Wilted Lilies

Wilted Lily #1

by Kelli Owen

It's not that Lily May Holloway is a broken, battered teenager recently escaped from her kidnapper.

It's not that she may or may not have killed him to escape.

The question on Detective Travis Butler's mind is — what exactly does the death of little Tommy Jenkins have to do with her kidnapper?

And why does the man behind the one-way glass want the detective to entertain Lily's tales of speaking to the dead... and being able to hear the thoughts of the living?

Genres: Horror

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2015

About the author

Kelli 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

Reviews

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a damn tragedy of epic proportions this book is flying under the radar. I'm pissed as hell that people who have read it didn't scream its amazingness loud enough for me to hear it. So now it's my job: BUY THIS BOOK NOW! It's .99 on Amazon for Kindles.
This will be one of my most recommended novellas forever and ever starting today. The most exciting thing about Wilted Lilies is that it says up there in the title (Wilted Lily #1) so now I'm going to need more, more, and MORE of Lily May Holloway.
For only 98 pages, this story is fully formed and wholly satisfying. The story of a young woman sitting in an interrogation room giving recorded testimony as to what happened to her while she was missing for quite some time.
Kelli Owen masterfully unravels a complicated and amazing story through the narrative of Lily May as she tells it to Detective Travis Butler. The reader is immediately drawn into Lily's first-hand account of all that transpires leading up to what happened to her. It all starts with a little boy named Tommy.
I urge people to go into this quick read totally blind and read it in one sitting.
I started it at night on my Kindle and woke up and finished it.
There is not an exaggerating bone in my body when I tell you that this is a new all-time favorite story. This is the kind of book I want to read for the rest of my life. It's eerie (there was one, single moment where I got goosebumps), it's totally original, it's overwhelmingly emotional--I found myself in tears more than once and it's flipping amazing.
I can't believe the entire story is told in one room and almost entirely monologed (like Dolores Claiborne). I am so enamored with this book, I'm going to buy the next one right now and most likely binge-read that as well. I'm intentionally skipping anything to do with the plot, there's enough in the synopsis for readers to get the idea, I will say that fans of THE LISTENER by Robert McCammon would love this too. Trust me.

Mother Horror Blurb: NEW FAVORITE BOOK ALERT! Kelli Owen is one of the best storytellers writing today. This little 98-page book is EVERYTHING. Character-driven, emotional, and 100% unputdownable. Lily May Holloway is a new favorite protagonist-her story is unlike anything you've ever read before. Thank god her story continues...

[♡ retrovvitches ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was fantastic. this was spooky with some great atmosphere building. i liked the premise, and how the story was told the perfect amount of unsettling. more people need to read this!!!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to start this review with, “One of the things I like about Kelli Owen’s writing is…” But then I realized that I like too many things about Owen’s writing for that statement to hold any water. However, there are two things she does extraordinarily well – characterization and grounded horror – and both are on point in her novella, Wilted Lilies.

You can read my full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first sentence of this story I was totally hooked. It has great writing and character development and you will race through the pages to see how it’s going to end. I can’t wait to read more about the adventures of Lilly May and Tommy!

[Horror DNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to start this review with, “One of the things I like about Kelli Owen’s writing is…” But then I realized that I like too many things about Owen’s writing for that statement to hold any water. However, there are two things she does extraordinarily well – characterization and grounded horror – and both are on point in her novella, Wilted Lilies.

You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Lisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her novella Wilted Lilies, Kelli Owen weaves a chilling tale of suspense, intrigue, and the horrors people inflict on one another. And she weaves this on a loom of the paranormal, blurring the lines of subgenre with expert skill.

Other reviews I have seen appear to be variations on a theme: The book is about –this-, and it was good, and I liked it. I completely understand these simplistic reviews. The book is good. It is a good, strong story. I liked it, myself. And I believe you will like it too!

But this just begs the question: Why?

The short answer is: because Kelli Owen is an incredible author and this is a quality piece by her.

Kelli hooks you with the opening paragraph, slowly and steadily reels you in as the story unfolds, then snatches you up with the ending. This is her style and it never disappoints. Her attention to detail and continuity as she builds tension is impeccable. Her characterization is always compelling; compelling you to want to know more, compelling you to want to get to know each character even as she reveals more about them, compelling you to feel something for them and with them. Her stories are always creative and enjoyable and reflective of the human condition. But she is often one step beyond the typical thriller, weaving in things that intrigue and chill you and take you that place where horror thrillers are born. Wilted Lilies is a perfect example of this. The story is dark and mysterious and I just could not put it down.

You may note that other reviews spoke of wanting more. This is not because her ending was lacking. Oh no, the ending was amazing and quite impactful. You want more because it’s just that good and the concept of the story makes you want more.

But once you start reading Kelli Owen, you are going to want more.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very tautly-written little thriller of a novella. The claustrophobia of the single (brief flashbacks notwithstanding) room setting adds to the tension and intimacy of the piece. The characters, while few, are well-realized and earnestly written. The author's affinity and affection for the lead are clear to see and lend an additional sympathetic aspect to her travails.

Ultimately appearing as a teaser for a larger body of work set in the same world, the story still stands nicely on its own and was a gripping, thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. This was my first experience with Kelli Owen's fiction and I'll be moving on to more of her work without a doubt.

Shout out to Paul Goblirsch of Thunderstorm Books for putting out a beautiful edition of this novella and for introducing me to Ms. Owen and so many other wonderful authors.

[Sandra Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Travis Butler has been selected to interview Lily May Holloway. The reason? He isn’t from her town. He’s an outsider, and because he’s an outsider he doesn’t have any preconceived ideas about Lily May or some of the events she needs to talk about.

This entire novella takes place in the police station. From almost start to finish, Lily May holds the narrative, although Travis is our point of view character, and it’s his thoughts that are sprinkled throughout.

Lily May is just old enough to have some keen insights, but still young enough to share her story openly, or so it seems. Travis isn’t inclined to believe her initial comments about hearing people’s thoughts, and eventually hearing and seeing the dead, but he does what he’s been told to do — indulge her, get her to talk.

There’s a man on the other side of the interrogation room window, watching and listening. Travis isn’t sure who he is or what he wants, other than for Travis to get Lily May to tell her tale.
As the pieces start to come together, Travis learns about the murder of Lily’s friend Tommy, and how it connects to the harrowing ordeal Lily has just experienced herself. But can Travis truly believe everything Lily says about the voices in her head, or is there something even more sinister at work here?

This story engaged and engrosses from page 1. Lily May is an amazing character with her own distinct voice, and more than capable of holding the story through her dialogue. The brief moments when she leaves to go to the bathroom or get something to eat are used brilliantly by Owen to inject information about the interview itself and who’s listening in. I was captivated from the start, and this book never feels like it lets the action lag, despite the fact that it’s primarily dialogue told in a generic police interview room, away from the events explored. Highly recommended.

[Wayne Fenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, another great story read today. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Around 100 pages.
Kelli Owen is a brilliant writer.
Engaged the whole time.
Five stars.

[Christina Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelli Owen has a talent for writing descriptors that drop you smack dab in the environment of the story. Lily May might be a child, but she's a force to be reckoned with! Owen has a way of making you vested in her characters. This was a great, quick read. Looking forward to the next adventure of Lily May!

[Thomas Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing mystery revolving around the wonderfully rich character of Lily May Holloway. The majority of the book is Lily May recounting the story of her gift and how it made her a target for a very dangerous man. I loved the voice of Lily May, Owen capturing it perfectly. And, as good as the story is about the central mystery, the tangential material about Lily May's relationships with her family and the townspeople really shines through.

A perfect introduction to Kelli Owen's writing.

[Dan Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly intense. Great writing. Looking forward to more Lily May and Tommy! Great story!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This short story starts by introducing a girl who is mid interview. She is from a small down and describing how she hears people’s thoughts. Her papa is scared of her. She saved her neighbor because she heard she was going to kill herself. Mrs miller ended up taking a bunch of pills and killing herself 2 years later anyways. The interviewer‘s name is Travis. Of note they start describing a little boy named Tommy Jenkins who died/drowned a few years before and was found dead for the second time. Lily May describes how when her Memaw had a heart attack her and Tommy had conversations without actually speaking, and he was the only person she knew who could hear her thoughts like she did for other people. Lilly babysat Tommy for a while. The second time Tommy was found dead he was likely murdered. He was six years old and he went to the fair alone and never came home. Tommy’s mom nearly choked Lily dead before her papa stepped in. The whole town including the church is scared of her and her capabilities.

While wandering the cemetery, Lily meets a dead woman’s ghost named Clara Beth who died during childbirth. Clara has Lily tell her husband that there is a tin of money in their basement. He cries. She never sees Clara Beth again. She hears from an older black woman that when people die to sudden or had things left undone, they would stay behind, but never show up until their funeral flowers were droopy.

The first time Lily saw Tommy he made her run right before a dump truck slammed into a fence where she was standing. He saved her life. It was at that point she realized that the dead know a lot. Wade and Della are two ghosts who come around Lily a lot and have not moved on. Of note, when Travis walks out of the room for the interview, he does a sound check with the recorder and here’s a young boy voice saying “don’t you dare tell him” — It sounded like he was in the room.

Her papa turned yellow and died of cirrhosis. She did not know when he was going to die, however and he did not come back.

We find out that the reason she is dirty and covered in mud is because she was kidnapped. She was kept in a basement and slapped. Fed sparingly. It took Tommy eight days to find her and he stayed in that basement and kept her company. Her captor worked five days on and two days off. She was trying to think about as much information as she could. When he was actually feeding her up, Tommy looked very scared and relayed the information that this was the man that killed him. Although it was an accident the man believes Lily knows who he is and that he did it.

The man comes back and tries to kill Lilly. Her papa comes into her body and strangles the man. He comes out and is wearing his suit with combed hair. Tells her to take the man’s wallet and run to the sheriff. She does. The man was found beaten and bleeding with a tire iron in his hand. Lily didn’t beat him.

We find out that the reason that Travis was hired to interview her was that he could be objective. Lily May has been able to hear his thoughts – thoughts of both the living and the dead since her dad jumped out of her body. She knows about Charlotte aka Travis’s secret. Which means she is innocent or at least isn’t lying about hearing voices. She got him tapped into her sight by touching her. Travis is able to see his love. Tommy and Della made it so the man couldn’t hurt Lily anymore. They killed his ghost.

[Amy Vantuyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lillie Mae is a young girl with a unique ability; whether she likes it or not (and she does not) she can hear the thoughts of others. She also knows when someone is going to die.

While she wishes for peace and quiet, Lillie Mae is constantly barraged with the internal dialog of those near her. Due to moral conviction, she feels compelled to act when she feels someone is in danger. Though her interference has saved lives, no one likes the idea of having their darkest thoughts known. Ostracized from her community and feared within her own family, Lillie Mae is relieved to meet a little boy named Tommy, a child with similar abilities, and the two quickly form a close bond.

But when something happens to Tommy, Lillie Mae—blamed by the community and bereft with her own guilt at having not been able to keep Tommy safe—finds her psychic abilities are changing and that her own life is in danger.

There were a few misspellings/editorial errors that jumped out at me and I was glad I didn’t read the back of the book until after I’d finished reading the story, because it gave away key events that aren’t even evident until two-thirds of the way through.

This is the first book in a series and it’s only 92 pages, so it was a very quick read. I did like this book and I was left with some unanswered questions that I hope are answered in the book’s sequel, Passages. If so, this short story was perfect for whetting my appetite.

[Alex Norcross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, fast read. I liked the premise an outcast girl being able to read minds and talk to the dead, and the story contains satisfying moments of pathos and vengeance. My one criticism is that the story is told from within the context of a police investigator interviewing the girl. I thought this narrative device weakened the immediacy and emotional impact of the story. Even with this issue though, I thought it was a good story overall. Owen creates an intriguing world and I'm interested to see what she does with the sequel, Passages.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, and Kelli Owen's writing had me totally invested in the characters. I didn't want to put this short book down, yet at the same time I made sure to take my time with it because I knew at 92 pages it was going to be over too soon and I wanted to savor every word. Fantastic.

[Morrigan Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, this 90page thriller packs a PUNCH
We meet Lily in an interrogation room where she tells her story about how she can hear people’s thoughts, from the living AND the dead, and the drama surrounding a little boys death.
The pacing of this story was perfect and it really hit all the right marks, spooky, thrilling, and “omg???!!” Moments

[Susan K. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilly has been able to hear the thoughts of other people all her life. At a very young age she could also feel when they were going to die. She is responsible for saving three people, but when her very good friend dies everyone in this small town believes she killed him. A very short and entertaining read! 4 stars

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilted Lilies by Kelli Owen
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

A great way to end the year! I really enjoyed the writing style and the overall story. I was instantly immersed in the atmosphere and the characters, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next. The reveal was well done and definitely worth the buildup. I’ll absolutely be picking up the second part, Passages!

[Mary Stenvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Best thing I've read this year. It's really more of a novella, grabs you from the first and has a truly unexpected ending. I will definitely read more by Kelli Owen. As a rule ghost stories are not my thing, but I loved, loved this one.

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.....

I've never read a book like this. I really enjoyed it!! Im definitely reading the second book next! Im honestly speechless, but that always comes after I've had a good read!

[Jessica Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

100 page short thriller. Supernatural elements. Well written. I would like to check out more from the author.

** just found out there’s a second book that picks up where this one left off titled Passages!!!

[Elizabeth Gonzalez-Collazo IG - Shereadswithcoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow

Quickest, edge of your seat read ever! Miss Lily May is superb and all the mystery surrounding who she is!

[Chad Pence]

Lily is a supernatural coming of age story that delivers.

[Chelsey M. Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of the conversational presentation of a story; but this was so well done. I will definitely read the sequel.

[Shawna Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive for a short story

[Dayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Lily and her voice. Can't wait to get into the next story!
Thank you Kelli!

[Kryssy Philpotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! A Ask For Andrea and The Butterfly Garden hybrid. Will read the second book

[Neya · Rating 3 out of 5]

IDK. Strange little ghost story but kind of forgettable.