Bleed IV

The Skull Serial Killer #4

by Emerald O'Brien

From bestselling author Emerald O'Brien comes Book #4 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."

No tolls to pay.
No games to play.

The Skull returns with only one survivor in their sights.
Number twenty-five.
And she’s been waiting.

“Filled with all the signature moments from every great horror film, while still managing to stand on its own 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. Fans of horror films like Scream and Halloween, this one’s for you.” -Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of You Can Trust Me

Unknown Binding

Published October 1, 2025

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

[Kiersten Modglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald O'Brien is back with the latest story in the Skull Serial Killer Series and holy cow does she arrive with a bang! This series is a must for fans of SCREAM, HALLOWEEN, and (insert your favorite slasher film here). Somehow we're four books in and O'Brien still manages to shock us with meticulously plotted twists, all while keeping true to the heart of the story--which has always been the bond between the characters and the love we feel for them. I'm not one for series, but I could read about this group every Halloween and never tire of them. That's how masterful O'Brien is at keeping us enthralled, guessing, and champing at the bit for more. Prepare yourself for a wild, unforgettable, and completely unexpected thrill ride, without a doubt the most action-packed in the series thus far and one that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

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

Bleed 4 is the fourth book in the Skull Serial Killer series and these definitely do need to be read in order to prevent spoilers. Once again this series is so underrated, it needs more hype and I need my slasher girlies to read it. It packs EVERYTHING you could want from a slasher type book. From the cast of characters, the constant sense of imminent danger and the unpredictability of the killer. As soon as I started this installment I was absolutely dragged in and consumed. I couldn't put it down. Revisiting Fox & her friends, the new crazy thrills Emerald brought on and the entire storyline had me completely hooked. Emerald’s strength is to truly make you feel like everything is playing out in your head like a movie. It's so vivid, so easy to imagine and it makes for such a fantastic experience especially with this series.

The atmosphere, setting and tension in this installment was absolutely stellar. I am so attached to this cast of characters and I am always heartbroken when something tragic happens to one of them. The connection these characters have together is also such a beautiful part of this series. Even with this being the 4th book I am still shocked every single time with the curve balls the author throws in. This installment is definitely one of the most action packed and suspenseful. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the entirety. Already excited for next Halloween for the final installment!

Overall, this was another slam dunk for Emerald, this book was so good, this series continuously gets better and better. If you're a fan of 90’s slashers like Halloween, Scream, Friday The 13th I can guarantee you'll devour this series.

✨ ️Thank you to @emeraldobrien for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎📚
INIFINITY STARS!!


No spoilers but....

Emerald girl, I love you to death, but WE ARE NOT FRIENDS RIGHT NOW because NO YOU DID NOT!

WOW... that was one wild ride from the first page to the last. 𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘝 was definitely the most action-packed of the Skull Serial Killer series. It evoked the most emotion from me personally out of all the books as well.
I may or may not have cried (multiple times), and quite literally threw my e-reader across the room. I am so incredibly emotionally invested in all of the characters, and it truly takes a very talented author to get their readers that invested.

Emerald O'Brien once again had my heart rate sky rocketing and me sitting on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I thought I had things figured out, but once again, I was wrong.

This is easily one of the most underrated series of all time, and Emerald O'Brien needs to be recognized wayyyyy more! Her writing is just top-notch and unhinged (in the best possible way).

I am soooo ready for 𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘝 in October 2026 but most definitely not ready for this series to end!!

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*
Almost a year has passed since last Halloween’s events, and Fox—still reeling from Jack’s death—is determined to capture The Skull once and for all.

This series is a must for slasher fans. If you loved Scream, Halloween, or anything in that vein, you need to pick these up. From the very first page, the tension never lets up, and the author has a way of keeping you completely hooked. What really impressed me is that while many series lose steam after the first book, this one hasn’t at all—in fact, it just keeps getting better.

I adore every single one of these characters, which made the ending absolutely heartbreaking. I was bawling like a baby—but at least my man Ryan finally got a break.

I can’t wait for book 5. Keep them coming!

[Nancy Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think this far in that the story would become a little predictable – but NO! This latest chapter in The Skull serial killer series was even better than the last. Gripping, addictive, non-stop action, an on the edge of your seat thriller! This latest book made me want to go back to the beginning and read them all over again. Again to Emerald O’Brien I say well done! Can’t wait for book number 5!

[Sharon Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series and OMG, it’s still going strong with the twists and turns. Fox and the gang just can’t catch a break! The skull just doesn’t leave them alone. And who can Fox trust to help them? There’s suspense, action, so much going on in this book. Ms. O’Brien has done an amazing job on this series! If you like psychological thrillers, losing sleep over them, and constantly second guessing yourself, go get these books!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Fox and her friends are stronger than I would be. I guess going through all they have been through would allow them to trust each other more than the average person. I just don’t know how much more they can take or how this will all end. I loved this book.