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Flesch & Stone #1
Student of Death: A Flesch & Stone novel
HER NEW PARTNER IS A SERIAL KILLER.
When a young girl is found tortured and murdered at an abandoned railway station in County Durham, DI Sarah Stone faces a brutal investigation—and a partner she has every reason to fear.
DI Richard Flesch is brilliant, relentless, and one of the country’s leading experts on serial killers. He was also once known as the Chester-le-Street Cannibal.
Now he helps the police catch them.
A decorated former Army captain, Sarah is no stranger to danger. But working alongside Flesch means trusting a man whose understanding of murder comes from experience. She needs his insight. She cannot forget how he acquired it.
As more bodies are discovered across the North East, the pressure to catch a sadistic killer grows. Sarah must decide how much faith to place in the man beside her—and what that trust might cost.
Can she trust a killer with her life?
Student of Death is the first novel in the dark British crime thriller series Flesch & Stone.
When a young girl is found tortured and murdered at an abandoned railway station in County Durham, DI Sarah Stone faces a brutal investigation—and a partner she has every reason to fear.
DI Richard Flesch is brilliant, relentless, and one of the country’s leading experts on serial killers. He was also once known as the Chester-le-Street Cannibal.
Now he helps the police catch them.
A decorated former Army captain, Sarah is no stranger to danger. But working alongside Flesch means trusting a man whose understanding of murder comes from experience. She needs his insight. She cannot forget how he acquired it.
As more bodies are discovered across the North East, the pressure to catch a sadistic killer grows. Sarah must decide how much faith to place in the man beside her—and what that trust might cost.
Can she trust a killer with her life?
Student of Death is the first novel in the dark British crime thriller series Flesch & Stone.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2024
About the author
Iain Rob Wright
219 books1,912 followersWith over 50 novels written over 16 years, Iain Rob Wright is the well-respected British horror author with a reputation for reliably scaring his readers. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, earned tens of thousands of reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and are being translated into multiple languages.
He is currently best known for the Cursed Manuscripts shared horror universe, the apocalyptic Hell on Earth series, and many stand-alone chillers such as The Room Upstairs and Scrapbook.
J. A. Konrath, New York Times bestselling thriller author, claims, "Iain Rob Wright scares the hell out of me!"
Born and raised in England's West Midlands, Iain now lives in the beautiful, gothic County Durham with his family, 2 pugs, and a cat named Tigz. When he is not writing horror, he is reading horror, watching horror, or playing Stardew Valley.
WHERE TO START: If you have never read Iain Rob Wright before, try Witch - the first Cursed Manuscript and the entry point to the universe - or The Gates, the opener of the Hell on Earth saga. Both are available FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
For new releases, free stories, and the occasional confession of authorial despair, readers can find Iain through his author page on Amazon or by visiting his website (where you can download 6 of his books absolutely FREE).
Iain's work has been compared to Stephen King, Richard Laymon, and James Herbert - the three writers he credits with making him want to scare people for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 26, 2024
Far too gruesome for my taste!
This was an unbelievable story line in which a 'reformed' Hannibal Lector character is secretly released from a top security mental hospital, given detective inspector rank, and employed by a secret government institute to hunt down serial killers. By the way, in his younger days he was himself a serial killer and cannibal to boot. Blame the parents! He is now partnered with a psychological and physically damaged former female army captain. Together they set about investigating a new serial killer, targeting young females in the North of England. I didn't like the story as it was far too gruesome and, quite frankly, unbelievable for my taste. Unfortunately, I'm in the minority here as most reviewers consider the story 'outstanding'! Still, everyone to their own I suppose.
This was an unbelievable story line in which a 'reformed' Hannibal Lector character is secretly released from a top security mental hospital, given detective inspector rank, and employed by a secret government institute to hunt down serial killers. By the way, in his younger days he was himself a serial killer and cannibal to boot. Blame the parents! He is now partnered with a psychological and physically damaged former female army captain. Together they set about investigating a new serial killer, targeting young females in the North of England. I didn't like the story as it was far too gruesome and, quite frankly, unbelievable for my taste. Unfortunately, I'm in the minority here as most reviewers consider the story 'outstanding'! Still, everyone to their own I suppose.
July 6, 2024
Monsters and more Monsters
… and some monsters that are just not so easy to identify.
“and then you’ll go to the place where all monsters go. Maybe I’ll see you there one day.”
Something a little different from Iain this time. A new series with Flesch and Stone and you can only hope that there is more to come from these two. Still contains what you have to come expect from this author: unique plot, suspense, a dash of horror, and superb characters.
Iain summed it up perfectly: “Take it from someone older and wiser. Life exists in chapters. You just have to keep turning the page.”
… and some monsters that are just not so easy to identify.
“and then you’ll go to the place where all monsters go. Maybe I’ll see you there one day.”
Something a little different from Iain this time. A new series with Flesch and Stone and you can only hope that there is more to come from these two. Still contains what you have to come expect from this author: unique plot, suspense, a dash of horror, and superb characters.
Iain summed it up perfectly: “Take it from someone older and wiser. Life exists in chapters. You just have to keep turning the page.”
July 12, 2024
There was a perverse twist on this story which toed the lines of being utterly absurd and absurdly disturbing.
July 1, 2026
I have been following Iain Robb Wright’s books since his The Peeling Trilogy. I enjoy his style of horror, and so I was pretty stoked to see that he’s expanded his repertoire to include gritty crime thrillers. “Student of Death” takes inspiration from the phrase “it takes a killer to catch a killer” and from shows such as “Dexter,” about a serial killer hunting other serial killers. Wright’s writing skills are true to form, and I was quickly immersed into the story of a serial killer using medieval torture methods to kill his victims. True to the author’s dark horror roots, the story takes some dark, twisted turns, and the ending especially. Kudos to the author for another great read!
May 12, 2024
4.5⭐
Student of Death is the first book in what is hopefully going to become a series.
While Sarah Stone has already had a 4 book collection that precedes this timeline, you can absolutely read this independently. I read this book unaware of her background. Iain gives enough of her story in this book that you won't feel you are lacking information.
Richard Flesch is a "reformed" version of Hannibal Lector who doesn't take pride in his past and wants to help stop others like him.
These two disfunctional characters strangely balance each other out and I enjoyed following them as they gradually bonded and worked together to solve the case.
That being said, I don't classify this as horror. I feel that this is more of a crime/psychological thriller. (A very good one!) I will be anxiously waiting to hear about a possible book 2!
Student of Death is the first book in what is hopefully going to become a series.
While Sarah Stone has already had a 4 book collection that precedes this timeline, you can absolutely read this independently. I read this book unaware of her background. Iain gives enough of her story in this book that you won't feel you are lacking information.
Richard Flesch is a "reformed" version of Hannibal Lector who doesn't take pride in his past and wants to help stop others like him.
These two disfunctional characters strangely balance each other out and I enjoyed following them as they gradually bonded and worked together to solve the case.
That being said, I don't classify this as horror. I feel that this is more of a crime/psychological thriller. (A very good one!) I will be anxiously waiting to hear about a possible book 2!
June 13, 2024
Wow!
I love the writing style of Iain Rob wright and this book continues his inimitable attention to detail, but on a totally unusual subject. I can’t praise it highly enough! The story has you engrossed from the get go; the characters are flawed but strong. Just when you begin to foolishly think that this is a new direction for the author, a police procedural tale, no less, that theory gets flicked on its head. The gruesome parts are almost tasteful in their perversive description. The ending, can’t be given away - much like the true identity of DI Richard Mullins to the colleagues who aren’t in the know, but let’s just say there’s a twist at the end that you won’t see coming. Fully deserving of five stars!
I love the writing style of Iain Rob wright and this book continues his inimitable attention to detail, but on a totally unusual subject. I can’t praise it highly enough! The story has you engrossed from the get go; the characters are flawed but strong. Just when you begin to foolishly think that this is a new direction for the author, a police procedural tale, no less, that theory gets flicked on its head. The gruesome parts are almost tasteful in their perversive description. The ending, can’t be given away - much like the true identity of DI Richard Mullins to the colleagues who aren’t in the know, but let’s just say there’s a twist at the end that you won’t see coming. Fully deserving of five stars!
May 7, 2024
No spoilers here.
Keeping it brief.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Read it over about 8 hours. It reminded me of Val mcDermid books. It was gripping, intelligent, and suspenseful. I'm definitely a fan of the author now! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Keeping it brief.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Read it over about 8 hours. It reminded me of Val mcDermid books. It was gripping, intelligent, and suspenseful. I'm definitely a fan of the author now! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
October 28, 2024
Surprise ending
I really did and did not expect that ending. Part of it I did and part was a complete surprise. I really hoped Ian Rob Wright keeps writing lots more books. I'll read them all.
I really did and did not expect that ending. Part of it I did and part was a complete surprise. I really hoped Ian Rob Wright keeps writing lots more books. I'll read them all.
October 29, 2025
Was not expecting that!
June 24, 2024
Meh. I wanted to like it but it was more about how Richard is a bad guy (he's a bad guy ya know!!!!) and less gore and horror
The twist was meh, the characters were hateable and I just didn't enjoy it. If there are sequels I won't be reading them
The twist was meh, the characters were hateable and I just didn't enjoy it. If there are sequels I won't be reading them
July 6, 2024
Like pulling teeth having Sarah bang on about Richard being a serial killer on every page. And then super tough indestructible war hero Sarah getting the crap beaten out of her by all the baddies. Formed no attachment to any of the characters as they were all so unlikable :(
October 7, 2026
As I read Student of Death, it terrified me to be inside the mind of a serial killer. And maybe it is true that only a serial killer can truly understand the mind of another serial killer.
That uncomfortable idea kept me reading.
I wanted to know more about Sarah Stone. She was strong, capable, and fiercely loyal. At times, I wondered if she was so focused on the evil committed that she couldn’t see the person or the circumstances underneath it. And honestly, I’m not sure she was wrong to have that attitude. And I loved the moment when she finally just hauled off and hit him. She had had enough, and that gut reaction needed to come out.
I also kept wondering whether putting a serial killer on the trail of serial killers was actually a good idea. I kept thinking about that thin line between good and evil. Part of me wanted to believe anyone could be redeemed, while another part of me was uncomfortable with how much I was starting to connect with Flesch. I wanted him to be okay and get his chance to do good in the world but would he do good?
The book also left questions swimming around in my head…which for me is a strong sign of a good book. What actually becomes of a person who has only known depravity? Can someone who has done terrible things become something different?
Overall, this was terrifying and uncomfortable in the best way. I liked there was still hope underneath all that darkness…the idea that there can still be someone who sees the good and believes in a person.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my own thoughts and reading experience.
That uncomfortable idea kept me reading.
I wanted to know more about Sarah Stone. She was strong, capable, and fiercely loyal. At times, I wondered if she was so focused on the evil committed that she couldn’t see the person or the circumstances underneath it. And honestly, I’m not sure she was wrong to have that attitude. And I loved the moment when she finally just hauled off and hit him. She had had enough, and that gut reaction needed to come out.
I also kept wondering whether putting a serial killer on the trail of serial killers was actually a good idea. I kept thinking about that thin line between good and evil. Part of me wanted to believe anyone could be redeemed, while another part of me was uncomfortable with how much I was starting to connect with Flesch. I wanted him to be okay and get his chance to do good in the world but would he do good?
The book also left questions swimming around in my head…which for me is a strong sign of a good book. What actually becomes of a person who has only known depravity? Can someone who has done terrible things become something different?
Overall, this was terrifying and uncomfortable in the best way. I liked there was still hope underneath all that darkness…the idea that there can still be someone who sees the good and believes in a person.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review reflects my own thoughts and reading experience.
October 13, 2025
Student of Death by Iain Rob Wright is one of those stories that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Blending psychological suspense, supernatural intrigue, and a haunting look at morality, this book kept me on edge from start to finish.
The concept is both chilling and thought-provoking—what happens when someone is chosen to learn the ways of Death itself? Wright does an incredible job balancing horror with heart, crafting a story that’s as emotional as it is terrifying. The main character’s transformation is written with such depth that you can’t help but question what you would do in their place.
The pacing is perfect—no wasted scenes, no filler—just a relentless build toward a conclusion that left me stunned and reflective. Wright’s writing style is vivid and cinematic, pulling you straight into the shadows of his imagination.
If you enjoy dark thrillers with a philosophical edge—something that makes you think and shiver—this is a must-read. Student of Death is not just horror; it’s a story about the meaning of life, death, and everything in between.
Highly recommended for fans of Stephen King, Clive Barker, or anyone who loves their fiction dark and intelligent.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
The concept is both chilling and thought-provoking—what happens when someone is chosen to learn the ways of Death itself? Wright does an incredible job balancing horror with heart, crafting a story that’s as emotional as it is terrifying. The main character’s transformation is written with such depth that you can’t help but question what you would do in their place.
The pacing is perfect—no wasted scenes, no filler—just a relentless build toward a conclusion that left me stunned and reflective. Wright’s writing style is vivid and cinematic, pulling you straight into the shadows of his imagination.
If you enjoy dark thrillers with a philosophical edge—something that makes you think and shiver—this is a must-read. Student of Death is not just horror; it’s a story about the meaning of life, death, and everything in between.
Highly recommended for fans of Stephen King, Clive Barker, or anyone who loves their fiction dark and intelligent.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
January 18, 2025
Excellent serial killer/profiler thriller
Student of Death is an excellent serial killer/profiler/horror thriller about a killer utilizing medieval torture/murder methods. It marks the return of Sarah Stone, working in conjunction with a deeply damaged exp serial killer acting as a DI to try to atone for his past atrocities, committed while he was a juvenile and under the direction of his serial killer parents. Throughout the horror, two deeply flawed characters display remarkable growth. The writing is just as good as one should expect from Wright. 5/5stars, highly recommended!
Student of Death is an excellent serial killer/profiler/horror thriller about a killer utilizing medieval torture/murder methods. It marks the return of Sarah Stone, working in conjunction with a deeply damaged exp serial killer acting as a DI to try to atone for his past atrocities, committed while he was a juvenile and under the direction of his serial killer parents. Throughout the horror, two deeply flawed characters display remarkable growth. The writing is just as good as one should expect from Wright. 5/5stars, highly recommended!
May 22, 2024
I really think Iain hit on something with this one. The true definition of a page turner. I would watch this series in a heartbeat and anxiously await the next episode. It's Hannibal meets Dexter meets Midsomer Murders. This reads like a screenplay, and I was along for every twist and turn along the way. This is truly a fantastic beginning for a new series...Iain Rob Wright is a master at his craft. Can't wait to see what case DI Sarah Stone and DI Richard (Mullins) Flesch end up on in the next installment. One of the most entertaining reads I've been privileged to read in a long time.
July 7, 2024
A really good read!
I have read books by this author before and thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong.
I have no wish to tell the story and spoil it for the next reader but this story was a clever spin on what good and evil is on a scale that was touchable- it wasn’t lofty ideas and good people versus bad people, it was about the pain and focus needed to win the fight with seriously flawed individuals at the helm. Justice is ambiguous.
The last chapter was awesome!! Read this. I can’t recommend it enough.
I have read books by this author before and thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong.
I have no wish to tell the story and spoil it for the next reader but this story was a clever spin on what good and evil is on a scale that was touchable- it wasn’t lofty ideas and good people versus bad people, it was about the pain and focus needed to win the fight with seriously flawed individuals at the helm. Justice is ambiguous.
The last chapter was awesome!! Read this. I can’t recommend it enough.
October 14, 2024
A very intense dark account of a would be serial killer (supposed Killer) is released from prison to help catch other serial killers and is teamed up with a retired army damaged army captain who she certainly doesn't like the man she is working with and makes her point ,
The plot continues ,but does the retired captain be as bad as her counter part really good twist to the end of the book and do soo hope there are more books to come as would make a great series and certainly a different approach to police precedures .
The plot continues ,but does the retired captain be as bad as her counter part really good twist to the end of the book and do soo hope there are more books to come as would make a great series and certainly a different approach to police precedures .
June 17, 2025
Can’t get onboard with wherever this is going, a genre I gave up decades ago for various reasons. Justice is served, sort of, but when everyone becomes a monster for revenge, what have we then? What sort of world is that? I’d say that, politically, we don’t seem far off that right now, but it’s not a world I want, to inhabit, or reward by reading things like this. I don’t know where these dark impulses come from for writers or killers and don’t particularly care, I only care that they end. The world could be a paradise but not so long as this is what entertains us.
October 12, 2025
Great read
Not gory but gruesome tale of horror and revulsion of one's self and learning how things are. Serial killers every where, but the human t is on. Can they catch such killer? Can they work out how, why and who in time? Does it really take one to know one? All answered with so much more. Great characters, I love Sarah and Richard their characters clash so badly that it could all fall apart in more ways than one. The storyline is gripping and filled with plots and discoveries. A read that fulfils your i!imagination perfectly. Recommended.
Not gory but gruesome tale of horror and revulsion of one's self and learning how things are. Serial killers every where, but the human t is on. Can they catch such killer? Can they work out how, why and who in time? Does it really take one to know one? All answered with so much more. Great characters, I love Sarah and Richard their characters clash so badly that it could all fall apart in more ways than one. The storyline is gripping and filled with plots and discoveries. A read that fulfils your i!imagination perfectly. Recommended.
June 24, 2024
Sarah Stone has partnered with former cannibal killer Richard Flesch. They are dedicated to catching serial killers before they can cause any more deaths. Also both these agents have issues of their own to overcome.
This story had it in it's grips from start to finish. I normally don't read during the day but this time I sat out in the sun enjoying our finally nicer weather.
The ending was unexpected but heart warming.
5 Stars!!
This story had it in it's grips from start to finish. I normally don't read during the day but this time I sat out in the sun enjoying our finally nicer weather.
The ending was unexpected but heart warming.
5 Stars!!
September 6, 2024
SNIPPET SUMMARY:
Richard Mullins turned from a cannibal into a detective. Officer Sarah Stone has debilitating PTSD from Afghanistan. What could go wrong? The duo attempt an investigation to find the killer who seems to be directly correlated to the Chester-le-street cannibal. Will they find the murderer or will they just find out more about themselves and how their past affects their lives now?
Richard Mullins turned from a cannibal into a detective. Officer Sarah Stone has debilitating PTSD from Afghanistan. What could go wrong? The duo attempt an investigation to find the killer who seems to be directly correlated to the Chester-le-street cannibal. Will they find the murderer or will they just find out more about themselves and how their past affects their lives now?
September 10, 2024
Thriller from horror author how will this go.
It went excellent actually.
The police pairing was spot on, the getting to know about each other and the pain involved there, wild.
Then the case itself. Gruesome and rotten, only as this author can produce.
Iain Rob Wright has a way of writing that pulls you in and rolls you around, you may come out a bit dizzy but it’s worth it all!
Excellent. Really hope there are more of these.
It went excellent actually.
The police pairing was spot on, the getting to know about each other and the pain involved there, wild.
Then the case itself. Gruesome and rotten, only as this author can produce.
Iain Rob Wright has a way of writing that pulls you in and rolls you around, you may come out a bit dizzy but it’s worth it all!
Excellent. Really hope there are more of these.
August 13, 2025
Just finished this and well...that was disconcerting.
I am mortified that I loved this so much.
Very brutal, so you may need to brace yourself. I loved the very warped and damaged main characters. I loved Donkey too, James is alright as well. An interesting history for both characters and a gruesome new serial killer with a particular interest. A new weird justice seeking duo for me to follow when I'm feeling like an exciting and disgusting read. I couldn't put it down.
I am mortified that I loved this so much.
Very brutal, so you may need to brace yourself. I loved the very warped and damaged main characters. I loved Donkey too, James is alright as well. An interesting history for both characters and a gruesome new serial killer with a particular interest. A new weird justice seeking duo for me to follow when I'm feeling like an exciting and disgusting read. I couldn't put it down.
August 20, 2024
This is my favorite Wright book so far! Sarah and Richard are both deeply, deeply flawed humans haunted by their pasts. Their paths cross and they have to learn to work together while trying to catch a sadistic serial killer. This book has a unique premise and threw more than one curveball I didn’t see coming. Certainly worth the read!
November 5, 2025
Good story overall. Very Dr. Lector and Clarice Starling type plot. If a reformed serial killer can help solve murders then why not. My nit-pick at this story is the amount of times the words "flinched" and "winced" were used. You'd think everyone had a constant nervous tick. Also the main female character is at times strangle-able. If you know then you know haha.
March 12, 2026
This is a really nice angle on the serial killer genre, and Wright does a very good job with all the characters.
It was fairly easy to see how Oliver would be tied to Richard, and I knew that would be the case about half-way through the book. That being the case, it was still a very good read and I will certainly read the next one in the series.
It was fairly easy to see how Oliver would be tied to Richard, and I knew that would be the case about half-way through the book. That being the case, it was still a very good read and I will certainly read the next one in the series.
March 27, 2026
Could this be my new favourite couple
Not in a cutesy way though
Great story as usual, thought i knew who the killer was, turns out I didn't
2 very mismatched people are placed together to catch a serial killer, with one been a known killer himself
Was on the edge of seat reading
Not in a cutesy way though
Great story as usual, thought i knew who the killer was, turns out I didn't
2 very mismatched people are placed together to catch a serial killer, with one been a known killer himself
Was on the edge of seat reading
November 8, 2026
The storyline was well paced, with a great twist at the end. Sarah’s actions toward the conclusion felt a little out of character, and I wasn’t entirely convinced her mindset had shifted quite that dramatically by that point. That said, I thought the characters each had distinct voices, which can be difficult to pull off, and it made for a really engaging read overall.
May 14, 2024
Monsters stopped scaring me a long time ago. This book has a number of them in it. A sexual satirist, a psychopath and a sociopath. Sociopaths are made whereas psychopaths are born. Maybe more then one psychopath since there main characteristics is a lack of empty for anyone.
June 11, 2024
Different from the usual but still a very fun read !
Reminded me of Hannibal Lecter - the show version a bit but a few more twists and fun at the end. Seems like there will be another ....I'll wait and see. Thanks again Iain !
Reminded me of Hannibal Lecter - the show version a bit but a few more twists and fun at the end. Seems like there will be another ....I'll wait and see. Thanks again Iain !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews