wins a big recommendation from me.
(I got a free copy of this book from the author and publisher. I read it on NetGalley.)
When she arrives there, she meets Jude, a drop-dead handsome paramedic that she hopes she will be paired with. Inside there are other good men. There’s Lucas, a handsome accountant; Dominic, a kind-hearted farmer who appears so wholesome; Peter, a podiatrist with a foot fetish, and Dustin, the over-animated organiser of the event. Then there’s Augustine, who gives Chloe the creeps, and Warren, who is horribly sexist and rude, Tyler, who is polished but still married, and the charming Grant.
Before the night is over, Chloe finds herself trapped in a dark space, with no way of escaping. It is clear that her captor is someone related to the speed dating night. But who is it? And what plans do they have for her?
The book is written in the 1st person present tense PoV of Chloe, with occasional chapters written in the 1st person present tense PoV of her kidnapper. The chapters alternate between Now and Before, meaning Before she was kidnapped.
WHAT I LIKED: The book raises questions about the fraught world of dating, with its dangers as much as the unrealistic expectations that this social ritual raises. The story also serves as a cautionary tale, in terms of alcohol combined with the malicious intentions of unknown people.
The author has thoughtfully provided a content warning for attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, physical violence and psychological stress, among other grievous crimes.
I liked the Main Character; her brand of honesty and self-awareness was very relatable. Her experience was so graphic and visceral that the trigger warnings made sense. I was totally hooked on the story as it played out. The writing was good, evoking imagery that was vivid and sensory.
For once, the Main Character’s profession is not just a random thing. Here, Chloe’s knowledge as an architect helps her in captivity. When she uses terms like drywall and caulk, we don’t question, how does she know.
There is a point in Chapter 9, in the Before, when Chloe tells us, I know where I’ll be held prisoner during the event, effectively and unknowingly foreshadowing the future for herself.
There are 15 men at the event who could have kidnapped Chloe. The mystery bothers us as much as it bothers her.
The name of the book, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, reminded me of the song by Queen. The chapter names are a playlist of some of my favourite songs from the 80s and 90s, and a few from the 60s and 70s too, songs I haven’t heard in ages. I’m going to listen to them once I’m done with this review.
The song titles cleverly evoke reactions and emotions that are the opposite of those evoked by the songs whose names they bear. Coupled with the story of unhinged love, the chapter names take on new meaning.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Nothing
WHAT DIDN’T WORK: There was one mistake, where the narrator tells us that Dustin has just made a wildly inappropriate remark. But Dustin hadn’t said anything at that point.
At one point, the captor reveals that the first woman he ever kidnapped escaped. We are never told who that woman was or what happened to her. This felt like a loose end.
ALL SAID AND DONE: The premise of unhinged love is not an uncommon one. But the clever way in which the author has packaged this story, showing us the danger posed by obsession and unhinged love, and the manner in which she has written it wins a big recommendation from me.
(I got a free copy of this book from the author and publisher. I read it on NetGalley.)
January 12, 2026
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
(Holidays & Homicide, 3)
Kristin Mulligan
Pub: 1/6/26
4.5☆
Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? Unease and shock.
This was the perfect one sitting read to have you fully on edge and literally guessing from beginning to end. Mulligan packed so much into this addicting little Valentine’s Day novella that once I picked it up there was no putting it down because I was all about trying to figure out who this unhinged psycho was. Getting short glimpses of his perspective was a fun addition and added more to the unsettling feelings. And OMG when the gore hit, not sure what it says about me but YASS I loved it. 😂 It’s not a huge amount but it was unexpected and so effective to paint quite the picture.
I did not guess our culprit correctly. Well played Kristin. Well played.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
Better yet, what stood up… the hairs on the back of my neck and goosebumps on my arms because I was happily creeped out!
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
💔 Readers who enjoy;
💔 Dark-ish/Popcorn Thrillers
💔 Unhinged Love
💔 Novellas
💔 Dual POV/Alternating Timelines
💔 Locked Room
💔 A Little Gore
Might be an ok idea to check out the TW first. 😬
(Holidays & Homicide, 3)
Kristin Mulligan
Pub: 1/6/26
4.5☆
Chloe never expected to find true love at a speed dating event, but with Valentine’s Day just a week away, why not give it a shot? Maybe she’ll find Mr. Right just in time for a romantic spark.
The evening is filled with awkward small talk, forced laughter, and flirty smiles...but hidden among the hopeful faces is someone who has been waiting for the perfect moment to confess their undying love for Chloe.
When Chloe vanishes later that night and wakes in an unfamiliar room, she has little time to figure out who took her, and even less of a chance to escape before the situation turns deadly.
Because they say love makes people do crazy things…and Chloe is determined to get out before it kills her.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? Unease and shock.
This was the perfect one sitting read to have you fully on edge and literally guessing from beginning to end. Mulligan packed so much into this addicting little Valentine’s Day novella that once I picked it up there was no putting it down because I was all about trying to figure out who this unhinged psycho was. Getting short glimpses of his perspective was a fun addition and added more to the unsettling feelings. And OMG when the gore hit, not sure what it says about me but YASS I loved it. 😂 It’s not a huge amount but it was unexpected and so effective to paint quite the picture.
I did not guess our culprit correctly. Well played Kristin. Well played.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
Better yet, what stood up… the hairs on the back of my neck and goosebumps on my arms because I was happily creeped out!
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
💔 Readers who enjoy;
💔 Dark-ish/Popcorn Thrillers
💔 Unhinged Love
💔 Novellas
💔 Dual POV/Alternating Timelines
💔 Locked Room
💔 A Little Gore
Might be an ok idea to check out the TW first. 😬
November 22, 2025
I loved every page of this book and seriously couldn't put it down until I finished. It’s a chilling, fast-paced thriller novella that turns the search for romance into a nightmare. It’s a suspenseful, dark, unhinged story, this book takes the Valentine's Day theme and fills it with terror and obsession instead of hearts.
The main character, Chloe, attends a speed dating event hoping to find a romantic spark before Valentine’s Day. The evening is filled with awkward encounters, but one of the men she meets is not looking for love—he is looking for a victim. When Chloe suddenly vanishes and wakes up kidnapped in a dark, unfamiliar room, the story becomes a desperate race for survival.
The suspense is razor-sharp by jumping between two timelines: the "Before" (the speed dating event) and the "Now" (her fight for life in captivity). This back-and-forth narrative style makes you question every single man Chloe met, turning the read into a "whodunit" mystery where you’re constantly trying to figure out which of the hopeful dates is actually the terrifying captor. I absolutely did not figure out who the villain was until the very end, you really do jump from one to another and back again throughout the story.
This novella is highly recommended. It’s tense, and guarantees a heart-pounding experience that will make you rethink ever trying speed dating. Be sure to check the content warnings, as it deals with some serious, dark themes.
The main character, Chloe, attends a speed dating event hoping to find a romantic spark before Valentine’s Day. The evening is filled with awkward encounters, but one of the men she meets is not looking for love—he is looking for a victim. When Chloe suddenly vanishes and wakes up kidnapped in a dark, unfamiliar room, the story becomes a desperate race for survival.
The suspense is razor-sharp by jumping between two timelines: the "Before" (the speed dating event) and the "Now" (her fight for life in captivity). This back-and-forth narrative style makes you question every single man Chloe met, turning the read into a "whodunit" mystery where you’re constantly trying to figure out which of the hopeful dates is actually the terrifying captor. I absolutely did not figure out who the villain was until the very end, you really do jump from one to another and back again throughout the story.
This novella is highly recommended. It’s tense, and guarantees a heart-pounding experience that will make you rethink ever trying speed dating. Be sure to check the content warnings, as it deals with some serious, dark themes.
November 19, 2025
💋ARC Review♥️
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan
5 stars
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan was such a gripping thriller! I loved how the story jumped between the past and present, violently pulling both timelines together until everything collided in the “now” with the long-awaited reveal of the abductor. The way the tension built had me flying through chapters, desperate to piece together the truth.
And one of the coolest touches? Each chapter having its own song title. It added such a fun, cinematic vibe and made the reading experience feel even more dynamic and immersive.
A chilling mystery, a clever structure, and a built-in soundtrack, Kristin Mulligan delivered an ARC that absolutely hits all the marks!
In Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan, Chloe attends a speed-dating event looking for love, but when she vanishes later that night, the evening’s hopeful smiles give way to obsession and terror. She wakes up in an unfamiliar room and must race against time to figure out who kidnapped her and how to escape before it’s too late.
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLove
#KristinMulligan #ThrillerReads
#NovellaLove #BookishThrills
#PageTurner #BookReview
#ARCReview #KidnappingThriller
#MustReadThriller #bookstagram
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan
5 stars
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan was such a gripping thriller! I loved how the story jumped between the past and present, violently pulling both timelines together until everything collided in the “now” with the long-awaited reveal of the abductor. The way the tension built had me flying through chapters, desperate to piece together the truth.
And one of the coolest touches? Each chapter having its own song title. It added such a fun, cinematic vibe and made the reading experience feel even more dynamic and immersive.
A chilling mystery, a clever structure, and a built-in soundtrack, Kristin Mulligan delivered an ARC that absolutely hits all the marks!
In Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan, Chloe attends a speed-dating event looking for love, but when she vanishes later that night, the evening’s hopeful smiles give way to obsession and terror. She wakes up in an unfamiliar room and must race against time to figure out who kidnapped her and how to escape before it’s too late.
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLove
#KristinMulligan #ThrillerReads
#NovellaLove #BookishThrills
#PageTurner #BookReview
#ARCReview #KidnappingThriller
#MustReadThriller #bookstagram
January 12, 2026
❤️✨
Another fantastic thriller novella by Kristin Mulligan! This story is around 150 pages, and it grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until the satisfying conclusion. The story is told mainly through the POV of the FMC with occasional chapters from the abductor's POV. The timeline alternates between Past (at the time of the speed dating event) and Now (her abduction), and the timelines slowly merge as you learn the events leading up to her abduction. This is a fast-paced read with lots of clues and red herrings on who her captor is. I did guess correctly, but I will say I was not at all confident in my guess, so I was still pleasantly surprised at the reveal. This story made me very thankful that I don't have to participate in the dating scene! If you want a fast-paced thriller with a Valentine's Day theme, I highly recommend this read.
I received this book as an eARC. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another fantastic thriller novella by Kristin Mulligan! This story is around 150 pages, and it grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until the satisfying conclusion. The story is told mainly through the POV of the FMC with occasional chapters from the abductor's POV. The timeline alternates between Past (at the time of the speed dating event) and Now (her abduction), and the timelines slowly merge as you learn the events leading up to her abduction. This is a fast-paced read with lots of clues and red herrings on who her captor is. I did guess correctly, but I will say I was not at all confident in my guess, so I was still pleasantly surprised at the reveal. This story made me very thankful that I don't have to participate in the dating scene! If you want a fast-paced thriller with a Valentine's Day theme, I highly recommend this read.
I received this book as an eARC. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 12, 2026
Crazy Little Thing Called Love: Holidays and Homicide, Book 3 is one of those popcorn-worthy novellas that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. The first-person POV pulls you straight into the story, and (as usual) Mulligan’s voice is so natural and effortless that it feels less like reading and more like being told a really juicy, very dangerous secret.
The pacing is on point. Short, punchy chapters make it ridiculously easy to say “just one more”… until suddenly you’ve inhaled the entire novella (and texted Kristin demanding more). The prose flows beautifully, delivering tension, emotion, and atmosphere in every scene. And the playful chapter titles add a clever, slightly unhinged charm that fits the tone so well it’s quite honestly delightful.
Mulligan has an ability to balance darkness with heart. The story moves seamlessly between suspenseful, ominous moments and lighter, human ones, without feeling jarring or forced. If you love fast-paced, emotionally charged thrillers, this one is absolutely worth your time.
The pacing is on point. Short, punchy chapters make it ridiculously easy to say “just one more”… until suddenly you’ve inhaled the entire novella (and texted Kristin demanding more). The prose flows beautifully, delivering tension, emotion, and atmosphere in every scene. And the playful chapter titles add a clever, slightly unhinged charm that fits the tone so well it’s quite honestly delightful.
Mulligan has an ability to balance darkness with heart. The story moves seamlessly between suspenseful, ominous moments and lighter, human ones, without feeling jarring or forced. If you love fast-paced, emotionally charged thrillers, this one is absolutely worth your time.
November 3, 2025
Look, I never say this about any of my books, so you know I mean it: this is my best one. It’s creative, creepy, packed with suspense, and I’m so proud of it.
Whether you're new to the Holidays & Homicide Series or coming back after I'll Be Alone For Christmas or A Christmas To Die For , I hope you enjoy this dark thriller novella that will have you guessing who did it until the very end.
This novella has the following:
♡ Trapped room
♡ Kidnapping/Abduction
♡ Whodunit vibes
♡ Alternating POV/Timelines
♡ Popcorn thriller
♡ A touch of gore & horror
Happy reading, friends!
Whether you're new to the Holidays & Homicide Series or coming back after I'll Be Alone For Christmas or A Christmas To Die For , I hope you enjoy this dark thriller novella that will have you guessing who did it until the very end.
This novella has the following:
♡ Trapped room
♡ Kidnapping/Abduction
♡ Whodunit vibes
♡ Alternating POV/Timelines
♡ Popcorn thriller
♡ A touch of gore & horror
Happy reading, friends!
November 30, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is the third book in @kristin.mulligan’s Holidays & Homicide novella series, though it is a standalone, so if you haven’t read the other two, that’s totally okay! Chloe is searching for the love of her life… or at least a date for Valentine’s Day during speed dating. She wakes up in a dark locked room with no way out and no memory of how she got there. She has to pick apart her memory to figure out who abducted her if she wants a chance to escape. I LOVED IT!! This is definitely one you will want to read in one sitting. It’s a locked room, obsession, and abduction trope told in the past and present with dual POVs sprinkled in. The writing did an excellent job of placing me in Chloe’s shoes. My heart was beating as if it were actually happening and it actually kept me guessing! I read a lot of thrillers and I can usually guess the twist or the guilty party, but I had no idea who was behind the kidnapping this time. That’s the true sign of a good book in my opinion. Each chapter was short, which was great because it kept me turning pages. I just loved how every chapter title was a hit 80s or 90s love ballad, even the book title itself. Kristin has a knack for writing these holiday thrillers and I can’t wait to read her take on the next holiday! I cannot recommend Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan enough! Mark your calendars for its release day, 01/06/26 make sure you run out and buy it!!! Thank you, @netgalley @kristin.mulligan & @victoryeditingngc for the opportunity to read and review!
Crazy Little Thing Called Love is the third book in @kristin.mulligan’s Holidays & Homicide novella series, though it is a standalone, so if you haven’t read the other two, that’s totally okay! Chloe is searching for the love of her life… or at least a date for Valentine’s Day during speed dating. She wakes up in a dark locked room with no way out and no memory of how she got there. She has to pick apart her memory to figure out who abducted her if she wants a chance to escape. I LOVED IT!! This is definitely one you will want to read in one sitting. It’s a locked room, obsession, and abduction trope told in the past and present with dual POVs sprinkled in. The writing did an excellent job of placing me in Chloe’s shoes. My heart was beating as if it were actually happening and it actually kept me guessing! I read a lot of thrillers and I can usually guess the twist or the guilty party, but I had no idea who was behind the kidnapping this time. That’s the true sign of a good book in my opinion. Each chapter was short, which was great because it kept me turning pages. I just loved how every chapter title was a hit 80s or 90s love ballad, even the book title itself. Kristin has a knack for writing these holiday thrillers and I can’t wait to read her take on the next holiday! I cannot recommend Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Kristin Mulligan enough! Mark your calendars for its release day, 01/06/26 make sure you run out and buy it!!! Thank you, @netgalley @kristin.mulligan & @victoryeditingngc for the opportunity to read and review!
December 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella. If you're someone who doesn't blink at saying something like that about a dark, unhinged story, Crazy Little Thing Called Love is for you!
Everything here is so well done. There is not a wasted word and this story is a great example of how good novellas and short books can be. It's perfectly plotted out and keeps you invested, with just the right pacing to let the terror build without dragging. Short chapters and a main character who feels like a real person make it easy to read. I also loved that I didn't guess who the abductor was. I've read a lot of thrillers and whodunnits and my guess-rate is pretty good, so that was pretty cool.
This novella is #3 in Mulligan's Holidays & Homicide series but each book is a standalone. I've read and loved all three and would highly recommend each of them. Excellent suspense, terror, and (for books 1 & 2) slasher vibes.
Everything here is so well done. There is not a wasted word and this story is a great example of how good novellas and short books can be. It's perfectly plotted out and keeps you invested, with just the right pacing to let the terror build without dragging. Short chapters and a main character who feels like a real person make it easy to read. I also loved that I didn't guess who the abductor was. I've read a lot of thrillers and whodunnits and my guess-rate is pretty good, so that was pretty cool.
This novella is #3 in Mulligan's Holidays & Homicide series but each book is a standalone. I've read and loved all three and would highly recommend each of them. Excellent suspense, terror, and (for books 1 & 2) slasher vibes.
November 27, 2025
Kristin Mulligan made Speed Dating unhinged and Valentine’s Day a bloody mess. Although the first two books in this novella series are Christmas related and connected, Crazy Little Thing Called Love is more standalone and focuses on Chloe single and alone but not giving up on dating just yet before upcoming Valentine’s Day. Except Chloe wakes up in a small pitch black room with only a toilet and soon realizes almost any guy at the speed dating event could have been the one who abducted her. The book shuffles between before and now chapters as Chloe struggles on escaping and also remembering what happened at the speed dating event. A stalker thriller with a surprisingly HEA and probably my favorite in this novella series!
Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Yall this book felt so real and so soft at the same time. It is that kind of love story where you can actually see yourself in the characters. The main character is trying to make sense of life, love, mistakes, and second chances, and I felt every bit of it. The love interest is not perfect which makes it even better. They feel like a real person you could meet in your everyday life, someone who walks in with good intentions and unexpected feelings.
The little moments hit the hardest. The awkward silences, the comfortable conversations, the tiny things people do when they care about someone but are scared to say it out loud. It is warm, funny, emotional, and just very human. If you want a romance that feels like real life with a touch of magic, this book is a beautiful read.”
The little moments hit the hardest. The awkward silences, the comfortable conversations, the tiny things people do when they care about someone but are scared to say it out loud. It is warm, funny, emotional, and just very human. If you want a romance that feels like real life with a touch of magic, this book is a beautiful read.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Chloe attends a speed dating night, little does she know the terrifying and desperate ordeal that awaits when she doesn't make it home.
This was a sharp and utterly gripping read, brilliantly illustrating Chloe's initial despair and her fierce, growing resilience.
The story throws you into her isolated world of captivity, silence and darkness.
Going through every stage of realisation with Chloe as she searches for a way out perfectly highlights her courage and determination.
The back-and-forth narrative bringing out more clues had me furiously ticking off suspects.
I loved the chapter titles, each one making me smile during an otherwise difficult read at times, and the ending was wrapped up as neatly as a Valentine's card tied with a bow.
This was a sharp and utterly gripping read, brilliantly illustrating Chloe's initial despair and her fierce, growing resilience.
The story throws you into her isolated world of captivity, silence and darkness.
Going through every stage of realisation with Chloe as she searches for a way out perfectly highlights her courage and determination.
The back-and-forth narrative bringing out more clues had me furiously ticking off suspects.
I loved the chapter titles, each one making me smile during an otherwise difficult read at times, and the ending was wrapped up as neatly as a Valentine's card tied with a bow.
November 9, 2025
★★★★
Smart, suspenseful, and a little bit unhinged in the best kind of way.
Speed-dating. Valentine’s rash decisions. One vanishing act.
Mulligan flips the “love at first sight” trope into a heart-pounding game of hide-and-seek you shouldn’t be playing. From flirty smiles to forced laughter to chilling silence, this novella packs obsession, terror, and one spectacularly wrong “romantic spark.” 
With the clock ticking toward Valentine’s Day and our MC waking up in a room that definitely isn’t date-night safe, the tension climbs fast. If you love thrillers with a bite of twisted romance, you’ll devour this in one sitting — just make sure the lights are on.
Smart, suspenseful, and a little bit unhinged in the best kind of way.
Speed-dating. Valentine’s rash decisions. One vanishing act.
Mulligan flips the “love at first sight” trope into a heart-pounding game of hide-and-seek you shouldn’t be playing. From flirty smiles to forced laughter to chilling silence, this novella packs obsession, terror, and one spectacularly wrong “romantic spark.” 
With the clock ticking toward Valentine’s Day and our MC waking up in a room that definitely isn’t date-night safe, the tension climbs fast. If you love thrillers with a bite of twisted romance, you’ll devour this in one sitting — just make sure the lights are on.
November 21, 2025
🍷 For Fans of:
- Suspense thriller
- Valentine’s Day
- Novella
- Dual Timeline
- Dual POV
- Suspense
- Unhinged Romance
⭐️ 5.0 True Rating
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
I absolutely loved this novella. It drew me in and was so fast paced while also making you suspect everyone, it was so good!
I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. The story telling was so compelling, I’d highly recommend it for anyone who needs a little thriller in their life!
🖤 Thank you to author Kristin Mulligan, and NetGalley for the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
- Suspense thriller
- Valentine’s Day
- Novella
- Dual Timeline
- Dual POV
- Suspense
- Unhinged Romance
⭐️ 5.0 True Rating
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
I absolutely loved this novella. It drew me in and was so fast paced while also making you suspect everyone, it was so good!
I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. The story telling was so compelling, I’d highly recommend it for anyone who needs a little thriller in their life!
🖤 Thank you to author Kristin Mulligan, and NetGalley for the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews