The Headless Cupid

By: Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Eleven-year-old David is about to meet his new stepsister, Amanda, who is only one year older than he is. Amanda arrives at their big old house wearing a huge tattered shawl and carrying a sharp-eyed crow in a cage. She is hardly what David expects. Before long, she introduces David to a strange world of witchcraft and the occult. At first, spells and potions are fun. He enjoys the spooky chants and smoky seances. Even his younger brother and sisters join in, making sure their parents suspect nothing. But when rocks of all sizes start flying around the house and strange things go crash in the night, David begins to fear the strange forces at work.

Zilpha Keatley Snyder has written several popular children's books. A former teacher, she lives in an old house similar to the one in The Headless Cupid. She thinks it, too, may have a resident ghost. Whether you believe in spirits or not, this Newbery Honor Book is sure to captivate your imagination

©1971 Zilpha Keatley Snyder (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

A Childhood Favorite

If you could sum up The Headless Cupid in three words, what would they be?

Clever, playful, spooky

What did you like best about this story?

The cleverness of the children's adventures, and the richness of the characters

Which character – as performed by Johnny Heller – was your favorite?

Blair - Heller does a great job making his voice seem childlike.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

There's something stirring in Westerly House.

Any additional comments?

This is a great story from my childhood, and I still love it today.

The children’s characters

The suspense of the story kept the listener on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. All the characters were endearing even Amanda. Each of the Stanley children were lovable characters.

Great age appropriate spooky story

Loved the characters. Reminded me of how we used to play when I was a child. Great twist at the end.

Exciting and spooky story!

While I’m not into the occult, this story which introduces it from the perspective of a novice and neophytes, is interesting and still relatable. Definitely a page turner—love books by ZKS!

Classic ghost story

Zilpha is a fabulous writer and this family ghost story doesn’t disappoint. Poltergeists, teen angst and a little boy with mysterious powers all happening to a family that could be yours. A great audio book for a family trip.