Rating: 3 stars
Release date: 6/18/24

I was SO excited when I received the e-arc of this book because I really enjoy thriller/suspense novels in nature settings. So, the synopsis seemed like a no-brainer to pick up. While the beginning captured my attention pretty quick, I felt like the pacing was off as the story continued. There was definitely a lag during the middle section right up until the end. This book is pretty character-driven, so maybe that was why it felt pretty slow? I did enjoy the main protagonist a lot, but felt like there were too many flashback chapters to be purposeful. The secondary characters weren't interesting to me, and I felt like I didn't get enough context to truly understand underlying motives of the entire cast. At times, I felt like I was unsure of where the book was headed which made me question some of the author's choices.

Overall, I found the message at the end of this book to be pretty endearing. The ending is worthwhile if you can get yourself there! I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's backlist, including "These Silent Woods" which I've heard AMAZING things about!

Thank you St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Emlyn doesn’t like to think of her past. She now lives in the wilderness of Idaho as an fishing and hunting guide. When her ex shows up and tells her that Janessa, her old best friend, now #vanlife influencer, is missing she goes to help.

I ended up enjoying this one a lot more than I thought i would from reading the synopsis. Nothing against the synopsis, but I’ve just read so many missing person stories lately. This one stood out because there was a developed back story. Traumatic events from the past are hinted at, but you have to stick with it to find out what really happened. There’s a lovely romantic sub plot (very much sub) that warmed my heart amidst all the trauma. The survival aspect of the story, as most takes place in the wilderness, was also a bonus for me.

“Those people who liked to believe nature was all beauty and dance - they were wrong. Anyone who spent enough time in the world could tell you that.”

The Nature of Disappearing comes out 6/18

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a suspense novel about a wilderness guide and her ex teaming up to try to find their missing friend. I really enjoyed the previous book by this author, These Silent Woods. This book had some of the same atmosphere, but the story isn't quite as compelling. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately this was a big miss for me. Was so excited to read it after loving the author’s previous novel. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I definitely expected more suspense/thriller vibes than I got. This is a very slow moving mystery. Plenty of nature vibes. If descriptions of nature including hiking and fishing are your jam, maybe you will love this! The author excels at providing very descriptive prose about nature.

Emalyn and her friend Janessa rarely speak to each other. When Janessa goes missing, Emalyn decides she must help track her down. I didn’t completely buy this. Not sure I would go traipsing after a friend from the past that I barely speak to.
Emalyn’ s back story with Tyler also just didn’t make sense. I wouldn’t spend any time with someone who had that I had that type of history with.
Struggled to care about Emalyn and Janessa. By the time the plot and pace picked up, my interest was
Gone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Nature of Disappearing is the suspenseful novel by Kimi Cunningham Grant that tells the story of Emlyn, a 28 year old wilderness guide. Emlyn’s college friend, Janessa has gone missing and Emlyn’s ex boyfriend, Tyler asks for Emlyn’s help. The three of them have a complicated relationship and we learn the details in a dual timeline.

The wonderfully descriptive scene setting puts the reader right into the wilds of Idaho. The author develops the character of Emlyn whose father left her at a young age, shaping her view of the world. The novel was an engrossing, quick read with a well paced story that has a decent twist. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

I wish I could pinpoint why this wasn't as successful for me. I think part of it is because the big action didn't really kick in until about 60% of the way through the book. I also couldn't connect completely with the characters.

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5 Stars

This was a quick read for me as it kept me interested in what was going on. I enjoyed the descriptions of the wilderness and really had no idea where the story was going and how it was going to end. I found the ending fitting for the characters and I'm glad I read it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Overall a good thriller, really liked the friendship aspect, could do without the inserts of evangelism

I’m indifferent on this book., I enjoyed it but also don’t. The atmospheric, descriptive nature writing was excellent and the best part of this book. I felt like I was in the middle of the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho hiking along with the characters. Unfortunately the characters and the plot lacked for me and the ending left me asking “that’s it?” I think this book would be better classified as a suspenseful drama than thriller.

Her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, who has already betrayed her one time comes to Emlyn out of the blue worried about Janessa who is doing a wilderness tour as a social media influencer to promote Tyler’s campervan. Janessa and Emyln are estranged because of Tyler but Emlyn loves her friend and knows she would do the same for her. She recognizes the most recent picture posted and they take off for that park only to find the campervan and rotted food that had been left out as if they left in a hurry. Emlyn is an excellent tracker and they take off through the wilderness to find them and the reason they are MIA. Who else is in the woods and what are their motives? Strong character development with lots of twists and surprises as Emlyn processes the betrayal and moves through it. Enjoyed this one!

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC! #TheNatureofDisappearing

I really enjoyed the newest from Kimi Grant. I was so invested in these characters from the very beginning. Not only is it a mystery/thriller in a beautiful setting, but it is also a drama between friends and between those that you love. I loved Emlyn and learning all about the wilderness from her. I couldn't get enough of this one and would definitely recommend it for the summer TBR! A huge thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for an advanced e-copy.

Many thanks to my partners @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the #free gifted copies of this book.

Vivid. Engaging. Suspenseful.

One thing is for sure: I am a devotee of Cunningham’s writing. Beautiful prose. Vibrant details. A moody yet appealing backdrop. Yes, yes, and yes!

Here’s the thing: I am not a camper. I have little to no survival skills. I do, however, appreciate the beauty of getting lost in nature and love hiking in the forest. But even then, I stick to the beaten paths and never stay overnight.

But Grant paints such a vivid picture of life in the woods... it makes me long to be amongst the animals and trees, almost convinced I could flourish there (even overnight?!). It’s apparent she has a deep, abiding love for the beauty and challenges of nature in the way she breathed life into this atmospheric backdrop. And I’ll happily head into the wilderness with her every single time she offers.

This read captivated me from the start. Somehow, I opened the book and immediately found myself 60% in! The storyline brimmed with suspense and kept me on my toes forming new theories until the truth was revealed.

I appreciate a well done nonlinear timeline, and Grant excels at piecing the puzzle together to give a fullness to the pacing and plot.

The twist took me by surprise. Even with all my theories, the storyline took a turn I didn’t expect. And truth be told, I longed for more from that last scene. Still, the fullness of the book satisfied.

Themes of resilience and overcoming run throughout the book. Grant excels at showcasing the complexities of human nature. At its heart, this book is about moving from brokenness to acceptance and allowing yourself to be loved, and I think the messaging will find resonance with many.

While These Silent Woods remains my favorite read by Grant (found on my ALL TIME favorite reads shelf in my library), this book showcases her ability to craft stories I want to read. I highly recommend throwing out any TSW’s expectations and embracing this new storyline and its focus on growth and friendship.

🎧 Bronson Pinchot BRILLIANTLY narrated Grant’s last book, and in the beginning, I was a tad disappointed to see he wasn’t narrating this one. BUT. He could not have embodied Emlyn the way Emily Pike Stewart did. (Apparently the publishers do know best! 😆) Emily’s narration truly made me feel as though I was in the moment with Emlyn as the story progressed.

Thank you to @macmillian.audio for the gifted audiobook and Minotaur Books/ NetGalley for the ebook ARC. All opinions are my own.

Narrator Emily Pike Stewart did an amazing job of narrating The Nature of Disappearing. I listened at 1.75x. I paired the audiobook with an ebook copy as well.

Bookish Thoughts: Like most people I loved These Silent Woods! It was a no brainer to pick up the author’s next book. I went in not knowing too much about the plot. I thought the book was going in one direction only to be pleasantly surprised in how it turned a different way. The sense of place drew me into this book along with a strong beginning. If you enjoy hiking, wilderness and a good mystery, consider reading The Nature of Disappearing!

#MacAudio2024

3.5 stars*

as was the case with These Silent Woods, this book was very well written. the author did an excellent job getting the reader in the main character, Emlyn's head and establishing her internal conflicts. i also really enjoyed the setting of this book; this is the second book i've read set in this part of the Idaho wilderness, and i loved how Emlyn's journey through the wilderness mirrored her internal journey. tacking on an extra half star for the quality of the writing and characterization, because not only did the author write the characters well, but she also wrote the complexities of female friendships and first loves well.

now for what i didn't care for: i didn't love the direction the story took. i've seen other reviewers describe it as anti-climactic, and i have to agree with that. once we get all of the answers, they feel contrived and even a little dumb, if i'm being honest. i also zoned out a bit when we got to some of the camping/hiking parts. going into this one i knew not to expect a fast-paced thriller but more of a slow-burn thriller, but even then i got bored at some points, although not so often that i wanted to give up on the book. i was still interested in the outcomes of the story since there was always something left to find out until the end.

the audiobook was narrated very well by Emily Pike Stewart and i would recommend it!

overall, i think this book had potential, and i wanted to love it, but didn't. i would recommend this book if you like:
- slower thrillers
- books set in the wilderness
- complex female friendships
- characters with internal conflicts

The Nature of Disappearing is out June 18, 2024. thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this ebook and Macmillan Audio 2024 Influencer program for a copy of this audiobook!

I enjoyed this wilderness thriller. At the beginning, I thought I knew where it was headed and I wasn't happy about it, but it ended up going places I didn't expect. I enjoyed the scenic descriptions and the story. I had a harder time connecting with the characters, and I felt that there could have been more development in that area. All in all, an interesting mystery! Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur for the advance digital copy!

Good but not great, I adored her first one though. I needed more tension and depth. This one wasn’t as emotional as her first either. I enjoyed enough to finish but not sure I’d recommend.

Emlyn's life has changed quite a bit in the last 3 years. She is a fishing and hunting guide in a small Idaho town where she has built her own safe refuge. But, 3 years ago her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, who she thought was the love of her life, left her on the side of the road almost dead. And now, her best friend Janessa, who just so happens to be Tyler's best friend as well, is missing after a falling out with Emlyn. Just when Emlyn's life is finally in a good place, Tyler shows up to ask for her help to find Janessa. Emlyn is known to be one of the best trackers and Tyler believes she is only one that can help him find Janessa in the miles of Idaho wilderness. But, can Emlyn trust Tyler? Or is he still the person that let her down in the past?
Review:
I read Kimi Cunningham Grant's previous novel, These Silent Woods, at the end of last year and absolutely devoured it! I was so excited to pick up her new novel, The Nature of Disappearing and I was not disappointed! It is a fast paced read that sucks you in with characters that have depth and tragic stories. I also really liked the thrilling aspect and wanting to know what exactly Janessa and Tyler were hiding. I did not get as emotional with this story as I did with These Silent Woods, but I still felt engrossed in the character stories and their development. I also really enjoyed the alternating past and present timelines. The only thing missing for me was an epilogue. I really enjoy seeing the characters lives a few years in the future and would have loved to know how much Emlyn's life changed in another 3 years.
The Nature of Disappearing publishes on 6/18 and I highly recommend picking it up!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kimi Cunningham Grant, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC of The Nature of Disappearing in exchange for an honest review!

If you have ever considered the van life, like influencer culture, and are an outdoors person, you will find things to be interested in during this story. Even without those, I was drawn in immediately by the writing and felt like I could see the setting of Idaho and feel the emotions of our main character. She was dealing with so many difficult issues yet trying to move forward with grace. I was intrigued immediately and appreciated the way her back story was sprinkled throughout in a clear way. By the end, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend. The suspense was handled well, although I would consider this a character story with a secondary suspense plot. My second read by this author has cemented her in my auto-buy list.

This isn’t These Silent Woods, and readers going into it need to adjust expectations. It is still a fantastic and propulsive story, with gorgeous nature descriptions and good character development. It’s also very timely and more thriller-y than her last book (one of my favorites ever) so thriller readers should absolutely pick this up!

I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. I honestly feel very indifferent. I love this author and her stylistic writing, her words flow and have almost like a poetic feel sometimes. But it was a little too much at times and held the plot back, making this feel very slow sometimes.

Highlights:
- The setting. I love the hiking and outdoorsy vibes, knowing that half of the danger is the elements and terrain.
- The found family element that Emlyn had established with Varden and Rev.
- Varden. Just in general. Varden was a highlight.
- The idea of the flashbacks to help us fill in the gaps of Emlyn and Tyler's past was good. A bit too stretched out, but I liked this format.

Reasons this book didn't work for me:
- I found Emlyn's trajectory of falling for Tyler again to be completely unnecessary. Like if a man leaves you for dead, he is not worth your time anymore.
- I was bored. While I liked the adventurous hiking through the woods, it went on for way too long and I just wanted something to happen.
- The twist, when we find out what was really going on with Janessa/Bush, was underwhelming. It truly felt like it came out of nowhere and built upon a storyline that I only sort of cared about in the first place. <spoiler> The fact that Janessa thought that she could accomplish her goal of exposing Bush on her own, and also felt that it was necessary that SHE do it on her own... it felt very forced and unrealistic. </spoiler>
- This attempted to give me a love story, but it all fell flat for me.
- Yes, I was curious to know what was really going on, but I honestly didn't care all that much and, after finishing, I would have been content to just dnf and not find out the ending...