This book was a great premise. A woman's estranged best friend vanishes off the face of the Earth, even though she is a social media personality, and the woman is the only person that can find her. I found the plots of the story to be entertaining and engaging, and I found the twists to be realistic. The writing style was engaging and kept me guessing, and it kept my brain engaged with the story. Although I didn't like this one quite as much as the last book that I read by this author, it was a solid novel, and I would recommend it to friends that enjoy a twisty, contemporary mystery.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and the narrators voice was engaging and pleasant, drawing me in and grabbing my attention even when it sometimes wanted to wander. I've enjoyed books by this narrator in the past, so I was happy to listen to another one.

Thank you to the Author, publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my second book by this author. It follows Emlyn in third person with a now and then format going back six years to describe events and relationships that she has developed with her best friend, Janessa, who is currently missing, and other characters that include family, friends and romantic entanglements. I switched between the audiobook and the e-book. The audiobook is narrated by Emily Pike Stewart who did a fantastic job portraying the personality of Emlyn, as well as describing the beauty of the natural surroundings and the suspenseful moments leading to the conclusion of the story. It was the perfect read for my current hiking vacation.

I really enjoyed Emlyn’s complexity of character, from her low self-esteem due to her abandonment issues and her resilience for survival despite her subsequent experiences that only contributed to those issues as an adult. She is currently working as a wilderness guide in Idaho when her ex Tyler approaches her with information indicating their mutual friend, Janessa, is missing and needs her expertise in tracking to search for her. At times I was a little frustrated with the ambiguity of the events leading to their breakup, but in the end I felt the story developed at the appropriate pacing for the situation and I especially enjoyed reading about the development of her friendship with Janessa in the alternate “then” chapters.

Recommended to readers who enjoy a combination of nature and suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and MacMillan audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

I enjoyed this one for the quick, mysterious read but it fell short of my expectations after loving These Silent Woods so much.

"The Nature of Disappearing" by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a thriller that, while not entirely my usual genre, captivated me with its compelling storyline, rich character development, and atmospheric setting.

Set against a backdrop of intrigue and mystery, the novel unfolds as a slow burn, gradually revealing its secrets through a series of unexpected twists. The author skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, each contributing to the overall tension and sense of unease that permeates the story.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-crafted characters, each with their own complexities and motivations. As the plot unfolds, so too do the layers of each character, revealing deeper truths and unexpected connections that add depth to the narrative.

The atmosphere of the novel is another standout feature. Grant's descriptive prose brings the settings vividly to life, whether it's the eerie quiet of a small town or the haunting beauty of remote landscapes. This atmospheric quality enhances the suspense and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

While "The Nature of Disappearing" may not have been my typical choice of thriller, I found it to be a highly satisfying read. It blends elements of mystery and psychological suspense with a keen eye for human relationships and the intricacies of secrets. For anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking thriller with a slow-building intensity and unexpected twists, this novel is definitely worth picking up.

Overall, Kimi Cunningham Grant has delivered a gripping tale that lingers in the mind, offering both suspense and substance in equal measure.

Wilderness Guide Searches for Missing Friend

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a suspenseful novel set against the rugged backdrop of Idaho's wilderness. The story follows Emlyn, a wilderness guide who has retreated to a life of isolation after a tumultuous past. Her seemingly simple existence is disrupted when her nearly estranged best friend, Janessa, goes missing. Emlyn is forced to team up with her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, the man who she believes ruined her life years ago, to search for Janessa and confront the unresolved issues from her past.

Overall, The Nature of Disappearing is a beautifully written novel that combines suspense with emotional depth, making it a compelling read for fans of literary thrillers and character-driven stories.

I absolutely love Kimi Cunningham Grant’s writing, and I loved this latest release from her! Such a powerful, atmospheric, tension-filled story about a woman who embarks on a journey with her Ex (who hurt her deeply) to find their friend believed to be in trouble in the wilderness. So powerful and captivating and a moving look at what it takes to fully trust the right people after the wrong ones hurt you. A beautiful look at healing with a mystery thrown in, so good! And the audiobook is fantastic!!

A big thank you to Macmillan Audio for granting me access to this title. I was very excited for The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant, but I have to be honest, I struggled with this one. I found the narration challenging. The rate of speech and voice intonations made the book feel light when the topic was rather dark. I will be switching to the text of this book to give it another chance, because I am intrigued by the plot!

3 promising stars that didn’t shine

From the publisher: “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 doesn’t let herself think about the past.”

The writing and pacing are very good in Cunningham Grant’s mystery, The Nature of Disappearing. Unfortunately, I thought the characters were average – not intriguing or confident. No pizzazz. The romance is typical and a bit sappy. I really disliked Emlyn’s one-word character summaries – pathetic, manipulative, etc. I appreciate authors who can write nuanced characters who are not all good or all evil.

Emlyn has a friend, Janessa. “Janessa plans everything, and Emlyn is happy to go along.” Not exciting for the main protagonist.

The narration was clear and easy to understand. It helped move the story along.

In the Author’s Note, Cunningham Grant writes that she “wanted to craft a story that ultimately left readers- especially readers who might be in a wilderness of their own – feeling uplifted. I did not feel the uplift because of the lackluster characters. “Emlyn thumbs through her dictionary and finds the word ’pathetic.’ ‘Pitiful, particularly though tragedy or weakness.’ She knows this word. The definition fits her, she realizes.” I understand trying to show why the character has no self-esteem and confidence, (abandonment issues), but it is hard to be encouraged by a character who has no life of her own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kimi Cunningham Grant's novel, "The Nature of Disappearing," is a masterful blend of suspense and emotional depth, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Idaho's wilderness. The story follows Emlyn as she confronts her traumatic past in the wake of her friend Janessa's disappearance.

The narration by Emily Pike Stewart adds a subtle yet impactful layer to the tale, particularly in her portrayal of Emlyn. Stewart's voice conveys the protagonist's complexities with finesse, enhancing the overall experience of the narrative without overshadowing the story itself.

With its atmospheric setting, likable characters, and a plot that weaves together the present search with past events, the novel delivers a satisfying ending that resonates with the reader. Stewart's narration is the cherry on top, providing just the right touch to bring Emlyn's character to life and making "The Nature of Disappearing" a memorable read—or listen.

I didn't think this one was quite as good as These Silent Woods, but I did enjoy it. I loved the wilderness setting. But I had to reread a few times to get into the story, and the ending was a miss for me. So It was okay. I'd be happy to try another book by this author!
The audio was good!

The Nature of Disappearing is a suspenseful novel questioning the motives of every character. Kimi Cunningham Grant has a way of giving those details in perfect order. Three estrange friends come together when one disappears in the wilderness. The dual timelines give past and present insight into each character, relationship and possible motives. It fell a little flat for me and I hoped for more. I still enjoyed it and will continue to read her books because who didn’t love These Silent Woods? I still reflect on that novel with fondness,

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced audiobook.

Emlyn is working as wilderness guide in rural Idaho when her past comes creeping back into her life, in the form of Tyler, her ex-boyfriend. He shows up at her place of employment to tell her that their mutual friend Janessa is missing - and he believes she’s in danger. Emlyn knows Janessa can handle herself in the outdoors but Tyler convinces her that something’s not right, and they need to search for her. As the two set off, Emlyn can’t help but reminded of the last time they were alone in the woods, and everything that went wrong.

This was a much different book than I was expecting. There is much more focus on Emlyn and Tyler’s past than I anticipated, but the author has her reasons. It’s a much more character driven suspense novel than any that I’ve read before. The story is a slow burn kind of mystery and you really don’t know who to trust until the very end. There is a lot of talk of drug addiction, which I found truly compelling. I could really empathize with Emlyn’s character and how she just wanted to believe the best would happen instead of the worst. I haven’t read anything else by this author but she comes highly recommended and I’ll be looking into her backlist. The narration by Emily Pike Stewart was excellent - it went hand in hand with the author’s descriptive scene setting.

**Pick this up if you like:** Mystery with a touch of suspense, rich atmospheric settings, and character-driven narratives.

**The Nature of Disappearing** by Kimi Cunningham Grant is a beautifully crafted novel that pulls you into the wilds of Idaho, where Emlyn lives a solitary life, avoiding the past and the people she left behind. But when her ex, Tyler, reappears with news that her former best friend Janessa is missing, Emlyn is drawn back into a world she’d tried to escape. Janessa’s new life as a social media star in the vanlife community has taken a dark turn, and it’s up to Emlyn, with her unique skills and deep knowledge of the wilderness, to find her before it’s too late.

Kimi Cunningham Grant has a unique gift for storytelling. Her prose is lush and evocative, transporting readers into the heart of the wild, where the beauty and danger of the natural world mirror the complexity of human emotions. The narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the layers of Emlyn’s history and the pain she carries.

What makes this novel truly stand out is how it transcends genre boundaries. While it has the suspenseful elements of a mystery, it’s also a deeply moving exploration of friendship, trust, and forgiveness. The characters are richly developed, their choices realistic and relatable, drawing you into their world with ease. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, and the pacing, though deliberate, is perfectly suited to the unfolding of the story’s intricate layers.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting. Grant’s depiction of the Idaho wilderness is so vivid and immersive that you feel as though you’re trekking through the woods alongside the characters. Yet, she does this without overwhelming the reader with overly descriptive language—it’s a masterful balance that few authors can achieve.

While some readers might expect a fast-paced thriller and find themselves disappointed by the novel’s slower, more reflective pace, that’s not what this book is meant to be. It’s a story that lingers, one that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. The themes of redemption and the power of nature to heal are deeply woven into the fabric of the story, making it much more than a simple mystery.

In summary, **The Nature of Disappearing** is a compelling, genre-bending novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate nuanced characters, atmospheric settings, and stories that explore the depths of human relationships. It’s a novel to savor, one that will keep you reading late into the night and leave you thinking long after you’re done. Highly recommended for those who enjoy their mysteries with a side of emotional depth and stunning natural landscapes.

such a great thriller. liked this one alot. the audio was done nicely and kept me interested from beginning to end. Put this one on your list.

I was able to get an advanced copy of this book and while I did it enjoy parts of it, it was not my favorite. The writing was ok, but it seemed a little far fetched. I think the idea for the story was there, but it didn't develop as much as I would have enjoyed. The narration was very good and I did keep coming back to it because I wanted to see how it ended.
Overall, it was a good story, it just was not as developed as I would have liked.

Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride.
I loved These Silent Woods and had high expectations for this one, it didn’t disappoint. Grant writes the best atmospheric novels, it takes you right into the wilderness and keeps you at the edge of your seat.
Suspenseful, gripping and captivating!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this complimentary audiobook.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Kimi Cunningham Grant released June 18, 2024.

When Emlyn learns that her teenage best friend, Jenessa has disappeared in the wilderness, she contacts her old beau Tyler to try to locate Jenessa. I found this listening experience very disappointing. Although decently written, there's very little I actually liked about this book. It's told through dual timelines, and much of the book is about the boring angst filled teen relationship between Jenessa and Emlyn. Five years later, Emlyn and Tyler do their best to locate Jenessa and her current boyfriend, Bush, but so little of the book is actually spent in the current search--told in present tense to no real effect--that any suspense or sense of immediacy is lost. Despite an excellent narration by Emily Pike Stewart, I can only recommend this book to readers between 18 and 25.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and to Macmillan Audio for the copies to review.

This one hit very close to home for me and I was certainly not expecting that. Grant captured Emlyn and her relationship with an addict so well, it took me back to when I was there in it, the ‘oh I’ll just brb’ and hours later they aren’t back, and you know the worst is true. Listening via audio made this even more real, and although I had some anxiety while reading this one, it was so incredibly well done. This moves from current day to the past, where we learn a little more about what happened back then and how it connects to present day. The suspense slowly builds until the end and then I could not listen fast enough to get to the ending. I definitely recommend this one, just keep in mind the addiction trigger warnings mentioned above.

The Nature of Disappearing features Emlyn, a woman who lives on her own and is a wilderness guide. Three years ago, her long time boyfriend Tyler left her alone in the wilderness, and after she was found, she settled in the isolated area where her rescuers, an older spiritual woman and a young, exceedingly quiet man named Vardan are her neighbors. She unexpectedly gets a call from Tyler saying Janessa,, Emlyn's best friend from college and Tyler's childhood friend has disappeared. Off they go, prepared for deep wilderness trekking, to hunt for their friend, an uneasy duo.

This book runs on multiple timelines, allowing us to understand the women in particular, how such dissimilar temperaments and backgrounds meshed deeply and how Emlyn's getting involved with Tyler affected their friendship in a problematic way. I personally loved the descriptions of the experience of people who are able to traverse dangerous and tricky ground anywhere, to be prepared for the wrong animals that come along and to track a human being. For others, that might feel slow. Not to me.

This is, ultimately a thriller, with some very scary people, some very scary encounters, some precautions that don't work and... the wilderness where no one is nearby to help out and your resourcefulness and ability to decide who to trust determines whether you will life or die. I think the characters and the tension built when they are together or apart as they try to comprehend how people they have known a long time are going to behave were amazing. Definitely recommend.

This book was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the ending and will recommend to library patrons.