Finn Gettler has a penchant for urban exploration. Drawn by the mystique surrounding North Brother Island, Finn launches his kayak and navigates himself toward the abandoned and forbidden island that is now a heron sanctuary. What Finn discovers on the island is shocking and surreal when he is confronted by a mysterious woman riddled with scars.

Eager to unravel the mystery behind the island and its enigmatic occupant, Finn returns only to find out that his family’s past possesses some deep and dark secrets. Secrets that have laid dormant until now.

Surreal and creepy, The Vines is a compelling read that will draw the reader in. Never letting go until the end.

The author, Shelley Nolden has composed a spine-chilling historical fiction novel with well researched details of the North and South Brother Islands as well as details surrounding “Typhoid” Mary Mallon.

As compelling of a read that it is, the reader should Google the North Brother Island and Mary Mallon. It is with this added knowledge that the reader will come to appreciate the narrative of The Vines. Four deserving stars.

I received a digital ARC of the novel from Freiling Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.