Book Review: Breathe In, Bleed Out
Book cover image from Amazon
Breathe In, Bleed Out grabbed my curiosity immediately from the list of ARC titles I was given to review. It takes place in a spa, involves crystals, yoga, sound baths, and gory murder. I couldn’t wait to dig into the book.
What’s Breath In, Bleed Out All About?
Breathe In, Bleed Out, a novel by Brian McAuley, takes readers on a wild ride from the first page to the last. It’s filled with so many twists I began to doubt what I had read, and re-read certain passages. But in a good way.
I love a good first-person novel, and in this one, we follow the troubled Hannah as she navigates the loss of her fiancé. Hannah’s friend, Tess, suggests an unplugged wellness retreat in the desert, and gathers their friends together to make this retreat extra special.
The group finds the retreat equipped with hot springs, sauna, yoga room, sound baths, and crystals. Everything one would need to heal the mind, body and soul.
But they couldn’t have anticipated a killer among the crystal points.
Considering I am into the Reiki/Crystal/Massage culture, this book was totally my jam. I felt as if I was living with the characters in their yurts and sharing their experiences with the guru-type leader. (Yes, I have known one.)
McAuley hit every typical stereotype you would find in a spa setting. I know. I am one of those stereotypes. I would have been the energy worker/crystal healer. If you are offended by my words, good. It will make the horror more intense.
Hannah demonstrates a strong character with amazing survival skills. Strength of character — and needing no one to help them to survive — is exactly the kind of character development I applaud, and it shows up without hesitation in Breathe In, Bleed Out.
How’s the Writing?
McAuley’s macabre sense of humor runs throughout the story. It heightens the suspense, and helps to keep the narrative moving at a fast pace. As I read, my mind screamed out that this needs to be a film.
This slasher/Scream/horror fest made for a wonderfully fun, fast read — and I was honored to review it. My crystal-loving heart delighted in this immersive reading experience.
For instance, although murder is a serious matter, there was one particular murder that still makes me chuckle. It was wonderfully worded and stays with you visually long after you put the book aside.
I have only one criticism of Breathe in, Bleed Out: The ending needed to be more drawn out, with more seeding along the way. I was totally taken off guard, and wished McAuley would have dropped a few more clues before knocking us for a loop.
Who Should Read Breathe In, Bleed Out?
Breathe In, Bleed Out is a must read for fans of horror or slasher films. It’s immersive plotting and fast-paced narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Liked this? Check out similar from MockingOwl Roost here:
- Hell Town – The Untold Story Of A Serial Killer On Cape Cod: A Book Review – Brutal True Crime Review
- The Locked Ward, a Psychological Thriller Review – Psychological Thriller Review
- We Are All the Same in the Dark, a Fiction Review – Dark Suspense Review
🍵 We run on pure passion here at the Roost and every bit of help goes a long way! If you’d like to support our on-going efforts to keep our publication free for everyone, consider fueling us with a digital tea.
Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.
