Augie Doyle and the Strange Case of Creepy Crilly

by Joe Bright

Augie is dying to know Izzie Crilly’s secret, and death may be the price he pays for figuring it out.

The new girl is dark, mysterious, and morbid. Those who bully her end up hurt. Those who date her end up dead. When she takes an interest in Augie, he finds himself stuck in a relationship he doesn’t want, and as far as he can tell, the only way out is death.

Genres: Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Joe Bright grew up in a Victorian house with four brothers, three sisters, and—according to family legend—a ghost or two, or it could have been a goblin or an incubus. It’s hard to say. That upbringing sparked his lifelong love for the macabre and gifted him a dark sense of humor.

A fine arts scholarship landed him in university, but Joe spent more time strumming guitars, writing songs, and fronting a band than studying. He snagged a win in the KFC songwriting contest (surprisingly, not about chicken) and won a battle of the bands.

To fund his creative pursuits, he took a break from school and headed to the oil fields of Wyoming, where he met the kind of rugged characters you don’t easily forget. Some of them end up in his novels. He also toured with a dance group, performing across Canada and Europe, because of course he did.

After earning his English degree, Joe became a technical writer for Thiokol—the company behind the space shuttle boosters (though long after that infamous disaster). Later, he taught English in Honolulu and Berkeley, gradually shifting his focus to fiction.

These days, Joe lives in a man cave of his own design, where he watches gloriously terrible horror movies and conjures up stories filled with darkness, humor, and the kind of weirdness that can only come from firsthand experience.

Periodically, he allows himself to wonder out into the light and mingle with other members of his species. If you are not among those who have spotted him in his unnatural habitat, you can visit him at www.joebrightbooks.com.

Reviews

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already wrote a review, but Goodreads didn't post it. My full review is on Amazon.

[Regina Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, addictive, and wickedly clever, this book hooked me from the first page and never let go.
Izzie Crilly is one of the most unsettling characters I’ve read in a long time mysterious, morbid, and impossible to look away from. The rumors surrounding her feel like urban legends come to life, and watching Augie slowly realize that those rumors might be true is both terrifying and compulsively readable. The premise alone is irresistible: a relationship where the only apparent way out is death? Chilling.
Augie’s voice is sharp, funny, and painfully human. His dread builds gradually, turning curiosity into paranoia, and then into full-blown horror. The tension escalates so naturally that by the time the stakes are clear, it’s already too late to stop reading. Every interaction with Izzie crackles with unease you’re constantly waiting for something to go wrong, and when it does, it’s worse than you imagined.
What really elevates this story is how it blends dark humor with genuine menace. It’s not just about surviving a deadly girlfriend; it’s about obsession, fear, and the cost of wanting answers you’re not prepared to handle. The writing is tight, the pacing relentless, and the ending lingers in the best, most haunting way.
If you love dark YA, twisted romance, or stories that feel like a whispered warning you shouldn’t ignore, this is an absolute must-read. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted to talk about it with everyone.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me by the collar from the very first line and never loosened its grip.

Izzie Crilly is one of the most unsettling characters I’ve read in a long time dark, enigmatic, and wrapped in an aura of danger that seeps into every page. The rumors surrounding her feel like urban legends you’d laugh off… until you can’t. And Augie? He’s painfully human: curious, conflicted, and trapped by his own need to understand what he should probably run from.

What makes this story special is the tension. It’s not just about what Izzie’s secret is it’s about the slow, creeping realization that curiosity has consequences, and some doors can’t be closed once opened. The relationship dynamic is twisted, uncomfortable, and brilliantly written, keeping you constantly questioning who holds the real power.

The atmosphere is deliciously morbid without being overdone, and the pacing is razor sharp. Every chapter pulls you deeper, making it impossible not to keep reading “just one more page.” By the end, I was stunned not just by the reveals, but by how cleverly the story plays with fear, obsession, and the cost of knowing too much.

If you love dark mysteries, eerie characters, and stories that linger in your mind long after you finish them, this is an absolute must read. Unforgettable, unsettling, and so worth the five stars

[Sharon Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

unsettling, and impossible to put down.
This book pulls you in with an eerie premise and never lets go. Izzie Crilly is the kind of character who lingers long after you’ve closed the book mysterious, dangerous, and quietly terrifying. From the start, there’s a constant sense of dread, like something is always about to go wrong, and that tension keeps the pages turning.
Augie is a compelling protagonist, painfully human in his fear and confusion. His relationship with Izzie feels claustrophobic in the best way, and the idea that death might be the only escape is chilling. The author does an excellent job blending psychological horror with teen drama, making every interaction feel loaded with consequence.
What really stands out is the atmosphere. The story is dark without being over-the-top, and the rumors surrounding Izzie slowly evolve into something far more disturbing. By the time the truth begins to surface, you’re fully invested and genuinely afraid for Augie.
If you enjoy morally complex characters, slow-burn horror, and stories that make you uneasy in all the right ways, this is a must read. Haunting, clever, and unforgettable.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooked me from the very first line. The premise is simple but chilling: people who get too close to Izzie Crilly don’t end well. What follows is a tense, atmospheric narrative that turns curiosity and romance into genuine threats. The sense of dread builds steadily, and every interaction with Izzie feels loaded with consequence.

I especially appreciated how the story handles Augie’s perspective. He isn’t swept away by love or obsession he’s trapped. That sense of inevitability, of knowing something is wrong but feeling powerless to escape it, gives the book real psychological weight. The mystery surrounding Izzie is handled perfectly: just enough is revealed to keep you guessing, but never so much that the danger loses its edge.

This is the kind of fiction that lingers after you finish reading. It’s eerie, well-paced, and emotionally tense, with a premise that feels fresh despite its simplicity. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy dark fiction, suspense, and stories where every choice feels like it might be the last.

[Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me fast with its eerie premise and never fully let go. Izzie Crilly is the kind of character you can’t stop thinking about dark, unsettling, and surrounded by rumors that feel a little *too* real. The idea that people who cross her end up hurt or worse creates a constant sense of dread, and Augie’s growing realization that he’s trapped in something dangerous makes the tension feel personal and claustrophobic.

I especially liked how the story plays with obsession, fear, and curiosity Augie knows he should back away, but the need to understand Izzie’s secret keeps pulling him closer. The atmosphere is moody and unsettling, and the consequences feel real, which raises the stakes throughout. That said, a few moments felt slightly predictable, and I wished some characters beyond Augie and Izzie had a bit more depth. Still, the concept is strong, the execution is chilling, and it left me thinking about it long after I finished. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy dark, mysterious stories with a dangerous edge.

[Optimistic Igo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, eerie, and sharply compelling, this story pulls you in with a chilling premise and doesn’t let go easily. Izzie Crilly is a fascinating character mysterious in a way that feels genuinely unsettling rather than exaggerated and the rumors surrounding her make every interaction pulse with tension. The idea that bullies get hurt and lovers end up dead adds a constant sense of dread that works extremely well.
Augie is a relatable protagonist: curious to a fault, trapped by his own fear and fascination. His growing realization that the only escape from the relationship might be death is both tragic and terrifying, and it gives the story real emotional weight. The atmosphere is consistently dark, and the morbid tone feels intentional and well crafted.
While a few moments could have benefited from deeper exploration or slightly slower pacing, the overall story is gripping and memorable. Fans of dark YA, psychological thrillers, and morbid romance will find a lot to enjoy here. Creepy, intriguing, and haunting definitely worth the read.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping, and irresistibly eerie, this story pulls you in from the very first line and never lets go. The premise is deliciously unsettling: a mysterious girl surrounded by rumors of pain and death, and a protagonist who realizes too late that curiosity can be lethal. Izzie Crilly is a hauntingly compelling character equal parts fascinating and terrifying while Augie’s dread feels raw, believable, and painfully human. The tension builds with every interaction, creating a constant sense of unease that keeps you turning pages just to see how much worse things can get. What truly stands out is the atmosphere: morbid, claustrophobic, and sharp, with stakes that feel terrifyingly real. This is a smart, chilling read that blends psychological horror with doomed romance in a way that feels fresh and unforgettable. Perfect for readers who love dark secrets, fatal attraction, and stories that linger long after the final page.

[Cynthia Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers a sharp, unsettling premise and keeps the tension high from the very first page. Izzie Crilly is a genuinely intriguing character dark, strange, and dangerous in a way that feels both supernatural and psychological. The idea that getting close to her comes with deadly consequences is compelling, and Augie’s growing fear as he realizes he’s trapped makes the stakes feel personal and intense.

The story shines most when exploring paranoia, rumors, and how fear spreads through a school. The atmosphere is moody and suspenseful, and the mystery surrounding Izzie keeps you turning pages. Augie is a relatable protagonist, even when his choices are frustrating, which makes his situation feel all the more real.

The pacing slows slightly in the middle, and a few plot points could have been explored more deeply, but overall it’s a gripping, creepy read that blends teen drama with horror effectively.

[lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, unsettling, and sharply paced, this story pulls you in with a killer hook and doesn’t let go. Izzie Crilly is the kind of character you can’t look away from mysterious, intimidating, and wrapped in rumors that feel just believable enough to be terrifying. Augie’s growing sense of dread is especially well done; his curiosity feels natural, and his fear escalates in a way that keeps the tension tight.

The book shines most in its atmosphere. There’s a constant sense that something is wrong, and every interaction with Izzie feels loaded with consequences. The concept is gripping, and the stakes are refreshingly high for a teen thriller.

That said, a few plot beats feel slightly rushed, and I would’ve loved a bit more depth in some of the side characters. Still, it’s a compelling, eerie read that delivers suspense, mystery, and a chilling twist. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy dark YA with sharp edges.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a strong hook and an eerie premise that immediately grabs attention. Izzie Crilly is an intriguing character dark, unsettling, and surrounded by rumors that make every interaction feel dangerous. The idea that simply being close to her carries deadly consequences creates real tension, and Augie’s sense of being trapped adds to the unease.

That said, the execution doesn’t always live up to the concept. Some plot beats feel predictable, and the mystery around Izzie’s secret takes a bit too long to meaningfully evolve. Augie is a relatable narrator at times, but his passivity can be frustrating, especially when the stakes are so high. A deeper exploration of character motivations and clearer rules around the “curse” would have strengthened the story.

Overall, it’s an atmospheric, creepy read with a compelling setup, but it falls short of its full potential. Fans of dark YA thrillers will still find plenty to enjoy.

[Hella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down, this story pulls you in from the very first line. Izzie Crilly is a chillingly fascinating character mysterious, unsettling, and surrounded by rumors that feel far too real. The tension builds steadily as Augie’s curiosity turns into fear, and every page deepens the sense that something terrible is inevitable.

What really stands out is the atmosphere: eerie, suspenseful, and emotionally charged without overdoing it. The relationship between Augie and Izzie feels claustrophobic and dangerous, making his desperation to escape painfully believable. The idea that knowledge itself could be fatal is handled brilliantly, keeping readers constantly on edge.

This is a sharp, haunting read that blends mystery and horror in a way that lingers long after the final page. If you enjoy dark secrets, unsettling characters, and stories that leave you breathless, this book absolutely deserves five stars.

[Josephine Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooks you from the very first line and never lets go. The premise is chilling, the tension perfectly paced, and the mystery surrounding Izzie Crilly is irresistible. Augie is a relatable, believable protagonist, and watching him get pulled deeper into a situation he never wanted creates a constant sense of dread that keeps the pages flying.

What really shines is the atmosphere dark, unsettling, and full of questions. The author masterfully blurs the line between rumor and reality, making every interaction feel loaded with danger. Izzie is especially compelling: eerie, complex, and impossible to look away from.

This is the kind of book that makes you stay up late “just one more chapter,” blending suspense, romance, and horror elements in a way that feels fresh and gripping. If you love mysterious characters, high stakes, and stories that keep you guessing until the end, this is an absolute must-read.

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story sinks its hooks in early and never lets go. What begins as a high school mystery quickly spirals into something far more chilling a razor sharp blend of suspense, dread, and emotional tension. Izzie Crilly is the kind of character who lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the book: unsettling, magnetic, and impossible to fully understand. Augie’s slow realization that curiosity can be just as fatal as fear is handled with painful precision, making every page pulse with inevitability.

What truly sets this book apart is its atmosphere. The dread isn’t loud or flashy; it creeps, whispers, and tightens around you until escape feels impossible. The relationships feel real, the stakes feel terrifyingly personal, and the central question what would you risk to know the truth? cuts deep. This is the kind of fiction that makes your heart race while leaving you unsettled in the best way. Dark, original, and

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a gripping mix of mystery, suspense, and creeping dread. Izzie Crilly is one of those characters you can’t stop thinking about dark, unsettling, and impossible to fully understand. From the moment she enters the story, the tension never lets up.

Augie is a strong, relatable lead whose curiosity slowly traps him in a relationship he never wanted, and that sense of being stuck drives the story forward brilliantly. The rumors, the danger, and the unanswered questions create a constant feeling that something terrible is coming and when it does, it hits hard.

The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is heavy, and the story knows exactly when to reveal just enough to keep you hooked. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a sinister edge and memorable characters, this is an easy 5-star read.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzie Crilly is the kind of character you can’t look away from mysterious, eerie, and walking the line between victim and threat. The premise is simple but effective, and the tension builds steadily as Augie realizes that curiosity might literally cost him his life.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere. There’s a constant sense of dread, and the rumors surrounding Izzie make every interaction feel dangerous. Augie is a believable narrator flawed, uncertain, and often making the wrong choices, which only makes the story more stressful in the best way.
The pacing lags slightly in the middle, and I wished a few side characters were more developed, but the payoff is worth it. Overall, this is a chilling, engaging read that blends teen drama with horror elements really well. Perfect if you like dark secrets and slow burn suspense.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, gripping, and utterly addictive. This story pulls you in from the first line and never lets go. Izzie Crilly is a chillingly fascinating character mysterious, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. The premise is sharp and original, blending suspense, psychological tension, and morbid curiosity in a way that feels fresh and dangerous.
Augie’s growing dread is palpable, and the stakes rise with every page. The writing does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere where romance feels like a trap and curiosity becomes a death sentence. Twists are handled brilliantly, keeping you guessing while the tension tightens relentlessly.
If you enjoy dark YA thrillers with eerie characters, high emotional stakes, and a haunting edge, this book is a must-read. It lingers in your mind long after the final page.

[Mane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is immediately gripping mysterious new girl, ominous rumors, and a relationship that feels more like a death sentence than a romance. Izzie Crilly is easily the most compelling part of the story, and the author does a good job building an unsettling atmosphere around her.

That said, the pacing wobbles. Some sections linger too long on repetition, while key moments that should hit harder feel rushed. Augie’s internal conflict is clear, but his decisions don’t always feel earned, which makes parts of the story frustrating rather than tense.

The book shines in concept and mood but would benefit from tighter plotting and deeper character development. Readers who enjoy dark, morbid YA thrillers will likely find this worth their time, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise.

[kayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grips you from the first line and never lets go. The premise is deliciously unsettling romance tangled with menace, curiosity punished by consequences far more lethal than expected. Izzie Crilly is a chillingly compelling character: eerie, magnetic, and impossible to look away from, while Augie’s mounting dread feels painfully real. The tension escalates with expert pacing, blending dark humor, horror, and psychological suspense into a narrative that constantly keeps you guessing. Every interaction crackles with unease, and the mystery surrounding Izzie is so intoxicating that you understand exactly why Augie can’t stop digging even when he knows it might kill him. Sharp writing, a morbidly fascinating concept, and a sense of inevitable doom make this an unforgettable read. Disturbing in the best way, it’s perfect for fans of dark romance and teen horror with teeth.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book thrives on atmosphere. From the moment Izzie Crilly appears, there’s an uneasiness that never fades. She’s dark, withdrawn, and unsettling in a way that goes beyond the usual “mysterious new girl” trope. There’s a clear pattern around her: people who bully her get hurt, and people who date her end up dead.

Augie is a compelling lead, driven by curiosity he can’t seem to shut off. When Izzie takes an interest in him, the story shifts from intrigue to quiet terror as he realizes he may be trapped in a relationship with no safe way out. The tension builds steadily, especially as clues begin to feel dangerous rather than revealing.

While a few moments could have gone deeper emotionally, the pacing is strong and the mood stays consistently dark. Overall, this is a gripping, eerie read that balances teenage relationships with genuine menace, making it well worth picking up.

[OLIVIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! The premise caught my attention immediately who hasn't felt trapped in a relationship? But raising the stakes from "awkward breakup" to "literal death" made this impossible to put down.
Izzie Crilly is a fantastic character; she walks the line between intriguing and terrifying perfectly. You can see exactly how Augie gets pulled into her orbit, and you feel his sheer panic as the walls start closing in. The author does an incredible job of building dread. Every time Augie thinks about leaving, the tension ratchets up another notch.
The way the "accidents" surrounding Izzie are described is chilling. If you love dark thrillers with a high school setting that feels like a horror movie waiting to happen, read this now. You’ll be screaming "RUN, AUGIE!" at the pages the whole time.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dark, addictive, and sharply written. The premise hooks you immediately, but it’s the execution that really shines. Izzie Crilly is unsettling in a quiet, dangerous way, and every rumor surrounding her makes the tension feel earned rather than exaggerated.

Augie’s situation is especially compelling his curiosity, fear, and sense of being trapped feel painfully realistic. The idea that a relationship can become a death sentence is explored with real suspense, not cheap shock. The pacing keeps the pressure on, and the atmosphere stays heavy from start to finish.

If you enjoy eerie, character-driven thrillers where danger feels unavoidable, this is a strong, memorable read and an easy five stars.

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, creepy, and compulsively readable, this story leans hard into atmosphere and it mostly pays off. Izzie Crilly is a memorably unsettling character, and the central mystery keeps the tension tight from the first page. The idea that curiosity itself can be dangerous gives the book a sharp edge, and Augie’s growing unease feels authentic and relatable.

That said, the pacing occasionally rushes past moments that deserved more breathing room, especially in the emotional beats of Augie’s choices. A little more depth there would have pushed this into five-star territory. Still, the premise is strong, the tone deliciously morbid, and the stakes feel real. Fans of eerie YA thrillers with a supernatural bite will definitely want to pick this up.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers a dark, fast-paced story that blends teen drama with eerie suspense in a way that’s hard to put down. Izzie Crilly is a compellingly creepy character mysterious, unsettling, and unpredictable and the rumors surrounding her make every interaction feel dangerous. Augie is a relatable protagonist, and his growing sense of dread as he realizes he’s trapped in something he never wanted is especially effective.

The tension builds steadily, and the premise keeps you hooked with its ominous “what’s really going on?” energy. The idea that curiosity itself could be fatal is well explored, and the story does a great job of showing how rumors, fear, and obsession can spiral out of control.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, sharp, and deliciously unsettling, this story leans hard into morbid charm and teenage dread. The new girl is a walking bad omen, and the rules around her are terrifyingly clear: hurt her and suffer, love her and die. What makes the book work so well is Augie himself `an everyman protagonist whose reluctance and mounting panic ground the supernatural elements in very real emotional stakes. The premise is clever, the tone consistently eerie, and the tension rarely lets up as Augie realizes that romance might be more lethal than hatred. While a few beats feel familiar and some side characters could use more depth, the novel’s voice and central hook are strong enough to carry it. A creepy, compulsive read that’s as fun as it is fatal.

[Kinnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a strong hook and a creepy premise that immediately pulls you in. Izzie Crilly is an intriguing character dark, unsettling, and surrounded by rumors that keep the tension high. The idea that simply getting close to her could be dangerous makes for an engaging mystery, and the atmosphere stays consistently eerie.

That said, while the concept is compelling, the execution doesn’t always live up to it. Some plot points feel predictable, and Augie’s lack of agency can become frustrating rather than suspenseful. The relationship dynamic is interesting at first, but it isn’t explored as deeply as it could be, which weakens the emotional impact.

[Alvina Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first page and never let go. The tension builds beautifully as Augie’s curiosity pulls him deeper into Izzie Crilly’s dark orbit, and the mystery surrounding her is genuinely chilling. Izzie is a fascinating character unsettling, compelling, and impossible to ignore and the way rumors, fear, and attraction collide makes the story feel intense and unpredictable. The pacing is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the atmosphere is deliciously creepy without being overdone. A gripping, haunting read that keeps you guessing right up to the end. Highly recommended for readers who love dark mysteries with a strong emotional edge.

[Melvin Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wickedly original and impossible to put down. The concept alone is enough to pull you in, but it’s the execution that really shines. The tension builds steadily, turning what starts as teenage curiosity into a deeply unsettling nightmare. Every chapter feels heavier than the last, and the sense of danger is constant and inescapable.

Izzie Crilly is fascinating in the most disturbing way quietly terrifying without ever needing to explain herself. Augie’s situation feels painfully real: trapped, afraid, and realizing too late that some mysteries come with consequences you can’t survive. The story thrives on unease, letting dread seep in slowly until it’s overwhelming.

[Charlotte Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is instantly gripping: a dark, mysterious girl whose relationships seem to end in injury or death. The atmosphere is creepy and tense, and the mystery around Izzie keeps the story moving.

However, while the concept is strong, the execution feels uneven. Augie’s lack of agency can be frustrating, and some plot turns are predictable, which dulls the suspense. The story is entertaining and moody, but it doesn’t fully dig into its own ideas as deeply as it could have.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable read with a great hook and solid vibes, but it falls just short of being truly memorable.

[Smith sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical high school drama. This is a psychological pressure cooker. The author takes the "Femme Fatale" trope and drops it right into the middle of a modern high school with devastating results.
What makes this a 5 star read for me is the atmosphere. Augie’s perspective is visceral; you can feel his helplessness. The narrative explores how fear can paralyze you, keeping you stuck in a situation long past the point of safety. Izzie is dark, mysterious, and genuinely scary without needing to be a caricature.
The pacing is breathless, leading to a climax that had my heart racing. A dark, twisted, and totally gripping read. Highly recommended!