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A Rational Man #1
Wrath Child
2021 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Gold Medal for Supernatural Fiction!
Let me warn you right now: this story is dangerous. DO NOT RESEARCH THESE EVENTS! Think of it as fiction, and nothing more.
The Smith has returned, leaving a new trail of gruesome serial murders across Manhattan--all blonde, beautiful, beaten to death with a blacksmith's hammer. Gavin Gregory, an FBI agent who profiles serial killers for the Behavioral Analysis Unit, couldn't capture The Smith the first time around and wants a second stab at catching the killer. The case takes a bizarre turn when Debra Esteves, a psychiatrist from a New York mental hospital, says she knows The Smith's identity.
Esteves spins a tale of disturbing horror from her past, claiming The Smith controlled one of her patients through his psychic influence. But Gavin considers himself a rational man. He believes in science over superstition and rejects her version of events.
When his wife is kidnapped, Gavin has no choice but to turn to Esteves for help. Can she keep him safe from the devil hunting him long enough to free his wife from the clutches of the killer or will The Smith make him a pawn in future murders?
Let me warn you right now: this story is dangerous. DO NOT RESEARCH THESE EVENTS! Think of it as fiction, and nothing more.
The Smith has returned, leaving a new trail of gruesome serial murders across Manhattan--all blonde, beautiful, beaten to death with a blacksmith's hammer. Gavin Gregory, an FBI agent who profiles serial killers for the Behavioral Analysis Unit, couldn't capture The Smith the first time around and wants a second stab at catching the killer. The case takes a bizarre turn when Debra Esteves, a psychiatrist from a New York mental hospital, says she knows The Smith's identity.
Esteves spins a tale of disturbing horror from her past, claiming The Smith controlled one of her patients through his psychic influence. But Gavin considers himself a rational man. He believes in science over superstition and rejects her version of events.
When his wife is kidnapped, Gavin has no choice but to turn to Esteves for help. Can she keep him safe from the devil hunting him long enough to free his wife from the clutches of the killer or will The Smith make him a pawn in future murders?
- GenresHorrorParanormal
745 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2020
311 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Erik Henry Vick
60 books241 followersErik Henry Vick is an author who happens to be disabled by an autoimmune disease (also known as his Personal Monster™). He writes to hang on to the few remaining shreds of his sanity. His current favorite genres to write are dark fantasy and horror.
He lives in Western New York with his wife, Supergirl; their son; a Rottweiler named after a god of thunder; and two extremely psychotic cats. He fights his Personal Monster™ daily with humor, pain medicine, and funny T-shirts.
In the meantime, he'd like to invite you to check out his blog:
erikhenryvick.com
Or follow him on:
Twitter @BerserkErik
Facebook @erikhenryvick
Amazon USA Author Page
Amazon UK Author Page
He'd love to hear from you.
He lives in Western New York with his wife, Supergirl; their son; a Rottweiler named after a god of thunder; and two extremely psychotic cats. He fights his Personal Monster™ daily with humor, pain medicine, and funny T-shirts.
In the meantime, he'd like to invite you to check out his blog:
erikhenryvick.com
Or follow him on:
Twitter @BerserkErik
Facebook @erikhenryvick
Amazon USA Author Page
Amazon UK Author Page
He'd love to hear from you.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 18, 2020
Vick at his best!
A complex, suspenseful plot with tension so thick that it felt palpable. Wonderful characters with depth and substance. I was immediately drawn in and held captive from beginning to end. If you like dark, absolutely unpredictable, twisted suspense as much as I do, you can't go wrong with this book!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
A complex, suspenseful plot with tension so thick that it felt palpable. Wonderful characters with depth and substance. I was immediately drawn in and held captive from beginning to end. If you like dark, absolutely unpredictable, twisted suspense as much as I do, you can't go wrong with this book!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 29, 2021
I had never heard of Erik Henry Vick when Amazon recommended his Wrath Child: A Supernatural Thriller to me. This setup rarely ends well, but this time I’m glad I went with the recommendation! FBI Special Agent Gavin Gregory is called to a murder scene: the victim appears to have been murdered with a hammer, and the cops need Gavin to tell them whether the rest of the scene matches up with past scenes from victims of The Smith, a wily serial killer who disappeared the last time Gavin was stalking him. Unfortunately they do match up, which doesn’t bode well for the vacation Gavin is supposed to take with his wife Maddie. Soon he finds himself caught up in a very complicated web of deaths. At the center of that web seems to be Doctor Debbie Esteves, a psychiatrist who works at a mental hospital. She claims she has The Saint Mary Psycho in her inpatient care, and she has treated The Smith, yet she isn’t very forthcoming with information.
The story takes place in three disparate time periods: 2004, 2014, and the present day. Tales from the past are actually quite interesting and relevant, and even though they make for a rather long book, I found they didn’t slow it down at all. I had no trouble getting invested in the past characters. My only issue with them, in fact, is that I occasionally wondered how the person telling the story–which is told in third person–necessarily knows all the details that go into the stories.
There are a lot of scenes in a mental hospital ward where violent patients are held, so I can’t speak to the authenticity of that. I found it quite interesting, though. It becomes fairly evident early on in the story that there’s a kind of “demon” riding people and causing them to do horrible things. One of my favorite bits is that people who are being affected by the demon start to use clangs (they use a rhyming or sound-alike word instead of the one they meant, typically without realizing it). So if you’re paying attention, you can tell who is being affected and when. It happens with varying degrees of subtlety (or not!), also, so it serves as a marker for how much someone is being affected–for both reader and characters. A person can be ridden for moments or years. They might remember what their body did, or they might have gaps in time and then start losing control of their actions and words.
My only real confusion was this: when looking for a kidnapped cop, and you already know the kidnapper has found the cop’s phone and turned it off, why would you then think it still indicated the location of the cop when it gets turned back on? I mean yeah, you have to check it out, but wouldn’t you be expecting the phone to have been planted somewhere? This doesn’t seem to occur to any of the police involved.
Even with all the time-jumps this is a coherent story, a tense thriller, and a really great read!
Content note: graphic murder.
Apropos of almost nothing: why are writers in fiction (Maddie in this case) always flush with cash or even wealthy? Very few of them are like that in real life.
Original review posted on my blog: https://www.errantdreams.com/2021/03/...
The story takes place in three disparate time periods: 2004, 2014, and the present day. Tales from the past are actually quite interesting and relevant, and even though they make for a rather long book, I found they didn’t slow it down at all. I had no trouble getting invested in the past characters. My only issue with them, in fact, is that I occasionally wondered how the person telling the story–which is told in third person–necessarily knows all the details that go into the stories.
There are a lot of scenes in a mental hospital ward where violent patients are held, so I can’t speak to the authenticity of that. I found it quite interesting, though. It becomes fairly evident early on in the story that there’s a kind of “demon” riding people and causing them to do horrible things. One of my favorite bits is that people who are being affected by the demon start to use clangs (they use a rhyming or sound-alike word instead of the one they meant, typically without realizing it). So if you’re paying attention, you can tell who is being affected and when. It happens with varying degrees of subtlety (or not!), also, so it serves as a marker for how much someone is being affected–for both reader and characters. A person can be ridden for moments or years. They might remember what their body did, or they might have gaps in time and then start losing control of their actions and words.
My only real confusion was this: when looking for a kidnapped cop, and you already know the kidnapper has found the cop’s phone and turned it off, why would you then think it still indicated the location of the cop when it gets turned back on? I mean yeah, you have to check it out, but wouldn’t you be expecting the phone to have been planted somewhere? This doesn’t seem to occur to any of the police involved.
Even with all the time-jumps this is a coherent story, a tense thriller, and a really great read!
Content note: graphic murder.
Apropos of almost nothing: why are writers in fiction (Maddie in this case) always flush with cash or even wealthy? Very few of them are like that in real life.
Original review posted on my blog: https://www.errantdreams.com/2021/03/...
May 31, 2022
Another home run for this incredible author, this guy just can't miss - once I start one of his books it's damn near impossible for me to put it down, his books are that good - so addictive and fun to read and this one was no different. If you haven't read Erik Henry Vick yet I would ask what are you waiting for, pick one of his books up now and start reading
January 6, 2021
This is my first book by this author, I believe. I really enjoyed his writing style.
I have to say, I was expecting more gore. But that didn't take anything away from the beauty of this book. The author did an amazing job on the characters, plot ... especially with the characters who were nuts. And boy, do I love em crazy.
______________________
"What's the story, Tommy-ba-bommy?"
______________________
The asylum was/is the place to be. Reminded me of some of the places I've worked. Chaos and madness. Be careful before you get sucked into the rabbit hole. "The crazy's catching". I have fallen in love with the Amhain twins! Lordy lord, these two..
______________________
"Remember, we're called of Uncle God the Vulcan."
______________________
After reading this book ... other cop and/or serial killer books just cannot compare. This right here, had the readers turning pages as fast as they could to put the pieces together with the characters. The author did an amazing job with the time stamps and time jumps in congruence with the nightmares. I was kept on the edge of my seat. Sometimes laughing out loud. Sometimes scratching my head .. lost in the sauce with everyone else.
Definitely an author I'll continue to look out for.
_______________________
"I want to gouge out my sighs. Eyes! Flew out my own lung. TH! Tongue! Please. Let me noose."
________________________
....we're all mad here...
________________________
"How are you feeling?"...
..."Fine as a fiddle. Fit as rain."
________________________
...The crazy's catching... TH!
*5 stars. I rank this book dark with more of an emphasis on being a thriller*
not a romance
I have to say, I was expecting more gore. But that didn't take anything away from the beauty of this book. The author did an amazing job on the characters, plot ... especially with the characters who were nuts. And boy, do I love em crazy.
______________________
"What's the story, Tommy-ba-bommy?"
______________________
The asylum was/is the place to be. Reminded me of some of the places I've worked. Chaos and madness. Be careful before you get sucked into the rabbit hole. "The crazy's catching". I have fallen in love with the Amhain twins! Lordy lord, these two..
______________________
"Remember, we're called of Uncle God the Vulcan."
______________________
After reading this book ... other cop and/or serial killer books just cannot compare. This right here, had the readers turning pages as fast as they could to put the pieces together with the characters. The author did an amazing job with the time stamps and time jumps in congruence with the nightmares. I was kept on the edge of my seat. Sometimes laughing out loud. Sometimes scratching my head .. lost in the sauce with everyone else.
Definitely an author I'll continue to look out for.
_______________________
"I want to gouge out my sighs. Eyes! Flew out my own lung. TH! Tongue! Please. Let me noose."
________________________
....we're all mad here...
________________________
"How are you feeling?"...
..."Fine as a fiddle. Fit as rain."
________________________
...The crazy's catching... TH!
*5 stars. I rank this book dark with more of an emphasis on being a thriller*
not a romance
July 3, 2021
SCARY THRILLER -- Very dark. Mature readers with firm grasp of reality here and now.
Psychiatric intensive plot. Protagonists give off an in depth psychological twist. Hard to put the book down. Immersion is literally conceptual; may cause drastic harsh dreams. One night it caused me to have a hellish diabolical nightmare I woke up drenched in perspiration and gasping for air. I applaud the strong male character who carried the 'wrath child' with active intrigue and conceptual flawless design. Wild read! Thank you Erik Henry Vick. PottsvillePA_07032021.
Psychiatric intensive plot. Protagonists give off an in depth psychological twist. Hard to put the book down. Immersion is literally conceptual; may cause drastic harsh dreams. One night it caused me to have a hellish diabolical nightmare I woke up drenched in perspiration and gasping for air. I applaud the strong male character who carried the 'wrath child' with active intrigue and conceptual flawless design. Wild read! Thank you Erik Henry Vick. PottsvillePA_07032021.
January 3, 2021
As someone who has a love for reading but hasn’t completed a book in years (life, school, etc, we all understand this) I made a commitment to myself to read more this year, and Wrath Child was the first book I started with. I found it on Facebook as an ad first, and I decided to give it a go. It looked interesting, despite the horror tag on it, and I have never enjoyed horror. At first, the amount of swearing had me nervous, but right from the get go this book had me curious. What’s going on, who’s behind this, wait why are we going back in time now...I finished this in a week and am here for more, if the *REDACTED* allows the author to write anymore...chirp? Really enjoyed it, if you enjoy a supernatural thriller mystery, then pick this one up!
December 19, 2020
Another absolutely mind-blowing book by Erik Henry Vick! A string of brutal murders comes back to haunt Gavin Gregory. It appears the killer is on a killing spree, again. However, the killer is in a maximum security prison. So who is the murderer? This story is a brilliant blend of psychology and the paranormal. The author has done painstaking research into the various types of psychological disorders. This book sent shivers up my spine as the description of the nightmarish experiences of the protagonists is graphic. I recommend this book.
December 27, 2020
I loved this book. There was an inventive streak I was not expecting. From the outset, you got glimpses of an unusual being, but you couldn't really define what was happening. Horrific, ghastly murders happening one after the other. They were increasing.in frequency. Psychiatric patients that weren't making any sense when they spoke. References to this blobby thing. People who 'all of a sudden' couldn't speak correctly. Erik Henry Vick has deviously constructed a tale that will have you reading well into the night. 'Wrath Child' is too good a read to miss.
December 9, 2021
Extremely Imaginative
I was very impressed with the extremely creative twist this story presented as a possible explanation for serial murders. The incorporation of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses made the whole thing feel more believable. As a practicing physician myself, I found the descriptions of inpatient treatments and nursing activities very accurate. The author's descriptions really hit home. It was obvious that he was writing from experience. Very nicely done. Can't wait to read more.
I was very impressed with the extremely creative twist this story presented as a possible explanation for serial murders. The incorporation of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses made the whole thing feel more believable. As a practicing physician myself, I found the descriptions of inpatient treatments and nursing activities very accurate. The author's descriptions really hit home. It was obvious that he was writing from experience. Very nicely done. Can't wait to read more.
February 3, 2022
A serial killer re-emerges after eluding the FBI. Wielding his deadly craft in NYC he seems invincible. An FBI agent joins NYPD on a hunt that will lead them to a mental hospital and a psychiatrist convinced the killer is not human.
Although this book throws in all the horror tropes, killers, mental institutions, demons, it fell flat. Felt no connection to any of the characters. It
was not especially scary. The monster is actually laughable. Hard to be petrified by something that chirps. The shrink is a wind bag. Narration jumps from past to future. Disappointed.
Although this book throws in all the horror tropes, killers, mental institutions, demons, it fell flat. Felt no connection to any of the characters. It
was not especially scary. The monster is actually laughable. Hard to be petrified by something that chirps. The shrink is a wind bag. Narration jumps from past to future. Disappointed.
December 28, 2020
Wrath Child by Erik Henry Vick is a phenomenal hit! This is what horror and suspense is all about. Filled with twists and turns, murders, psychosis, adventure and suspense, this novel will keep you up reading all night under the covers. The string of murders was astounding and I applaud the author for being able to keep them straight. Same with the general timelines of the book. The characters are very well written and enjoyable. Kudos Mr. Vick for another truly excellent novel!
June 8, 2021
Typical horror story like many Netflix horror flicks, jumping around timewise, fairly predictable and is part of a series. There was the frequent mispeak by the characters which was somewhat interesting at first, but it happened too often and is constant mental exercise and re-read for the reader to understand what was being said and maybe the reason the book seemed too long for the story. Hopefully the next one book progresses more easily.
January 11, 2021
Interesting idea
I really enjoyed this book. Despite it covering a supernatural topic, the whole setting felt very real which made sense after I read the authors notes
The book jumps around timelines a lot, but it is well done so you don't get lost when that happens. Will be reading more books by this author, so that should tell you how much I enjoyed this one.
I really enjoyed this book. Despite it covering a supernatural topic, the whole setting felt very real which made sense after I read the authors notes
The book jumps around timelines a lot, but it is well done so you don't get lost when that happens. Will be reading more books by this author, so that should tell you how much I enjoyed this one.
February 8, 2021
This one was a trip and a half! I did not expect the ending or the rest of it for that matter. Definitely makes me think and wonder, if perhaps there is such a thing as the wrath child. Kept me guessing until the end some were right and other guesses were wrong. Awesome book Erik, will definitely be reading the next one.
April 12, 2021
WOW
This is one of the best books I've ever read!!!! It's rare to read a book so phenomenal that it leaves you speechless to the point that you can barely leave the glowing review it deserves. Once you pick this book up, make sure you have time to spare because you won't want to put it down until the end. And even after that, you'll want more.
This is one of the best books I've ever read!!!! It's rare to read a book so phenomenal that it leaves you speechless to the point that you can barely leave the glowing review it deserves. Once you pick this book up, make sure you have time to spare because you won't want to put it down until the end. And even after that, you'll want more.
December 13, 2021
audible:This is a really good book!There is a monster killing people.It might jump from person to person,or it might be all in one guys head.It is too late before we know! Kerr Lordygan was a terrific narrator. I enjoyed it.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 27, 2024
Another great one
Mr. Vick is an incredible writer. This series is very original and completely engrossing. Each book is a total page turner. He goes back and forth in the storylines but pulls it off better than most. Also, look for the Easter eggs that he writes into the stories. Odes to the great writers of horror and metal. Off to the next one now.
Mr. Vick is an incredible writer. This series is very original and completely engrossing. Each book is a total page turner. He goes back and forth in the storylines but pulls it off better than most. Also, look for the Easter eggs that he writes into the stories. Odes to the great writers of horror and metal. Off to the next one now.
March 4, 2021
Erik Henry Vick is a Master!
Once again, Mr. Vick delivers an astonishing horror tale, like none told before.
This story is a rollercoaster ride with twists, turns, and dips galore!
No matter what else you might plan to read, this needs to be at the top of your list!
Once again, Mr. Vick delivers an astonishing horror tale, like none told before.
This story is a rollercoaster ride with twists, turns, and dips galore!
No matter what else you might plan to read, this needs to be at the top of your list!
March 23, 2021
Loved it
It wasnt the story I thought it was going to be and I'm happy that it wasn't. It was so much more. A well done mix of crime and para normal. I cannot wait to read more by this author. Highly recommend
It wasnt the story I thought it was going to be and I'm happy that it wasn't. It was so much more. A well done mix of crime and para normal. I cannot wait to read more by this author. Highly recommend
February 15, 2022
One of the strangest books, I have ever read.
Police looking for a serial killer. This killer, marks his victims with strange lines.
But, who they are looking for, isn't human.
Long read, could have been two books.
Police looking for a serial killer. This killer, marks his victims with strange lines.
But, who they are looking for, isn't human.
Long read, could have been two books.
March 21, 2022
It's all in your head
Demons aren't real? I am sure everyone has felt the wrong things we think and say. Why, well it was that demon in my mind that made me do it! Read with the lights on and doors locked, if you dare.
Demons aren't real? I am sure everyone has felt the wrong things we think and say. Why, well it was that demon in my mind that made me do it! Read with the lights on and doors locked, if you dare.
April 8, 2022
Moves along well
Don't be put off by the length - the author intertwines various narratives, and the overall story moves along very quickly. Have started the next one in the series already!
Don't be put off by the length - the author intertwines various narratives, and the overall story moves along very quickly. Have started the next one in the series already!
October 16, 2022
This story was executed flawlessly. I loved the style he writes & the format he used. I loved EVERYTHING about this book. I seldom read a series straight through. I break it up with other books. Not this time. I'm moving right onto the next book in the trilogy. SUPERB!
May 23, 2025
Love, Love, Love This Author
This author pulls you in right away and never let's you go until it ends. The characters are interesting and the story with its twist and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat. I never spoil the story, but I will say you won't regret buying
This author pulls you in right away and never let's you go until it ends. The characters are interesting and the story with its twist and turns keeps you on the edge of your seat. I never spoil the story, but I will say you won't regret buying
June 8, 2025
Not what I expected!! Good storyline between the past and present was easy too follow. Sometimes when stories are like that you get all twisted up! This flowed and now I am on the second book hoping to find out more!!! Can’t say what I am looking forward to because that will be a spoiler 😆
January 24, 2021
real page turner that guaranteed to give you nightmares for a long time to come
February 2, 2021
Didn't care for the writing format/style, almost quit reading but went ahead and finished. Predictable ending ignorant resolutions.
March 19, 2021
Excellent fast paced read. Interesting, exciting storyline that kept me from putting it down!
April 21, 2021
Wow
This is a long book, if you're counting pages, but it flows so well that it doesn't feel long at all! I'm so glad there's a sequel!
This is a long book, if you're counting pages, but it flows so well that it doesn't feel long at all! I'm so glad there's a sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews