EERIE

by C.M. McCoy, Colleen Oefelein (Illustrator)

The sensational romantasy featured in PEOPLE Magazine and on INSIDE EDITION!

A missing sister. A deadly scholarship. A monster with a crush.

Eighteen-year-old Hailey Hartley has never had a normal life--her dreams bleed into reality, and the nightmares are getting worse. When her sister vanishes without a trace, Hailey's only clue leads her to a place no one's ever heard a secret university for the paranormally curious, hidden deep in the Alaskan wilderness.

She didn't think it was real. She definitely didn't say yes. But she got a full ride.

At ParaScience University, Hailey is thrown into a world of dangerous power, cryptic creatures, and classes that just might kill her. Her only guide? Asher--a brilliant, magnetic researcher who seems to know her secrets before she speaks them. His eyes burn with knowledge he shouldn't have, and when he touches her, the world trembles. He claims he's the only thing standing between her and a 3,000-year-old monster determined to drag her into the dark.
As secrets unravel and attractions ignite, Hailey must decide who to trust--and whether the creature who swears he's protecting her might also be the biggest threat of all.

Magic, monsters, and mayhem await. Enrollment is mandatory. Survival is extra credit.

Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches, From Blood and Ash, and Zodiac Academy, EERIE blends dark academia, forbidden love, and supernatural suspense into a gripping, mostly warm romantasy where monsters are real, dreams are dangerous, and love is lethal.

"Our GET IT!" -- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Fantasy

528 pages, Hardcover

Published December 15, 2025

About the author

Yay! See the great things Kirkus Reviews had to say about EERIE: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

I'm an Irish dancer and retired Air Force officer living in the Great White North. Though I hold a B.S. in chemical engineering and German, I'm far happier writing stories involving Alaska and monsters (with an awkward kiss in the mix.) While working 911 dispatch for Alaska State Troopers, I learned to speak in 10-codes, which I still do...but only to annoy my family. In the writerly world, I'm the PR Manager at Inklings Literary Agency. My debut novel, EERIE, is a teen paranoramal with romance and released 15 Dec 2015 through Omnific Publishing/Simon and Schuster. It was featured in an April 2016 issue of PEOPLE. My work is represented by Michelle Johnson.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is one of the best young adult paranormal romance books I have read this year. For a debut novel, CM McCoy has done an impressive job. It includes many elements that I love: it is dark, quirky, suspenseful, and often hilarious.

Eerie is a multilayered tale with threads that may not initially make sense, yet they mesh beautifully. The writing is well-crafted, unique, fun, and magical, while also being heartbreaking at times. What makes it even more exciting is its unpredictably strange nature, which is undeniably appealing. The cast of characters is extensive, featuring banshees, ghosts, carnivorous splinters, murderous staplers, bookworms, poltergeists, and more. You will find some characters that you love to hate and others that you hate to love.

You may find yourself torn between crying and laughing out loud. This is one of those books that can send chills down your spine or make you feel like you've lost your sanity along the way.

This book is a gem that needs to be uncovered page by page, layer by layer; therefore, I won’t give away any spoilers.

But the ending... I eagerly wait for the next book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I spent quite a bit of it thinking that, if it was a romance, it was a super toxic and awful one, and then reveals started happening. Now? This is probably the first time I’ve ever read the “sneak peak” at the end of the book because I needed at least a baseline of what happened next.

This book follows Hailey Hartley through her last few months of high school and her first semester of college, all the while she is coping with the violent murder of her sister who was supposed to attend college with her. She ends up choosing to study at Bear Towne University in Alaska, which has a paranormal program.

The building of the paranormal world in this is so cool, and I loved it even during the parts where I thought the romance and potential love triangle was red flag-infested and annoying. There are so many unique aspects to the school environment that I haven’t read anywhere else like tunneling earworms, actual bookworms, zombies that function as part of society, carnivorous splinters, man eating trees, yetis, and the Envoys.

I would say calling this similar to a PG-13 Zodiac Academy, without as much bullying, is an accurate statement. Hailey is pretty reminiscent of Darcy Vega as well, and there is definitely a star crossed lovers aspect to the story. One of my favorite things to come out of the book throughout was Hailey’s developing friendship with her banshee roommate Giselle.

I am so looking forward to book 2 when it comes out. I have so many questions, and I need answers.

Thank you to C.M. McCoy, the publisher, and BookSirens for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jannie Krout · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you for letting me be an arc reader. This book was a big page turner for me. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter. The book left me, wanting to know which direction this was gonna go from the very beginning because I very much felt like I was riding along this journey as Hailey was. It was well written well thought out , and I’m very excited for book two. I have so many questions from where this left off and I didn’t see it coming.

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so confusing (IN THE BEST WAY)! I loved how I felt lost in the world and there was so much I had to learn along the way to survive… I loved the FMC she seemed very brave and somehow relatable despite us not having much in common. It was also great watching her try to decide what is best for her and her life… BUT THE END??? Shocked!!!! 😮

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars

Eerie by C. M. McCoy

This is the first book by the author that I’ve read. I have to say the books I’ve been reading lately are making it hard for me to choose which one is my favorite. Eerie gives me a whole other place to run to when I get lonely and want to run. Asher, Fin, and Hailey are really fun, but can be very confusing. You’ll have to read to get what I mean.

Hailey never thought she would be alone in the world. Without her sister, her parents, or her Uncles. She did have Holly until she took out the trash and never returned. Her Uncles did find her, but it wasn’t good news. Then the bartender, Fin, left her after the funeral of her sister. They were friends, or so she thought. Then there was the guy from her dreams who she didn’t have a name for. Well, not until he told her his name, Asher. She says this to a boy who is trying to hit on her: “No, that’s not it at all, Tage, I just… I don’t… well, I certainly don’t want to hear all about it in history class tomorrow, and even if the galloping gossipers didn’t find out about it directly, they’d sense that something juicy was afoot with their hag antennas— not that you were going to kiss me in the first place, or that I was daydreaming about it on the boat, because I only thought about it for a second when you told me how much you enjoyed seeing Holly and me dancing…”

Asher is an Envoy and is not supposed to be on Earth. He’s supposed to be in the Ather and he can’t go home until one of the girls dies. Holly died and he didn’t do anything to stop it because if he did then he would reveal who is supposed to die. Envoys aren’t supposed to get human feelings because they’re not human and they can die if they do get human emotions. Asher starts to feel these feelings and he wants nothing, but for the other Envoys to go home so he can be with Hailey. He tells Hailey this when they are getting ready for a dinner neither of them want to be at: “Cobon will find us tonight, Hailey. It’s better if we meet him here. He won’t hurt you— I promise. Remain calm in here, Hailey. Do not feed into his madness. Do not enrage him.”

[Amber Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerie by C.M. McCoy is a fantastic fantasy book. I loved it and was sucked in quick. I am big fan of Fin. Which after you read you will understand. Asher is interesting and made me go back and forth several times, especially since he doesn’t understand emotions, but he is learning. But you will cheer big for Hailey and her roommate Gisselle. Oh, and I can’t forget Tomas. Ok so I would say so much more, but I don’t want to ruin the book it’s just so good. Ok so I can say this book is great, and there are so many secrets surrounding Hailey and Holly’s family that it keeps you guessing. This is one you cannot figure out right out the gate. But the end!!! OMG! Seriously HAVE TO HAVE THE NEXT BOOK!! Why did you leave us with the end…and not the end!!

[Stacy Nardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RIDICULOUSLY LOVED THIS BOOK! I never wanted to put it down and I would be over the moon to see these characters come to life for a live action movie! I actually read it twice and I have never done that. Seriously, this book would make the BEST movie! The writer does a great job of changing angles for each of the important figures as the book pivots perspective. I was surprised at the ending (and maybe a little distraught) and even more shocked to find how much my personal view of a main character changed from the beginning to the end. This is a must read book and I will be giving it as a gift to several book-worm friends! PLEASE write book 2 ASAP!!!

[Marcy Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book and I cannot wait for book 2!! Been waiting years for it, in fact.

I love Hailey’s character and how you felt the highs and lows she felt. CM McCoy truly draws you in from the first page and you can’t help but need to complete the book.

The dynamic between Hailey, Fin & Asher makes you flip-flop on what Hailey should do. But secrets and lies tear her apart and you feel as traumatized as Hailey through all of the things she goes through with those two men.

Giselle cracks me up and you can’t help but long for her and Hailey to truly become friends. Frankly, who wouldn’t want to be friends with Giselle? Except maybe Fin of course!! LOL She is so awesome and one of my favorite side-kicks in books.

Hailey is such a lovable character that you only want her to survive & thrive, but will she? Everything about who she is IS stacked against her. Everyone around her seems to only want to use her for some nefarious scheme or another that it’s hard to know who to root for!!

CM McCoy’s writing instantly draws you in and keeps you wanting more. She has such a gift bringing you into the story with the characters. Her writing just flows, if you know what I mean, and is so easy to be captivated be all the characters you cross.

I read this book multiple times years ago when it first came out and never forgot about it, ever, and I’ve read hundreds & hundreds of books since then. To say I’ve been waiting for book two forever is not a lie and I’ve been so excited knowing I’ll get to read it soon!! This one by far is one of my all time favorites.

Highly recommend this book/series. I am positive the next book will be as good if not better than the first. So excited!

[Ellie Ch Barvik]

⭐ 3.5 Stars for me ⭐️

This book has a truly engaging atmosphere, and one of my favourite aspects was the world-building. The concept of a University located in the middle of nowhere is unique and intriguing, and it gave me a subtle sense of Hogwarts-like charm that I really enjoyed.🤩

The story also shifts direction quite abruptly. The opening section is strong and sets up clear expectations, but it changes at the University, the tone and pacing changed. At times the narrative felt a little disjointed, and I occasionally found it challenging to follow what was happening. That said, the unpredictability also made the reading experience unique, and there were moments where the strangeness became refreshing in an unexpected way.☺️

I did have one significant issue, and that was the love triangle involving Hailey and the two guys. While I understand that love triangles are a common and often beloved element. Sometimes they work well for me, but unfortunately this one didn’t land. Both love interests treat Hailey poorly, toy with her emotions, and even humiliate her and so many other things which made it difficult for me to believe in Hailey’s strong romantic attachment to either of them. I struggled to connect with that.
I love villains, gray characters, bad boys and so, but only when they behave differently with their love interest aka i'm gonna burn the world for you and so on 😅.

I really enjoyed several of the secondary characters, especially the developing friendship between Hailey and Giselle. Their dynamic added warmth and balance to the story. 🩷

Overall, this was an intriguing and imaginative read with strong world-building and memorable supporting characters. While the romantic elements weren’t quite for me, readers who enjoy intense love triangles may feel differently.

I'd totally see myself rate it 5* if that love interests and their relationships were different. ☺️ But of course everyone likes it differently 😁, so no hate for that at all, just not for me ☺️.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very pleasantly surprised with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the world that was created around the paranormal. I was afraid it would be a little too YA for me but it wasn’t at all. Hailey is straight out of high school and into her first year of paranormal college, so keep that in mind when choosing this book if that age range is not your style. There was romance but not much spice 🌶️, which to be honest was quite refreshing in the world of “romantsy” today. I wouldn’t say that the writing style was the absolute best I’ve ever read, but it did the job and kept me engaged and wanting to find out what would happen next. The pacing was a bit off and confusing at times, but it didn’t distract too much from the story. My major complaint throughout the whole story is the way the two male characters treated Hailey. Both are love interests but both suck at being the kind of man a girl would want to be with. There are reasons for both of their behaviors, which you can decide if that gives them a pass or not, but Hailey is very young and innocent and kind of just takes the mistreatment when I wanted to yell at her to stand up for herself. Though I suppose her being such a good, light soul is the reason the men chose her to begin with. I just kept hoping for a little more fight in her. The world building was so fun and a refreshing take on the paranormal. I hope to learn more about Tomas and where he came from and why he latched onto Hailey and her hair. I also hope Matthew is okay after the last bit of action at the end. Team Giselle because you always need a friend to tell you how it is without the fluff. I wish such a college existed, I’d sign up immediately. Anyways, give this book a shot, you won’t be disappointed and I will be one of the first in line when the second comes out later this year.

✨I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.✨

[Ariel Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Breakdown: Characters 9/10 · Atmosphere 9/10 · Writing 8/10 · Plot 8/10 · Intrigue 8/10 · Logic 8/10 · Enjoyment 10/10 · Genre-specific 10/10
Tropes: Fish out of water, love triangle
Spice:🌶️(1/5) A couple kisses and raised heart rates

Eerie is a compelling paranormal romance that excels in atmosphere, character development, and unpredictability. Initially, paranormal elements' clarity is withheld, allowing understanding to unfold gradually alongside the FMC. Rather than creating confusion, this approach strengthens immersion and builds a steady sense of anticipation (Atmosphere 9/10).

The character work is a standout, particularly in the two MMCs, who are written as strong and effective opposites. McCoy reveals their backgrounds in thoughtful layers, providing just enough history to deepen investment without disrupting pacing. This balance made the relationships feel dynamic and well-earned (Characters 9/10).

Plot-wise, Eerie avoids the predictability common in the romance genre. I was consistently engaged, questioning motivations, allegiances, and where the story would ultimately lead. That sense of intrigue—never confusing, but always compelling—was one of the book’s greatest strengths (Intrigue 8/10).

Overall, the writing is solid (8/10), the plot is cohesive (8/10), and within its genre, Eerie stands out (Genre-Specific 10/10). Romance is present but low-spice (limited to kisses and emotional tension), making this an accessible read for both longtime paranormal romance fans and readers new to the genre. This is a book I will happily reread and strongly recommend to veteran paranormal genre readers and those looking to dip their toes in, perhaps for the first time. I eagerly await book two, as it will be an immediate read upon release.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when someone has you marked for death but there’s another who should and doesn’t want you killed?
Well that’s exactly the dilemma Asher is dealing with throughout Eerie. The author brings the reader into a fantasy supernatural world that pulls the reader in. A mystery of whodunit as well as who is after me, will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages to see what happens next.
Asher can’t stand to see her hurt or sad, which is wrong. He is an Envoy and feelings shouldn’t matter, but this girl Hailey is different. He wants her to grow and succeed but he wants to be the one at her side as she does?
Hailey and Holly have plans, she just needs to graduate high school first. That is until Holly is murdered and Hailey can’t seem to accept she is gone. She knows about the Envoys and knows they want her as well. What doesn’t realize there are plenty of people who have been tasked with protecting her. When she receives the letter of acceptance to Beare Towne for Her and Holly she knows she needs to go. But there’s danger lurking Beare Towne is the safest and not place she could be, however she’s not currently aware of that. Once she arrives things start to unfold and Asher, her friend from her dreams is there in front of her.
What will happen?
Will Asher continue to keep her safe?
Will Hailey find out Asher was there the night Holly was murdered?
So many questions and not enough room to put them all here. So your option is to read the book! I took a chance this is not my normal read and I didn’t want to put it down. Now it’s your turn…

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey’s life has never been normal. Her dreams blur into reality, the nightmares keep getting worse. When her sister disappears, leaving behind a bloody shoe, the only clue she has leads her to a secret university hidden deep in the Alaskan wilderness. The school studies the paranormal. She did not believe it existed until she was accepted with a full ride even though she never even applied..

ParaScience University is not at all what Hailey hoped for. The campus is dangerous and full of secrets. Plus there is Asher, the boy from her dreams (literally), who claims he is the only thing standing between Hailey and an ancient monster determined to claim her.

Eerie is dark, strange, funny, and completely unpredictable. The worldbuilding is wild in the best way, packed with ghosts, banshees, creepy objects, and characters you will love instantly. The story slowly unfolds piece by piece, and nothing is quite what it seems.

This book hooked me from the first chapter. Hailey is brave, relatable, and easy to root for. Asher is dark and mysterious with a soft side. And that ending shocked me. I need book two immediately.

If you love dark academia, supernatural suspense, and complicated love interests, this one is absolutely worth reading. I am anxiously awaiting the next instalment!

[Melissa Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey Hartley has never been normal, she suffers from utterly realistic dreams that often she immediately cant remember and a fire in her childhood that her parents died in and now its just her sister and "uncle" running an Irish pub, which at least allows her to keep her one love, dancing.

When her sister suddenly goes missing with only a disturbing clue left behind, Hailey is on a mission to find her sister, or at least...what happened to her as everyone seems to be keeping secrets.

But the clues lead to a university in Alaska that she suddenly has a full scholarship to but knows near nothing about, but wanting answers about her sister she goes.
Instant attraction also ignites in a very forbidden pairing leaving her with even further confusion. Shes told by a monster with a inappropriate crush her death can release thousands year old beast from his chains so she'd being protected, but is that the truth?
Who can she trust in a school where the trees are alive and paranormal abounds... is she really being protected or is something more sinister trying to take over?
This one will hook you quick with a loveable main character, slow burn and dark romance and that paranormal academy quirk we all love.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read in the fantasy romance genre. It has everything you would want in a paranormal young adult read. There is tragedy right at the beginning that sets the tone for the whole book. The FMC is close with her family until something happens and she just can't be in the same spot anymore because of the memories that she relives. She decides to get as far away as possible when attending college and ends up where the students all have a hidden secret. The intrigue that the author takes the reader on is fascinating. I kept turning pages to see what was going happen next. You will fall in love with all the characters because even flawed they are beautiful. There is suspense and mystery and secrets that will keep you hanging on every word that is written on the pages. The emotions that are written will have the reader keeping those emotions as they read. I found this read to be a fast paced read because of everything that was going on. It is very multifaceted and is complicated to explain but not to follow while reading. I can't wait to read more from this author and this book will definitely become a reread for me in the future. I would give more but I feel like I wouldn't be able to stop myself from spoiling it if I gave even the slightest detail. It is a must read.

[Heather Knalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Holly and Hailey have been living with their Uncle Pix since their parents died when their house caught fire. The case of the house fire has never been solved but Hailey remembers things that people would say that she was crazy if she told them. The girls work in their uncle’s pub and other than classes and the pub that’s pretty much all they do. However for the longest time now Hailey has been having the strangest dreams involving the most gorgeous man she has ever seen with purple eyes and he has told her many times in her dreams that he’s an Envoy. Now she sister Holly has gone missing after taking trash out at the bar and all that was found was Holly’s shoe with her severed foot still in it. Hailey knows something strange is going on and the people around her including her Uncle Pix, her grandfather and her great uncles all know more than they are letting on. They know who or what has taken Holly and is not telling her. Since Holly’s disappearance Asher the Envoy from her dreams has shown up in human form and is interfering even though he shouldn’t be. Hailey is still trying to figure things out and things just continue to get more strange. What is really going on and what does it have to do with her and her past?

[Krystal Compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eerie by C. M. McCoy isn’t something I would normally pick up — and that honestly made being completely hooked even more surprising.

Hailey is compelling, and you feel every high and low right along with her. The dynamic between Hailey, Fin, and Asher constantly had me second-guessing what I wanted for her — and what she should do. Secrets and lies blur the lines so much that it’s hard to know who to trust, and that uncertainty adds to the emotional intensity of the story. At times I wanted to sob, fight them all, and was caught in constant love-hate feelings.

Giselle was an instant favorite. She brings moments of humor and lightness that balance out the heavier themes, and I found myself genuinely hoping she and I would become real friends.

C. M. McCoy’s writing flows effortlessly, with top-notch details that make it easy to get lost in the story. Even when everything feels stacked against Hailey, you can’t help but root for her to survive and find her footing — especially when you’re unsure who is truly on her side.

And those knocks… those thuds… yeah. I just knew it. (I guessed it right). iykyk.

I’m hooked — and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Eerie by C.M. McCoy is a captivating blend of paranormal suspense, romance, and dark academia that pulled me in from the very first chapter. It gives ‘Zodiac Academy’ vibes – but with its own unique flare and identity.
The novel follows Hailey, a relatable and determined heroine whose life takes a sharp turn when she’s drawn into a world where monsters are real, love can be dangerous, and trust is a rare commodity.
Ms. McCoy’s worldbuilding is rich and immersive – and the paranormal/supernatural elements feel fresh - where the rules of this Eerie universe are revealed in tantalizing layers.
The story leaves things a little ‘open’ - hopefully setting the stage for a series to come – yet it still delivered a satisfying mix of closure and anticipation.
Eerie is perfect for fans of paranormal/fantasy who crave danger, mystery, and a romance that keeps you guessing. It’s a thrilling first installment that promises even more twists to come.
Can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Happy Reading…

[Candida Furbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. This isn't a genre I read very much of but I am so glad I decided to dive right into this one. This book had me going through so many emotions. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I found this story to be original and rich in detail. There is an array of diverse characters that you will love and some you will hate. This book is dark, dangerous, sad, funny, and some much more. Hailey is extremely strong in a lot of ways and naive in so many others. I enjoyed watching her grow and change with all the things that have happened to her and the new things she has learned. I was a big fan of Giselle, Hailey's roommate from the moment she was introduced. There are so many more things I could say and point out but I don't want to give anything away. I will just say this is a mullet read and I can't wait for book two to come out. I highly recommend this book.

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

What…. I need more. This is my first ever read by C.M. McCoy and I promise it will not be the last. I am one of those girlies that sees a dark academia and will instantly be like yes when can I start it. This past week of nothing but the below freezing temps and ice covering everything was my perfect chance to dive in and take my time. That said I in fact did not take my time, I raced through the pages as quickly as I could to find out more. Even when they made me rage quit reading because of the emotional rollercoaster I couldn’t stay away for more than thirty minutes before I came rushing back. That slow burn will have you ready to pull out her hair sometimes as you know all and just…. ugh say it already. I’m already planning my first reread of this one so that I can truly appreciate all the little hints and foreshadowing moments that built on every aspect of this story. Anyone else hoping for a second book in this series like yesterday? Lol.

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I entered EERIE with the anticipation of truly creepy reading, but what it gave me instead was an atmosphere so thick with tension that it sucked me in from the very first page. The writing is sharp and immersive, making every shadow, sound, and silence feel intentional and disconcerting. I loved how the story builds dread so slowly and without cheap scares-it kept me wondering at all times. The characters seemed real and imperfect, making the eerie things happen to hit even harder. There were points at which I had to step back and breathe because of how intense the suspense was. The pacing was great, neither dragging nor rushing the reveals at all. By the end, it would prove to be just the right kind of fulfilling and creepy. This is definitely a five-star must-read for people like me who enjoy dark, morose tales lingering in memory long after the final page has been turned.

[Amber Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey has been dealt some serious hits in her life. First her parents die when she was little and now her sister had been killed. Not believing her sister is dead she searches for her until her uncles let her know the bad news. Trying to move on with her life, she excepts a scholarship to a hole in the wall University up in Bear Towne Alaska. She begins to see that being human among the paranormal at school might be more than she can handle. Having a target on your back as soon as you get there does not help. Especially when the professor that seems to run the school is also the one who you see in your dreams. As well as the so-called family friend, Fin, who is supposed to watch out for you has you dodging all the signals he keeps throwing your way. Can Hailey handle life without her sister or will being around Asher and Fin get her the answers she is really looking for.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading EERIE, I expected a typical YA fantasy story that kept my attention for as long as I was reading it and no more. However, this book had so much more to offer and I found that once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I absolutely loved reading about Hailey. There as something about her character that drew to me her and I found myself becoming invested in her journey so easily.
The overall story was so interesting. It had a refreshing take in terms of what it had to offer and I couldn’t stop myself from reading this book. The author has created a world that is unique and completely captivating. This was a brilliant book, and even better because it isn’t what I expected.

[Heather Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

EERIE was my first time reading C.M. McCoy, and the strongest part of this book is its atmosphere. The remote Alaska setting and dark academic vibe are immersive and consistently eerie, making the world feel unique and well thought out. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, and the paranormal elements are introduced in a way that keeps the story engaging without becoming overwhelming.

The main character is relatable, and the slow-burn pacing allows the mystery and worldbuilding to really shine. While this wasn’t completely my usual style, it’s a solid and creative paranormal story that I would recommend to readers who enjoy dark academia, supernatural mysteries, and mood-driven storytelling.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey Hartley is dealing with a life changing tragedy when she decides to attend Bear Town University in Alaska for college. A school to study the parascience has Hailey's interest peaked but not everything is as it seems. She meets Asher who isn't supposed to garner feelings for Hailey, but he does. He wants to keep her safe, but there is more to Asher then meets the eye and he is doing his best to keep Hailey safe. Can he or will he be the worst thing for her?

This was complicated but in a very fantastical way. You think the story is going one way to have it change paths into something else. I liked all the characters in this and was captivated until the very end. Definitely leaves you yearning for book two right away. Entertaining read.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerie by C.M. McCoy is an amazing paranormal romance. Hailey and Holly Hartley work at their uncle’s Irish Pub and Irish Dash there too. They were very close until the day Holly was murdered. Haiely wanted to put as much distance at she could between her home in Pittsburgh and the college that she planned to attend. This finds Hailely at a very unusual school in Alaska where creatures of all kinds attend classes. The world that McCoy creates pulls you into college with Hailey. I didn’t want to put this book down. This story has multiple layers that build upon each other and so many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

[Alicia Furlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm having trouble deciding on rating this book between a 3 and a 4. It had its ups and downs for me. Overall, I did enjoy most of it, so I've rated it as a 4. I think the world-building and paranormal/fantasy elements are well-thought-out and well-written. I thought the book was long and moved very slowly in parts. I had issues with the two love interests and their interactions with Hailey. I feel like they led her around, and she let them. It was hard to reconcile that with the heroine she's supposed to be. I think overall that's my biggest issue with the storyline. After that cliffhanger (I was not expecting), I will definitely be reading the next book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerie is the first book I have read from C.M.McCoy and it will not be the last. From the very start, I was captivated by the imagery and immersion of the writing. Everything flows so smoothly and leads to logical outcomes. The characters were well written and easy to follow, and the dialogue was realistic and not over exaggerated. I love that this book is favorable for youth or adults, as the content is not TOO childish and neither too adult. There are alot of emotions and in-depth scenarios that are great teaching moments about our character and how we handle things. I loved this book so much I will be waiting the 2nd book, and re-reading this one incase I missed anything. Very well done!

[Helen Sucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey Hartley enrols in Bear Towne University, Alaska after the disappearance of her twin sister Holly, desperate for a fresh start away from all the weirdness of her “normal” life. But really, when you sign up to study ParaScience at a campus full of secrets; where the forest is alive with carnivorous trees & restless spirits, and dangerous entities swearing protection stalk her every moment: what else do you expect?

A full ride scholarship – check.
Forbidden love affair – check.
Consequences she cant understand, complications at every turn and a love triangle she never anticipated??

Read EERIE to the final, dramatic page and find out…………………

[Jamie Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The roller-coaster of emotions that I had from reading this book was insane! I absolutely could not put it down and was very thankful to have a few days off work to get lost in this story! I need the second book ASAP! Someone said this would make a great movie, and I agree completely. I love paranormal stories and this one was really unique. I do like Hailey's character as well as many others. If you enjoy paranormal and books that you just can't put down, this is absolutely one you need to read!