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Bloody Legends
Prepare to be scared!
If you are looking for gory, evil, dark, dread stories, full of violence, this book is for you! it contains extreme violence against people and animals, vulgar language, sex and murders.
Daniel Cooper is a vicious serial killer who sees his most sadistic and morbid fantasies come forth in a compulsive desire to perpetrate the most violent and gory murder crimes staging famous urban legends.
"Taboos are crossed"
"This horror story is vaulted to a higher level of terror which most authors dare not tread."
"Bloody Legends is required reading for horror aficionados who desire to go to the next level of terror."
(Zisi Emporium for B Movies blog)
You will want to keep your lights turned on at night. It won't make difference but still.
New cover art. Revised version; however, there are no changes in the original story.
The Bloody series will be made up of four books, plus the prequel, each one containing a stand-alone story, with no cliffhangers to be resolved in the next book. However, since it is a sequence, for your best experience and to avoid spoilers, this is the recommended order to read
Bloody Origin – Prequel
Bloody Legends - Book 1
Bloody Puzzle - Book 2 (will be release in the end of 2017)
If you are looking for gory, evil, dark, dread stories, full of violence, this book is for you! it contains extreme violence against people and animals, vulgar language, sex and murders.
Daniel Cooper is a vicious serial killer who sees his most sadistic and morbid fantasies come forth in a compulsive desire to perpetrate the most violent and gory murder crimes staging famous urban legends.
"Taboos are crossed"
"This horror story is vaulted to a higher level of terror which most authors dare not tread."
"Bloody Legends is required reading for horror aficionados who desire to go to the next level of terror."
(Zisi Emporium for B Movies blog)
You will want to keep your lights turned on at night. It won't make difference but still.
New cover art. Revised version; however, there are no changes in the original story.
The Bloody series will be made up of four books, plus the prequel, each one containing a stand-alone story, with no cliffhangers to be resolved in the next book. However, since it is a sequence, for your best experience and to avoid spoilers, this is the recommended order to read
Bloody Origin – Prequel
Bloody Legends - Book 1
Bloody Puzzle - Book 2 (will be release in the end of 2017)
ebook
First published November 22, 2014
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Merchak
8 books156 followersAndrea Merchak has been passionate about the horror genre since she was 4–5 years old and snuck out of her bedroom to see the horror films her father watched. An avid reader, as a teenager she read a book by Stephen King and got hooked into the Universe of Horror. Despite her background as a journalist, she never imagined that one day she would become an author. She thought, and still thinks, that authors are singularly gifted people who are able to take their readers to extraordinary, exotic worlds beyond imagination. Because she thought she could never join their ranks, she was reluctant when her sister suggested she should write a book – and surprised when she found out she could do it just as well as some of her favorite authors. Long story short, today Andrea wonders why it took her so long to realize her true calling. Her stories are pure, graphic, vicious horror that stays with the reader long after they finish reading.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 21, 2022
This is a DNF at 33% for me and therefore gets a 1🌟 rating, as I have no intention of rereading this.
It's not to say this is a horrible read, because it isn't, but something about the style of the writing just didn't sit well with me. The premise, whilst not original, was attention getting but the execution fell short with what I feel was stilted prose and unrealistic dialogue between the cops, which became distracting.
It's not to say this is a horrible read, because it isn't, but something about the style of the writing just didn't sit well with me. The premise, whilst not original, was attention getting but the execution fell short with what I feel was stilted prose and unrealistic dialogue between the cops, which became distracting.
July 28, 2020
If you like urban legends and bloody horror then this is definitely the book for you! Andrea Merchak takes the reader on an explosive killing spree ride and explores a lot of our favorite urban legends along the way. In Bloody Legends, our killer believes his "art" is bringing these urban legends to life in a way to always be remembered - both he and the victims.
Daniel is our killer and he is a total psychopath! He shows no remorse or empathy for what he is doing and, in fact, it is the opposite as he revels in the kills and the "beauty" if his creative work. He is meticulous in his victim choices, aiming to select the perfect match for whatever urban legend he is trying to bring to life next. And since this story is told mostly from the killer's POV, it is very matter of fact, to the point, and no fluff. Daniel has a one track mind and does not want to give the reader any more information than is required. And some of the ways he kills... will make you want to close your eyes! Truly some freaky scary kills here...
This book goes from victim hunt to killing to detectives doing their thing in a routine pattern throughout. For the most part, that worked for me. But it did get a little repetitious with the formula: hunt, kill, investigators discuss seemingly the same thing, etc. I would have liked some more filler scenes to really help either get to know the killer more, the detectives more, the victims, etc. It was go, go, go the whole story - which, again, was nice for a fun and wild ride! But I think it could have gone a little deeper than just fun and wild because Merchak has that ability for sure!
I definitely recommend this book to slasher fans, urban legend fans, and those who enjoy reading about serial killers. I am definitely reading more in this "Bloody" series because I have to know it all!
Daniel is our killer and he is a total psychopath! He shows no remorse or empathy for what he is doing and, in fact, it is the opposite as he revels in the kills and the "beauty" if his creative work. He is meticulous in his victim choices, aiming to select the perfect match for whatever urban legend he is trying to bring to life next. And since this story is told mostly from the killer's POV, it is very matter of fact, to the point, and no fluff. Daniel has a one track mind and does not want to give the reader any more information than is required. And some of the ways he kills... will make you want to close your eyes! Truly some freaky scary kills here...
This book goes from victim hunt to killing to detectives doing their thing in a routine pattern throughout. For the most part, that worked for me. But it did get a little repetitious with the formula: hunt, kill, investigators discuss seemingly the same thing, etc. I would have liked some more filler scenes to really help either get to know the killer more, the detectives more, the victims, etc. It was go, go, go the whole story - which, again, was nice for a fun and wild ride! But I think it could have gone a little deeper than just fun and wild because Merchak has that ability for sure!
I definitely recommend this book to slasher fans, urban legend fans, and those who enjoy reading about serial killers. I am definitely reading more in this "Bloody" series because I have to know it all!
October 10, 2021
Bloody Legends (Bloody Series Book 1) by Andrea Merchak is an interesting story of a serial killer told from the killers point of view.
Warning: it contains extreme violence against people and animals, vulgar language, sex and murders.
The author does a very good job of creating a world seen from the eyes of Dr Daniel Cooper, the serial killer. His murders though horrific are creative as he duplicates (with his own special touch) the crimes known as Urban Legends.
The story is well paced and the murders are creative enough to hold the readers interest making for quick, non-stop reading. The investigation itself is thorough and also well paced, best of all it isn't a complicated investigation so the reader can easily keep up and understand what is going on.
The characters (all of them) are diverse and quite believable as their layers are pealed back nicely by the author revealing emotional, intelligent and flawed personalities that greatly to the story.
The story (I think) is devoted to use learning what Dr Cooper is capable of and his apparent lack of limits. There is very little devoted to his psychology, the why's about who he is. I believe that this is part of Andrea's process for the series. Having just finished read book 2 we see much more of the killers psyche and the things that motivate him psychologically. I thought this was really well done as it created a connection for me after reading the first book and an interest in going right into the next book.
One last mention, I also read the prequel to the Bloody Series called "Bloody Origins" and is an excellent introduction (see my review) to Dr. Cooper and his need to kill.
Warning: it contains extreme violence against people and animals, vulgar language, sex and murders.
The author does a very good job of creating a world seen from the eyes of Dr Daniel Cooper, the serial killer. His murders though horrific are creative as he duplicates (with his own special touch) the crimes known as Urban Legends.
The story is well paced and the murders are creative enough to hold the readers interest making for quick, non-stop reading. The investigation itself is thorough and also well paced, best of all it isn't a complicated investigation so the reader can easily keep up and understand what is going on.
The characters (all of them) are diverse and quite believable as their layers are pealed back nicely by the author revealing emotional, intelligent and flawed personalities that greatly to the story.
The story (I think) is devoted to use learning what Dr Cooper is capable of and his apparent lack of limits. There is very little devoted to his psychology, the why's about who he is. I believe that this is part of Andrea's process for the series. Having just finished read book 2 we see much more of the killers psyche and the things that motivate him psychologically. I thought this was really well done as it created a connection for me after reading the first book and an interest in going right into the next book.
One last mention, I also read the prequel to the Bloody Series called "Bloody Origins" and is an excellent introduction (see my review) to Dr. Cooper and his need to kill.
November 8, 2018
Years after the events of Bloody Origin, we join up with Daniel again. While killing prostitutes and homeless people had been satisfying, there had always been something missing. Now he’s found his signature, and he couldn’t be happier.
Merchak’s style is matter of fact. Missing some of the descriptive flourish of more practiced writers maybe, but it works well with Daniel’s total lack of empathy. I would have liked to have gotten more inside the victims emotions, but as it’s completely written from the killer’s perspective, that is perhaps asking too much. I doubt he can imagine such things, being the owner of such a cold heart.
I finished the book in one sitting, delaying sleep, as I could not bear putting it down. I look forward to the next book!
Merchak’s style is matter of fact. Missing some of the descriptive flourish of more practiced writers maybe, but it works well with Daniel’s total lack of empathy. I would have liked to have gotten more inside the victims emotions, but as it’s completely written from the killer’s perspective, that is perhaps asking too much. I doubt he can imagine such things, being the owner of such a cold heart.
I finished the book in one sitting, delaying sleep, as I could not bear putting it down. I look forward to the next book!
October 22, 2019
Andrea Merchak builds a twisted serial killer case in Bloody Legends! Dr. Daniel Cooper decides to up his murderous game by designing his slayings to mimic famous urban legends, all while avoiding the detectives desperate to find him and ruin his fun. This one’s mostly told from the killer’s perspective, so it’s a bit twisted, but Cooper makes for an interesting villain. Check out Bloody Legends if you’re in the mood for something similar to Seven or The Silence of the Lambs!
October 11, 2019
Are you afraid of urban legends? Prepare to be even more scared when they become real!
Dr. Daniel Cooper is a vicious serial killer who finds himself bored with killing only prostitutes and homeless people. In order to indulge his most morbid and sadistic fantasies, he decides he’ll start to perpetrate his crimes by staging famous urban legends.
His insatiable hunger for killing makes him plan every murder with extreme cruelty, to make every death as gruesome and gory as possible.
Is it possible that urban legends could inspire such macabre crimes?
Daniel’s hubris and wit lead him into a dangerous confrontation with two detectives who are investigating the dreadful crimes, and are running out of time to stop the frenzied killing.
How many innocent victims will die before the detectives can figure out who the killer is?
Fabulous horror story that is being told from the killers perspective.
Well written plot and story line that is very engaging from the start.
The characters are well written and fleshed out nicely. Nice to see the development of the recurring ones.
Really enjoyed reading and can't wait to read the next one now.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dr. Daniel Cooper is a vicious serial killer who finds himself bored with killing only prostitutes and homeless people. In order to indulge his most morbid and sadistic fantasies, he decides he’ll start to perpetrate his crimes by staging famous urban legends.
His insatiable hunger for killing makes him plan every murder with extreme cruelty, to make every death as gruesome and gory as possible.
Is it possible that urban legends could inspire such macabre crimes?
Daniel’s hubris and wit lead him into a dangerous confrontation with two detectives who are investigating the dreadful crimes, and are running out of time to stop the frenzied killing.
How many innocent victims will die before the detectives can figure out who the killer is?
Fabulous horror story that is being told from the killers perspective.
Well written plot and story line that is very engaging from the start.
The characters are well written and fleshed out nicely. Nice to see the development of the recurring ones.
Really enjoyed reading and can't wait to read the next one now.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 9, 2020
This story is the best story I've read from a murderer point of view. I think is at the level of the "Dexter" series, but way more dark. The killer is a complete psycho, that doesn't like people at all. It's incredible how he can hide that from everybody but he does, an the way he plays with the cops is another great point.
We also get the detectives point of view, and the authors background shows up in a style much close to a journalist grand reportage.
This results in a book that goes straight to business and is very easy to read, lightning the dark theme that evolves around the mission of the killer to recreate urban legends horror stories.
I didn't know many of them, so another great add!
This is a serie, so at the end, be ready to follow our killer next challenge.
We also get the detectives point of view, and the authors background shows up in a style much close to a journalist grand reportage.
This results in a book that goes straight to business and is very easy to read, lightning the dark theme that evolves around the mission of the killer to recreate urban legends horror stories.
I didn't know many of them, so another great add!
This is a serie, so at the end, be ready to follow our killer next challenge.
November 24, 2019
I was honestly a bit disappointed with this book. The concept is interesting. We are following a disturbed man who evolves from killing animals, to transients and then finally to friends and colleagues.
Insight into his psyche could have been chillingly disturbing. We don’t get too much of this though. This part of the story is mostly skipped over for murder-stabbing scenes. I feel this was a missed opportunity.
If you like serial killers who kill without remorse and reason, you’re in luck. Read this and you will be pleased!
Insight into his psyche could have been chillingly disturbing. We don’t get too much of this though. This part of the story is mostly skipped over for murder-stabbing scenes. I feel this was a missed opportunity.
If you like serial killers who kill without remorse and reason, you’re in luck. Read this and you will be pleased!
February 28, 2018
This story is from the killer's perspective: Daniel discovers a whole new world when his friends ask him onto a hunting trip. Follow him on his journey to recreate urban murders better than the legends. Before warned that there is a lot of violence, sex and murder. It is the perfect horror story from the mindset of a killer and the beginning of his killing spree on an unsuspecting world.
October 15, 2019
This book was written in the perspective of the killer. A killer recreating Urban Legends. I enjoyed watching the detectives trying to piece together the crime scenes and solve the case. The killer was very intense and disturbing. This is a book to keep you up at night! A very good book to read during Halloween season.
Received this book as an ARC and submitting an honest review.
Received this book as an ARC and submitting an honest review.
January 9, 2018
If this book was translated, it was poorly done and there must have not been any editing. That aside, you wouldn't want to read this book late at night. Gory and messy, the story content was very good THUS THE 4 STARS!
January 22, 2022
This book centres around the serial killer and his story of recreating bloody legends.This was my first time reading anything of Andreas and I really enjoyed it.It was a bit gruesome in parts and a bit gory, but that was ok as it showed a storyline.
Will definitely try and read some more.
Will definitely try and read some more.
September 25, 2019
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. I liked it. A fast paced murder mystery with unexpected twists. It had a lot of grisly details, not for people with weak stomachs.
March 19, 2020
A very interesting premise...a serial killer who makes his killings reflect urban legends. Great content.
April 26, 2020
Tom and Pete take there friend Daniel deer hunting. What these 2 don't know is Daniel has killed many times before. After Daniel kills a deer, the trio set around the camp fire eating and drinking when Tom starts telling an urban legend. Pete tries to out do him by telling his own urban legend. Daniel wants appear like he belongs and comes up with his own.
Now fast forward to the trio as adults, Tom is a handsome, womanizing lawyer, Pete has moved away, but is back for a visit. Daniel is an E.R. doctor, but also a killer of the homeless and prostitutes since killing animals just does not satisfy this adult psychopath.
Pete's first night back they go out drinking and Dr. Daniel Cooper thinks back to that night of the hunt and arguing about whose urban legend was the best. Daniel remembers a legend called Skinned Tom.
Daniel did indeed skin his "friend" Tom. After more urban legend like kills, he became the Perpetrator of Bloody Legends killer.
This book stays true to the horror genre. It has a true psychopath. Gruesome, horrendously brutal crimes. I liked the plot twist. I liked the idea of the story and I'll be looking for book 2, Bloody Puzzle
Now fast forward to the trio as adults, Tom is a handsome, womanizing lawyer, Pete has moved away, but is back for a visit. Daniel is an E.R. doctor, but also a killer of the homeless and prostitutes since killing animals just does not satisfy this adult psychopath.
Pete's first night back they go out drinking and Dr. Daniel Cooper thinks back to that night of the hunt and arguing about whose urban legend was the best. Daniel remembers a legend called Skinned Tom.
Daniel did indeed skin his "friend" Tom. After more urban legend like kills, he became the Perpetrator of Bloody Legends killer.
This book stays true to the horror genre. It has a true psychopath. Gruesome, horrendously brutal crimes. I liked the plot twist. I liked the idea of the story and I'll be looking for book 2, Bloody Puzzle
Read
January 28, 2016Daniel Cooper has always had a darker side and has honed his hunting skills over the years. Graduating from hunting animals to hunting humans was a foregone conclusion for Daniel. However, he found he wanted to be cleverer than the average serial killer and was inspired to commit his murders in the style of urban legends. BLOODY LEGENDS is an interesting take on the ‘urban-legend killer’ story. I thought Daniel was cockier than the average fictional serial killer, sometimes in comical ways. Also, while the author may be a fan of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ song “Where the Wild Roses Grow”, the ‘Eliza Day’ murder is not an urban legend which threw off the feel of the book for me. BLOODY LEGENDS is a dark short story which may have needed to be longer to develop true terror.
November 22, 2020
I'm not sure what it was about this book but I gave up at 34%, just couldn't muster up any interest to carry on with it. It's very rare for me leave a book before the end.
There are a few grammatical errors though I believe it's been edited since some of the earlier reviews. The two cops talk so formally it's almost laughable and I could picture them holding scripts in their hands and reading the lines. Far from natural or believable.
Maybe it's just me but of the three "Urban Legends" so far I've never heard of any of them and there is no explanation of the supposed tales for those who like me haven't a clue about the urban legends involved.
I was given a (thankfully) free copy of this book by the author and this is an honest review.
There are a few grammatical errors though I believe it's been edited since some of the earlier reviews. The two cops talk so formally it's almost laughable and I could picture them holding scripts in their hands and reading the lines. Far from natural or believable.
Maybe it's just me but of the three "Urban Legends" so far I've never heard of any of them and there is no explanation of the supposed tales for those who like me haven't a clue about the urban legends involved.
I was given a (thankfully) free copy of this book by the author and this is an honest review.
October 11, 2015
So many grammatical errors, I could barely get through.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews