Our Dead Girlfriend

by Jon Athan

While walking through the woods, a group of boys—Daniel Burke, Gavin Graves, and brothers Connor and Tyler Parker—discover the dead body of a female high school student. Aside from the bruises on her neck, the body is fresh and clean. They're afraid of her and attracted to her. Although hesitant, the boys decide to hide the body in a ditch in the woods in order to keep her as their girlfriend—to converse, to flirt, to practice, to love. What follows is a story of adolescence, friendship, love, envy, hatred, and horror. Jon Athan, the author of Mason's Television and The Abuse of Ashley Collins, brings you a disturbing tale of human horror. Could you love a dead body? This book contains scenes of graphic violence, disturbing themes, and some sexual references. Some of these scenes involve violence committed by and against minors. This book is not intended for those easily offended or appalled. Please enjoy at your own discretion.

Genres: Horror, Splatterpunk

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2018

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I went into this expecting something different then what I got. But not in a bad way. I think Jon Athan did a fair amount of interesting things here. In a nutshell, a group of young boys found a dead girl in the woods. And they end up keeping her in secret, and, as the situation festers, the band of kids begin to unravel. Daniel is the antagonist here and, for awhile, I just kept asking myself why he was doing of these terrible things. It just didn’t connect for me. But then Athan saved the day and provided an adequate background, which made total sense. It took some time to get there, but he nailed it. You disliked what this boy was doing, but you also understood his plight. He was abused and bullied from all angles of his life and he had enough. Jenny was the only person, even though she was dead, that he could trust, and anything that jeopardized that relationship had to be dealt with. The story made me so uncomfortable and had a general uncertainty painted on every page. But it made me keep reading and wondering how it would end. The ending was exactly what I pictured and wanted, and this solid book finished strong. I think Daniel and Dennis have a lot of adventures to experience together, which I look forward to.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engrossing story that kept me turning the pages rapidly. Four unpopular boys, one of them even more of an outcast than the others, find the body of a dead teenage girl in the woods. They are immediately fascinated by her, claiming the body as their girlfriend. You can guess which boy takes things too far, and ends up becoming obsessed. Things turn very ugly and dangerous, and details of deviant sex and extreme violent actions ensue.

The characters are believable, which makes this story so easy to get involved in. However, I guessed the ending before it happened, and it took a turn that let me down. All in all, however, this was a brutal and engaging read by an author whose work I always enjoy.

[Dona's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then let me do the right thing. Let me kill her. Let me save us. Okay?”

Connor and Gavin remained silent as they contemplated their decision. A 'yes' would surely incriminate them. A 'no' could lead them down the same road. They were out of options. Connor even thought about calling his father for advice. 'Hi, dad, I just witnessed a murder. What should I do?'–the conversation sounded absurd in his head.

Breaking the silence, Daniel said, “I won't kill her if you don't answer me. I'm doing this because... because I care about you. Do I finish her off or not?”

The boys didn't respond. They simply stood and stared at Hannah's twitching body. Daniel sighed and shook his head.
--loc1096 Kindle ebook

Jon Athan's (and isn't that a clever pen name?) OUR DEAD GIRLFRIEND is ultimately about the relationship dynamics you see in the above excerpt. By the way, those 4 paragraphs represent excellent horror writing. Want to know more? Read this book.

Just know that to get to the end of this already terrifying and horrifying story, you will need to travel through some twisted country. Did I say twisted? I meant putrid. Perhaps that's not quite adequate. Here we go -- subterranean.

My biggest complaint about this horror book is that the ending made me want to defenestrate my Kindle. But the ending was completely satisfying narratively; it just really pissed me off lol

This is the darkest book I've ever read, said the lifelong horror fan. Also, it's extremely well written and developed. Looking forward to more from young Athan. (Dang that pen name cracks me up.)

Rating 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♀️🧟‍♀️🧟‍♀️🍖
Finished October 2022
Recommended to fans of horror and thriller books that include extreme themes and subjects
TW I'm not going to list them or it'll spoil the book, but this book is whoa, so be careful here💜

[STEPH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay book—not particularly disgusting. Yes, it’s definitely unhinged, but if you’re familiar with other works by Jon Athan, Our Dead Girlfriend probably won’t feel as horrifying or intense. The oven scene was full-blown horror, but the rest of the book isn’t that extreme.

Maybe I’m just too deep into Splatterpunk. After Survivor by J.F. Gonzalez, I’ve yet to find another book that truly brings out my worst nightmares.

If you know one, please share it with me.

[Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book asks the story are monsters born? Or are they made? This book about three friends Daniel, Gavin and Connor they have been friends since elementary. Their friendship is very close-knit in both. Gavin and Connor are very protective over Daniel since unfortunately he is a victim of bullying. Everything changes for the trio when they discovered a dead body line in a ditch from this discovery everything changes their friendship and how they interact with one another.

I did enjoy how the author took the time to develop the characters so are reading a book. I did feel an emotional connection with all of them and I enjoyed how the author wrote about the child and parent dynamic.
this is my first time reading this author, and he did not hold back with the explicit graphic and very horrific scenes. This author definitely does give the word splatterpunk is true definition.

Describe this book in three words: Dread, Fear and Intense.

This is definitely a book I would recommend for anyone who has a very strong stomach and isn’t squeamish. I’ll definitely be reading more of this author as they have a very good talent for storytelling.

[Erica★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I could hate a 13 year old character as much as I had Daniel😂…. WTF DANIEL. This is a very gruesome and disturbing book it gets worse as it goes on but I couldn’t put it down. Defiantly a book I’ll remember.

[Horror Bookworm Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Our Dead Girlfriend by Jon Athan
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/

When bullied out of their self-made club house, a group of boys seek another hangout. While exploring the nearby woods they discover a dead girl’s body. After intense discussions on how to handle their unsettling situation, they decide to keep it a secret. However, as a victim of severe bullying and the insecurities of self-discovery, one of the boys decides to “keep her” as his very own.

Our Dead Girlfriend by Jon Athan delves into the touchy subject-matters of bullying, longing for affection and of course a non-consensual relationship with a rotting corpse. These deviant elements of violence and perverted obsessions are presented with a disregard for moral responsibility. Beneath the clumps of dirt, broken twigs and dead leaves lies a compelling story of how true evil evolves and is capable of the most heinous acts of desecration.

Jon Athan creates characters that are seemingly normal and unassuming, yet have a deeply disturbing psyche. Fusing bullies and outcasts with mental and physical violence, Athan unveils a match made in Hell. The excitement, anxiety, remorse and morbid curiosity felt by the boys hits the heart and stomach full force. All of these combined elements create mental images of unbridled cruelty that infiltrate the mind. A plethora of cringe worthy moments await the reader.

Unpredictable and deeply unsettling, try to convince yourself...”it’s ok”…I dare you. Our Dead Girlfriend by Jon Athan will be at the top of your reading list for 2025. Get your hands dirty and grab your copy. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.

[Mique Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are Jon Athan’s books laced with crack or smth????

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and violent,plenty of blood, gore and horrific scenes....but I've read far better from Jon Athan,not the best book from this author and I most probably wouldn't bother reading the sequel to this book that Jon talks about. I did wonder how Daniel managed to move Jenny's body into the positions he wanted to be able to "fuck" her dead body as I'm sure the body would have been stiff as hell after being dead for weeks???? Maybe I'm thinking way too far out of the box??? Not the best but worth reading.

[John The Crippledgimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright this book was really good. I am a big Jon Athan fan and he never disappoints. This story was very intense it kept me turning pages. The characters were very believable I just wanted to keep reading so I could know what's going to happen and like always when Jon Athan decides to bring the violence he brings it so fast and brutal it just leaves you stunned. This was kind of a brutal version of stand by me. I also hope that there will be a sequel because the ending was left open to do so and I think it could be a bad ass second part to this story. My only reason for the 4stars is that I saw the ending coming other than that awesome read.

[Mellisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel, Gavin, Connor and Tyler. A group of boys, 3 of then teenagers and one only 10. They discovered a body in the woods, with bruises on her neck. These boys are scared or her, but also fascinated and attracted to her. They make a pact to keep the discovery a secret, and hide the body in a ditch in the woods to keep her as their girlfriend. What follows is destruction, hatred and horror. Nothing will ever be the same for the boys again.

Well I think this might actually be the most messed-up book I've read yet, and her suffering was pretty messed up. It's absolutely packed with thrills and is so gripping. It made me cringe but I just couldn't stop reading it. This author is just incredible, he has a way of hooking you in and not letting go.

There was a part at the end that I really did not like, everyone that's read this book will know what I mean - hint; the microwave. That was just too far, I had to skip over that bit because it was just a nope from me.

Apart from that part though, the book was as creepy, disturbing and incredible as the other two I have read by this author!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If you go down to the woods today you're sure to get a surprise...' - but just don't expect to see any cuddly old friendly teddy bears!

Depraved, brutal, evil and wicked...and also just that little bit different.

Yep, a fantastically good horror story that will live long in the memory...isn't that right, Jenny? :)

Loved it, and would highly recommend to all adult fans of extreme horror adventure.

Rating: 4.8 disturbingly dark stars of truly memorable, gob-smacking, bullying insanity.

More please...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting forever to read this and it was even grosser and more disturbing then I thought. I need more Jon Athan books, I'm almost out of them by now.

[George Billions · Rating 4 out of 5]

More disturbing in its realism than its gore.

I don’t read a lot of “extreme” horror. If I see a content warning in the synopsis, I usually skip it. It seems like an explicit lyrics sticker to me; hey kids, here there be totally awesome swearing and sex talk. I’m not a prude, nor am I easily shocked. Page after page of murder, rape and coprophagia for the sake of murder, rape and coprophagia is just kind of boring to me. It tends to be so removed from reality that I can’t even find it disturbing. Maybe I’m jaded by decades of horror movies and a death metal phase.

Our Dead Girlfriend could definitely fall under the extreme horror banner. It’s gross and nasty and uncomfortable and graphic in its depictions of the vilest of acts. I really liked it.

I think what really drew me into this book were the realistic dynamics between the teenage leads. It was easy to imagine this really happening. One terrible mistake is compounded over and over, and the bad seed character leading the charge reminded me of young sociopaths I knew as a kid. Parkland happened about a week before I read this and was still fresh in my head. Teenagers are capable of some seriously hideous business. This book is full of the stuff.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started off weird for me… I was like: ehhhh… this doesn’t seem all that believable and a little weird. But damn, I guess this is one of those “do not doubt Jon Athan” moments.

Our Dead Girlfriend was such a wild ride. The four main characters in this book displayed a great showing of friendship that slowly dove into… well, not really friendship anymore. One particular boy in the group ended up descending into madness. The execution of his downfall was perfectly done. Not to mention the ending!

Jon, you said in the authors note you were planning for a sequel in 2019. It’s 2024, where is it 😆 In all seriousness, a sequel to this novel would probably be another easy 5 out of 5.

[R.J. Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending 😳 Excellent book!

[corks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll just say I wasn’t disappointed at all with this book.

[amerie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

why haven’t i read this sooner… oh my goodness

[Kayla Doucet · Rating 5 out of 5]

if a book can disturb me, it automatically gets 5⭐️

[Anna Marone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okayyyy… gross but I need a sequel “my live girlfriend”

[Rajeev Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extreme horror is delivered best when there is good characterization and plot to back it up and 'Our Dead Girlfriend' by Jon Athan delivers on all these counts, albeit with a somewhat predictable last 30% which made me subtract a star.

What we have here isn’t just the titillation potential (puke-worthiness for the squeamish) of a dead girl in a ditch for a band of four school pariahs aged ten to thirteen, but the sorry state of affairs for children who grow up on the leeward side of popularity, the hollowness of the much-touted status of having a girlfriend/boyfriend in school, a sad barometer with which impressionable youths are judged and often scarred for life. Our Dead Girlfriend may or may not celebrate necrophilia (some descriptions of the act between Daniel and ‘Jenny’ might have you believe so) but one thing is for sure: it exposes the flip side of our kids’ upbringing that isn’t very pretty to see.

[Pyropatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Disgusting and gruesome premise. So hard to find a story that hasn't been overdone. Five kids fighting over having sex with a dead girl, what could go wrong?

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m convinced Jon Athan is the one author who can always make me feel uncomfortable—no matter the story.

[Lana - yozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely a page turner! I was completely hooked. I did have to stop and stare at the wall a few times while reading this though, lol. I liked the premise, very ick and creepy. Well done!

P.S. I'll still be hoping for that Dennis and Daniel sequel.

[lucky 13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow horrific scenes of gore. murder and necrophilia in this coming of age story that i could not stop reading. my first book by Mr Athan not my last.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, I've never hated a child more than Daniel. I don't care if that's wrong to say, he's a dick that should've had his stupid smile wiped off his stupid bitch ass face. There I said it. 👋🏻

[Abbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pro Tip: if your friend starts acting like a complete psycho, snitch on them immediately. it will absolutely save you in the long run

[Rob Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy, Sick and Probably Like Nothing You've Read Before

This was an interesting story. I usually spend weeks finishing a book but here read it in two days.

It held my interest. I've read far more disturbing stories but something about this one kept me turning the page.

It's always hard to review without spoiling so I'll just say the title is spot on. These boys have a dead girlfriend.

Nothing offended me and it actually bothers me that writers have to keep telling people that it's not for everyone. One warning should be enough. If you get offended, tough. You were warned.

There's definitely a feeling of Stephen King 's The Body/Stand By Me but it's not quite the same. I enjoyed this more because it was so twisted. The idea of friends is there as are the bullies and there's a body to tend to but that's where the similarities stop.

I didn't think the story would end as it did. I know the author mentions something about a part two but I don't think it's a good idea. The way this ended left me with questions but that's good. Writing a part two would take something away from the "innocence" of this story. Besides it would be so far-fetched as to continue.

I liked it. It was different. It's not for everyone. If necrophilia bothers you (and it should) this isn't for you. Yes it was kind of disgusting but I've seen worse on the news.

I th I k what I enjoyed the most was the idea of friends and how far they'd go for each other. The ending really was a satisfying surprise. I didn't see the last few chapters to be even more than a dead girlfriend.

Wrapping up...I really think the author shouldn't go to a part two. This ending left questions and that's good. Continuing the same ideas but not necessarily with friends would take away from this story.

Friendship definitely has boundaries.

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please listen to the trigger warnings in the front of this book. There is extreme violence, gore, and necrophilia. If you are only a light horror reader, maybe skip this one lol. But if you’re like me, and always need to see how far writers can go.. well this one goes there.
A group of boys find a dead girl. Of course they decide to keep her, cause who wouldn’t want a rotting body as a girlfriend? lol but, they are teens, and looking to experience new things.. I think this is how we are supposed to approach this story, which is how I went in. I had no clue the story would turn in the direction it did. It went from uncomfortable to terrifying. All because of Daniel.
Daniel is a really intense character, and he’s mind is still forming. To see the hurt and need in him, channeled the way it has, is so upsetting. This kid is a budding psychopath, because of his environment. I want to believe he was born that way, but between his parents and schoolmates, I feel like it’s the outside world that made him. Now that it’s unleashed, he is going to be horrifying.
The book is left sort of open ended. It’s not a happy ending, but you definitely want to know what happened next. I’d like to see Daniel as an adult, unchanged.

[Lisa-Jaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original story line seduced me ... I had no idea where this book was going to go and it there were a few twists and turns. Enjoyable horror.