The Cypress House

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 naïve 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.