Deathly Gifted: Black Prophecies Series

by Terry R King

Robert Anderson inherited a ‘gift’ from his family which causes him to see the dead. A blow to the head dramatically enhances his ‘gift’ in the form of visions so strong that when he is drawn into those visions, he does not continue to experience the reality around him. His ‘gift’ allows him to witness the actual scene of a death. A serial killer with a thirst for young, innocent women has cruelly murdered several of them. While the police believe the killer committed suicide, families of the victims aren’t convinced and reach out to a Private Investigator who pays Robert to visit and experience their deceased daughters and wife’s deaths to help them identify the real killer. Robert creates death journals that lay out each horrific act and each vision seems to grow stronger. His visions and journals completely debunk the Police’s closed case convincing them to reopen the case. The News Services expose Roberts mission which puts Robert in the spotlight and puts a target on his back, since the serial killer has no plans of stopping any time soon. The female private investigator becomes involved with Robert and begins joining him at each scene to protect him during each vision. An unorthodox philanthropist named Alberto Black is forming a team of experts who can investigate difficult crimes and solve them. He has learned of Roberts skills and offers a place on his team to Robert, if Robert can survive this serial killer’s wrath.

180 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2023

About the author

Terry R. King hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is an alumnus of the University of Cincinnati. Over the course of thirty years, he was employed at a Fortune 500 company, where he specialized in application development, computer systems validation, and technical writing. Terry’s professional background is complemented by his lifelong passion for writing, with a particular interest in the paranormal and true crime genres. He was also fascinated by the psychology behind serial killers, Terry tries to understand what drives individuals toward these evil acts. This curiosity integrates into some of his writing, as he seeks to understand and explain the darker aspects of human nature.

Outside of his professional and creative pursuits, Terry enjoys traveling with his wife, Melissa. Together, they value spending quality time with their five adult daughters and their grandchildren, making family an essential part of his life.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story line. Was hard to put down even though it got a bit dark for me. Read in two days. Characters seemed to be well defined. Looking forward to the next book to see if characters continue to develop. Maybe add a bit of humor if possible to counter balance the heaviness.

[Tammy Kovach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters, great plot and I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Jami A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely consumed my weekend. The concept of "death journals" is both chilling and genius, providing a tangible, horrifying record of Robert's psychic trauma. I was particularly impressed with how the author handled the police procedural aspect; the reopening of a closed case felt authentic and added a layer of bureaucratic tension to the supernatural horror. The serial killer is genuinely menacing, and the fact that he's officially "dead" creates a unique and terrifying dynamic. When the news services expose Robert, the shift in tension is masterful, turning a private investigation into a public spectacle with a target on the back of a man who is at his most vulnerable during his visions. An absolute must-read for thriller fans.

[Josephine Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sets this book apart is its profound emotional core. It's not just about catching a killer; it's about the devastating impact of loss and the lengths to which love will go for closure. Robert's interactions with the victims' families are heartbreaking and beautifully written. His gift, while a curse to him, becomes a beacon of hope for them. The introduction of the private investigator as his protector is a brilliant twist, and her involvement adds both strategic depth and emotional warmth. The final act, with the killer actively hunting the one man who can truly see him, is edge-of-your-seat stuff. I couldn't put it down.

[Sarah Milone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The genius of this novel lies in its protagonist's vulnerability. Robert isn't a typical action hero; he's a man being psychologically torn apart by a power he never wanted. The blow to the head that enhances his gift is a fantastic plot device, making him both more powerful and more fragile. The serial killer's "thirst for the innocent" is portrayed with a chilling realism that avoids gratuitousness, focusing instead on the tragic loss of life. The way Robert's journals systematically debunk the police's suicide theory is a satisfying intellectual puzzle amidst the supernatural terror. A compelling and thought-provoking read.

[Jackie Gledhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by the unique premise and its flawless execution. The "gift" is not romanticized; it is a traumatic, debilitating condition that Robert is forced to manage. The descriptions of him being completely drawn into the visions, losing touch with reality, are some of the most powerful and unsettling scenes in the book. It creates a situation where the act of investigating the crime is, in itself, a life-threatening event. This unique vulnerability makes the final confrontation with the killer incredibly tense. A fresh and innovative take on the psychic thriller genre.

[Anna Stubs · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first line, Bryson’s world feels rich and alive.
The mix of science fiction and supernatural energy is seamless.
But what makes this story shine is its heart.
Little Toe’s courage teaches us empathy in unexpected ways.
Bobby, Sam, and Jeffrey add warmth, humour, and human depth.
Every page balances excitement with tenderness.
It’s rare to find a story that’s thrilling and healing all at once.

[Lynda Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry R King delivers a dark, layered story that blurs the line between the supernatural and psychological crime. Deathly Gifted hooked me from the first page Robert’s ability to see the dead feels hauntingly believable, and the murder investigations kept me on edge. It’s rare to find a book that balances emotional depth with such nerve-wracking tension. I couldn’t put it down.

[Sofia McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was far more than a paranormal mystery. It’s about trauma, burden, and the cost of having a “gift” that feels more like a curse. Robert’s visions are described so vividly that I felt like I was right there, experiencing them with him. The female investigator adds a perfect counterbalance strength and empathy wrapped in courage. An absolutely haunting read.

[Sophia McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Deathly Gifted is how real it feels despite its paranormal elements. Terry R King grounds every vision and murder scene with emotional truth and forensic precision. The pacing is spot-on every chapter ends with a reason to keep reading. Fans of thrillers like The Sixth Sense or Mind hunter will eat this up.

[Sophie McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this thinking it was a simple ghost story, but it’s so much more. King masterfully combines investigative suspense, psychological horror, and tender human moments. The “death journals” concept is absolutely fascinating chilling yet oddly poetic. By the end, I was emotionally drained in the best possible way.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry R King has a gift of his own the ability to make you feel the fear, grief, and urgency of every scene. Robert Anderson is a deeply human protagonist whose pain and courage carry the whole story. This book deserves every bit of praise it’s getting. Can’t wait to see where the Black Prophecies series goes next.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book very good so mysterious book

[Ruth Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping mix of mystery and the supernatural I couldn’t stop turning pages.

[Laura Guidu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book is found by Terry R King

[Catherina Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, emotional, and beautifully written. Easily one of my favorite thrillers this year.

[Vera Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of suspense and heart. Robert’s story will stay with you.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interested book. A gripping mix of mystery and the supernatural, I could not stop turning this pages

[Chris Benny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, emotional, and beautifully written. Easily one of my favourite thrillers this year.

[Patricia J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling,clever, and completely addictive. Terry R. King knows how to pull you in and never let go.

[Kathy Karus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable! feels like watching a movie in your mind haunting and brilliant.

[Tony Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully dark and surprisingly emotional. A must read thriller.

[Max Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So intense and beautifully written. I read it in one sitting

[Brooke Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique take on psychic crime thrillers. Totally hooked from chapter one.

[Clara Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert's "gift" feels so real it gave me goosebumps. Brilliant read.

[Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was mysterious book looking for before kindly join to read together.

[Theo Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to read.

[Lila Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very mysterious book to read.

[Paige Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

great