On the Edge of the Woods

by Diane Tyrrel

Book Overview

A dazzling tale of a thoroughly modern woman who falls in love with the house of her dreams--only to have it turn into her ultimate nightmare. It's a turn-of-the-century rambling manor in the shadows... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0739439952
• ISBN13: 9780739439951
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 359 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Hail the New Queen of Gothic Romance!

I grew up reading authors like Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart and later Barbara Michaels. After reading ALL of their books, I've spent years looking for another romantic suspense author to fill the vacancy. I've found it with Diane Tyrell. Wonderful characters, nicely layered plot, lush descriptions of Northern California...fabulous! The romance between the two lead characters was sultry, touching and smart. Loved it!!!

An excellent page-turner...

I just finished "On the Edge of the Woods". Since the other reviewers have detailed the plot, I'll just tell you what I thought about it. I *loved* it. It has that John Grisham, Danielle Steele stay-up-til-2 a.m.-reading-when-you-really-should-be-sleeping quality to it. I have to admit, when I first saw it, I was mainly drawn by the picture of the old house on the cover. I love old houses, and unlike a previous reviewer, I enjoyed the in-depth details of the main house and the other dwellings on the former estate. I'm not usually one for romance novels other than an occasional Danielle Steele, but this one had me hooked. I couldn't put it down. It had me dreaming along with the main character, Stacy. It had me laughing in a few spots, and even had me peering over my shoulder nervously while reading the creepy parts. Delicious suspenseful fun. I'm kinda bummed out that I finished it already, but it's the kind of book that once you see how it ends, you want to read it again to see the connections completely. Five stars for the book and for Diane Tyrrel. Diane, if you're reading this, please keep churning out the books! I'm your newest fan. I've added her April 2005 release "On Winding Hill Road" to my wish list. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Crafty Novel of Gothic Suspense

Ms. Tyrrel's debut novel is filled with sensual romance set against the backdrop of an old home replete with a haunting history. When San Francisco architect Stacy Addison decides to buy a mountain home away from the bustle of the city, she finds the perfect property in the Sierra Mountains. Though in a state of disrepair, the price is right, and Stacy purchases the beautiful rambling home whose former elderly owner, Mrs. Shapiro, is now residing in a nursing home. Stacy is immediately attracted to her new neighbor, photographer Brand Vandevere, who lives in a nearby remodeled barn with his cousin Tess and housemate Saul. Upon learning that Brand had originally wanted Stacy's home for his own, Stacy remains conflicted about her feelings for him, as his moody, brooding nature confuses her. The suspense continues to escalate when Stacy receives threatening phone calls at her apartment and architectural firm in San Francisco, and she is forced to permanently relocate to her new home. The attraction between Stacy and Brand ignites in a sizzling love scene at a fourth of July picnic, but Brand leaves for a hiking expedition soon afterwards, and his off again/on again girlfriend Alana is a constant presence at the barn. Stacy alternates between missing Brand and wondering if he is the person behind the vicious phone calls, even as she becomes disturbed by the constant premonition that someone is coming into her home while she is absent. This crafty novel of romance and suspense culminates in a breathtaking conclusion that will leave the reader eagerly anticipating this new author's next novel.

A modern day gothic!

Brand had wanted to buy the house on the edge of the woods, but the chance was taken when Stacy buys it first. The rambling old place perfectly suited her, though it had need of more repairs than the Addam's family manor. Soon, her problems become more complex than a leak or a closet that needs to go. Someone is leaving creepy messages and sabotaging her plans. The pranks have a deadly edge, and she wonders if Brand might go to extremes to get the house after all. Yet, she finds herself attracted to the virile neighbor, reluctant to believe he might harm her. ***** Those who have missed the gothic genre, take heart. All the classic elements, a spooky house, woods, a pretty heroine and mysterious almost anti hero are to be found herein. On the Edge of the woods is a commendable debut. ***** Amanda Killgore

Delightfully modern gothic

In 1994 San Francisco architect Stacy Addison buys an old dilapidated house that at best can be labeled a fixer upper in the Sierras. Her neighbor who shares the county access road, Brandon Vandvere, is irate that he was not offered first buy from the elderly former owner now in a home.Since purchasing the house, Stacy finds someone leaving crank calls at her San Francisco apartment and sending threatening letters telling her to leave her new home. Her clients are also receiving nasty nutty untrue innuendos and disinformation about Stacy that ultimately costs her jobs. Still she refuses to give up the home that she cherishes with the bigger threat being falling in love with Brandon. Alas poor Stacy wonders if her beloved could be the "Creeper" behind the attack on her well-being as everyone insists he would do anything to gain ownership of her new home.Readers will enjoy this absolutely enthralling modern day gothic romantic suspense that reads some what like a modern day Suspicion. Though Brand's behavior is intended to make him seem suspicious, fans will dislike his attitude towards Stacy. On the other hand, readers will fully appreciate Stacy, who displays courage though under siege. The support cast provides depth to the small somewhat isolated Sierra community that hopefully will lead to future stories starring several of them.Harriet Klausner