Brian McAuley once again proves his talent for crafting outstanding slasher stories, and Breathe In, Bleed Out is no exception. His latest novel delivers a horrifying, Scream-inspired tale filled with Final Destination-style kills, all built around a gripping whodunnit mystery.
Hannah has been running from her demons ever since she emerged from a harrowing wilderness trip without her fiancé. No one knows exactly what happened the day Ben died, and Hannah would like to keep it that way… even if his ghost still haunts her with vivid waking nightmares that are ruining her life. So when her friend group gets an exclusive invitation to a restorative spiritual retreat in Joshua Tree, Hannah reluctantly agrees in search of a fresh start.
Despite her skepticism of the strange Guru Pax and his belief in the supernatural world, Hannah soon finds healing through all the yoga, sound baths, and hot springs offered at the tech-free haven. But this peaceful journey of self-discovery quickly descends into a violent fight for self-preservation when a mysterious killer starts picking off retreat attendees in increasingly gruesome ways. As the body count rises and Hannah’s sanity frays, she’ll have to confront her dark past and uncover the true nature of a ruthless monster hellbent on killing her vibe for good.
Breathe In, Bleed Out‘s setting is a fresh and almost unexpected twist that sets the book apart from other book or film slashers. Taking place at a mindfulness retreat designed for attendees to get a fresh start, the tranquil atmosphere is a stark contrast to the chaos of a bloody killing spree. The juxtapose of quiet and serene with blood, gore and murder just adds tension and excitement to the story. Not to mention the suspense around uncovering the killer’s identity which makes you turn the pages even faster.
McAuley crafts some outstanding characters in this stories and Hannah is just another to add to this list. While the entire cast of characters seems deeply flawed, Hannah stands out, as her story is shaped by the loss of her fiancé amongst other things. This tragic event gives credence her story providing insight into her motivations and struggles, making her a character you root for. Unlike the others, who really come across as those in desperate need of a spiritual reckoning, Hannah’s story feels deeply personal. I found myself cheering for Hannah’s redemption–not only just to survive the horrors that await in Joshua Tree.
While the novel was a quick read, it didn’t compromise on anything. I was treated to insightful character moments, intense and gory kill scenes, and a thoughtful, satisfying conclusion. Brian McAuley delivers a classic slasher story, typically written for the screen, in a fast-paced novel that you can easily devour in one sitting.
Breathe In, Bleed Out is a fantastic slasher horror novel that fans of the genre, especially those who loved Scream, will enjoy. Brian McAuley delivers a unique final girl with a protagonist with her own emotional baggage, seeking a fresh start, only to find herself fighting for survival. With its intense narrative and wonderfully crafted characters, Breathe In, Bleed Out is a must-read from one of the best in the genre.
Breathe In, Bleed Out hits bookstores everywhere on September 2, 2025 from Poisoned Pen Press. The audiobook is available for pre-order at Libro.fm!
