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.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deathly Gifted is a gripping supernatural thriller that blends crime investigation with dark psychic horror. Terry R. King introduces readers to Robert Anderson, a man burdened with an inherited ability to see the dead an ability that becomes far more dangerous after a traumatic head injury intensifies his visions. These visions don’t just show fragments; they pull Robert fully into the moments of death, blurring the line between the living world and the horrors he witnesses.

What makes this novel stand out is its unsettling premise: Robert doesn’t imagine the crimes he relives them exactly as they happened. His “death journals,” detailed records of each vision, are both chilling and compelling, serving as the key that dismantles a police case wrongly declared closed. As the story unfolds, the tension steadily rises, especially once the media exposes Robert’s work and inadvertently paints a target on his back.

The serial killer is not a distant threat but an ever-present danger, giving the book a relentless sense of urgency. The addition of a determined female private investigator adds depth to the narrative, providing both protection and emotional grounding for Robert as he spirals deeper into his visions. Meanwhile, Alberto Black’s introduction hints at a larger universe and sets the foundation for the broader Black Prophecies series.

King’s writing excels at atmosphere dark, intense, and often disturbing without losing focus on character development. Robert’s internal struggle, fear, and sense of responsibility make him a believable and sympathetic protagonist, despite the supernatural elements.

Overall, Deathly Gifted is a fast-paced, eerie, and emotionally charged read. Fans of paranormal crime thrillers, serial killer mysteries, and psychic suspense will find this book hard to put down. It’s a strong opening to a series that promises even darker revelations ahead.

[Martin Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, this story gripped me in a way few books have. Robert Anderson is one of the most compelling characters I've encountered, a man haunted not just by the dead he sees, but by the weight of their stolen futures. His gift is portrayed with such raw, painful authenticity; it's less a superpower and more a devastating neurological event that leaves him exposed and broken. I felt every moment of his fear and disorientation, but also his incredible courage in choosing to continue, to use his pain as a tool for justice.

The dynamic between Robert and the female PI is beautifully developed. She isn't just a love interest; she is his anchor, his guardian, and the bridge back to the real world when a vision threatens to trap him in the past. Their partnership, forged in the fires of these horrific investigations, feels earned and deeply moving. The scene where the news services expose his mission was so tense I had to put the book down for a moment, the violation of his privacy and the immediate danger it created was palpable.

And then there's Alberto Black. What a fascinating tease for the future! The idea of a team built around unique talents like Robert's is thrilling. This book is a perfect, self-contained thriller, but that final offer leaves you desperately yearning for the next chapter. It’s a story about surviving darkness, both external and internal, and finding connection in the most unlikely of places. I loved it with my whole heart and cannot recommend it enough.

[Bryan Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than a thriller; it is a profound meditation on grief, purpose, and the resilience of the human spirit. Robert’s journey is heartbreakingly beautiful. He is a vessel for the final moments of the lost, and in giving them a voice, he finds his own strength. The author doesn’t shy away from the horror of the crimes, but the focus remains on the love that persists beyond death, the love of the families, the growing care of the PI, and Robert’s own compassion that forces him to endure the unbearable.

The external plot is equally masterful. The killer’s wrath, once focused on Robert, is terrifying because it’s so personal. He isn’t just a loose end; he is a direct challenge to the killer’s genius and ego. The culmination of this conflict is both emotionally satisfying and intellectually clever. And the introduction of Alberto Black’s team is the cherry on top, a promise of future adventures that I am already desperate to read. This story touched me deeply, and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I truly loved every moment.

[Peter Rivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply impressed by the author's respectful and humane handling of the victims and their grieving families; the story never exploits their tragedy for cheap thrills, but instead focuses with great sensitivity on their universal quest for truth and the fragile peace that closure can bring. Robert becomes a sacred channel for their grief, and it is his profound compassion, even more than his fear or a abstract sense of justice, that becomes the true engine driving him forward into the abyss.

This consistent, humane approach is what significantly elevates the book from a standard, plot-heavy thriller into a powerful and poignant story about collective healing and the enduring search for light after unimaginable darkness. You finish the book feeling not just the relief of a mystery solved, but the sobering, uplifting warmth of wounds beginning to mend. It’s a narrative choice that adds immense depth and heart, making it highly recommended.

[Sandra Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The specific concept of Robert witnessing the "actual scene of a death" is so much more visceral and powerful than the trope of simply seeing a ghost; it violently places him directly into the role of the victim, forcing him to experience their final moments of terror and pain firsthand. This brutal, first-person perspective on the crimes grants him insights no traditional detective could ever access, but the personal cost is portrayed as nothing short of devastating, with each vision chipping away at his own sanity.

The author uses this brilliant narrative device to craft some of the most immersive, frightening, and emotionally draining sequences I have ever encountered in a crime novel. You don't just read about the crimes; you are helplessly trapped inside them with Robert, feeling his disorientation and horror. This creates a level of reader engagement that is absolutely gripping and sets a new bar for what the genre can achieve on an emotional level.

[Linda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The growing relationship between Robert and the private investigator serves as a vital beacon of light and humanity in a very dark story, and it develops in a beautifully organic way, born from shared peril and a foundation of deep mutual respect. Her crucial role as his physical protector during his vulnerable visionary states is both a smart tactical necessity within the plot and a deeply symbolic gesture, she stands guard over his defenseless body while his mind is trapped elsewhere, representing his newfound tether to the world of the living.

This partnership, built on trust and necessity, becomes the undeniable emotional core that makes the high-stakes plot so impactful and meaningful. You find yourself invested not only in the procedural goal of catching the killer, but in their collective survival and their desperate, shared search for solace and a future within the nightmare. Their connection provides the heart that makes the thriller's suspense truly matter.

[Helen Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world-building surrounding Robert's gift is fantastic and thoughtfully constructed; the hint that it's a family inheritance suggests a rich, unexplored history and mythology that I sincerely hope is delved into in future installments. The enhancement of his ability via a physical blow to the head is a particularly clever twist on the typical origin story, grounding it in a traumatic, neurological awakening that feels more plausible and compelling than a simple magical bestowment.

This meticulous attention to the established rules, limitations, and consequences of his power is what makes every single vision feel genuinely precarious and unpredictable. The author has laid a very solid and intriguing foundation for a series, creating a character whose abilities have clear boundaries and costs, which in turn creates real dramatic tension and endless possibilities for future, difficult investigations.

[Dennis G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a perfectly paced, cinematic thriller that deserves to be a bestseller; every chapter ends with a compelling reason to continue, and the central mystery is unraveled with expert precision, making it nearly impossible to set down. The blend of psychic intuition and old-fashioned, gritty detective work is seamless and utterly convincing, proving that both elements are essential to cracking a case where the official records are dangerously wrong.

From the authentically portrayed grieving families to the relentlessly menacing killer, and from the initially skeptical police to the enigmatic offer from Alberto Black, every character and subplot serves a purposeful role, adding layers of depth and complexity to the main narrative. This is a standout novel in its genre, and Robert Anderson is a uniquely vulnerable and compelling hero I am already eagerly looking forward to following for many books to come.

[Kathryn Pellerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtakingly original blend of supernatural thriller and gritty crime procedural. Robert Anderson is a protagonist you feel for instantly; his "gift" is a terrifying, involuntary window into pure evil that costs him a piece of his sanity with every use. The escalating intensity of his visions is masterfully written, creating a palpable sense of dread. The plot is brilliantly constructed, weaving together the desperate families, the skeptical police, the looming threat of the media, and the mysterious offer from Alberto Black into a seamless and relentless narrative. The female PI is a fantastic counterbalance to Robert, and their growing relationship adds a much-needed thread of humanity in the darkness. A heart-pounding read from start to finish. Highly recommend!

[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.

[Steven Helman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar debut that perfectly balances psychic phenomena with a nail-biting cat-and-mouse chase. Robert's character arc is phenomenal, from a reluctant recipient of a family curse to a vital, albeit terrified, weapon against evil. The author does an incredible job of making the visions feel visceral and immediate; you are right there with Robert, experiencing the horror as he does. The subplot involving the unorthodox philanthropist, Alberto Black, is a fascinating hook that expands the world of the story and promises even more thrilling adventures. This feels like the exciting beginning of a series I will eagerly follow.

[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.

[Bonnie Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterclass in suspense. The author expertly uses Robert's visions to show the reader the killer's methods without ever revealing his identity, creating an agonizing and compelling mystery. The fact that the police believe the killer is dead adds a fantastic layer of frustration and paranoia. Is Robert chasing a ghost, or is the real killer hiding in plain sight, using his "suicide" as the ultimate cover? The pacing is flawless, with each vision raising the stakes and drawing the net tighter around both hunter and hunted. Absolutely brilliant.

[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.

[Maria Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The procedural elements in this book are top-notch. The way Robert's death journals serve as evidence is a brilliant concept, forcing the police to confront something beyond their understanding. The logical progression from a closed case to a reopened, active manhunt is handled with perfect realism. The female PI is a sharp, capable character whose practical skills perfectly complement Robert's metaphysical ones. Their teamwork is the engine of the story, and it's a joy to watch them work. A smart, suspenseful, and utterly satisfying read.

[Brian Trevizo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alberto Black is a character who steals every scene he's in. His offer to Robert reframes the entire narrative, suggesting that what Robert has always seen as a curse could be honed into a skill for a greater purpose. This philosophical question gives the story tremendous depth. Is it ethical to use such a traumatic ability, even for good? This, combined with a genuinely terrifying and active serial killer, creates a multi-layered conflict that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. I can't wait to see where this goes.

[Dina Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's depiction of Robert's "gift" is neurologically fascinating. It reads less like magic and more like a severe, specific brain injury that unlocks perceptual abilities. This scientific-ish grounding makes the entire premise feel chillingly plausible. The blow to the head that enhances his abilities is a fantastic inciting incident, and the subsequent "stronger visions" create a perfect ticking clock, the more he uses his gift, the more he risks being lost in it forever. A brilliantly conceived and executed novel.

[Dave Dubois · Rating 5 out of 5]

The media exposure plotline was a stroke of genius. Just as Robert is making progress, having his mission exposed to the world turns him into both a celebrity and a target. The public scrutiny adds a whole new dimension of pressure and danger, isolating him further when he needs support the most. It's a terrifyingly realistic consequence in our connected age. This twist shows the author's skill in raising stakes in ways that are both unexpected and completely logical within the story's world.

[Helen Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a profoundly character-driven thriller. Robert's internal struggle is the heart of the book. His fear, his exhaustion, his moments of hope, it all feels incredibly real. The deaths he witnesses are not just plot points; they are traumatic events that leave a lasting mark on him and the reader. The book doesn't let you look away from the human cost, and that emotional weight is what makes the journey so powerful and the final resolution so earned. A memorable and moving experience.

[James Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The serial killer in this book is utterly chilling. His "thirst for the innocent" and his refusal to stop, even after the world thinks he's dead, marks him as a uniquely arrogant and cruel antagonist. His direct targeting of Robert raises the stakes to a personal duel between a man who sees the past and a killer who believes he has no future to lose. The cat-and-mouse game that ensues is pulse-pounding. The final confrontation is a masterpiece of tension and emotional payoff.

[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