Bleed III

The Skull Serial Killer #3

by Emerald O'Brien

From bestselling author Emerald O'Brien comes Book #3 of The Skull Serial Killer Thriller series readers are calling "… a sinister, completely cinematic story brought to life by a powerhouse author who is at the top of her game." and " … my favorite read of 2023!" - Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement



Five survived.

It began with the sadistic and devastating attack on Slate and Piper Cornell. The shocking, gruesome murders attributed to The Skull serial killer were revealed to have spanned two years, with two books written on the events that ended with the brutal attacks on the remaining survivors and those close to them.



Five years later…

A young woman witnesses a figure emerging from the darkness wearing a white mask she recognizes—one she'd know anywhere—sending a deep, dreadful chill running through her veins.



They thought the nightmare was over, but this Halloween, The Skull isn't only just beginning.

As the creator of the mask, and the first to ever wear it, they are the beginning.



“… with pure heart, interesting and lovable characters, and twists you WILL NEVER (and I mean NEVER) see coming, this is a book and a series you won’t soon forget. O’Brien’s love and respect for horror films and this ‘chiller’ genre is on full display throughout this series, and whether you’re a lifelong fan or relatively new to her work, she will make you fall in love with the beautiful and terrifying way her mind works as she tells yet another phenomenal and absolutely sinister story. You know that saying ‘the mother is mothering’? Well in this case, the chiller is chilling. Emerald O’Brien is THE QUEEN of the chiller thriller, and I am here for it!” - Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

Emerald O’Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, and graduated from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.

A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.

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Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only problem with this book/series is that I have to wait a year between books and I am not a patient person. This series is like scream but not silly and humor filled. This is what I want horror movies to be with a final girl who thinks things through and gives good advice and makes good decisions. This one took me a little longer to get through, but it wasn’t because it was slow or difficult I think it was just longer Thant he other books and that is not a bad thing. I like that each book in this series ties something else together. And as much as it also pains me I like that no one feels safe and no one feels fully trustworthy. I won’t try to summarize this one, but I will say read the first two (and perhaps re-read them, it does take me a minute to remember all of the people and details of earlier books). And when you go out to get this book (them) buckle up and prepare yourself for one wild ride.

[Courtney Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Publication date: October 10, 2024.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



PERFECTION! If we could leave ratings higher than 5 stars, this would be one of those books. The entire Bleed - Skull Serial Killer series is a honestly a chilling masterpiece and not only needs to but deserves to be read and spoken about more. I was left with chills, goosebumps and frankly looking over my shoulder in my own home.

I wasn't sure that Bleed 3 could outdo my love for the original Bleed but Emerald proved me wrong. The amount of times I audibly gasped, threw my tablet across my bed, and even cried, yes cried throughout this was insane. Emerald O'Brien just has this magic with this series to make you think you know what is going to happen, only to figure out you are in fact, very very wrong.

If you are into the 90s slasher films such as Scream, and Halloween this spooky series will be right up your alley and needs to be read ASAP.

This will definitely be a spooky season reread for me, as well as oddly enough a comfort read. But hey, Scream is my favorite movie, so can you blame me?

Emerald, well freakin done. Hats off to the new queen of slasher/thriller books!

Now because I'm too scared to sleep and it's almost 2AM, I'm going to throw on the Office so I won't have nightmares. 🤞


"You give people a place to look, and you can get away with anything you want, anywhere else."


Thank you so much for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review @writeremeraldobrien

[Elle (IG: simply.elle18) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Slashers is back! Bleed III is definitely my favourite in the series so far! Although the author does well recounting the general story of the previous two books in the series, I TOTALLY recommend you read Bleed I and II because they are just great to read, and why wouldn't you?

Bleed III is like visiting old friends. The author sets the scene perfectly - plenty of suspense and mystery before the slasher action begins! And in typical O'Brien style, there are a few twists along the way, just to keep the reader guessing. I enjoyed this one thoroughly and the last two thirds of the book had me glued to the pages. I was both shocked and surprised at the end! I really enjoyed reading this one, along with my favourite drink, late into the night!

A big thank you to Emerald O'Brien for an ARC to read and review. Bleed III hits the shelves October 10th.

[DAVID ALSPECTOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coronation is in order.

As the third installment wraps up, O’Brien is leaving no doubt she wears the crown as the queen of the slasher novels. This series gives you all the tingles and terrors you can handle and some that will test enough to double check your doors are locked. From page one, Emerald puts the pedal to the scare metal and does not let up as Bleed III continues the Skulls reign of terror in such a brutally brilliant tale.
Small piece of advice: I hope you like your shoulders, because you will be looking over them more than the IRS looks over your paycheck.

I’ll preach this fact until it happens, get John Carpenter on the phone, we need this movie.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder how late Emerald O’Brien stays up thinking of ways to scare her readers? Once again, I found myself tensing up as I read this ARC of her new entry into her Skull Serial Killer Series.
As the suspense builds old friends and new friends gather as almost five years have passed since some of their friends were killed. But someone is not willing to let the killings go unnoticed or stop. Will there be any survivors this time? My review of this riveting book is my personal opinion.

[Sharon Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Emerald O’Brien has done it again. We meet up with friends that we haven’t seen for a while and meet a few new ones. The Skull masks are popping up and causing havoc on the survivors and has Fox and Slate, particularly, on edge. Seems they are more sensitive to their surroundings in each book that Ms. O’Brien gives us. I thought I knew who The Skull was but I didn’t, and The Skull isn’t finished with our friends yet.
This book is the biggest, most intense of this series. Lots of stuff comes to light in this one..feelings, side characters, etc. If you like intense, slasher type, psychological thrillers, RUN and get these books! You won’t be disappointed.. Oh and there’s at least one more in the future…

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in this brilliant series by @writeremeraldobrien is out today! Fans of Scream and Halloween should definitely read this one. Huge thanks to the author for providing a copy for me to review!

It started 5 years ago, and five survived the two previous attacks. And now, 5 years later, it all seems quiet, a feeling of being safe. However, it is all just starting again. A young woman witnesses a figure emerge from the darkness wearing a white mask she recognizes—one she'd know anywhere—sending a deep, dreadful chill running through her veins. The Skull is back. And he is only getting started.

This book is, like the previous two books, an absolute wild ride to read. We've gotten to know the characters in books 1 and 2, so book three feels familiar right from the start. We know the characters involved, and we know what they went through. Just like the previous two books, the characters are well worked out, and you understand the reasoning behind their different actions. The story itself is an edge-of-your-seat story with so much tension and action combined that it is very difficult to put the book down. I just couldn't put it away and had to finish it quickly as I really wanted to know what happened next. It's a whirlwind of emotions while reading this. You will definitely not be disappointed when thinking about the films Scream and Halloween while reading it. It is most definitely the perfect read for these darker days. Make sure you have the doors locked...

I was so happy to read that there would be a book 4, but at the same time, I am a little sad as we have to wait a year for the next installment. Definitely something to look forward to!

5/5 ⭐️

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleed 3 is the third book in the Skull Serial Killer series, I highly recommend reading these in order to get a full feel of the cast and storyline. This series is highly underrated, it deserves so much more hype, it brings EVERYTHING! The thrills, the chills, the killings, the suspense, the anticipation, the amazing characters, the twists and turns, it's just amazing.

Emerald knocked it out of the park with this installment. It was so damn good. They just keep getting better and better. The whole plot, story in this one just gripped me from the start and never let me go until the final page. Her writing is an absolute masterpiece, it is so vivid, descriptive, that everything was playing out in my head like a movie. She needs to be picked up by a movie producer, honestly! This would make a fantastic TV show or movie with her amazing stories and unpredictable endings.

The characters are great, they aren't like the typical ones in the slasher movies, they actually make smart decisions, think things through and give good advice. I honestly am so attached to them and feel so hard when something bad happens 😭.

If you're a fan of the 90’s slashers like Halloween, Scream, Friday The 13th, buckle up and enjoy the ride, I promise you will adore this series. I'm highly obsessed!

✨️Thank you to @authoremeraldobrien for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleed III is like a roller-coaster ride through a haunted house—thrilling, chilling, and impossible to step away from! Book 3 in this series takes everything you loved about the first two books and amps it up to ten. I’ve always loved the ‘80s slasher movies, and this series always reminds me of them! Hmm... maybe a movie should be considered!

You’ve got survivors still haunted by their pasts, new spine-tingling horrors, and that relentless, nightmarish masked serial killer who just refuses to quit.

Emerald knows exactly how to keep you glued to the pages with her masterful storytelling and knack for creating suspense. She is the Queen of the slasher genre.

The characters themselves are like old friends you’ve been on one heck of a wild ride with. My favorites being Jack and Fox, friendship goals right there. The twists and turns will have you gasping, and maybe even checking your doors twice before bed. Such a classic and true horror story!

With all of that being said, at one point, I almost threw my Kindle, and thanks Emerald for making me cry!

[Erin Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly blown away.

I'm admittedly cautious about big series such as this one, where I'm afraid my interest will be lost or you'll have some books in the series that are slower etc.

THIS IS NOT THE CASE HERE!

Thrills, chills and jump scares...oh my! I screamed, cried and got upset. I was scared and on high alert while reading this. Emerald can vividly paint a scene, and does so magically, it really plays out like you're watching your favorite Halloween slasher film. I felt like I was on the journey right along with the characters.

You think you know where it's going one minute and then you're thrown in the opposite direction the next. It was a constant guessing game and never knowing who to trust. With each book comes an added layer of sinister behavior and mentality.

This series is some of Emerald's best work. She really found her niche with this slasher series.

Sure to be a great October spooky read!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it more and more difficult to write reviews for Emerald O'Brien's books. There are only many superlatives one can use. She has been described as the Queen of Slasher novels, I dare say she is just the Queen. From the first installment of the Skull Serial Killer series, I've thought these stories would translate well to the big screen. Bleed III is no exception. This story continues the same themes of friendship, family and, above all trust. Fox has to wonder not only if she can trust the people in her life, but if she can ever trust any newcomers into that circle of friends and family. The thing that really grabbed me in this book was a major plot event that I could not have even imagined. Emerald creates characters that you come to love and I will say there were a few tears for me in this installment.
Unlike Fox and her friends, I eagerly await Halloween 2025 to see what Emerald has in store for us next.

[K Towle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Before reading this book, third in the series but I hope not the last, I highly recommend you reread/buy the first two in the series. I always have a hard time remembering who and what relationship the characters have with each other. The book begins another Halloween season, the day before Halloween eve. As all Halloweens go, it is a favorite or most feared holiday of the year. This has to be the BEST tense thriller series ever written! The group of friends, plus some new ones, gather for their annual celebration, every year since they were kids! Skull masks are everywhere! The thrills begin and continue throughout the book. The hairs on the back of your neck starts to raise as you get further into the book. If only we didn't have to wait a year between books but always coming out in October is so appropriate!! Thank you Emerald for such an excellent series!!

[Kiersten Modglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bleed Series just keeps getting better and better! This time we are met with old familiar faces and a brand new terrifying mystery. From the beginning, this series has been a MasterClass from O'Brien in cinematic, pulse-pounding writing that delivers just as much impact as our favorite horror movie classics, through a thriller writer's lens. Those features alone were enough to keep me glued to the pages and always clamoring for more. Add to that O'Brien's magical way of creating real, raw, and flawed characters you will love, hate, and root for, with her masked social commentary, brilliant twists, and the absolute shredding of our every emotion and what we have arrived at is a true masterpiece. Once again, I sit in awe of one of the greatest Chiller writers of our time.

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Bleed 1 and 11, I wondered how Bleed 111 could possibly compete. Surely the tale was already over. How wrong was I? This book is spine chilling in its early pages leaving an ever increasing sense of fear and dread to percolate as the pages move ever onward. The sense of disbelief as events unfold. The goosebumps as you wait for the next “incident” . You also get the sense of joy as the characters lives move forward from a dreadful set of events in the past only for the present occurrences to get them to question themselves once again. A real turmoil of emotion is ever present but boy what a read. The ending is so achingly sad but with joy intertwined as the future somehow seems brighter. Absolutely loved it!

I received an ARC from this exceedingly accomplished author. This is my honest review.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleed III by Emerald O’Brien

Published: October 10, 2024
Emerald O’Brien
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 362
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free and leave my review voluntarily.

Deliciously dark and dangerously enticing—this is what we have come to expect from Emerald with this series.

This book was impossible to put down. The pacing is perfect. Emerald is bringing the best of horror films to the page with this series, and her twists and turns will leave you terrified and wanting more.

I love the character development and the way this plot interconnects. The intensity is turned up to 11, and O’Brien is taking no hostages with this installment. This is the perfect spooky read for horror fans just in time for Halloween.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years after the events of the first book, Fox and friends find themselves once again fighting for their lives. Someone has been plotting for a long time, and he will stop at nothing to get his prize... Fox.

Well, damn... Hooking me in from the beginning, it had me invested until the very last page. It was fast-paced and tense and had me sweating like it was my arse on the line. This one had me ugly crying by the end.
This was by far the best of the books, and I can't believe I have to wait until next year for the fourth book. But I also don't think my heart can take anymore happening to Fox and her friends. Also, there's one character that I'm a little in love with, and he's had some close calls, so can we just leave him alone in the next book, please? 😅

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is third in the Bleed series and The Skull is back.

I love the way this book throws back to the first two and how we can see that this whole series has been planned out.

You don't HAVE to read the first 2 to read this, but I would HIGHLY recommend it, to get the full effect of the on going story.

This is a great series and I must say, so far, this might be my favorite. This book brings all the emotions - suspense, fear and sadness. There was a section I had to read 3 times because I just couldn't believe it. This reads like I'm watching a movie, but not the cheesy, spoof kind. A real terror-filled, bodies piling up, realistical kind.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful, nail biting edge of the seat thriller. The Skull has returned just in time for Halloween!! Make sure to read book 1 and 2 first so you get the full impact of this book. Who survives this harrowing Halloween? This story will elicit a full gambit of emotions. Must admit, a tear came to my eyes more than once. If you are looking for a book with suspense, twists, action packed and a touch of romance, then this book is calling your name!! Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Joanne Ranzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Bleed series lives up to expectations. Suspenseful, thrilling, action-packed, the author creates a climate of tension right from the start.

I encourage you to read the first two books in the series, if you haven't already. Emerald O'Brien excels at character development, which adds another dimension to her stories. Whether you like them or not, they don't leave you indifferent. So we find ourselves even more invested in the story and what happens to the characters we already know from reading the first two. It's the perfect series for Halloween. Chills guaranteed!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! I loved it from the start all the way to the acknowledgements! There's suspense all through the story with creepy undertones and likeable characters. Yes, I'll admit it, I did shed a few tears while reading this one. I love the old slasher movie vibes! You should definitely read this series in order to get to know the characters and for a fuller experience plus they're all so good! I've said it from book 1, these books need to be made into a series/movie! So excited to see there's going to be a book 4! I can't wait!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Get Enough

O'Brien keeps me coming back for more as Fox's life continues turning upside down. She just wants to live her life safely with her friends, but each time they feel a sense of normalcy creep in, the skull killer is closing in, too. They just keep coming, always connected to Fox in some way. The losses are tragic, but Fox is strong and continues to show her strength--both physical and mental--as she fights for herself and her friends each time the skull comes after them. I have loved this series, and I cannot wait until I can get my hands on the rest.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don’t know how much Fox can take. At least she knows who he is but with his penchant for getting others to do his work for him I don’t think it helps much. I wonder what is next for her and Ryan. Will they try to live their lives as normal as possible or will they try to force an end to this reign of terror? I can’t wait for the next book to find out! I don’t think I would have her stamina and I would be sorely tempted to find this guy and remove him from this world. I loved this book!

[Karla Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Fox and friends' horrific story continued. Nothing short of brilliant. Never did I ever expect this story to unfold the way it did. There were moments of joy, of abiding love and humor, only to be outmatched by horror and unspeakable acts. This crazy serial killer and his obsession with Fox got so twisted that several times, I gasped while reading! And yes, there were tears. Nothing is better than a good horror story that hits every emotion. Well done!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a hectic world with so much going on I know that I need to set time aside when I start this authors books. She has that way of sucking me in and holding me tight until the end and this is no different. I was super excited to get back into this series and I wasn’t disappointed.

We have to wait a year to get the next book but that just means I’ll do a re read of the series just before the next release.

I highly recommend these as a Halloween read.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bleed III” by Emerald O’Brien is a gripping continuation of The Skull Serial Killer Thriller Series. O’Brien delivers another chilling, edge-of-your-seat story that had me hooked from beginning to end. The tension never lets up, and the twists kept me guessing at every turn. This third book raises the stakes and doesn’t disappoint—it’s dark, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!

[W Hearsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This psychological horror series just gets better and better. Fox and her friends survived the horrors of Halloween five years ago. Stepping out. of the shadows, the friends have to now face the one who wore the skull mask first. The killer quietly watching his prey, until the time was right to collect his coveted prize. Fox Dallener.
A well paced emotive rollercoaster of a ride. Highly recommended series.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series so full of twists and turns it’s like being on a roller coaster. The storyline is a tutorial in how to write psychological suspense and the characters personalities lend themselves perfectly to the role they play. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[June Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW she did it again!!!

Another fantastic and exhilarating book in this must read series!!!!! It truly is just like watching a thriller!!! So many twists and turns in this book - LOVED IT!!!!

[Lynn Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start?! I just finished this book and I am already ready for the next. This book had so many twists and turns I never knew what to expect. I loved that it followed more into the character's lives. I can't recommend this book and author enough.

[Nancy Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hits just keep coming! This is easily one of the best thriller series I’ve ever read! Well done, Emerald O’Brien! Can’t wait to read Bleed IV and see what happens next.