Review of The House on Tyner
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Review of The House on Tyner
[Following is a volunteer review of "The House on Tyner" by Matthew O’Connell.]
What happens when a former Major League Baseball star turned chef moves into a house with a gruesome past? You get The House on Tyner by Matthew O’Connell, a gripping ghost story that balances heart, humour, and suspense equally. This isn’t your typical horror novel—it’s a beautifully layered tale of loss, second chances, and, of course, a few ghosts who aren’t quite ready to leave the stage.
After being a star pitcher, everything in Jackson's life was a dream until one day it broke him entirely. He lost his wife and their two children in front of his eyes in a split second. It completely shattered Jackson, and he became depressed. Looking to keep his wife’s memory alive, he decided to change his profession completely and become a chef, concentrating on opening up a restaurant in Lake Tahoe. The location, in a sense, made sense, as it was covered in snow and distant from all the hustle and bustle; the village felt like a treasure chest full of secrets waiting for Jackson to explore.
Jackson’s search for a home leads him to Upper Tyner and a picturesque mountain house with a view to die for—literally. Five years prior, Michael Thompson, the house’s original owner, murdered his family before taking his own life. Undeterred by the dark history (or maybe just too practical to care), Jackson buys the house, moves in with his Siamese cat, Jaya, and starts rebuilding his life.
But this isn’t your standard "fixer-upper" story. Before long, Jackson notices strange things—symbols and messages appearing on walls, objects moving, drastic drops in temperature, and a ghostly little girl who looks suspiciously like Alexa, Michael’s daughter.
At first, Jackson blames his experiences on grief, stress, and a bit too much bourbon. But when Jaya begins hissing at invisible intruders and Alexa’s ghost keeps showing up with her innocent yet haunting presence, Jackson realises something is truly amiss. Scared but resolute, he dives headfirst into uncovering the truth about the house’s dark past.
Armed with determination and the help of some small-town allies—Lara, the witty local librarian; a history professor with a knack for the supernatural; and his supportive neighbours, Bryan and Richard—Jackson starts piecing together the puzzle. Why would a wealthy, successful architect like Michael Thompson snap so violently? And what is Alexa’s ghost trying to tell him?
As Jackson uncovers chilling secrets about the house’s former inhabitants, he confronts his grief. His connection with Alexa becomes a poignant thread in the story, turning what could have been a typical haunted house tale into an emotional journey that stays with you long after the last page.
What sets The House on Tyner apart is its ability to balance eerie suspense with genuine humanity. O’Connell crafts a world that’s as vivid as it is haunting. The house feels alive with its architectural quirks mirroring Jackson’s tangled emotions. The snowy landscapes of Lake Tahoe add a dreamy yet isolated backdrop, making you feel every chill—both literal and metaphorical.
O’Connell explores themes of trauma, generational pain, and redemption, leaving room for nuance and complexity. The ghosts here aren’t just spooky apparitions; they’re reflections of the lives they once lived, full of unanswered questions and lingering desires.
As Jackson works on opening his restaurant, O’Connell weaves in mouthwatering descriptions of food and wine, particularly Italian cuisine. It’s a delightful counterbalance to the darker elements of the story, and it brings Jackson’s character to life in a way that feels relatable and real. (Pro tip: Don’t read this book hungry.)
This book isn’t just for fans of ghost stories; it’s for anyone who loves a well-told mystery with a heart. The characters are richly developed, the pacing is impeccable, and the twists—oh, the twists! O’Connell drops hints like breadcrumbs, leading you to a finale that’s as surprising as it is satisfying. For example, you won't believe who murdered Michael's family.
Even the supporting characters, from Lara’s intellectual charm to Jaya’s feline sass, feel essential to the story. And while the novel delves into the paranormal, it’s not about scaring you senseless. It’s about exploring the unknown with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you gasp, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear, The House on Tyner is your perfect pick. It’s eerie without being over-the-top, emotional without being sappy, and thought-provoking without being preachy. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, ghost stories, or heartfelt dramas, this one’s bound to haunt your thoughts—in the best possible way. Moreover, the book is error-free. I also can't find anything to dislike in it. Thus, the novel earns a 5 out of 5 stars.
So, grab a blanket, pour yourself a glass of wine (Jackson would approve), and settle in for a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
******
The House on Tyner
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
What happens when a former Major League Baseball star turned chef moves into a house with a gruesome past? You get The House on Tyner by Matthew O’Connell, a gripping ghost story that balances heart, humour, and suspense equally. This isn’t your typical horror novel—it’s a beautifully layered tale of loss, second chances, and, of course, a few ghosts who aren’t quite ready to leave the stage.
After being a star pitcher, everything in Jackson's life was a dream until one day it broke him entirely. He lost his wife and their two children in front of his eyes in a split second. It completely shattered Jackson, and he became depressed. Looking to keep his wife’s memory alive, he decided to change his profession completely and become a chef, concentrating on opening up a restaurant in Lake Tahoe. The location, in a sense, made sense, as it was covered in snow and distant from all the hustle and bustle; the village felt like a treasure chest full of secrets waiting for Jackson to explore.
Jackson’s search for a home leads him to Upper Tyner and a picturesque mountain house with a view to die for—literally. Five years prior, Michael Thompson, the house’s original owner, murdered his family before taking his own life. Undeterred by the dark history (or maybe just too practical to care), Jackson buys the house, moves in with his Siamese cat, Jaya, and starts rebuilding his life.
But this isn’t your standard "fixer-upper" story. Before long, Jackson notices strange things—symbols and messages appearing on walls, objects moving, drastic drops in temperature, and a ghostly little girl who looks suspiciously like Alexa, Michael’s daughter.
At first, Jackson blames his experiences on grief, stress, and a bit too much bourbon. But when Jaya begins hissing at invisible intruders and Alexa’s ghost keeps showing up with her innocent yet haunting presence, Jackson realises something is truly amiss. Scared but resolute, he dives headfirst into uncovering the truth about the house’s dark past.
Armed with determination and the help of some small-town allies—Lara, the witty local librarian; a history professor with a knack for the supernatural; and his supportive neighbours, Bryan and Richard—Jackson starts piecing together the puzzle. Why would a wealthy, successful architect like Michael Thompson snap so violently? And what is Alexa’s ghost trying to tell him?
As Jackson uncovers chilling secrets about the house’s former inhabitants, he confronts his grief. His connection with Alexa becomes a poignant thread in the story, turning what could have been a typical haunted house tale into an emotional journey that stays with you long after the last page.
What sets The House on Tyner apart is its ability to balance eerie suspense with genuine humanity. O’Connell crafts a world that’s as vivid as it is haunting. The house feels alive with its architectural quirks mirroring Jackson’s tangled emotions. The snowy landscapes of Lake Tahoe add a dreamy yet isolated backdrop, making you feel every chill—both literal and metaphorical.
O’Connell explores themes of trauma, generational pain, and redemption, leaving room for nuance and complexity. The ghosts here aren’t just spooky apparitions; they’re reflections of the lives they once lived, full of unanswered questions and lingering desires.
As Jackson works on opening his restaurant, O’Connell weaves in mouthwatering descriptions of food and wine, particularly Italian cuisine. It’s a delightful counterbalance to the darker elements of the story, and it brings Jackson’s character to life in a way that feels relatable and real. (Pro tip: Don’t read this book hungry.)
This book isn’t just for fans of ghost stories; it’s for anyone who loves a well-told mystery with a heart. The characters are richly developed, the pacing is impeccable, and the twists—oh, the twists! O’Connell drops hints like breadcrumbs, leading you to a finale that’s as surprising as it is satisfying. For example, you won't believe who murdered Michael's family.
Even the supporting characters, from Lara’s intellectual charm to Jaya’s feline sass, feel essential to the story. And while the novel delves into the paranormal, it’s not about scaring you senseless. It’s about exploring the unknown with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you gasp, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear, The House on Tyner is your perfect pick. It’s eerie without being over-the-top, emotional without being sappy, and thought-provoking without being preachy. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, ghost stories, or heartfelt dramas, this one’s bound to haunt your thoughts—in the best possible way. Moreover, the book is error-free. I also can't find anything to dislike in it. Thus, the novel earns a 5 out of 5 stars.
So, grab a blanket, pour yourself a glass of wine (Jackson would approve), and settle in for a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
******
The House on Tyner
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Mastering The Art of Communication by Brent M. Jones
