Bleeders

by Andrew Dennis Biersack

In the shadowy alleys of Fleet Street, The Terrible Tale of Sweeney Todd reimagines the infamous barber’s story as a gothic revenge thriller. Falsely accused and orphaned by a corrupt system, Sweeney Todd sharpens his razors for a bloody crusade against those who destroyed his life. Partnering with Mrs. Lovett, a tannery owner with her own thirst for vengeance, his victims become both his justice and the source of a macabre leather trade that reflects the city’s moral decay. A chilling exploration of trauma, corruption, and the cost of vengeance, Bleeders is perfect for fans of gothic horror and revenge-driven tales.

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Ashlie Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars just for the fact that the first crime scene is written so well. Accurate terminology and arterial spray❣️

The ending... be still my heart, this is so poetic!

[Court Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Bleeders by Andy Biersack, it's a short gothic horror novella that retells the infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street. As a big fan of both Sweeney Todd and Andy Biersack, singer of my favorite band Black Veil Brides, I was VERY excited to pick up this book. One thing I've learned about Andy over the years is that he is a very good writer, and can set up a scene very well. I loved the details, and how he could describe a scene so well I can easily see it in my mind's eye. The plot was interesting, keeping me hooked with every turn of the page. My one complaint was that this book is not nearly long enough- it should've been a full length novel, so the pacing is very very fast. On my kindle it was only 97 pages, and I felt it. It was an enjoyable read though, and I really do wish it was longer so I could spend more time in this world with this version of Sweeney Todd, as the pacing left me with a lot of questions that remain unanswered.

Overall, I give it 3.5 stars, it was a good read, solid writing, just needed more room to breathe. I am very excited to read the rest of Andy's books coming out soon!  

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written a lot better than Andy's first book, The First Vampire. However this story of Sweeney Todd is a lot different from Tim Burton's version. (I'm unfamiliar with the original musical, but after going through the wikipedia article, the musical and the movie are very similar). This version of the character Sweeney Todd (aka "the Bleeder") is almost like a Batman/vigilante figure, which is so on-brand for Andy combining his two favorite characters. There's a lot of action in this book lol

Spoilers regarding differences between Burton's Sweeney Todd movie, and Andy's fanfiction:

- In Burton's version, Ms. Lovett has feelings for Sweeney and believes she could be a better wife than Lucy. In Andy's version, Ms. Lovett has more motherly vibes, and actually helps out Sweeney andLucy. They become this sort of heroic trio and I found it funny. Ms. Lovett is still alive by the end.
- In Burton's version, Sweeney is trying to see his daughter Johanna again, who is Judge Turpin's ward. In Andy's version, Johanna isn't a character at all, and instead it is Lucy who is Judge Thorne's wife, whom Sweeney is trying to see again. Sweeney and Lucy actually end up reuniting and helping each other out, without all the dramatic irony of the original story. However she still dies at the end, but it's not Sweeney who kills her. She sacrifices herself to save Sweeney from Thorne, who kills her. So there's still that tragedy in the end.
- Andy's fanfic of Sweeney Todd also gives off Robin Hood vibes, leading some secret gang of rebels and trying to overthrow the corrupt judge's rule over the city. Sweeney and Thorne have a dramatic standoff at the end in the rain. After Thorne unintentionally kills Lucy, Sweeney actually doesn't kill him and lets him be arrested instead.
- Inspector Grayson is to the Bleeder like how Commissioner Gordon is to the Batman. I see what you did there, Andy.

[Alyssa Zimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick horror read that left me chilled.

When I found out that Andy Biersack wrote a book I just knew I had to have it. I was on Instagram one day just checking my fyp and came across on his story that he had a new book out. I immediately went to Amazon and ordered not 1 but 2 copies. One for me and one for my crazy BVB fan. I was so excited to know that my favorite band’s lead singer had written a book.

This book is really good!! I wasn’t sure what I was going to think of it before I read it, but man was I surprised the plot line was well thought out and written very well! I loved all the carefully thought out descriptions that Andy used and how he portrayed the character of Sweeney Todd. The vivid imagery in every scene made it feel like I was on Fleet Street!

I believe the book should have been longer because even though 157 pages is still a lot to work with I still think he could have developed the story further. Now since he was aiming to write a gothic novella, then I understand the length. If he could have just made it like 230 pages that still would have been fine with me.

Now when I read this book I have to say since I am also a big rock fan I read it in his voice in my head 😜 that was soo cool to be able to hear the way he would have read certain parts of the book.

This isn’t a spoiler but a cool fact: all the chapter titles are lyrics from his song Bleeders. I really enjoyed that little Easter egg

Overall Andy is a phenomenal writer and I can’t wait to read his other books!! Who knew a rock star could be an author.

[Sarah Overvaag · Rating 5 out of 5]

With just some minor tweaks, Sweeney Todd has been brought back to life by Biersack. Both of the characters you expect are present, with one extra that I frankly found confusing — not that she’s not a great addition to the story, just that her name caught me by surprise. There’s plenty of razor-work and blood spilled in this short tale of love and revenge, as well as a few well-made pies.

[Gracie Stricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved the character of Sweeney Todd and I have always loved a good alternate story. The way that Andy has written this cursed bitter man to be mournful and sympathetic is amazing. He has humanized the demon barber of fleet street without losing too much of the aura of the original version.

[Janice Barrieau · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kept me hooked from start to finish!
I knew going in that it was a retelling of Sweeney Todd, and for some reason my expectations of the end, and how it actually ended, was completely different.
10/10 recommend!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no Sweeney Todd connoisseur, but I have seen the movie multiple times. I really liked how the tale was spun into something new, but the roots were still there. (And I love that the chapter names are from the song Bleeders. Very nice touch.)

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced nod to the original Sweeny Todd story. It was such a sad ending for Sweeny and Lucy, but justice was served nonetheless.