The Headless Cupid

This middle-grade novel introduces readers to the Stanley children, whose ordinary lives take a supernatural turn when their new stepsister Amanda arrives. Amanda, who claims to be studying the occult, immediately begins conducting strange rituals and introducing David and his younger siblings to her world of ghosts and psychic phenomena. The family's adjustment to their new blended dynamic becomes intertwined with Amanda's increasingly eerie demonstrations of supernatural power, creating an atmosphere where the line between real magic and psychological manipulation becomes dangerously blurred.

What makes this story compelling is how it explores the very human need for attention and belonging through the lens of the paranormal. Amanda's elaborate occult practices serve as both a shield and a cry for connection, while David's practical nature provides the perfect counterbalance to her dramatic performances. Young readers navigating complex family changes will find resonance in the story's emotional core, even as they're captivated by the mysterious occurrences surrounding the titular headless cupid statue. The novel masterfully builds tension between rational explanation and genuine wonder, leaving readers to question what's real right alongside the characters.