“Sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones we keep from ourselves.”
— The protagonist reflecting on hidden truths and self-deception.
Archivist's Choice
Deadly Little Voices
Laurie Faria Stolarz (2011)
Genre
Thriller / Fantasy / Mystery / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
7 hours 30 min
Key Themes
See below
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A high school junior with psychometric powers hears terrifying, berating voices and has chilling premonitions of danger, all while navigating a complex love triangle and her mentally unstable aunt's unsettling presence.
Synopsis
High school junior Camelia, a psychometric, starts hearing malevolent voices that berate her and suggest self-harm, making her fear for her sanity. This new development coincides with her Aunt Jean, who has a history of suicide attempts, moving into the family home. Camelia also grapples with her lingering feelings for her ex-boyfriend Ben, who shares her psychometric abilities, even as she develops a connection with Adam. Ben, however, is spending more time with their classmate Alejandra. To cope with the escalating voices and emotional turmoil, Camelia turns to pottery, sculpting a figure skater. Through her creation, she receives terrifying premonitions of danger surrounding a figure skater, but the victim's identity remains unclear. As the voices intensify and Aunt Jean's behavior becomes increasingly suspicious, Camelia and Ben discover that the voices are not a symptom of Camelia's declining mental health, but rather an entity manipulating Aunt Jean and preying on vulnerable individuals, including Alejandra. They confront Aunt Jean, who is under the entity's influence. Camelia and Ben must work together to banish the entity, save Alejandra, and help Aunt Jean heal, ultimately forging a new path for their own relationship and Camelia's understanding of her abilities.
Reading time
7 hours 30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Suspenseful, Mysterious, Romantic, Anxious
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy supernatural thrillers with a focus on psychic abilities, a touch of romance, and a strong sense of mystery.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike supernatural elements, teenage drama, or themes of mental distress and manipulation.
Plot Summary
New Voices and Old Flames
High school junior Camelia, who has psychometric abilities, begins to hear malevolent voices in her head, telling her she is ugly and should die. This new development terrifies her, especially with her unstable Aunt Jean, who has a history of suicide attempts, moving into their house. Camelia's ex-boyfriend, Ben, who shares her psychometric gift, is spending more time with their classmate, Alejandra, fueling Camelia's jealousy despite her growing affection for Adam. The voices intensify, making Camelia doubt her sanity and fear she might be following in her aunt's footsteps. She tries to confide in her best friend, Kimmie, but struggles to articulate the sinister nature of the voices.
Aunt Jean's Arrival and Troubling Connections
Aunt Jean moves into the house, bringing an unsettling energy. Her history of mental illness and suicide attempts casts a shadow over Camelia, who fears the voices are a sign she has inherited a similar affliction. The voices become more aggressive, directly attacking Camelia's self-worth and urging her towards self-harm. She notices Aunt Jean exhibiting strange behaviors, further unsettling her. Meanwhile, Camelia continues to feel a strong, undeniable connection with Ben, even as he appears to move on with Alejandra, adding to her emotional turmoil and making her question her own romantic choices.
Pottery and Premonitions
Seeking an outlet for her escalating anxiety and the relentless voices, Camelia turns to pottery. She begins to sculpt a figure skater, finding a temporary escape in the creative process. However, while working on the sculpture, she experiences a vivid and terrifying premonition: someone is in grave danger. The vision is fragmented and unclear, leaving Camelia unsure of the victim's identity or the exact nature of the threat. This new psychic experience adds another layer of fear and urgency to her already chaotic mental state, making her desperate to understand and prevent the impending disaster.
Whispers of the Past
Driven by her growing concern for her sanity and Aunt Jean's erratic behavior, Camelia starts to investigate her family's past. She discovers old letters and journals that reveal a deeper, more troubling history of mental illness and dark secrets connected to her aunt. These revelations make Camelia question if the voices she hears are purely internal or if they are somehow linked to a shared family psychic vulnerability or even a malevolent entity. The more she learns, the more she fears for herself and the possibility that she might be destined for a similar fate as Aunt Jean.
Ben's Concern and Shared Burdens
Despite his apparent relationship with Alejandra, Ben senses Camelia's distress. Their shared psychometric abilities create an unspoken bond, and he becomes increasingly worried about her. When they touch, their powers often intertwine, and Ben begins to pick up on the unsettling energy surrounding Camelia. This shared understanding brings them closer, reigniting old feelings and creating a complicated dynamic with Adam. Camelia finds comfort in Ben's presence, as he is the only one who truly understands the burden of her abilities, even as the voices continue to torment her.
The Figure Skater's Identity
As Camelia continues to work on her figure skater sculpture, the premonitions become clearer and more focused. She begins to realize that the figure skater in her vision is Alejandra, the girl Ben has been spending time with. This revelation is shocking and unsettling, forcing Camelia to confront her complex emotions of jealousy and concern. The thought that Alejandra, someone she views as a rival, might be the victim in her premonition is difficult, but her innate desire to help overrides her personal feelings, compelling her to act.
Unraveling the Voices' Source
With Ben's help, Camelia begins to actively investigate the source of the malevolent voices. They explore the possibility that the voices are not a sign of her own mental breakdown but rather an external, psychic phenomenon. They research historical accounts of similar experiences and look for patterns. Their joint investigation leads them to suspect that the voices might be linked to Aunt Jean's past, or even a malevolent spirit or entity that has attached itself to the family, specifically targeting those with psychic sensitivities like Camelia and her aunt.
Confronting Aunt Jean
Armed with her research and growing certainty, Camelia confronts Aunt Jean about her past struggles and the dark secrets she has uncovered. Aunt Jean, initially defensive and evasive, eventually reveals more about her own experiences with similar voices and her history of mental health challenges. She confesses to a traumatic event in her youth that she believes triggered her breakdown and attracted a negative entity. This conversation is emotionally charged, providing Camelia with crucial pieces of the puzzle but also deepening her fear about the true nature of the threat she faces.
The Entity Revealed
Through a combination of Camelia's heightened psychic abilities and Ben's shared insights, they pinpoint the malevolent entity's origin. It is a vengeful spirit or negative energy linked to a tragic event in Aunt Jean's past, specifically a boy who died and whose spirit became attached to her, feeding on her despair and psychic vulnerability. This entity has now shifted its focus to Camelia, amplifying her insecurities and attempting to drive her to the same brink as her aunt. The true horror of the situation becomes clear: the voices are not her own madness, but a predatory force.
Alejandra's Danger
The premonitions concerning Alejandra become alarmingly clear and urgent. Camelia realizes the entity, having failed to completely break her, is now targeting Alejandra, using her as a pawn or a means to further its malevolent agenda. The vision reveals Alejandra in a dangerous situation, possibly involving an ice-skating accident or an attack orchestrated by the entity. Camelia understands that the entity is attempting to replicate a past tragedy or simply cause chaos and despair, and she feels an overwhelming responsibility to protect Alejandra, despite their complicated relationship.
The Confrontation and Rescue
With Ben's help, and surprisingly, Adam's, Camelia races against time to save Alejandra. They track Alejandra to an ice rink, where the entity is actively trying to manipulate events to cause her harm. The entity manifests its power, creating dangerous conditions on the ice and amplifying Alejandra's fears. Camelia uses her psychometry, Ben his, and even Adam's practical skills to intervene. It is a desperate struggle, with Camelia having to mentally battle the entity's influence while physically trying to prevent Alejandra from a terrible accident. The scene is tense and climactic, testing their courage and abilities.
Banishing the Entity and Healing
In a climactic confrontation, Camelia and Ben combine their psychometric powers to confront and banish the malevolent entity. It is an intense psychic battle, requiring Camelia to tap into newfound strength and control over her abilities. With Ben's support, they create a powerful psychic shield and force the entity away, severing its connection to their family. The banishment brings peace to the house, and Aunt Jean also experiences a significant improvement in her mental state, free from the entity's oppressive influence. Camelia feels a profound sense of relief and accomplishment, finally understanding and mastering her unique gift.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
In the aftermath, Camelia begins to heal and accept her abilities. The malevolent voices are gone, replaced by a clearer understanding of her psychometry. Her relationship with Ben solidifies, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable bond, though the romantic tension with Adam remains. Aunt Jean begins therapy and starts to rebuild her life, finally free from the entity that plagued her. Camelia understands that her powers are a part of her, not a curse, and she is determined to use them for good. She looks towards the future with hope and self-acceptance, having faced her deepest fears.
Principal Figures
Camelia
The Protagonist
Camelia transforms from a fearful, self-doubting girl into a confident young woman who embraces her unique psychic gifts and uses them to protect others.
Ben
The Supporting
Ben moves from a somewhat distant ex-boyfriend to Camelia's indispensable partner, fully embracing their shared psychic destiny and helping her overcome her greatest fears.
Aunt Jean
The Supporting
Aunt Jean goes from a source of fear and mystery to a figure of empathy and understanding, finding peace and healing once the entity is banished.
Adam
The Supporting
Adam remains a supportive, if somewhat peripheral, romantic interest, demonstrating his care for Camelia despite not fully understanding her unique world.
Alejandra
The Supporting
Alejandra transforms from a romantic rival to a damsel in distress, whose peril drives much of the later plot.
Kimmie
The Supporting
Kimmie remains a steadfast friend, offering emotional support even as Camelia navigates a world beyond Kimmie's comprehension.
The Malevolent Entity
The Antagonist
The entity is introduced as an unseen tormentor, its nature and origins gradually revealed, leading to its eventual banishment by Camelia and Ben.
Themes & Insights
Sanity vs. Supernatural
A central theme explores the fine line between mental illness and genuine psychic phenomena. Camelia constantly questions whether the voices are her own mind breaking down, mirroring her Aunt Jean's struggles, or if they are an external, malevolent force. This theme is highlighted by Camelia's internal monologue, her fear of inheriting her aunt's 'derangement,' and the eventual revelation that the voices are indeed an external entity. It explores the terror of not trusting one's own mind and the societal stigma surrounding mental health.
““Was I going crazy? Was this how it started for Aunt Jean? The voices, the paranoia… the desire to just end it all?””
Acceptance of Self and Power
This theme follows Camelia's journey from fearing and resenting her psychometric abilities to eventually understanding and accepting them as an integral part of herself. Initially, her powers are a burden, causing her anxiety and isolating her. The new, malevolent voices intensify this fear. However, as she learns to control her gifts and uses them to protect others, particularly Alejandra, she begins to see them as a strength. This acceptance is crucial for her to overcome the antagonist and find peace, signifying a coming-of-age for her unique identity.
““My powers weren't a curse. They were a part of me, and it was time I learned to wield them.””
The Weight of Family History
The novel explores how family history, particularly concerning mental illness and psychic abilities, impacts the present. Aunt Jean's past struggles and suicide attempts cast a long shadow over Camelia, making her fear a similar fate. The revelation that a malevolent entity is linked to Aunt Jean's past trauma shows how unresolved family issues and psychic vulnerabilities can be passed down. This theme emphasizes the importance of confronting and understanding one's heritage, both the positive and negative aspects, to break cycles and find healing.
““It was like a dark thread woven through our family, pulling at each generation, waiting to unravel us.””
Love and Loyalty
The complex interplay of romantic love, friendship, and loyalty drives much of the character interaction. Camelia navigates her lingering feelings for Ben, her growing affection for Adam, and her jealousy towards Alejandra. Despite these personal conflicts, loyalty, particularly to those in danger, is paramount. Ben's unwavering support for Camelia, and Camelia's decision to save Alejandra despite their rivalry, highlight how these bonds are tested and strengthened in the face of supernatural threats. It explores how love, in its various forms, can be a source of strength and motivation.
““No matter who he was with, there was an invisible string between Ben and me, vibrating with understanding.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Psychometry
The ability to sense past and future events through touch.
Camelia's primary psychic ability, psychometry, is a key plot device. Initially, it provides her with unsettling glimpses of the future, driving much of the early plot and creating suspense. Later, it evolves to include auditory hallucinations, which become the central mystery and threat. The act of touching objects or people (like the pottery sculpture or Ben) is crucial for receiving premonitions or sharing psychic insights, directly impacting the narrative's direction and the development of the plot's central conflict. It also serves as a bond between Camelia and Ben.
Auditory Hallucinations / Malevolent Voices
Unseen, aggressive voices that torment Camelia, blurring the line between madness and supernatural attack.
This is the central plot device driving Camelia's internal conflict and the external threat. The voices serve as the primary manifestation of the antagonist, constantly undermining Camelia's self-worth and urging her towards self-harm. They create intense psychological tension and make Camelia question her sanity, directly linking her fears to Aunt Jean's past. The mystery of their origin (internal madness vs. external entity) is a major narrative hook, propelling Camelia and Ben's investigation and ultimately revealing the true nature of the antagonist.
The Pottery Sculpture
A physical object created by Camelia that acts as a conduit for her premonitions.
Camelia's figure skater sculpture is a unique plot device that externalizes her psychic visions. It provides a tangible focal point for her premonitions, allowing her to process and understand the fragmented images she receives. As she works on it, the visions become clearer, eventually revealing Alejandra's identity as the victim. The sculpture serves as a creative outlet for Camelia's anxieties but also becomes a direct link to the impending danger, making the artistic process itself a part of the supernatural investigation.
Aunt Jean's Past
The history of Aunt Jean's mental illness and suicide attempts, which mirrors and foreshadows Camelia's struggles.
Aunt Jean's troubled past functions as a powerful foreshadowing device and a key to unlocking the mystery. Her history of mental illness and the presence of similar 'voices' create a terrifying parallel for Camelia, fueling her fear of hereditary madness. As Camelia investigates, Aunt Jean's past becomes directly linked to the malevolent entity, revealing its origin and modus operandi. This device not only raises the stakes for Camelia but also provides crucial information for understanding and ultimately defeating the antagonist.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The voices started subtly, a whisper in the back of my mind, before they became a chorus.”
— The protagonist's initial experience with the supernatural voices.
“Fear has a way of twisting reality, making monsters out of shadows.”
— A character observing the psychological impact of fear.
“Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken, and almost impossible to fully repair.”
— The protagonist dealing with betrayal and doubt in relationships.
“Every secret comes with a price, and some prices are paid in blood.”
— A ominous warning about the consequences of hidden information.
“You can't outrun your past, not when it's whispering in your ear.”
— The protagonist realizing the inescapable nature of their history and the voices.
“Love, even in its darkest forms, can be the most powerful motivator.”
— A character explaining the driving force behind a villain's actions.
“The line between fantasy and reality blurs when you're desperate enough to believe.”
— The protagonist questioning their sanity and the nature of their experiences.
“Not all monsters hide in the shadows; some walk in plain sight.”
— A character's realization about the true nature of evil.
“Sometimes, the only way to find the truth is to embrace the madness.”
— The protagonist deciding to confront their supernatural abilities head-on.
“A lie told often enough becomes a truth, especially to the one telling it.”
— A character discussing self-deception and its dangers.
“The hardest battles are often fought within ourselves.”
— The protagonist struggling with internal conflict and doubt.
“Even the most beautiful things can possess a deadly secret.”
— A character uncovering a dark truth hidden beneath a beautiful facade.
“The past isn't just behind us; sometimes, it's waiting for us up ahead.”
— A foreshadowing statement about the cyclical nature of events.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Camelia, who previously only had psychometric abilities through touch, begins to hear malevolent voices. These voices are highly critical and tell her she is ugly and would be better off dead, causing her to fear for her mental stability and sanity.
