Book Review: The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle
Who knows what terror lurks in them thar trees?
Recently, I was looking for new books to read, and I came across The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra. Once I saw the title and book cover, I knew I had to read it, and I’m glad I did. The story immediately plunges readers into a mesmerizing narrative that deftly intertwines horror, comedy, mystery, romance, and psychological thriller twists that creates a story as rich and captivating as it is unique. And its vibrant storytelling and strong character dynamics craft an experience that is not simply a journey into the supernatural but an exploration of human emotions and relationships.
Tyler Kyle is the novel’s snarky, witting, and darkly humorous main character who immediately draws readers into his complex world. Who is he? He is a thirty-year-old, washed-up actor turned reluctant cryptid investigator who sets out on a deeply person mission. The mission? Find his supposedly dead mother. He receives footage from a mysterious stalker that leads him to the eerie and secluded Echo Island. His quest promises to unravel dark and twisted secrets that force him to confront his own fears and desires, particularly those surrounding his relationship with his best friend Josh, who claims to like women. The novel presents a masterful balance of tension and chemistry between Tyler and Josh that becomes a slow-burn romance between the two.
Two things make this novel stand out. First, there is Westenra’s prose. It is at once hypnotic and lyrical, allowing readers to experience the full spectrum of emotions — from the panic and dread expected in a horror story to the tension of the romantic subplot. This, especially, comes across in the story’s character development. This storytelling dexterity keeps the story’s narrative grounded, even when the plot ventures into the fantastical and surreal.
The second is the story’s horror elements. This is one area that can make or break a story faster than someone can scream. Unlike some horror stories, this one does not rely on jump scares or graphic violence. Instead, it draws more on the deeply unsettling from its atmospheric and psychological elements. This much more subtle approach to horror, along with its moments of searing dark humor, makes the novel a standout in its genre.
Overall, The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle is a brilliantly crafted novel that isn’t easily shoved into a single category. It is a demonstration of the power of genre-blending in storytelling, and it gives readers a richly textured narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. For those seeking a story that combines the best elements of horror, comedy, and romance with strong character development and a captivating plot, this novel is a must-read.
