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Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy
Oliver was never a likable kid. Now that he’s dead, he’s even worse.
When Oliver returns to school five days after his death, no one is happy to see him, least of all Augie. Yes, Oliver is alive but barely. Something is wrong with him, something worse than being dead, and whatever it is, it’s spreading to Oliver’s friends. As those closest to him fall ill, Oliver’s health improves.
Augie is determined to find out what’s going on and figure out how to stop it before it takes the lives of his friends.
When Oliver returns to school five days after his death, no one is happy to see him, least of all Augie. Yes, Oliver is alive but barely. Something is wrong with him, something worse than being dead, and whatever it is, it’s spreading to Oliver’s friends. As those closest to him fall ill, Oliver’s health improves.
Augie is determined to find out what’s going on and figure out how to stop it before it takes the lives of his friends.
161 pages, ebook
Published August 14, 2022
33 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Joe Bright
9 books27 followersJoe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 27, 2022
3.5 stars
Mainly due the overabundance of primary characters, the least of which was the title character, Augie, lead me to this low rating.
As the story evolved, the author flooded the plot with a multitude of people, which may have been needed, but their introduction just added confusion to an already twisted plot. The story evolved from just Augie and the recently deceased Oliver to Augie's numerous friends, family members, police and Oliver's maniacal parents. Too much at one time.
The plot, while certainly not original, was entertaining. The right amount of humor, particularly from Ben's character, kept the story from becoming totally stale. And Augie's obsession with all things scary, horrific and paranormal becomes irritating about half way into the tale, which leads to Ethan's constant disparaging remarks.
While not spectacular by any means, this read at least passed the time.
Mainly due the overabundance of primary characters, the least of which was the title character, Augie, lead me to this low rating.
As the story evolved, the author flooded the plot with a multitude of people, which may have been needed, but their introduction just added confusion to an already twisted plot. The story evolved from just Augie and the recently deceased Oliver to Augie's numerous friends, family members, police and Oliver's maniacal parents. Too much at one time.
The plot, while certainly not original, was entertaining. The right amount of humor, particularly from Ben's character, kept the story from becoming totally stale. And Augie's obsession with all things scary, horrific and paranormal becomes irritating about half way into the tale, which leads to Ethan's constant disparaging remarks.
While not spectacular by any means, this read at least passed the time.
May 30, 2023
I enjoyed this YA novel. It would resonate well with readers who also enjoy Goosebumps books.
The story is entertaining. The characters were developed enough without giving massive back stories. I just wish the book was another 5 to 10 pages long, so we could find out a bit more about the after effects of the climax. I won't say more because of spoilers. Perhaps the second book will have a bit more on that. Overall, a good, light read. Definitely a safe read for a child that has an interest in the paranormal.
The story is entertaining. The characters were developed enough without giving massive back stories. I just wish the book was another 5 to 10 pages long, so we could find out a bit more about the after effects of the climax. I won't say more because of spoilers. Perhaps the second book will have a bit more on that. Overall, a good, light read. Definitely a safe read for a child that has an interest in the paranormal.
July 11, 2023
Such a fun read!
Didn’t expect the characters to be 14, and there were some moments I wasn’t fond of, but this was great! I appreciated the humor throughout, and the dialogue was well done. The only thing that I had a real issue with was in the beginning, it felt like a mix of first person perspective and third. The disconnect there made it start slow ad my mind had to keep rewinding the reminder that the main character was the narrator.
Thanks to the author for a fun story! I definitely want to read more!
- J’s lovebunch
Didn’t expect the characters to be 14, and there were some moments I wasn’t fond of, but this was great! I appreciated the humor throughout, and the dialogue was well done. The only thing that I had a real issue with was in the beginning, it felt like a mix of first person perspective and third. The disconnect there made it start slow ad my mind had to keep rewinding the reminder that the main character was the narrator.
Thanks to the author for a fun story! I definitely want to read more!
- J’s lovebunch
January 26, 2023
Loved this book
I enjoyed this book a lot more than expected! The characters are engaging and the storyline is interesting and fast-paced. Definitely interested in more books by this author.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than expected! The characters are engaging and the storyline is interesting and fast-paced. Definitely interested in more books by this author.
April 13, 2023
Good book
I liked Augie he saw what other people did not want to see!!: Even after all that happened his so called friends did not believe .To be honest the book would have been better without his "friends"!
I liked Augie he saw what other people did not want to see!!: Even after all that happened his so called friends did not believe .To be honest the book would have been better without his "friends"!
August 12, 2024
A short, fun read. I liked the characters and think it would be great if someone picked this up for a TV series. Looking forward to reading more in the series sometime.
December 28, 2023
In Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy by Dylan Blackwood, readers are thrust into a perplexing and eerie scenario. The story begins with Augie Doyle and his classmates witnessing the unexpected return of Oliver Hackl, who was declared dead just five days earlier. This baffling incident sets the stage for a riveting narrative that intertwines the paranormal with the mysteries of everyday life.
Augie, a character with a keen interest in the paranormal, is convinced that supernatural forces are at play. His determination to unravel the truth behind Oliver's reappearance propels the plot forward as he and his friends delve deeper into a web of mysteries and unexplained events. The novel excels in maintaining suspense, constantly posing questions about the reality of Oliver's death and the possibility of otherworldly influences.
The character development in this young adult novel is a standout feature. Augie and his friends – Ben, Ethan, Caleb, and Fiona – are portrayed with depth and authenticity, each contributing uniquely to their collective quest. Their interactions and the dynamics of their friendship add a layer of realism to the story, making the characters relatable to readers of all ages.
Blackwood's narrative style is engaging, successfully drawing readers into the heart of the mystery. The book's pacing is well-managed, keeping readers invested and eager to uncover the truth alongside the protagonists. Incorporating elements such as the mysterious Creeper character, who is rumored to be a voodoo priest, adds an intriguing and chilling aspect to the story.
While labeled as a young adult novel, Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy holds a broad appeal, captivating adult readers with its blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. The novel sets a high standard for the subsequent books in this series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Dylan Blackwood's novel is a commendable addition to the young adult genre, offering a story that is as much about the bonds of friendship and the resilience of youth as it is about solving a supernatural mystery. This book promises to engage, thrill, and leave readers pondering the thin line between reality and the paranormal.
Augie, a character with a keen interest in the paranormal, is convinced that supernatural forces are at play. His determination to unravel the truth behind Oliver's reappearance propels the plot forward as he and his friends delve deeper into a web of mysteries and unexplained events. The novel excels in maintaining suspense, constantly posing questions about the reality of Oliver's death and the possibility of otherworldly influences.
The character development in this young adult novel is a standout feature. Augie and his friends – Ben, Ethan, Caleb, and Fiona – are portrayed with depth and authenticity, each contributing uniquely to their collective quest. Their interactions and the dynamics of their friendship add a layer of realism to the story, making the characters relatable to readers of all ages.
Blackwood's narrative style is engaging, successfully drawing readers into the heart of the mystery. The book's pacing is well-managed, keeping readers invested and eager to uncover the truth alongside the protagonists. Incorporating elements such as the mysterious Creeper character, who is rumored to be a voodoo priest, adds an intriguing and chilling aspect to the story.
While labeled as a young adult novel, Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy holds a broad appeal, captivating adult readers with its blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. The novel sets a high standard for the subsequent books in this series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Dylan Blackwood's novel is a commendable addition to the young adult genre, offering a story that is as much about the bonds of friendship and the resilience of youth as it is about solving a supernatural mystery. This book promises to engage, thrill, and leave readers pondering the thin line between reality and the paranormal.
December 21, 2025
This book knows exactly what it is and executes it cleanly.
Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy blends sharp humor with genuine creep factor, and the balance works. Oliver’s return is unsettling from the start, and the slow realization that he’s getting stronger as others fall apart is handled with smart, escalating tension. The horror isn’t just in the body count—it’s in the wrongness of everything.
Augie is a strong, believable lead: obsessive, genre-savvy, and funny without being obnoxious. The skeptic-vs-believer dynamic with Ethan keeps the story grounded while the supernatural stakes rise. The pacing is tight, the mystery stays engaging, and the rules of the horror feel consistent which is where a lot of books in this lane fail.
Think Goosebumps energy with Stranger Things stakes, but darker and more self-aware. Creepy, fast, and entertaining, with enough bite to stand out in YA horror
Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy blends sharp humor with genuine creep factor, and the balance works. Oliver’s return is unsettling from the start, and the slow realization that he’s getting stronger as others fall apart is handled with smart, escalating tension. The horror isn’t just in the body count—it’s in the wrongness of everything.
Augie is a strong, believable lead: obsessive, genre-savvy, and funny without being obnoxious. The skeptic-vs-believer dynamic with Ethan keeps the story grounded while the supernatural stakes rise. The pacing is tight, the mystery stays engaging, and the rules of the horror feel consistent which is where a lot of books in this lane fail.
Think Goosebumps energy with Stranger Things stakes, but darker and more self-aware. Creepy, fast, and entertaining, with enough bite to stand out in YA horror
August 2, 2024
I really liked this book, loved the concept and I will be reading the rest of the series . Good series for young middle schoolers that like to read books with paranormal creepy things.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews