Everyday top news stories are about coronavirus and when a vaccine is coming. So naturally, "The Vines" peaked my interest which is all about deadly diseases from the 1900s - measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis and typhus. More recently there's more concerns with Ebola, cancer and Lyme diseases and who knows what else may cause us with more fear.

In this book, you get to know four generations of doctors - Otto, Ulrich, Rollie and Kristian - all in the Gettler family. Together, they hold their secret tight to perform experiments in search of the perfect vaccine. Patients in the early 1900s were transported in this book to an island near New York City. The map of North Brother Island is located at the beginning of the book which includes a hospital, research labs, church, home for nurses and the physician, tennis courts and morgue. As vaccines were discovered, the island was no longer needed and closed in 1963.

Rollie's son, Finn didn't become a doctor but was curious about what was going on at the island in the past so he decided to take a look in 2007 only to discover a beautiful woman with scars that still was there. Cora said, "I'm the human guinea pig" which made the reader question why she hasn't left the island and more importantly why this woman was used to endure intense pain to save thousands.

The book is suspenseful with a surprise ending. It's one that doesn't go out of your head - especially as a female. Parts made me cringe. The author did an impressive amount of research to provide the historical facts.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Everyday top news stories are about coronavirus and when a vaccine is coming. So naturally, "The Vines" peaked my interest which is all about deadly diseases from the 1900s - measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis and typhus. More recently there's more concerns with Ebola, cancer and Lyme diseases and who knows what else may cause us with more fear.

In this book, you get to know four generations of doctors - Otto, Ulrich, Rollie and Kristian - all in the Gettler family. Together, they hold their secret tight to perform experiments in search of the perfect vaccine. Patients in the early 1900s were transported in this book to an island near New York City. The map of North Brother Island is located at the beginning of the book which includes a hospital, research labs, church, home for nurses and the physician, tennis courts and morgue. As vaccines were discovered, the island was no longer needed and closed in 1963.

Rollie's son, Finn didn't become a doctor but was curious about what was going on at the island in the past so he decided to take a look in 2007 only to discover a beautiful woman with scars that still was there. Cora said, "I'm the human guinea pig" which made the reader question why she hasn't left the island and more importantly why this woman was used to endure intense pain to save thousands.

The book is suspenseful with a surprise ending. It's one that doesn't go out of your head - especially as a female. Parts made me cringe. The author did an impressive amount of research to provide the historical facts.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy; all opinions are my own.

Really, I would give this one star, but I was compelled to keep reading on to the end, even after I had put it down for a few days. But I can't bring myself to bring it higher than 2.

It's so long, and yet nothing happens. We have irrelevant time skips between parts that could have better been two halves. We have overwrought language that uses a lot of words to say a little. We have themes and motivations bludgeoned over our heads so we don't miss them (and yet important things are left unexplained). We have flat characters who change out of the blue. And, of course, we have hints of a sequel.

Not for me, but glad others can enjoy it. ( )

Great debut novel from Shelley Nolden. I received this as part of the Goodreads giveaway and was not disappointed! The story focuses on an abandoned island in New York City (North Brother Island) that was used to quarantine patients with contagious diseases to which the main character has a mysterious connection to. Lots of surprises, history and suspense all in one book, definitely a recommended book. And thank you for the advance copy! Can't wait for your next project! ( )

Disturbing, dark, and suspenseful medical thriller full of secrets, lies and betrayals.

The story takes place in North Brother Island, NY spanning from 1901 until 2008.
Cora is identified as a carrier of typhoid bacilli after she arrives to Riverside Hospital with her younger sister, who dies shortly after arriving. Doctor Gettler performs numerous tests in order to find the source of her immunities that will benefit others and for him to be one of the greatest doctors in microbiology. Even if she is asymptomatic, he believes that she is highly contagious. As years pass, Cora has more scars and wounds. They cut her open to extract tissue samples, and slice and stitch her organs. Gettlers, generation after generation, year after year, keep destroying her life taking everything good she could experience. Incurable and unapproachable, she has been trapped on this isolated island enduring all kinds of torture.

This was a heartbreaking story about involuntary human testing due to medical experiments. Very well researched book with historical background connected to World War II genetic research, to the coronavirus roots and other factual events. I didn't know about Big Brother Island exiles existence, and about General Slocum fire that killed over thousands of people. There is a lot to learn from this book.

It was a little bit slower read for me, but very much worthy. This tale will stay in my thoughts for a long time.
I recommend this book, especially to those who like science topics mixed with historical fiction.

Many thanks to Shelley Nolden for sending me this personally autographed novel.
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway. ( )