This is an awesome murder mystery—it held my attention from the very start. The emotional depth and the struggles of healing will resonate with anyone who has faced hardship, pulling you even deeper into the story. Definitely a must-read. I also loved the narration!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy.

I have enjoyed Nora Roberts for years, and Hidden Nature lived up to expectations. The story follows Sloan, a strong and intelligent protagonist recovering physically and mentally after an on-the-job accident. Supporting characters like her family and Nash, a former lawyer turned contractor, enrich the narrative. The romance between Sloan and Nash develops naturally without overshadowing the plot. Sloan's investigation spans three states, uncovering a criminal scheme that targets victims believed to have escaped death, blending romantic suspense with law enforcement drama. Despite revealing the perpetrators early on, tension remains as Sloan pieces together clues with the help of Nash. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romantic thrillers with strong female leads and a touch of cozy escapism.
I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4.5/5. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sloan is shot during a freak coincidence at a convenience store. Although she’s a police officer, she just happens to be at the store, and not in uniform, when it was being robbed. She technically died and was revived. She recovered at her parents’ home in their small hometown. When she’s well, she decided to take a Natural Resources police officer position to move back to her hometown. Her family is tight knit, loving, and thrilled that she’s back home.

Nash and Theo were raised as wealthy brothers, sons of prominent career people in NYC who had decided what the young men would do as careers. The young men rebelled and started a company, the Fix-It Brothers in the same small town that Sloan’s family lives in and their company becomes an instant success. Theo is stunned and fell into love with Sloan’s sister upon their first meeting. Nash and Sloan were much slower, but they also hit it off.

There is another couple, very strange, following a self-devised plan to snatch people who had been dead but who were revived. Sloan makes the connection between several missing persons cases and is working the case unofficially, but with the knowledge of the police. This couple is creepy.

This book reads much like other Nora Roberts stories. Frequent readers will recognize the enjoyable pattern. Nora’s fans will love this book, too.

I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator did a great job and she make the evil couple even creepier with their voices and tendency to giggle and call each other Babe and Doll.

I always enjoy the characters the Nora Roberts gives life to.

Nora Robert’s does it yet again! Hidden Nature is yet another entertaining, well-written romantic suspense story with a strong female lead, that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

January LaVoy did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Nora Robert’s, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

First May I say the narrator was perfection! It is rare for me to read a Nora Roberts book that isn’t great. This was no exception.

"Hidden Nature" by Nora Roberts is a thriller and romance. It has many hallmarks of a Roberts novel, like the detailed setting and easy dialogue.

While I did enjoy the book, it is not one of her best, compared to other books of hers I've read. There is way too much detail about house remodeling that did not interest me. Still, I found it easy to listen to, and January LaVoy is a terrific narrator for her books.

The main character is Sloan, who is a Natural Resources police officer.

The side story from the POV of the killers is strange, but interesting.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 31/8 = 3 7/8 rounded up to stars

Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and Nora Roberts for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve found Nora books to be so hit and miss for me, which fair, she has published hundreds of books at this point so they’re not all going to hit and be amazing. But I had just finished Come Sundown by her (a backlist title) and I absolutely loved it, so then jumping into this new upcoming release was a massive disappointment.

I honestly was so uninterested in the characters in this one and the slice of life moments we get in the beginning of this story. I had to check the blurb multiple times cause I was wondering if I was reading the right book or when the plot would kick in. It was such a bore and so slow. I don’t think the plot kicks in until like 60% in at least. I’ve seen other reviewers say this reads more like books pub’d in her penname JD Robb, which I haven’t read but maybe I don’t want to now either. 😅 Oh well, it won’t deter me from picking up other Nora titles cause like I mentioned she’s such a hit and miss author for me in general, so this was one that just didn’t work for me.

I received an audio ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own. The audiobook narrator was fantastic in the story, it was just the actual plot that didn’t work for me in this book sadly.

Thanks to @MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for the chance to listen to this book! Look, I love me some NoRoberts. I have read sometimes more than one book in a day, I cannot get enough. But this one wasn't for me, despite the excellent narrator. A classic Nora trope to divide the points of view between our heroine (natural resources cop, a new one for me) and the bad guys (in this case, a couple of serial killers out to murder people who cheated death). If it had just been the main plot line and a mystery to solve, the love plot is fun, even if some of the jokes are done to death ("want dinner? It's tofu. Just kidding, anyone who doesn't eat meat is a weirdo") and some of the secondary characters (like the former cop partner) have the warmth I look for. Slow going for an author I otherwise binge, but I'm looking forward to November and the end of her "7 rings" trilogy.

This one is 4 stars for the writing. It would probably be 3.5 stars for how I liked it. This one verges on horror for me due to the descriptive narrative on the villains.
The reader knows the villains are Clara and Sam long before the confrontation with the heroine of the story, Sloane.
Sloane Cooper is a natural resource police officer. She is highly observant and analytical. She almost dies in a convenience store robbery, but is saved. During her recovery, she goes home to Herron's Rest Maryland to stay with her parents.
Nash Littlefield had a tough time growing up and chooses to move to Herron's Rest to start a handyman/construction business.
Sloane and Nash find each other over the course of the book. This is one of the love stories in the book.
I do really like the chapters that follow Sloane, Nash and her family. It is a very heartwarming story.
It's the chapters that follow the villains that gave me a dread through the whole book. It caused me to stop listening from time to time because of what was happening in my imagination. Yes, I know this is what makes Nora Roberts such an amazing author. It's just that for me some of the details were a bit much for my sensibilities.
Things work out well in the end, because it also wouldn't be Nora Roberts if the heroine was not able to overcome the evil facing her.
I like so much about the book. Just be careful if you have a sensitive nature.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a great Nora Roberts book. Her stories are always easy to settle into, and this one was no different. While nothing in the plot shocked me, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the ride. Her writing continues to be engaging, and Sloan was a strong, determined lead that kept the momentum going. The mystery unfolded steadily, with just enough suspense to keep me invested.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely loved this one! It’s got a little bit of everything, crime solving, mystery, romance, even a little comedy! The audio narration is fantastic. This is one of those cozy books you lounge around and really enjoy sitting and reading (or listening) publications date for this one is May 27th definitely grab a copy!

Absolutely everything I want in a Nora Robert’s book: romance, strong women, family, interior design, and suspense

So good

I
⸻

I didn’t want this audiobook to end.

In line with many of Nora Roberts’ recent novels, Hidden Nature delivers a compelling blend of romance and suspense. The heroine, Sloan Cooper, is a police officer and survivor of a traumatic minimart robbery in which she was shot multiple times. Her long recovery leads her back to her hometown of Heron’s Rest, where she takes a job as a sergeant with the Natural Resources department.

Meanwhile, people are mysteriously disappearing across the tri-state area of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The story alternates between Sloan’s journey and the chilling perspective of the murderers, Clara and Sam—fanatics who believe they are on a divine mission to permanently send back those who were “unnaturally” revived.

Enter the Littlefield brothers, Nash and Theo, who move to Heron’s Rest to start a handyman business—while also falling under the spell of the Cooper sisters.

Hidden Nature is rich with likable, well-developed characters, an absorbing plot, and the kind of suspenseful romance Roberts does so well. The family dynamics are touching, the pacing is smooth, and there are even a few fun decorating ideas sprinkled in.

If you’re a longtime fan of Nora Roberts, this will be a satisfying addition to your shelf. If this is your first read from her, it certainly won’t be your last.

The narrator was well-cast and made the audiobook a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

This story follows Natural Resources police officer Sloan as she is recuperating from an injury staying with her family, making decisions about the future of her career and her return to work. The rest of her family is involved in a local business in a small community in Maryland. A pair of brothers have recently moved to the community preparing to start a new business away from the over-the-top expectations of their ambitious family in New York. The story also follows a couple that are obsessed over people who have been resuscitated after brief encounters with death.

While I enjoyed the supporting characters and families of the small community in Heron’s Rest, I was less enamored with the main character of Sloan. I absolutely loathed the sections of the story that followed the unhinged couple and their strange rapport and antics. I also found a lot of it to be repetitive. Perhaps a case of just not for me despite the fact that I generally love a book about a nature officer. I did enjoy the parts of the story that were about renovation and nature conservation.

I started off listening to the audiobook then switched to the ebook to finish. The audiobook was expertly narrated by January LaVoy, a favorite of mine. She did a fine job depicting the various characters and narratives. I just didn’t care for some of them. Unless you’re a die hard fan of this author, I’d give this one a skip and tell you to read last year’s Mind Games instead.

Posted to Goodreads: 5/11/2025

This is the first book I've read where the author weaves together both realistic fiction, suspense, and romance. Through the book, we follow Sloan Cooper, who works toward a recovery after an off-duty shooting at a mini-mart. Her recovery brings her back to Heron's Rest, where she grew up and her family still lives. During her recovery, an abduction that happens sticks with her, and she ends up pursuing the case in her own time. Overall, the novel showed great everyday life, house renovations, family dynamics, and fresh romances, all topped off with the pursuit of serial abductors. As someone who has read a wide variety of genres and books, I will say that the pace moves a bit slower than traditional suspense books, but that is because the characters and their lives have a lot more depth than a normal suspense book does. Overall, it was a well-rounded novel, and I hope it finds other readers to enjoy it. I was given the opportunity to review this audio book through NetGalley.

An easy read. Calculated, steady pacing, multiple POV, a crazy villain, couples who found “the one”, found family, and strong family bonds. I really enjoyed this book.

I received an ALC through NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to listen to it in exchange for an honest review.

Hidden Nature
by Nora Roberts
Narrated by January LaVoy

Nora Roberts does it again!! Hidden Nature is a fantastic book. The narration was excellent and brought life to the characters. Listening to the story, it felt like I was watching a movie in my head; things were described that well. First off Sloan Cooper goes through A LOT in this story. Poor thing! She's tough and resilient though. After being shot and almost dying while on the job, she returns home to heal. Once healed, she ends up taking a job locally, and ends up on the radar of some real crazies. While meeting some new neighbors, building relationships and romances, she ends up figuring out who is behind the multiple murders of people who have all died and been brought back to life.

Just read it. It's a great story. I hope Ms. Roberts writes more stories with Sloan as the main character.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Ms. Roberts, and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to and review this ARC!

I really love Nora Robert’s books. This one was a thriller. Sloan gets shot going into a convenience store and has to go home to recuperate. There she gets involved in finding missing persons. Her and her sister also find friendship and love with neighbors who help remodel her house. A wonderful story

Nora Roberts' latest novel, “Hidden Nature,” readers are taken on an exhilarating journey with main character Sloan Cooper, a determined Natural Resources police officer who has just successfully concluded a demanding operation with her partner, capturing three men who preyed on hikers in the stunning Western Maryland mountains. However, on her way home, Sloan makes a fateful stop at a convenience store, inadvertently walking into an ongoing robbery that radically alters her life. After being miraculously revived on the operating table, she faces a challenging recovery at her parents' serene home in Heron's Rest. Yet, her fierce independence and tenacity shine brighter than ever.

The introduction of her new neighbours, Nash and Theo Littlefield from New York, adds an exciting twist. As they renovate Nash’s home and launch their business, "The Fix It Brothers," Sloan discovers an unexpected ally in Nash, who shares her passion for uncovering the truth. When a woman mysteriously disappears from a supermarket parking lot, Sloan plunges into the investigation, revealing alarming patterns of abductions spanning multiple states.


Roberts masterfully captivates readers with her richly developed characters and an exhilarating plot. The characters, including the determined Sloan, her spirited sister Drea, and their supportive parents, Elsie and Dean, alongside a strong cast of supporting figures, leap to life in this expertly narrated audiobook by January Lavoy. Lavoy’s exceptional narration infuses each character's emotions and personalities with nuance and depth, making listeners feel as though they are witnessing the events unfold in real time, resulting in a truly immersive experience.

While the story is slow to start in the first 25% to establish a solid foundation, it swiftly transforms into a gripping murder mystery that keeps readers engaged. The tension is undeniable as Sloan confronts the unknown and skillfully navigates emerging threats.


Though the narrative may sometimes feel slightly unbalanced, the details of Sloan's daily life and home renovations overshadow the critical aspects of the investigation. A few more scenes showcasing her detective skills would elevate the narrative further. Additionally, while the resolution is somewhat abrupt, this may be a testament to the story's emotional depth, making it all the more impactful.

Overall, this romantic thriller is a standout offering from Roberts. It masterfully intertwines mystery, suspense, romance, and found family. The exploration of strong, independent women and their emotional resilience strikes a powerful chord. Despite some elements that could be further refined, the audiobook format amplifies the experience, making it a must-listen for fans of romantic mysteries and suspense.<br/><br /><b>Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this book, which is anticipated to be released on May 27.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are unequivocally my own. I highly recommend this book, which is anticipated to be released on May 27.

Sloan was shot. And while she recovered she went back home. Realizing how much she missed it there she put in a transfuse to stay. But then she meet her new neighbors - the fix it brothers. And slowly Nash became her person. While trying to figure out several missing persons cases.

This book was amazing just like all of Nora’s other books. It keep you engaged and wanting more.