The Cypress House is not a novel for everyone. Some people may find the characters are just not very likable. The story was very predictable. I honestly found it hard to finish, skipping pages here and there to get to the end.
There were some good concepts (not to give away the plot) but Arlen’s ability to see death on people’s faces allows him some blackmail opportunity. The stereo-typical “bad guys” were also a turn off. The romantic triangle between Arlen, Rebecca and Paul was lukewarm and unbelievable. The story is slow from start to middle with character and location development that never quite seems to work at entertaining the reader but does pick up toward the end.
Making it to the conclusion is rewarded by a gripping ending but the journey to the climax may be more than most readers are ready to go through to find out what happens to the characters. Checking this book out at the local library may be a better choice than purchasing.
Defying the Limit 
