Review of The House on Tyner

[Anuvedya Rajendran]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The House on Tyner" by Matthew O'Connell.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"The House on Tyner" by Matthew O'Connell is an enjoyable and intriguing read. It narrates the story of protagonist Jackson Taylor, a National League star pitcher, in the 1970s based in San Diego. He had it all, a beautiful loving wife, two adorable kids, and an accelerating career path. Jackson was in his prime form when a vehicle accident involving a drunk driver took away his wife and children. The tragedy left him scarred for life. Unable to continue in his profession because of anxiety attacks, Jackson soon moved to an alternative line of work, one that helped him to drown thoughts and memories of his family. He became a sous chef by 1988, following his late wife’s aspirations to open a restaurant near Lake Tahoe. With realtors’ assistance, Jackson set out to find possible locations for restaurants in Incline Village, Nevada. The Tyner house was not on his realtor’s list, but it instantly captured Jackson’s heart. Although the builder cum owner had killed himself, his wife, and their kids in the same house, Jackson made the firm decision that this was the right place for him. It felt like he hit the jackpot with the design, the view, and the price. He moved in with his Siamese cat, Jaya. In the form of wholesome friendships and neighbors who shared delicious food, wine, and stories, he discovered warmth and intimacy among the residents of Incline Village. Jackson never believed in ghosts, until he saw one in his new home, the ghost of a little girl who used to live there. Even though he was first terrified by the apparitions and paranormal activity, he began researching the past. The facts that emerged were shocking and far bigger than anyone could have imagined. This mystery-thriller book has superb character development and a fast-paced storyline. It has a good amount of suspense and foreshadowing that builds tension. I didn't find any aspects of the plot dislikable. The author has done justice to all characters. The story becomes much more visual with the help of the food references and vivid descriptions of the objects and places. With its frisky, lovable, and inquisitive nature, the cat is a charming addition. I observed the editing of the novel to be without mistakes as well. On a scale of one to five, it is a five.

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The House on Tyner
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