Review: Tryst by Aaron Eldritch

Youthful ghost stories become all too real in Tryst, the dark and well-penned new novel by Aaron Eldritch.

While the premise of a haunted house and dark spirits that follow intrepid explorers home is hardly new, there is something sinister and refreshing about this story of lost innocence and fragile fraternity. Heavy with symbolism and marked by an authentic narrative voice reflecting the protagonists’ youth, this is a spooky coming of age tale that is authentically scary.

Greg, Zeb, Aaron, and Derik are normal young boys, getting into trouble, scaring each other with stories, and navigating the difficult waters of growing into men. However, they are bound by a shared horror, an understanding that there are portals and ghosts and dark mysteries that have appeared in every corner of their lives. Having to exist in a state of excited terror, without losing their minds or their courage, makes for fascinating character development, and an engaging, dialogue-driven plot.

Feeling close to a YA novel at times, there are some playful moments, along with some “Stranger Things” vibes, combined with the whip-smart nearly-corny chatter of “The Goonies.” As the novel progresses, however, the tone shifts to a darker and more malevolent edge, with the paranormal threats beginning to manifest in the real world, with doppelgangers, mysterious phone calls, and a spiraling darkness that seems to creep closer with every chapter.

The horror aspects of the story are balanced well with more universal explorations of friendship, trust, belief, and responsibility. Over the course of this relatively long novel, readers watch measurable changes in these young men; the boys see their lives changing on the near horizon, yet their shared trauma is a point of unification. The language is rich, painting vivid scenes and conjuring fear through the eyes of young men.

As engaging and engrossing as Danielewski’s House of Leaves, the house is an incredibly important character within this story, with just as much trauma and history as any breathing protagonist. The author’s ability to play with frightening themes and moments, stretching out tension, is an impeccable part of the writing. A horror book like few others, this is high-level reading that is both complex and accessible. The storytelling is enthralling, and while the plot is certainly slow-burning, there is the sense that it is building somewhere profound – or tragic. Readers will not be disappointed in the eventual payoff.

On a technical side, there is a definite need for a thorough re-edit, as there are sections of excessive narration, overly explanatory exposition, and unnecessary dialogue. Some of the language used by characters also feels anachronistic, or highly unrealistic for a young person to say, so consistency in this regard is key. The patient building of suspense is effective, though some chapters could be slimmed down, and a few chapter endings could be crafted to leave a reader hanging just a bit more.

All told, the high quality of the prose is undeniable, and the story is a multi-layered maze of myriad fears, both real and imagined, but all relatable. Aaron Eldritch knows how to build a mood and keep readers guessing, and despite some issues with pacing, Tryst is an exceptionally strong debut.