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Kids Who Kill: Case 2: Eric Smith
"He could have just killed Derrick. But he chose not to. Eric continued to deal with Derrick's body because he wanted to, because he chose to, and most frighteningly of all, because he enjoyed it."
Four-year-old Derrick Robie is dead. The killer's name is Eric Smith. He is just thirteen years old. Eric Smith loves torturing small animals of all descriptions; cats and kittens, birds, even snakes. When he graduates to people, he shows no remorse for what he has done. "I have just met the Anti-Christ," says a family friend to his wife after meeting teen-killer Eric Smith for the first time.
This is the true story of a chilling murder of a preschooler who becomes the target of Eric's uncontrollable rage. Did police officers stop a serial killer in the making? You decide.
If you read true crime books by Ann Rule, Jack Rosewood, or Kathryn Case, you will enjoy reading Kathryn McMaster's books. Kathryn McMaster is an accomplished author who specializes in true crime and unsolved cases and explores the darkest side of the human mind.
Four-year-old Derrick Robie is dead. The killer's name is Eric Smith. He is just thirteen years old. Eric Smith loves torturing small animals of all descriptions; cats and kittens, birds, even snakes. When he graduates to people, he shows no remorse for what he has done. "I have just met the Anti-Christ," says a family friend to his wife after meeting teen-killer Eric Smith for the first time.
This is the true story of a chilling murder of a preschooler who becomes the target of Eric's uncontrollable rage. Did police officers stop a serial killer in the making? You decide.
If you read true crime books by Ann Rule, Jack Rosewood, or Kathryn Case, you will enjoy reading Kathryn McMaster's books. Kathryn McMaster is an accomplished author who specializes in true crime and unsolved cases and explores the darkest side of the human mind.
- GenresTrue Crime
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2018
159 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn McMaster
11 books51 followersKathryn graduated from the University of Natal, Durban in 1980 with a double degree in English Literature and Psychology. The following year she completed her teaching diploma, and later on a TESOL diploma through Trinity College, London to teach English to adults as a second language. For the majority of her working life she worked in Education, both in the classroom, and in management. She is a co-founder of www.onestopfiction.com a website for both authors and readers for free and discounted books.
Kathryn is a writer of true crime and true crime fact-fiction. Her earlier books written as true crime fact-fiction transport you to a different era. She crafts stories around murders in the USA or unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang.
Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and a partial Masters of Forensic Science (Investigation) which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.
She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.
Her first true crime book was as best seller and was entitled “Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?”
This book covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England. The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.
Kathryn continues to write from her 200 year old stone farmhouse in the beautiful and wild Casentino Valley, Tuscany.
Kathryn is a writer of true crime and true crime fact-fiction. Her earlier books written as true crime fact-fiction transport you to a different era. She crafts stories around murders in the USA or unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang.
Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and a partial Masters of Forensic Science (Investigation) which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.
She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.
Her first true crime book was as best seller and was entitled “Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?”
This book covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England. The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.
Kathryn continues to write from her 200 year old stone farmhouse in the beautiful and wild Casentino Valley, Tuscany.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 7, 2018
Another excellent book
By one of my favorite authors. Ms. McMaster again does a fantastic job of presenting the facts of a complicated case involving children and their families. The sadness and horrible loss for both families is looked at honestly and openly, without dramatic accusations, allowing the reader to better understand how hard it is for each family to cope in such trying circumstances. It's a sad fact of society that kids can (and do) commit violent crimes, and unfortunately, society doesn't have in place methods to help these troubled kids before, or after, someone is hurt or killed. I was reminded of being a student nurse in my psychiatric clinical more than 30 years ago. At a large state hospital, we were assigned pediatric patients from the children's wing. We weren't allowed to know anything about the child ahead of time but their first name. Our duties were to observe and interact with our client, playing games, doing crafts, sports, etc. I had the most adorable 8 year old boy, who resembled Eric Smith somewhat; small for his age, tow-headed with freckles, and thick glasses. He and I got on quite well, and I found him bright and sweet. At the end of the week, we gathered to read charts, and discover our child's problems. My little client was confined for attempting to murder his mother and infant sister with a butcher knife. I never learned what might have happened to him eventually, but his future looked bleak. Thanks to Ms. McMaster for her willingness to look at these cases and share them with the world. There are so many hurting children and families in the world.
By one of my favorite authors. Ms. McMaster again does a fantastic job of presenting the facts of a complicated case involving children and their families. The sadness and horrible loss for both families is looked at honestly and openly, without dramatic accusations, allowing the reader to better understand how hard it is for each family to cope in such trying circumstances. It's a sad fact of society that kids can (and do) commit violent crimes, and unfortunately, society doesn't have in place methods to help these troubled kids before, or after, someone is hurt or killed. I was reminded of being a student nurse in my psychiatric clinical more than 30 years ago. At a large state hospital, we were assigned pediatric patients from the children's wing. We weren't allowed to know anything about the child ahead of time but their first name. Our duties were to observe and interact with our client, playing games, doing crafts, sports, etc. I had the most adorable 8 year old boy, who resembled Eric Smith somewhat; small for his age, tow-headed with freckles, and thick glasses. He and I got on quite well, and I found him bright and sweet. At the end of the week, we gathered to read charts, and discover our child's problems. My little client was confined for attempting to murder his mother and infant sister with a butcher knife. I never learned what might have happened to him eventually, but his future looked bleak. Thanks to Ms. McMaster for her willingness to look at these cases and share them with the world. There are so many hurting children and families in the world.
March 15, 2019
There were enough typos here to make me temporarily question how much of this info could be right or wrong (like misspelling important locations) but I decided that overall the editing wasn't that big of an issue.
I recall watching bits and pieces of this on the news when Eric Smith was on trial, but I really didn't know too much about the case. Although the author tends to bounce back and forth and not tell everything in necessarily sequential order (like the first book in this series) it still contains a lot of good, important information. I don't feel like there was overkill (pardon the pun) in the detailed telling of events.
Just like with the previous book, I was annoyed with the defense attorneys trying to minimize the crime. I know it's their job to defend but I feel it's downright disrespectful to belittle the victim's life and memory by trying to present the murder as less than what it was. If you look at Eric Smith's current mugshot, he still has that same blank, dead-eyed stare that he held throughout the entire trial. He looks evil, IMO, and even as I read his words before the parole board they felt stiff and rehearsed. He's a nut and needs to stay locked up.
I recall watching bits and pieces of this on the news when Eric Smith was on trial, but I really didn't know too much about the case. Although the author tends to bounce back and forth and not tell everything in necessarily sequential order (like the first book in this series) it still contains a lot of good, important information. I don't feel like there was overkill (pardon the pun) in the detailed telling of events.
Just like with the previous book, I was annoyed with the defense attorneys trying to minimize the crime. I know it's their job to defend but I feel it's downright disrespectful to belittle the victim's life and memory by trying to present the murder as less than what it was. If you look at Eric Smith's current mugshot, he still has that same blank, dead-eyed stare that he held throughout the entire trial. He looks evil, IMO, and even as I read his words before the parole board they felt stiff and rehearsed. He's a nut and needs to stay locked up.
November 15, 2018
I read this book via an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited download.
While I’m a voracious book reviewer, who’s also a TOP CONTRIBUTOR for True Crime Books here on Amazon.com the variety of genres I’m reviewing has changed slightly. I still love reading True Crime books, more so, if they’re well written, and Ms. Kathryn McMaster is one author who does. Since September 1, 2018, over 55% of the 71 books I’ve reviewed have been for Christian books; which is why I find reading a story of a 13-year-old killer more appalling than ever.
Children who have just begun entering their teenage years are still supposed to be sweet and innocent, instead of being a sadistic killer such as Eric Smith. However, since Eric sought a young four-year-old child, Derrick Robie, as his first and fortunately his only victim; one can describe him as being the devil incarnate, or to use the author’s words, the Anti-Christ.
Like the devil incarnate, Eric Smith didn’t plot to kill young Derrick, he killed him on sight, less than fifteen minutes later that his mother Doreen last saw him.
Having written over 400 articles for a community newspaper over an eleven-year period of time I loved the journalistic approach Ms. McMaster took in writing in this well-researched and detailed book, making sure to include some of the feelings of both families. Journalists need to maintain a lack of bias/personal opinions in their writing stories like this, which is what the author has shown here.
One of the more shocking items of this heinous killing is that it didn’t take place on the streets of a big city, it took place in a small village of less than 1,000 residents, in upstate New York, in Savona. This incident took place 1993, when any murder in a small village had been basically unheard of.
In her description for the book, Ms. McMaster is correct when she writes: “This true crime story will suit readers who enjoy books by Ann Rule, Jack Rosewood or Kathryn Casey,” because I’ve read/reviewed most of Jack Rosewood’s books and her writing is definitely on the same level.
For having given her readers, another page-turning, non-fiction reading experience I’ve given Ms. McMaster 5 STARS for her endeavor here.
While I’m a voracious book reviewer, who’s also a TOP CONTRIBUTOR for True Crime Books here on Amazon.com the variety of genres I’m reviewing has changed slightly. I still love reading True Crime books, more so, if they’re well written, and Ms. Kathryn McMaster is one author who does. Since September 1, 2018, over 55% of the 71 books I’ve reviewed have been for Christian books; which is why I find reading a story of a 13-year-old killer more appalling than ever.
Children who have just begun entering their teenage years are still supposed to be sweet and innocent, instead of being a sadistic killer such as Eric Smith. However, since Eric sought a young four-year-old child, Derrick Robie, as his first and fortunately his only victim; one can describe him as being the devil incarnate, or to use the author’s words, the Anti-Christ.
Like the devil incarnate, Eric Smith didn’t plot to kill young Derrick, he killed him on sight, less than fifteen minutes later that his mother Doreen last saw him.
Having written over 400 articles for a community newspaper over an eleven-year period of time I loved the journalistic approach Ms. McMaster took in writing in this well-researched and detailed book, making sure to include some of the feelings of both families. Journalists need to maintain a lack of bias/personal opinions in their writing stories like this, which is what the author has shown here.
One of the more shocking items of this heinous killing is that it didn’t take place on the streets of a big city, it took place in a small village of less than 1,000 residents, in upstate New York, in Savona. This incident took place 1993, when any murder in a small village had been basically unheard of.
In her description for the book, Ms. McMaster is correct when she writes: “This true crime story will suit readers who enjoy books by Ann Rule, Jack Rosewood or Kathryn Casey,” because I’ve read/reviewed most of Jack Rosewood’s books and her writing is definitely on the same level.
For having given her readers, another page-turning, non-fiction reading experience I’ve given Ms. McMaster 5 STARS for her endeavor here.
February 25, 2020
Close to Home
When this case first occurred it was on our local news. Everyone was on pins and needles when the local people banded together to conduct a search for the missing young boy. Then came the tragic news of the discovery of Derrick Robie's defiled little corpse. Followed several days later by the arrest of the small, bespeckled, red-headed thirteen-year-old killer. To say we were all in shock is an understatement. Kathryn McMaster laid out the events that led to the warping of a young mind from pregnancy to the acts that led him to be labeled a sociopath.
With inappropriate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to his lack of empathy, he was a ticking time bomb that needed diffusing instead of a speeding up of the clock that led to an explosion of sadistic violence towards a helpless victim. Paralleling the lives of the two families in the small town and surrounding communities they lived in, put a very human touch to the book. Seeing both sides their anguish, shock, heartbreak, grief, and guilt was enlightening.
McMaster's writing style is perfect for True Crime books. She sets the right tone for tragic circumstances, as well as the fight for justice and understanding. I recommend this book to others and look forward to reading many more by her.
When this case first occurred it was on our local news. Everyone was on pins and needles when the local people banded together to conduct a search for the missing young boy. Then came the tragic news of the discovery of Derrick Robie's defiled little corpse. Followed several days later by the arrest of the small, bespeckled, red-headed thirteen-year-old killer. To say we were all in shock is an understatement. Kathryn McMaster laid out the events that led to the warping of a young mind from pregnancy to the acts that led him to be labeled a sociopath.
With inappropriate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to his lack of empathy, he was a ticking time bomb that needed diffusing instead of a speeding up of the clock that led to an explosion of sadistic violence towards a helpless victim. Paralleling the lives of the two families in the small town and surrounding communities they lived in, put a very human touch to the book. Seeing both sides their anguish, shock, heartbreak, grief, and guilt was enlightening.
McMaster's writing style is perfect for True Crime books. She sets the right tone for tragic circumstances, as well as the fight for justice and understanding. I recommend this book to others and look forward to reading many more by her.
November 11, 2018
I find writing contemporaneous true crime to be brave, especially when dealing with crimes against children by children. Kathryn doesn't shy away from anything, looking into the psychology and motivations for the crime. Whether he should have been tried as an adult is also examined. In my opinion, probably not - I never think children should be treated like adults, but sentencing should be based purely on individual capacity, protection of others, and level of development. Eric was profoundly damaged, and was in need of treatment, but the fate of the poor murdered child need to be balanced against the needs of the assailant. I have zero doubt he definitely needed to be removed from society to protect others. This case often throws up the question as to what the purpose of prison really is; to punish, reform, or both. I'm not a great fan of 'lex talionis' as it serves society to allow criminals to make better choices. Kathryn very ably disseminates the facts and leaves it up to the reader to decide as to the rights or wrongs in a case. I'm more and more of a fan of her work with every book. If you are a fan of true crime, get this. Then get everything else she has written too.
November 23, 2018
When a four-year-old boy is found dead, the small community of Savona is shocked and appalled. Clearly this vile deed could only have been committed by a vicious destroyer of lives, a psychopath, a paedophile. But when the killer is discovered, a bigger shock is in store – the murderer’s name is Eric Smith, and he’s only thirteen years old.
This is the second book in Kathryn McMaster’s series, ‘Kids Who Kill’ and concerns an appalling crime committed by a mere child. The author delves into court testimonies, witness statements, police reports and interviews to reveal how Eric Smith’s inability to control his anger led him to take a boy’s life. As always with Ms McMaster, this is an absorbing and shocking story that is deftly handled, exploring the effects of the murder on the community and the families involved.
The details of the murder may be upsetting for some readers, and while it’s not really possible to ‘enjoy’ a book like this, for lovers of true crime, it is nevertheless a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
This is the second book in Kathryn McMaster’s series, ‘Kids Who Kill’ and concerns an appalling crime committed by a mere child. The author delves into court testimonies, witness statements, police reports and interviews to reveal how Eric Smith’s inability to control his anger led him to take a boy’s life. As always with Ms McMaster, this is an absorbing and shocking story that is deftly handled, exploring the effects of the murder on the community and the families involved.
The details of the murder may be upsetting for some readers, and while it’s not really possible to ‘enjoy’ a book like this, for lovers of true crime, it is nevertheless a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
November 10, 2018
This is the second book in Kathryn McMaster's series, and although the subject matter is unpleasant, the stories are so well written that they draw you in and keep you turning the pages.
While the first book concentrated more on the aftermath and the effect on both the victim's and the murderer's families, this book goes into more detail on the actual crime and sets the scene beforehand. As usual, McMaster gives a completely neutral point of view, relaying the facts in a way that is easy to read and understand, while leaving the reader to make up their mind. Although it is not a question of whether Eric Smith murdered his victim but whether the court was right to try and convict him as an adult, rather than a juvenile.
This is a well-written series that keeps you glued to the pages right from the start, and I look forward to reading the next one. Highly recommend.
While the first book concentrated more on the aftermath and the effect on both the victim's and the murderer's families, this book goes into more detail on the actual crime and sets the scene beforehand. As usual, McMaster gives a completely neutral point of view, relaying the facts in a way that is easy to read and understand, while leaving the reader to make up their mind. Although it is not a question of whether Eric Smith murdered his victim but whether the court was right to try and convict him as an adult, rather than a juvenile.
This is a well-written series that keeps you glued to the pages right from the start, and I look forward to reading the next one. Highly recommend.
April 24, 2022
I was not expecting to eat this up as quickly as I did!! Would’ve given 5 stars but it had some really weird and lazy editing problems with typos and incomplete sentences, etc… I always wonder how that happens like, did someone even edit the book??
At any rate, this was AWESOME. The writing was great. The structure and outline was predictable and made sense. The progression of the case was strong. It almost felt like I was reading a Netflix series called Kids Who Kill. It was a verrrry easy read in a good way! McMaster is a GREAT true crime writer.
I also had some nostalgia with this case as it was the first one I ever heard about growing up. This was the case that sparked my interest in true crime growing up and was one of those cases I could follow / check up on every two years when Smith was eligible for parol again.
I will ABSOLUTELY be ordering the rest of these books!!
At any rate, this was AWESOME. The writing was great. The structure and outline was predictable and made sense. The progression of the case was strong. It almost felt like I was reading a Netflix series called Kids Who Kill. It was a verrrry easy read in a good way! McMaster is a GREAT true crime writer.
I also had some nostalgia with this case as it was the first one I ever heard about growing up. This was the case that sparked my interest in true crime growing up and was one of those cases I could follow / check up on every two years when Smith was eligible for parol again.
I will ABSOLUTELY be ordering the rest of these books!!
November 12, 2018
Fairly conclusive
This is the second book I have read by this author in a "Kids who Kill" series and this one was better than the last. The author avoids a lurid or sensational approach and just lays the facts out in a sparse and concise manner. I've seen this case on many TV shows...who can forget that dark scowl under oversized glasses and a thick thatch of dark red hair. The kid in the nineties gave me the willies. I am glad he's still locked up. I think he will always pose a threat to society and should never be released. I truly feel sorry for both families that lost their sons, albeit in different ways, and I hope this book will remind both parents and teachers the effects bullying can have on a sad and lonely child.
This is the second book I have read by this author in a "Kids who Kill" series and this one was better than the last. The author avoids a lurid or sensational approach and just lays the facts out in a sparse and concise manner. I've seen this case on many TV shows...who can forget that dark scowl under oversized glasses and a thick thatch of dark red hair. The kid in the nineties gave me the willies. I am glad he's still locked up. I think he will always pose a threat to society and should never be released. I truly feel sorry for both families that lost their sons, albeit in different ways, and I hope this book will remind both parents and teachers the effects bullying can have on a sad and lonely child.
November 16, 2018
Once again, McMasters has given an objective view of an horrific crime perpetrated by a child. Not something I would gravitate toward for entertainment, but we need this type of coverage if we are to help victims and perpetrators in the future. My heart went out to Eric Smith and his family, but also Derrick Robie. At some point, an intervention may have helped both of them. McMasters treats her true crime reporting as a 360 view of the setting before, during, and after the resolution of the crime. We see that everyone is a victim in this case, including the community going forward. Tragic, but also enlightening. The more we understand about how and why these children kill, the better equipped we are to intervene.
November 19, 2018
The second in the series of Kids Who Kill, this book about Eric Smith is just as intriguing and disturbing. What Author McMaster concentrates on with this case is the trial and the events leading up to Eric Smith's sentencing. Without considering any psychological or psychiatric evidence, the prosecutor denies trial in family court saying, "This isn't an accident of youth; this was a calculated act. I truly believe that Eric Smith is a budding serial killer," and he also believes Eric to be evil, not mentally ill. Does a 13-year-old know he is doing wrong when he is strangling a young boy? McMaster leaves it up to the reader to figure this out in their own mind.
A recommended read for true crime readers.
A recommended read for true crime readers.
November 14, 2018
So sad, but true. These books are so well written, balancing both families stories without minimising the horrific loss of a child, murdered by a child. Eric Smith murdered Derrick Robie in 1993, in Savona, New York. I do not recall this story being in the news, but if I had seen it my mind would have been filled with the WHY? Question. I think this must be why I find these books fascinating, Kathryn McMaster, where possible, answers the why questions.
November 29, 2018
A sad but chilling story
Again....2 families torn apart....one will never see their child again, and the other loses theirs to prison, where even parole hearings 10 years or more, after being sent to a juvenile facility, were denied. Honestly my heart breaks for the family of the young boy, but 7 years in a juvenile psyche center and 20 or so years in prison.... How can 2 families that each individually, lost part of their family evercoat
Again....2 families torn apart....one will never see their child again, and the other loses theirs to prison, where even parole hearings 10 years or more, after being sent to a juvenile facility, were denied. Honestly my heart breaks for the family of the young boy, but 7 years in a juvenile psyche center and 20 or so years in prison.... How can 2 families that each individually, lost part of their family evercoat
October 21, 2018
A fascinating insight into a truly senseless and despicable crime made even more horrific because it was committed by a child. This book explores the story of a 13 year old boy who tortured and killed a defenceless 4 year old for no reason than he wanted to hurt someone and the boy was there. This is a heartbreaking look at this case and I couldn’t put it down.
November 10, 2018
Although the story is horrendous, it evoked many emotions (sadness, horror, and anger). I couldn't stop turning the pages. I admire Ms. McMasters ability to write true crime without editorializing or adding her personal emotions about the people involved. Another five-star story. Looking forward to the book in the series. Kudos Ms. McMasters
November 11, 2018
An excellent insight into a horrific crime. It's a difficult case which caused a conflict of feelings for me as I feel the murderer has also been let down by society but I can't forgive the horrific crime committed. Excellent!y written.
December 4, 2018
This case was easy to follow and I felt I had all relevant information to understand the circumstances, Eric's reason for his actions and my decision about the feelings it raised in me as the case went on to it's final conclusion. I would highly recommend this book.
September 16, 2019
I think that Eric Smith is not ready for release it's just taken him too long to realize the SEVERITY of the crime that he has committed. this was a really good book to read makes you wonder about kids not only today but yesterdays as well. I highly recommend this book
May 17, 2019
Heartbreaking
So sad that this beautiful little boy was taken so savagely by that monster Eric Smith
Beautifully written i would definitely continue reading books from this author
So sad that this beautiful little boy was taken so savagely by that monster Eric Smith
Beautifully written i would definitely continue reading books from this author
June 1, 2019
Sad
The killer was very disturbing and weird, but he showed how deadly the mind of a child can be when angry. Great book!
The killer was very disturbing and weird, but he showed how deadly the mind of a child can be when angry. Great book!
October 1, 2019
Love her books! I'm reading Case #1 Joshua Phillips next.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews