It is a credit to the Kimi Cunningham Grant that in a relatively short amount of pages, I felt like I knew the main character Emlyn at a deep level.
The story revolves around the disappearance of Emlyn’s friend Janessa. From the very first time Janessa was introduced, I was fascinated by her.

Emlyn went through a pretty significant break up before the book starts. She lives in mostly solitude now, and there was something fragile about her that I picked up on right away.

When Emlyn learns Janessa is missing, she’s wracked with guilt that a call with Janessa dropped last week and she never reconnected with her. Was the call related? Janessa’s disappearance also brings Emlyn’s ex back into her orbit, as he is also looking for Janessa.

Having seen glimpses of the trauma Emlyn seems to carry from her previous relationship, I was fascinated to meet Tyler—the ex-boyfriend. A love story broken by betrayal, I wanted to know what would happen. Would this be a story of fated lovers brought back together through a common quest, or one of a woman realizing that he was never the man she thought he was?

More than anything, this is a book about relationships, trust, and what happens when those are broken. Is it irreparable? I found the story atmospheric and the characters and their relationships compelling.

I did the audiobook for The Nature of Disappearing which is narrated by Emily Pike Stewart, who was a great choice to tell Emlyn’s story. This book is rich with detail and elegant writing, as well as the complex character of Emlyn as our narrator. Audiobook listeners will enjoy it!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for my copy. Opinions are my own.

Emlyn doesn’t allow herself to think of her past. Three years ago, Emlyn was left for dead on the side of the road by the person she loved, Tyler. She left her best friend, Janessa and her home in the Midwest, and has moved to the beautiful wilderness of Idaho. She works as a fishing and hunting guide there. Emlyn lives in her trailer and is finally happy. Until Tyler shows up and tells Emlyn that Janessa is thought to be missing.

Janessa is a social media influencer now with her survivalist boyfriend. They document their travels with the #vanlife adventures. When Janessa has not posted in sometime, and her location pings from a different location then her post caption says, things become suspicious. Even though Emlyn and Janessa have not talked in sometime, Emlyn feels the need to go to her friends aid.

When Emlyn and Tyler get back to the Midwest, they begin their search for Janessa. Emlyn knows she might be the one of the only people with the knowledge and tracking skills to save her friend, so she reluctantly teams up with Tyler. As the two trace Janessa’s path through miles of wild country, Emlyn can’t deny there’s still chemistry crackling between them. But the deeper they press into the wilderness, the more she begins to suspect that a darker truth lies in the woods, and that Janessa isn’t the only one in danger.

The author is a very talented writer. I did love the author's descriptive writing of the wilderness and animals in the woods. I have read These Silent Woods by this author as well. For me, overall this was a very slow burn and a bit disappointing. I was patiently waiting for the suspense to sneak up on me, and it really never did. It somewhat picked up around the end, but I was expecting so much more.

I saw the first book by this author everywhere when it came out but didn’t pick it up, now I’ll have to cause her writing is excellent. I loved all the backcountry details in this search/rescue/adventure novel set in the beautiful outdoors of Idaho. I love flashbacks- they always keep me on my toes and wanting more. I felt like the main character was wayyyy too self-deprecating for most of the novel, but her growth was impressive and admirable. I loved the love stories and the examination of friendship. TW for addiction and wild animal death, but overall this book is fast-paced and engaging.
The audio narration is well done and definitely added to the intensity!

I recently completed THE NATURE OF DISAPPEARING by Kimi Cunningham Grant. While it didn't capture me quite as much as her previous book, THESE SILENT WOODS, I still found it enjoyable. Grant's atmospheric writing and storytelling are captivating, and reading it while visiting national parks made the experience even better.

The main character's journey to overcome her past and heal was compelling, and the natural settings fit perfectly with my surroundings. Overall, it's a solid read that I'd recommend, especially if you appreciate well-crafted, atmospheric stories.

I switched back and forth between the book and audiobook and really enjoyed Emily Pike Stewart’s excellent narration.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I had heard mixed things about this book from bookstagram peers but I don’t know what they are talking about - I honestly was a fan of this thriller!

I very much liked Kimi Cunningham Grant’s ~These Silent Woods~ so I knew I had to ask @macmillan.audio for this one when the form went out recently.

I devoured this audiobook in only two sittings because I was so interested in what happened to the main character Emlyn’s friend Janessa. Was she missing or wasn’t she?!

This book had me feeling things beyond the normal nerves that come from reading a thriller. I also enjoyed the camping influencer storyline, as I work for a social media platform and always find thrillers that include social super interesting!

I for one could never live in a van and travel around like those influencers do but more power to any of y’all that do or aspire to! I have too much crap in my house to downsize like that 🤣

Overall, I think this is an interesting thriller and I recommend it!!

So the narration gets 5 stars for sure! The story line is more like 3 stars. I didn't strongly dislike anything about the story, it just wasn't super satisfying or page turning. Some plot lines felt undeveloped and/or were left unresolved, and the "twist" at the end didn't feel very twisty. It all seemed kind of rushed and not super well thought through. I also thought the sub-plot about a religious character was a bit weird and didn't add anything (other than confusion). But I really enjoyed the narrator!

I really wanted to like this one more than I did. Overall it was still a good book! At one point around 50% I almost stopped listening due to disengagement to the story. I decided to keep going and see it through. It just may not be a book for me!

I was shocked how fast I finished this book! I was hooked instantly. This book had a murder mystery, best friend bond, nature, everything that makes this a great spooky story. I even loved the ending! This is perfect for someone who wants a spooky, thriller, that is fast pace, and has a really good back story of the characters. This is not based on Gabby Pottio but it reminded me a lot of it.


I received the audio version of this book and the narrator is Emily Pike. She was perfect for this book! I enjoyed every minute.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook of The Nature of Disappearing.

Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this advanced audiobook. This was a fun ride. Emlyn and Janessa were best friends, but not anymore. Not since Emlyn and Tyler hit it off and started dating. Jenessa told her it wasn't a good idea and to back off, but Emlyn didn't listen, and it fractured their friendship. Tyler and Emlyn broke up after a fateful hiking trip when Tyler abandoned Emlyn in the cold on a side of a mountain and she would have died had someone not found her time. Now Tyler comes to Emlyn saying he needs her help to find Janessa as she has gone missing while hiking, but things seem suspicious as her last tagged photo is not anywhere near where she was hiking. This was a fast and fun thriller as Emlyn searches for her lost friend, while realizing maybe she might have put herself in danger along the way.

#TheNatureOfDisappearing:⁣
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Thank you @minotaur_books @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my gifted copy!⁣
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“But it’s in the wilderness that you grow.” Varden continues, “in ways that you couldn’t anywhere else, if that makes sense. And the thing you can’t forget is that the wilderness isn’t the destination. It’s not the final chapter, it might feel that way. It might seem like you’re so deep in it that you’ll never get out”⁣
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The Nature of Disappearing was such a good slow burn mystery. All of you (at least 45 of you, no exaggeration) have tried to get me to read These Silent Woods. I mean, I even bought it and it just hangs on my shelf. After this, I’ll have to finally give in. ⁣
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This gave me the Alice Henderson vibes that I love and obsess over. So much love and respect for the wilderness, but also gives the gritty reality of what can really happen when you’re out there. The allure of the wild is so haunting and I think the author did a great job bringing it to life.⁣
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The audio was wonderful. I definitely recommend on audio for you listeners out there. The book has multiple timelines, and I think it played well on audio to where you’re not confused and can go along with the story.⁣
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Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a bit more complex than what I was expecting, so I really enjoyed this one. Out tomorrow, 6/18! ⁣
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I went on my long run Saturday and it was the worst. But, I did see a deer just hanging out, so that was nice. ⁣
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QOTD: If we went camping, what would be your role? I think I would be the tent setter. I make a mean tent. Or, the smores fixer 😂

I loved this book! It drew me in from the very beginning. I was captivated by the characters and especially by Emlynn. The author not only gives you characters that are complex and who you are drawn and interested in but with the atmosphere and setting of the wilderness. This story is layered and slowly builds and leads you to the ultimate climax and the unfolding of all the secrets you that you feel are coming. I enjoyed having the story told from multiple time periods in the main character Emlynn's life as it connected me and invested me more in the story as it evolved. I enjoyed this book so much and really did not want it to end. I highly recommend and will look forward to reading more books by this author.
Thank you, Net Galley, the publisher, the author for the advanced copy.

The Nature of Disappearing
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Author: Kimi Cunningham Grant

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Emlyn doesn’t let herself think about the past.

How she and her best friend, Janessa, barely speak anymore. How Tyler, the man she thought was the love of her life, left her freezing and half-dead on the side of the road three years ago.

Her new life is simple and safe. She works as a fishing and hunting guide, spending her days in Idaho’s endless woods and scenic rivers. She lives alone in her Airstream trailer, her closest friends a handsome and kind Forest Service ranger and the community’s makeshift reverend, who took her in at her lowest.

But when Tyler shows up with the news that Janessa is missing, Emlyn is propelled back into the world she worked so hard to forget. Janessa, it turns out, has become a social media star, documenting her #vanlife adventures with her rugged survivalist boyfriend. But she hasn’t posted lately, and when she does, it’s from a completely different location than where her caption claims to be. In spite of their fractured history, Emlyn knows she might be the only one with the knowledge and tracking skills to save her friend, so she reluctantly teams up with Tyler. As the two trace Janessa’s path through miles of wild country, Emlyn can’t deny there’s still chemistry crackling between them. But the deeper they press into the wilderness, the more she begins to suspect that a darker truth lies in the woods―and that Janessa isn’t the only one in danger.

My Thoughts: This was a really slow burn novel, still captivating. Emlyn and Janessa was thick as thieves growing up, even through college and into adult life. However, a falling out a few years ago and they have only had surface level talk. Her new life is simple. She works as a fishing and hunting guide is Idaho. She lives alone and her closed friends are Varden, Forest Service ranger and Rev, the community’s makeshift reverend, who really made a different in her life when she was at her darkest moments. Then out of the blue appears Tyler, with news that Janessa is missing. She and Tyler did not part on amicable terms. Emlyn knows she might be the only one who can track Janessa. So they team up to locate Janessa. As they press on in the search, Emlyn soon learns that maybe Janessa is not the only one in danger.

This is narrated by Emlyn, in her POV, in alternating past and present timelines. Emlyn is reserved, cautious, and keeps her heart guarded. Janessa is a carefree spirit, who is full of life, and loyal to those so loves. Then we have Tyler, and his backstory is just perfection for this atmospheric claustrophobic suspenseful setting. The characters are flawed, but authentic, and unreliable narrators. Emlyn makes a fantastic female heroine for this classic ride. The characters were created with depth, were mysterious, dark, laced with betrayal, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was similar to the prior novel, it was complex, suspenseful, twisty, compelling, and engaging. The broken love story weaves into the mystery surrounding Janessa’s disappearance and adds a level of authenticity. The characters were built up through their backstories, the plot was developed into twisty layers, almost like an onion, peeling back the layers and the ending was outstanding with its own plot twists. The author’s knowledge of wilderness survival skills really comes through this novel as a shiny star. The details provided to set the scene were surreal and really make you feel like you were making that hike with Emlyn.

I had the pleasure of having both the digital and audio ARCs of book, I leaned on the audio. The narrator, Emily Pike Stewart, was amazing. The voice variation across character distinction was perfection. The pitch and flow was spot on and allowed me to listen 2x speed without any issues keeping up. It has all of the amazing markings of a great thriller. It was captivating, compelling, gripping, dark, and engaging from cover to cover. This was just released and I highly recommend it to other readers.

Kimi Cunningham Grant, the author of These Silent Woods, is back with a thrilling new tale, THE NATURE OF DISAPPEARING. This captivating mystery suspense novel follows a wilderness guide who is forced to confront her complex past when someone close to her goes missing.

About...

Emlyn lives alone in an Airstream trailer. She is a fishing and hunting guide in Idaho's wilderness, with endless forests and scenic rivers. Her life is simple, and she likes to keep it that way after her traumatic past. Her closest friends are the Forest Service ranger, Varden, and Reverend, who took her in when she was at her lowest.

But does she dare get close to anyone again? Can she ever trust again?

Emlyn and her best friend, Janessa, barely communicate anymore due to their past. Tyler left her in the woods for dead three years earlier. Her past returns to the surface when Tyler shows up with the news that Janessa is missing. Janessa has become a social media star documenting her #vanlife adventures with her survivalist boyfriend, Bush. But she hasn't posted lately, and when she does, it's from a completely different location than where her caption claims to be.

Emlyn, realizing her unique tracking skills may be the key to finding her friend, reluctantly joins forces with Tyler. As they delve deeper into the woods, a sense of unease grows, hinting at a more sinister presence lurking in the shadows.

My Thoughts...

THE NATURE OF DISAPPEARING is a masterfully crafted mystery that keeps you guessing. It features vivid descriptions of the wilderness, and the setting is atmospheric. From survival, adventure, and overcoming one's past. The slow burn builds tension, and the character-driven plot reveals the complex dynamics of past relationships. This book will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

From past to present, there are secrets, lies, betrayal, and a web of deceit. From highly emotional topics of trauma, toxic relationships, abuse, drugs, social media, and addiction. Also, there is love, hope, self-discovery, identity, and second chances.

I enjoyed Emlyn's character and the lovely metaphors for the beauty, spirituality, challenges, and dangers of the wilderness, much like the characters who are in a wilderness and need to be uplifted and gain confidence. As usual, the author's writing is lyrical and evocative. Compelling, moving, and thought-provoking.

I loved the author's notes: "Wilderness is not the destination. It's not the final chapter. Your story goes on."

Audiobook...

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Pike Stewart, delivering an outstanding performance and making the characters come alive.

Recs...

Fans of the author and those of Laura McHugh, Heather Gudenkauf, William Kent Krueger, Nicole Baart, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Allen Eskens, and Melissa Payne.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2024, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for a gifted ARC and ALC for an honest opinion.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
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The suspense and plot twist was good, but I kept questioning and couldn't believe why Emlyn would not alert the authorities after finding the RV abandoned. I do think there could have been more mental health awareness and help for those in need stressed in the novel. Emlyn clearly needed just as much help as was invested in Tyler. Overall it was a nice easy summer read.

The story revolves around three characters - Emlyn, Janessa, and Tyler - who have a complicated history. When one goes missing in the wilderness, the other two must set aside their differences to find the missing person before time runs out.

If a setting ever felt like a character, Kimi Cunningham Grant nails it here. The wilderness looms large in The Nature of Disappearing. At times, it almost feels like a villain with its harsh unpredictability and unforgiving terrain. The writing emphasizes the vastness of the wildness that triggers a sense of loneliness and abandonment.

KCG's descriptions of the wilderness serve as a powerful metaphor for our main MC, Emlyn. At her core, Emlyn is lost in her own personal “wilderness.” She struggles with self-worth due to abandonment issues. I enjoyed watching her character grow as she applies her expert survivalist skills in nature to her personal journey. I added the audiobook while reading the physical. Emily Pike Stewart's narration really brings Emlyn and her journey to life.

The mystery of the missing person completely hooked me! The short, gripping chapters made it impossible for me to stop reading. I kept saying, 'Just one more.' I had so many theories, but then an unexpected twist completely threw me! I’m still undecided if I liked the twist or not. Regardless, I had a fun time discussing the book and the twist with my buddy readers.

Short synopsis: When Emlyn’s best friend (traveling influencer) Janessa disappears, she buddies up with her ex boyfriend Tyler to search for her in the Idaho wilderness.

My thoughts:

The beginning hooked my attention immediately, the setting in Idaho was fun, unique since not many books are set there.
I thought Emlyn’s obscure occupation was a fun addition to the story. Definitely made the book somewhat more exciting. I also loved the atmosphere and deep rooted friendships.

This was the slooooowest of slow burns. The middle drug on and the ending came a little too quickly. I was hoping for some big BAM moment at the end and it just didn’t happen.

The audio was very well done! The narrator did a great job at helping me feel and experience what the characters were experiencing.

Emelyn has gone through so much especially with her best friend and ex boyfriend. Then when her best friend is suddenly missing and her Ex comes around wanting to help find her she is torn if the should or just let the cops handle it. Well they go ahead and try to find her and suddenly things get crazy and scary to the point that life’s are on the line.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio copy of “The Nature of Disappearing” by Kimi Cunningham Grant in exchange for a review.

As someone who wasn’t a fan of These Silent Woods, I’m pleased to say Grant blew me away with this one! I loved the atmosphere, which she did a great job of describing but not belaboring, and the strong female characters. The twist was plausible but still kept me guessing. Overall, really enjoyed this one!

Kimi Cunningham Grant's The Nature of Disappearing is a captivating novel that intertwines suspense, emotion, and the beauty of Idaho's wilderness. The story follows Emlyn, a woman who has distanced herself from a painful past, living a solitary life as a fishing and hunting guide. Her fragile peace is shattered when Tyler, her former lover, returns with news that her estranged best friend, Janessa, has gone missing. As Emlyn and Tyler delve into the wild to uncover the truth behind Janessa's disappearance, they confront their unresolved feelings and the shadows of their past. Grant's vivid descriptions of the rugged landscape and her nuanced exploration of trauma and healing create a rich, immersive experience. This novel is a powerful meditation on starting over and the inescapable pull of the past, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful and emotionally charged fiction.

This novel is for lovers of fantastic nature descriptions and a good slow burn novel. It was a bit more of a slow burn read than I expected, which made it fall flat for me. However, if you go into the read knowing the plot is on the slower side and that appeals to you, I think this could be a great hit! The story itself was intriguing and I grew to care about the characters and want to know how things would end up. I did enjoy the audio narration for this novel, and would recommend this version!