The Bloody Rose

by Christopher Stanfield

What happens when your best friend discovers your dark secret?

Life was already complicated enough for Apple Rose. After all, bubbly cheerleader by day and ruthless serial killer by night isn’t an easy feat to pull off. Even if her victims might deserve their twisted fate. But when her best friend Cindy Nix learns the truth, it becomes about as thorny as can be.

In some ways, Apple has always wanted to be seen and to have someone know the truest nature of her heart. But even this turn catches her by surprise. Will her bond with Cindy shatter now that the ugly truth is known, or will Apple be surprised again?

It was certainly tricky enough before but now it’s about to get a whole lot worse. Especially with a complication neither can see coming.

Whatever happens next, one fact is crystal clear… the truth can be a dangerous thing.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

Reviews

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Apple Rose was a lot of things: bubbly, sweet, demure, and one of the most popular cheerleaders on the junior varsity squad. She also liked to kill. A lot. And it might just be the one thing she was best at. Every other girl she knew had a talent of some kind, but killing boys in the most creative ways possible, well, that was a skill no one else could boast."

The whole time I was reading this I kept picturing Buffy the vampire slayer in my head.
This one was fast paced and we are thrown right into the story with no preamble, no backstory and honestly that's the way I like it. While I've read a lot of serial killer books, this is only the second I've read where the killer was a teenager, specifically a teenage girl and I've got to say, I hope I get to read more. I absolutely love it.

Thank you @katieandbreypa and @stanfieldwrites for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple Rose is a cheerleader by day and a serial killer by night. When her best friend catches her and Apple worries this will break their bond. It was certainly tricky enough before but now it’s about to get a whole lot worse. Especially with a complication neither can see coming.
This book was interesting, with a plot that can easily be enjoyed. I was a bit hesitant about a teenage serial killer, but it was great. The characters were well written, and the multiple point of views were spot on.

[Stephanie Kemler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this inventive spin on serial killer lore, Stanfield introduces a murderous cheerleader named Apple Rose who is complex, sympathetic, and irresistible. Every step she takes on her journey peels away layers of her experience and her psyche, and at the end you can feel the humanity in her violence and the moral code beneath her evil acts. Equal parts Harley Quinn, Dexter, and Torrance Shipman in Bring It On, Apple has bubbly charm with an edge, vigilante justice, and an ambitious mind on her side. She is always in control... until she isn't. And it's that balance that Stanfield writes so well. If the words "cheerleader" and "serial killer" are a turnoff and suggest that worst of stereotypes, Apple elevates them and is a sympathetic heroine through and through. It's in the particularly vulnerable moments with her best friend Cindy that we truly see Apple, how she operates, and why it's so easy to grow attached to her. The supporting characters like Cindy and reporter Felicity Raven are well-written, sophisticated depictions of the many facets of young women and how they navigate life in a world of men. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a murderess with heart, a suspenseful hunt for justice, and a quick and entertaining read.

[Peter Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a ride in the best way possible. Tobe Hooper talked about balancing comedy with the horror to achieve a good outcome in “Massacre” but not overdoing the comedy, or something like that, because it would take away the horror. But if you do tip the scales in favor of comedy, you can achieve some dark, prescient commentary along with the hilarity which forms something more akin to absurdism on some ways. And that’s what happened with Stanfield’s book. Apple Rose is the embodiment of that and the characters in the book don’t see it until it’s too late. The protagonist’s defy expectations in the worst possible ways (the whole dark secret thing) and as two young women in highschool, they’re surprisingly human. Bloody Rose works extremely well with the 90s setting and it’s a must read for any season.

[Duckie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so much fun. I mean fun...if you like mysteries and serial killers and a little gore mixed in with your bubbly high school cheerleader.
Apple Rose is such a great character, she defies any box you try to put her in. She is cute, clever, conniving, and absolutely giddy about taking the life of a person she deems worthy. She is vengeance for those that can't fight back, and a killer you root for.
Then we get her best friend, Cindy. Cindy is such a great, relatable character. When she discovers Apple's secret, it should scare her away, but somehow their bond grows even deeper. These two have a beautiful friendship(with hints at more)
There's a fascinating plot as Apple tries to stay ahead of a nosy reporter, and a copycat is lurking in the shadows Christopher did such a fantastic job of weaving all these elements together and this book was a lot more satisfying than I should admit LOL
I can't wait for the next installment of Apple Rose's story.

[A.C. Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget “Joe from YOU” and “Dexter” Apple is the new KILLER of your dreams

Cute, bubbly, and loveable don’t usually describe a killer.
From the opening scene that reads like a twisted romantic rendezvous to the suspense filled final act this book will keep you on your toes.
Feminist, Fabulous, so much to love. (If you dig killers and crime, anyway!)

You’ll love Apple, Cindy, and Felicity so much! (Narrator is a treat lending strong unique voices to these well defined characters!)

Fellas, behave. Apple wants to put your terrible deeds on display. Unless you want to be a bloody art installation! (You really don’t.)

[Books From The Crypt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Apple Rose has sliced and diced her way into my heart, and I’ve become rather fond of this murderous teen.

The Bloody Rose drops you right into the action from page 1. The writing was sharp and well paced, keeping my attention throughout. I laughed out loud at some of Apple’s escapades and her reaction to certain situations was absolute gold. She might be named after a fruit but she’s one smart cookie.


This was such a fun read and I’m looking forward to the next instalment of Miss Rose’s story.

[Danica Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Bloody by Christopher Stanfield and it was riveting! Being in the mind of a ki!!er that nobody would ever suspect and navigating with her as she crafts her attacks like art to send a message. All of a sudden Apple Rose finds herself facing a nosey reporter, a copycat, and keeping the one person who truly knows her safe!

I highly recommend and bonus the book that follows releases this October!

The author provided this book for free in exchange for a honest review.

[Elisa Menz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I don't usually do as a reader is stepping out of my comfort zone. Reading about a teenage serial killer definitely falls in the "uncomfortable" category.
By no means I am implying this book isn't short of amazing. Apple Rose is one of the trickiest and most brilliant characters I've read of late.
Do I feel some sort of affinity toward her personality? Oh, gods, no!
Okay, maybe a little.
You can hardly deny the satisfaction behind her kills. Who wouldn't want to punish those monsters after all? While most of us wouldn't go down the serial killer rabbit hole, some dark fantasies do come to life between these pages.
Apple isn't a deranged creature. She's smart, careful, and surprisingly kind. With those who deserve it.
The thriller elements in this book are exciting but the nuances of each character are what makes it a winner.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Apple Rose- your typical teenage girl- an adorable, bubbly, blonde cheerleader- who just happens to be a vicious serial killer! l felt as if I knew each of the characters as they are all so wonderfully developed. I totally loved this quirky story!! The writing was flawless, the dialogue realistic, the plot fast paced with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end! The violence is not super graphic but does contain some triggers (S.A.)
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment!
* Many thanks to the author, Christopher Stanfield, for this copy in exchange for my honest review! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Cheyenne tiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down until I finished it. The plot, the characters, the twists and turns. Hands down one the best books I’ve read in months. Apple is mysterious teenage girl, captain of the cheer squad and looks like Barbie. But what’s her secret? Can the most important person in her life handle this secret?

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first story by this author. It caught my attention, the premise a teenage cheerleader who loves to kill . What more would you want in a story it was well written, and I flew through the pages. A great quick read.

[Amanda Sloothaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written & interesting story with twists & turns, following a seemingly cute, joyfull Apple Rose going about her school life, all the while hiding a dark secret. That's until certain people discover her secret. Help coming from an unexpected corner and a another dangerous person suddenly growing bold. A net of lies & deceptions closing around her.

It all makes for an great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, discovering more things along the way. Then we learn about a dangerous foe, that is coming closer that messes up all of Apple's plans.
The writing is done so good, throwing in moments that keep you reading & wondering what might be happening next. Also the mulitple POV's work in an advantange of the story as we both get to see the killer's side as well as the side from the person hot on her heels.

I can't wait to read the next installment into Apple Rose her journey.

I'm grateful for the ARC profided by the author, my opinions are my own & I post them voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Right from the beginning it gave me Mindfuck series vibes, so I knew it was going to be good! If this author writes a sequel I will be sure to read!

*September 2023 reread*

I loved rereading this book in preparation for the second one! I’m happy I did reread it because I did not remember nearly as much as I thought. I only remembered the main points and missed all the character building!
My reread was rated a 4 1/2 star only because it wasn’t the first time read with the first time twists!

I’m so excited to begin the second one now! Look for my review if that one soon!

[Sameeksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, I come across a book that I don't know how to review. I mean, I was rooting for a serial killer. What!!!

Johnny Flake was decent enough. For a boy. But he had that annoying habit so common to all the other boys; he liked the sound of his own voice. He liked to brag, a lot, and he believed he was utterly irresistible to girls. And it was precisely for that reason Johnny Flake had to die.
It's incredibly unusual; I've never read anything like The Bloody Rose. Multiple characters are followed in this third-person narrative. I believe that this is a character-driven book with an intriguing plot in which we primarily follow Apple and her best friend Cindy, with sporadic appearances from other characters like Felicity, a crime reporter. Hence, we get to read this from both sides, that is, the thoughts of the killer and the thoughts of the person who is trying to catch the killer.


The characters, their motivations, and their thoughts are so expertly portrayed that I found myself empathizing with them. I didn't want Apple to get caught, but at the same time, I didn't want other characters to fail as well.

I loved every bit of this story, although at times there were some things that I felt were a bit repetitious, but that is to be expected, and it did not bring my interest down at all.

Having said that, this book also conveys an important message. At its core, this book is a dedication, in the author's words, to all those who have ever had to live with the trauma of assault, abuse, or neglect. To all those who have carried the unimaginable burden of a story too painful to share or speak of.

Thank you author and @katieandbreypa for providing me with an opportunity to read this book.

[Jahara - Jarjarbindings · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Her life had a fearful symmetry at times. Fierce was its construction, and within its color and contour lay all the calamity of madness. Violence crept in with stillness or exploded with all the ferocity of youth.”

Blurb: What happens when your best friend discovers your dark secret?
Life was already complicated enough for Apple Rose. After all, bubbly cheerleader by day and ruthless serial killer by night isn’t an easy feat to pull off. Even if her victims might deserve their twisted fate. But when her best friend Cindy Nix learns the truth, it becomes about as thorny as can be. In some ways, Apple has always wanted to be seen and to have someone know the truest nature of her heart. But even this turn catches her by surprise. Will her bond with Cindy shatter now that the ugly truth is known, or will Apple be surprised again? It was certainly tricky enough before but now it’s about to get a whole lot worse. Especially with a complication neither can see coming. Whatever happens next, one fact is crystal clear… the truth can be a dangerous thing.

My thoughts: What a clever idea this book was! Who in the world would think that the perky, fun, blonde cheerleader named Apple is actually a sadistic serial killer? So this book felt a little like YOU, you know Joe, the killer we can't help but love even when they shock us? I loved Apple, i loved her best friend, could i handle finding out my best friend was a murderer? NOPE! But i loved reading it! I saw the ending coming within the first 60 pages, but that's because I have problems.... Overall I really enjoyed the writing style and the flow of the story! As always thanks to @katieandbreypa and the author for this one!

I give The Bloody Rose by Christopher Stanfield ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of The Bloody Rose! My review is my completely honest opinion.

This book has to be one of the most fascinating stories I've read in a very long time. Christopher has taken the traditional serial killer (unstable, antisocial, older loner) and completely flipped it on its head. Here we have Apple, a bright, well-rounded, stable young woman who kills because she enjoys it.

The most interesting thing, however, is the societal dilemma. I don't think the moral killer is utilized enough in books, and I'm so excited that this is the direction Christopher took it in! Apple kills those who deserve to die, who are the monsters that The Bloody Rose is accused of being, so is it wrong? A ruthless murderer or a vigilante seeking justice for those who couldn't get it through official channels? It's such a fascinating concept to think about, and I love how well he's represented the moral choice here. Apple makes such a beautiful anti-hero, and it's pure genius.

I loved watching Apple's and Cindy's relationship grow. They're so adorable together, and I hope that they keep developing together across the series. I love the "touch her and die" vibes, and the two of them pair so well together! They're incredibly dynamic characters, and I can't wait to see where they go next!

I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. It was such a treat to read, and I'm eagerly anticipating what's to come!

[K.T. Egan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spooky good time.

Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

The Bloody Rose: The Madness of Miss Rose was an interesting book. Interesting in the fact that I really enjoyed the underlying story, but it definitely is not my genre. A good fit for a Halloween read, The Bloody Rose had a a vibe that played right in to the thrillers of the 80s. The psychology behind the story, the weirdness with Apple and Cindy, all of it read VERY MUCH like a great spooky time.

Things I LIKED:

1. The relationship between Cindy and Apple. This friendship is all sorts of messed up, but is also a true ride or die pairing. I don’t have many friends I would kill for, but the ones I do have I’d do it in spades. I could appreciate the fact that Apple and Cindy showed up and showed out for each other.

2. The multiple points of view. As it shifted throughout the books, I found myself getting in to the skin of each character. Well executed for sure.

Things I DIDNT Like:

1. The genre just wasn’t for me. I am not a huge fan of horror books and movies. I’d thought this was going to read more like a psychological thriller. It did not.

I received a copy from Katie and Brey PA, and the author, Christopher Stanfield, in response for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Ashley Kimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man reading all these horror thrillers is really turning me into a fan 😂

Apple Rose is a sweet, beautiful, innocent girl and captain of the JV Cheer team with a hobby that very few people have.
Murder!
Delighting in taking out the people most foul in her area, she racks up the nickname “The Lipstick Ripper” after she leaves a signature of a kiss at one of her crime scenes. Then, one night while out disposing of someone she didn’t have the intention of killing, she runs into her best friend, Cindy. As Cindy learns more of the truth, she and April are confronted by an admirer and copycat of April’s.

@stanfieldwrites man this book was a doozy and a half! Though I guessed who the copycat was almost immediately, I loved the twists and turns and how the book ended up. Also I’m REALLY hoping that April and Cindy talk in the next book, I was dying at the end with them not 😂

I received a free book in return for a fair and honest review through @katieandbreypa, go check them out and sign up with them to get free books in return for reviews!

[Charlie Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when Legally Blond and Dexter have a baby? The Bloody Rose! This was such a totally unexpectedly surprisingly fun read. A bubbly blonde cheerleader captain who is the town’s serial killer going around making all kinds of bad guys pay for their crimes with a few twists! You might find this weird but I totally found this to be a light and fun read. It had a little gore, but the premise of who Apple Rose is, and all she entails, was so much fun. She had this quirky little way about her and I could not put this down. This was book one and I look forward to seeing where this goes in book 2. It’s hard to describe what this genre is but if you like humor, aren’t scared of a little gore, with some plot twists and multiple POVs, then give this one a try!

[Joshua Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best ways I can relate this to a movie, would have to be “Scream” but told entirely from the killers perspective. With this, I think we have a really unique perspective in not only the killings, but also the character development. And it does ask a lot of questions on morality. Should she feel justified? Is she? Of course. Watching Apple’s character development change and move especially when she meets her bestie Cindy was an interesting character study and with the way the author handles it, I definitely want to read book 2. The ending to this one was great, not completely unexpected but great. This is a top read, not only in YA, as I read a lot of it, but overall.

[Sara Lynn Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true Page turner!

I have been looking for a classic slasher story that I wouldn't predict in the first few chapters and The Bloody Rose nailed it!.
The story wastes no time getting into the murders of secret serial killer Apple Rose. However, just when I began to peg this as an odd serial killer character study, it suddenly became a whodunnit!
I won't spoil what, who, or how, but I just did not see these twists coming. And though it follows some of those 90s teen slasher tropes, this story is NOT what you expect, in a good way!
And lastly, I love that it doesn't rely on gore to tell a good story (there's gore to be sure, but not in a splatterpunk way. There's a real story here and so many character arcs.

I'm downloading book 2 now!

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooks you from the get go. I love the
names that are used as they add a bit of lightness to
the story. The writing style gives this old school vibe to
the plot, but there is definitely some fucked up shit
going on in this story. I like the balance between the
holy shit moments and the light-hearted, have a laugh
moments. I love the different POVs but I would of liked
the name of the character at the start of each chapter,
so it wouldn't of taken me a second to figure out who it
was and catch back up with what was happening. The
underlying topics mentioned throughout are so
important for people to know, I really enjoyed this one.
Thank you to @KatieandBreyPA for this opportunity.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple Rose was many things. During the day she was a sweet, bubbly cheerleader, but at night she was a serial killer. While all the other girls had their own talents, this was hers, and she was very good at it, not to mention creative. I actually really enjoyed this book. The friendship between Apple and Cindy may be messed up, but it was also one of true friendship. I also enjoyed the multiple POV's and getting to know more about each character. I thought it was a quirky read, had solid characters, and I very much enjoyed the storyline. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Gemma Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheerleader by day, serial killer by night. This is quite a fun, dark teenage high school story about hiding your true self. I liked how the story was told from different points of view which gave the reader to really get into the skin of the characters. This novel will really keep you on the edge of your seat and is full of twists and turns.

Check your triggers before reading

I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.

[Bethany Bauerle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I was given a copy of this, and within hours I had finished reading it. It's that good! Apple Rose(Love the name!) is one of my new favorite characters. The story was dark, fun, and full of twists. You never knew what she was going to do next. It was one of the most entertaining and exciting book I've read so far in 2023! The writing was superb. Im looking forward to reading more from Christopher Stanfield in the future.

[Erin Sterett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apple Rose is not your average high school cheerleader. She also happens to be a serial killer, and a dang good one at that! What a fun book! It was very well written, and kept me sucked into the story the whole time. The characters were great as well. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple Rose is a cheerleader by day and has some very interesting hobbies at night.

The premise of this book was very interesting and would make a great TV series or movie franchise.

I don't want to spoil it for future readers so I will stop here.

[Sarah Matteson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I anticipated! Think Dexter but as a head cheerleader. The tension between Apple and her best friend keep you on edge as the storyline progresses and it truly keeps you wondering what Apple will do next! Cannot wait to read the next one!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheerleader by day, killer by night! I highly recommend The Bloody Rose. Apple reminds me of the ditzy blondes in high school but she isn't to be messed with!

Thank you, Christopher, for the review copy! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.