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The Headphones
February, 1982.
In a dingy Manhattan bar, where misery is served on tap, a stranger arrives with a pair of mysterious antique headphones.
For most who try them on, they unlock a world of wonder; for our protagonist, they unleash a world of horror.
Upon wearing these headphones, they become fused with his flesh, unable to be removed.
The voices of malevolent beings known only as, the Others, begin speaking to him through these headphones - their taunts and intentions getting more sinister with each passing moment.
A novelette by Steve McElhenny.
The Headphones, only you can hear their screams.
In a dingy Manhattan bar, where misery is served on tap, a stranger arrives with a pair of mysterious antique headphones.
For most who try them on, they unlock a world of wonder; for our protagonist, they unleash a world of horror.
Upon wearing these headphones, they become fused with his flesh, unable to be removed.
The voices of malevolent beings known only as, the Others, begin speaking to him through these headphones - their taunts and intentions getting more sinister with each passing moment.
A novelette by Steve McElhenny.
The Headphones, only you can hear their screams.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 30, 2025
Lots to like here. The cover reminded me of an old Agatha Christie book, which was a fun bit of a nostalgia. And I saw another review that mentioned this feeling like a Twilight Zone episode which was a great observation. This isn't an uber violent or intense horror experience but leans into a new concept and makes the most of it. A mysterious stranger making people put his headphones on and it changes their lives. Some for the better, some not so much. But each person has a very unique experience and our lead character, of course, is the most interesting and unpredictable of them all. Steve McElhenny really nailed this, using great pacing and keeping up the aura of terror and intrigue until the very end, when some big reveals bring everything full circle. Just a very enjoyable read. This was my first book from this author, but I'm very interested in seeing his other offerings.
May 31, 2025
Steve has done it again with a great little horror novelette that is incredibly creepy! Though obviously expecting the inevitable, this short story is entwined with tension, panic, and some incredibly scary parts!
There is also an underlying message from start to finish, which mainly involves not dwelling in sorrow and enjoying the happier things in life, which was completely unexpected in a horror novel!
Though part of me wanted more out of the story once I'd finished reading, now reflecting back on it, I think it really suits this short format, as the scariness, worry, and inescapable tension is heightened at all times!
Like some of the great horror writers, Steve has written a story surrounding something so normal, being so scary! It definitely had me second-guessing when I put my headphones on after reading!
Rating: 8/10
There is also an underlying message from start to finish, which mainly involves not dwelling in sorrow and enjoying the happier things in life, which was completely unexpected in a horror novel!
Though part of me wanted more out of the story once I'd finished reading, now reflecting back on it, I think it really suits this short format, as the scariness, worry, and inescapable tension is heightened at all times!
Like some of the great horror writers, Steve has written a story surrounding something so normal, being so scary! It definitely had me second-guessing when I put my headphones on after reading!
Rating: 8/10
October 29, 2024
The Headphones
By: Steve McElhenny
Narrated by: Benjamin Philip Hawkins
Fear of Missing out … it’s REAL, and it’s frightening!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-29-24
FOMO - Fear of missing out, for our protagonist it’s REAL as he sees the reactions of the bar patrons who slip on “The Headphones” … He wants in. When he’s rebuffed, he REALLY wants in … by ANY means necessary … and so it begins … Told in the first person with just the right amount of well placed, biting, dry sarcastic wit, “The Headphones” is a dark, deliciously, delightfully, dark tale of redemption … the hard way! Uniquely satisfying and ultimately uplifting, who would have thought there’d be tears … the first, second, and yes THIRD listens! The characters, ALL so beautifully crafted, so uniquely designed to play their roles in moving this story through our authors insightful vision! The ultimate character development and “growth” of our protagonist is astounding in its subtlety over the course of the story, then like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the metamorphosis complete - but not his story, not by a long shot! I’ll not be playing spoiler, so my lips are zipped except to say that THIS is not a story to be missed! I’m already on my fourth listen! Speaking of listening, the narration was absolute perfection! ALL the characters were uniquely and beautifully voiced AND with some of the smoothest transitions between character voicing and accents I’ve ever heard, making this truly a first rate performance of a stunning, thought provoking story! I loved it, I loved everything about it! Five spectacular stars across all categories. I wish I could give so … many … more!
By: Steve McElhenny
Narrated by: Benjamin Philip Hawkins
Fear of Missing out … it’s REAL, and it’s frightening!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-29-24
FOMO - Fear of missing out, for our protagonist it’s REAL as he sees the reactions of the bar patrons who slip on “The Headphones” … He wants in. When he’s rebuffed, he REALLY wants in … by ANY means necessary … and so it begins … Told in the first person with just the right amount of well placed, biting, dry sarcastic wit, “The Headphones” is a dark, deliciously, delightfully, dark tale of redemption … the hard way! Uniquely satisfying and ultimately uplifting, who would have thought there’d be tears … the first, second, and yes THIRD listens! The characters, ALL so beautifully crafted, so uniquely designed to play their roles in moving this story through our authors insightful vision! The ultimate character development and “growth” of our protagonist is astounding in its subtlety over the course of the story, then like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the metamorphosis complete - but not his story, not by a long shot! I’ll not be playing spoiler, so my lips are zipped except to say that THIS is not a story to be missed! I’m already on my fourth listen! Speaking of listening, the narration was absolute perfection! ALL the characters were uniquely and beautifully voiced AND with some of the smoothest transitions between character voicing and accents I’ve ever heard, making this truly a first rate performance of a stunning, thought provoking story! I loved it, I loved everything about it! Five spectacular stars across all categories. I wish I could give so … many … more!
May 14, 2025
The Headphones by Steve McElhenny
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun and entertaining horror novella!
The story focuses on these mysterious headphones, which seem to possess some extremely strange and scary outcomes for those who dare to put them on. This story is pretty dark and chilling!
Who knew the power of headphones?! 🎧
This book has a very unique and original premise!
I was lucky and got to listen to the audio version and the narration was great!
*This novella is out now and is a short and very exciting read!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun and entertaining horror novella!
The story focuses on these mysterious headphones, which seem to possess some extremely strange and scary outcomes for those who dare to put them on. This story is pretty dark and chilling!
Who knew the power of headphones?! 🎧
This book has a very unique and original premise!
I was lucky and got to listen to the audio version and the narration was great!
*This novella is out now and is a short and very exciting read!!*
December 18, 2024
A few tweaks to this story and I feel like it’d make a super fun horror movie
October 27, 2024
I have listened to the audio version of this book.
A great story for the dark nights from the pen of Steve McElhenny, It is very well written with a wealth of interesting characters. Once started make sure you have an hour and a half almost to spare as you won't want to put it down. Crazy in parts although in the horror genre Steve's sense of humour is definitely detectable. I loved it and will definitely be revisiting it at some point. Benjamin Philip Hawkins, a new narrator to me is superb and delivers the story well. Highly recommended. Well worth more than the 5 stars allowed.
A great story for the dark nights from the pen of Steve McElhenny, It is very well written with a wealth of interesting characters. Once started make sure you have an hour and a half almost to spare as you won't want to put it down. Crazy in parts although in the horror genre Steve's sense of humour is definitely detectable. I loved it and will definitely be revisiting it at some point. Benjamin Philip Hawkins, a new narrator to me is superb and delivers the story well. Highly recommended. Well worth more than the 5 stars allowed.
June 9, 2025
Enjoyed this short story. It has a creative storyline and often was humorous (to me) as I could identify with the main character.
May 13, 2025
Reminded me quite a bit of series such as Twilight Zone, or Monsters. A misanthrope, who has never known happiness, attempts to use a magical artifact that reminds people of their happiest time.
I've read a lot of McElhenny's work - he comes up with unique ideas and tributes to the entertainment of earlier days. Sometimes I think that he's too optimistic for horror -- where Steve King would allow his characters to spiral into misery and eternal damnation, Steve McElhenny gives them an escape to redemption.
The narrator was talented - all characters were distinct and separate, all voices well-done, and the overall mood appropriate - but the way he used accents made me question exactly where the book was supposed to be set.
I've read a lot of McElhenny's work - he comes up with unique ideas and tributes to the entertainment of earlier days. Sometimes I think that he's too optimistic for horror -- where Steve King would allow his characters to spiral into misery and eternal damnation, Steve McElhenny gives them an escape to redemption.
The narrator was talented - all characters were distinct and separate, all voices well-done, and the overall mood appropriate - but the way he used accents made me question exactly where the book was supposed to be set.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews