What will it cost to allow the past to pull you back in? This poignant, suspenseful read allows the reader to step into the forest with Emlyn and discover the truth.

Emelyn has just learned that her best friend Janessa is missing. Janessa has been a high profile social media influencer documenting her #vanlife with her new boyfriend, Bush. Emlyn hasn't talked to Janessa in a long time - not since she was left alone, half dead in the woods by her boyfriend, Tyler three years ago. Instead, she lives in Idaho, working as a fishing and hunting guide alongside the community's reverend and a handsome Forest Service ranger who took her in. Janessa hasn't posted in a while and the last photo has a suspicious caption that doesn't add up. Emlyn is even more shocked when her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, shows up to ask Emelyn to help him find Janessa. She reluctantly joins him, tracing Janessa's path through miles of wild country. And as a chemistry begins to form between them, Emlyn begins to suspect that a darker truth lies in the woods - and that Janessa isn't the only one in danger.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the perfect use of non-linear timeline. Kimi Cunningham Grant masterfully weaves this story, alternating past and present to bring the reader into a dramatic plot twist. Emily Pike Stewart was the perfect voice for this storyline. Her tone, timbre and interpretation of characters was stellar. At times, she sounded like Paula Abdul. I felt I needed to say that. The writing is compelling and engaging. My problems with the book stem from preference. I hated all of the characters, save the reverend and forest ranger who get maybe two chapters. I wanted to shake all of the characters and ask, "What is wrong with you?" Also, though the story was engaging, it was not memorable, except for the 2 plot twists.

Thank you NetGalley, Kimi Cunningham Grant, and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Man, the title of this book had me so intrigued that I had to snag the audio ARC and give it another listen! It's got this weight to it, you know? Like, it dives deep into some heavy stuff, but weirdly, it's also kinda liberating. This ain't your run-of-the-mill suspense novel—it goes way beneath the surface. I loved how it weaved in scripture, showing how even in the darkest times, faith can pull you through.

And let's talk about the whole dealing-with-a-drug-addict thing—it hit close to home, man. The struggle, the trauma—it's all laid out real and raw. Sure, the storyline might've been a tad predictable, but with characters this messed up from the get-go, you just gotta see how it all plays out.

Nature's a character in itself, you feel me? It adds this whole other layer to the story, making the characters feel so isolated from the rest of the world. And that title? It hits different once you've finished the whole journey. Grant really nails that whole vanishing act vibe.

Totally recommend this one if you're up for a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense, with an ending that ties it all together nicely.

So having really enjoyed the last book (These Silent Woods) I read by this author; I was looking forward to reading this new one. Like the last one, this new story also takes place out deep in the woods, off the beaten path, where one could easily get lost and/or die from either exposure or some wild animal.

The book summary basically just introduces the two storylines: one of Janessa and her boyfriend, Bush, who Tyler, their employer, thinks are missing and that something has happened to them. Tyler, Emlyn’s ex-boyfriend, convinces Emlyn to help him find Janessa and Bush. Emlyn and Tyler have a bad history; a few years ago, when Tyler was deep into his addiction, he abandoned Emlyn and she almost died on the side of the road waiting for him. Anyway, Emlyn, who hasn’t seen Tyler in years, is very wary of going anywhere with Tyler, who has been clean and sober for a couple of years. However, based on the info that Tyler provides, Emlyn also becomes concerned about Janessa.

The second storyline is of the history of Emlyn’s relationships with both Janessa and Tyler and how Emlyn met them and what happened that fractured Emlyn’s relationships with them. There is also a park ranger, Varden, who was the one that found and rescued Emlyn years ago after Tylor left her for dead. Varden has become hopelessly in love with Emlyn even though the feelings are unrequited.

Tyler and Emlyn head off to try and find Janessa and Bush out in the wilderness of Idaho. The story flips back and forth between Emlyn’s present and past. The past chapters are kind of all over the place: seven years ago, then five years ago, then 17 years ago, then four and half years ago, etc. The past chapters cover the history of Emlyn’s relationship with both Janessa and Taylor as well as what happened to her. The present chapters mostly cover Emlyn’s and Tyler’s search for Janessa and Bush. It's well into the second half, when Emlyn and Tyler find Janessa and Bush, that the story takes a really strange turn and a very ominous tone that culminates into a bizarre and scary intense ending. Good grief!!! That was insane!!!

I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, which was expertly narrated by Emily Pike Stewart, who understands the timing of energy and pitch with just the right amount of flair for character authenticity, like the polar differences between Emlyn and Janessa. The characterization of Emlyn and Janessa was much more developed than the rest the rest; the rest being the men, Tyler, Bush and Varden. The pacing and storyline were steady and interesting, respectively. The writing style was good, but I found the alternate chapters (the chapters on Emlyn’s past) kind of clunky and a little thin on details. I’m sure that was by design with the author not wanting to give too much away. However, I love crazy endings!

Personally, I would have preferred that the author didn’t feel it necessary to include the scene of the wild animals that were tortured. I hate animal abuse!!! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Mcmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #McmillanAudio #TheNatureofDisappearing

TW: Graphic scene of tortured wild animals

Thank you to NetGalley and to MacMillan Audio for the ARC audiobook of The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant.

I was drawn to this book by the cover and the plot summary around a friend who goes missing in the woods and the best friend who has to team up with her unfortunate ex to make the rescue. As an outdoorsy person, most books, especially mysteries, set in mother nature's uncontrollable environment draw me in. This book did, and didn't, simultaneously, but not negatively.

I would say 50% of this book is flashback and 50% is in the present in the woods. The flashbacks give us great insight into each of the characters. Cunningham Grant does a phenomenal job of showing how friendships change and break and reform after college, which was something I really identified with in having a friend very similar to Janessa. So, while part of me wishes the book were 100% in real time, I found personal value in the flashbacks.

I also thought Emlyn was a strong main character - I particularly liked her use of dictionary words to encompass people she meets. She is flawed but cognizant of it, and open to change.

For the outdoors part of the novel, the story is fast paced and escalates quickly, some of which was confusing. My one star removal comes here because of what I perceive as a major plot issue - why Tyler seeks Emlyn out at all (because of her tracking ability? This part was unclear to me, and without understanding it the story simply doesn't need to happen). There were some other areas where character motivation was a bit fuzzy, especially when the whole story comes to a head.

It was also really thought provoking to listen to this book around the same time as the "man or bear" conversation has been happenning, which may be partly why I chose to listen to this during a long commute and not on a weekend in the mountains.

The audio narration was very well done, and this was a smooth listen all around.

I think I like this author the most when I have the audio books. I really loved her first book and was excited for this one. I think she does a great job with descriptions. I can feel the forest and smell the camp fire. I liked the characters and complexity and I thought the friendship being the true love story was good.

I really loved These Silent Woods, the author's previous novel, so I was really excited for this one. While the narration of the audiobook was done well, the story ultimately fell a bit flat for me. There was no real excitement and the ending wasn't much of a reveal either. I hope the author's next book is better and closer to the These Silent Woods. I will definitely be on the lookout for her next title.

Having seen rave reviews of These Silent Woods, I was so excited to dive into this one! I still haven't read TSW, so I can't compare, but I was somewhat disappointed in this one. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I felt pretty meh about this one.

This book follows two timelines - the present-day mystery and the past that leads up to said mystery. At the start of this book, our main character Emlyn learns her former best friend Janessa has gone missing. We learn about Emlyn's past, her friendship with Janessa, and what led them to become estranged. Teaming up with her ex, Tyler, she attempts to track her down.

I really liked the present-day narrative, the mystery behind Janessa's disappearances and Emlyn's hunt for her friend. What I didn't like were the chapters covering the backstory - they started allllll the way at Emlyn's childhood, leading up until after college, and honestly, a lot of it could've been cut out. I know we needed the backstory about how Emlyn and Janessa became friends, and what eventually led to their falling out (along with Emlyn's falling out with Tyler), but honestly it starts reading more like a piece of emotional women's fiction, and less like a mystery/thriller. There were pieces that aided to the overall storyline, sure, but so much of it could've been cut out. I felt like we were still talking about Emlyn's childhood at the 80% mark, and then the whole present-day mystery wraps up pretty quickly.

Also, I'll try to say this without being spoiler-y, but the reason behind the falling out with Janessa and Emlyn felt SO... wrong? Like 1) it wouldn't have caused that big of a falling out; and 2) Janessa KNEW something VERY IMPORTANT and did not tell Emlyn??? I get Emlyn being mad but Janessa being mad made no sense to me.

Anyways - I can tell this author is a really talented writer, and the descriptions of the Idaho wilderness were beautiful. I still want to give These Silent Woods a try, even if this wasn't my favorite book!

Set in the beautiful Idaho wilderness, The Nature of Disappearing is a captivating story of estranged friendship, and finding the momentum to move on when it’s needed. It was thrilling, suspenseful, moving, and overall a really great story.

Being a PNW girl myself, I loved the wilderness descriptions, and just how well its beauty was captured. I loved how Emryn was independent from everything, and embracing the skills that her father taught her long ago: fishing, hunting, tracking, etc.

The narrator was also very good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this early audio in return for my honest review.

Pub date: 18 June 2024

"In this captivating novel of suspense from the USA Today bestselling author of These Silent Woods, a wilderness guide must team up with the man who ruined her life years ago when the friend who introduced them goes missing."

I honestly didn't think Kimi Cunningham Grant could write a book I would enjoy more than These Silent Woods, but I was wrong. This story pulled me in from the start and when I wasn't listening to this story I was still thinking about the characters and wondering what would happen next.

The story is told in two timelines and helps to slowly build the past and the complications of relationships with how Emlyn responds to current day request from her ex to help find an old friend who might be missing in the woods. Tyler has let her down in the past, will it happen again?

This was a solid story. I really enjoyed the narrator. I didn't find myself becoming too attached to the characters and the end came fast but I enjoyed it all The same!

I couldn't get into this at all unfortunately.

Thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press & MacMillan Audio for an advance copy

4.5 stars.

✨I knew after I finished THESE SILENT WOODS by this author that I would read anything she wrote, so I was very excited to read this, her latest novel.  It did not disappoint. 
 
✨As with her previous novel, the author seamlessly intertwines elements of her Christian faith without being heavy handed in any way.  One does not have to be a Christian to appreciate the deeper meanings in these pages.  If you are a fan of starting over, learning to trust again, becoming your best self, I think this book will resonate with you no matter what your faith may be. 
 
✨I tend to better enjoy books with a lot of descriptive language on audio, and I absolutely devoured this one. For that reason, I do really recommend the audio. Emily Pike Stewart did a phenomenal job narrating and really grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it throughout.  So well done. 
 
✨At its heart, this is a story of starting over from a place of brokenness and finding not only yourself but others to love who will love you back.  I am still feeling all the feelings. 
 
🌿Read if you like:
✨Van life
✨Wilderness settings
✨Found family
✨Long-term friendships
✨Being inspired
✨Nature themes
✨Survival stories

This one is more YAish than her previous book, These Silent Woods, but I still enjoyed her writing, the mysterious tone and the faith elements. It is told in back and forth timelines that I enjoy and allows the story to unravel layer by layer. The audiobook is performed with a suspenseful, tense voice which adds to the compulsive reading experience. Sometimes books like this can drag on but I listened to it over two days and just when I was ready for it to be over, it was!

Review of audiobook, due out June 18. Read by Emily Pike Stewart.

Emlyn, once best friends with Janessa and beloved by Tyler, has found a new town, a new job, and new friends after those relationships ended disastrously. She's an excellent tracker, with knowledge of Idaho's wild lands and inhabitants. She now spends her days out on the land, guiding travelers in fishing and hunting.

When Tyler shows up at her workplace one day, she discovers that she's not as well hidden as she'd hoped. He's arrived to bring Emlyn along on a search for Janessa, who has gone missing while on a road trip with her boyfriend.

The absolute best parts of this book are the descriptions of the rivers and forests and animals, and the clues that Emlyn uses in her search. The mystery was not, for me, nearly as intriguing as the scenery. If you enjoy a character led story, this was a slow and careful build. If you're looking for an edge of your seat thriller, this is not it.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Thoughts…
About The Narration: A rhythmic, almost meditative reading that helped to create a sense of awe with nature as the main character moved through her world. There were times, however that I had to replay parts of this audio as the pacing could become a sort of background white-noise if I wasn’t giving it enough attention.

About The Book: This book was a bit hit and miss for me, but to be fair I did have super high expectations as I loved These Silent Woods by the author. What I enjoyed - the superb atmospheric vibes, the evolving friendship between the main character and her friend from uni, and the personal growth arc of the main character. What didn’t work for me - it was a slow start, there were too many side stories, and I wasn’t expecting the religious references / content. Overall I guess it was about a 3.25 ⭐️ for me.

Another wonderful novel by Kimi Cunningham Grant. "The Nature of Disappearing" was a great read with a wonderful reader. Quick read for sure.

If you love detailed nature descriptions, this book will make you want to pack up and head straight to the Idaho wilderness. Grant’s vivid portrayal of the great outdoors is truly mesmerizing. But, unfortunately, that’s where the excitement ended for me. The story itself was a painfully slow burn, and I found myself constantly waiting for something interesting to happen.

Connecting with the characters was a challenge. Despite my high hopes, especially since I’ve loved Grant’s previous books, this one left me a bit disappointed.

Here's the gist: Emlyn lives a quiet, simple life as a fishing and hunting guide in Idaho. She’s left her troubled past behind, including a fractured friendship with Janessa and a heartbreak from Tyler, who abandoned her three years ago. Her closest companions now are a kind Forest Service ranger and a makeshift reverend who once took her in.

But everything changes when Tyler reappears with alarming news: Janessa, now a social media star with her #vanlife adventures, has gone missing. Despite their rocky past, Emlyn realizes she might be the only one capable of tracking down her old friend. Reluctantly, she teams up with Tyler, and together they follow Janessa’s trail through the wild terrain.

As they venture deeper into the wilderness, Emlyn can't ignore the rekindling chemistry between her and Tyler. However, the deeper they go, the more sinister the truth seems. It turns out Janessa isn't the only one in danger.

In summary, while the book’s depiction of Idaho’s wilderness is enchanting, the story’s slow pace and the difficulty in connecting with the characters made it hard to fully enjoy. Here's hoping Grant’s next book brings back the magic we know and love.

Thank you, for the opportunity review this ARC.

An intriguing dive into female friendships, relationships and the transformational power of the wilderness. The plot was interesting without being overdone and drew on current events and trends (van life, drug addiction) but have it’s own twist by the end. The characterizations and their relation to each other were worked through nicely.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Many many years ago in a time that feels like a former life, I used to be quite a nature enthusiast. Having spent time disconnected from technology and plugged in to nature, I'm acutely aware of the dangers that exist in these scenarios, no matter how careful or prepared you think you are. I felt like I understood Emlyn's choices, trauma, and thought processes exceptionally well, which made certain chapters difficult to read. Kimi Cunningham Grant's vividly descriptive writing kept me spellbound, even when the abruptly jumping timelines had me feeling a little discombobulated. Overall, if you are a nature lover that can handle a broken love story, this was written for you.

Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this book.

As an avid backpacker and climber, I am a complete sucker for a wilderness thriller/mystery. This book had my attention from the start and kept me rapt until the very end. I enjoyed the author's first book, These Silent Woods, and this one did not disappoint either. My only criticism is that the end left me sort of wanting something more - I'm not sure what, but it just felt a bit flat and predictable. The build up to the end, though was fabulous! This one gets a solid 4 stars from me.

The audio narration was excellent too, super easy to listen to. All and all, this was a great listen from start to finish!