At one point during my journey with Brian McAuley's "Breathe In, Bleed Out," I found myself flashing back to 2024's inspired indie horror flick "In a Violent Nature" and a certain hilariously over-the-top yoga sequence.

It's not that the two are similar. They're really not. It's just that McAuley has written such an inventive and entertaining blood-soaked slasher flick that I found myself with a bit of slasher deja vu.

There's something special here, at least if you're one who leans into vividly realized horror-lit and scenes set up with such imagination that you'll be seeing it while you're reading it.

The story centers around Hannah, a not quite right young lady who's been less right since she emerged from a harrowing wilderness trip without her fiancé Ben. She arrived back in civilization with more questions than answers, a fact that also seems to surround her. When she gets an invite to join her friends at an exclusive restorative spiritual retreat deep in Joshua Tree, she reluctantly agrees.

Of course, one's demons can also make the trip to Joshua Tree and with Guru Pax giving off shady vibes and yoga, sound baths, and hot springs quickly spiraling into increasingly gruesome deaths, Hannah's retreat may turn into a homicidal repeat.

"Breathe In, Bleed Out" is that rare horror novel that packs in the style and the substance. The thrills, chills, and kills here are uncomfortably hilarious, awesome, and an absolute trip. And yet, McAuley does actually give us a story here that satisfies with characters, some of whom we know there's no way they're going to make it until book's end, who stick with you long after you've read the final pages. You can see "Breathe In, Bleed Out" as a movie. In fact, you want to see "Breathe In, Bleed Out" as a movie, though I'm honestly not sure a movie would be any more satisfying.

I laughed. I cringed. I cared. I really did. "Breathe In, Bleed Out" is the kind of book you'll read and then you'll likely want to read it again. With a story that kicks and characters who are beautifully brought to life, "Breathe In, Bleed Out" is destined to be one of 2025's best horror novels.

Thank you to Brian McAuley, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I picked this one up as part of Camp NetGalley 2025, and it was the cover that first grabbed me—those retro vibes? I couldn’t resist! Thankfully, the story absolutely delivered.

Wow—what a ride! A full 5 stars from me. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. McAuley’s writing is fast-paced, immersive, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of horror and gore (yes, there were definitely a few moments that made me squirm in the best way). I tore through this book and found it nearly impossible to put down. Needless to say, I’ll be diving into more of Brian McAuley’s work ASAP—I need more of this kind of storytelling in my life!

I’ll absolutely be recommending this one to my book club and shouting about it all over social media—especially with spooky season right around the corner. If you’re looking for a fresh, gripping horror read with retro flair, this is the one to reach for.

Breathe In, Bleed Out was a fast-paced, addictive read that had me turning pages late into the night. The plot twists leading up to the finale were genuinely surprising and well-executed — I was fully invested in the story and the characters.

However, the ending didn’t quite land for me. It felt too far-fetched and implausible compared to the rest of the book, which was a bit disappointing after such a strong build-up. It didn’t ruin the entire experience, but it definitely took away some of the impact.

Still, this was an entertaining thriller overall — fast, fun, and twisty. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of gripping suspense, even if the ending might not work for everyone.

Spoiler free

I will be the first to say that a slasher is not my usual genre but oh my goodness this book might make it one.
I devoured this within one day. I could not put it down.

In a nutshell: addictive, fast paced, atmospheric and tense.

Plot:
Now as I said I’m not usually one for slashers so for me this plot was addictive in all the best ways. I could not put it down and found myself trying to read at every chance I could (even while standing making tea).
The journey of our FMC grief and the vulnerability that led her to the state that she is in and the events that follow as a result of that grief was so profound in a sense that you just wanted to see her get through it.

I loved the twists and turns, I did NOT predict this ending even though at one point I did think I had it sussed. I in fact did not!

Characters:
All characters were well flushed out and all have believable albeit “stereotypical “ personalities and connections to each other.
I loved that we aren’t sure ever step of the way who is reliable and who isn’t.
My only other note is “justice for miles”.

Setting:
I found the setting MADE this book as creepy and tense as it was. The vastness of the desert and the isolation that you imagine just conjures up a real feeling of tension and on the edge of your seatness (definitely not a word) as you make your way through this book. My heart was definitely in my mouth on more than on occasion.

I really really enjoyed this book and I think I’ll start exploring this genre more, if my heart can take it.

Thank you to the author and Netgally for providing me with this earc review copy at this time.
All opinions are my own.

Breathe In Bleed Out sinks its teeth into you from page one and doesn’t let up. Brian McCauley blends gritty noir with psychological unease so well, it’s like anxiety was a character sitting right beside me the whole time.

The voice is razor-sharp — cynical, raw, but surprisingly vulnerable. There’s emotional weight beneath all the blood and bad decisions. It’s about self-destruction, redemption (maybe), and the sharp edges of survival.

Perfect for fans of horror that leans into real-world rot: addiction, violence, and messy humanity. You’ll need a hot bath and a moment of zen after reading this… or will you?

3.5 stars!

This book pleasantly surprised me! I am a big fan of thrillers but wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a book that’s also categorized as horror. I went into it with an open mind, and I’m glad I did—I had a hard time putting this book down. I finished it within 24 hours!

The characters were annoying (lol), which made it hard for me to connect with them—but I think that actually worked well with the book’s slasher-esque vibe. Because of that disconnect, I didn’t find myself rooting for anyone in particular to escape the villain. Still, the story was well-written with extremely good pacing.

There were moments when I thought this book was strictly a thriller, then I became convinced it was leaning more toward the occult. I couldn’t guess how the book was going to end—which is my favorite type of thriller. I want to be bamboozled!

The conclusion felt a little anticlimactic to me, but that didn’t change how happy I felt about the book overall.

I would definitely recommend this to my horror-loving friends. But if you’re someone who can’t handle gore, you might want to skip this one. There isn’t a ton, but if you're sensitive to it, please be aware—there were times when I physically cringed while reading because the writing felt so graphic.

Anyway, I really liked this book and am glad I picked it up. I’ll be looking forward to reading more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, Brian McAuley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book.

Woah! Seriously, what did I just read?! As someone who thought they'd seen every type of horror, Brian McAuley's Breathe In, Bleed Out just introduced me to a genre I didn't even know existed in books: the slasher novel. And let me tell you, it's everything I've been craving!
This book instantly transported me back to my teenage years, filled with late-night slasher flick marathons. But Breathe In, Bleed Out is so much more. McAuley masterfully combines the nail-biting suspense and gruesome thrills of classic slasher films with a depth that only a novel can provide. From its chilling cover to its shocking, utterly unpredictable ending, I was hooked from page one. I truly could not have guessed the twists and turns this story took!
The characters are incredibly well-developed and relatable, especially Hannah. Her raw struggle with grief, anxiety, and debilitating panic attacks felt incredibly authentic. McAuley shines a spotlight on the often-misunderstood isolation of grieving, as Hannah's friends misinterpret her need for space as selfishness. This emotional core adds a layer of psychological depth that elevates the entire narrative beyond just jump scares and gore.
Breathe In, Bleed Out is an edge-of-your-seat mystery, unnerving, and psychologically thrilling. I was so completely enthralled that I devoured it in less than a day, unable to put it down until the final, breathtaking word.
If you're a fan of heart-pounding horror, unexpected twists, and characters you'll genuinely root for (or fear!), then mark your calendars. This is an absolute 5-star read that you won't want to miss. Be prepared to get seriously spooked when Breathe In, Bleed Out hits shelves on September 2, 2025!
+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @brianmcwriter @netgalley @campnetgalley and @poisonedpenpress for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

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4 stars
What a nostalgic and fun slasher. I love this genre and the author did a great job representing it. I was hooked and read it in just 2 sittings, thanks work, lol
I look forward to reading more by McAuley

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Wow! What a roller coaster! This book got me hooked and gave me the sensation that I was watching a gory film. I was suspecting of all the characters and the ending blew my mind. I didn’t expect it at all!!

This was a wickedly fun slasher story that didn't take itself too seriously without sacrificing any writing talent on the part of the writer. Mr. McAuley's style brought me into a sort of 90's Christopher Pike state of mind - and that is singing the author some high praise because nobody topped Mr. Pike for me as a teenage bookworm. With all the wit and healthy respect for horror cliches the original Scream movie embodied, McAuley delivers a plot that's both self-aware and genuinely suspenseful, punctuated with bloody twists and guilt-inducing delight at how karma appears to deliver a death blow in a manner befitting each character's fatal flaw.

I think it was the POV from a strong, female lead who has to save herself, in more ways than one, that sold it for me. In fact, with one exception, the females in this story all manage to crown themselves a scream queen in their own right - each of them flawed, fearless and funny as hell. While the kills are creative and the gore is unflinching, it's the bond between two friends that drives the ending home.

In summary: it's meta, it's campy, it's delightfully unhinged in all the right ways and if you like your horror splashed with sass, smarts and lots of blood, this one is a MUST for you.

I picked this up because I kept seeing it all over Instagram, and I know Brian McAuley has a strong reputation in horror — now I understand why. This was fast, sharp, and impossible to put down.

From the first chapter, I was hooked. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, but don’t mistake that for boring — this story moves. McAuley keeps the tension high and the pacing tight. It reminded me a lot of Scream, but with a modern, desert twist. It blends slasher horror with the paranormal in a way that feels fresh, but also familiar in all the right ways.

The characters were layered and believable, especially Hannah. Her struggle with grief and addiction made her feel real, and I loved how her past wasn’t just backstory — it shaped every single moment of the plot. The setting was also perfect. A wellness retreat in Joshua Tree? It felt like Instagram influencer culture met desert cult-core, and it was deliciously eerie. The kills? Brutal but satisfying. The mystery? Kept me guessing right until the final chapter. And when the twist came? Let’s just say I yelled.

I also appreciated the balance of emotional depth and horror. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the raw side of grief, trauma, and survival — but there’s humor too, and that makes the story even more powerful.

If you love slashers with something deeper under the surface, or if you're a Scream fan craving something fresh, this is a must-read. Five stars — and I’ll be reading whatever Brian McAuley writes next.

Breathe In, Bleed Out
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Not all retreats are for healing 🔪

After a tragic accident takes the life of her fiancé, Hannah becomes numb with grief. Lost in an endless cycle of Xanax and frozen meals, Hannah is content to stay in their apartment forever. That is until her friends suggest an exclusive, off-the-grid wellness retreat. Hannah thinks that maybe some time unplugged and detoxing with her friends might do her good. Until she starts to realize that the retreat isn’t quite what it seems, and something is picking them off one by one…

Let me start by saying this book was a fun and enjoyable read, I really liked the premise. It had all the elements I typically like in a slasher-campiness, twists, turns, and big reveals. It should’ve been a hit for me, but it didn’t quite reach its full potential.

The characters felt pretty one dimensional- there were the typical stereotypes: the jock, the holistic yogi, the witchy one, the cute funny guy, and of course the little bit broken one with extreme survivors guilt. I didn’t feel any connection to the core characters.

Now back to the positives. I loved the setting, the urban legend set up, and the cover art. There were parts that were very strong and the writing was good, I just would’ve liked a little more depth to the characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a great reminder of what makes the slasher genre so fun. Even though the reader is, of course, immediately suspicious of the "healing retreat" that just so happens to be completely remote, unplugged, and have a strict "no car keys and no phones rule", there is still a lot of twists and turns that carry you through this and keep you turning the page. I definitely wanted to know what was going to happen on the next page the whole book. Speed through this in 1 day as a result. Just great, campy, gorey fun!

Okay, who doesn’t love a good slasher, am I right?! This one was filled with all of the good stuff. A secluded cult-like environment, overwhelming grief and guilt, brutal gore, twists and turns until the very end, and even a little humor sprinkled in throughout! I’d been having serious fomo seeing this book float around booksta with raving reviews, and I can assure you the reviews are spot on and this is not overhyped!

Described as a Midsommar night’s scream in a blood-soaked thriller set at a remote healing retreat, we follow Hannah as she is running from her demons after tragically losing her fiance during a life changing hike. No one knows how Ben died, and Hannah would like to keep it that way… even if her ghost haunts her with vivid waking nightmares that are ruining her life. Her college bestie, Tess, invites her to an all inclusive spiritual healing retreat with her past friend group. Soon after arriving to this desolate desert retreat, the peaceful atmosphere and healing energy brought by Guru Pax, shifts into what seems like a supernatural nightmare.

This was my first Brian McCauley book and will absolutely not be my last! Thank you @brianmcwriter, @poisonedpenpress, and @netgalley for this eARC!

I was excited about this book. I'm from California, I grew up on Horror movies, I read slasher books, and it has a recommendation from Stephen Graham Jones.

Hannah, suffering from grief, depression, anxiety, and a dependence on prescription meds since her fiance’s death, gives in to her best friend Tess's pressure to take a weekend away with their friend group at a healing retreat for her birthday.

This is a fast, easy read with slasher movie vibes. There's some mild humor about Los Angeles culture, predatory gurus, and fake spirituality. The Joshua Tree setting appealed to me. The isolation worked well.

I didn't care much about any of the characters. I mainly kept reading to watch them die. These things are a matter of taste.

The novel does what it sets out to do, delivering descriptive, creative kills. Many readers will be delighted with this. Breathe In, Bleed Out is well worth checking out, especially for horror readers who enjoy slasher movie nostalgia.

Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read this phenomenal summer slasher as an advanced reader—what a ride!

Breathe In, Bleed Out by Brian McAuley is everything I didn’t know I needed in a horror novel. As a mental health professional and spiritual practitioner, I was hooked from the very first chapter. This isn’t your typical summer camp slasher—it’s darker, more mature, and brilliantly set against the eerie backdrop of a remote desert healing retreat.

The story follows a trauma survivor who, alongside her friends, seeks refuge and renewal through alternative healing. But what’s meant to be a journey of transformation quickly spirals into chaos, adding a whole new layer to her already-overflowing trauma bucket.

This book reads like My Bloody Valentine meets Scream, with an addictive “whodunit” energy that keeps you guessing until the very last page. The twists are razor-sharp, the suspense is relentless, and just when you think you’ve figured it out—boom—another surprise.

As someone who typically reads at a snail’s pace, I devoured this in a day and a half. It’s THAT good! I’m officially a devoted fan of McAuley’s work and would kill to see this brought to the big screen. It’s creepy, clever, and completely unforgettable.

If you’re into slashers with substance, psychological suspense, and a little spiritual edge—Breathe In, Bleed Out needs to be your next read.

As said by the slash-master himself: “Slashers never die.”

What if I’m so shaken up that I can’t be unshaken?”
“You’re a human being, Hannah. Not a martini.”

Breathe In, Bleed Out
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This thriller was SO FUN. Set at a wellness retreat, a group of friends go to help Hannah grieve the loss on Ben and begin her healing journey. What they didn’t sign up for is the chaos that ensues within the military town of 29 palms.

The pacing was perfect! The characters really sold the story, which made this book was hard to put down. I devoured this in a day and couldn’t wait to keep reading. I’ll definitely be getting more books from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Well, call me at TV detective because I didn’t solve diddly squat. No, seriously. As Hannah’s story unfolded my mind kept racing with the age-old question, “who done it?”

Breathe in, Bleed Out (sidenote, did anyone else’s keep singing in their head Bush’s song Machinehead or was it just me and I’m dating myself?) was fast paced with twists and turns that leave you questioning everyone and everything. Well, at least it did that for me. I loved that about this book though, if too predictable my interest would fade fast. I blew through this book, in a good way because I needed to know what had happened.

I liked Hannah’s group of friends even though I don’t feel like we got to know them too well and I felt like some of them were probably not supposed to be likeable. Miles was my favorite though. I liked Hannah a lot and empathized with her loss.

Overall, this thriller maintains suspense by encouraging suspicion of multiple characters, leading readers to believe they know the identity of the killer while keeping the outcome uncertain until the very end. Bravo Brian McAuley!

*Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Brian McAuley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

I’m familiar with Brian McAuley from attending StokerCon and hearing him on Books in the Freezer, but this was the first I’ve read of his, and wow, was it awesome!

Five friends head to Joshua Tree for a spiritual retreat, led by Guru Pax and his assistant, Kimi. Hannah is recovering from the loss of her fiancé, while Tess is trying to find who she is deep down. Miles, the sensitive musician, has always had a thing for Hannah, and the couple Derek and Luna make an effort to reconnect. However, the desert has other plans.

As Hannah ventures out on her own, seeking peace, her friends are battling for their lives. The body count rises with some fun, creative kills, and Hannah has to solve the mystery of just who is doing the killing. A person? Or has she just been hallucinating this entire time?

I read this book in just a couple of days. I loved the unique deaths that McAuley came up with for several characters, some of which I was glad to see gone because they were so obnoxious…. others, I was bummed they were offed, but understood that you do have to kill your darlings at times. Definitely recommend this one.

This was a well written slasher book. I’ve been on the hunt for a slasher book that’s not full of teenagers making stupid decisions. The characters in this book weren’t teenagers but they were adults, mid to late twenties is my guess. They all had some baggage and some were your stereotypical slasher victim but I actually felt something for them.. The writing was fast paced and smart. I did not guess the slasher until they were revealed. I had a few guesses but I was wrong. That makes for a fun ride. I loved everything about this book and will be reading the author’s back list.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for a honest opinion. 4⭐️