The Headless Cupid

by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

First published 1992

David watches his twelve-year-old stepsister Amanda arrive at their old family house wrapped in a raggedy shawl with a sharp-eyed crow perched in its cage. Amanda wastes no time introducing David to her world of spells, potions, and occult rituals. David finds himself drawn into the mysterious practices, enjoying the eerie chants and smoky seances alongside his younger siblings. They all work together to keep their supernatural activities hidden from their parents. The games feel harmless at first, even entertaining. But soon rocks begin hurling themselves through the air and unexplained crashes echo through the house at night. David starts to wonder if Amanda has awakened something truly dangerous. As strange forces seem to take control of their home, David must figure out whether his stepsister's occult dabbling has real power or if something else entirely is at work in their old house.

Genres: mystery, fantasy, supernatural, young-adult

Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: found-family, supernatural-powers

Setting: Old Family House

Period: Contemporary

Paperback · Dell Publishing Company

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