I listened to this book and really enjoyed the audio and the narrator. Kimi Cunningham Grant created such an atmospheric story that I was eager to find out what happened while also feeling really unsettled.

Emlyn has a lot of history with her best friend Janessa and her ex-boyfriend Tyler. One day Tyler pops back in to Emlyn's life to say that Janessa is missing, and Emlyn and him take off to search for them.

Emlyn is an endearing character and I felt invested in everything turning out good for her. I could see why she was close to Janessa and Tyler, despite them being unlikeable characters.

The book alternates between present day and flashbacks, and the flashbacks really establish the relationships between all the characters while slowly revealing what has happened between them. I love books that pull that off, and this one did.

I thought the parts about addiction were also very well done.

This was my first book by the author but I will definitely be checking out more by her!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

As always this authors atmospheric writing style shines. Her attention to detail and description of the wildness is beautiful and impressive. The story itself is a slow burn. I feel like this would be better described as suspense / drama vs. thriller. I didn’t really connect with the characters and overall there was something missing that I needed to keep me engaged. I may not have finished if it weren’t for the audiobook. As slow as the story was in the beginning the audio helped me through. I’d recommend this book to those who are looking for something light but suspenseful and definitely to lovers of the outdoors. 4 stars for the audiobook.

Emlyn works in the Idaho wilderness as a guide for people who want to hunt and fish. When her ex-boyfriend Tyler shows up and asks for her help finding old friend Janessa, Emlyn is reluctant to get involved at first.

Emlyn and Tyler have some significant history, and their relationship did not end well. Spending time with him is not what Emlyn wants to do. Similarly, Janessa and Emlyn haven’t spoken for a long time. But when Emlyn hears that Janessa is likely missing in the wilderness, she realizes she may be the only one who could find her old friend.

We follow Emlyn and Tyler on their hunt for information, learning about Tyler and Emlyn’s backstory as we go.

The writing in the book is wonderful, and the author does an amazing job of describing the wilderness and the beauty of the nature all around Emlyn. I like the way she brings her characters to life too.

However, the plot didn’t really grab me, and after a while I really wondered what we were all doing wandering in the woods. I loved “These silent woods” and was hopeful for a similar feel from this book, but it just fell a little flat.

I listened to the audio book, and I think the narrator did an excellent job with the whole atmosphere. There were a few timeline transitions that were a bit confusing to a listener, but I don’t think the narrator was at fault in any of that.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Kimi Cunningham Grant, with the audio perfectly narrated by Emily Pike Stewart. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Emlyn and Janessa met in college and formed a tight bond. But time changes things and their relationship changed as well. They were partially estranged but trying to reconnect. Janessa is now an online influencer, blogging about her adventures with her boyfriend, Bush and Emlyn is working as a fishing guide in Idaho. When Emlyn's ex, Tyler, shows up and shares her concern that neither has heard from Janessa, they pack up and try to find her.

I loved this author's previous book, These Silent Woods, and the wilderness definitely is another character in this book as well. Be sure to read the author's note on the meaning of that word as well. This was less of a thriller and more of a character study on relationships, trust, second chances. The story goes back in forth in time as we learn the backstories of the characters and how it influences their behavior and relationships in the present. I also enjoyed having both the audio and digital and felt the narration was perfect. A good read and will be anxious for her next book!

This book started off strong with an interesting storyline! I was drawn in with the main characters story. The story’s climax was not very moving. I was wanting more suspense and action. I have read other books by this author and have stayed up all night to finish other books… this one left me just feeling disappointed.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. Reminded me of the Gabi Petino (spelling) case in the beginning and I was hesitant however it definitely created its own way and storyline. Two girls find their way to eachother and become best friends. However as with any friendship there’s usually an imbalance. It’s watching this imbalance play out that gives us the storyline. Definitely was action packed towards the end with some twists I didn’t see coming. Would highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Narrator Emily Pike Stewart really made this one for me - a fun introduction to a new-to-me audiobook narrator!

I was drawn in by the narration and premise: a wilderness guide spots her longtime friend on CNN and realizes she's missing. And I was engaged while reading.

But the plot of The Nature of Disappearing wasn't a winner for me personally. I finished the book feeling like it'd have been a stronger novel had author Kimi Cunningham Grant leaned further into the romantic storyline. To be sure, YMMV, and I'll still be interested in whatever she writes next.

Many thanks to my partners @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the #free gifted copies of this book.

Vivid. Engaging. Suspenseful.

One thing is for sure: I am a devotee of Cunningham’s writing. Beautiful prose. Vibrant details. A moody yet appealing backdrop. Yes, yes, and yes!

Here’s the thing: I am not a camper. I have little to no survival skills. I do, however, appreciate the beauty of getting lost in nature and love hiking in the forest. But even then, I stick to the beaten paths and never stay overnight.

But Grant paints such a vivid picture of life in the woods... it makes me long to be amongst the animals and trees, almost convinced I could flourish there (even overnight?!). It’s apparent she has a deep, abiding love for the beauty and challenges of nature in the way she breathed life into this atmospheric backdrop. And I’ll happily head into the wilderness with her every single time she offers.

This read captivated me from the start. Somehow, I opened the book and immediately found myself 60% in! The storyline brimmed with suspense and kept me on my toes forming new theories until the truth was revealed.

I appreciate a well done nonlinear timeline, and Grant excels at piecing the puzzle together to give a fullness to the pacing and plot.

The twist took me by surprise. Even with all my theories, the storyline took a turn I didn’t expect. And truth be told, I longed for more from that last scene. Still, the fullness of the book satisfied.

Themes of resilience and overcoming run throughout the book. Grant excels at showcasing the complexities of human nature. At its heart, this book is about moving from brokenness to acceptance and allowing yourself to be loved, and I think the messaging will find resonance with many.

While These Silent Woods remains my favorite read by Grant (found on my ALL TIME favorite reads shelf in my library), this book showcases her ability to craft stories I want to read. I highly recommend throwing out any TSW’s expectations and embracing this new storyline and its focus on growth and friendship.

🎧 Bronson Pinchot BRILLIANTLY narrated Grant’s last book, and in the beginning, I was a tad disappointed to see he wasn’t narrating this one. BUT. He could not have embodied Emlyn the way Emily Pike Stewart did. (Apparently the publishers do know best! 😆) Emily’s narration truly made me feel as though I was in the moment with Emlyn as the story progressed.

3.5 stars*

as was the case with These Silent Woods, this book was very well written. the author did an excellent job getting the reader in the main character, Emlyn's head and establishing her internal conflicts. i also really enjoyed the setting of this book; this is the second book i've read set in this part of the Idaho wilderness, and i loved how Emlyn's journey through the wilderness mirrored her internal journey. tacking on an extra half star for the quality of the writing and characterization, because not only did the author write the characters well, but she also wrote the complexities of female friendships and first loves well.

now for what i didn't care for: i didn't love the direction the story took. i've seen other reviewers describe it as anti-climactic, and i have to agree with that. once we get all of the answers, they feel contrived and even a little dumb, if i'm being honest. i also zoned out a bit when we got to some of the camping/hiking parts. going into this one i knew not to expect a fast-paced thriller but more of a slow-burn thriller, but even then i got bored at some points, although not so often that i wanted to give up on the book. i was still interested in the outcomes of the story since there was always something left to find out until the end.

the audiobook was narrated very well by Emily Pike Stewart and i would recommend it!

overall, i think this book had potential, and i wanted to love it, but didn't. i would recommend this book if you like:
- slower thrillers
- books set in the wilderness
- complex female friendships
- characters with internal conflicts

The Nature of Disappearing is out June 18, 2024. thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this ebook and Macmillan Audio 2024 Influencer program for a copy of this audiobook!

Good but not great, I adored her first one though. I needed more tension and depth. This one wasn’t as emotional as her first either. I enjoyed enough to finish but not sure I’d recommend. I enjoyed the audio!

I enjoyed the detailed description of the surroundings. The author did a great job in transporting me as a reader into the setting. It’s a slow burn, so at times I lost interest. The pace does pick up towards the end, leaving us with a satisfying ending. #MacAudio2024

This book was awesome!

When I first started it, I wasn’t sure, but the minute Tyler came into the story with the suspense of finding their friend, I was hooked.

This is a story with everything in it. Well, it’s absolutely heavy on the thrill, mystery and a few heavy topics. There is a dash of romance and young love in there too.

The dynamic between all of these characters was written flawlessly. I truly and wholeheartedly enjoyed it and listen to it via MacMillan audio and thought they did a phenomenal job. I would recommend this book to everybody.

THIS AUDIO MADE ME LOVE THE BOOK! Seriously so good! True crime lovers are going to adore this!! It reminded me of the GAbby Petito story. It was a slow start but then sucked me in.

Another hit out of the park for Miss Grant! Edge of your seat suspense. An automatic buy now author for me, never disappoints. Narration was on point!

Anticipated pub: June 18!
Thank you to my besties at Macmillan Audio for the early copy to read and review!

I enjoyed this one quite a bit! I loved the wilderness scenery descriptions and the flawed characters. The relationships with Emlyn's new friends seem so genuine, like all they want is to support her and lift her up. I also liked the dual timeline aspect (I usually do like this style). We get flashbacks to the time Emlyn and Tyler were together to see what led Emlyn to ending up where she is, as well as more details about their relationship AND each of their relationships with Janessa.

This is beautifully written, I love the descriptiveness of the setting and the characters thoughts (like, Emlyn doesn't think she's that strong but she really is).

If I have one gripe it was the big reveal. Maybe I'm burnt out on mystery/ thrillers but this one felt a little flat, like it didn't feel all that grand. Still not enough to detract from my overall enjoyment and love for this story!

I thought the narrator did a wonderful job with this one.

I just have one question and maybe I completely missed it, tell me in the comments if I did. But, what was up with Emlyn's left ring finger always being sore in the cold? It said an old injury but I thought it would have a bigger reveal since it was mentioned 800 times. (And again, maybe I just missed it?)

I enjoyed this story a lot. It was very interesting to go back in time and find out what happened between the main characters and how they ended up where they are now. I liked where the story went and how it got us there. I wasn't certain who to trust along the way.

Parts of this book are a little slow moving. The characters are hiking for a while and there are descriptions of the activities they need to do to progress through the wild. This didn't bother me, as I found it interesting to follow along with them. The only flaw I had with the book was that there is sort of a love triangle. It's not the main focus of the book and it was handled well, but it is one of my least favorite tropes. In this instance I can see why it was included, so I was able to go along with it.

I was fortunate enough to receive both an ebook and an audiobook of this one. I went back and forth between the two depending on my needs at the time and enjoyed both. I can't say that I would recommend one over the other, but the audio was narrated by Emily Pike Stewart and was very well done. So, if you are audiobook lover, it is worth a listen.

Once again, I am excited to see what Kimi Cunningham Grant will come out with next.

The Nature of Disappearing- Kimi Cunningham Grant
Rating: 3.5/5
Media: Audio

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely devoured this book! The narrator, the plot, the storyline were all very well done. The story centers around the main character Emlyn and her history with her estranged best friend, Janessa, and the love of her life, Tyler, who left her for dead in the middle of the woods years ago. Emlyn has moved on since and works as a fishing and hunting guide. One day, Tyler reappears into her life stating that Janessa has disappeared and he can't get ahold of her. Tyler convinces Emlyn to join him on a search for Janessa through the woods. During this search, she starts finding out that there may be more secrets than Tyler or Janessa are leading on and she may have led herself straight into the path of danger.

I enjoyed the short chapters, the captivating storyline, and the well done writing! The only thing is, I wasn't shocked by the reveal and it seemed very predictable especially with the suspense leading up. Regardless, I would recommend this as a great read!

Look out for this one hitting shelves June 18, 2024!

I got to listen to this book as a part of the Macmillan Audio Influencer Program. Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio for this ALC copy! This cover is absolutely gorgeous and I was drawn to this book because I have seen the authors previous work, These Silent Woods, everywhere on bookstagram (though I am embarrassed to admit I have not read it yet).

After cutting out everyone from her past, Emlyn is living alone in a trailer in the Idaho wilderness, working as a guide. She has a few great friends and a job that she both loves and is good at. One day, Emlyn finds out that her ex best friend, Janessa, has gone missing while in the midst of her #vanlife journey of living off the grid. Emlyn has to team up with her ex boyfriend, Tyler, in order to find Janessa.

This book had a very, very slow burn and I felt like not much happened until I was at least 70% in. I don’t mind a slow burn at all, and often times enjoy them, but in this book I felt like not only did we not get to any drama until nearly the end of the book, but I also had so many unanswered questions throughout. There were plenty of flashback chapters throughout, but I felt like they were giving me breadcrumbs and making me more confused about Emlyn’s past and who all of these people were in the story and how they were connected. Finding out how Emlyn knew Red and Varden was something I was wondering throughout the whole book and when I finally found out I almost treated it as a twist because I was so glad to finally know.

Emlyn and Janessa are best friends and complete opposites. Emlyn carries this inferiority complex that Janessa is basically better than her in every way. Janessa is prettier and richer, and it is mentioned more than once that she is the one who the boys flock to- not Emlyn. And while I can sympathize with Emlyn and her insecurities, this made me like her less as a main character. I mean, here she is, this rockstar of a wilderness guide: amazing at tracking and fly fishing, and survived a night of almost freezing to death in the woods- and she’s still feeling less than as compared to Janessa. This definitely made me feel a negative way about Emlyn as a character and about their friendship in general.

This book felt like if Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham and The Hike by Lucy Clarke had a baby. I definitely recommend this for fans of either book. We went back and forth between focusing on flashbacks of Emlyn and Janessa’s friendship and Emlyn and Tyler in the woods tracking Janessa.

Emily Pike Stewart did a wonderful job at keeping me entertained and focused throughout the book. Her tone really brought out Emlyn’s personality and made it easy for me to picture the story in my head. This was the first book that I’ve listened to that was narrated by her, and I would love to listen to more. Audio production quality was perfect- no complaints there!

I absolutely loved this book! The mystery of what happened to Janessa, along with the slow bit-by-bit reveal of how Tyler came to abandon Emlyn in the woods years ago, made for a tension-packed 'I don't know who to trust' mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

I love Kimi Cunningham Grant's writing. The beautiful description of the wilderness and the dual timeline building the background of Tyler, Emlyn, and Janessa's relationship swept me into the story completely. I especially loved the friendship between Janessa and Emlyn, and was rooting for them to have a chance to heal their differences. The ending was unexpected, but perfect.

I listened to the audio version of the novel, and Emily Pike Stewart's narration was the perfect voice for Emlyn. The book lends itself to audio, and this one kept me going on longer, more frequent walks because I enjoyed it so much.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC and audio ARC of The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant. The opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audio copy to listen to and review voluntarily! While I didn't love this one as much as KCG's previous suspense novel, this one is great!

It's a beautiful, emotional story of grief, loneliness, addiction, heartbreak, isolation, and an ode to the beautiful outdoors. I love how she writes technical information in her books--I canNOT get enough! I loved the birds of the previous book and the fishing in this one.

The drama is intense, and I'm thankful that it never crosses into anything gnarly or violent. This one does contain major themes and scenes featuring addiction and loss.

I can't wait to read what she writes next!