The Last to Vanish

By: Megan Miranda

Narrated by: Alex Allwine

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Visitors come to Cutter’s Pass to disappear into nature…not vanish into thin air. Don’t miss this “eerie thriller [that] can stand next to Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House and Stephen King’s The Shining” (Booklist) about a disappearing journalist, unsolved mysteries and a mountain town with more secrets than answers, from Reese Witherspoon Book Club selected and New York Times bestselling author Megan Miranda.

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.

Critic reviews

"The lodge in Cutter’s Pass, North Carolina, along the Appalachian Trail, has been the site of a
series of disappearances. First, four college students went missing, then two lone women
(several years apart) never returned, and finally a journalist who was trying to solve those
mysteries vanished. Four years after the journalist’s disappearance, his brother, Trey, appears,
determined to find out what happened to him. He attempts to join forces with a local, Abby, but
neither fully trusts the other. The town is filled with secrets, and Abby, who has lived there for ten
years, has much she’s unwilling to share. Creepiness builds steadily in this atmospheric story as
one by one these secrets are revealed. The story is told from Abby’s perspective, and reader
Allwine reads the protagonist's thoughts and words with a no-nonsense tone that fits well with
Abby’s character. Others are voiced convincingly, and Allwine has a firm hold on the growing
suspense. There are plenty of surprises, and listeners will catch themselves gasping as the story
builds to a climax." (Candace Smith)

Good Book, Very Very Slow Start

The book would have been great, but I found myself realizing the first 23 chapters said a whole lot of nothing. Could have been up into 2 chapters. Reminds me of a high school paper, that you rephrase the same sentence multiple times, but not really saying anything of importance.

Well paced, protagonist is likable!

I finished this book during Labor Day weekend 2022, love that! Good story, big reveal came at just the right time! Enjoyable weekend read👍🏽

Great twists

I enjoyed this story because of the surprising switches of focus. Well written, and the narrator’s voice was calming.

Intriguing

I loved listening to this interesting story. I coldness of the read just made it more intriguing.

Very Evocative Tale

I like Megan Miranda's books for her consistent formulaic mystery style that still manages to surprise me. Her last book was a bit of a let down for me so I was excited for this one and it was a win. My guess as to whom the perpetrators of the mystery in this book were didnt even come close! She is very good at creating a nearly tangible scene and this one was very good; I felt like I was in the town. The characters were all pretty well developed even though you only get a glimpse into each of them. The Red Herrings were minute and well placed. The narration was okay but it wasn't as good as Rebekkah Ross who narrates many other Megan Miranda books. Definitely give this book a listen.