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francineh98 's review for:
Hidden Nature
by Nora Roberts
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hidden Nature follows Natural Resources police officer Sloan Copper as she returns to her hometown to recover after surviving a gunshot wound. While healing, she becomes intrigued with the case of a missing woman. What begins as a single abduction soon unravels into a deeper, more chilling pattern of serial disappearances. But this novel is about more than just solving a mystery—it's also a story of personal healing, family bonds, and unexpected love.
This was my first time reading a Nora Roberts novel, and I am truly in awe of her storytelling. She has a gift for immersing readers into the book, making you feel the atmosphere and genuinely connect with the characters. I appreciated the slower pace of the plot, which allowed time to get to know everyone and see how their relationships naturally evolved. The romance was woven seamlessly into the story, unfolding in a way that felt authentic and earned, rather than rushed.
At times, it felt like I was watching a compelling TV series unfold—especially with the layered character development and suspenseful pacing. Even though the plot centers around a criminal investigation, I was particularly drawn in by the dramatic irony. Knowing more than the protagonist added a thrilling edge, and I found myself eagerly waiting for Sloan to piece things together.
While I truly enjoyed the story and Roberts’ writing style, there were a few scenes that felt a bit unsettling, which kept me from giving it a full 5-star rating. Still, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small-town mysteries with a touch of romance. And if you’re an audiobook fan, I highly recommend the audio version—January LaVoy does a phenomenal job bringing each character to life.
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A huge thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own!
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Suicide attempt