Book Review Wednesday: The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda

 Megan Miranda is one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors ever and whenever she releases a new book I immediately pre-order it. I know her stories are easy to read, have tormented characters and will always deliver a nice twist.

I knew her latest, "The Last to Vanish", published on July 26th, wouldn't be any different and I was right. I flew threw the book within a few days and it was a solid read. It definitely wasn't my favorite book by Miranda but I enjoyed it and would recommend to mystery lovers and those who enjoy an easy, mild mystery with a handful of twists. 

Publisher's Summary

Ten years ago, Abigail Lovett fell into a job she loves, managing The Passage Inn, a cozy, upscale resort nestled in the North Carolina mountain town of Cutter’s Pass. Cutter’s Pass is best known for its outdoor offerings—rafting and hiking, with access to the Appalachian trail by way of a gorgeous waterfall—and its mysterious history. As the book begins, the string of unsolved disappearances that has haunted the town is once again thrust into the spotlight when journalist Landon West, who was staying at the inn to investigate the story of the vanishing trail, then disappears himself.

Abby has sometimes felt like an outsider within the community, but she’s come to view Cutter’s Pass as her home. When Landon’s brother Trey shows up looking for answers, Abby can’t help but feel the town closing ranks. And she’s still on the outside. When she finds incriminating evidence that may bring them closer to the truth, Abby soon discovers how little she knows about her coworkers, neighbors, and even those closest to her.

Megan Miranda brings her best writing to The Last to Vanish, a riveting thriller filled with taut suspense and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

My Thoughts

This was definitely a wild ride of a book with lots of twists, turns, ups and downs. As I said above, it's not my favorite Megan Miranda book but it was super unique and an interesting plot that kept me guessing until the very end.

Hikers are continually going missing in this eerie town where no one ever really leaves and the locals are very protective of their community. When you are hearing the stories about the missing hikers it never seems like the town cares too much; it all seems like they are bothered by the disappearances that bring attention to their area.  

All of the townsfolk acted so strangely toward Abigail and toward the brother of the recent disappearing hiker, it gave me an odd feeling but in a good way. It made me feel like there was something more sinister going on than we initially thought.

Abigail is a narrator that I really liked. She wasn't irritating, was determined, kind but also strong. She was reliable...until she wasn't. 

There are multiple twists that come along and none of them I saw coming. I honestly really thought the book was going in a more supernatural direction, or something unrelated to criminal activity. Miranda made it seem like the town was keeping secrets... like the physical land was eating the hikers alive. It was honestly a mild let down when all was revealed.

That being said, this was a really solid book with excellent writing, good character development and a unique air about it. 

If you've read other Megan Miranda books, I highly recommend picking up The Last to Vanish.

xoxo
B