The fine folks who run Goodreads can point to this review with their sponsors as proof that their ads actually work because I got this book after seeing it several times here on the site. Granted, I got it from the library so I didn’t actually spend any money on it, but the fact that I sought it out and read it after seeing it on here has to count for something, right? (Oh, and I will never watch that Gnomeo & Juliet movie because the damn thing expanded all over my screen if my cursor got withi...

This was my 7th Michael Koryta novel, and while I have really liked them all, the ones that have a supernatural thread are my favorites. Along with The Ridge, and So Cold the River, THE CYPRESS HOUSE was his final "supernatural" thriller for me to read. And, what an incredible read it was. This will likely be one of my favorite books of the year. The time period of the novel is 1935 and the location is Florida. WWI combat veteran Arlen Wagner, like many men, has found work with Roosevelt's newly...

Check out my interview with Michael Koryta in August 2012 >>http://more2read.com/review/interview-with-michael-koryta/A haunting Cleverly written story. The main protagonist Arlene has some scores to settle and souls to help close to home and out of town. The story is set in a bleak weather and financial climate. He finds himself in a town where more than his carpentry skills are needed. One woman a resident of Cypress House is in his need of his help, trapped in a web of bribery, murder and dru...

Yes, I gave it four stars but with a big reservation.A question I always ask myself when reading a novel of the supernatural is, "Are the supernatural elements essential to the story." Or is it just a gimmick. Many paranormal romances violate this principle four times before breakfast. Fortunately I do not read very many PR. The Cypress House, not a PNR by any definition although there is a romance, failed this particular requirement. The supernatural aspect seems a little hacked on to me. Espec...

2 ½ stars. Bad subject matter for me, artificial secret keeping, stupidity, too much helpless victim feel.This was not entertaining or fun. I was not surprised or delighted. I liked the beginning, but the longer I read the more annoyed and frustrated I felt. The biggest problem was subject matter. The second problem was people keeping secrets for no good reason.SECRETS:Secrets were used to create mystery and conflict. They did not make sense. Some were stupid. Several times I wanted to shake a c...

4 StarsI really enjoyed this period piece thriller that has a tiny bit of supernatural added in for flair and color. This is my first Koryta novel that I have read, but I am now a fan and will be sure to read his other works.This novel's strength is that it is built around a very likable, believable, and rememberable protagonist named Arlen. The side characters are colorful and sufficient to compliment Arlen. Corridor County, the town, the place itself was to me the second strongest character of...

Arlen sees things.He doesn’t want to. But sees them anyway. This time it just may save his life.This was written well and pretty entertaining. Supernatural suspense/thrillers (if that’s even what this was) can be rough for me sometimes, but Koryta executes this one very well. Reminds me of a series I just watched on Netflix that I can’t remember the name of. (view spoiler)[I was a little irked that Arlen was so stubborn regarding his fathers past even though he had some powerful reasons to think...

My newish way of life in which I don't have to finish every book doesn't always work. Like, I kept reading this one, thinking I just needed to give it more of a chance. There was one final apex shoot-em-up bloody scene that was interesting. However, my problem for most of the early book was the introduction of shallow characters who spoke as though they had depth, but they didn't really. They'd each allude to some deep dark secret they carried, but they'd be like, "now isn't the time," or "I've

THE CYPRESS HOUSE, by Michael Koryta is a supernatural thriller with violence, trust, friendship, strong bonds of family, and the lives of those a century's past. While the beginning started out strong, I did feel it was a little slow going building on the characters during the middle, without much THEN in the way of action. Once that was past, everything was nonstop!The writer delivered great, sympathetic characters and evil villains in a time period that was beautiful to read about. I think th...

The Cypress House by Michael KorytaThis is a story of the great depression, the despair and the illicit means some used to survive. It is a love story in many ways as well as a crime and violence filled occult tale of how people can be trapped in situations beyond their control. Michael Koryta is an artist. His characters have such life that it is simplicity itself to visualize them and their surroundings. I read the book while in Florida and found myself looking around for some of the scenery o...

“You’ve got a touch of the gift yourself, boy. I’m sure of it. I see it in you. You’re going to need to believe. And something you need to know, son? Love lingers.”Arlen Wagner’s father told him this before he was shot to death. All because people thought he was insane, including his son. Isaac Wagner claimed he could talk to dead people. Arlen wouldn’t realize he was telling the truth until he himself was able to do the same. Hard to believe someone has supernatural powers until you have them y...

This is my first Michael Koryta read thanks to the recommendation of one of my author friends Alafair Burke and I was not the least disappointed. This very interesting story kept me intrigued start to finish and I will certainly be reading more of Koryta's works. 8 of 10 stars

Arlen can see death in men's eyes but but it isn't the supernatural he needs for fear at Cypress House. It is the corrupt and evil judge and sheriff he needs to do battle with, of couse he has a little help from the dead along the way. Love Michael Koryta's writing and the way he mixes the supernatural with suspense.

A dnf for me, but I read more than three-quarters in, so I feel I can give it a 3 star or satisfactory rating.I had read that Michael Koryta writes in a similar way to John Connolly - who I love! But I must say I was disappointed in that. It seemed to be a one-track story, with characters going somewhere, staying there, and not doing much except the same old things over and over. I wasn't interested in the 'good guys,' the 'bad guys' or those in between and I said to myself: Why am I wasting my

So that I don't spoil anything, here's the synopsis from the back of the book: "Arlen Wagner has seen it in men before---a trace of smoke in their eyes that promises imminent death. He is never wrong.When Arlen awakens on a train one hot Florida night and sees death's telltale sign in the eyes of his fellow passengers, he tries to warn them. Only nineteen-year-old Paul Brickhill believes him, and the two abandon the train, hoping to escape certain death. They continue south but soon are stranded...