THE VANISHING KIND by Alice Henderson

Reviewed by Tracey Devlyn

Set in the untamed wilds of New Mexico, THE VANISHING KIND by Alice Henderson drops readers into a scorching desert preserve where threats come in many forms—and not all of them have claws.

Wildlife biologist Alex Carter is back, this time on the trail of jaguars—elusive, powerful cats that once roamed the American Southwest. Tasked with confirming their presence in a remote sanctuary, Alex hopes to secure expanded protections for these endangered creatures. But the desert holds more than tracks and camera traps.

From the moment she arrives, it’s clear Alex has stepped into a volatile landscape. Armed border vigilantes, hostile ranchers, and aggressive treasure hunters all view her mission as a threat. Even more unsettling, someone is digging strange holes in the preserve, searching for something hidden—and they’re not afraid to use violence to keep others away.

As Alex uncovers promising evidence of jaguar activity, she also finds herself entangled in a centuries-old mystery and modern-day territorial warfare. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous it becomes.

Henderson once again delivers a vivid, visceral reading experience. THE VANISHING KIND is a pulse-pounding mix of ecological suspense, timely social commentary, and razor-sharp survival instincts. A powerful reminder of the wildness still left in the world—and how fiercely it must be defended.

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USA Today bestselling author Tracey Devlyn once dreamed of becoming the next Dian Fossey and exploring the wilds of Africa—until she met chemistry and calculus. With an enthusiasm for research that fuels the creative (and occasionally disturbing) plot twists her characters must navigate, it’s no surprise that her suspense-laden stories thrill readers and reveal the nefarious nature hiding behind her smile. Despite the emotional rollercoaster she delivers on the page, Tracey enjoys a laid-back, fleece-and-boots lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog in the mountains of North Carolina. Visit Tracey at TraceyDevlyn.com, @AuthorTraceyDevlyn on Facebook, @traceydevlyn on Bluesky, @traceydevlyn on Instagram, @traceydevlyn on Threads, and @traceydevlyn on X.