Actual rating = 3.5*
Thank you so much to Net-Galley for providing me with the e-arc of this book!

Theo is determined to find her lost sister, Flora, who vanished in the mysterious woods surrounding Mill Creek, West Virginia years ago. Despite being viewed as a local drunk by her family and community, Theo, a Park Ranger, dedicates each day to combing through the woods in search of her beloved sister. As she delves deeper, she encounters mysterious doorways and staircases, unveiling the reality of the forest's numerous disappearances and the existence of multiple dimensions. The Federal Bureau of Reality poses a threat to Theo's pursuit of truth, pushing her into silence.

This story seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and mystery, capturing my interest right from the first chapter. While I felt that the world-building around alternate realities and the Bureau of Reality could have been expanded, I acknowledge that the book's length may have limited this development.

The characters in the narrative won my heart, particularly as the core group is introduced in the middle of the book. The dynamic among the characters, including a troubled elder sister, a journalist ex-girlfriend, a loyal best friend, a former bureau agent, and a conspiracy theorist, was flawlessly depicted, showcasing their stark differences. This short tale evoked laughter and tears, especially in the final chapters, resonating with me as an older sibling due to Theo's unwavering determination to find her sister.

While I found the first half of the book more engaging than the latter half, the conclusion was deeply satisfying, providing a happy ending that came at a significant cost.