The Cypress House

Starred review from November 29, 2010
Set in Florida in 1935, Koryta's masterful follow-up to So Cold the River effectively combines supernatural terror with the suffocating fatalism of classic American noir. Since serving as a Marine in WWI, Arlen Wagner has been able to identify people marked for death by something only he can see—smoke swirling in their eyes. While riding a train with 33 other Civilian Conservation Corps workers, Arlen spots smoke in the eyes of his fellow passengers. Certain the train is headed for disaster, he can persuade only one of them, 19-year-old Paul Brickhill, to get off at the next stop. Arlen and Paul wind up at a boarding house, where they become involved with its operator, the mysterious and beautiful Rebecca Cady, who's somehow beholden to some vicious and corrupt local law enforcement officials. Koryta excels at describing both scenery and his characters' inner landscapes. It's hard to think of another book with equal appeal to Stephen King and Cornell Woolrich fans.

Narrator Robert Petkoff knows just how to manipulate his voice to send shivers down listeners' spines in this ever-so-slightly supernatural story of corruption and death in Depression-era Florida. Arlen has the gift--or curse--of being able to see when another person is approaching death. In this otherwise straightforward novel of suspense, Arlen's paranormal ability might be a hard sell, but Petkoff conveys his emotions so convincingly that listeners will never question the plot device. THE CYPRESS HOUSE is a creepy tale that will keep listeners wondering what the next twist will bring. J.L.K. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

April 15, 2011

Ex-World War I sniper Arlen Wagner can tell when someone is about to die--he envisions that person as a skeleton with smoky eyes. Sometimes, though not often, he can intervene. Arlen has plenty of opportunities to put his unusual ability to the test in this Depression-era novel set in Florida that is Koryta's second go at supernatural suspense, following So Cold the River (2010)--also available from Hachette Audio/AudioGO. Actor/narrator Robert Petkoff (robertpetkoff.com) gives Arlen a tough-guy growl; Arlen's young buddy, Paul, a naive earnestness; and the bad guys a creepy menace. Though Arlen's ability is a bit on the hokey side and the plot somewhat predictable, this noirish, atmospheric novel still holds appeal for general audiences. [The Little, Brown hc received a starred review, LJ 11/1/10; the Back Bay pb will be released in May.--Ed.]--John Hiett, Iowa City P.L.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.