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!