Leede's King-Inspired 'Headlights'
CJ Leede's New Novel 'Headlights' Draws on Stephen King's Influence, Launches June 16
Horror author CJ Leede is releasing her third novel, *Headlights*, on June 9, 2026 — and a key influence behind it is Stephen King's *The Shining*. The book was originally titled "All the Headlights Shining," a direct nod to King's classic, and even includes a scene set in Room 217 of the real-life Stanley Hotel that inspired it, according to Daily Press.
The release follows one of the most difficult periods of Leede's life. The Palisades fire destroyed her home in January 2025, and she narrowly escaped the Eaton fire the same day. That personal loss now runs through the heart of the book.
A Stephen King Homage Set in Colorado's Wilderness
*Headlights* centers on Daniel Stansfield, a burnt-out FBI agent who returns to Denver to hunt a serial killer. The protagonist carries a "shining" ability — a direct reference to King's supernatural concept. Press Democrat notes that early reviewers have called the reading experience a "spiritual transport" back to the first time they read *The Shining*.
The novel is set against Colorado's open roads and wilderness. Leede uses Americana imagery — roadside diners, neon signs, and liminal spaces — to tell the story. It marks a shift from her LA-set debut *Maeve Fly* and her Midwest-focused *American Rapture*. She calls *Headlights* a "love letter to Colorado," according to Orlando Sentinel.
Palisades Fire Loss Shaped the Book's Grief and Meaning
On January 7, 2025, winds hitting 90 to 100 mph drove simultaneous wildfires across Los Angeles County. Leede lost her home in the Palisades fire. She also escaped the Eaton fire, which alone destroyed 9,418 structures. The two fires caused an estimated $250 billion to $275 billion in economic damage, ranking them among the costliest in U.S. history, according to Journal-Advocate.
That crushing loss poured directly into *Headlights*. The book explores what it means to "find meaning and peace in a life full of loss," Daily Camera reported. Leede has spoken openly about using her writing as a form of recovery — a story that resonates with the thousands still displaced from Altadena and the Palisades.
Horror Critics Split Over Leede's New Direction
*Headlights* is a 400-page hardcover priced at $28.99. Early reviews have been strong. *FanFiAddict* gave it an 8.5 out of 10. Trentonian noted that *Publishers Weekly* praised its "rich mythos" and blending of folklore with the "lifelong effects of trauma." Some critics are already calling Leede the "next Stephen King."
Not all fans are on board. Some readers on Reddit's r/horrorlit said they missed the raw, "sociopathic" energy of *Maeve Fly* and worried the new book leans too far into psychological romance. Others praised what they called a "True Detective vibe." The split shows Leede pushing past the "splatterpunk" label she earned with her debut.
Double Launch at Vroman's Pairs Leede With Her Partner
On June 16, Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena will host a ticketed "Double Launch" event at 7:00 PM. Leede will appear alongside her partner, Kyle Kouri, whose debut book *The Problem Drinker* was released June 2 by CLASH Books. Authors Chuck Tingle and Liz Kerin will join as conversation partners, according to Daily Press.
The joint tour highlights a growing trend of "horror couples" cross-promoting books across different genres. Kouri is a filmmaker and co-founder of Slashtag Cinema. Together, the pair represents a new model in indie publishing — pairing horror fiction with personal non-fiction to reach wider audiences at a single event.
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