Eric Stephenson: Bloodlines

The Aberdeen Hauntings Files #0

by C.K. Smith, Dina Ezzeddine

He was more than a killer. He was a legacy.

Before The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor, there was Eric Stephenson—mechanic by day, butcher by blood.

Eric didn’t just kill to survive—he killed to build something darker. Something permanent. A twisted empire of control, silence, and loyalty. But behind every broken body and buried secret lies a truth he never family.

Now, for the first time, step inside the mind of a man who carved his name into history with a hook, a fedora, and a vow never to be forgotten.
Witness how his sons—Alexander Clay Stephenson and Justin Shawn Smith—were shaped into shadows of their father.
And how one girl, Maeve Adams, unknowingly became the key to it all.

A legacy of blood is never quiet.
And the ghosts of Aberdeen never rest.

Dark. Brutal. Unforgiving.
Eric Bloodlines is the explosive prequel to The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor, where loyalty is tested, killers are born, and the dead never stay buried.

Genres: Audiobook

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2025

About the author

Author also writes as Dina Ezzeddine

C.K. Smith is a Canadian writer and the celebrated author of The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor series, a chilling collection that promises to leave readers breathless with suspense and captivated by dark romance. Blending spine-tingling horror with irresistible spicy romance, C.K. Smith creates stories that haunt the mind and stir the soul.

Her latest work, The Aberdeen Manor trilogy, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Each book in the series is crafted to send shivers down your spine, perfect for horror enthusiasts who crave a touch of the forbidden in their reads. From eerie halls to forbidden desires, this series is an unmissable journey into the depths of fear and passion.

Drawing inspiration from literary legends like Stephen King, C.K. Smith has a unique gift for weaving intricate tales that explore the shadows of human emotion. Her work is a testament to her love for storytelling, delivering an experience that lingers long after the final page.

When she isn’t crafting her next haunting narrative, C.K. Smith enjoys immersing herself in the beauty of Canadian landscapes and discovering the extraordinary in everyday life. With every story, she invites readers to step into her world of thrilling terror and sizzling romance—where the line between fear and desire blurs.

Discover the world of C.K. Smith, where every book is an unforgettable escape. Follow for updates on her latest releases and insights into her creative process. For fans of Stephen King, dark romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is an author you don’t want to miss!

Reviews

[iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Aberdeen manor .. we go back to find out the journey about Eric Stephenson.
His beginnings to the show down at Aberdeen manor..
We find out about his sons Alexander Stephenson and Justin smith come to be..
Family is important to Eric.. one rule never mess with his family cause there will be consequences.
Just don’t piss him off is a good ploy.
His daughter Maeve doesn’t know much about her father and brothers but it won’t be long until she does.
Great from C.k Smith again

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so this book is Both a prequel and a spin off to the next book. Definitely an unexpected twist or two here. Looking forward to the next one !

[Amber K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting the backstory of characters from this classic slasher story made a terrific read. And also a nice addition to The Haunting Of Aberdeen Manor!
This was an audio listen for me and the narrator nailed the whole vibe! perfect match for the book!

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge shoutout to the incredible C.K Smith for offering the ARC in return for an honest review. Let me tell you, I absolutely gobbled up this book in a single sitting! The writing was like a magnet, pulling me in and refusing to let go until the very end. I was completely swept away by the characters and the storyline.

Uncover the origins and influences that shaped Eric in this bone-chilling thriller. Eric didn't just endure; he embraced the darkness. As you navigate the sinister realms of manipulation, hush, and allegiance, witness the birth of a lethal legacy etched in blood. Journey through the shadows where his sons lurk, and a mysterious girl unknowingly holds the ultimate power. Prepare for an immersive experience that is dark, gritty, and unrelenting. Get ready to feel the shivers and witness the birth of a chilling legacy.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is what the other two books should have been. Bloodlines finally delivers a story that feels cohesive and worthwhile. Do I think it was still too long? Yes, for what it is. Was it slow at times? Unfortunately, yes. There were sections that dragged, and I caught myself wishing the pace would pick up.That said, there was enough going on to keep me engaged throughout. The tension was consistent, and the characters had more depth and purpose this time around. It wasn’t as dark or graphically disturbing as I expected, and honestly, I think it could have gone darker to really show the level of psychosis within this family. Still, this one hit closer to what the series has been reaching for all along.Overall, Bloodlines is definitely the best of the series, flawed, yes, but finally fulfilling the promise the earlier books only hinted at.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ERIC STEPHENSON: BLOODLINES — WTF DID I JUST READ?!
This isn’t a thriller.
This is pure, slasher horror.

OMFG — C.K. Smith blew this one out of the water.
This is the backstory of serial killer Eric Stephenson from Aberdeen Manor, and it is exactly the nightmare fuel we needed.

There’s a twist:
It’s not only a prequel — it also spins directly into the next upcoming book. I am so hooked. Like… WHAT did I just experience??

And the audiobook…
Let’s TALK about the audiobook.

Narrated by Nathan Westhoff, who absolutely killed this performance. His voice? PERFECT for this story. He narrated The Podcast Killer too — but this one? WOW. Chills.

GET IT.
READ IT.
BUT DO NOT READ IT IN THE DARK.

— Sophie

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It's that little extra to the story you didn't know you needed, but adds so much context. I love getting the back story, especially when the character is a serial unaliver. Eric Stephenson: Bloodlines is a part of the Aberdeen Haunting book, except here, we get the backstory of her father, why he did the things he did and became what he was. It brought us all the way up to the ending of Aberdeen Manor and the way everything connected was chef's kiss!
I ate this up. The writing was so good, so detailed, it pulls you right into the story. It is dark with some gore so be prepared for that, but it is so so good. Definitely recommend reading this along with Aberdeen Manor.

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wild and definitely not for the faint of heart. It dives into Erik’s origins, the notorious serial killer central to The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor, and wow… it’s a ride.

Listening to the audiobook at night? Big mistake (unless you want goosebumps). It’s dark, gruesome, and full of that creeping tension that sticks with you long after.

It also gives a whole new perspective to the original story and delivers serious Mad Butcher vibes. Absolutely chilling! 🎧🩸

[SkySpiritHuggingYou Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping psychological thriller that hooks you from the first page. unraveling secrets that twist and turn until the shocking end. Follow Eric Stephenson mechanic turned killer in this taut, atmospheric, and impossible to put down story. It’s perfect for fans of dark, cerebral suspense. Just a tidbit “Stephenson Mechanics: John Mendez—Terminated—Effective Immediately.

[Tanya Pratt-Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished listening to this audiobook and it was so good! The narrator was fantastic! This physiological thriller/horror did not disappoint! It was a roller coaster ride from the first page and never let up. Secret, lies and lots of bloodshed! This is a true definition of how serial killers are made. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!!

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good prequel to the haunting of Aberdeen manor. you get a view inside Eric's head and see how everything led up to the events in the first book. this book answers many of the questions from the first book.

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. This book had me hooked from the first chapter. I didn’t read the other book yet but I will surely be getting it asap.
The story is about Eric Stephenson who is a serial killer. His last mission in life is to save his daughter and teach her the family ways.

[Madison Gignac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully horrifying!