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The Headless Boy
A novel similar to suspenseful classics like The Haunting of Hill House, The Woman in Black, and Bag of Bones.
Reeling from the loss of a child, Maggie finds her job at the local daycare unbearable and errands around town impossible. She knows every child, every single parent, and they're all reminders of what she's lost. Unable to heal, she sinks further into the grip of grief and depression.
Jake is a good guy, a great husband, and wants only the best for his broken wife. Therapy and medications aren't helping, and a change of scenery makes perfect sense. A new home. A fresh start. He is nothing but patient, giving Maggie the space and emotional support needed to move on.
But once they've settled in, Maggie offers him an alternative. And though Jake doesn't believe in ghosts, he plays along with the charade in the name of helping his wife. Until he discovers it's not a game.
They are not alone.
As the subtle activity grows violent, Jakes realizes the thing in their house has chosen Maggie as a surrogate mother, and it does not want a father figure. Jake and Maggie's fresh start has become a battlefield, and he's no longer sure which side his wife is on.
Does Jake have the strength to save them both?
This ghost thrillers is perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson, Jack Ketchum, T.E.D. Klein, and Bentley Little.
Reeling from the loss of a child, Maggie finds her job at the local daycare unbearable and errands around town impossible. She knows every child, every single parent, and they're all reminders of what she's lost. Unable to heal, she sinks further into the grip of grief and depression.
Jake is a good guy, a great husband, and wants only the best for his broken wife. Therapy and medications aren't helping, and a change of scenery makes perfect sense. A new home. A fresh start. He is nothing but patient, giving Maggie the space and emotional support needed to move on.
But once they've settled in, Maggie offers him an alternative. And though Jake doesn't believe in ghosts, he plays along with the charade in the name of helping his wife. Until he discovers it's not a game.
They are not alone.
As the subtle activity grows violent, Jakes realizes the thing in their house has chosen Maggie as a surrogate mother, and it does not want a father figure. Jake and Maggie's fresh start has become a battlefield, and he's no longer sure which side his wife is on.
Does Jake have the strength to save them both?
This ghost thrillers is perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson, Jack Ketchum, T.E.D. Klein, and Bentley Little.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
11 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Owen
52 books152 followersKelli Owen writes dark fiction, thrillers, and suspense that explore characters, consequences, and the uneasy shadows of everyday life. Her novels dig into psychological tension, while her short fiction has earned her a reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling in bite-sized doses of dread.
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 31, 2025
First off, the loss of a child is a horrible and extremely painful affair. And this story opens up with Jake and Maggie experiencing this same unpleasant event. And Kelli Owen makes you feel their sadness and grief, and sets the stage for the remainder of this harrowing tale. Jake is the most forgiving and reasonable character that I’ve ever seen. And his patience as he battles for his wife against this entity known as Bobby, is unmatched. There is a very slow burn build up to him finally losing his sanity and I guarantee every reader will think of how much sooner they would’ve snapped. That’s not a spoiler, but it was inevitable here. Now this is kept with a very small cast, being Bobby, Maggie, and Jake, and they were each explored fully and had wonderful development. The plot is nothing new, but the degree that it was displayed here was truly memorable. And I say this as not the biggest fan of hauntings and ghost stories, which should speak volumes. The story did fall into a bit of repetition, but made each day that these characters lived in have something to further the plot along. The ending captivated me, leaving me expecting anything, and delivered in a rather unorthodox way, which I enjoyed a great deal. For anyone who has not read Kelli Owen, I suggest that all fans of horror, especially ghost and haunting fare, dig your meat hooks into this one.
June 1, 2022
Wow! This is one not to be missed.
Kelli is one of those authors who can write just about anything. You want blood? She can bring it in buckets. You want shock? Oh, she can be your electrician. You want heart? Well, she can tear yours out and hand it to you. And she does it all with a devious smile, and an I don't give a f**K attitude.
This is why I love Kelli.
As for THE HEADLESS BOY, well, this is one of those books that will rip you heart out. Kelli takes on one of the most horrific ordeals a couple could ever deal with - the stillborn birth of their first child. But that's really not the whole story. This is a fantastic ghost story, wrapped up in the different ways people handle grief.
Many times characters like Maggie and Jake are written very two dimensional, and come off as cookie cutter characters - you know, "Oh woe is me, blah, blah, blah" and the "Snap out of it" kinds of people. But Maggie and Jake come across as people Kelli might have known (or, God-forbid, are). You can actually feel their anguish, their "acceptance", and ultimate downfall.
Without any spoilers, the one thing that makes THE HEADLESS BOY one of my (now) favorite ghost stories is that you are never quite sure if Maggie is actually seeing a ghost, or she's having a mental breakdown. Kelli writes the experiences in such a way that you are really hard pressed to say one way or another - and just when you are 100% certain it's "x", she switches it up and makes it "y"; and does so eloquently, and seamlessly.
Kelli is one of those authors who can write just about anything. You want blood? She can bring it in buckets. You want shock? Oh, she can be your electrician. You want heart? Well, she can tear yours out and hand it to you. And she does it all with a devious smile, and an I don't give a f**K attitude.
This is why I love Kelli.
As for THE HEADLESS BOY, well, this is one of those books that will rip you heart out. Kelli takes on one of the most horrific ordeals a couple could ever deal with - the stillborn birth of their first child. But that's really not the whole story. This is a fantastic ghost story, wrapped up in the different ways people handle grief.
Many times characters like Maggie and Jake are written very two dimensional, and come off as cookie cutter characters - you know, "Oh woe is me, blah, blah, blah" and the "Snap out of it" kinds of people. But Maggie and Jake come across as people Kelli might have known (or, God-forbid, are). You can actually feel their anguish, their "acceptance", and ultimate downfall.
Without any spoilers, the one thing that makes THE HEADLESS BOY one of my (now) favorite ghost stories is that you are never quite sure if Maggie is actually seeing a ghost, or she's having a mental breakdown. Kelli writes the experiences in such a way that you are really hard pressed to say one way or another - and just when you are 100% certain it's "x", she switches it up and makes it "y"; and does so eloquently, and seamlessly.
February 25, 2021
While each experience is unique, all of us have dealt with grief at some point in life. It’s an inevitable, painful part of our existence, and lays a seriously effective foundation for a horror story.
Because grief is a universal aspect of the human condition, it’s easy to empathize with the characters in The Headless Boy. Most readers can relate to the main characters on some level. We all know how grief can make people behave differently, and understand its impact on relationships. Even the most sensible people can become unhinged by the emotions within the grief process, especially in the beginning stages.
This novel gripped me from the beginning, when Maggie and Jake are introduced in the midst of emotional turmoil. The feeling quickly switches from joy to sorrow, and draws the reader in with empathy for their situation. Despite never suffering the loss of a child, I was able to relate to the emotions that were part of their grief process. Aside from the sad moments, the happier moments still shared between the couple in the midst of the depression were very realistic. Owen does an amazing job depicting the grief process and all of its peaks and valleys.
This book was a great read for me due to many factors—the first of which is that it’s a story with heart. Without that authenticity and emotion, it just wouldn’t be as gripping. Also, I love stories about haunted houses, especially when they start out as a quiet type of horror. The dread slowly grows until suddenly you’re hit with major unease and fright. That’s what happens in The Headless Boy. I love how there are subtle creepy things happening to Maggie in the beginning. Jake is unable to fully understand, as he is not able to see the boy’s ghost at the start. However, he witnesses the changes in Maggie and leaves it alone for the time being, in fear of causing more grief. Eventually as the events grow more sinister, Maggie’s mental health deteriorates further, and this takes a toll on their relationship. At this point, Jake can no longer deny that the evil within the house has a firm grip on his wife.
I never want to give away too many details, so let me just say that there are some truly creeptastic moments in this one. I don’t need those scary moments to make it a horror story, but I welcome being frightened with open arms. It happens so rarely for me that I get a huge thrill when I’m scared by a book or film. I love how the supernatural aspects gradually build and intensify throughout the story. I also enjoy how we’re able to see things from the viewpoint of both characters, thanks to strong descriptions of their inner thoughts and actions.
Can I also go off on a little (related) tangent and mention my love/hate relationship with evil children in books and on film? They make for some of the most memorable and sinister villains in my opinion. In this story, Bobby gives me the absolute creeps, pisses me off, and yet I also feel sorry for him. There’s something about manipulative, vindictive children (in ghost form or alive) that’s just not right. It’s probably because of the idea that kids are all innocent and often charming. To see them capable of malice is absolutely chilling.
After this read, I can say that grief horror is one of my favorite subgenres. It’s so relatable and effective when done right. The Headless Boy now ranks among some of my favorites in this category, alongside Pet Sematary and Remains. It has everything I look for in a well-developed story. Excellent pacing, dialogue, and character development. Can I also mention THAT COVER?
It’s reminiscent of the vintage horror paperbacks we all covet, but the quality extends beyond the surface. Trust me when I say that this is more than just a cover buy.
Because grief is a universal aspect of the human condition, it’s easy to empathize with the characters in The Headless Boy. Most readers can relate to the main characters on some level. We all know how grief can make people behave differently, and understand its impact on relationships. Even the most sensible people can become unhinged by the emotions within the grief process, especially in the beginning stages.
This novel gripped me from the beginning, when Maggie and Jake are introduced in the midst of emotional turmoil. The feeling quickly switches from joy to sorrow, and draws the reader in with empathy for their situation. Despite never suffering the loss of a child, I was able to relate to the emotions that were part of their grief process. Aside from the sad moments, the happier moments still shared between the couple in the midst of the depression were very realistic. Owen does an amazing job depicting the grief process and all of its peaks and valleys.
This book was a great read for me due to many factors—the first of which is that it’s a story with heart. Without that authenticity and emotion, it just wouldn’t be as gripping. Also, I love stories about haunted houses, especially when they start out as a quiet type of horror. The dread slowly grows until suddenly you’re hit with major unease and fright. That’s what happens in The Headless Boy. I love how there are subtle creepy things happening to Maggie in the beginning. Jake is unable to fully understand, as he is not able to see the boy’s ghost at the start. However, he witnesses the changes in Maggie and leaves it alone for the time being, in fear of causing more grief. Eventually as the events grow more sinister, Maggie’s mental health deteriorates further, and this takes a toll on their relationship. At this point, Jake can no longer deny that the evil within the house has a firm grip on his wife.
I never want to give away too many details, so let me just say that there are some truly creeptastic moments in this one. I don’t need those scary moments to make it a horror story, but I welcome being frightened with open arms. It happens so rarely for me that I get a huge thrill when I’m scared by a book or film. I love how the supernatural aspects gradually build and intensify throughout the story. I also enjoy how we’re able to see things from the viewpoint of both characters, thanks to strong descriptions of their inner thoughts and actions.
Can I also go off on a little (related) tangent and mention my love/hate relationship with evil children in books and on film? They make for some of the most memorable and sinister villains in my opinion. In this story, Bobby gives me the absolute creeps, pisses me off, and yet I also feel sorry for him. There’s something about manipulative, vindictive children (in ghost form or alive) that’s just not right. It’s probably because of the idea that kids are all innocent and often charming. To see them capable of malice is absolutely chilling.
After this read, I can say that grief horror is one of my favorite subgenres. It’s so relatable and effective when done right. The Headless Boy now ranks among some of my favorites in this category, alongside Pet Sematary and Remains. It has everything I look for in a well-developed story. Excellent pacing, dialogue, and character development. Can I also mention THAT COVER?
It’s reminiscent of the vintage horror paperbacks we all covet, but the quality extends beyond the surface. Trust me when I say that this is more than just a cover buy.
March 17, 2021
First and foremost, WELCOME BACK POLTERGEIST PRESS!! I love this publisher and am so excited that they have returned after a hiatus, and with Kelli Owen's The Headless Boy, they have returned with a BANG! I am not typically a fan of ghosts or more quiet horror, but this one was excellent and very creepy with several scenes that had me feeling the hairs on my neck standing at attention. I have only previously read Kelli's collection, Black Bubbles, and while that contains many excellent stories and flash fiction, in this nearly 400 page novel, Kelli's ability as an author gets to truly shine. This is a page turner and as a father, nearly tore my heart out thinking about the tragedy of losing a child and the trauma that must linger afterwards affecting the parents' relationship. However, there are other things that linger as well. Is Maggie hallucinating from loss or medication? Or is there actually something sinister living in the house? You will just have to read it to find out. The ending is exhilarating and the conclusion extremely satisfying. Highly recommended!
5 out of 5 tinker toms
5 out of 5 tinker toms
September 27, 2021
This is the kind of horror book I love — a genuine, look-over-your-shoulder, straightforward, damn good, creepy story. I am a big fan of ghost stories, and the ones with horrible little beastling children are my favourite. Given that I fully believe in spirits this book was very plausible for me, which made the reading that much more excellent. The loss at the beginning of the book is dealt with a very deft hand. I felt Maggie's loss very deeply, and Jake's helplessness as he tries to help her through it. The fun begins when they move into the new house that Jake buys for them, sight unseen by Maggie. I absolutely loved the sense of creep that Owen establishes right from the start. This delicious feeling builds throughout the book and never lets up. While Maggie is drowning in her fantasy of having a surrogate child, Jake is again dealing with his inability to make her see reason. I really loved this book because of what it is...an excellent ghost story, from start to finish. I did love the ending a lot, it was perfect for the story, although I did find it much too abrupt. I'm overlooking it because the rest was so damn good. Thanks so much to Kelli for sending me an e-copy of her book.
February 21, 2021
A Return to Great 80s Horror
Remember the awesome paperback horror novels of the 70s, 80s, and 90s? With the cool, creepy, kinda sleazy covers holding stories that were cool, creepy, and lazy too? As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I thought, "someone else remembers too!" And I knew I had to read this book.
The book is about a married couple who survive a terrible tragedy and move into a new house hoping for a fresh start. Of course the house is haunted (isn't it always?) Soon the couple are battling a century-old evil.
I struggled with the main characters in this book. The wife seems to refuse to see reality for what it is, and while I kinda get why she acts that way, it's very frustrating. As for the husband, he says some stuff so arrogant and dismissive of his wife's grief that I was furious and almost rooting for the ghost to kill him. In the end, though, I was sad for them both and hooked on reading their story and watching their fight with evil to the bitter end. The ending surprised me a bit, too. I was impressed it went in the direction it did. I'm so glad I checked this book out, and you should read it, too.
Remember the awesome paperback horror novels of the 70s, 80s, and 90s? With the cool, creepy, kinda sleazy covers holding stories that were cool, creepy, and lazy too? As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I thought, "someone else remembers too!" And I knew I had to read this book.
The book is about a married couple who survive a terrible tragedy and move into a new house hoping for a fresh start. Of course the house is haunted (isn't it always?) Soon the couple are battling a century-old evil.
I struggled with the main characters in this book. The wife seems to refuse to see reality for what it is, and while I kinda get why she acts that way, it's very frustrating. As for the husband, he says some stuff so arrogant and dismissive of his wife's grief that I was furious and almost rooting for the ghost to kill him. In the end, though, I was sad for them both and hooked on reading their story and watching their fight with evil to the bitter end. The ending surprised me a bit, too. I was impressed it went in the direction it did. I'm so glad I checked this book out, and you should read it, too.
March 1, 2021
Losing a child to miscarriage is perhaps one of the most traumatic events a young married couple could possibly face. The very embodiment of their future hopes and dreams, the testament of their future lives together, gone. One can only imagine the black hole that would leave in someone's life; the division it could easily carve between partners. Especially because, inevitably, even in a loving relationship, the mother who carried the child is going to suffer much worse than her partner, if only because the life she carried within her is now gone, and that's something a partner can never understand fully, no matter how hard they try.
This is where we find Jake and Maggie at the beginning of this novel, reeling from the loss of their first and only child. Maggie is broken and mired in depression; Jake is doing his best to support her, care for her, and understand...even if he can't, fully. They eventually realize they have to leave their old lives behind, and they move to a new house out in the country, hoping to start anew.
Maggie's adopted several coping strategies, and though Jake may find them amusing or even odd, he's willing to go along with just about anything, if only to see Maggie through her pain. When she starts talking to someone she calls "Bobby" (a potential name for their unborn child, named after Jake's father), Jake assumes it's just another way of her attempting to cope.
It isn't, however. Something lives in this house with them. Has lived there for a very long time, and it's desperate for a mother. Before Jake quite understands what's happening, this force worms its way into Maggie's life, trying to make itself indispensable, and playing on the unspoken tensions which would inevitably exist between partners after a miscarriage. Even worse - it doesn't like Jake. Doesn't want a father figure, at all, and before long, Jake realizes it's trying to play Maggie against him, trying to convince her all she needs is "Bobby," and no one else. Certainly not Jake.
Without a doubt, this is perhaps Kelli Owen's best work to date. It's restrained, populated by deftly written characters, and it creeps along quietly, insidiously, until its fast, furious, bloody end. Having read much of Owen's earliest work, it's clear that this novel shows her at the height of her game. This is an emotionally charged story which will leave you alternating between chilled, moved, and even frustrated at Maggie - how the hell could she be so blind? - and yet you get it, too. You can't blame her, at all. You know that, if perhaps you were in her shoes...you'd probably act the same.
Get this now. You won't regret it. Highly recommended.
This is where we find Jake and Maggie at the beginning of this novel, reeling from the loss of their first and only child. Maggie is broken and mired in depression; Jake is doing his best to support her, care for her, and understand...even if he can't, fully. They eventually realize they have to leave their old lives behind, and they move to a new house out in the country, hoping to start anew.
Maggie's adopted several coping strategies, and though Jake may find them amusing or even odd, he's willing to go along with just about anything, if only to see Maggie through her pain. When she starts talking to someone she calls "Bobby" (a potential name for their unborn child, named after Jake's father), Jake assumes it's just another way of her attempting to cope.
It isn't, however. Something lives in this house with them. Has lived there for a very long time, and it's desperate for a mother. Before Jake quite understands what's happening, this force worms its way into Maggie's life, trying to make itself indispensable, and playing on the unspoken tensions which would inevitably exist between partners after a miscarriage. Even worse - it doesn't like Jake. Doesn't want a father figure, at all, and before long, Jake realizes it's trying to play Maggie against him, trying to convince her all she needs is "Bobby," and no one else. Certainly not Jake.
Without a doubt, this is perhaps Kelli Owen's best work to date. It's restrained, populated by deftly written characters, and it creeps along quietly, insidiously, until its fast, furious, bloody end. Having read much of Owen's earliest work, it's clear that this novel shows her at the height of her game. This is an emotionally charged story which will leave you alternating between chilled, moved, and even frustrated at Maggie - how the hell could she be so blind? - and yet you get it, too. You can't blame her, at all. You know that, if perhaps you were in her shoes...you'd probably act the same.
Get this now. You won't regret it. Highly recommended.
July 12, 2021
One of the absolute best ghost stories I have read. Ever.
December 2, 2023
If you’re looking for a slow burn, very descriptive story about a family’s loss and tragedy intermingled with supernatural occurrences (life after death) then this is the story for you.
Personally, I found it dragged on way too long in the beginning. I lost all sympathy for Maggie and she just became grating and annoying. Jake was pathetic and flat, having no real voice or influence in their relationship it seemed. It actually felt very unhealthy that he had to tiptoe around his wife and not say anything that “might” trigger her into a rage.
Personally, I found it dragged on way too long in the beginning. I lost all sympathy for Maggie and she just became grating and annoying. Jake was pathetic and flat, having no real voice or influence in their relationship it seemed. It actually felt very unhealthy that he had to tiptoe around his wife and not say anything that “might” trigger her into a rage.
May 9, 2021
Horror Bookworm Reviews
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Jake & Maggie’s future appears to have taken a successful leap into parenthood. The couple soon prepare for a much desired addition to their marriage. As Maggie’s due date draws near, the unthinkable happens. The tragedy of losing an unborn child becomes reality, and the struggles with intense grief begins. They make a decision to leave their home town, friends and jobs for a fresh start on life. However, this new beginning will involve a healing process that will not only test their marriage, but their sanity as well.
Author Kelli Owen brings the realism of a parents worse nightmare to her book, The Headless Boy. The emotions of guilt and heartbreak combined with hope and the struggle for a state-of-normalcy becomes the foundation for what lies ahead. Owen then immerses the reader into an unexpected cesspool of ghosts, spirits and the afterlife.
Toys, trinkets and small mementos become symbolized diversions of reality as distress eventually leads to “desperate times calling for desperate measures”. Kelli Owen consistently provides an ideal pace accompanied by pendulum swings of haunting images. The Headless Boy achieves its eerie purpose of providing a first-rate reading experience.
Completing this total package is the book cover. The worn retro look has that 1980’s nostalgic paperback vibe that we have all learned to love. From the beautiful art work to the blatantly aggressive title, this book is definitely a vibrant head turner.
Do you believe in psychic mediums? Do you believe in the powers of a ouija board? Do you believe in paranormal phenomenas? Do you believe in ghosts? ...you will...
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Jake & Maggie’s future appears to have taken a successful leap into parenthood. The couple soon prepare for a much desired addition to their marriage. As Maggie’s due date draws near, the unthinkable happens. The tragedy of losing an unborn child becomes reality, and the struggles with intense grief begins. They make a decision to leave their home town, friends and jobs for a fresh start on life. However, this new beginning will involve a healing process that will not only test their marriage, but their sanity as well.
Author Kelli Owen brings the realism of a parents worse nightmare to her book, The Headless Boy. The emotions of guilt and heartbreak combined with hope and the struggle for a state-of-normalcy becomes the foundation for what lies ahead. Owen then immerses the reader into an unexpected cesspool of ghosts, spirits and the afterlife.
Toys, trinkets and small mementos become symbolized diversions of reality as distress eventually leads to “desperate times calling for desperate measures”. Kelli Owen consistently provides an ideal pace accompanied by pendulum swings of haunting images. The Headless Boy achieves its eerie purpose of providing a first-rate reading experience.
Completing this total package is the book cover. The worn retro look has that 1980’s nostalgic paperback vibe that we have all learned to love. From the beautiful art work to the blatantly aggressive title, this book is definitely a vibrant head turner.
Do you believe in psychic mediums? Do you believe in the powers of a ouija board? Do you believe in paranormal phenomenas? Do you believe in ghosts? ...you will...
May 8, 2021
This is not just a ghost story. The Headless Boy by Kelli Owen is an incredibly evocative supernatural psychological horror novel. This is an amazing story with horrifying tragedy, psychological torment, and compelling suspense and flow.
You know from the synopsis that Maggie and Jake lose a child, so it is not a spoiler to say the psychological trauma from that plays a big part in how the rest of the story unfolds. I say “the rest of the story” because the loss of the child takes place during the beginning of the novel. So brace yourself. It’s wrenching. The characters’ decisions and actions come from a place of trauma and grief after that, and Owen’s presentation of it is hauntingly true to life.
Then comes the supernatural element. In classic style, the ghost story itself is initially more creepy and suspenseful than scary, but don’t be fooled. Kellie’s use of classic formula is part ruse. Nothing is quite what it seems, and things don’t go as you expect. Especially the ending.
And as far as it being evocative … okay, yeah, I cried in a few spots. Throughout the course of the story, I felt sorrow, anger, confusion, and creeped out. Kelli’s vivid and all-too-realistic characters get to me; I both feel for them and get angry at them. And the story itself, the combination of traumatic grief and creepy supernatural, is very immersive.
The Headless Boy is a good story, a well-written novel, and a shelf-worthy book. Highly recommended for discerning readers who enjoy a deep and evocative read.
You know from the synopsis that Maggie and Jake lose a child, so it is not a spoiler to say the psychological trauma from that plays a big part in how the rest of the story unfolds. I say “the rest of the story” because the loss of the child takes place during the beginning of the novel. So brace yourself. It’s wrenching. The characters’ decisions and actions come from a place of trauma and grief after that, and Owen’s presentation of it is hauntingly true to life.
Then comes the supernatural element. In classic style, the ghost story itself is initially more creepy and suspenseful than scary, but don’t be fooled. Kellie’s use of classic formula is part ruse. Nothing is quite what it seems, and things don’t go as you expect. Especially the ending.
And as far as it being evocative … okay, yeah, I cried in a few spots. Throughout the course of the story, I felt sorrow, anger, confusion, and creeped out. Kelli’s vivid and all-too-realistic characters get to me; I both feel for them and get angry at them. And the story itself, the combination of traumatic grief and creepy supernatural, is very immersive.
The Headless Boy is a good story, a well-written novel, and a shelf-worthy book. Highly recommended for discerning readers who enjoy a deep and evocative read.
May 23, 2023
The Headless Boy starts with a gruesome miscarriage /stillbirth that sends Maggie on an emotional downward spiral - and rightfully so. Her tireless husband, Jake moves them to a new town in hopes of helping her heal from her broken heart.
Spoiler alert: there’s a ghost.
The book unfolds in pleasing ways and delivers a variety of chills. The two big knocks for me are the head-hopping narrator combined with indistinguishable voices and a few events that felt shoehorned in to propel the plot.
Spoiler alert: there’s a ghost.
The book unfolds in pleasing ways and delivers a variety of chills. The two big knocks for me are the head-hopping narrator combined with indistinguishable voices and a few events that felt shoehorned in to propel the plot.
June 6, 2023
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.
1. I absolutely love a good haunted house story! That means I’ve read quite a few, but this was something a bit different than what I’ve read before, and that impresses me. I love when someone can take a unique spin on a ‘tired old’ trope, a.k.a just make something popular feel fresh and new.
2. Typically, I’m not a fan of stories that center the parent/child relationship or focus a bunch on being a parent, because, I’m not a parent, and I hate how society puts so much focus on people needing to procreate – it’s not a necessity, if you don’t want to, don’t. *hops off soapbox* - that is to say, I hate feeling preached at about how amazing and necessary having a kid is, and I find 98% of books that center a parent/child relationship feel preachy to me. This one did not. At all. And that allowed me to connect to the characters more.
3. Let’s talk about the characters – Oh. My. Goodness. SO PURE. Seriously, this whole book felt like I was reading about friends of mine. They are just the nicest, most respectful people. Even when they ‘weren’t’ they were. This book centers a married couple and is written from each of their perspectives. The husband is the main POV, but we do get the wife’s take on a few things, and this provides a look at both the motivation behind actions and what the perceived intentions are. They don’t always align, and that was entirely too relatable. I just loved how real the characters felt!
4. THE ENDING.
5. I’ll be very honest, I wasn’t expecting too much from this one, but Kelli Owen called my bluff, and I wound up enjoying this read so much!
1. I absolutely love a good haunted house story! That means I’ve read quite a few, but this was something a bit different than what I’ve read before, and that impresses me. I love when someone can take a unique spin on a ‘tired old’ trope, a.k.a just make something popular feel fresh and new.
2. Typically, I’m not a fan of stories that center the parent/child relationship or focus a bunch on being a parent, because, I’m not a parent, and I hate how society puts so much focus on people needing to procreate – it’s not a necessity, if you don’t want to, don’t. *hops off soapbox* - that is to say, I hate feeling preached at about how amazing and necessary having a kid is, and I find 98% of books that center a parent/child relationship feel preachy to me. This one did not. At all. And that allowed me to connect to the characters more.
3. Let’s talk about the characters – Oh. My. Goodness. SO PURE. Seriously, this whole book felt like I was reading about friends of mine. They are just the nicest, most respectful people. Even when they ‘weren’t’ they were. This book centers a married couple and is written from each of their perspectives. The husband is the main POV, but we do get the wife’s take on a few things, and this provides a look at both the motivation behind actions and what the perceived intentions are. They don’t always align, and that was entirely too relatable. I just loved how real the characters felt!
4. THE ENDING.
5. I’ll be very honest, I wasn’t expecting too much from this one, but Kelli Owen called my bluff, and I wound up enjoying this read so much!
June 15, 2021
Kelli Owen delivers an incredibly haunting – in both ghosts and devastation – novel in The Headless Boy. She deftly guides you through the story, taking her time laying out all the pieces and getting you attached to the characters before pulling back the curtain on some real evil. And things get nasty.
You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
June 17, 2021
I totally thought I was going to love this book. I'm a huge fan of haunted houses, ghosts, and creepy kids. But it took 150 pages for the husband, Jake, to realize that the boy his wife, Maggie, was talking to was not their dead child, but rather a ghost boy living in their house. And I did not find Maggie nearly as sympathetic as I should have, although I thought Jake was kind and genuinely concerned with his wife's welfare. The ramp up toward the end got better, so I ended up giving it 3 stars, but I really wanted this to be so much more.
July 27, 2023
3.5 stars
It was a good book. Didn't blow me away or anything. I was expecting it to be scarier.
Jake was such a good husband, and he deserved better.😭
It was a good book. Didn't blow me away or anything. I was expecting it to be scarier.
Jake was such a good husband, and he deserved better.😭
March 20, 2023
On paper this one had so much potential and I was incredibly excited for it. Sadly it did not live up to the very high hopes I had for it. I’m a huge fan of any book that has to do with the occult and life after death and this one just sounded so good. The idea practically had me salivating and when it first started to unroll I was pretty damn into it and sitting back to enjoy the ride. And then that’s where it started to get messy and a bunch of little things started to really bother me. I won’t nitpick and go into all of them but there’s 2 main things that really brought this from a yay to nay. First, at one point I got pretty tired of the never ending descriptive details, I only need so much to set a scene before I become bored with all the unnecessary details. Second, I didn’t connect with any of the characters which made it hard for me to enjoy as I’m a very character driven reader. The story had so much potential and I really wanted to love it but the execution just lacked for me. The potential is there but this story just didn’t quite work for me.
October 16, 2021
Full Review on CharmandaReads.com
I loved The Headless Boy.
We meet Maggie, and her amazing husband Jake. A devastating horror befalls them and the reader gets punched in the heart in the first pages of this book. Grief bleeds off the pages and infects you for the duration of their story. After their tragedy, the couple moves to a new home, one of which has been empty for some time... if you are thinking haunted house story, you are 100% correct. But Owen's haunted house is different - the haunting part is the longing for love and it is more painful than the scare.
Watching Maggie deteriorate from someone I cared for to someone I loathed kept me glued to this novel. Someone so desperate for love, ignoring the pillar of strength that is her husband, Maggie is easy to blame. The haunt of the home preys upon this broken woman, and I believe I would have fallen victim of the same thing - I too would have given this phantom a place in my heart.
Love can heal, and love can harm. This is a sweeter, softer ghost story than I am used to, and I loved it very much. My only criticism is that is a bit more of a slow burn than I would have liked. Owen takes her time to really embed those feelings of loss, fear, loneliness, and doubt. It left an aching in my joints, and she shocked me back to life at the very end.
I strongly recommend this if you like ghost stories, or if you like reading things that make you feel. The Headless Boy is amazing and a spooky season necessity.
I loved The Headless Boy.
We meet Maggie, and her amazing husband Jake. A devastating horror befalls them and the reader gets punched in the heart in the first pages of this book. Grief bleeds off the pages and infects you for the duration of their story. After their tragedy, the couple moves to a new home, one of which has been empty for some time... if you are thinking haunted house story, you are 100% correct. But Owen's haunted house is different - the haunting part is the longing for love and it is more painful than the scare.
Watching Maggie deteriorate from someone I cared for to someone I loathed kept me glued to this novel. Someone so desperate for love, ignoring the pillar of strength that is her husband, Maggie is easy to blame. The haunt of the home preys upon this broken woman, and I believe I would have fallen victim of the same thing - I too would have given this phantom a place in my heart.
Love can heal, and love can harm. This is a sweeter, softer ghost story than I am used to, and I loved it very much. My only criticism is that is a bit more of a slow burn than I would have liked. Owen takes her time to really embed those feelings of loss, fear, loneliness, and doubt. It left an aching in my joints, and she shocked me back to life at the very end.
I strongly recommend this if you like ghost stories, or if you like reading things that make you feel. The Headless Boy is amazing and a spooky season necessity.
May 10, 2023
Ok, so I've finished "The Headless Boy" ARC, written by Kelli Owen & graciously provided to me by Joe Mynhardt at Crystal Lake Pub.
To put it simply: the book hit the spot.
Whenever I go into a story the thing I need the most are characters I either like or loathe in order to be interested in what's actually happening to them.
These ones, I truly loathed. A great thing for a horror story, as it keeps the reader interested in witnessing their unraveling.
Owen's prose is efficient, with some very potent images delivered seamlessly at certain times, but not overly verbose. The pacing is perfect, but mind, it is a slow burner. One that is nicely written with uncomplicated language or overly complex structure, so it serves the main purpose of the story, and this particulartale is one of a haunting.
Unlike other tales of this kind, the main characters start the story already haunted by their own pasts, petiness, selfishness & obsessions, all there for the reader to discover as they go througha great tragedy and try to beging again in a new home.
How the story unfold kept me reading for three nights, hating how each character went about being themselves and refusing to see the impending doom they were inviting into their lives by just going about it as usual.
A solid, efficient & clean horror story.
Recommended.
To put it simply: the book hit the spot.
Whenever I go into a story the thing I need the most are characters I either like or loathe in order to be interested in what's actually happening to them.
These ones, I truly loathed. A great thing for a horror story, as it keeps the reader interested in witnessing their unraveling.
Owen's prose is efficient, with some very potent images delivered seamlessly at certain times, but not overly verbose. The pacing is perfect, but mind, it is a slow burner. One that is nicely written with uncomplicated language or overly complex structure, so it serves the main purpose of the story, and this particulartale is one of a haunting.
Unlike other tales of this kind, the main characters start the story already haunted by their own pasts, petiness, selfishness & obsessions, all there for the reader to discover as they go througha great tragedy and try to beging again in a new home.
How the story unfold kept me reading for three nights, hating how each character went about being themselves and refusing to see the impending doom they were inviting into their lives by just going about it as usual.
A solid, efficient & clean horror story.
Recommended.
May 1, 2023
I received a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Husband and wife Jake and Maggie start a new life after losing their child, but the house they move to has a history that seems intent on holding on tight.
Jake and Maggie have experienced a lot of trauma and their characters reflect this throughout. The story unwinds at a good pace, Maggie falling deeper into the arms of a spectral little boy but Jake can see the true form the spirit encompasses.
Bobby is not a nice little boy and that comes across right from the start, in the subtle way he creates a barrier between Jake and Maggie.
The ending I thought was great, and without giving away any spoilers, Maggie comes full circle which was great to see.
A good read.
Husband and wife Jake and Maggie start a new life after losing their child, but the house they move to has a history that seems intent on holding on tight.
Jake and Maggie have experienced a lot of trauma and their characters reflect this throughout. The story unwinds at a good pace, Maggie falling deeper into the arms of a spectral little boy but Jake can see the true form the spirit encompasses.
Bobby is not a nice little boy and that comes across right from the start, in the subtle way he creates a barrier between Jake and Maggie.
The ending I thought was great, and without giving away any spoilers, Maggie comes full circle which was great to see.
A good read.
May 2, 2023
What an excellent ghost story. If I was to move into a house that soon started showing signs of being haunted; I am not sure what I would do. I guess if the spirit was friendly then maybe I could stay. The problem with that theory is; how would one know if the spirit is friendly? As I read the pages, I felt the eeriness of the house. I could feel the wedge between Jake and Maggie growing wider as they experienced more within the house. It would have been very easy to see why Maggie was so involved with Bobby. The ghost child was giving her what she wanted but was he really? Read this book to find out why it is a good ghost story.
February 23, 2021
OMG!
Where to begin?
This read has the greatest story line ever. The ups and downs of losing a loved one. The ups and downs of the impact on their marriage. Whether or not he is going crazy or is she?
There is so much unpacked in this and you won’t want to put it down. I don’t think I’ve ever read something that depicts the ghosts of our pasts and present as much as this does even without the supernatural aspects.
From start to finish I was on edge and loving every moment unfold like a movie in my head.
Will recommend to everyone!
Where to begin?
This read has the greatest story line ever. The ups and downs of losing a loved one. The ups and downs of the impact on their marriage. Whether or not he is going crazy or is she?
There is so much unpacked in this and you won’t want to put it down. I don’t think I’ve ever read something that depicts the ghosts of our pasts and present as much as this does even without the supernatural aspects.
From start to finish I was on edge and loving every moment unfold like a movie in my head.
Will recommend to everyone!
June 15, 2021
Kelli Owen delivers an incredibly haunting – in both ghosts and devastation – novel in The Headless Boy. She deftly guides you through the story, taking her time laying out all the pieces and getting you attached to the characters before pulling back the curtain on some real evil. And things get nasty.
You can read my full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read my full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
January 14, 2023
Much more than a simple ghost story or haunted house tale, author Kelli Owen takes us on a journey of loss and heartbreak that is absolutely gutwrenching.
This novel chronicles the marriage of Maggie and Jake beginning at a regular OB visit. Things spiral downward from there.
Well done, but keep those tissues handy!
This novel chronicles the marriage of Maggie and Jake beginning at a regular OB visit. Things spiral downward from there.
Well done, but keep those tissues handy!
March 10, 2021
THE HEADLESS BOY certainly hit too close to home at times for me. My wife and I suffered the tragedy of a miscarriage and were never able to have children so the early tragedy in this story absolutely broke me. THE HEADLESS BOY is a very good creepy ghost story that will leave fans very satisfied.
July 17, 2021
Haunted house, ghost story
So well written, we get the story from both husband and wife perspective. Warning chapter one will tear your heart out.
So well written, we get the story from both husband and wife perspective. Warning chapter one will tear your heart out.
August 16, 2021
Trigger warning - stillbirth.
A tragic beginning to a ghost story.
A well written, engaging novel.
A tragic beginning to a ghost story.
A well written, engaging novel.
October 24, 2021
An examination of loss and grief, this frightening haunted house story will keep you in suspense until the very end, and frighten you along the way. Highly recommend.
May 20, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
I really enjoyed this. It was fun, and spooky. If you like ghost stories I think you'll enjoy this. I never knew what was going to happen next. The way the couple in the story interacted with each other, and with the ghost I think worked really well. As a warning though this does deal with death, and dead children so if that is a sensitive subject for you then you might want to skip this one. Other than that dive on in.
I really enjoyed this. It was fun, and spooky. If you like ghost stories I think you'll enjoy this. I never knew what was going to happen next. The way the couple in the story interacted with each other, and with the ghost I think worked really well. As a warning though this does deal with death, and dead children so if that is a sensitive subject for you then you might want to skip this one. Other than that dive on in.
December 29, 2021
One could fairly argue that ghost stories are overdone in horror, and that's probably true. But I think there's still something worth exploring in the subgenre when it's written with a certain degree of emotional gravitas. After all, the best horror isn't just about mindless scares or gore (as much as we all might enjoy such things), but about deep psychological issues. And that's exactly what this book delivers.
Beginning with one of the most devastating opening chapters I've read in recent memory, The Headless Boy takes the reader through a haunting (literally and figuratively) tour of the effects of grief, both on individual psychology and on marital relationships. The supernatural elements in the story fit perfectly within the entirely (and horrifyingly) natural framework of a young couple's attempts to cope with loss so that the supernatural and psychological support each other and create a whole that is both more frightening and more emotionally impactful than the sum of its parts.
One of the remarkable things about the story is that the main characters, even when they find themselves at odds with each other and even as the reader inevitably takes sides in their struggles, both remain completely believable and sympathetic throughout. For just one example (and I've deliberately chosen an example that doesn't spoil anything), the characters spend a fair portion of the book on opposite sides of the "supernatural debate." That is, one believes in the ghost and one does not, with results that affect the course of the narrative. While this particular source of conflict is nothing new to the horror genre (especially ghost or haunted house stories), the interesting thing about this particular treatment is that it's the atheist/non-believer who initially becomes convinced of the ghost and the believer who is skeptical of their particular haunting. This creates an interesting character dynamic that both breathes new life into the genre but also provides some key insights into the characters' psychology. This is important because, even at the height of its horrifying portions, the novel never loses sight of the fact that much of the more realistic horror contained within its pages is rooted in the psychology of how humans deal with overwhelming grief.
All in all, I'd call this a near-perfect ghost story. I won't go quite as far as to say it's flawless. I would have preferred a slightly slower treatment of the ending, and perhaps an extra chapter or two following the ending to give the reader some time to unwind. That said, it's easily one of the best books I've read this year, and it's the kind of story that'll stick with you for a long time. Read it.
Beginning with one of the most devastating opening chapters I've read in recent memory, The Headless Boy takes the reader through a haunting (literally and figuratively) tour of the effects of grief, both on individual psychology and on marital relationships. The supernatural elements in the story fit perfectly within the entirely (and horrifyingly) natural framework of a young couple's attempts to cope with loss so that the supernatural and psychological support each other and create a whole that is both more frightening and more emotionally impactful than the sum of its parts.
One of the remarkable things about the story is that the main characters, even when they find themselves at odds with each other and even as the reader inevitably takes sides in their struggles, both remain completely believable and sympathetic throughout. For just one example (and I've deliberately chosen an example that doesn't spoil anything), the characters spend a fair portion of the book on opposite sides of the "supernatural debate." That is, one believes in the ghost and one does not, with results that affect the course of the narrative. While this particular source of conflict is nothing new to the horror genre (especially ghost or haunted house stories), the interesting thing about this particular treatment is that it's the atheist/non-believer who initially becomes convinced of the ghost and the believer who is skeptical of their particular haunting. This creates an interesting character dynamic that both breathes new life into the genre but also provides some key insights into the characters' psychology. This is important because, even at the height of its horrifying portions, the novel never loses sight of the fact that much of the more realistic horror contained within its pages is rooted in the psychology of how humans deal with overwhelming grief.
All in all, I'd call this a near-perfect ghost story. I won't go quite as far as to say it's flawless. I would have preferred a slightly slower treatment of the ending, and perhaps an extra chapter or two following the ending to give the reader some time to unwind. That said, it's easily one of the best books I've read this year, and it's the kind of story that'll stick with you for a long time. Read it.
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