4.5 (2 ratings)
Bleed (The Skull Serial Killer Thriller Series)
For fans of Halloween and Scream, Bleed is the first gripping novel in The Skull Serial Killer Thriller Series. If you enjoy the slasher genre and psychological thrillers, you’ll love this chilling and unpredictable story from bestselling author Emerald O’Brien.
A Halloween to remember… if she makes it out alive.
In the quiet town of Auburn Hills, a man in a skull mask forces a father to watch as his daughter is murdered, only to be granted the twisted reprieve of his own death when a witness calls for help. The sadistic killer escapes, and the grief-stricken father gives his statement before admitting himself to a mental health hospital.
One month later, Fox Dallener is eager to celebrate her Halloween traditions with her cousin. But after a disturbing experience at work, she can’t shake the eerie feeling of being watched.
On edge, she hopes for safety in numbers as she and her cousin attend a Halloween party with their group of misfit friends. However, all bets are off when the inconsolable father is spotted leaving the hospital and the witness is reported missing.
As the night progresses, unsettling events push Fox’s paranoia to the limits. Though her panic could be the result of simple, harmless pranks, she can’t help but feel like a target.
Desperate for answers and safety, Fox fears the worst. Has her past finally caught up to her?
The killer isn’t the only one with a mask.
Fox wears one of her own.
Written by a student of the slasher genre, lover of horror, and bestselling author of over twenty psychological thriller novels, Emerald O’Brien’s twisted new series in the vein of Riley Sager and Taylor Adams is sure to bring readers heart-pounding suspense.
“An eerily suspenseful, sinister, completely cinematic story with characters you’ll love… Bleed is Emerald O'Brien at her best. I was riveted to the page from the chilling opening scene until the final heartstopping moment. It's a true work of art… my favorite book by O'Brien and my favorite read of 2023!” -Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement.
A Halloween to remember… if she makes it out alive.
In the quiet town of Auburn Hills, a man in a skull mask forces a father to watch as his daughter is murdered, only to be granted the twisted reprieve of his own death when a witness calls for help. The sadistic killer escapes, and the grief-stricken father gives his statement before admitting himself to a mental health hospital.
One month later, Fox Dallener is eager to celebrate her Halloween traditions with her cousin. But after a disturbing experience at work, she can’t shake the eerie feeling of being watched.
On edge, she hopes for safety in numbers as she and her cousin attend a Halloween party with their group of misfit friends. However, all bets are off when the inconsolable father is spotted leaving the hospital and the witness is reported missing.
As the night progresses, unsettling events push Fox’s paranoia to the limits. Though her panic could be the result of simple, harmless pranks, she can’t help but feel like a target.
Desperate for answers and safety, Fox fears the worst. Has her past finally caught up to her?
The killer isn’t the only one with a mask.
Fox wears one of her own.
Written by a student of the slasher genre, lover of horror, and bestselling author of over twenty psychological thriller novels, Emerald O’Brien’s twisted new series in the vein of Riley Sager and Taylor Adams is sure to bring readers heart-pounding suspense.
“An eerily suspenseful, sinister, completely cinematic story with characters you’ll love… Bleed is Emerald O'Brien at her best. I was riveted to the page from the chilling opening scene until the final heartstopping moment. It's a true work of art… my favorite book by O'Brien and my favorite read of 2023!” -Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement.
Pages: 300
ISBN: 9798858235408
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Available in: Paperback
Reader Reviews
4.5
2 ratings
Matt D.
Feb 8, 2026
Do you like scary movies? Do you have a soft spot for a slasher flick? If so, this book will be a great fit.
It’s Halloween and time to party! Jack, Fox, and their friends are off to do their traditional party for the night. What could possibly go wrong? With the arrival of The Skull, plenty could go wrong. The friends will find themselves locked into a battle for survival. Posts always find a way to come back and secrets will never truly stay hidden.
I found the first half of the book a very slow burn. It felt like we spend a lot of time just observing everyone interact and building bits of tension. I will admit I just wanted something to happen, but this is the first book in the series so I guess we had a bit of character building. Once we hit the last section of the book, the pace picked up and the bodies finally started to fall.
It’s Halloween and time to party! Jack, Fox, and their friends are off to do their traditional party for the night. What could possibly go wrong? With the arrival of The Skull, plenty could go wrong. The friends will find themselves locked into a battle for survival. Posts always find a way to come back and secrets will never truly stay hidden.
I found the first half of the book a very slow burn. It felt like we spend a lot of time just observing everyone interact and building bits of tension. I will admit I just wanted something to happen, but this is the first book in the series so I guess we had a bit of character building. Once we hit the last section of the book, the pace picked up and the bodies finally started to fall.
Rachel B.
Feb 8, 2026
“Bleed IV” by Emerald O’Brien is another chilling addition to this incredible series. The Skull Killer is back, and this installment raises the stakes higher than ever. It’s darker, more suspenseful, and packed with horror, tension, and shocking twists that kept me on edge from start to finish. This series just keeps getting better—absolutely amazing!