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A review by brooke_review
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Holly Jackson masterfully writes YA suspense fiction with mass appeal, and with each hit novel that she puts out, she further cements herself as an author that you can count on to deliver a page-turner. Jackson’s new novel, The Reappearance of Rachel Price, a departure from her popular A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, is a standalone story that integrates the multimedia aspects that made Good Girl so appealing. In this case, it’s a documentary being filmed about the disappearance of a teenage girl’s mother sixteen years ago instead of a podcast, and if you were hoping for candid, voyeuristic vibes, they’re all here!
Bel was with her mother Rachel when she disappeared 16 years ago. Essentially, Bel holds the secrets as to who kidnapped her mother from their car while they were out doing some shopping, but the only problem is Bel was a baby and of course, doesn’t remember. That doesn’t stop a film crew from interviewing her and the rest of her family about Rachel’s disappearance, however, as they explore possible theories as to what happened to her.
The documentary takes a plot twist that no one saw coming, however, when Rachel reappears out of thin air one day. Rachel has an incredible story about where she has been the past 16 years, but can she be believed? As Bel tries to adjust to now having her mother back in her life, she also has to grapple with all of the things that don’t add up with Rachel’s story. Is she telling the truth, or is it all lies?
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a multi-layered, suspenseful whodunnit. I had so many theories as I tore through this book, going back and forth trying to figure out the truth about Rachel’s dubious story. This novel is a lot of fun to read, and is even better enjoyed with a friend - buddy read, anyone?! Trust me, you’re going to need someone to bounce those theories off of! However, I will say that speculating about the truth was more fun than discovering the truth, as the end of the novel was admittedly my least favorite part of the book.
Holly Jackson consistently ranks as one of my top read and recommended YA authors based on her ability to create absorbing, compelling thrillers. Jackson turns the suspense genre on its head, writing engaging, relatable mysteries for young adults who are not yet ready to transition to adult thrillers. Her books certainly serve as a gateway for teens on the verge of crossing over, and can even be read and enjoyed by adult readers, as well.
Bel was with her mother Rachel when she disappeared 16 years ago. Essentially, Bel holds the secrets as to who kidnapped her mother from their car while they were out doing some shopping, but the only problem is Bel was a baby and of course, doesn’t remember. That doesn’t stop a film crew from interviewing her and the rest of her family about Rachel’s disappearance, however, as they explore possible theories as to what happened to her.
The documentary takes a plot twist that no one saw coming, however, when Rachel reappears out of thin air one day. Rachel has an incredible story about where she has been the past 16 years, but can she be believed? As Bel tries to adjust to now having her mother back in her life, she also has to grapple with all of the things that don’t add up with Rachel’s story. Is she telling the truth, or is it all lies?
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a multi-layered, suspenseful whodunnit. I had so many theories as I tore through this book, going back and forth trying to figure out the truth about Rachel’s dubious story. This novel is a lot of fun to read, and is even better enjoyed with a friend - buddy read, anyone?! Trust me, you’re going to need someone to bounce those theories off of! However, I will say that speculating about the truth was more fun than discovering the truth, as the end of the novel was admittedly my least favorite part of the book.
Holly Jackson consistently ranks as one of my top read and recommended YA authors based on her ability to create absorbing, compelling thrillers. Jackson turns the suspense genre on its head, writing engaging, relatable mysteries for young adults who are not yet ready to transition to adult thrillers. Her books certainly serve as a gateway for teens on the verge of crossing over, and can even be read and enjoyed by adult readers, as well.