What do you think?
Rate this book
Locke & Key: Head Games
Locke & Key: Head Games #2
Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father's murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters, and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support. Meanwhile, six-year-old Bode Locke tries to puzzle out the secret of the head key, and Uncle Duncan is jarred into the past by a disturbingly familiar face.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2009
7 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
506 books30k followersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 30, 2021
Dude i am not sure what's awesome about this lol.
So the new key made bode's brain disappear what else? xD
Dodge on his way to kill anyone who remembers him it seems, he didn't really make a true effort to make himself look different.
So the new key made bode's brain disappear what else? xD
Dodge on his way to kill anyone who remembers him it seems, he didn't really make a true effort to make himself look different.
November 5, 2023
In the volume two of the series, the story continues by focusing on Zack's relationship with the Locke brothers. The plot is interesting, but it only carries on the events that occurred after professor Ridgeway's death and almost nothing happens until the final twist.
Very impressive the scene showing Bode using the new key he just discovered .
A good volume, we'll see what happens next!
Very impressive the scene showing Bode using the new key he just discovered .
A good volume, we'll see what happens next!
November 20, 2020
It sure IS awesome.
December 28, 2023
This is so weird, but in a fun way!
October 16, 2020
R slur = automatic 1 star
May 24, 2016
This is the stuff nightmares are made of. It's creepy but you cannot pry yourself from the story line.
December 28, 2020
When Mr. Ridgeway finds out who Luke is, Luke is very worried that his plans will be sabotaged if his identity is revealed. To deal with that, he kills Mr. Ridgeway. Luke and the Lockes, specifically Kinsey and Tyler, become closer.
Uncle Duncan has to go back to his job. Leaving the Locke family alone at Keyhouse. On his way out of the grounds, he has an eerie feeling that he recognizes Luke; Luke is worried about this.
Bode found a new key and he tries to figure out what it does.
Uncle Duncan has to go back to his job. Leaving the Locke family alone at Keyhouse. On his way out of the grounds, he has an eerie feeling that he recognizes Luke; Luke is worried about this.
Bode found a new key and he tries to figure out what it does.
February 11, 2020
in this chapter, the Locke kids discover a key that opens up a person's mind for casual or nefarious perusal. who would you be if you could remove your fear, your emotions, your worst memories? it's a fascinating premise. we also get more of an insight into the events of the past, involving their father and the mysterious, ruthless character of dodge/echo.
June 24, 2025
”Chapter One: Head Games”
Fantastic cover.
We see the gym teacher (Ellie Whedon) is totally subservient to Zack (nee Dodge, nee Lucas). But it’s not the dead guy (Mr. Ridgeway) in the bathtub. Zack needs help with the computer.
”It’s nothing like the Commodore 64 I used to have.”
Bode is running around Keyhouse with a new key, opening doors and trying to find out what it does. He’s having no luck.
Later the police are investigating the ‘suicide’ of Mr. Ridgeway. He apparently sent a suicide note through email to everyone in his address book.
Elsewhere Kinsey is told about Mr. Ridgeway’s suicide and is quite upset. Tyler and Zack try to comfort her and hang out at the beach where Tyler meets a girl and guy who invites him to be on the hockey team.
Back at Keyhouse Duncan has to leave town for a job. Nina is just… hanging out at home. Duncan says goodbye to Bode and Tyler on the way out of town. He meets Zack. Who looks familiar.
Zack goes back to ‘Aunt’ Ellie and says he’s worried that Duncan recognized him.
Meanwhile, Bode has discovered what the key does… to his head.
OMG! This is so good. What’s also good is how they pace it, with the normal stuff happening in between the weird stuff. It’s not about the keys, it’s about the characters.
5 stars. I need more.
Fantastic cover.
We see the gym teacher (Ellie Whedon) is totally subservient to Zack (nee Dodge, nee Lucas). But it’s not the dead guy (Mr. Ridgeway) in the bathtub. Zack needs help with the computer.
”It’s nothing like the Commodore 64 I used to have.”
Bode is running around Keyhouse with a new key, opening doors and trying to find out what it does. He’s having no luck.
Later the police are investigating the ‘suicide’ of Mr. Ridgeway. He apparently sent a suicide note through email to everyone in his address book.
Elsewhere Kinsey is told about Mr. Ridgeway’s suicide and is quite upset. Tyler and Zack try to comfort her and hang out at the beach where Tyler meets a girl and guy who invites him to be on the hockey team.
Back at Keyhouse Duncan has to leave town for a job. Nina is just… hanging out at home. Duncan says goodbye to Bode and Tyler on the way out of town. He meets Zack. Who looks familiar.
Zack goes back to ‘Aunt’ Ellie and says he’s worried that Duncan recognized him.
Meanwhile, Bode has discovered what the key does… to his head.
OMG! This is so good. What’s also good is how they pace it, with the normal stuff happening in between the weird stuff. It’s not about the keys, it’s about the characters.
5 stars. I need more.
July 5, 2022
While Dodge works on their agenda with Tyler, Bode is trying to figure out the use of the key he got, another wonderful issue, and let's see how it goes ahead.
I have always loved comics, and I hope to always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I hope to always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
August 29, 2025
I don't want to call this a filler issue, because it isn't really. It's more a response issue, if that makes sense - various characters and their reactions to last issue's death. It's made up of character moments more than anything. There's also a pretty great ending which is something of a low-stakes shocker. Bode is just so delighted by what he's found despite the fact that it's deeply bizarre. I find myself wondering how it works... Not the key or the unlocking of the skull, but the fact that said skull's so clearly empty while it absolutely cannot be. It's just weirdly fun, and a great visual.
April 23, 2019
Vastly overrated, and a huge letdown from the first volume. I really do not like the writing OR the artwork, and found the homophobic content excessive and troubling.
The artwork involving "opening up the heads" is laughably bad.
The artwork involving "opening up the heads" is laughably bad.
October 14, 2020
Good volume, the head key is quite a bit different at least on the physical point. Indeed it's like Bode's head is cut open whereas in the show there's no physical transformation.
Still a good volume, I need to see what's going to happen next !
Still a good volume, I need to see what's going to happen next !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
I read this issue in the graphic novel volume, Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games. See my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
Very Interesting and unique story line. This second volume did not disappoint.
September 27, 2017
On to #3!
December 1, 2017
It was just as good as the first one
October 27, 2019
This one was really good. I liked it better than the first. A lot less death, which was good and I like the way the story is building. I definitely want to continue this series.
January 13, 2020
Vaya vaya! Quiero una llave mental :0
February 1, 2020
Simplemente genial, sin duda esta llave serviría de mucho en cualquier ámbito.
March 20, 2020
Really enjoying this series
March 26, 2020
I love these comic books by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. The stories are so original and the artwork is awesome. Can't wait to read the rest.
August 3, 2020
The portrayals of "real people" (cops, etc.) are so one-dimensional.
February 18, 2022
Well, that was unusual
December 24, 2024
Okay, I am admittedly speed running my list but this is a fun one.
October 20, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
My Wattpad Account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Michael-...
My Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/SorbelloHorror
My Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/michael.sorb...
The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
My Wattpad Account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Michael-...
My Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/SorbelloHorror
My Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/michael.sorb...
February 19, 2020
4.5 stars
The concept of this one is really cool. I love the way Rodriguez illustrates the inside of each person's head! Pretty insane volume. I'm loving this series and can't wait to see what's in store for Volume 3 :)
The concept of this one is really cool. I love the way Rodriguez illustrates the inside of each person's head! Pretty insane volume. I'm loving this series and can't wait to see what's in store for Volume 3 :)
May 7, 2015
Όου. Μάι. ΓΚΑΝΤ!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews