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Cornelia
You can't see her...but she can see you.
When Rose gains a promotion at work and relocates the family from Texas to Salem, Massachusetts, it is 9-year-old Mia who suffers. Her father works in the Alaskan oil fields for seventy percent of the year and Rose's new job means her daughter is neglected, and often the target of her mother's frustrations.
On top of that, Mia is constantly bullied at school, called cruel names, and when she seeks solace from her teachers, they claim she is the disturbance. All she wants is a friend.
After being assaulted by other kids, Mia runs to hide in the bathroom, where she meets Cornelia. The girl is clearly older, around fifteen, but insists her only purpose is to be Mia's friend. The young girl accepts, and life becomes instantly more bearable. The bullies get a taste of their own medicine. Her mother is more attentive. And nobody gets in her way. There's just one problem.
Mia is the only one who can see Cornelia.
But Cornelia can see everyone else. And she will protect Mia at any cost.
From award-winning author David W. Adams, comes this twisted tale of when a little girl's imaginary friend gets a taste for revenge.
When Rose gains a promotion at work and relocates the family from Texas to Salem, Massachusetts, it is 9-year-old Mia who suffers. Her father works in the Alaskan oil fields for seventy percent of the year and Rose's new job means her daughter is neglected, and often the target of her mother's frustrations.
On top of that, Mia is constantly bullied at school, called cruel names, and when she seeks solace from her teachers, they claim she is the disturbance. All she wants is a friend.
After being assaulted by other kids, Mia runs to hide in the bathroom, where she meets Cornelia. The girl is clearly older, around fifteen, but insists her only purpose is to be Mia's friend. The young girl accepts, and life becomes instantly more bearable. The bullies get a taste of their own medicine. Her mother is more attentive. And nobody gets in her way. There's just one problem.
Mia is the only one who can see Cornelia.
But Cornelia can see everyone else. And she will protect Mia at any cost.
From award-winning author David W. Adams, comes this twisted tale of when a little girl's imaginary friend gets a taste for revenge.
Audible Audio
Published July 25, 2025
5 people want to read
About the author
David W. Adams
18 books15 followersDavid W. Adams is the author of 16 dark and atmospheric novels spanning horror, sci-fi, and dark fantasy. Born in Wolverhampton, England in 1988 and raised in Telford, David took a non-traditional path, leaving formal education to work full-time, before discovering his passion for writing.
His debut collection of haunting short stories was published in early 2021, born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his work has been praised for its emotional depth, chilling atmosphere, and cinematic storytelling.
In 2024, his sci-fi horror novel *Horizon* won AudiobookReviewer.com's award for Best Dystopian Novel, thanks in part to the gripping narration by frequent collaborator Brandon J. Peterson.
David now lives on the Isle of Portland in Dorset with his wife, Charlotte. In addition to writing, he designs book covers and reviews books on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights into the craft and the indie publishing world.
Follow this author to stay updated on new releases, projects, and behind-the-scenes content.
His debut collection of haunting short stories was published in early 2021, born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his work has been praised for its emotional depth, chilling atmosphere, and cinematic storytelling.
In 2024, his sci-fi horror novel *Horizon* won AudiobookReviewer.com's award for Best Dystopian Novel, thanks in part to the gripping narration by frequent collaborator Brandon J. Peterson.
David now lives on the Isle of Portland in Dorset with his wife, Charlotte. In addition to writing, he designs book covers and reviews books on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights into the craft and the indie publishing world.
Follow this author to stay updated on new releases, projects, and behind-the-scenes content.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 24, 2025
Cornelia is reminiscent of early 2000s/2010s horror, and I say that as the biggest compliment. That era of horror was and always will be my favorite. This novel felt like a spectacular, witchy mix of Mama (2013) and The Possession (2012).
We follow Mia and her budding relationship with Cornelia and get glimpses into what Cornelia does when Mia is not around. I loved the pattern of switching back and forth between the main story of the Hansen family and gruesome deaths.
Super creepy, with some vivid atmosphere, and a fun story.
We follow Mia and her budding relationship with Cornelia and get glimpses into what Cornelia does when Mia is not around. I loved the pattern of switching back and forth between the main story of the Hansen family and gruesome deaths.
Super creepy, with some vivid atmosphere, and a fun story.
May 31, 2025
A captivating, dark novella that was impossible to put down - it was a book I devoured in its entirety and will happily read again in the future. The flow of the book is smooth and just perfect, the scenes padded out with vivid but varied descriptions of the drama, death and injury that ensues throughout the book and a few good twists/reveals as the novella draws to a close. Amazing! Wow! I will be looking forward to more of these kinds of stories from this author.
October 20, 2025
A occult, atmospheric horror that is heaped in suspense and character torment.
Brandon's narration is superbly produced and epically delivered Which compliments the incredibly suspenseful and entertaining writing from David. I've read AND listened to this book now and it is out of this world!
Brandon's narration is superbly produced and epically delivered Which compliments the incredibly suspenseful and entertaining writing from David. I've read AND listened to this book now and it is out of this world!
August 5, 2025
Cornelia by David W. Adams
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fantastic and totally gripping horror novella!
Mia, a lonely 9 year old, is teased a lot in school and ends up striking up a friendship with an imaginary person, Cornelia. Her dad is out of town working all of the time and her mother doesn’t want to be bothered by her, so this is a special friendship for Mia.
This imaginary friend is looking for more than just friendship!!
I love the premise of this story and how thorough and detailed the story is for not being that long. It’s dark, spooky and very entertaining. I love the way parts and pieces all tied together in the end. Fantastic!!
This is my first book from this author and I loved this story!
I listened to the audio version and I 100% recommend going this route. The audio was so fun and extra exciting with different voices and sounds.
👿One of my top reads for this year!
Definitely worth checking it out!! 😈
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fantastic and totally gripping horror novella!
Mia, a lonely 9 year old, is teased a lot in school and ends up striking up a friendship with an imaginary person, Cornelia. Her dad is out of town working all of the time and her mother doesn’t want to be bothered by her, so this is a special friendship for Mia.
This imaginary friend is looking for more than just friendship!!
I love the premise of this story and how thorough and detailed the story is for not being that long. It’s dark, spooky and very entertaining. I love the way parts and pieces all tied together in the end. Fantastic!!
This is my first book from this author and I loved this story!
I listened to the audio version and I 100% recommend going this route. The audio was so fun and extra exciting with different voices and sounds.
👿One of my top reads for this year!
Definitely worth checking it out!! 😈
August 30, 2025
I was prewarned I would lose sleep over this one, so I deliberately listened to it during the day. My mama never raised no fool. when the author tells you good luck sleeping, you heed those words!
Cornelia has many layers, sort of like an onion. The more you peel back, the more you realize you're not properly equipped for this, and in the end, you're crying and in pain.
Cornelia is Mia's imaginary friend. Supposed imaginary friend. However, Cornelia is the only one that helps protect Mia from being bullied by some of her classmates. Or from the abuse and neglect of her mother.
Cornelia's protectiveness escalates quickly, and soon no one is safe from her wrath.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and was quite surprised by the ending. I never saw that in the cards. Fabulous listen...just not at night. Highly recommend daytime listening/reading.
Cornelia has many layers, sort of like an onion. The more you peel back, the more you realize you're not properly equipped for this, and in the end, you're crying and in pain.
Cornelia is Mia's imaginary friend. Supposed imaginary friend. However, Cornelia is the only one that helps protect Mia from being bullied by some of her classmates. Or from the abuse and neglect of her mother.
Cornelia's protectiveness escalates quickly, and soon no one is safe from her wrath.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and was quite surprised by the ending. I never saw that in the cards. Fabulous listen...just not at night. Highly recommend daytime listening/reading.
August 20, 2025
Interesting tale about Mia, an only child, whose mother has no time for her and her father works on an oil field in Alaska. After a move from Texas to Salem, Mia's life is lonely and full of grief as she has no friends, the kids at school bully and torment her , the teacher blames her for everything, her dad is out of town working, and her mom has no patience for her. Mia just wants a friend, and finds one in Cornelia, who will do anything to help make Mia happy. Brandon Peterson does a wonderful job in narration, helped along with the sound effects. It is a very dark and spooky book.
October 16, 2025
Cornelia had potential, but sadly, it fell flat in almost every area. It wasn’t particularly scary, and any attempts at building tension were predictable. The story lacked originality, and the plot left a lot to be desired, it just never managed to hook me. None of the characters were especially likeable or memorable, which made it hard to stay invested in what happened to them. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn’t deliver on its promise of suspense or atmosphere.
April 15, 2025
A dark horror story following a lonely, bullied little girl with an imaginary friend with a realistic bite. When Cornelia makes an appearance, things get messy quickly, and the whole town feels it.
This is a quick read (even if it's also a creepy one!) with a satisfying twist at the end 😉🖤
This is a quick read (even if it's also a creepy one!) with a satisfying twist at the end 😉🖤
March 21, 2025
If you've been thinking to yourself, "Dave's books could do with a bit more blood and gore." (Not something I have ever thought!) Then hold on to ya britches. He just delivered with this book.
TWs for demonic possession, lots of visceral murders, lots of blood, abusive families, bullying, and vengeance.
You will get attached to Mia, the loneliest 9 year old, as her imaginary friend becomes real in a devastating and creepy way 💔
Also - i got weirdly attached to the attending detectives at each incident. The vending machine Skittles made me want to cry, you'll know it when you read it.
Most fascinating was the epilogue, I think Dave has left room for expanding on the character of Ted, and I would certainly be up for reading that!
TWs for demonic possession, lots of visceral murders, lots of blood, abusive families, bullying, and vengeance.
You will get attached to Mia, the loneliest 9 year old, as her imaginary friend becomes real in a devastating and creepy way 💔
Also - i got weirdly attached to the attending detectives at each incident. The vending machine Skittles made me want to cry, you'll know it when you read it.
Most fascinating was the epilogue, I think Dave has left room for expanding on the character of Ted, and I would certainly be up for reading that!
December 31, 2025
I am going to preface this by saying…. I don’t read horror. Stories that stop me from sleeping are best avoided. However, David is a supreme storyteller, one who’s books I always look out for, and Cornelia is no exception, even if I had to read it during daylight hours. Had I read this before turning in, I wouldn’t have slept. It’s creepy, it’s shocking, it’s tormenting. Trigger warning: Kids die. Whether they deserve it or not. There’s a lovely twist I really should have seen coming, and when it happened, I remembered all the clues. The end was… unexpected. David writes about demonically possessed little girls like he knows one personally, with an understanding and empathy at odds with the horror bubbling under their facade. In summary: Salem witches; new family and old ghosts. Once you let an evil into the world, it’s never going to be sent back without a fight. It’s not a long book, and I read it end to end somewhere crossing the North Sea.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews