In Regis Schilken’s suspenseful novel, ‘The Island off Stony Point,’ Keith Sinteris and his strategically minded wife, Malena, orchestrate a daring heist. They enlist the help of Stony, Bartolo, and Duane to kidnap hostages from a monastery and steal a sacred tabernacle containing consecrated bread. Despite Malena’s meticulous planning, the hostage situation quickly spirals out of control, leading to unforeseen complications.
Detective Jessica Harding and FBI Agent Rob Dexter are assigned to the case. Jessica, a strong-willed and sharp-witted detective, immediately asserts her dominance over Rob, sparking his intrigue. With limited leads, Jessica and Rob face mounting pressure as the Catholic Church grapples with exorbitant ransom demands.
The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, revealing a mysterious island home harboring a dark secret. Schilken masterfully uses vivid settings, such as a clandestine cave hideout, the arduous task of concealing stolen goods, and a dramatic storm, to amplify the suspense and captivate readers.
‘The Island off Stony Point’ distinguishes itself within the crime thriller genre through its compelling female characters. Jessica and Malena, both intelligent and assertive leaders, find themselves on opposing sides of the law. The novel explores the depths of human goodness while also depicting the desperate measures individuals take when driven by their desires. Notably, Father Martin, one of the hostages, is a recurring character from Schilken’s previous work, ‘The Oculi Incident,’ adding depth to the storyline.
Regis Schilken delivers an excellent novel filled with suspense and intrigue.