Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place is an engrossing historical fiction novel which centers on the character of Pennie Goode who is haunted by strange visions that somehow connect her with the strange past of Malaga Island, Maine. The storyline is well-paced and consistently illuminating, with Maine's unique coastal heritage and bold mix of past and present day combining effectively to create a page-turner. Safford's text benefits from excellent evocative detail that enhances the vivid Maine landscape as well as a well crafted and brilliantly orchestrated cast of intriguing characters. The rhythm of the sentences is impressive, as is the lyrical use of language which deftly emphasizes the dark history of Malaga Island. Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place is a bold and fascinating historical novel with well written characters and an intriguing plot. It delicately explores themes of societal oppression and the dark, haunting secrets of the past in a stark and compelling manner. Safford's darkly comic portrayal of central character Penelope Brigid Goode forms the compelling centrepiece of her story. The richly described supporting cast of characters, in addition to the majestic Maine landscape, blend wonderfully to create a convincing and dramatic backdrop for the story to unfold.

At once an enticing supernatural tale and a loving homage to a little-known historical community, this novel is captivating from beginning to end. The author describes her native Maine with loving eyes and evocative imagery. She infuses her characters with relatable and sympathetic quirks, providing light moments of humor amidst the darker tones of supernatural occurrences and traumatic pasts. Although the story contains mystic elements, they are introduced with such delicacy that they enhance the plot rather than smother it. Pennie’s supernatural visions are neither dramatically macabre nor affectedly unbelievable, making her story comfortable for readers of any genre: historical fiction, suspense/thriller, literary fiction, and paranormal stories all find their home here. The author beautifully entwines her fictional tale with the harsh realities of Malaga Island and its inhabitants. She provides sound, historically accurate details of the intense trauma this community faced, awakening readers to the horrors of the past that continue to send shockwaves through the present day. The author’s exhaustive research is as evident as her passion for Malaga Island and its surrounding communities. Her words entice readers to conduct their own investigation into the fascinating and terrible history of the island and the Maine School for the Feeble Minded. Deep, immersive, and heartfelt, Safford's novel will entrance readers from the first page all the way through to its intensely satisfying conclusion.