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A Head Full of Ghosts

A Head Full of Ghosts

MysteryParanormal
Pages
311
Published
2015
Language
English

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Marjorie Barrett begins to exhibit disturbing symptoms, leading her family to believe she is suffering from schizophrenia. As her condition worsens and their home becomes a place of terror, they turn to a priest for an exorcism and a production company for a reality TV show. This story explores the blurred lines between mental illness and supernatural possession.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkTenseCreepyThought-ProvokingComplex
Unreliable NarratorMorally Grey

Genres

Mystery Paranormal Suspense Horror Psychological Horror Thriller

About the author

P
Paul Tremblay

Paul Tremblay is an American author and editor of horror, dark fantasy and science fiction. Born in Aurora, Colorado, and raised in Massachusetts, he studied at Providence College and earned a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Vermont, then taught high school mathematics for many years. His novels include A Head Full of Ghosts, which won the Bram Stoker Award, Disappearance at Devil's Rock, The Cabin at the End of the World (adapted as the 2023 film Knock at the Cabin), Survi...

Characters

Marjorie BarrettProtagonist
Merry BarrettProtagonist

Marjorie's younger sister; narrates the family's ordeal fifteen years later to a writer researching the case.

Father WanderlySupporting
Sarah BarrettSupporting

Marjorie and Merry's mother, distant and increasingly frustrated as the family's crisis deepens.

John BarrettSupporting

Marjorie and Merry's father, whose faith tips toward zealotry as he seeks an explanation for his daughter's condition.

All characters in A Head Full of Ghosts

Frequently asked questions

  • Does A Head Full of Ghosts have a film adaptation?

    A film adaptation has been in development for years with several directors attached in turn, including Oz Perkins and Scott Cooper. As of early 2026, Lionsgate holds worldwide distribution rights, with Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala directing a cast led by David Harbour, Rebecca Hall and Esmé Creed-Miles.

  • Is A Head Full of Ghosts a standalone novel?

    A Head Full of Ghosts is a standalone novel. It tells a complete story without requiring knowledge of other books or setting up a direct sequel.

  • What makes A Head Full of Ghosts unique in the horror genre?

    The novel employs an unreliable narrator and a story-within-a-story structure, blurring the lines between supernatural horror and psychological thriller. This narrative approach challenges the reader's perception of reality throughout the book.

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