Member Reviews
Thank you so much to Delacorte Press/Random House, TBRBeyondTours & Holly Jackson for the advance copy of this book & having me on this book tour!
This book will be published on April 2nd.
I am probably one of the last people to not have read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder so when the opportunity came to be on this tour & this was a stand alone - I knew I had to read it! And if this book is any indication on her writing, I really need to do a deep dive into the series.
"Nothing is your fault, it's everyone else, and I will protect you from them."
There was so much that happened in this book & I can't even tell you all about the twists and turns this book takes. I was here for the ride the whole way. This book is a lengthy one but yet I felt like it went by rather quick. When you think that you know where the book is going, it will likely change. I found that I was hooked on this story right from the get go. The way that Jackson just continued to add more layers and you learn about the characters as you go which leads you to not knowing who to trust. As I mentioned there were a lot of twists that happened and when I looked I still had 3 hours to go on my kindle and I had no idea what else could possibly happen. Sure enough more did happen! One of my favorite chapters was the chaotic dinner that was being filmed, "To the most fucked up family in America. Cheers!"
Despite having a lot happening it did not feel like it was doing too much. The little romance piece that was in I could leave or take and with that I did like that she had this confidentate in Ash. They seem to really get along well but I was sad that they didn't try to remain in any sort of connection once the documentary was completed (at least that is what it seemed like). In addition to her friendship with Ash, I loved her relationship with cousin Carter. They just were so close & were best friends and Bel could always rely on her.
As much as I loved this book and the emotions that came along with it, I did feel some small plot holes that were left on the table. I was talking to another reader who just finished the book right before I did and she had a great way of putting it "there were plot holes where I don't mind when I'm reading but afterwards it's like nooooowww wait a minute." That was exactly how I felt. In the moment I was not worried about it but after it left me questioning. My guess they were dropped do to length.
I just really enjoyed this & was the kind of YA thriller I needed.
Definitely check this book out if you like true crime documentaries, family drama, unreliable characters - check this out!
What happens when a woman who mysteriously disappeared 16 years ago suddenly reappears during the filming of a documentary about her disappearance?
The Reappearance of Rachel Price was a thrilling story chock full of plot twists. I loved the true crime documentary aspect to this book, and you can tell that Holly Jackson is truly a great writer because every single detail in this book is important to the story and plays a bigger role in the plot than it first seems.
I really thought this might be a 5 star book because I was really enjoying it and couldn’t put it down, but I did not like the ending.😅 Don’t want to spoil anything but I did not feel like justice was done in the end. You know, they say two wrongs don’t make a right, and I feel like that’s something that the characters in this book needed to consider. Also, there was a little bit of a romance subplot, which I liked, but I was disappointed in how things ended up in the end.
Also, there was a lot of cursing (a LOT of f-bombs) in this book, so much so that it felt kind of excessive, especially for a YA book. I did read an ARC, so hopefully some of those get edited out of the final printing.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
holly i <3 u
I am obsessed with holly jacksons suspense/mystery books. with likeable characters and an intriguing plot, she’s forever going to be one of my favorite authors. The Reappearance of Rachel Price was specifically one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, which is why when I got approved for this arc I screamed in the middle of the subway station. And let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint.
This book kept me curious all the way through - hence why I finished it in one day, reading from 10pm to 6am not even noticing how much time had passed. Holly does a great job at dropping little hints that’ll help solve the mystery in the end and leave you wanting more.
Bel was a fun but complex character to read, although she’s a teen who masters in pushing people away before they leave her - which is maybe why she didn’t believe Rachel’s story for even one second. I loved her relationship with Carter, even though you can clearly see Bel’s fear and “selfishness” at some points, you can tell how much these girls care for eachother. I loved having a complex character where you go “oh why are you doing this!!!” out loud while simultaneously understanding her completely.
It had so many plots and twists that got me gripping my kindle multiple times. The ending was incredible - let me emphasize that while I suspected the plot, I could've never predicted all that’s happened and it was wonderful- and the mystery was thrilling, but the family dynamics and relationships during the interviews and gatherings really steals the thunder. I loved it so much, they’ve all captivated me from the first page.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this book. I am a little conflicted on what star rating I want to give this book. It took me a while to get interested in the story. The writing was very choppy and there were several typos which will hopefully be fixed in the final proof. The mystery in itself was done well. It was interesting but the writing didn't get better until the last fourth of the book. I also feel it could have been shorter but that is my opinion.
Holly Jackson has become my top choice for YA thrillers, adeptly balancing youth appeal with adult engagement through her unique storytelling and suspenseful narratives. Her latest book took me by surprise with its twist on the typical disappearance trope, opting instead for a reappearance angle, coupled with elements of documentary-style storytelling and intricate family drama. This captivating blend made for a compelling mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover the truth.
4.5 stars. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I felt the first half was very slow. Once it picked up though, I couldn’t put it down. The main character was a teen; but, otherwise it didn’t seem much like I was reading YA. (There isn’t anything inappropriate either, just meant it is good for adults as well) The characters were well thought out and fun to get to know. I also didn’t predict the “twist” and thought it was a good, believable one. Definitely recommend!
Holly Jackson is my go to YA thriller writer. She appeals to youth while still drawing in an adult audience with her unique storytelling and thrillers. I’ve heard of disappearance but never a reappearance in a thriller. Add in the documentary element and the family drama and it made for a great mystery keeping me guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Oh my goodness! A Good Girls Guide to Murder is one of my favorite series so when I saw that Holly Jackson wrote a new book I had my fingers crossed I would get an ARC. I’m so thankful I got it because it was FANTASTIC!
So it’s just been Bel and her dad since her mom disappeared right before she turned 2 and now it’s 16 years later. Her moms disappearance is known worldwide and is still a mystery, so a film crew from the UK decide to film a documentary on the case. Just a short ways into making the documentary Bel is walking home and standing in the street is her Mom! Now everything shifts and the main focus is where has she been? Who took her? And most importantly…is she lying?
Man this book was so full of twists and deception and I loved it! I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
5/5 stars and I have all her other books so I will 100% be buying a physical copy for my shelf.
I intended to read this book for a few minutes before going to bed last night and ended up devouring half of it in one sitting. I would've read more, but my eyes were literally drooping. This morning, I finished it up, and I don't think I've been the same ever since. I'm not sure how Holly Jackson comes up with plots like this, but when everything fell into place—and I'm sorry for throwing around overused slang like this, but it's the only way I can describe it—I was gagged. This is the kind of book where you need a friend to read it along with you so you can discuss everything ASAP. A fantastic work of crime fiction, and a great reminder of how incredible YA thrillers can be.
“It was easy to push people away when you knew how. Bel had a clean record; she was very, very good at it.”
Bel Price is tired of all the questions. Her mother, Rachel, disappeared 16 years ago without a trace, and she was the only witness. Now, a true crime documentary is being made about the case, and Bel cannot wait until filming is done. However, the impossible happens when Rachel reappears. Bel’s world gets turned upside down again, but she cannot shake the feeling that her mother’s unbelievable story is untrue. Bel conducts her own investigation but is confronted by the fact that everyone is hiding something. She must be careful who she trusts, or she will disappear like her mother did.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price was my most anticipated 2024 read, and it did not disappoint. I love a good mystery thriller, and Holly Jackson knows how to write them. From the first chapter, I was hooked and did not want to put the book down. The way Jackson writes her characters always amazes me because she makes them complex yet flawed, and readers can always relate to them. The plot was excellent and so well-developed. I loved the premise of incorporating the true crime documentary because I have been an avid fan of them for so long. I was always on my toes, and I thought I knew the mystery surrounding Rachel’s disappearance, but I was proven wrong time and time again. I loved the unconventional family dynamic this book encompassed. The relationship between Rachel and Bel deteriorated and matured so many times I lost count. Also, the way Bel’s family acted around the documentary producers was amusing to read because of the endless banter. If you loved the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, I highly recommend this witty thriller that solidifies Holly Jackson as one of the best YA mystery writers.
Bel was 2 years old when she was found in the backseat of her mother’s car with the heat running and a juice box. The disappearance of her mother has never been solved. She is now eighteen years old and her mother has reappeared. Rachel’s story has too many flaws and Bel begins to wonder if her mother was taken or if she left. What happened to Rachel sixteen years ago? Is the Price family still in danger?
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a standalone mystery that had me turning the pages and wondering where it was going next. Jackson included several twists and turns throughout and when the reveal begins, readers will soon discover that inconsequential nuggets were important. The answers to the mystery are revealed a few chapters before the ending, but that gives the story the space to wrap up nicely. A thoroughly enjoyable mystery read.
This was a hard one to put down! I was enthralled by the mystery, of course, but I also really loved Bel's tough, get-it-done attitude. She was fearless and persistent. The reveal was great, included things I didn't see coming, and every question had an answer. The only thing that keeps me from giving this 5 stars, which it was really close to getting because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, was the aftermath of the reveal. It just did not seem realistic or believable that cops, or even true crime fans, would accept what transpired.
Wow, this one took me on a wild ride! From the first page, I was invested in Bel and the mystery of what happened to her mother. As the story progressed I was analyzing everything Rachel said and did alongside Bel, trying to pick apart all the details of her disappearance. Some crazy twists that turn everything we think we know completely upside down and made me rethink EVERYTHING. I loved Bel and her cousin Carter, and Ash.. well I kind of really loved his awkward/weirdness and he was a great complement to Bel. I
This story sucked me in and didn't want to put it down for a moment. I needed to get to the truth.
I can't wait to see what Holly Jackson is going to write next!
Ahhhh I could not put this down I was dying to know what the hell was going on. Holly Jackson back with anotha banger 🤘🏼it was fun and creepy (to a girl who also thought pretty little liars was scary so ya know maybe not creepy to all😂). I recommend.
I will round up from a 4.5 for NetGalley. It would have been 5 stars but it did go a little over the top at one point
Holly Jackson’s writing never fails to captivate me from the very first page. She knows how to build up a world, word by word and fully immerse the reader in the lives of her characters. While constructing this world, she builds in the secret hideouts that readers don’t realize are there until they are revealed at the end (for example: the true story of Rachel’s disappearance).
Honestly, this may be her best work yet. The characters and plot never left my mind through my entire reading journey. The main character Annabel (bel) was witty, perceptive, and overall a joy to have lead me through the story. I loved her relationships with Ash and Carter and the growing complexities of her relationships with her parents. Every single facet of this novel was well planned and executed, and it exceeded my expectations (which were high!)
I received this copy as an e-arc in return for an honest review. thank you netgalley and delacorte press for this book.
I absolutely adored this book. it was a fun take on a time crime documentary but done in a YA style. the book flowed well and had a fun cast of characters. it kept me on the edge of my seat and I was drawn in from page 1. if you liked AGGGTM by this author then you will love this!
3.5 rounded up
This followed the Price family. Rachel Price went missing 16 years ago and suddenly returns to her daughter and husband. But something doesn’t seem right about Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance.
I really enjoyed this one. This was my first Holly Jackson book and it made me want to pick up all her others.
The story telling was immersive and I found myself wanting to know what was happening. The characters were also hilarious and made me laugh out loud.
The ending wasn’t quite perfect for me, just felt a little unrealistic, but overall really enjoyed this book, a solid mystery and will be reading more of Jackson’s work in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read The Reappearance of Rachel Price as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Holly Jackson has done it again! I was hooked from page one. The Reapperance of Rachel Price has the same magic that A Good Girls Guide to Murder has. I love that Bel is not a squeaky clean character. The way she dealt with life growing up in the shadow of her mom's disappearance gave her depth and made her likeable even when she didn't always exhibit likeable qualities. The book is very clever. I have to say that while I had some inclinations, I was actually blown away by the reveal and all that came after. I read the last quarter of the book with my heart pounding and trying to keep my eyes from darting down the page so I didn't miss anything. I can see this as a book that I would want to read again when I want to escape and because of my frantic pace in trying to get all the answers, I'm sure I've missed something. I cannot wait for AGGGTM tv show (movie? Can't remember just now) but I think TRORP needs it's own show or movie. I can't wait to see what Holly Jackson does next!
This is a book for true crime fans and is full of mystery. It kept me on my toes and I had no idea what was gonna happen next and I loved every second of it. Holly Jackson does such a wonderful job with writing these complicated dynamics between a broken family that is healed again, told through the perspective of the daughter Bel, who I loved.
She doesn’t trust anyone and is trying to work out the puzzle of her mother’s disappearance and reappearance and you can’t help but be dragged along and convinced by her theories never knowing what the truth is and it always being one chapter away. And then comes the ending when everything is revealed and my jaw was on the floor for all of it.
Overall, this is a great true crime inspired mystery that I highly recommend!
Read if you like…
•true crime
•mysteries and thriller
I wanted to read this book because I absolutely loved A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. While, in my opinion, this book didn't quite live up to that series, it wasn't as good as those.
This book has the "detective work" that AGGGTM had. However, there was a lot of repetitiveness and I found some parts to be boring. Probably at about 70% into the book, things started to pick up. With all the build up and the detective work leading up to the end, the ending felt a bit rushed.
Holly Jackson did a great job throwing me off as to who was responsible for Rachel's disappearance. I had a hunch who was behind it but I didn't know how it would play out.
I didn't particularly like Bel. I completely understand her life was thrown completely off when Rachel returned, but she was SO self-absorbed she didn't pay attention anything going on around her. If she had stopped and talked to some of her family members, she could have gotten some answers a lot sooner.
Overall, I give it 4 stars. It was a solid story but it didn't live up to my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The Reappearance of Rachel Price is out on Tuesday.