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The Hyde Effect
In the hills of Southern California, a series of violent and gruesome deaths occurs within the space of a few hours. The murders are attributed to some unknown, savage animal.Precisely one month later, college student Meg Talley is attacked in the same manner. Astonishingly, she survives, but when she insists that her assailant was a hideous monster-like creature, she is called hysterical.Journalist Douglas Morgan, private eye Nick Grundel, and horror novelist Blake Corbett, however, have each theorized that the mangling, incredible though it seems, might be the work of a werewolf. Now they team up with Meg to puruse an intensive investigation. When a suspect is apprehended and confined, the four are on hand. But neither skeptics nor believers are prepared for the bone-chilling terror and cataclysmic violence that will be unleashed in the night of the January full moon...
399 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
35 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Steve Vance
173 books21 followersCredited as: Writer, Inker, Penciller mainly for DC Comics
list of work can be found here, in chronological order:
http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.ph...
list of work can be found here, in chronological order:
http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.ph...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 26, 2025
The Dr. Jeckel Effect.
There are four of them. Blake Corbett, Meg Talley, Nick Grundel and Doug Morgan. They believe that they are searching for the right murderer. And they believe that the murderer is a werewolf.
Meg is introduced to us as a victim of the evil and dangerous man who is a monster. She is so lucky to be alive because she was going to-in her own mind-go after the werewolf!
What in the world made her think that this was even possible? I don’t know, but she is very lucky that the evil creature is still able to lose interest in something. And she is very much alive because of it.
The monster went on a rampage in a town named Lynnview. He killed five people including a teenager who was home with her family. This could have happened to Meg who is also a teenager. She is only nineteen.
Corbett, Doug and Grundel want to work with Meg. They are all going to work together until they find the werewolf or the person who is sometimes a man. They will do whatever it takes for them to succeed. And they will do their best.
I must say that Steve Vance could have written a tighter book. He could have done well if he had just written less than 464 pages. Maybe he could have written the same book with just 350 pages. This is all l have to say.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
There are four of them. Blake Corbett, Meg Talley, Nick Grundel and Doug Morgan. They believe that they are searching for the right murderer. And they believe that the murderer is a werewolf.
Meg is introduced to us as a victim of the evil and dangerous man who is a monster. She is so lucky to be alive because she was going to-in her own mind-go after the werewolf!
What in the world made her think that this was even possible? I don’t know, but she is very lucky that the evil creature is still able to lose interest in something. And she is very much alive because of it.
The monster went on a rampage in a town named Lynnview. He killed five people including a teenager who was home with her family. This could have happened to Meg who is also a teenager. She is only nineteen.
Corbett, Doug and Grundel want to work with Meg. They are all going to work together until they find the werewolf or the person who is sometimes a man. They will do whatever it takes for them to succeed. And they will do their best.
I must say that Steve Vance could have written a tighter book. He could have done well if he had just written less than 464 pages. Maybe he could have written the same book with just 350 pages. This is all l have to say.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
July 5, 2025
This took me a bit to get into and the camp factor screamed, but eventually it hooked me. Vance gives us a brief prologue where some American researcher studying legends of werewolves contacts some ancient 'tribe' in Baja, CA., and the 'medicine man' forces him to drink some powdered remains that supposedly contain werewolf spit. The story quickly shifts to a small town outside LA and Vance introduces our four lead characters, all of which are attracted to a strange, horrible massacre. We have a reporter who writes a column on 'strange things', a college gal home for the summer, a horror writer (GAH!) and an odd young man.
Well, the four all believe (for various reasons) that a werewolf perpetuated the massacre; it did happen on the full moon after all! The next full moon another massacre takes place and the young gal barely manages to escape with her life. The four team up to tell the world that yes, there really is a werewolf running around...
Vance definitely knows his target audience here and provides all kinds of references to horror films, books and such as the novel progresses. The gal for example has been a horror buff for all her life and she and the odd young man constantly quiz each other on all kinds of horror trivia. While this starts off seriously campy, about mid way it breaks into stride and improves. Someone should have made a movie of this one! 3.5 doggies, rounding up!
Well, the four all believe (for various reasons) that a werewolf perpetuated the massacre; it did happen on the full moon after all! The next full moon another massacre takes place and the young gal barely manages to escape with her life. The four team up to tell the world that yes, there really is a werewolf running around...
Vance definitely knows his target audience here and provides all kinds of references to horror films, books and such as the novel progresses. The gal for example has been a horror buff for all her life and she and the odd young man constantly quiz each other on all kinds of horror trivia. While this starts off seriously campy, about mid way it breaks into stride and improves. Someone should have made a movie of this one! 3.5 doggies, rounding up!
May 18, 2018
There is a truly kickass horror novel in this book. Its about 60 to 80 pages overweight, but its there. First time reading Vance, an author whose stuff has caught my eye many a time in used bookstores. This is apparently his most popular and celebrated book. At first I was relieved that he could write. You step into alot of these 1980s horror boom books, even ones that people take the time to give five stars, and quickly realize that the author simply has no command of the English language. Vance certainly does, but over the course of the book his verbosity actually becomes kind of annoying. The whole affair is over-written, for sure. Occasionally it felt like self-parody, or a parody of the genre as a whole, which was certainly far ahead of its time in 1986. I felt like the goofy overwriting and dialog took away from how powerful the frightening parts of the novel were. Maybe he was going for "horror comedy", but the horror is what we came for, thanks, and you can keep the comedy, or at least whittle it down to a wry observation or slick line or two here or there. Those gripes aside, the extended climax, which starts about 300 pages in and runs until about page 380 or so, is fantastic. Unfortunately, this incredible section is preceded by about 60 pages of groaningly boring setup, most of which could have been culled. So, basically, there is a good novel in here, but its weighed down with about 80 pages or so of filler, filler which really screws up the pacing of the novel. Overall, however, if you are looking for a great werewolf novel, look no further. Just don't give up during the boring parts.
April 28, 2017
It looks like an ordinary paperback, doesn't it? Don't be fooled. THE HYDE EFFECT will scare the DAYLIGHTS out of you! It is, by far, one of the most frightening books I've ever read, because it's so perfectly reasonable in its detailed description and accounting of how and why a professor becomes "infected" and finds himself the object of his own attentions.
Written in a low-key tone that NEVER screams or sprays melodramatic dialog across the pages, author Steve Vance has far too much fun directing his main character to wreak havoc and create more monsters than you can shake a literary stick at.
My beloved, twisted spouse and I have created haunted houses,& made disturbing items to frighten audiences, etc., so it takes A LOT to upset me. THE HYDE EFFECT upset me. I read it at least twice a year now. Thank you, Steve Vance, for a thrilling ride!
Readers, if you can find this book, READ IT! If you can't find it, nag your bookstore or librarian into finding it for you. Just remember, the words "Out of Print" aren't your problem.
Written in a low-key tone that NEVER screams or sprays melodramatic dialog across the pages, author Steve Vance has far too much fun directing his main character to wreak havoc and create more monsters than you can shake a literary stick at.
My beloved, twisted spouse and I have created haunted houses,& made disturbing items to frighten audiences, etc., so it takes A LOT to upset me. THE HYDE EFFECT upset me. I read it at least twice a year now. Thank you, Steve Vance, for a thrilling ride!
Readers, if you can find this book, READ IT! If you can't find it, nag your bookstore or librarian into finding it for you. Just remember, the words "Out of Print" aren't your problem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2014
A really great werewolf book with a wicked, scary werewolf and no crappy romance stuff! I read this when I was a kid and I still love it today. Would make such an awesome movie if done right.
January 27, 2009
The best werewolf novel I have ever read.
April 11, 2021
Let me start with. I love werewolf books and was super excited when my wife bought me this.
Oh dear... This is just not for me...... It was so very difficult to finish, like wading through treacle.
I could not empathise with the characters, it was slow and patchy and just did not engage me at all, I couldn't give a toss what happened to who.... It was just soulless filler between each event in the story. I am truly gutted. The actual Werewolf attacks were excellent and written well which is why it got 2 stars and not 0, the rest of the book was just too much of a chore.
It surprised me that this book got such high scores and probably didn't help with it having a lot to live up to but I cannot recommend this book at all... In fact I would direct you to The wolf's hour by Robert Mccammon, Bestial and Ravenous by Ray Garton or the last werewolf trilogy by Glen Duncan or even the Howling... Those were excellent werewolf books with engaging characters and great pacing. The Hyde effect was a book trying to be clever and original but just failed in every way for me. I like a book where I feel for the characters and go on the journey with them, The Hyde effect just didn't do this, with very uninspiring characters who just had no soul, I found my mind wandering constantly while trying to read this which makes for very laborious and difficult reading. So gutting for what I was expecting to be great.
Oh dear... This is just not for me...... It was so very difficult to finish, like wading through treacle.
I could not empathise with the characters, it was slow and patchy and just did not engage me at all, I couldn't give a toss what happened to who.... It was just soulless filler between each event in the story. I am truly gutted. The actual Werewolf attacks were excellent and written well which is why it got 2 stars and not 0, the rest of the book was just too much of a chore.
It surprised me that this book got such high scores and probably didn't help with it having a lot to live up to but I cannot recommend this book at all... In fact I would direct you to The wolf's hour by Robert Mccammon, Bestial and Ravenous by Ray Garton or the last werewolf trilogy by Glen Duncan or even the Howling... Those were excellent werewolf books with engaging characters and great pacing. The Hyde effect was a book trying to be clever and original but just failed in every way for me. I like a book where I feel for the characters and go on the journey with them, The Hyde effect just didn't do this, with very uninspiring characters who just had no soul, I found my mind wandering constantly while trying to read this which makes for very laborious and difficult reading. So gutting for what I was expecting to be great.
March 16, 2017
1st Read: February 26, 1993 - March 7, 1993 (***** Rating)
There have been many books written about werewolves, wolf-men and lycanthropy throughout the years. A few stand out: The Howling; The Wolfen and this one, The Hyde Effect. It is the best one I have ever read that completely absorbs you and scares the hell out of you at the same time. It is a book that is hard to put down.
The werewolf in this story kills and tears apart everyone and is never selective about it; no one is singled out. This werewolf walks the walk and talks the talk! The entire cast of the Twilght series would be an appetizer for this bad mother f#@&er! Such an incredible piece of horror at 399 pages.
2nd Read: March 4, 2017 - March 15, 2017 (**** Rating)
I enjoyed this one once again, though, I'd no longer call it a favorite. Still, the baddest werewolf I've ever read about or have seen in movies.
The few things I didn't like about this story were the half dozen spelling mistakes in words, or simply, missing letters in most cases. Other than that, I's still like to see this book turn into film. It would be a great movie if directed and cast accordingly.
There have been many books written about werewolves, wolf-men and lycanthropy throughout the years. A few stand out: The Howling; The Wolfen and this one, The Hyde Effect. It is the best one I have ever read that completely absorbs you and scares the hell out of you at the same time. It is a book that is hard to put down.
The werewolf in this story kills and tears apart everyone and is never selective about it; no one is singled out. This werewolf walks the walk and talks the talk! The entire cast of the Twilght series would be an appetizer for this bad mother f#@&er! Such an incredible piece of horror at 399 pages.
2nd Read: March 4, 2017 - March 15, 2017 (**** Rating)
I enjoyed this one once again, though, I'd no longer call it a favorite. Still, the baddest werewolf I've ever read about or have seen in movies.
The few things I didn't like about this story were the half dozen spelling mistakes in words, or simply, missing letters in most cases. Other than that, I's still like to see this book turn into film. It would be a great movie if directed and cast accordingly.
October 31, 2018
For a start, it went on much too long. It was like a farce by the end, with them popping in and out of rooms over and over. He’s behind you! Again. And what was that ludicrous side-plot with Walter about? Let’s spend most of the book building that up for no reason. I also got quite tired of him introducing new characters with their own little mission that always, always ended with them being eaten.
There’s something there when he stops writing like he’s paid by the word and just swallowed a thesaurus (“but he gave it up because his very concentration on the intricacies of the faculty was obliterating the ideas that it was supposed to preserve”), but that’s much too infrequent.
In fact, the second paragraph of the prologue was so terrible I actually shut the book, but I made myself go back to it because I hoped it would get better. I wish I hadn’t bothered. It’s not awful, but it’s a long way from good.
There’s something there when he stops writing like he’s paid by the word and just swallowed a thesaurus (“but he gave it up because his very concentration on the intricacies of the faculty was obliterating the ideas that it was supposed to preserve”), but that’s much too infrequent.
In fact, the second paragraph of the prologue was so terrible I actually shut the book, but I made myself go back to it because I hoped it would get better. I wish I hadn’t bothered. It’s not awful, but it’s a long way from good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2011
One of two books that gave me a pannic attack while reading. for several years I worked with the author to adapt into a screenplay. I'm still holding out hope.
Vance paints such a vivid picture that there were times I felt as if I were right there with the characters. Perfect book for those dark and stormy nights.
Vance paints such a vivid picture that there were times I felt as if I were right there with the characters. Perfect book for those dark and stormy nights.
May 15, 2011
One of the better werewolf books I've read.
March 24, 2013
I loved this book the first time i read it and the second go around did not disappoint.....
August 8, 2018
I'm always on the lookout for a good werewolf horror and was excited to start this, and while it was a little slow to get going, it was still a great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. Once the action started, it was fast paced and brutal! It starts with a man looking for answers to a legend from some natives, but ends up being infected with a virus that changes him every month. Then we learn of a gruesome set so murders happening and Meg thinks she knows what's doing it! She sets out to investigate and meets a beast! Luckily she escapes, but no one believes her story except a journalist, a private eye and a horror writer. They set out to get answers and when a suspect is arrested, and confesses to the murders, they know he is speaking the truth. He is kept in a cell until the time he is supposed to turn. Skeptical people, as well as the 4 believers, pile in to see if his story is true. What will happen when they turn up to witness the transformation?
There were quite a few characters to keep track of, but overall they were all well written and developed. I liked Meg as she knew in her heart what was killing people and despite being terrified, she knew she had to get the truth! Doug, Nick and Blake were all great characters too, but I think my favourite was the boy!
In all, I ended up devouring this book! After the initial set up and meeting the characters, the action really got going and I couldn't read it fast enough. It was bloody, gory, tense, terrifying and everything a great werewolf horror should be. I'm really hoping they bring the next book to audio soon because the ending left me wanting more.
Edison McDaniels read this well and was able to bring the story alive. He had a wide array of tones and voices and his portrayal of the wolf was awesome. I'll have to check out more by him.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. Once the action started, it was fast paced and brutal! It starts with a man looking for answers to a legend from some natives, but ends up being infected with a virus that changes him every month. Then we learn of a gruesome set so murders happening and Meg thinks she knows what's doing it! She sets out to investigate and meets a beast! Luckily she escapes, but no one believes her story except a journalist, a private eye and a horror writer. They set out to get answers and when a suspect is arrested, and confesses to the murders, they know he is speaking the truth. He is kept in a cell until the time he is supposed to turn. Skeptical people, as well as the 4 believers, pile in to see if his story is true. What will happen when they turn up to witness the transformation?
There were quite a few characters to keep track of, but overall they were all well written and developed. I liked Meg as she knew in her heart what was killing people and despite being terrified, she knew she had to get the truth! Doug, Nick and Blake were all great characters too, but I think my favourite was the boy!
In all, I ended up devouring this book! After the initial set up and meeting the characters, the action really got going and I couldn't read it fast enough. It was bloody, gory, tense, terrifying and everything a great werewolf horror should be. I'm really hoping they bring the next book to audio soon because the ending left me wanting more.
Edison McDaniels read this well and was able to bring the story alive. He had a wide array of tones and voices and his portrayal of the wolf was awesome. I'll have to check out more by him.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
August 17, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
Good Werewolf stories are rare, specially after the genre got flooded with crappy Twilight / Teen Wolf imitations in recent years. So, getting to read a good one was wonderful. In Hyde Effect, Steve Vance gives us a truly gritty and chilling story of the beast. It's not the "typical" campy story, and there's no romance angle shoehorned in. The characters are written very well and keep you engaged in the story. Once the story picks up speed, it keeps getting more n more interesting. The ending is satisfactory and I felt I had spent my time well.
What I disliked about the book -
It's has a slow start. Takes a while for the story to pick up pace.
Narration -
Narration by Edison McDaniels was a good match for the content. He set the perfect atmosphere for this book and kept me engrossed in it.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
Good Werewolf stories are rare, specially after the genre got flooded with crappy Twilight / Teen Wolf imitations in recent years. So, getting to read a good one was wonderful. In Hyde Effect, Steve Vance gives us a truly gritty and chilling story of the beast. It's not the "typical" campy story, and there's no romance angle shoehorned in. The characters are written very well and keep you engaged in the story. Once the story picks up speed, it keeps getting more n more interesting. The ending is satisfactory and I felt I had spent my time well.
What I disliked about the book -
It's has a slow start. Takes a while for the story to pick up pace.
Narration -
Narration by Edison McDaniels was a good match for the content. He set the perfect atmosphere for this book and kept me engrossed in it.
December 15, 2023
This book started out really good, and was a fun and slightly campy read up until the third act when it started to drag. Then it felt like it would never end. It just kept going and going...A good 100 pages could have been cut out, and another editorial pass could have made this a much better read overall.
Also, my edition was filled with the highest number of typos I've ever encountered in a mass-market paperback release. There was a typo on every other page, sometimes numerous misspelled words on each page. (At one point, Walter's name is misspelled as Walker, and I had to go back and double-check to see if a new character had been introduced. There are a lot of characters in this book.) It only slightly distracted from the story but there's really no excuse for such terrible editing.
Also, my edition was filled with the highest number of typos I've ever encountered in a mass-market paperback release. There was a typo on every other page, sometimes numerous misspelled words on each page. (At one point, Walter's name is misspelled as Walker, and I had to go back and double-check to see if a new character had been introduced. There are a lot of characters in this book.) It only slightly distracted from the story but there's really no excuse for such terrible editing.
August 16, 2018
I loved this book! It was really well done and the ending fit the story really well. I love a good werewolf story but they are hard to find in my opinion. The book started with a bang and just when I thought it was winding down, it ripped everything (and I mean everything) wide open. It was violent and messy. I am not sure I can think of a comparison to something I have absorbed in the past (movie, book, myth...). I loved that there is always more to the story and I think that I need to find more books by Steve Vance. Edison McDaniels did a really good job with his narration especially when Vance upped the ante later in the book.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
October 23, 2018
Keep reading, it's worth it
I nearly stopped reading this book due to a lag in the storyline. But, I kept reading and the last half of the book was nothing but awesome. The creature in this story is a werewolf but with a twist as it appears ape like at times. I will definitely read the next book and look forward to more from this author. However, I do hope there is less day by day information on the characters.
I nearly stopped reading this book due to a lag in the storyline. But, I kept reading and the last half of the book was nothing but awesome. The creature in this story is a werewolf but with a twist as it appears ape like at times. I will definitely read the next book and look forward to more from this author. However, I do hope there is less day by day information on the characters.
April 9, 2019
Well, this is certainly a solid three star book, lots of fun, and in the last quarter, plenty of bloody werewolf mayhem. A little padded out, this book would have been faster reading and more entertaining if it were some 100 pages shorter. I liked the four main characters, and even when we were away from the beast, the story was interesting because of decent characters. One of the better werewolf novels I've read. Recommended.
August 9, 2020
3½ stars rounded up to 4 for no romance. Book started off really good and I thought we were finally in for a good werewolf novel after all the crap with alphas and betas and omegas not to mention packs for God’s sake, sometimes it seems that in literature you can’t even badmouth werewolves and vampires – kinda the ultimate affirmative action. Unfortunately after a good start we get a Hollywood action movie ending – big disappointment.
January 15, 2021
Every once in a while, I Google search for the best books in the werewolf genre. It’s the way I have discovered some of my other really good reads. This one did not disappoint. What I liked most about it was that it was not the modern Romantic take on lycanthropy, but more about the horror of a disease that can cause lycanthropy. It’s pretty brutal, but if you like the genre, then you definitely want to add this to your shelf.
September 12, 2021
Geschichten, in denen ein Autor die Hauptrolle hat finde ich oft schwierig. Die erste Hälfte des Romans wird man mit Erwähnung von bekannten Filmen und Büchern überhäuft, soll der Leser sich dann freuen, dass er diese auch kennt?
Die Dialoge wirken oft künstlich, da sich die Protagonisten oft zu komplex äußern. In echt redet kaum jemand so.
Kein schlechtes Werk insgesamt, aber empfehlen kann ich es nicht.
Die Dialoge wirken oft künstlich, da sich die Protagonisten oft zu komplex äußern. In echt redet kaum jemand so.
Kein schlechtes Werk insgesamt, aber empfehlen kann ich es nicht.
May 31, 2025
The Hyde Effect is a decent werewolf tale that I enjoyed but feel it could have been shorter. The beginning of the book and ending battle were both good and done well. I just felt there were plot lines that were never addressed to conclusion. The other issue was editing. This was published by Leisure in 1980 but had errors throughout. I was surprised.
If you’re looking for a pretty good werewolf story then give it a try.
3 🐺’s
If you’re looking for a pretty good werewolf story then give it a try.
3 🐺’s
September 2, 2018
I wanted to like this book more.I found it long and boring with some good parts thrown in.Edison McDaniels was an ok narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
One of the best werewolf books I have read in a while. Keeps you hooked to the end with the virtually unstoppable werewolf and a collection of very different characters trying to stop it. Well worth the read.
March 8, 2019
For me this rates right up with Wolfen. Definitely one of the better werewolf stories I've read. The science behind it doesn't fall apart the second you poke at it, and there are a few twists along the way.
June 16, 2020
I read this on a family summer road trip in high school. I don't remember too much about it except it was a Werewolf story and it was intensely graphic, so much so that here I am this many years later and I still recall the title and author.
January 19, 2021
A great read!
I got this book after reading Wolf Man, and have no regrets. This was a spine tingling edge of your seat 80s thrill ride. Some of the dialogue was a bit campy but it was engrossing.
I got this book after reading Wolf Man, and have no regrets. This was a spine tingling edge of your seat 80s thrill ride. Some of the dialogue was a bit campy but it was engrossing.
March 13, 2025
Still a classic
I originally stumbled on this gem in paperback back in the 80's, I still have that pb. Mr Vance delivered an intense, imaginatively take on the werewolf story that still holds true. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting what is still my favorite "wolfish" read.
I originally stumbled on this gem in paperback back in the 80's, I still have that pb. Mr Vance delivered an intense, imaginatively take on the werewolf story that still holds true. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting what is still my favorite "wolfish" read.
July 18, 2018
Really enjoyed this.
March 8, 2019
Fantastic take on lycanthropy. And true to horror genre! Loved it.
I need more like this.
I need more like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews