In an attempt to finally outrun the ghosts of his past and Bad Feeling that’s been chasing him for as long as he can remember, Denver’s shining detective, Daniel Stansfield has decided to quit the force. Today is the first day of the rest of his life, starting with his grand plan to reenlist for the third and final time before retiring away to his own secluded cabin in the mountains. That is, of course, if he comes back alive. All of that changes when his six year old cold case gets much more personal and a whole lot warmer.

After a broken hiatus of The Drifters, people unconscious to their surroundings until found walking with the hides of their human victims over their naked bodies- whose only connection is a strand of hair tied around their tongue, the weight of Daniel’s lifelong grief is a beacon for something seemingly sinister. When answers his case feel like they are close to being revealed, so are many more questions he must attempt to decipher before the next victim is found.

CJ Leede has done it again with Headlights! Full of grief and fear, with a fast paced and fully immersive sense of hopeful anticipation, Headlights has quickly become my favorite CJ novel. It left me ravenously clinging to every page. Astonishing work from a powerhouse in horror!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers at Tor Nightfire for this opportunity and to the author for a haunting and beautiful read.

Well, safe to say, CJ Leede has done it again.
Showing us a whole new side to her story telling, Headlights is a wonderful tornado of genres. A story of grief, trauma and what it means to survive I couldn't put this down.
For a more indepth spoiler free review, please check out my youtube review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWDaV4G9vRc&t=135s

This book was devastating. It leaves you guessing what will happen at every turn while you explore Daniel's awful memories. It is an amazing blend of body horror, mystery, and truly unfathomable terrors! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a disgusting horror novel with beautiful analogies woven into it.

CJ Leede has fast become one of my favorite authors. Headlights hooked me and kept me enthralled throughout.
I wasn’t sure how it was going to end up… I felt like I was on the journey with the main characters. Also, there were several “no, oh no you’re not” moments. Which is always fun in a weird way when dealing with horror.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

This sucked me in immediately! I have never annotated a book on my kindle so much!! Absolutely gripping, horrifying and visual. I was fully immersed and I’m so so glad the ending wasn’t a letdown.

True Detective x The Shining with a bit of Jordan Peele! I loved all the references to The Shining- my all time favourite horror movie! Dan and Hannah were fabulously haunted

I will say I hate the name Hannah so I was just calling her Anna

If she writes it, I will read it. Thank you TOR Nightfire for this super special most anticipated ARC of 2026 in exchange for my honest review!


CJ Leede’s third book is a STUNNER of a release. I’ve fallen head-over-heels for her writing. Her prose is like a classical orchestra piece, beautiful arranged and paints a gorgeous (and SEAMLESS) picture in your mind. There wasn’t a single moment while reading this book that I dropped the thread of imagination. Please be warned this is a GUT PUNCH of trauma but was SO SO necessary. Folks who love The Shining and the X-Files will just DEVOUR this book. So weird and creepy and silly, an ode to Stephen King’s the Shining, and a TERRIFYING one at that! This is CJ Leede’s best to date.

And this is EXACTLY why I love horror. CJ Leede gave us another grotesquely beautiful story. Underneath the grim horror aspects is a tale about embracing your darkness, even if you have to shatter yourself in the process. It is a beautiful homage to those who have passed on from the world we can see. The ending had a melancholy hope blooming within me, like a flower through a grave.

This book kind of broke me.

Headlights felt like a love letter to Colorado in the same way Maeve Fly was to LA, and I was not emotionally prepared for it.

There’s a moment that gave me The Abyss vibes and other parts that reminded me of The X-Files and I was completely locked in.

I’ve read almost 50 books this year and this is already one of my top reads of 2026. Thank you @tornightfire for the gifted advanced readers copy!

Okay, CJ Leede is officially my type of author. I mean, she was already one of my favorites starting with Maeve Fly, but Headlights right after American Rapture really really solidified her in my personal hall of fame.

Look, I’m not a police procedural drama/thriller girly AT ALL, so I was really hesitant at the beginning of the book. And there were SO MANY names of victims/drifters to remember that I kept getting confused. But really, it didn’t matter. And possibly that was also the point? Highlighting how many different people and families were impacted by this case that it’s difficult to keep track of really emphasizes the depth and complexity of the situation.

This is probably definitely a spoiler? Though I feel it shouldn’t be, but it’s not mentioned in the description of the book, so…

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(there is definitely a paranormal aspect and I really love how that was done; I won’t explain more because I don’t want to actually spoil anything)
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This story is about unresolved trauma, immense grief and fear, environmental and ecological impacts of human expansion, humanity’s innate tunnel vision, and how wildly small and we are in the grand scheme of things.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an advance copy of this book.

This one gave me the heebiejeebs. Well done CJ Leede, I think I’m obsessed with you. So it’s not an out-and-out gory all the time, kind of horror novel. It’s more of the unsettling, unexplained-weird-things-are-happening supernatural, eco horror/slow-burn thriller kind of vibes. But don’t get me wrong, there’s also gore while in this beautifully-described Colorado setting: explicit murder, people found on the side of the highway wearing the skins of victims that they allegedly never met, cannibalism, to name a few. Think X-Files meets the Shining meets True Detective. The author did a beautiful job writing this book and I highly recommend reading.

Thank you so much NetGalley and CJ Leede for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

I’m having trouble finding the words to describe this book. True to CJ’s tendency thus far, Headlights is completely different from her prior work, while still retaining her signature prose, unique aesthetics, and emotional depth. This book is like nothing I’ve ever read.

I was immediately and entirely immersed. Every aspect, from scenery to characters, is so skillfully presented that I felt I was experiencing it all myself, with every one of my (filled up) senses. Her writing is gripping, comforting, and distinct. Like an iconic musician can be identified by a single note or chord, her voice is unmistakably recognizable within the first lines. It’s not just storytelling – it’s true artistry. Reading CJ’s books feels like coming home to visit your best friend, and they are always worth the wait.

Also true to her style, CJ creates a universe with so many layers and themes while blending them together seamlessly. The Shining tie-ins offered a nostalgic, rewarding connection to the story while remaining fresh and creative. I never knew what was coming next, but I trusted the process, and it paid off.

Headlights should be consumed slowly (though it’s not easy to put down). It is heavy, it is uncomfortable. It is visceral, and it is brilliant.

One of my favorite elements of CJ’s books – and especially their conclusions – is that she always gives us the story that we need, not the one we think we want.
Trust the process.

It took me about 3 chapters to know this book was a new favorite. I loved the character development throughout the book, and I'll admit... toward about 50% of the way through it started to loose me a little bit and I was second guessing how much I initially thought I loved this book HOWEVER.... It made up for it and then some. I am going to be thinking about this book for a very long time. It encompassed all the things I love in a book. Horror, deep backstory, character development, light romance mixed in, crime investigation, navigating traumas, and spiritual/ almost sci-fi like elements and exploration of life after death. All of these were done so well in my opinion.

Tor - thank you so much for gifting me my favorite book of the year. Of the last five years. Ten.

“I think home is just a place that pulls on you harder than the rest.”

“Something about knowing that even people who might not be all the way good could give a lot of good to the world anyway, it made me feel hope.”

I finished this book under the sun. The juncos, yet to have migrated, singing their song. I streamed John Denver and remembered all the times my mom played her cassettes of his, driving with the windows down, never having been to Colorado. But his music would take you there, make you homesick for a place you’ve never been. And I sat here and thought: damn. That is how Headlights was: a place that pulls on me harder than the rest. What a perfect book.

Headlights will stay with me forever. Just like The Shining. Just like Longlegs, Silence of the Lambs. One of those stories that changes the landscape and alters your brain chemistry. That shows you, regardless of how you age, you can still be awed by something new; imprinted on. Reading Headlights is a core memory.

I love the idea of a world where people Shine. A universe parallel to the one King gifted us. More people like Danny and Dick Hallorann. There is something horrifying and magical about a world with people like that in it, communicating with each other and the earth on a different plane, an “other” place.

Because what a dream. To be able to hear and understand the earth. To want to protect it by spilling blood. Relatable, honestly. The talk of apex predators and the huge impact they have on the eco system around us really sent this book home. As if I couldn’t love it enough, Leede touches on my wolf reintroduction hyperfixation. It was f*cking fantastic.

This is the new horror. Horror with heart. Horror with heat. Horror that makes you flinch, and look inward. Horror that recognizes humans are the true monsters. It is my favorite theme.

I could talk about why I loved this book so much for eternity. But I’m just going to need you to read it. Please. Especially if you are obsessed with wolves, The Shining, and aren’t afraid of some horrifying body gore. Ten stars.

If you've read CJ Leede's other books, buckle up because this book is an unhinged deathtrip across Colorado unlike anything you've seen before. Keep your eyes on what's in your headlights.

Imagine you trying to escape your past when it refuses to give up and manifests in gruesome comebacks. Victims are turning up wearing other people’s skin with no memory of how they got there. As the case spirals, Daniel becomes a suspect and ends up on the run with Hannah, who might be a victim or the cause of it all. There’s a lot packed into this one. It blends crime, supernatural horror, and some seriously disturbing moments, including graphic gore and dark erotic elements. Underneath it all, it’s really about trauma and facing who you are. The Colorado setting adds a great atmosphere, and I liked the subtle horror nods throughout. Intense, messy, and definitely not for everyone, but it stuck with me.

Possibly my favorite book of CJ Leede's so far.

For starters, I loved the writing style, which feels distinctly different from her other work. The prose here is terse and repetitive, but in an obviously intentional, stylistic way. It effectively sets the weary, bleak detective tone that at times reminded me of True Detective but also works such as Alan Wake and even a little bit of Twin Peaks, with a man descending into the depths of a possibly supernatural mystery.

That character at the center of this mystery, Daniel, is full of fear and anger and unresolved trauma that he's spent most of his life trying to flee. Leede does a great job of teasing out his backstory and the ways that his memories affect how he confronts this spree of serial killings that is starting up again. I appreciated that information was doled out slowly enough to keep us on the hook, but not so slowly that it grew tiresome or, worse, confusing.

The book has a ton of Stephen King influence all over it, in both subtle and very obvious ways. Being one of my favorite horror/thriller authors, I liked that a lot, and could see the ways in which Leede seemingly felt inspired by him while still charting her own course with this sort of material.

I was gripped the entire time and I loved the narrative as well as character arc resolutions. Headlights is a fantastic blend of mystery, thriller, and romance, and it's well worth checking out. It'll probably be on my year-end favorites list, and I'm sure it'll be on yours too.

I have a new favorite CJ Leede book.

I loved Maeve Fly and American Rapture, but I think Headlights is my new favorite!

I won’t rehash the synopsis of Headlights here, but if you haven’t read what it is, go do so!

Headlights is part The Silence of the Lambs and part supernatural horror, with The Shining being an explicit influence on this novel in ways that are SO awesome. Seriously, if you’re a fan of The Shining, that is alone reason to read this book.

The crime elements are so disturbing and so well done. The mystery will make you keep wanting to turn the page. The main character, Daniel, is a great character with a traumatic past that seeps its way further and further into the case. I really loved his relationship with another character but will not say so as to avoid spoilers (if you’ve read the book you know who I’m talking about).

The supernatural elements are just the icing on the cake. I LOVED the Witch Walker lore, as I love folk horror, but it also gets, dare I say, a little cosmic in a way? 👀 I won’t say too much!

I also need to mention how strong the setting is, with Colorado being the locale for Headlights, and the setting felt like a character in a really great way.

This is a novel about pain, loss, acceptance, and death, and what it means to carry on after.

Check out Headlights when it releases on June 9th. You might get nightmares, but you won’t be sorry.

Headlights will likely be one of my favorite horror books of the year.

Thanks to Tor Nightfire for the eARC for review on NetGalley!

I’m convinced CJ Leede can do no wrong. At many times, this book felt like a real fever dream, never knowing what’s real and what’s not. The ending felt very unique and I did not see it coming. A bittersweet, devastating, and lovely ending.

Favorite read of 2026 so far!

I always seem to have a CJ Leede book when I’m going through some turmoil. It’s the best kind of distraction!

Special Agent Daniel Stansfield is called back to Colorado to investigate his old case, turned cold. New murders have cropped up and with them new memories of his childhood. Why does this killer seem to be targeting him? Why was the latest murder at the scene of his childhood trauma?

Lots of references to Stephen King’s The Shining. In fact, Daniel is baked after Danny, one of the characters. I feel this pays such great homage to one of my favorite books of all time.

I loved the characters and especially the relationship between Daniel and Hannah. Although they hardly knew each other, I instantly felt their connection and how tied together in mystery and attraction they were.

Definitely recommend for Stephen Jung fans, fans of the supernatural and police procedurals.

Thank you to the publisher for my DRC!

Of course I’ll read anything Leede writes because she’s brilliant, but this one truly blew me away. I got more of a thriller vibe from the first half of the book, and honestly, I’m totally here for it. As I told my favorite buddy reader @lady.and.the.book , I got some Pretty Girl by Slaughter vibes from the very beginning, and whew, I thought that would be hard to top. But in true Leede fashion, she went on and topped it. This story was so layered, it just kept giving—trauma, grief, nature vs. nurture—this really had it all. I feel like our main character Danny was truly the perfect person to carry out this heavy tale—he was so flawed and complex, and his skepticism really played well against the paranormal aspect of the story. I’m not one to typically like paranormal horror, but against such a rough MC, it worked so well for me. This is one that I can see myself rereading in the future, because I feel like there might be more I can gain from it. Plus, I’ll need something to tide me over until the next book Leede puts out (write fast, pretty please 😘)

I work 12 hour days, so the ending is still a surprise for me… but gosh darn it CJ, this is amazing. My native background had me on the edge of my seat. The superstition. Trying to figure out the case. I love how this blended horror and police procedural so naturally. As always, the character development is amazing as is the detail. Yelling for everyone to read!

WOW

I knew from the epigraph (a quote from Stephen King's The Shining, and another from Thomas Harris's The Silence Of The Lambs), I was going to enjoy this one. However, I greatly underestimated just how awesome Headlights was going to be.

I absolutely loved Maeve Fly, and while American Rapture didn't quite do it for me, it was probably hindered by having the nearly impossible job of following Maeve. Headlights, though, might be CJ's best yet.

This book is just flat out brilliant, dark as hell, relentlessly intriguing, compelling, and intense. The horror elements are legitimately scary, the writing techniques used to encapsulate a troubled mind was nothing short of masterful. The emotional aspects are so beautifully executed, and make this review especially hard to write.

Headlights mixes everything you love about True Detective, Supernatural, the Hannibal Lecter books, and The Shining/Doctor Sleep, with that one-of-a-kind CJ Leede touch to create a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, mesmerized and blown away from start to tear-filled finish. Plus, a John Denver soundtrack never hurts.

I finished reading Headlights on Sunday and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since (not that I'm trying). CJ has given readers a book that is truly impossible to put down; one that makes you think and work and guess every step of the way, in the best way possible. Headlights is remarkable and I need you all to experience this brilliance.

If you have read this one, what did you think? If you haven't, how excited are you? On a scale of 1-13?
Headlights is an easy 5/5 from me. CJ put together a true masterpiece among the horror/crime thrillers, but also any and every other genre. Headlights balances show & tell to perfection. Find it in stores everywhere, June 9th; but until then, be sure to get those pre-orders in yesterday - You won't want to miss this one.

Wow! This book was 100% different from what I expected. I have previously read Maeve Fly and loved it, so I was delighted to receive an e-ARC of CJ Leede's newest work, Headlights.

Headlights is told from the perspective of Daniel Stansfield. A former FBI special agent who is burned out and looking for a change. However, before he can leave his badge behind, he's pulled back into one of the biggest cases he's ever worked. People are being murdered, and skinned, and seemingly innocent people are found walking around wearing their skins. As Daniel investigates, the case becomes increasingly personal, forcing him to confront the ghosts of his past in several ways.

The symbolism in this book is amazingly intricate and interwoven with themes of conservation and respect for the land, which I was not expecting but was pleasantly surprised by. It's evident that Leede has spent a great deal of time in Colorado and has great respect for the land's beauty, its wildlife, and its unique culture.

While this is very much a horror novel, there is so much more than that awaiting the reader.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire, CJ Leede, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

immediately up there with my very top books.

My friends. I don't want to give too much away--it would just be an injustice to the story. Having now read 3 of CJ Leede's books, it's evident she writes with her whole heart. The way she is able to put words to feelings I couldn't begin to explain for myself.

At this point it doesn't even sound like I'm referring to a horror book, but it blends seamlessly into this brilliant horror/detective/sexy/bloody mashup. I just have to give appreciation to an author using the horror genre to examine trauma, grief, fear, pain, etc; Clay McLeod Chapman is another author who does it magnificently.

I have quite a poor memory and often don't remember specifics of books, but I remember the way they make me feel and I know Headlights will be one I'll forever be hootin and hollerin about.

That being said, Headlights is still fucked up in so many ways. I mean, ur girl really did the thang. Allll the thangs.

Let me start this off by saying CJ Leede is an auto buy author for me. After finishing Maeve Fly, I instantly went into American Rapture because I love her writing so much. Once I got the news she was working on Headlights I knew it was a MUST read for me and even though it is completely different than her first two books, she did NOT disappoint.🙂‍↔️

I was invested straight from the beginning, constantly having questions I needed answers to which definitely made this a page turner for me. There were so many moments I can feel the emotions coming off the page and I just wanted to pull Danny in for a hug. -Other characters as well, but I don’t want to spoil anything!🙊

The flashbacks throughout the story felt so real, especially being so intertwined with the present.
It felt like I was the one having them, mixing past and reality. I think this book would have a successful movie or TV series adaptation, the book itself was playing in my head as one. The writing is phenomenal and at times has a slower pace, but you will definitely appreciate that as you continue along!

I also really appreciated The Shining references because it is one of my favorite movies!!

I have so much more that I could add, but it’s really hard to discuss those things without giving any spoilers away! That being said once you finish this masterpiece, please feel free to yap to me because I have a lot to say!

“This inhuman place makes human monsters.”- SK

I'm confused and thoroughly impressed. I've never been terrified, turned on, and full of emotions from one book before. CJ! Gurl! Only your words could make me feel this way.

Think 'The Shining' meets 'Silence of the Lambs' with a dash of 'Longlegs' Holy s**t. You all are in for the meatiest and bloodiest treat. After completing this, I'm hungry for more.

I love the feelings this book brought forth in me. Not only did it have my emotions all over the place, the story (even though it was horror at its best) felt like a warm blanket being wrapped around you, where you felt safe and loved. Being comforted by an old friend while people are being murdered, wearing the skin of their victims, and having a piece of hair tied around their tongues. Ahh, like a warm hug.

There aren't a lot of authors that can pull off the pulp feeling while also being current but CJ did it. The story started with a shock and ended in the same fashion. No punches pulled, just a bone-shattering horror mystery that you'll never see coming. And I am obsessed! There was a meat scene somewhere along these pages and talk about sexy. I mean, phew. I didn't even know that was possible. I can't say much else without giving it all away. Just prepare yourself for all kinds of feelings to rise to the surface.

'Headlights' was such an amazing read. Do not sleep on this one because you'll be doing yourself a disservice. Trust CJ with your life because she'll never do you wrong!

CJ Leede does not disappoint. I count down to every release and savor all the words, horror and mystery.

Daniel Stansfield, named after that Daniel in The Shining by his mother who called him her shining boy, is about to reenlist. He's packing up his FBI office, walking away - Daniel didn't bother forming connections at this assignment. After the love of his life divorced him - when Daniel withdrew from the world to recover from the horror of his adoptive parents' deaths, he's barely breathing.

Then a knock on his door.

His former boss and close friend, Jack arrives - to say the killing has begun.

A bizarre form of murder including two people - a catatonic murderer and a victim, Daniel is brought back to the world.

A slow burn, mystery infused with all the delicious horror of CJ Leede - excellent read!

CJ LEEDE I WILL READ ANYTHING YOU WRITE.

I was completely enamored by this story, it’s twists and turns, it’s paranormal nature, and at it’s core: it’s humanity.

Completely expected, yet so unexpected?

I have never read something so body horror-y, actually quite literally straight out of a nightmare, yet have it read so suspenseful it feels more like a Thriller.

I LOVED Headlights.

This book is absolutely insane. Horrifying, gory (though not quite as gleefully so as in Maeve Fly), urgent, nostalgic, heartbreaking, brutal—Headlights is a whirlwind. I recommend going into it knowing as little as possible about the plot; the confusion and desperation to understand just what the hell is happening (in Danny's mind and in the real world) only add to the reading experience.

Grief radiates throughout this novel. The way Headlights explores grief and tragedy and longing and loss is diabolical (complimentary); and ultimately, it more than succeeds.

I think this is CJ Leede's best work to date. Reminiscent of Twin Peaks or a Stephen King novel. This book is so incredibly scary, but also have incredibly beautiful things to say about grief. I haven't cried while reading a horror book in a long time!

And she does it again folks I will follow this author anywhere Mixing in Stephen King and Cryptids we are taken on a journey of serial killings protection and the vastness of the universe. Don’t let me spoil it for you preorder it now. Thanks to NetGalley and Tor nightfire for this amazing e-arc i cannot wait to see what she does next 4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up.

I struggled through a slump in February and I’m still trying to shake it. Hands down my favorite book of the month was Headlights by CJ Leede. Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the eARC!

TL;DR - five stars, run and preorder now.

Someone told me to get out of a slump, review the book just like you’re talking about it. Since I talk about books at my retail job, this is what I sound like-

Customer: Oh, you’re a reader?
Me: YES. I read a LOT.
Customer- do you have any recs?
Me: (looks around, then whispers) I read horror.
Customer: Oh! Like Stephen King!
Me: Kind of? I mean, yes. I read Stephen King but holy hell, let me tell you about CJ Leede.
Also me:
I read her sophomore work, American Rapture first and it smashed my heart to pieces. Riding that Rapture high, I immediately picked up her debut, Maeve Fly. It was funny and gross and gory and holy shit, I cried AGAIN. Did not expect to cry for that psycho Maeve but damn, it got me right in the feels.
Leede’s third novel, Headlights is coming out this summer, June 9! It’s about a FBI special agent that has spent his life running away. He’s drawn home to protect the ones he loves and try to close an impossible case.
It’s kind of a thriller. There’s the whole FBI trying to catch a killer thing but it’s also full of nostalgia. Have you ever questioned your childhood memories, like did that really happen or did I make it up? Do you like John Denver? Have you ever been to Colorado? Look, I wasn’t sure about a male protagonist but Daniel Stansfield is a hell yes for me. He’s a walking red flag but at his core he’s just a person, trying to figure it out. You’ll want to root for him, just like I did.
Because it’s Leede, you need to know there’s a healthy dose of weird. Oh, and gore but like appropriate gore that will gross you out but it’s for the story, I promise. And it’s kind of hot? Sorry, sorry, that’s too much. Maybe you won’t cry? I totally cried.
Anyways, I really just loved this book and CJ Leede. See you next time and we can talk about it some more!

(Customer runs to local indie book store to preorder Headlights, probably)

I was already a fan of CJ Leede's brand of horror, but this book has truly taken over my brain these past few days. Two of my favorite horror novels (and movies) ever are Silence of the Lambs and The Shining. Headlights starts with an epigraph comprised of quotes from each, and from that point on I was hooked. It has a little bit of the essence of each novel, but proves to be so much more as the story progresses.

As much as this is a story of an FBI agent with a traumatic background, unsolved serial case, and literal shadows haunting him, this story also explores the world we live in and the impact that everything has on each other. The controversy of wolf reintroduction and overdevelopment of public lands are very real issues that are present in our country today. Seeing how these issues are incorporated in the overarching plot was really interesting to see unfold.

This book takes place primarily in Colorado. As someone who currently lives in Colorado, it was so cool to see places that I have frequented as locations that were discussed or visited throughout the events of the book. The Stanley Hotel, for one, was described so accurately that it could match the pictures that I have on my phone. It has given me a list of more places to explore, as a result of curiosity to compare the real-world counterparts to their literary depictions.

The horror element is always my favorite thing about CJ Leede's books. Because it never plays out like I think it will, and I enjoy the surprise of the reality behind the paranormal. In this particular book, the ending was so excruciatingly cathartic that I couldn't help but feel comforted by the time it was over. Absolutely loved this book from start to finish, and it's now my favorite CJ Leede story!

Headlights releases on June 9, 2026. Thank you Tor Nightfire (via Netgalley) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

As always, thank you firstly to the publisher and author for allowing me to take a peak at this novel prior to its official publication!

I read CJ Leede's Maeve Fly last year and enjoyed it so when I saw Headlights here on NetGalley I was very excited! And I certainly was not disappointed. If I had to describe Headlights via poorly constructed comparison, I would liken it to a sort of Silence of the Lambs/XFiles/Silent Hill mashup in all of the best ways possible.

Danny's backstory is elaborately crafted in an almost leisurely way that leaves you wanting more information but also thinking you know it all - until you suddenly don't. There is just enough attention given to each character featured in this story that as a reader I could actually genuinely care for them and be affected by what they experience. There is such care given to a tender meeting of gruesome depravity and an underlying familial nurturing feeling that it only enhances the discomfort.

I could easily see this being adapted for film one day. Set amongst beautiful landscapes with absolutely horrifying imagery of the Drifters carrying "their" victims, a country music soundtrack playing alongside each turn of events. I loved the inclusion of oldschool country. I feel that a good soundtrack is integral for an emotional experience, and this really heightened the experience of reading Headlights.

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the supernatural element once it presented itself, but it was done in a tasteful, cult-y (can the two exist harmoniously?) way instead of anything too fantastical and ridiculous. There were no pieces in this story that felt overly dragged out or boring, and even the sex scenes were meaningful instead of just sex for the sake of sex. And that sex scene... Yikes! I say that in the most endearing way possible.

The only complaints I had about this novel were that there are often slightly excessive repetition used as an indicator that something is very serious or perhaps that a character is reflecting on something. I also felt like the aspect of Danny's hair being found in the mouths of each Drifter was a really creepy detail, but it didn't wrap up well for me. How was that ever explained to the rest of the FBI in the end? How were several things explained in the end (as far as the case goes)? Surely the entire division wasn't briefed on the supernatural. But then also surely SOME ends were left untied? Just a thought, but not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.

I would give Headlights a 4.5 star rating if possible, but for the sake of rating here I am rounding up to 5 stars. Excellent work, bravo! I look forward to reading more from CJ.

E-ARC Review; Release date 6/9/2026

CJ Leede deserves all the stars.

Headlights is a gruesome murder-mystery turned cosmic horror where soon-to-be former Special Agent Daniel Stansfield returns to his Colorado hometown to face a strange string of cases he failed to solve four years prior. As the case draws him back into the horrors of his past, Daniel struggles to keep his composure, and soon finds himself on the run with the case’s primary suspect.

This book had me hooked from the start, and while I could have blazed through it, I took my time reading to really savor the story and characters. CJ Leede has a way of writing that satisfies every craving–well fleshed out characters, stunning backdrops, deep rooted horrors, and a build up of tension that’s just *chef’s kiss* when it finally breaks. She doesn’t just write horror, she delivers the entire package.

Headlights is an ode to pain, loss, hope, and acceptance. A love letter to the Colorado wilderness and nuances of humanity; what we put each other (and ourselves) through and what we can overcome.

The climax/ending hits you like a tornado and keeps you spinning in mid-air until it eventually floats you back down. Unlike the gut punch of the final chapters of Rapture, Headlights ends on a softer, more tranquil note–a complete 180 from Daniel at the start of the story.

Headlights was my most anticipated read of 2026 and I’m so thankful to have received an e-ARC from NetGalley and TOR Publishing for review. If you haven’t preordered your copy yet, this is your sign to do so. It is 100% a book you should read (and re-read) upon release.

Vibe check: Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie, The Shining, and Life is Strange chapter 5 with a lot of childhood trauma and a dash of girl dinner.

CJ Leede has again delivered such a beautifully emotional, heavy, and incredibly well-written story with this one. She blends those fun, edge-of-your seat detective thrillers with supernatural, sexy, raw, and grotesque themes in a way that is so uniquely her, nobody else could have achieved.

This book reminded yet again why she's one of my favorite working authors at the moment, and I cannot wait for this story to officially release so I can talk about it more and see it achieve the success it deserves.

Cj Leede shows off her diversity with Headlights and solidifies herself as one of the best contemporary horror writers we have. This was a much more serious and darker toned novel than what I’ve come to expect from her. It took a ton of chances and was all the better for it. This sprawling story of serial killers, nature, nurture, and so much more was filled equally with heart and horrors. Danny was such a complex character who had such a heavy life, it was easy to be invested in his storyline. I can’t lie and say that I *100%* understand the resolution but I AM pleased with it. It was the perfect way to wrap up such a dark story without feeling cheesy or unrealistic. Who am I to say the rest of the novel isn’t realistic? I’m not treading those waters even slightly.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My first 5 star of 2026!!! ⭐️
This book does the freaking MOST. The raw, visceral feeling and intensity of this book is something I don’t know I’ve ever encountered before. The plot was unique, the characters were well thought out, you couldn’t see the twist coming even if it hit you in the face. And he named the dog Dolly 😭😭😭

This book is like if Chuck Wendig, J.H Markert and Lauren Beukes had a baby. CJ Leede is an absolutely incredible writer, I gave Maeve Fly 5 stars and I own American Rapture but I must be the biggest idiot in the world for not reading it yet.

Daniel Stansfield has had a rough life--his mother was killed at the hands of his abusive father, he lost his adoptive parents in a car accident, he's divorced, and just when he thinks he can leave his miserable life of an FBI agent behind... the serial killer from an unsolved case strikes again. Drifters are found naked, clad only in the pelt of their victim (of whom they have no memory killing) and with a single hair tied around their tongue. While the killings follow the pattern as the ones four years earlier, a deviation from the formula leads Daniel down an obsessive path. A woman named Heather Lawrence is found, alive, and bound to one of the victims in the motel room where Daniel lived with his mother.

'Headlights' starts as a crime and mystery novel, then veers about a hundred pages in into a supernatural, beyond-the-veil thrill ride. Daniel is far from your standard gruff, former soldier turned law enforcement officer character, being an emotional man who hasn't had much opportunities in his life for comfort and is understandably upset that people have moved on in their lives without him. He has a genuine love for his friends and coworkers, which is refreshing to see in such a protagonist. Heather, and the other characters who populate the Denver branch of the FBI, are all interesting and distinctive voices which help to make the cast of characters feel lush

As much as I loved this book, I did think the references to 'The Shining' became a bit egregious, especially when 'Headlights' felt more like a David Lynch tribute than anything (I prefer Lynch's works to King's, so this is a compliment). A nod here and there wouldn't be bad, but having two copies of the book showing up at times -and- the hotel that the Overlook Hotel was based on just felt a bit too on the nose. The John Denver references were much more distinct and interesting (and the Orville Peck name drop got an audible response from me), and helped to give 'Headlights' its own identity, but I feel that name dropping a well-known horror book multiple times is a bit fatalistic.

The positives outweigh my complaints, and 'Headlights' is a trippy, gory adventure that will surprise readers with how emotionally resonant it is on top of all of that. Come for the mystery, stay for the consensual finger eating.

I finished this book yesterday but it is still hard to process how to review it. American Rapture by CJ Leede is my all time favorite horror book. Headlights was…. so different. While AR was nonstop action packed, Headlights was much slower. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. CJ is such an incredible author. The atmospheric setting in Colorado was beautiful. It wasn’t until about 50% in that things took a supernatural turn… and it went pretty crazy. No spoilers but that bathroom scene- wow! The ending wasn’t what I expected but it was satisfying. I shared a Bookstagram review post for this and have it linked down below.

CJ Leede writes propulsive books that leave you hanging on the edge of your seat, wanting more, while also covering your eyes and leaving the light on a bit longer. I absolutely loved Headlights and it's spin on the spooky psychic kid, grown up into a deeply traumatized FBI agent. This book was suspenseful, scary, and deeply heartfelt. The overall message of facing and working to heal from your trauma was so beautiful. I also loved the message that soulmates come in every relationship under the sun, not just romantic ones. CJ Leede knocked it out of the park again!

C.J leede really knows how to make me feel every emotion in one book! I will pick up everything she writes. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC 🖤

• Headlights

Publishes June 9th 🥩🩸🕵🏻🤠👻🐺 ✨ go preorder!

• CJ ripped my heart apart once again, and I will continue to let her do it to me with every book. Thank you CJ and Tor Nightfire for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this beautiful book. Thank you for also getting me into new music with another amazing playlist.

• Glitches, memories, ghosts of a past life, heartbreak, pain, fear, trauma, the need to protect. That's what you're in store for when you open up this book.

Daniel, a burnt out FBI agent, gets pulled back to his hometown by the case that made him leave so long ago. Bodies are piling up. People are being killed, skinned and eaten, and the ones being found guilty are the people found walking naked and wearing the skin of those dead. But why does it keep happening? Who's really orchestrating this macabre crime spree spanning years?

As he finds himself caught back up in the case, he's haunted by the memories of his past life. He's haunted by ghosts and keeps suffering from glitches. He tells himself that none of it is real until one day, one of the people involved in the case pulls on his senses so deeply and they find they have a connection and share similar experiences.

Daniel is suffering from long term trauma, grief and guilt. He brutally lost his mother at a young age and since has been haunted by her memory everywhere he turns. When he comes back for the case, guilt is only added on when he has to face the friends he left behind and wasn't there for all this time.

What drives all of the key players in this story, even the antagonist, is what drives many of us and is key to a lot of my own life - the need to protect. I found that extremely powerful. We all have parts of us, and not all of them are good or perfect. So is this force that Daniel's up against really evil, or driven by something more human, more primal?

This story is a brutally painful and beautiful tale of loss, connection, memory, what truly drives us at our core and the cosmic stardust that makes up all of us. We all shine, but not all the same. We all have a deep need to protect what is ours, but we don't all pay the same respect to others with that same need. The need to protect felt extremely relatable, and I think it will for you all as well.

The way CJ weaves trauma, pain, fear, drive and survival in all of her books will never cease to draw me deeper into every story.

Thank you so very much to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

When I say I sat down to read this with every intention of doing other things tonight as well...yet I ended up binging this entire book. I love this exploration of grief and trauma in a way that only CJ Leede can do. This is very possibly my favorite read this month and I've had some bangers. I cannot wait to have a trophy copy for my shelf because this was incredible. The themes at work here, the use of Stephen King lore, the setting...it all came together to create something truly incredible. This is going to be a top contender for best book of my year, and I cannot wait to see what CJ Leede does next.

Absolutely horrifying and it hits just right.
I haven't read any of Leede's other books, but I'm definitely hoping on that now because wow! this one gets under your skin and makes it's home there.

Twisty, unnerving, reckless, and obscene. An incredibly easy five stars.

There were so many times where I was internally screaming because I thought there was no way that an author would write something this horrifying. Seriously, do not read Headlights around any mealtimes. I kept expecting Leede to take a safer turn, but she never did and it paid off immeasurably.

It’s the type of book that made me nervous to go outside when it is dark out, even if just to walk to my car. I kept the lights on while reading and would have tried to finish in one sitting if not for work and the holidays.

I highly recommend that anyone who traumatized themselves by reading Stephen King books or bingeing Criminal Minds when they were too young to have any business consuming either check Headlights out. It will scratch an itch in your brain.

I was a bit nervous when I started reading the book as I hadn’t seen that it was written from the perspective of a man. I typically read books by women, about women. However, I think Leede did a fantastic job of centering the story of a woman. Leede dug into the horrors of the human mind and how the female body can feel like a prison. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley, TorNightfire, and CJ Leede for the eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the eARC! 4.5 stars rounded up.

Agent Daniel Stansfield has a Bad Feeling. He has been running from his past his whole life, yet the trauma follows him. Killers are on the loose in Denver, and each one appears wearing the skin of their victim with no recollection of any crime. Daniel becomes entangled in the case, and realizes that his past might somehow be involved.

As usual, CJ Leede crushed it. I'm biased with my love of nature, country music, and of course, crimes. This book was definitely more suspenseful than Maeve Fly and American Rapture, but I loved it. The plot kept me hooked, and I was finding any spare moment I could to read this book. Leede's characters are full of heart, and their imperfections make them interesting. Hannah was so compelling, and Daniel's growth is fulfilling. The novel is a love letter to Colorado and its flora and fauna, and I could picture it vividly. The ending took me by surprise, and for anyone who has read Maeve Fly or American Rapture and is familiar with Leede's style, there's One Scene that made my jaw drop. It's perfect.

ARC REVIEW
Detective novel + The Shining = Headlights

Special Agent Daniel Stansfield is a veteran FBI agent with a dark past. When he’s pulled back to Denver, Colorado, the city he fled after a traumatic childhood event, he’s tasked with solving a harrowing case.

The case: Innocent people wake up with no memory of how they got there… while wearing the skin of another human they’ve never met.

As the investigation deepens, so does Danny’s past and once I started this story, I was completely hooked.

I’ve read C.J. Leede’s previous novels (Maeve Fly and American Rapture), and after Headlights, she has officially solidified herself as the Queen of Horror, while also proving just how wide her range truly is. Her ability to write emotional, complex, deeply human relationships is astounding—not just between people, but in our connections to animals, memory, grief, behavior, and even our place in the universe. Every element is rendered with care and intention.

This book explores trauma, fear, memory, love, grief, loss, and the power of music in ways that linger long after the final page. One thing I’ve noticed across CJ’s work: no matter how weird, lonely, or broken you feel, there is always someone out there to match your freak, to understand you, to hold your hand… or even just your pinky.

I’m still processing the characters and the emotional weight of this story. It stayed with me.

Highly recommend picking up Headlights when it releases June 9.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is very different than CJ's last two books and really showcases how versatile a writer CJ Leede is. This book took me on what I felt like was a spiritual journey. I read it slowly, savored it, no hurry to get to the end, just transfixed and transported along the way. I think this book is really something special. I feel like it changed me in some core way, but I am unsure if I will be able to explain exactly how. I loved the main character, Daniel, in such a profound way. He is messy and damaged and I just felt akin to him somehow. Like different stories and scenarios, but I still felt like I understood him on a fundamental level. Like we could be friends without judgment. Daniel is a veteran and FBI agent. There is a most peculiar serial killer case in Denver, Colorado that he was lead on and gets drawn back into it when the killings start again after years of seemingly being over. It's a detective, serial killer story, with the underlying mystery of who or what is committing the murders, but it's so much more at the same time. It's definitely a love letter to Colorado, no doubt. It also pays homage to The Shining by Stephen King (love that book). But it will make you think about life, our relationships, human behavior, our planet, the animals, what happens after death, what is our place in this world, how we relate to other species. It's about respect for nature, about memories, about music and senses, about trauma and grief and loss, about how we protect those we love, about pain and fear. Gosh, it's just so freaking good! I just finished it this morning, but I know I will be reading it again. I'm still processing it. This was one of my top three most anticipated books of the year, and it blew me out of the water. Thank you CJ for writing this masterpiece. 

Thank you to NetGalley and to Tor Nightfire for the ARC. Book releases 6/9/26.

CJ Leede, you will ALWAYS be famous to me. Might be my favorite horror read of 2026, I just don’t see another book topping this absolute masterpiece of a book. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it forces you to look inside of the darkest parts of yourself. I cannot say enough good things about this one.

First of all, thank you so much to Tor Nightfire, Net Galley and CJ Leed Net Galley for this ARC. I’m incredibly grateful to have been entrusted with this absolute piece of art.

This was another masterpiece by CJ Leede, albeit very different from her other works. I went into this expecting horror, and boy did it deliver — but what I wasn’t expecting was a story that so viscerally tapped into what it’s like to have PTSD and not feeling like you belong anywhere. And without giving too much away, could possibly be an allegory for dealing with some form of Dissociative Identity Disorder, though I’m not sure if that was the author’s intention.

This dark and twisted thriller follows Daniel, a detective who is deeply traumatized after a horrific childhood experience. His dark past becomes a part of this story in ways that as an avid horror reader, I was not anticipating. This book is heart breaking, horrific and bloody and disgusting as hell. Most of this story is told in a deeply unsettling way that had me on the edge of my seat and also afraid to turn the page. There were points I had to physically put my kindle down because the scenes were so disturbing.

I could not recommend this enough for avid horror fans and those that love a good detective thriller.

Anybody who has read this and did not give this 5 stars in my opinion either did not actually READ it, or did not know what they were going into… another horror masterpiece by Leede. This book darkened and unburdened my soul somehow at the same time. Incredible.

This dark, twisting, horrific detective story follows Daniel, a deeply troubled and traumatized main character whose dark past has manifested into a nightmarish entity. I could NOT put this one down, and I suspect any lover of dark true crime or horror will be just as enthralled as I was.

I absorbed this in 2 days!!

‘Headlights’ feels like driving too fast at night and realizing you don’t actually want to slow down. It’s terrifying in a quiet way - patient and confident that it can wait you out. CJ Leede isn’t trying to shock so much as unsettle — the horror creeps in sideways, then grows. There’s an odd warmth buried under the damage, like the book believes people are worth examining even when they’re at their worst. You finish it a little rattled, a little changed, and weirdly grateful for both.

Thank you NetGalley, CJ Leede and Tor Nightfire for my ARC copy of this book - all opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

Daniel Stansfield is about to retire from the FBI when he gets pulled back into a cold case. Years before, victims were found with no memory and a single strand of hair tied to their tongue. Now it's happening again!

This was twisty, so unique, and sooooo gorgeous. I'll admit I think it had a bit of a slow start, but I knew I could trust CJ Leede and I wasn't wrong! I read the back half in one sitting - I could not put it down.

This one's best going into with relatively little information. I highly recommend, and might even say it's Leede's best yet!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an advanced readers copy of Headlights.

God I loved this book. It was a mix between true detective and the shining, with more than a few love stories included. I don’t think I’ve read a book quite like it before, and it truly was beautiful.

The paranormal elements were really quite something, and made me think of Supernatural. Another reviewer mentioned a love letter to the west, and I agree.

5/5 stars

I have been extremely impressed by all of CJ Leede's works so far - especially how the last two have differed so much in style. With Headlights, we see CJ Leed take on a detective story in the Colorado mountains and we get a spectatular thriller that is nostalgic of our own experiences first reading The Shining, while extremely unique and dark.

As Stansfield is immediately pulled back into the world of these awful, gruesome, and very confusing murders, we immediately know that the stakes are much higher this time around. They're hitting very close to home for our protagonist, and learning more about the two sides of his insane childhood trauma feeds more into where the story might be headed. As soon as he meets Hannah we start to realize that something much bigger is at play here - and it's a wild ride that is hard to put down to see where it takes us.

Fear and grief are major themes in this story in a way that is both explicit and in the subtext of the story. The violence and craziness of events is one thing, but we witness Stansfield mentally breakdown and have absolutely no clue what is going on, several times. The setting of Colorado is a major character in the story as well, and you can tell, like the other settings in Leede's other books that it's a personal love letter to the places. She truly has a gift for painting a picture in the reader's mind of both how the surroundings add to the story, as well as the dread and panic we feel alongside the characters.

This book was fantastic, and I found myself not able to put it down - despite not being a fan of detective novels. The second half takes a new direction to the folklore and the mystery. It was scary, thrilling, and inescapable - in its reflective moments and its most terrifying parts.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the ARC via NetGalley. I’ve read both of CJ’s previous novels and they each have their own unique reasons why they’re my favorites. So I was excited to read her next novel. Headlights was different from her other novels because we have a male main character and at first he bothered me. A little unreliable, a lot of repetition in his thoughts. He’s in the middle of these gruesome murders that no one can solve, plus dealing with unresolved childhood trauma.

I did not expect the twist and direction the story went and I think it made it that much more enjoyable. Also I love the tie ins to The Shining, one of my favorites of King.

Also, the cover for this novel is gorgeous.

I don't know how CJ Leede can write three completely different novels and they're all so good. I was SO into the thriller/mystery part of this and felt the paranormal part played so well into it. Daniel felt so real and I felt right along with him as he tried to unravel the killings and come to terms with his last. The grief aspect was also really well intertwined and I did cry at the end. PLUS let's give it up for the gore!!!

Having been a big fan of CJ Leede for years now, Headlights has been my anticipated read for 2026 since she announced it! And I’m so happy to say it did not disappoint. If there’s one thing I can say about CJ, she always delivers something fresh and creepy. Headlights is unlike her previous novels and while I was nervous at first for a more “Longlegs” type of story, just a few chapters in and I was hooked. You get lots of Stephen King influences and references throughout which is really fun if you’re also a fan of King.

This is graphic horror at its finest. CJ provides a compelling and engaging story that can move you and make you think. It’s about loss and grief which can be some of the scariest things in life. A great job by CJ once again!! I am forever a CJ Leede fan. As always, I am on the edge of my seat to see what she does next.

CJ asked earlier readers to not write blurbs or really anything about this book itself. Which is actually a very difficult task for me to accomplish personally. Especially when it is a novel that was kept me on my toes with an unpredictable and entirely unique narrative, AND one in which I enjoyed so much that I will be personally purchasing a physical copy for my personal horror library collection (even though I already have a kobo and kindle arc epub copy). But I have to write something for a book that I’ve enjoyed reading so much, so keeping within the confines of this request here are some facts that I think you must know:
1. CJ is the Queen of first person POV horror and this novel proves that gender isn’t a factor affecting her writing skills
2. She is my favourite Female horror author EVER
3. None of her novels narratives are similar in any way whatsoever!! - they are all horror yet each one fall under and entirely different subgenre and story elements are completely unique
4. Even though she clearly was inspired by Stephen King and Thomas Harris- this book was an ode to their work while remaining an entirely new story that was written in her own style and took readers on a journey that was distinctly different and entirely new
5. CJ Leeds is one of those authors who I can safely say that I do not feel like I have ever wasted a cent when purchasing her novels. They are worth every FUCKING Cent!!


First update on Goodreads:
So I know Cj asked people to not say much or write blurbs if they got an arc or review copy of this book. So l will say three things so far:
1. This was one of my most anticipated and must read new releases of 2026
2. She is one of my favourite authors of all time and her two previous books have been absolutely outstanding
3. I'm on chapter 9 and I haven't been able to put this book down all night and I started tn

Headlights captured my attention from the first second and never let go! I thought the premise and execution was unique and overall had a great time reading this creepy book!

This book means the world to me. Such a brilliant, heart pounding, and creative story. I love the way this book combined a police procedural and haunting story of confronting one's past. So gripping, cannot stop thinking about it

4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for the ARC!!

This is a force of a novel. What starts with a crime from the nightmares of True Detective ends with a powerful look at how grief and trauma shapes us. My biggest gripe is that the case was scarier than the reasoning behind it, that being said I still really loved this novel. I want to point out that CJ Leede’s writing gets better and sharper with each novel and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Headlights completely blew me away, and I expected nothing less from the brilliant CJ Leede. By 2% into the story my heart rate had increased and I was completely hooked. CJ’s vivid writing pulls the reader in and the plot never has a dull moment, making for a suspenseful and addictive read that is completely unpredictable. Headlights contains deeply layered characters with authentic interactions that will steal your heart. I love how CJ wove the element of nature into the storyline so deeply that it became its own character rather than just a back-drop. Headlights is an adrenaline-pumping story that had me in a choke hold from start to finish. It gave me a severe book hangover, and I wanted to re-read it instantly. I highly recommend this inventive take on serial killer tales, it is not to be missed! I will read anything that CJ Leede writes, Headlights showcases her diverse range, she has broken the mold and I am here for it.

Good God, CJ Leede has done it again. Headlights has something for everyone - paranormal, ghosts (literal and metaphorical), haunted houses, murder, and even a dash of romance. The way she drew parallels between animals (specifically wolves), trauma and pain from our pasts, and the importance of community was really beautifully done. In a broader sense, there are two things that I find Leede to be particular good at, and that make her an auto buy author for me. The first is her characters. In reality, we as readers truly don't get a ton of time with these characters, but Leede creates hers in such a way that when I'm done, I feel like I've known them my whole life. They're all so layered and complex and some of them are just genuinely delightful (looking at you, Tillman.) The other is her endings. Concluding a story, especially such an intricately detailed one can be really difficult to do well, but I always LOVE Leede's endings. She ties off all the loose ends, but still leaves you thinking about what could still be with the characters. Both of these things ring true in Headlights. Not to sound greedy, but I already can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚋𝚢 𝙲.𝙹. 𝙻𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎🛣️

Thank you @tornightfire for the ARC of Headlights by @ceejthemoment

🗓️Releasing June 9th

Guys, I’m going to preface this by stating I was TERRIFIED, paranoid, and wanted to cry a few times throughout this book. Immediate 5⭐️

The emotional depth and character growth is incredible. Trust me going into this blind you wouldn’t expect anything, esp just going off the synopsis and cover. This story delves into grief, PTS, mental health, trauma, humanity, violence, and environmental activism. Daniel our mmc is just a somber man who wanted a fresh start. And cannot for the life of him escape his past. He’s haunted, jaded, and had a mournful life full of loss. But his gut tells him he has to go back home to face his past and to solve these murders… “this is not your typical crime novel.”

It was so eerie and brutal at times, CJ sets a picturesque atmosphere that puts you right into the story. Even though I’ve never stepped foot on Colorado Soil. (Just the Airport)🎠

And that bathroom scene was exactly why I signed up for her ARC.
holy cow… amazing🫣🤯🩸and that ending had me fighting tears, it was beautiful. May not have been the ending I wanted, but it was the ending they deserved. I loved every moment of this.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Daniel Stansfield is many things - FBI agent, veteran, divorcee, and a man with a troubled past. He is burnt out and ready to give it all up by reenlisting until a serial killer (or many) reappear in his home town of Denver Colorado. Unable to pull away, spill his secrets to his friends, he works the case and learns more about his past than he could've wished for.

CJ Leede has truly done it again. I was immediately drawn into Daniel's mind and couldn't tear myself out of it if I tried. Leede did an amazing job stylistically with all of the flashbacks Daniel has, to the point that I felt a little whiplash myself from the episodes just as Daniel probably did. There is truly something to Leede's writing style that doesn't fail to have the reader fully immersed in the novel and with her main character.
I will say that I figured out most of the "twists" so I wasn't surprised by reveals. The big twist at the end, DID surprise me though and I really enjoyed it. It is very obvious in Leede's writing how much she loves Colorado and nature and like Meave Fly and American Rapture, this book is a love letter to t state it takes place in.
I am once again impressed with how well Leede was able to bring in pop culture references into the book without it feeling cringy. As someone who hasn't read The Shining, or seen the movie, I was still able to follow the references to the book and see the significance of the moments. I also have no idea who John Denver is, but it didn't impede my ability to see how significant he was to Daniel.

“But something about the dark of night, something about no longer existing in the daylight, made me feel as though I… no one wants to be the darkest thing in the day.”

“And if you scream loud enough, shine bright enough, you’re bound to wake something up”

Only CJ Leede can make me want to pick up a book about an FBI agent and/or serial murders, and after reading I can say it’s about so much more.

It’s about loss and grief, it’s about the darkest part of your soul, finding hope and looking to the light, it’s about the mysteries of life and humans roles on this plain, it’s history and future colliding, protecting those who can’t protect themselves; and it’s also about paying homage to the things that make you who you are. For CJ that seems to be The Shining, Colorado, John Denver, nature and animals, dancing with those she loves. This book makes you want to reflect on your own memories, peel back the layers of protection one puts on their souls to save oneself from fear and pain. 

At first I questioned if Leede knew where she wanted to go with the story, starting it as an FBI thriller with overtones of paranormal shouldn’t work, but it did. The story mechanics were done so well, that it flowed as one and was not choppy or felt like two books. The prose flows gorgeously off the page and at times I felt transported to CO, the descriptions were rich and realistic (even when the subject matter wasn’t). There’s so much more I want to touch on but am currently at a loss for words it was that good.

Special Agent Daniel Stansfield has been running from his life in Denver when his old boss reels him back to solve a horrendous case. People are appearing on the side of the road wearing nothing but the skin of another victim and remembering absolutely nothing. As new clues seem to implicate Daniel's involvement, he goes on the run with Hannah, a women who could be a victim or the person responsible for everything. To solve the case, Daniel has to confront his past including accepting his supernatural abilities and the family trauma he has blocked.

This book has so much going on. There is not only great horror and gore from Leede but also a fantastic detective story with supernatural elements and yes of course, disturbing erotic scenes. Self acceptance and forgiveness are strong themes. I loved the references to The Shining and incorporating the Colorado environment and nature throughout the storyline. Another stunning book from CJ Leede!

I dont even know where to begin with this one without giving away anything about the plot or, especially, the ending. There are ao many twists and turns, so much incredible character building, so mang emotions. Everything about this book is beautiful. I hilighted so many quotes. My only complaint is the run on sentences. While I do understand it is written in the thoughts of our main character, it is distracting in the first part. Clearly he has more fragmented thoughts and this is being portrayed, but it was tough! Especially at the beginning. However, I adored the characters more and more as it went along. And the ending, holy cow. This is definitely going to be a top read of the year.

oh how i love horror. and this one was GIVING. i love authors who dont have the need to overcompensate gore to cover mediocre writing. love love love

WOW, what a wild ride from start to finish. I could not, in any way, have predicted what was going to happen the entire time.

Daniel Stansfield is an FBI agent from Cherry Hills Village, CO and he has a deep, dark past full of trauma, PTSD, “hallucinations”, etc. He’s called back into an investigation that went cold a few years back and let me tell you, it’s a GRUESOME case that seems almost impossible to solve and has worn on Daniel’s (already strung out) psyche for years. I can’t say much more because I simply can’t give anything away… but you can expect raw terror, supernatural elements similar to True Detective, and so many absolutely shocking scenes (CJ’s modus operandi) that will leave your stomach churning and your mouth agape.

I have to note that this is quite different from Leede’s previous novels, “Maeve Fly” and “American Rapture”. And I have HUGE respect for her range and her ability to think of such diverse & uniquely horrific storylines!!! As a Denver resident, I also loveddddd all the Colorado references!!!! I could picture every scene perfectly in my head. And happy to hear CJ Leede hates Denver’s suburban sprawl as much as me lmao.

Overall, CJ is a 10/10 horror novelist and I’ll read literally anything she writes.

Thank you Tor Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

my first CJ Leede and won't be my last! this was one of the most layered, complex and emotionally fraught horror books I have ever read. an absolutely insane plotline with a cast of characters that were so well developed that I found myself feeling things for tertiary characters I never expected to ever become important.

Let's start with the plot - a misanthropic ex-detective has felt like he's lost everything in the world, re-enlisting in the Army to be sent far, far away, when he gets the call. the Drifters. they're back.

a year ago, a series of murders started in Colorado in which individuals were found wearing the pelts of murder victims. they don't know where they are, how they got there, or worse - the person whose skin they are wearing. but after the murders mysteriously stopped, they started back up again.

supported by fellow detectives (made up of an ex wife, her new beau and an old friend), and the shadows he sees out of the corners of his eyes - special agent Daniel Stansfield is determined to solve this case once and for all.

not one scene wasted, not one twist that led nowhere - this is one of those stories that must have required an abundance of red string and character bios. I can't believe someone thought of this one, let alone wrote it so well. I was hooked from the beginning, and couldn't rest until I finished it.

thanks tor nightfire and netgalley for the e-arc!

HEADLIGHTS by CJ Leede 🥩

If True Detective (season 1 purist here) lives rent free in your brain the way it does in mine, this will sink its canines into you immediately. Intentional or not, Daniel Stansfield feels cut from the same cloth as Rust Cohle. He's haunted, obsessive, exhausted, jaded, and dragged back into a case that refuses to stay buried. I will live forever wishing I could experience TD1 and now Headlights for the first time all over again.

The horror here was brutal and eerie, but what really got me was the atmosphere. GOD. The frozen Colorado wilderness. The constant outside-ness of the story. The ghosts, literal and emotional. And the way the past circles back no matter how far you run.

Also… the bathroom scene. Holy shit. Anyway.

This is going to be one of, if not THE, best books of the year for me. Even with disbelief suspended, nothing here feels misplaced. There's a real reverence in the writing for trauma, memory, and community. It made me sob, cry, and crave a dinner at Texas Roadhouse 🥩 ...which I got 😌

If you like your horror emotional, slightly untethered, and with a built in playlist, Headlights is IT honey!! 5 bloody meaty stars for this beaut.

Thank you so much to @tornightfire, @netgalley, and CJ Leede for the opportunity to experience this ahead of release 🖤

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰.

Vibes? Immaculate. Emotions? High.

In 2025, I read Maeve Fly in January followed by American Rapture and Red Tide (short story in the One Bad Night Collection from Aardvark), so it’s only appropriate that I end the year with her 2026 release. Miraculously, it slid right into my top 10 reads of the year at the last possible second.
There was so much depth in this story and each page turned was unraveled bits of a mystery. Such a beautiful book that unexpectedly made me so emotional and will definitely stick with me. The western elements mixed with the paranormal and grief themes were pristine. Odes to the Shining were throughout the entire book and that made it 10x cooler. I grew up in the country and on country music so that was refreshing. I’m so happy I closed my year out with this book!

Oh, man. This is a beautiful book.

A slow-burn detective novel with paranormal elements, very much a crossover between Stephen King's "The Shining" and True Detective.

In a small town in Colorado, there have been a string of brutal murders. The alleged perpetrators appear with a strand of hair tied around their tongues, wearing the skin of their victims...and absolutely no memory of what happened.

While the core of the story is dedicated to figuring out who (or what) is behind these crimes, it's also a love letter to Colorado, wild places, and a portrait of forgiving yourself for what you believe is unforgivable. It's different than what I expected for CJL, but holds everything I've come to love from her books.

ARC 📖 Review: Headlights by C.J. Leede
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: June 9, 2026.

If something could be both beautiful and disgusting at the same time, it would be this book! I couldn’t, for one second, begin to guess where it was headed. It had so many emotional and tense scenes, filled with trauma, grief, and a supernatural element. You’re not going to want to miss this one!

Thank you @netgalley and @tor for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🐺👅🐕

Special Agent Daniel Stansfield is ready for a change. Burnt out and defeated by the job, it’s his last day with the FBI. But before he can turn in his badge, he’s summoned back to Denver, the city he ran from four years ago, with a chilling message: it's happening again.

Seemingly innocent people are waking up on the side of the highway, with no memory of how they got there, wearing the skin of victims they've allegedly never met. And they each share one haunting detail: a strand of a stranger’s hair is tied around their tongue.

cj leede is definitely one of the best when it comes to horror right now and i can't wait for everybody to read this release! the writing/story keeps you on your toes, you can't help but look over your shoulder every few minutes and the first person pov really makes you feel like you're in the story yourself. i went in half blind, only knowing part of the plot and that this was for fans of the shining and longlegs and WOW was it worth going in without knowing too much. i was so blown away by this, cj leede i would read your grocery list if i could.

A huge thank you to Tor Nightlife and NetGalley for the eARC (of one of my most anticipated reads of 2026!) in exchange for an honest review.

The fact that CJ Leede can write a story that starts off relatively slowly and have me wholeheartedly invested in the story and be like "i have no clue what I'm reading (i rarely read the synopsis if I know the author) but take me wherever you need to CJ" and I'm so so so glad I spend the time on this one.
I love how you can totally see the intend behind the book, and analyze to my hearts content with her stories and this one is no exception.

There's a specific scene around the 70% mark that rewired my brain chemistry in a way only CJ Leede can.
I did find a few part to be a bit on the longer end, but as a person who spend a whole lot of hours in therapy, I can totally understand why the book was written this way and I agree with that choice.

And so, after rereading my review, I'm bumping this from a 4 to a 4.5, and rounding out to a 5 cause I can.

I absolutely loved Headlights by CJ Leede. While different from her previous books, Headlights is a heavy hitter with edge of your seat suspense, unrelenting terror, and shocking reveals at every turn. This book is inundated with gore, darkness, and entities that will resonate long after you close the cover. I found myself looking in the shadows for what may creep there.

Danny is a former FBI agent who’s decided to go back into the military to find meaning in life after a cold case he just couldn’t solve. Danny was the shining boy- always just knew what was going on even when it was just out of the reach of what others could see, but this case was different- he just couldn’t figure it out. As he goes to leave, the case that’s haunted him is suddenly open again- and someone is found walking down the street wearing the skin of a victim- no idea how they got there, how long they’d been walking, or how they ended up wearing a dead person’s skin. Danny is thrown back into the case to try and solve it before the next murder occurs- but something sinister is hiding just under the surface, and Danny has to decide if the person wearing the skin is responsible or if something more ominous is to blame.

You need this book- it’s beautifully written, deeply unsettling, and full of all the things that make horror a genre worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, TorNightfire and Tor Pub for the privilege of reading this book in exchange for an honest review

CJ Leede is truly the best voice in horror. She so seamlessly blends the most gut-wrenching passages mixed with the most tender moments to create a truly incredible book. I laughed, I looked away in disgust, I closed my eyes out of fear, and I ended up weeping at the end- all these emotions are so easily woven into the narrative.

This novel is brimming with trauma, grief, and fear and it's one of the most terrifying serial killer books you'll read. Because it's not technically A serial killer but several (sort of) although there's only one thing causing the brutally horrific murders. I know that might sound confusing but, trust me, it'll make sense within the narrative. Saying any more would be wrong as this is a book best read as blind as possible.

Daniel is an FBI agent and he's pretty much a mess. PTSD, ex vet, and deep dark trauma from when he was a kid have really done a number on his mental health.

When he's called back into an investigation which went cold a year earlier, he's going to find himself targeted by... something as bloody murders begin once more. And things will only get worse as the twisty narrative keeps you on your toes and terrified.

When Daniel meets Hannah, all bets are off because, together, they're a part of something extremely dark, ancient, and gruesome.

This will likely be in many top ten horror book lists for the year and rightfully so. Between Maeve Fly, American Rapture, and now Headlights, this author is a must read. I highly recommend it.

I was hooked from the moment I met the gumshoe with trauma, and Headlights has cemented CJ Leede as one of my favorite authors! I couldn't get enough of the surprises in this book, and I experienced suspense, fear, shock, grief, and hope through it all. Headlights is a must-read!!

Another absolute banger of a book by CJ Leede! This one is my favorite yet and I loved her other two. Headlights is horror with so much heart. I loved the characters and the connections to The Shining. Every one of her books dives deep into the place it takes place and this one is a love letter to the culture, history and landscape of Colorado and the western US. I also especially love an author with range. Headlights is a serial killer crime novel with supernatural elements woven in. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thanks to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and kick off my year of reading in the best possible way.

Detective Daniel Stansfield is ready to begin a new. He’s ready to pick up his life in his despondent apartment and get as far away from his past as he can. Before he can make his escape he’s asked to return back to Denver Colorado, the very same past he’s been running from, with one message “he’s back”

Stansfield biggest case to date, the killer who took almost a dozen lives in one year. The gruesome twisted carnage stopped abruptly, but is now back with vengeance taking lives faster than ever before.

The FBI is urging for Stansfield’s help and he begrudgingly agrees. As the case heats up Stansfield gets caught tangled up with park ranger Hannah. The two are connect somehow he just knows it, but how?

After spending some time together Hannah starts to pull memories from one fateful night of Stansfield’s childhood out from the past. With the FBI and a mysterious being on his case, he must find a way to the truth or die trying.

I don’t even know how to put this review into words! This book took me on such a wild, dark, depressing, gorgeous, grief filled ride that I never wanted to stop! CJ writes with such delicate care and passion. The settings and worlds she builds are so visceral, often referencing actual places in America. Her writing is so strong,
I feel like I’ve been there just by reading her words. She is one of those rare writers who is constantly improving upon her craft and out writing her previous works. She puts so much heart into every character she writes, even the 3 legged ones. You feel like you know them, you’ve known them your whole life. Daniel was such a special character to get to explore especially as he discovers what he’s capable of. It’s very obvious how much of herself CJ poured into this book and I thank her for that bravery and vulnerability.

This book read so obviously to me as a love letter to the native cultures and histories of Colorado. It is a plea for us to give the land and the indigenous peoples and animals and ecosystems the space, peace and protection they deserve. Thank you to The NetGalley team at Tor/Forge for this eARC. Headlights is out June 9th!

CJ Leede at her finest. The writing was out of this world, the story and the depth behind it was on another level. Probably her darkest and most mature (not sure if mature is the right world to use here) novel yet. I loved it, and couldn’t get enough of it but also took me forever to read it because I kept worrying I was going to miss something.

I wish I loved the ending as much as I loved the rest of the book… but it’s still one of the most unique books I’ve read.

Thank you TorNightfire!

Some books can scare you, others linger. Headlights does both. CJ Leede crafts a brutal, strange, and unexpectedly moving novel that lured me in with its unsettling premise and then kept me going with emotional depth. Leede has a keen ability to balance visceral horror with an exploration of grief to create a story that feels raw and incredible. As a huge fan of Leede, this has to be one of her best...if not her best.

Special Agent Daniel Stansfield is ready for a change. Burnt out and defeated by the job, it’s his last day with the FBI. But before he can turn in his badge, he’s summoned back to Denver, the city he ran from four years ago, with a chilling message: it's happening again.

Seemingly innocent people are waking up on the side of the highway, with no memory of how they got there, wearing the skin of victims they've allegedly never met. And they each share one haunting detail: a strand of a stranger’s hair is tied around their tongue.

Now Daniel is pulled back into the gruesome cycle, and every clue leads him deeper into the shadows of his own past. He will have to confront the ghosts of his traumatic childhood and face what’s been hunting him all along― before he and the people he loves become the next victims.

I will say that Maeve Fly was difficult to beat and American Rapture was very close, but still edged by Maeve. Now, Headlights somehow may edge over Maeve Fly. Either way, Leede is three-for-three on her novels in the past few years.

Leede manages to balance pure dread with great emotion in Headlights. The horror within is graphic and unsettling, something we have come to expect from Leede, but it never feels empty or just inserted for shock value. Leede clearly knows how to scare while telling a fantastic story. She cares about the lives of her characters in Headlights, especially Daniel, and that makes this story hit even harder. Headlights spends a lot of time with trauma, memory, and grief, and somehow manages to make it all feel raw rather than heavy-handed. There are moments that even caught me off guard emotionally, something I didn't expect coming into this story and don't usually expect in a horror novel.

Like with American Rapture, this novel breathes atmospheric horror. Headlights feels cold and tense in the best way possible, like driving down a darken highway with only your headlights cutting through the thick night sky, waiting to see what lays beyond the end of the beam. CJ uses her typical vivid writing to give us a story that some may see as strange and chaotic, but really feels intentional. It's not a neat and comforting read, it has this messiness that works in its favor, making the reading experience that much more intense and personal.

I was captivated and gripped to Headlights for many reasons, some already stated, but the big one really is Leede's blend of genres. Headlights sits in a weird crossroads of horror, psychological thriller, and even a sense of true crime, pulling tension from each without making it feel gimmicky or forced.

It can be difficult to decide, but Headlights by CJ Leede is definitely one of her best novels yet. Leede crafts a genre-bending horror story that has true emotional depth while scaring the shit out of us. Headlights is visceral, psychological, and horrifying in one fast-paced and gripping novel. A must-read horror story.

You ever love a book so much you delay finishing it because you don't want it to end? For me, that was Headlights. It was absolutely everything I want in a novel. It's definitely horror but it's also a romance but it's also a mystery/thriller but it's also a Shakespearean tragedy but it's also.........

Really, though, I'm having a hard time with this review because this book was just so special. I cried when it ended. How often does that happen? For me, maybe one or two other times. In fact, one of them was American Rapture (go figure).

CJ Leede is such a unique writer. Her voice, to me, is something I can't even describe. I'll say that what I've seen across Maeve Fly, American Rapture, and now Headlights is that CJ is masterful at building a world that keeps you interested. She gives life to all her characters, and you really REALLY care about them. Daniel, specifically, is so well-rounded. He's tough but also kind and gentle and someone who cares about helping people but also works to hold them accountable. What he loses is heartbreaking. I really did care about him, and I wanted him to find peace - whatever that looked like.

The novel itself is just written so beautifully. You can tell CJ poured so much of herself into this book, spending careful and meticulous time researching so much - the setting, the character details and experiences, the historical context, the importance of the land and space around these characters. For being a book that included some *unexpected* plot points and scenes (I CANNOT WAIT TO TALK ABOUT THIS WITH PEOPLE), it still felt like I was spending time with people who matter to me, and I know I felt that way because CJ built a well thought-out experience for us. I just loved everything about this book. I cannot wait for everyone to have the chance to dive into this masterpiece.

Shared in Fable and Goodreads.



A string of murders happen in and around Denver, Colorado and it’s on the shoulders of one FBI agent to comeback to his hometown after years of running to help figure out what’s going on. Think True Detective meets The Shining with a touch of the Upsidedown.

I devoured this book. The way CJ Leede establishes characters, makes you feel such strong emotions (which is super uncomfy for a Capricorn) and also makes it sexy at the same time is just *chef’s kiss*

This book touches on trauma, grief, and self-acceptance. 5⭐️ read!

Huge thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the ARC.

Big ouch.
Review to come. Need to collect my tears

EDIT - December 28, 2025

Ok, I think I’ve gathered my thoughts, and my feelings.
Shew.

John Denver plays a comforting tune for both my husband and I, allowing us to reminiscence upon our childhoods with bittersweet nostalgia and good music taste.

When my son was born back in March of 2025, we were already thrust into the chaos of insomnia and healing after an incredibly traumatic labor and delivery. I think it’s was 3 AM (or to be honest, who knows lol) Chris and I were both running on fumes trying to keep our little guy comfy on his first night in this wacky world, and Annie’s Song came on shuffle, and everything stopped.

They say, a song can take you back, and I think the marvel of John Denver and so many other artists of that time have the ability to accomplish that for me.

“You Fill Up My Senses…” takes me back to such a harshly vulnerable time in my life, but it felt like a warm hug from Mammaw’s, Papaw’s, Grammy’s, Grandma’s of times past.

Ouch. So anyway, onto the book.

Our MC, Danny, feels a strong connection to Annie’s Song, as well, but rather one that operated as a bandage, protecting him from the hurt that plagued his childhood, coming from a broken home, with parents who constantly fought.

John Denver’s media and literature keeps the happy times abundant, even as brutal actions cause a world of hurt in his life.

Fast forward a few decades and Daniel Stansfield has been called back to his hometown in Colorado to hop back on a mysterious cold case, as the murders have picked up again, but with new characters and evidence.

With so much at stake, and all the innocent lives lost, it’s imperative that his department comes up with answers, but Daniel feels a STRONG connection to several crime scenes and can’t help but wonder if someone from his past has been pulling the strings all along.

It’s not long before he meets up with a cavalcade of unsavory creatures both human and not, for this lore runs DEEP, even taking some inspo from Stephen King’s The Shining. Danny’s mom did always say he shined so bright…

—

All in all, I think this was CJ Leede’s best novel yet! Every single piece of this book had me reacting with such a range of emotions. I was lucky enough to buddy read this with a good pal, @literaryhaunt thanks to @netgalley, and it’s so evident this narrative will strike a cord with a LARGE portion of readers. For even though several supernatural elements are introduced, Headlights breaks down all of the raw experiences of heartbreak, loss, grief, and xyz feelings in this wheelhouse.

I am BEYOND thankful to Tor Nightfire, NetGalley, and CJ Leede (you wizard angel) for granting me advanced digital access to this wonderfully horrific and beautiful story. This baby hits shelves on June 9, 2026.

Ouch. I’m gonna go cry some more.

Oh my god, I loved this book!!! I was never sure where CJ Leede was going to be taking me next but I was so happy to be going wherever - just thrilled to be along for the ride. But let me tell you, when we ended up at a certain famous landmark in a snow storm, my jaw dropped. This book flew by. A fun and creepy and gross and heartfelt story about guilt and worth and shame and family and home - in both the smallest and widest senses of the word.

This is the third book by CJ Leede and I’m constantly in awe of her writing, which shines through anything she touches. She has a way of crafting a story and drawing the reader in, and each book is so different from the last. I loved the paranormal aspect, the Stephen King references and the vivid scenery.

The writing is painfully beautiful, the slow burn sucks you in and the characters left me wanting more. I cannot wait to read this book again and see what I missed.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC!

What a disgusting, freaky book, and I adored it. C.J. Leede has yet to disappoint me. This moody, grotesque story follows a former FBI agent unraveling from PTSD after being pulled back into the case that broke him years ago.

It’s emotional, tense, disorienting, and strangely beautiful, while also being absolutely morbid. The novel captures extreme emotional distress and trauma, layered with a supernatural edge that amplifies the horror.

I strongly recommend checking trigger warnings. While this is less gory than some of Leede’s other works, it can still be overwhelming for some readers. This psychological roller coaster is perfect for anyone craving an intense serial-killer horror with supernatural elements, touches of cannibalism, truly grotesque imagery, and an ending that leaves you feeling emotional in a positive way.

Leede brilliantly explores the parts of us that are human and the parts of us that are not.

Set in Colorado, this “detective” novel is one of those books where your heart is racing for a good 75% of the book. You want to know what, how, and more importantly who. Headlights explores connection in every way possible. People, animals, nature, memories, the places we call home.

Headlights a story that feels like what the TV show supernatural would’ve been if it wasn’t a CW show. And it pulls a lot from the Shining. This worked for me. Maybe it’ll work for you too.

Headlights by CJ Leede
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — obsessed
Okay, listen, so Headlights by CJ Leede is the most tense book I’ve read in forever. Like… from chapter one my heart was legit racing. Not because the world exploded, but because the vibes were SO unsettling.
There were so many moments where I legit stopped and thought, is that real?? or am I imagining this too?? That back-and-forth kept me hooked the entire read. This book is exactly the kind of brain chaos I LIVE for in horror. It’s psychological in the best way, not just jump scares.
The characters actually feel like real people, so I cared about what happened to them, which made the tension hit even harder. I wasn’t bored once in nearly 400 pages. Not even a single dull moment. Opening chapter? Had me stressed for no reason and I loved it.
If you like horror that messes with your head, makes you question reality, and keeps you turning pages like your life depends on it …this is it.
No notes. Loved it. Which is such a relief because 2025 horror was such a miss for me personally. If 2026 horror is going to deliver this level of excellence then I am pumped.

Big thank you to CJ Leede, Tor Nightfire, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of Headlights! All thoughts are 100% my own.

GOD IS A WOMAN!!! I was SO excited to get approved for this as it is one of my most anticipated reads for 2026. I legit started reading it one night around midnight and stayed up until 5am cause I could NOT (and would not....) put it down.

Let me start off by saying that I try my best to not have crazy high expectations because I don't want to be letdown. However this story was absolutely everything AND more that I was hoping for. It was the perfect amount of horror, thrown in with some "is this paranormal or nah" moments and I personally enjoyed all the SK references. But it's also SO much more than "just" a horror book. It is a story layered with pain and grief, showing how most of us are just trying our best to "exist" despite the world trying to take us out.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing | Tor Nightfire & CJ Leede & all for an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

This book had me in a chokehold, from the very start, and begging to know more.

CJ has a way of painting the story in your mind. It sucks you in, and makes you never want to leave. I read 75% of this book in one sitting.

It gives off True Detective vibes with a supernatural twist and I loved it. And not just because it had me on the edge of my seat with the gruesome nature of the killings, or the ominous ghosts lurking around the MC or the INSANELY EROTIC hotel scene, but because of the respect and reverent nature you can feel from the writing when it comes to the themes of the book. This isn't just some horror flick or quick thrill. It will make you think about life, about your relationships, about the community and little piece of earth we call home. Gaah I loved this book and in sad it's over.

I just finished Headlights by @ceejthemoment and I've gotta be honest: I have no words to truly express exactly how it made me feel.

This wasn't just an edge of your seat horror (though it was that), it was a case study of the human experience of trauma and grief through a horror lens. How we deal with the pain, violence, and fear of what it means to exist in this world, and that same pain, violence, and fear which we suffer and inflict on the beings we are meant to co-exist with. CJ zeroes in on what it means to survive in a world full of grief.

I cried. CJ made me cry, again (we need that on a shirt). I mean, the last line of the acknowledgements made me cry.

Look, I'm married to a combat vet who has cPTSD, and we just lost one of our cats to a stupid illness. This book hits hard. But it also gives me hope. Hope that we can be better, do better.

Out Spring 2026 - highly recommend you pre-order it.

Thank you to @tornightfire @torbooks and @netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.