Left to Die

by E.M. McConnell

Two serial killers enact a sacred courtship between themselves. The gift? A victim, hunted, and left to die.

147 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Eryn was born and raised in the UK, emigrating to Germany in 2017. They work freelance and live with their family.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.

Reviews

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debauchery. Carnage. Deviance. Your usual lot in any EM McDonnell horror novella and this one certainly fit the ticket!

Parts “what in the actual fuck?”

And

“Fuck yea!”

The ending is most satisfying. Definitely check this one out if you’re in the market for blood…lots and lots of blood.

Thank you for my early copy!

[Mia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this two days ago but life got in the way. So posting my review now :)

I don't usually read horror, but Eryn is one of my favourite indie authors and I wanted to try a different genre. So their books were my first choice. So glad I decided to read this one, because damn. What a ride!

Andrew and Jared had a beautiful relationship, but what they did was unforgivable. I didn't want them to be hurt, but there was no way that was possible. They had to pay for their crimes.

Their poor victims. It was hard to read about all those things they went through. The tender moments between the husbands were the exact opposite of what they did to their victims. The author did an excellent work of balancing those scenes.

Audrey! Omg, she is such a badass. The perfect cat. The perfect person to teach these husbands a lesson. Absolutely loved her.

Beside Eryn's dystopian series that I absolutely adore, this might be my next favourite. Didn't expect myself to enjoy it so much tbh.

The gore, the violence was too much at times, so I took breaks. So make sure to read the content warnings before you start. But if you like cat and mouse stories, you will absolutely love this one.

And once you read it, you won't forget about these characters for a while!

[E.M. McConnell]

So hello, it's me leaving a review again. Obviously I wrote the book and I am not going to rate it but I will say I enjoyed writing this one. Mostly. Ahem.
So this book is from the point of view of the serial killers, and as such we see, hear, smell and feel all the horrible sick stuff that they feel throughout. The violence is on scene, open door.
This book has content warnings and these follow in the spoiler below, and they are in the back of the book.
Enjoy it!

This is a dark book by its nature but has the following content warnings. The violence is plentiful and on page.

There are NO animals nor children being hurt, nor any sexual assault in this story.

But do expect blood, murder, kidnap, torture, drowning, death by knife cut, drinking blood, death by sword, death by poison.

The bad guys both die. Horribly.

[Beth Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the subject matter this book was an absolute joy from beginning to end fizzing with action and taking you on a rollercoaster ride of a story.

Very quickly you start to understand the three main characters and see that even with their similarities they are very different monsters. Despite this you feel sympathetically towards some of them (trying not to give you spoilers here) and even cheering them on.

I loved the characterisation, the story and the whole scenario. I usually read much longer horror and thrillers but am absolutely sold on horror novellas if they are as excellent as this one.

Very enjoyable, I look forward to reading more!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and brutal tale of serial killers in love and at work.

Tense and freaky, we watch them work, play, and hunt and the whole tale is satisfying and chilling.

[Melissa Widener · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left to Die by E.M. McConnell
3.4⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5
Cursing: slight
Format/Source: paperback from author
Genre/Tropes: thriller, horror, twisty
Setting: big city
Characters: Jared, Andrew, Amelia, Olivia, Audrey, Aimee
👍 short chapters, multi POV, twists, ending, slight cursing
👎 life choices to include cheating

[anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ ranting: 3,5 ☆
~ spice: 1 🌶

Honestly, saw the cover and decided to pick it up. Had 0 expectations but I definitely wasn't expecting that ending lmao

Audrey you are a badass biAtch.

[Raquel Curnow · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Written well just not my kind of horror. Also found some themes a bit repetitive and at times was difficult to follow which pronoun referred to who or who was speaking.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left to Die is a chilling deep dive into the minds of two serial killers who turn murder into a twisted love language. It’s unsettling, gripping, and utterly absorbing. With razor-sharp tension and haunting psychological depth, this book will have you reading well past midnight—whether you want to or not!

[Emma McElreavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a chilling novella where you watch a deeply disturbing dance between two serial killers, seeing their sweet and intimate love for one another mingled with the dark passion they both craved and hungered for. I really wasn't sure where this story was going to go and was unsure if it was for me at first, but after some reading when I realised what was going on, I knew I had to finish it and I was not disappointed!

[Tiffany J McLay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing Novella.

I finished this in one sitting, and I absolutely loved it.

It was a quick, but the writing was almost poetic in some parts.
It was haunting, beautiful, and horrific.

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cannot bring myself to read more of this. The only reason that I gave it two stars is because the author is a very talented writer, but the plot and characters are simply just not for me.

[Bethreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and poetic but wasn't enough thrill to it for me

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queer horror at its finest!!
An utterly beautiful love between serial killers with plenty of gruesome details to keep me entertained.

[A.B. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed much of this author’s work, I was intrigued when they offered me an ARC of their new book, ‘Left To Die.’ As soon as I began to read, a gruesome story began to be revealed, involving married couple, Jared and Andrew, who are serial killers.

Initially, they’ve turned being predators into an extremely well-rehearsed art form, with little or no chance of ever being caught. But as time passes, one partner, ( I won’t say who as I don’t want to spoil the story) starts to act more recklessly, they make mistakes and from that point on, their lives rapidly unravel with startling consequences. Perhaps the most surprising twist, is the fact, as the reader, you become very aware that the predators have unknowingly become prey themselves.

Obviously, to go into too much plot detail is not possible so instead I shall focus on the quality of the work itself. The author definitely avoids the obvious tropes within this genre, the story moves at a strong pace with palpable tension heightening in all the right places-especially towards the ultimate, dramatic climax.

I would definitely recommended the book to anyone who loves the serial killer genre. It’s suitably grim, gory and disturbing to leave a reader more than satisfied.

Finally,E.M.McConnell is an excellent storyteller, managing to seamlessly combine intriguing plots peopled by fascinating characters. As I recommend this work, I would urge you to read her other books as I have no hesitation in saying, they will become firm favourites on your bookshelf.

[kenneth m gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving and reading an ARC of Left To Die By E.M. McConnell. While I'm not usually a big fan of serial killer stories, this one brought something new. I always feel so much sympathy for the victims but because the killer is the main character and gets all the attention, I find myself almost rooting for them. I mean, who doesn't love Hannibal Lecter?! The story brings a fresh new twist to the theme, with two killers in love killing for each other as well as for their own deprived gratification. It was chillingly grotesque when they had had a marital dispute over the choice of a victim. The introduction of the character Audrey was excellent and added a new dimension to this story.. We could do with seeing some more of her exploits. As always, a well written, entertaining read from E.M. McConnell..

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up from 2.5

I don't know if this novella could have benefited by being longer or if it would just prolong the book.

The first 80% really dragged on for being a thriller. When the author eventually introduced the main female character, I was greatly confused. (Frankly I still am.) I wasn't sure who she was or what her purpose was. She went to work, but I never found out what that job entailed. Then she did some private eye work, but I couldn't tell if it was part of her job or something she was doing on her own. Around the 80% point the pace of the book picked up tremendously, but it was too little too late. I think the book would have benefited from fleshing out this character more. I also would have liked to see the conclusion and her interactions with Jared drawn out more as well. It all just concluded very abruptly.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good example of why I am not a fan of short stories. It is hard to put enough detail and emotion and suspense into something so short, and well, this wasn't it. I didn't hate it, I just think I could have gotten so much more out of it, had it been longer. The ending was good, if unsatisfactory. But at least Andrew never had to live with the pain of what his husband had become. I think that was kind of a mercy.

[Shalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella had me hooked from the start! I read it as soon as i had free time, even during breaks at work! Captivating writing style and i just overall loved the plot! Im not usually into crime and mystery but having it from the serial killer(s) POV AND it’s queer? Gold. Came for the two husbands, stayed for the ✨horror✨

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh this is gruesome and twisted….exactly what I needed.
They love each other and want to give each other gifts. But what gifts?
Girls are going missing.
What’s happening.
Who’s seeing this and keeping watch.
Really dark and I read it in 2 days. Would’ve been quicker but I had to sleep

[Jess Theworddegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! Eryn offered me a copy when I was stalking around their social media accounts and I’m so glad! Gruesome enough to keep my interest and paced perfectly- loved every second.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty read found through Divination Hollow's Queer your Ereader!