A review by amateur_bookworm
The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My summary: Jess has spent the last ten years raising her sister, Tegan, and keeping a low profile after their mother ran away with an infamous con man, Lynton Baltimore. Freshly turned 18, Tegan has brought Jess’s worst nightmare to their doorstep—Salem Durant, a popular true crime podcaster, and her colleague, Adam Hawkins. Salem first made a name for herself after covering Lynton Baltimore’s story before he disappeared, apparently with Jess’s mother in tow, and now Salem is determined to finish the story. The connection between Jess and Adam sparks in the first moment they lay eyes on each other on Jess’s doorstep. Beyond needing to find Jess’s mother, Jess and Adam’s relationship is further complicated by Jess’s desire to do anything to keep her story to herself—but Salem has made Adam a deal he can’t refuse if he can manage to get Jess to talk about her mom. 
My thoughts: Sometimes you don’t realize how average the books you’ve been reading are until one comes along to remind you of just how fantastic a book can truly be. This is one of those fantastic books. A contemporary romance with a sizable side of mystery and intrigue, it pulls you immediately into the mystery of Lynton Baltimore and Jess’s runaway mom. The style of writing is just so enjoyable. The metaphors are everything—both delightful and insightful. And—holy heartstrings. The tragicness of Jess and Tegan’s lives up until now, plus Adam’s loss of his friend and the guilt he carries over his death. 
The way Kate Clayborn weaves everything together in this book is just so satisfying. This is my second book by this author and both have been five star reads for me. 
Also, I was today years old when I found out con man is short for confidence man. I also thought it was, idk, convict or something. 
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