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When washed-up priest, Angela Murs, and skittish ghost hunter, Tim Golding, are summoned to a vast country manor to help a sick little boy, they have no idea what to expect. It’s clear that young Sammie is a very disturbed child, but there’s surely no way he could have been behind the recent spate of accidents, or the death of his father. The child is dirty, malnourished, and perhaps the victim of a negligent mother, but as Angela and Tim’s investigations take them deeper into the mystery, they realise that there is much more going on than they ever could have expected. When the blood begins to flow, there will be no escape, and little Sammie will finally be forced to show his true nature.
When washed-up priest, Angela Murs, and skittish ghost hunter, Tim Golding, are summoned to a vast country manor to help a sick little boy, they have no idea what to expect. It’s clear that young Sammie is a very disturbed child, but there’s surely no way he could have been behind the recent spate of accidents, or the death of his father. The child is dirty, malnourished, and perhaps the victim of a negligent mother, but as Angela and Tim’s investigations take them deeper into the mystery, they realise that there is much more going on than they ever could have expected. When the blood begins to flow, there will be no escape, and little Sammie will finally be forced to show his true nature.
236 pages, ebook
First published August 31, 2012
825 people are currently reading
1788 people want to read
About the author
Iain Rob Wright
163 books1,813 followersOne of Horror's most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than forty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
June 25, 2021
A jolly-fun scare-packed tale of a child who just might be possessed, diminished somewhat by the numerous misspellings and incomplete sentences (words missing, etc) that made their way to print. Well crafted and enjoyable otherwise...
March 21, 2022
.... "First came The Exorcist. Then came The Omen. Now there's another creepy child to keep you awake at night. ..... You'll never see the ending coming."
This was everything I thought it would be! I really, really, REALLY hope there's going to be a follow on from this.
This was everything I thought it would be! I really, really, REALLY hope there's going to be a follow on from this.
November 16, 2013
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for an exceptional ending.
Sam was a GOOD story, some of the main characters were just a little too cliched for my taste. (The character of Tim, in particular, seemed particularly trite and unnecessary). There were certainly some genuinely creepy moments, but I just didn't feel the "connection" with any of the characters like I did Wright's HOUSEMATES. I was fairly set on a 3 star rating until the events in the book took an unexpected--to me, at any rate--turn for the better. These changes seemed quite original and very impressive, warranting an upgrade in rating.
While not Wright's best novel IMHO, it's still certainly worth the read.
Sam was a GOOD story, some of the main characters were just a little too cliched for my taste. (The character of Tim, in particular, seemed particularly trite and unnecessary). There were certainly some genuinely creepy moments, but I just didn't feel the "connection" with any of the characters like I did Wright's HOUSEMATES. I was fairly set on a 3 star rating until the events in the book took an unexpected--to me, at any rate--turn for the better. These changes seemed quite original and very impressive, warranting an upgrade in rating.
While not Wright's best novel IMHO, it's still certainly worth the read.
March 1, 2022
Meh!
I like to feel excited reading a book, and usually can’t put it down until I’ve finished. This just wasn’t the same for me. I love most books that IRW has written, and up until now I didn’t think I’d change my mind, but this one really didn’t do it for me. Sure, there were a few creepy moments, but there was something lacking. I couldn’t gel with any of the characters and didn’t care if Sammie killed them all, especially Tim, who needed to grow some balls!! This was definitely worth a read, but I just felt that something was missing. IRW is one of my favourite authors, so I will continue reading his awesome work, but this was just a bit of a letdown for me. I give this a 3.5 rating!
I like to feel excited reading a book, and usually can’t put it down until I’ve finished. This just wasn’t the same for me. I love most books that IRW has written, and up until now I didn’t think I’d change my mind, but this one really didn’t do it for me. Sure, there were a few creepy moments, but there was something lacking. I couldn’t gel with any of the characters and didn’t care if Sammie killed them all, especially Tim, who needed to grow some balls!! This was definitely worth a read, but I just felt that something was missing. IRW is one of my favourite authors, so I will continue reading his awesome work, but this was just a bit of a letdown for me. I give this a 3.5 rating!
June 10, 2015
This novel was staler then week old bread! Clichés galore! Not one original idea anywhere to be found. A generic mutation of the Exorcist meets the Omen, with just a dash of Lord of the Rings. Yes, at one point one of the characters shouts at the demon, "You shall not pass!" think Gandalf. Omg! If your looking for horror, the only scary thing here was that godawful writing.
February 19, 2014
4.5 stars rounded up...
I really enjoyed reading this story about an ex-priest and a ghost hunter who are summoned by a frantic mother (from a wealthy, influential family) to help her ten-year-old son who appears to be possessed. This book grabbed my attention from the start and grew increasingly suspenseful as bizarre and creepy things began to happen. Then came a twist, which I won't reveal (no spoilers here!) but it left me wondering if things were really as they seemed. I had my suspicions, but in the end, my guesses were all wrong. What a great, original ending it was!
There was really just one thing that disappointed me a bit about this book--the author's use of "silly" words, especially those spoken by the ghost hunter, Tim. To me, it destroyed the eerie appeal the author worked so hard to achieve. Also, it made his character less believable. If Tim is so terrified at the sight of something truly horrific, I truly doubt he'd calmly mutter, "hell's bells." Another example, which I found disruptive to the serious tone and growing tension was a line in the story that told how the ex-priest had faith that she could save the boy from the demon "if that was in fact the dealio." Dealio?!? And that wasn't even spoken by any of the characters, it was just part of the narrative. I don't know why it irked me, but it did, just because the rest of the story is so very well-written. I even wondered if it was a typo. Maybe the author was offering some comic relief to the tension. I don't know, but I prefer the mounting tension which that particular phrase completely dissolved, in my experience.
All in all, though, I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the plot progression and pacing, thought the characters were relatable and the story greatly compelling and original. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
On a side note, I thought I'd share what happened just hours after I finished this book. We keep a cross made out of palm branches (from Palm Sunday) hanging over the entrance to our dining room. My husband just pointed out that it was inverted. How did that happen?!? Coincidence? Hmmmm.... Hell's bells! :-)
I really enjoyed reading this story about an ex-priest and a ghost hunter who are summoned by a frantic mother (from a wealthy, influential family) to help her ten-year-old son who appears to be possessed. This book grabbed my attention from the start and grew increasingly suspenseful as bizarre and creepy things began to happen. Then came a twist, which I won't reveal (no spoilers here!) but it left me wondering if things were really as they seemed. I had my suspicions, but in the end, my guesses were all wrong. What a great, original ending it was!
There was really just one thing that disappointed me a bit about this book--the author's use of "silly" words, especially those spoken by the ghost hunter, Tim. To me, it destroyed the eerie appeal the author worked so hard to achieve. Also, it made his character less believable. If Tim is so terrified at the sight of something truly horrific, I truly doubt he'd calmly mutter, "hell's bells." Another example, which I found disruptive to the serious tone and growing tension was a line in the story that told how the ex-priest had faith that she could save the boy from the demon "if that was in fact the dealio." Dealio?!? And that wasn't even spoken by any of the characters, it was just part of the narrative. I don't know why it irked me, but it did, just because the rest of the story is so very well-written. I even wondered if it was a typo. Maybe the author was offering some comic relief to the tension. I don't know, but I prefer the mounting tension which that particular phrase completely dissolved, in my experience.
All in all, though, I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the plot progression and pacing, thought the characters were relatable and the story greatly compelling and original. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
On a side note, I thought I'd share what happened just hours after I finished this book. We keep a cross made out of palm branches (from Palm Sunday) hanging over the entrance to our dining room. My husband just pointed out that it was inverted. How did that happen?!? Coincidence? Hmmmm.... Hell's bells! :-)
September 9, 2024
3,5-3,7*
The story is 3,5*
The ending is 3,7*
The story is 3,5*
The ending is 3,7*
April 4, 2015
Really enjoyed this book.
Loved the character of Sam, who was somewhat disturbing at times. There is one image I may never recover from. Dirty little boy!
This story progressed well, had some good characters in it, and I didn't guess the ending, which is always a bonus.
Really looking forward to reading many more books by Iain in the future.
Loved the character of Sam, who was somewhat disturbing at times. There is one image I may never recover from. Dirty little boy!
This story progressed well, had some good characters in it, and I didn't guess the ending, which is always a bonus.
Really looking forward to reading many more books by Iain in the future.
October 16, 2012
Review of Sam by Iain Rob Wright
Reviewed for SalGad Publishing
Did this story scare me? You absolutely bet it did. Having just read Mr. Wright’s “Sea Sick,” I already knew that he is an accomplished and quite masterful author. What I wasn’t expecting was the unusual choice of roles and orientations for the protagonist (or, since she opposes the central character, maybe Angela should be called the antagonist) nor for the sheer terror that rang in my bones from very nearly the beginning.
“Sam” is a very finely tuned book-no stitch is dropped, no thread not followed to its end. It’s graphic and gory, yes, but more importantly, it’s very terrifying, and excellently written. I’m a firm convert of the writings of Iain Rob Wright, and I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Reviewed for SalGad Publishing
Did this story scare me? You absolutely bet it did. Having just read Mr. Wright’s “Sea Sick,” I already knew that he is an accomplished and quite masterful author. What I wasn’t expecting was the unusual choice of roles and orientations for the protagonist (or, since she opposes the central character, maybe Angela should be called the antagonist) nor for the sheer terror that rang in my bones from very nearly the beginning.
“Sam” is a very finely tuned book-no stitch is dropped, no thread not followed to its end. It’s graphic and gory, yes, but more importantly, it’s very terrifying, and excellently written. I’m a firm convert of the writings of Iain Rob Wright, and I can’t recommend him highly enough.
July 9, 2014
A fun book that gives an interesting spin to the exorcism phenomenon. Although some of the characters idiosyncrasies balance on the ledge of schlock, they pull through to give the reader an exciting roller coaster ride.with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged.
The atmosphere is well developed and the old dark house routine lends a nod to the fantastic with weather changes and mood setting a very solid setting.
The only complaint I have would be with the forced catchphrases that one character utters which comes across a bit unnatural. This is a small complaint which does not spoil the readers enjoyment of this good yarn.
Overall, a very interesting horror novel with extra bonus of some interesting short stories that are well worth a read. Worth every penny spent.
The atmosphere is well developed and the old dark house routine lends a nod to the fantastic with weather changes and mood setting a very solid setting.
The only complaint I have would be with the forced catchphrases that one character utters which comes across a bit unnatural. This is a small complaint which does not spoil the readers enjoyment of this good yarn.
Overall, a very interesting horror novel with extra bonus of some interesting short stories that are well worth a read. Worth every penny spent.
December 14, 2014
I was disappointed that there was no horror in the novel at all. I had high hopes because I enjoyed Wright`s books before, but this was really bad. The author used all cliches of possession tales, and the characters were boring and carelessly created. The final straw was the horrible editing, meaning that it was not done at all. Sorry, but don't read it.
February 1, 2017
I admit I have a soft spot for creepy little kids. They scare the bejeezers out of me, so I got quite a case of heebie jeebies from Sam.
When Angela and Tim are basically forced into a meeting with Sam's wealthy mother they are expecting it to be some sort of scam or hoax, but it is so much more involved than that. Sam is not just acting strangely and looking seriously ill, he possesses knowledge that no mere child could possibly have. Things quickly escalate from strange to dangerous and not everyone will survive their encounter with Sam.
When Angela and Tim are basically forced into a meeting with Sam's wealthy mother they are expecting it to be some sort of scam or hoax, but it is so much more involved than that. Sam is not just acting strangely and looking seriously ill, he possesses knowledge that no mere child could possibly have. Things quickly escalate from strange to dangerous and not everyone will survive their encounter with Sam.
May 21, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. It's not just your normal possession story. In fact you could possibly even describe this as a bit of an action story, but of course it still had all the creepy elements of the traditional possession tale.
I've had a few people recommend this book to me and it took me a while getting round to it, but I'm really glad I did.
Highly recommended.
I've had a few people recommend this book to me and it took me a while getting round to it, but I'm really glad I did.
Highly recommended.
May 1, 2014
A B-movie style possession novel with some genuinely creepy elements and a good ending that elevate this above “middle of the road.” I will definitely read more by this author.
September 10, 2017
DNF around 80%
August 21, 2020
A decent Good vs. Evil/possession spooker. Not a bad read really.
June 30, 2022
Blood, sweat and tears!
A full on horror story, a mixture of the Exorcist, the Omen and Night of the Living Dead. Unfortunately, this cliche ridden tale was more slapstick than fear instilling. True, it was gruesome and blood soaked with many unexpected twists and turns but I just couldn't take it seriously. The characters were all quite mad. That said, I rather enjoyed it.
A full on horror story, a mixture of the Exorcist, the Omen and Night of the Living Dead. Unfortunately, this cliche ridden tale was more slapstick than fear instilling. True, it was gruesome and blood soaked with many unexpected twists and turns but I just couldn't take it seriously. The characters were all quite mad. That said, I rather enjoyed it.
January 14, 2021
I love diabolical children! There, I said it. There's something innately satisfying when the presumption of innocence from a child is turned on its head. Makes for hilarious comedy - Dexter's Lab, Matilda, South Park, etc. But it makes for even better horror - The Omen, Orphan, etc.
Wright's novel follows this beaten down path of having a satanic child terrorise a household. Although the premise is not particularly unique, I am always up for genre-benders that can tweak the narrative in just the right way for you to relish it at the end.
Sam starts with an interesting promise when a gay ex-Priest and a paranormal debunker are teamed together to investigate little Sam Raymeady who seems to exhibit violent and abusive tendencies. It would have been interesting to see faith and science clash as they try to understand the evil permeating the boy.
And yet, it never really takes shape. What you get is a mishmash of popular horror tropes that feel more like an average fan fiction than horror. The guests stay in the Friedkin suite (William Friedkin directed 'The Exorcist'). The boy himself is an obvious inspiration from Damien of The Omen series. All of this should feel exciting on paper but it falls flat.
Sam feels more like a missed opportunity than the horror joyride I had signed up for.
Wright's novel follows this beaten down path of having a satanic child terrorise a household. Although the premise is not particularly unique, I am always up for genre-benders that can tweak the narrative in just the right way for you to relish it at the end.
Sam starts with an interesting promise when a gay ex-Priest and a paranormal debunker are teamed together to investigate little Sam Raymeady who seems to exhibit violent and abusive tendencies. It would have been interesting to see faith and science clash as they try to understand the evil permeating the boy.
And yet, it never really takes shape. What you get is a mishmash of popular horror tropes that feel more like an average fan fiction than horror. The guests stay in the Friedkin suite (William Friedkin directed 'The Exorcist'). The boy himself is an obvious inspiration from Damien of The Omen series. All of this should feel exciting on paper but it falls flat.
Sam feels more like a missed opportunity than the horror joyride I had signed up for.
dnf
February 4, 2025DNF at 80%
This one sooooo disjointed, a lot of misinformation, characters are super unlikeable and annoying.
Hated this! One of the worst books I had the misfortune to read.
I kept going because of the promise of the twist but I just had enough after 215 pages. Nothing is going to make me waste more time on this 👎
This one sooooo disjointed, a lot of misinformation, characters are super unlikeable and annoying.
Hated this! One of the worst books I had the misfortune to read.
I kept going because of the promise of the twist but I just had enough after 215 pages. Nothing is going to make me waste more time on this 👎
October 4, 2019
2.5 stars for some great creepy moments! I enjoyed reading this book for the most part! Some original ideas and the character of Sam I found to be well written. I do however have a problem with a lot of the cliches involved. I wanted something unpredictable to happen but I never got it and towards the end of the book i felt myself slowly loosing interest! This one just didn’t land as well for me as some of the other books by this author. However I’d still advise a read just don’t expect an a truly scary tale or in depth story of an exorcism!
It was a fun read however (just an opinion) when reading a book of this genre I want it to be less fun and more frightening! There definitely were glimmers Of the frightening throughout, but just not enough for me!
It was a fun read however (just an opinion) when reading a book of this genre I want it to be less fun and more frightening! There definitely were glimmers Of the frightening throughout, but just not enough for me!
April 12, 2020
Stupid
July 26, 2019
SAM is a creepy tale about Angela, an alcoholic former priest, and Tim, a ghost hunter with his own set of issues. The two are brought together by a wealthy woman asking for their help. Her ten-year-old son, Sam, has been exhibiting violent outbursts and is being blamed for several bizarre household accidents—so bizarre, in fact, that most of the house staff has quit—and has taken to staying in his bedroom. Their arrival at the house heralds an escalation of these unexplainable incidents, and Angela becomes convinced that Sam is possessed by a demon. She quickly learns that it will take more than a simple exorcism to free Sam from the demon’s horrifying hold.
SAM is the first of an excitingly terrifying series of books (which can also be read as stand-alones) from Iain Rob Wright, an engaging author who’s often referred to as the “British Stephen King.” His prose is descriptive without being overly wordy and makes this book a fun and easy read. Each character is portrayed, flaws and all, with the realism required to make a story believable. Wright has taken the now-common plot of child-possessed-by-devil and made it original, with more than enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and anxiously turning every page.
SAM is a must-read for any horror aficionado.
SAM is the first of an excitingly terrifying series of books (which can also be read as stand-alones) from Iain Rob Wright, an engaging author who’s often referred to as the “British Stephen King.” His prose is descriptive without being overly wordy and makes this book a fun and easy read. Each character is portrayed, flaws and all, with the realism required to make a story believable. Wright has taken the now-common plot of child-possessed-by-devil and made it original, with more than enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and anxiously turning every page.
SAM is a must-read for any horror aficionado.
July 20, 2015
I wanted to like this book. I love horror stories and so wanted to enjoy this book, but I didn't. I read this book in a dark room with the only illumination coming from the kindle for pc on my laptop, yet I never felt scared. While there are events that take place in this story that if I experienced in real life would cause me to become incontinent, both fecal and urinary, reading about them did nothing for or to me.
I couldn't empathize with the characters or make sense of some of their actions. At one point in the story the man charged with looking after the safety and well-being of Sam and his mother, decides to leave them in order to get help since the phones are down. Why not send one of the other minions to get help? They're screw-ups? Don't trust them? Then why leave them with your charges?
There was so much denial from the characters, they even had me concocting alternative theories like magnetic door locks, the house was actually in a dome or Bush/Cheney had something to with it.
I've heard good things about the author, Iain Rob Wright, and while I don't recommend this title(even the ending wasn't enough to bump this up to 2 stars), I look forward to reading some of his other works.
I couldn't empathize with the characters or make sense of some of their actions. At one point in the story the man charged with looking after the safety and well-being of Sam and his mother, decides to leave them in order to get help since the phones are down. Why not send one of the other minions to get help? They're screw-ups? Don't trust them? Then why leave them with your charges?
There was so much denial from the characters, they even had me concocting alternative theories like magnetic door locks, the house was actually in a dome or Bush/Cheney had something to with it.
I've heard good things about the author, Iain Rob Wright, and while I don't recommend this title(even the ending wasn't enough to bump this up to 2 stars), I look forward to reading some of his other works.
July 8, 2024
I was recommended this book based on my love of possession horror - but I had to DNF this book about 20% in.
.
The editing in this book is so AWFUL. There are so many auto-correct/spell check errors that make sentences make no sense at all. Example, a limousine was being called a Saloon. Now, I did my due diligence and researched this particular use of the word and I couldn't find any use of Saloon in relation to a car/limo in any different culture, country or language.
.
Secondly, there are major plot continuity issues I just couldn't get past. I can overlook small errors or discrepancies - but these were bad enough and close enough together in the story that it just made my brain hurt.
.
The characters in the book are lack luster and their dialogue is just cheesy. There is no real substance behind them or what they say.
.
Due to the things mentioned above, this novel just read like a rushed/unfinished novel. Do not recommend.
.
The editing in this book is so AWFUL. There are so many auto-correct/spell check errors that make sentences make no sense at all. Example, a limousine was being called a Saloon. Now, I did my due diligence and researched this particular use of the word and I couldn't find any use of Saloon in relation to a car/limo in any different culture, country or language.
.
Secondly, there are major plot continuity issues I just couldn't get past. I can overlook small errors or discrepancies - but these were bad enough and close enough together in the story that it just made my brain hurt.
.
The characters in the book are lack luster and their dialogue is just cheesy. There is no real substance behind them or what they say.
.
Due to the things mentioned above, this novel just read like a rushed/unfinished novel. Do not recommend.
October 10, 2014
This is a pretty good, easy to read, little horror story. Creepy enough to make me think twice about getting out of bed in the middle of the night. Shame I guessed the ending early on. Damn my cleverness! (3.5*)
March 9, 2022
This is one of the most terribly written books I’ve possibly ever had the misfortune of reading. I have written to do lists with more of a comprehensive plot. It’s a horror show and not in the way the author intended.
June 14, 2015
Very predictable with tons of horror story cliches. I listened to it as an audiobook if it had been a paper book I don't think I would have finished it.
May 25, 2019
Possibly the worst book I've ever read. The cliches in abundance. Badly written and the most ridiculous characters and storyline ever.
March 21, 2020
2.5. Meh. It was exactly what you would expect from your basic exorcism/possession book. Really dragged on at the end.
December 3, 2020
Dumb, poorly written Exorcist rip-off
Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews