A Review of “The Vines” by Shelley Nolden, Freiling Publishing, March 23, 2021 by Linda Zagon

If you enjoy a terrifying, horrifying psychological thriller, I have a book recommendation for you.! Shelley Nolden, the author of “The Vines” has written a captivating, intriguing, intense and historical thriller. This novel takes place on North Brother Island, close by New York, on an island that has been taken over by vines and plant growth. At one time there was a hospital, used for quarantine for contagious illnesses, help for patients with addictions, and experimentations of biological viruses and toxins, as well as human beings. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, and complicated. Some are evil and appear to be psychotic, or obsessed with dangerous things. There are lies, secrets, betrayals, danger and death.

Finn is exploring the island and checking the foliage, and comes across Cora, a woman who is beautiful but scarred. Most of Finn’s family have been doctors affiliated with research on the island. As Finn gets close enough to meet Cora, without getting killed, he starts to learn dark secrets and mysteries about his family, that he can hardly believe is true. Cora has developed unbelievable survival skills, although she has become the uber victim.

There are twists and turns, danger lurking at every turn, and the possibility of death. I could not put this book down, and continued to read. With everything going on in the world today, there could be a realistic tone to it, and it is very thought-provoking. Stay-tuned, I believe there will be another book to follow. I look forward to reading it.