Emlyn is a damaged young woman who has turned much of her experiences into a profession. She is doing her best to recover from a broken heart and has virtually cut herself off from people she knew. When she hears from the one person who she cares most for in the world she hesitates to answer.

Tyler was the love of her life and he seems to have moved on. He has come to her however because their mutual best friend is missing. Can Emlyn put the past behind her and work with Tyler? Where is their best friend? Is she in danger.?

Cunningham Grant does an excellent job of pacing with portions of flashbacks slowly filling us in.
Her writing is so excellent, you cannot help but be pulled into the story!
#Stmartins #minitour #thenatureofdisappearing #kimicunninghamgrant

I was so excited to read The Nature of Disappearing because of the intriguing plot and the glowing reviews for Kimi Cunningham Grant's writing. And while I loved the beautiful descriptions of Idaho, the story didn't grab me. Maybe it was too much of a slow burn, but I struggled to stay engaged. I'm sure this book will be a stronger fit with many other readers.

Kimi, you’ve done it again.

Something about These Silent Woods has sat deep inside my bones since I first read it, so I had hope this one would do the same - and it has.

(Major, major TWs for substance abuse and addiction, and the guilt and anger and despair that comes with knowing and loving an addict.)

I could smell the dust and dirt and smoke, feel the oppressive haze of wildfires and the way that lack of sunshine feels so heavy and close. But I also could feel the way the blue sky appearing again seems to rise and settle in the base of your throat. The way that we can be so close to toppling over the edge into old heartbreaks because the person who makes them is so beautiful.

Emlyn is strong because she recognizes that weakness in herself. Because she sees it and takes another step. Her relationships are fraught and tenuous until she finds one that expects nothing of her but for her to keep moving. And from that - a healthy, earnest, kind friendship - she is able to create others, and also to mend some from her past.

The fact that in spite of everything, Janessa and Emlyn not only are always watching out for each other but know on an almost molecular level that the other will do the same, even if they doubt themselves - speaks volumes. Above all, this is about that specific kind of love, and finding hope.

After reading These Silent Woods and loving it, I just had to read this! Grant's writing is captivating and atmospheric, and she has an immense talent for stirring up your emotions and breaking your heart with her words. This story was different than I expected, but I'm not at all disappointed. It focused more on Emlyn and her journey from past to present than it did on the mystery of Janessa's disappearance. I didn't care too much for the mystery reveal, but the backstory was so riveting that I didn't care. After reading the author's note, I think that she should have stuck with the title, Wilderness. It seems more fitting now that I have finished the story. To me, it's more profound and thought provoking, in a physical and metaphorical sense. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read whatever Grant writes next. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!

I was so excited to see Kimi Cunningham Grant had a new book out. I requested it immediately. Her last book left a lasting impression on me and I think this one will do the same. Her lyrical writing is perfect and really helps in moving the book at a lovely pace. Can't recommend this one enough!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the copy of The Nature Of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant. I was so excited for this book because I love Cunningham Grant’s lyrical writing. I love how she makes every word matter so I never have to skim “filler” paragraphs. I loved Emlyn, Tyler, and Janessa’s ‘past’ stories. I liked the present narrative, but it wasn’t as compelling as the past. I loved the wilderness setting and the slower pace of the book was perfect. There are still plenty of surprises to keep you on your toes. If you’re looking for a beautifully-written, captivating story, don’t miss this one. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was a great book. I finished it within two nights.
Not only is this a bit of a thriller/mystery but it also has a lot of self discovery in it as well with the character of Emlyn.
We learn more and more about her past with Tyler and her friendship with Janessa.
I feel the author definitely did a good job developing Emlyn’s character. Tyler’s was fairly well developed as well.
While the book switches up timelines it is not confusing and is well put together.
We find out what happened in the past with Emlyn and also know about her current journey and how her past affects it.
Really great book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The good:
1. This book starts off really well and caught my attention quickly.
2. I LOVE the location of the book, Idaho. Very rarely is Idaho remembered and it's only about 1.5 hours from my house, so we have frequented Idaho and I had a good sense of place while reading the book.
3. It all takes place in nature. I love the wilderness and all things within like hiking, exploring, seeing animals in the wild, sunsets, waterfalls, lakes, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.
4. I read it quite quickly because I had to know what was going on.

I absolutely loved Grant's previous book, These Silent Woods. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and I read it very early because I just couldn't wait. That said, I was underwhelmed. There is no doubt that Grant is a very good writer, and I applaud any book written, but, I struggled with this book, mostly because of the plot.

The struggle:
1. There were some outrageous aspects to the plot that I remarked in disagreement out loud a few times.
2. The story felt manipulated and coerced at times that made it not ring true to me.
3. Some of the behaviors of the protagonist felt inaccurate. She is made out to be this smart and intelligent outdoors woman who knows how to track animals etc, yet she gets put in positions where she makes really bad decisions, which did not align with the character that we were introduced to.
4. The main reason for it all that you learn by the end-fell really flat for me and very unlikely. (Not a spoiler).

I was so excited to read a book that takes place in the WILDERNESS, my second home and love. As I've thought on it, perhaps that is my problems, I would've acted so differently regarding the situations in this book. I would've played it smarter. I know how to behave in the wilderness, what to do, what not to do etc. This is what really hung me up. The protagonist did not play it smart at all, and it bothered me, because she was written as an intelligent guide, but then made bad choices, over and over. Ugh. So if you know nothing about the outdoors and don't spend much time there and are a city dweller only, you may like this better than me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance e-book.

Good book! Very eye opening! It had the usual, it had light suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, revenge, drug abuse, double crossing, gas lighting, great plot twist and some really crazy twist and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book it was eye opening and worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an ARC copy of The Nature of Disappearing.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story but felt like the first 60-70% was too slow in pace. I also found the details about the drug usage in the book to be unrealistic, it distracted from the rest of the plausible story. I really loved the ending but wanted one more chapter to know how things ended up for the main character. 4 stars.

For years now, Emlyn has poured her heart and soul into her work as a wilderness guide. With each step she takes further off the grid, the more connected she feels to the vast landscapes of Idaho, and the more distanced she feels from her painful past. Because for years, Emlyn has tried to forget the night the love of her life left her for dead in the wilderness without so much as a word.

When their mutual friend suddenly goes missing in the harsh wilderness Emlyn has come to know so well, she is forced to reconcile her fractured past with the notorious Tyler in a furious race against time.

But how do you have someone who may not even want to be found?

Without a doubt, "The Nature of Disappearing" is one of my most-anticipated novels of 2024 because of how Kimi Cunningham Grant changed the reading world with "These Silent Woods." Like its predecessor, "The Nature of Disappearing" is deeply-atmospheric, character-driven, and full of tightly-wound suspense. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities between the novels end, and not for the better.

The trouble with a novel as profound and unforgettable as "These Silent Woods" is that it presents a near-impossible feat in the author's next book being just as good. In the case of "The Nature of Disappearing," Cunningham Grant came close to recreating the emotional atmosphere of "These Silent Woods" but ultimately missed the mark with a lackluster ending.

Despite both a solid setting and good pacing, this book felt--chapter after chapter--like it was on the precipice of being great, but it never quite got there. Ultimately feeling a bit been-there-done that but rescued by Cunningham Grant's impeccable storytelling, "The Nature of Disappearing" likely won't astound readers the way "These Silent Woods" did but still makes for a decent survival suspense read.

These Silent Woods comes highly recommended so when I saw a new release coming from the same author I just knew I had to read it. P.S. I haven't read These Silent Woods yet but it just moved to the top of my TBR pile!

I was captivated right from the beginning. The cover and title are both very intriguing. I can appreciate that the author subtly incorporates a Christian theme, but it's not so over the top that it can also be enjoyed for those of different faith backgrounds. The setting of the wilderness is my favorite type of setting and this author does it so well. It initially gave me vibes similar to that of the Gabby Petito case. I was curious where the story was going to go. I read this in one sitting it was that good! This story is full of suspense, adventure, forgiveness, and trust. I would absolutely recommend this book!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Nature of Disappearing was one of my highly anticipated reads for 2024 so I was ridiculously happy to get approved for this arc. I immediately finished up my previous book and started in on this atmospheric mystery and I was not disappointed. This book squeaked in at the end of the year to earn a spot on my favorites list and I guarantee I’ll be thinking about this book all next year as well.

@kimicgrant does atmospheric mysteries like no body else; she completely immerses you in the setting and the anticipation of the mystery. Her characters are complex and dynamic and you can relate to them in some way. I saw myself in Emlyn and her struggle to rebuild and put the past behind her but when it comes back into her life asking for help, does she agree out of guilt or a sense of duty?

Thank you @minotaur_books @kimicgrant and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Another suspenseful, atmospheric novel by the author of These Silent Woods! It was difficult to put this book down! I became immersed in the woodsy settings and in the relatable main character and her experiences. There were some unexpected twists and turns in this mystery. I’d recommend it!

Thank you very much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I remember, having finished "These Silent Woods," not knowing how to feel exactly. The writing was so immersive and the contemplative nature of the story pulled me in so wonderfully that it almost left me mentally speechless. I had a similar reaction reading Ms. Grant's newest novel, "The Nature of Disappearing." The characters feel so incredibly real and their heartaches become our own as we wander through the wilderness with them: searching for ourselves and hoping for a future that isn't defined by one seemingly inescapable thing. If you're looking for a story about a young woman carving a new path for herself, this is absolutely the book I would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kimi Cunningham Grant's "The Nature of Disappearing" is a novel that deftly weaves the intricacies of human relationships with the raw, untamed backdrop of the Idaho wilderness. At its core, the story is a suspenseful journey, both physical and emotional, as it follows the protagonist, Emlyn, a wilderness guide whose past and present collide in a search for her missing friend, Janessa.

Grant's narrative is as rugged and compelling as the landscapes she describes. Through Emlyn's eyes, we experience the stark beauty of Idaho, which serves not just as a setting but almost as a character in its own right. Emlyn's life, marked by solitude and simplicity, is jolted when Tyler, a figure from her traumatic past, returns with news of Janessa's disappearance. Grant skillfully uses this premise to explore themes of forgiveness, the inexorable pull of the past, and the resilience required to forge a new path.

The story is told with a rich and evocative prose that captures both the external journey through the wilderness and the internal journey of Emlyn's character. Emlyn is a well-crafted character, her strength and vulnerabilities painted with a careful hand. The supporting characters, including the reverend and the Forest Service ranger, add depth to the narrative, offering contrasting perspectives on life's trials and tribulations.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing seems uneven, and the intertwining of Emlyn's past with her present quest can feel forced. The romantic tension between Emlyn and Tyler, while integral to the plot, occasionally overshadows the more compelling aspects of the story, such as the mystery of Janessa's disappearance and the thematic exploration of starting over.

In conclusion, "The Nature of Disappearing" is a poignant and suspenseful novel that offers more than just a mystery. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of confronting one's past. While it navigates some predictable terrains in the genre, its strength lies in its vivid setting and the compelling journey of its protagonist. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and a strong sense of place.

I was completely blown away by this novel. I love wilderness/outdoor/adventure stories and this one didn’t disappoint. Instead, it elevated the genre by folding in multiple timelines in order to draw a clear and complete picture of our heroine and her life.
There are spiritual elements to the story that didn’t hit home with me, because I’m not a believer. However, they made the character stronger and deeper and helped to know her. The story isn’t about me and being able to understand the fabric that makes up the woman you’re reading about is what gives this book the extra push across the finish line.
A great mystery, well written, with a lot of incredible character building. This is a home run.

Kimi Cunningham Grant is such a unique voice in the mystery genre. She writes books that keep you on the edge of your seat with multi-layered plots, alluring characters (full of secrets and complicated pasts), and artfully painted scenery. But Cunningham goes beyond just masterfully telling a story as she weaves in deeper themes from a Christian perspective. This is done purposefully yet subtly enough where the story can be fully appreciated by those with many different worldviews. As a Christian, this is my favorite part of her works.

I read THESE SILENT WOODS a couple years back and haven't stopped thinking about it since. I remember where I was (sobbing in my car in the library parking lot) when I listened to the ending of the book and since then it has become my most recommended book (loved by every one that took me up on the rec).

In a similar way, THE NATURE OF DISAPPEARING captivated me right from the beginning. The cover, the title, the synopsis all intrigued me and made this my most anticipated 2024 read.

My only complaint was that I didn't want the story to end. I need more of these characters!

The story was told spanning multiple different time periods in the main character, Emlyn's life. In typical Cunningham fashion, bits and pieces of her past were revealed gradually along with the present day perspective to slowly sculpt her into the woman she is now.

While the mysterious elements were enough to keep me hooked and turning pages, the themes of trust, friendship and forgiveness will stay with me long after I forget the details of the plot.

My recommendation is to go in blind and enjoy the ride!

Thank you so so much to @minotaur_books for the free ARC!

This book will be available for purchase on June 18, 2024!