Fallen Mountains by Kimi Cunningham Grant

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – Thanks to them and Amberjack Publishing for sending me a copy!

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Plot Overview: 

When Transom Shultz goes missing shortly after returning to his sleepy hometown of Fallen Mountains, Pennsylvania, his secrets are not the only secrets that threaten to emerge.  Red, the sheriff, is haunted by the possibility that a crime Transom was involved in seventeen years earlier―a crime Red secretly helped cover up―may somehow be linked to his disappearance. 

Possum, the victim of that crime, wants revenge. Laney will do anything to keep Transom quiet about the careless mistake they made that could jeopardize her budding relationship. And Chase, once a close friend, reels from Transom’s betrayal of buying his family’s farm under false pretenses and ruthlessly logging it and leasing the mineral rights to Marcellus shale frackers.  

As the search for Transom Shultz heats up and the inhabitants’ dark and tangled histories unfold, each one must decide whether to live under the brutal weight of the past or try to move beyond it.

My Thoughts:

Usually books set in a sleepy, small town focusing on a small set of characters don’t appeal to me. But I have to say that this story proved my previous assumptions completely wrong and I actually really enjoyed this story. It’s always good to try something new!

The story follows the disappearance of the wealthy and charismatic Transom Schultz, and moves between the past and present in order to reveal what happened to him. I found these time jumps so well done in this book, sometimes it can be a bit monotonous but in this case it was a perfect way to introduce the other characters, reflect the close knit community and build suspense. 

I think one of the most refreshing things for me in this book was the portrayal of small town life and the impact that all of these individuals can have of each others experiences. It wasn’t just a straight up mystery or thriller, it had some heart to it and some life lessons.

We’re left to wonder what happened to Transom, was it his ex girlfriend whose trying to cover her back? or the town loner who is finally getting his own back? Or most worryingly, his best friend who feels betrayed?

I don’t want to spoil anything in case any of you want to read the book but just know it all comes full circle and the story wraps up in a way that’s both believable and tragic – some of my favourite endings are somewhat sad, I wonder what that says about me? I’m not sure! 

Does Fallen Mountains sound like a book that would interest you? Do you like small town settings or a more urban environment? Would love to chat in the comments!

Until next time,

Rumaanah x