A wonderful thriller/mystery.
The story goes back and forth from the past to the present to explain where the MC is now and why.
I enjoyed the thrill of the hiking and wondering what was going to happen next.
The ending was so sweet I wanted more.

Although Emlyn remains guarded and isolative from experiencing past hurts, she has found a new group of friends and support in a small Idaho town. She may even be falling in love with the local forest ranger. But when she receives a call from her former best friend, Janessa and the call is dropped right before Janessa is about to tell her something important, Emlyn wants to find and reconnect with Janessa. Then Tyler, Emlyn’s former boyfriend and Janessa's best friend shows up to enlist Emlyn's help in finding Janessa, who has gone off the grid with her boyfriend, Bush. . Tyler and Emlyn determine that Janessa may be in danger and work together to find clues and track Janessa and Bush into the wilderness. But who is really in danger and will Emlyn and Tyler renew their romance while working together?
An enjoyable thriller with not a lot of mystery. The characters are too few to provide many unexpected twists although there are some surprises towards the end. The characters were fairly well developed and I did enjoy the way the author revealed more and more little tidbits about them as the story progressed. There was a little romance but not enough to ruin the thriller aspect. Overall, an enjoyable read.

The Nature of Disappearing
Written By Kimi Cunningham Grant
Published By St. Martin’s Press
Release Date June 18, 2024

This book was very captivating and edgy due to the authors skillful ability to write a book that switches between timelines. I have never heard of this author before and honestly am quite surprised. This fits right in with my favorites and I was hooked from page one. The story will intrigue you and keep you wanting more while you try to figure out the mystery. The character development also makes for a great read. I am definitely going to add Grant to my list of favorite authors.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and to Netgalley for providing me with an eArc to read in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I have very mixed feelings on this one!! The story moved very slowly, with lots of timeline jumps to fill in the reader on past events in our main character’s life. I normally don’t mind a slow book or a dual timeline, but this one just felt very drawn out for the story being told.

The wilderness themes and descriptions were great though and are the reason I was interested in this book in the first place. Some of the trials and friendship drama between our main character and her best friend did feel very true to life and realistic. I just wish I felt more of a connection to the characters.

This is also being listed as a thriller and I don’t necessarily agree with that. We are looking for our main character’s friend after a strange phone call and they go radio silent, but this felt like it took a major backseat to the relationship drama and self exploration.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having eagerly awaited the release of this book, I dove in with high expectations. The author's writing is, as always, skillful and engaging. The characters are well-developed, and the plot moves at a steady pace, keeping me interested from beginning to end.

However, I must admit that, compared to the author's previous work, I found myself longing for a deeper emotional connection. While the story was well-crafted, it didn't evoke the same level of emotional resonance for me as the last book did. The previous book left a lasting impression on my heart, whereas this one, though enjoyable, didn't quite touch me in the same way.

Overall, it’s a good read, and fans of the author will appreciate the familiar style and quality. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next and hope for a return to the more emotive storytelling that I’ve come to love.

Emlyn, the protagonist, is a portrayal of a woman dealing with betrayal by the people she loves as she tries to move on. She’s humble yet courageous and resourceful. The forest is a character in and of itself, and where much of the plot is set. With limited characters in the book, the story is easy to follow and helps to give the adventurous plot a realistic feel.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

These Silent Woods by this author is one of my all time favorite reads so I was thrilled when given an ARC of her new book and it definitely did not disappoint!!!

From the Authors note—- “I want readers to know, also, that when I wrote this book, I tried to build a character who was strong, resilient, and lovable, even though she didn’t see herself that way. I aspired to ferry the reader through mountains and valleys, fields and streams. I wanted them to experience both the beauty and unique challenges of a physical wilderness, but also the loneliness and mistress of a more metaphorical, spiritual wilderness. I wanted to craft a story that ultimately left readers—-especially readers who might be in a wilderness of their own—-feeling uplifted. Wilderness is not the destination. Your story goes on.”

She absolutely accomplished every word of that!! I was drawn into Emlyns story from the beginning and honestly did not want it to end. Having been through a wilderness of addiction with a family member, she weaves this perfectly into the story with such truth and real life for those who’ve experienced it.

Some have written Emlyn wasn’t relatable, honestly not sure of a written character that I’ve felt more relatable too.

Friendships, relationships, life that isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, real emotional and relatable experiences written exceptionally!!!

I plan to purchase the audio version when available as well, that was my favorite way to read These silent woods.

Highly recommend this read and if you haven’t read These Silent Woods, read it too!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. A

This book captures the reader right away - as the main character tries to figure out what happened to her friend. There is a great sense of place while the author creates tension between the characters.

I appreciated how the author switched between flashbacks and present day to provide the reader the background they needed. There was great character growth for the main character throughout the book. Forgiveness and found family are strong themes as well.

If you enjoy survival and wilderness books with a little bit of mystery, add this book to your TBR.

Thanks to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for providing the ARC.

#thenatureofdisappearing #kimicunninghamgrant #minotaurbooks

Having really liked These Silent Woods, I was thrilled to have been given an ALC of this book and was so excited to dive in. I’m all about a slow burn novel, however I found myself getting easily distracted and/or antsy for something to happen with this one. The author does a beautiful job with her descriptions of the setting, and the narrator did a great job bringing these characters to life, but it just wasn’t enough for me to look forward to picking it back up. Beware of quite a few trigger warnings. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant. This is the second book I read by this author. I really enjoyed the first book I read (These Silent Woods). This book was good too but the ending really threw me for a loop. I felt like it came a bit out of nowhere, it was rushed and that was that. I really did enjoy the first 80% of the book.

Grant’s covers and titles always have me thinking I’m going to read a fast-paced thriller which is definitely not the case. But she does write some beautiful literary suspense in a wilderness setting.

Emrey was such a resilient character and I loved the flashback chapters that provided insight to her character and her struggle to bounce back from a failed, toxic relationship. I think her story will resonate with a lot of people; whether it be the fear of starting over, how a loved one’s addictions affects our lives, or learning to accept that you’re worthy of love. The rich wilderness setting was well done and I think the slow burn really worked here.

These Silent Woods is still my favorite but this was a really great read! Can’t wait to read what she writes next.

I loveddddd These Silent Woods by this author. So I was excited to get this one. It fell a little flat in the middle and I lost interest but definitely picked up speed at the end!

Emlyn is a woman who has built a new life for herself after being left in the wilderness, when she learns that her old friend may be missing and the one who left her behind (her ex) wants her help to find out what happened.

This book has everything: romance, friendship, adventure, danger. It is very well written and the main character is very likeable and endearing. I always enjoy dual timeline storytelling as well, which this one has as you move through the book. It really helps you to understand the characters and piece together what is going on. While the actual twist is predictable, the way the story is told makes up for that.

There’s something incredibly liberating about being surrounded by nature. Immersing myself in the unspoiled wilderness, far from the stresses of daily life, is my ultimate escape. I find complete peace in those moments, allowing myself to truly relax and be present. Despite being a place of solace, the wilderness can also be unforgiving. In her latest novel, The Nature of Disappearing, author Kimi Cunningham Grant uses the vast wilderness to craft a tale that highlights its serenity and harshness. I’ve been eager to read her work since her previous novel, These Silent Woods, caught my attention a couple of years ago. Thanks to her publisher’s generosity, I had the opportunity to read and listen to her newest creation.

Emlyn knows firsthand the healing power of nature. A few years ago, she hit rock bottom. Her best friend Janessa couldn’t accept Emlyn dating Tyler, especially after she warned her against the relationship. But Emlyn was in love and wouldn’t let her friend’s opinion stop her. Unfortunately, Janessa was right. Three years ago, Tyler left Emlyn stranded on the side of the road in the freezing cold, half dead. Now, Emlyn has found peace working as a fishing and hunting guide, spending her days in Idaho’s endless woods and scenic rivers.

Her serene life is upended when Tyler reappears. Janessa, now a social media star with her survivalist boyfriend, has gone missing, and Tyler fears the worst. Despite their turbulent past, Emlyn realizes her tracking skills could be vital in finding her friend. Reluctantly, she teams up with Tyler to navigate the rugged terrain. Emlyn can’t ignore the lingering sparks between them as they trek through the wilderness. Though she hadn’t anticipated a reconciliation, the undeniable connection remains. As they travel deeper into the forest, Emlyn is gripped by a new sensation - unease. In her mission to rescue her friend, she may have inadvertently placed herself in danger.

In The Nature of Disappearing, Kimi Cunningham Grant crafts a multifaceted narrative that seamlessly weaves elements of a gripping missing persons saga, an exploration of complex relationships, and a contemplative meditation on the wilderness’s profound influence. Grant’s vivid descriptions instantly transport readers to the sprawling Idaho wilderness, imbuing the story with a palpable sense of grandeur and atmosphere. Against this vast backdrop, the intimate drama of the characters unfolds, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The search for the missing couple, led by Emlyn and Tyler, serves as the primary driving force of the plot, gradually unveiling the intricacies of their intertwined past and relationships. While the story maintains a compelling momentum, there is a slight lull in the third act, where the sense of revelation momentarily stagnates. However, this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the overall buildup, as Grant’s skillful storytelling and well-developed characters remain engaging throughout. Whether experienced through reading or listening to the beautiful audiobook version, The Nature of Disappearing captivates with its atmospheric prose and thought-provoking themes. It is a summer read that entertains and invites deeper reflection—a winning combination that leaves a lasting impression.

The Nature of Disappearing follows Emlyn, a wilderness guide, who must team up with the man who ruined her life years ago when the friend who introduced them goes missing. Emlyn is a layered main character. She is self-assured in nature yet is insecure in her relationships with people. She is forced to face these insecurities head on to search for her friend in the wilderness. Kimi Cunningham Grant does an incredible job building atmosphere. She is a nature lover, and she writes about the wilderness in such a gorgeous way that it makes you want to love it too. The cliffhanger chapter endings moved the mystery forward and cleverly placed one-sentence revelations made The Nature of Disappearing hard to put down.

A sincere thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to this ARC!

The Nature of Disappearing is a slow burn literary suspense novel that I could not put down! Emalyn has created a new life for herself as a wilderness guide after being abandoned by her boyfriend Tyler on the side of the road. She tries not to think about the past and has all but cut ties with her best friend, Janessa. When Janessa goes missing in the Idaho wilderness, Tyler shows up asking Emalyn for her help. Through flashbacks we see Emalyn and Janessa’s friendship develop, as well as Emalyn’s relationship with Tyler. I was equally invested in both timelines. While each timeline has a slow burn mystery, this is more of a story about human nature - one that explores addiction, friendship, redemption, and hope.

Kimi Cunningham Grant’s writing is beautiful and immersive. The mountains of Idaho come to life in this story. She also creates characters that I truly cared about, and I loved the found family that Emalyn has after she leaves her past behind. This is a second win from this author and I can’t wait to see what she continues to put out!

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.

“I wanted them {the readers} to experience both the beauty and unique challenges of a physical wilderness, but also the aloneness and lostness of a more metaphysical, spiritual wilderness.”

I appreciated the Author’s note at the end that explained what she was going for, it just didn’t get me there. The mystery seems suspect from the beginning, and none of it really drew me in. The book may be enjoyable for those who appreciate stories that take place in the wilderness and more of an inner growth theme than a mystery.

Thank you #NetGalley and @minotaur_books for this eARC!

I liked:
- The tech sleuthing (but wish there had been more of it rather than stumbling upon the truths)
- The displays of outdoor survival skills (even though this is not at all appealing to me personally!)

I didn’t like:
- That the characters’ current roles didn’t make all that much sense to me. For instance, I expected that maybe Janessa had gone into law enforcement while out East, but no, she’s a vigilante social media influencer.
- Not enough resolution on any fronts
- The one-dimensional characters. Emlyn assigns a word to people’s character and this seemed to become a basic theme for each in the book
- Emlyn is inconsistent. Examples: She can track people in the woods, but doesn’t remember to solar charge her phone. She leaves Tyler because he is an addict and liar, but trusts him to use his GPS tracker thing and traipse after Jenessa into the wilderness instead of getting help.

Thank you for reading!
Publication date June 18, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed this one. The beginning hooked me right away, as we learn that the main character, Emelyn, sees her best friend, Janessa, missing on TV. Emelyn is a wilderness tracker in Idaho and she decides to head out to find Janessa after her ex reaches out for help. The middle of the book slowed down for me a bit, but then it picked back up and I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed all the references to wilderness and the outdoors. It made things very easy to visualize and I felt like I was on the journey with them! I loved the authors previous book, These Silent Woods, so I was excited to give this one a shot. Overall, I really enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed this one and have had These Silent Woods downloaded forever but haven’t checked it out yet. This book definitely gave me the push to finally check it out, as I enjoyed Grant’s writing and her character development quite a bit in this one!

The Nature Of Disappearing is about forgiveness, but also about the walls we build around ourselves when we need to survive. Emlyn is a survivor in every sense of the word, and when her best friend goes missing she rises to the call - even though it means teaming up with her awful ex to do so.

This one was perfectly twisty and I always love shifts in timeline. The narrator, Emily Pike Stewart knocked this one out of the park as well! I wanted more from the ending to be entirely honest, and that’s what led to the lack of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this book for fans of thrillers, nature, remote settings, and suspense!!

**Thank you to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this title!!**

After reading and loving These Silent Woods from this author, I was excited to read this one after receiving an advanced copy from @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress.

In this captivating novel of suspense, a wilderness guide must team up with the man who ruined her life years ago when the friend who introduced them goes missing. Emlyn, Janessa and Tyler were very close at one time. Many different things happened in the past to tear them all apart. This story is told in dual time lines, the past delves into how they all met, became friends and you slowly learn the things that tore them apart. In the present time line, Janessa is believed to be lost and missing in the Idaho wilderness. The sense of place is so great, I really felt like I was right there isolated with these characters. She definitely does a great job of building that sense of tension and dread. It made me nervous to even think of being out there so isolated in nature and not knowing if you could get back.

I felt this was also a story of finding yourself and coming to terms with your past. Emlyn finds new people who help her grow to love herself and make a new life.

Overall, a really good suspense novel with a strong sense of place. I will continue to read whatever this author writes in the future.
Out June 18, 2024.