Member Reviews

First of all thank you so much to net galley for providing me with an advanced readers copy!! I have loved everything else by Holly Jackson and I’m so happy I got this oppurtinty to read this! I cant wait for it to be released in April so I can convince everyone to read it

Bel´s mom Rachel Price disappeared 16 years ago when she was only 2 years old and a documentary is being made about it when she suddenly reappears. She tells them she’s been held in a basement those years by a stranger by Bel has her reasons to doubt the story after Rachel tells multiple lies.

Honestly this started of a bit slow for me and it took a little while for me to really get into it but then it got better and better after maybe the 40% mark and especially the last 20% was just incredible!? The ending was just one big hit after another. Everything about it was so tense, twisty and unpredictable in my opinion. I´ve seen a few people say it was predictable but I don’t agree.

When Rachel returns belts world turns upside down and her ”normal” completely changes. There are buried secrets and you dont really know who is telling the truth and even after finishing it there are still a few things I’m not sure what to believe about.

If you like any of the following things you’ll love this book
• True crime slow burn mystery
• Feminism undertones
• Sub-plot of romance
• Strong female lead

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Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

Sadly, this was a pretty huge let down for me.

AGGGTM is one of my all time favorite series and I was really hoping to see Jackson continue to write like that in a stand alone, and sadly she just didn’t hold up.

I’m not saying this book was bad, by no means was it bad, I still gave it a three stars, but it’s wasn’t anything special.

For starters, this book just didn’t get interesting until around 70%. None of the characters felt really more than two dimensional, which was a huge let down considering how well she wrote the characters in AGGGTM. I often found myself getting annoyed with Bel’s constant attitude, or Rachel’s simply not giving anything. I also felt like nothing really made me want to keep reading. I mean yeah sure, Rachel was lying, but nothing made me care to find out why or how. The romance felt unnecessary and unnatural almost all the time, and its wrap up wasn’t what I was looking for.

The ending also felt like a bit of a let down, it felt like such a big build up for…that.

On a more positive note I did like some aspects of the book, because it is still Holly Jackson

The main character had some pretty good development at the end of the book (which did feel rushed and a little unnatural). The ending wasn’t entirely bad, and I felt myself rooting for Bel and what she was trying to accomplish. I still had fun reading this book! And I would definitely recommend based on who it is!

You’ll love this book if you like…

• True crime mystery
• Feminism undertones
• Sub-plot of romance
• A strong female lead
•A slow burn mystery

💖❤️💖

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This was incredible I love Holly Jackson books so much. Her writing is so captivating and always has me hooked. One thing I love about Holly Jackson's books is that her characters are always so complex. She does a really good job of showing how everything that happens effects her characters and their relationships. Her characters always feel very authentic because of Hollys attention to detail - she never glosses over things that could have huge impacts including always taking time to dive into their trauma.

I was constantly gasping throughout the second half of this book and the last 20% had me on such a rollercoaster I felt nauseous. I can’t even lie I read the ending while I was on campus and I kept (unsuccessfully) having to stop myself of reacting out loud (I’m seeing Holly at her Toronto tour stop in April and I will be asking her for an apology. But I'll also be thanking her)

There was nothing I didn’t like about this book I absolutely cannot wait to get a physical copy when it comes out!!!

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NetGalley ARC Review
*4.25 ⭐️
If you’ve read any of Holly Jackson’s other works, I think you will enjoy this book. I absolutely loved the AGGGTM series, so I was super excited to get the chance to read this book and it did not disappoint. The plot was fun and exciting. Bel’s mom, Rachel reappears 16 years after her mysterious disappearance and Bel finds her story to be suspicious. She begins to investigate and look into her mother’s disappearance and reappearance in order to discover the truth. And all of this is occurring as a documentary is being filmed about her family and this mysterious disappearance. I found the documentary aspect to be a unique addition to the story and was intrigued from the very beginning. The pacing was great and I continuously went back and forth with my predictions about how things would turn out/what the truth was. There were many twists and just when you think you knew everything, something else would be revealed. While I was satisfied with the overall ending of the story, I was a little underwhelmed with the actual execution of the reveal (it felt a little rushed and lackluster). With that being said, I still really enjoyed the book. It was a fun and twisty story that had me hooked from the beginning and especially invested the second half of the book. If you’re looking for a good YA Mystery, this is a great read.

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The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a really fun read from beginning to end.

Annabel (Bel) Price's mother, Rachel, vanished 16 years ago when Bel was just a baby. Ever since Rachel went missing, the family has been shrouded in mystery and suspicion. Bel's dad agrees to participate in a documentary about the Disappearance of Rachel Price... and then during the filming, Rachel reappears alive and seemingly well.

Bel is a very fun character. She's pretty jaded due to all she's been through and can be quite cynical (although likely no more than any other 18 year old). Bel never takes anything at face value which really drives the story forward as she dives into her family's complicated and mysterious past.

There are many twists and turns in this book. A few I saw coming and some I truly didn't. In the end, although the story is marketed as a mystery, it is also a family drama that explores the complicated dynamics of both familial and romantic relationships.

This book is such a great read and will keep you interested throughout. It is a must reach when it is released on April 2, 2024. Big thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Delacorte Press for the ARC!

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of The Reappearance of Rachel Price!

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄

1. If you want a documentary based thriller, this one won’t disappoint!
2. Are you a fan of true crime, especially missing people cases? This one is a must read for the true crime junkies!
3. The ending is so shocking, you’ll be doing double takes left and right!
4. Have you ever wanted to star in a documentary? The Reappearance gives us a small glimpse into the true making of these films.
5. Are you the type of person who would do anything to protect your family? If so, this one is right up your alley!

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Eighteen-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness, but she has no memory of it. Rachel is gone, long presumed dead, and Bel wishes everyone would just move on.  
 
But the case is dredged up from the past when the Price family agrees to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for life to go back to normal. And then the impossible happens. Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again.
 
Rachel has an unbelievable story about what happened to her. Unbelievable, because Bel isn’t sure it’s real. If Rachel is lying, then where has she been all this time? And—could she be dangerous? With the cameras still rolling, Bel must uncover the truth about her mother, and find out why Rachel Price really came back from the dead . . .

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This book was a wild ride that had its ups and down, thankfully more ups than downs.
Pros-
The plot draws you in from the beginning.
Characters are mostly relatable.
World building is well done and easy to pick up.
The pace of the book starts off fast but smooth and keeps going in the right direction.

Come-
Bel isn't likable for the first 50% of the book. Her flare for drama makes her an unreliable narrator, and for a book about trying to solve a disappearance, you want a somewhat reliable narrator, at least to follow the plot as she puts the pieces together. Bel does improve.

The ending: while I read the last 200 pages in like 12 hours because I couldn't put it down, the wrap up of the book was unsatisfying. The climax hits and you think it's going to wrap up well, but it keeps going. There wasn't anywhere else to go so instead of going up, it begins to fall flat. Characters are given cheesy exits, plot lines aren't ended in abrupt ways. It should have stopped and wrapped up before it actually did. With that said, I still enjoyed it a lot and love Holly Jackson as a writer immensly!

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I don't normally read thrillers or crime dramas anymore, but this book sounded intriguing from the get-go. Bel Price was just a baby when her mother disappeared, and now, 16 years later, a crew has begun filming a documentary on the mystery. Bel loves her dad and her cousin but has learned to distance herself from pretty much anyone else because they always end up leaving anyway. While in the midst of filming, Rachel suddenly reappears, changing the course of the documentary as well as their lives.
Navigating this new world with Bel and her family is tumultuous, to say the least. Bel doesn't trust Rachel (she definitely isn't calling her mom), and much of the book we see how that mistrust fuels her fire to prove that Rachel is full of lies and get her to leave again so their world can go back to 'normal.' This book was twisty-turny, and while I did figure out one piece, there were others that took me by surprise. If someone asks me about this book in 3 months I would absolutely remember it and want to talk about it. That makes it a five-star read for me. Super good story, kept me interested and guessing, and I didn't want to put it down! Read this one if you like true crime and even if you don't!

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I loved this even more than AGGGTM. I was in shock when I received the notification I was approved for this ARC. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down.
Imagine your mother disappeared 16 years ago. You were just a toddler left in a car on the side of the road. A documentary deal was struck up with your father to the tune of $40k. In the middle of filming something shocking happens. That mysterious mother of yours? Yeah she's back. What should've been a happy moment dredges up more questions, concerns, and secrets. If you think your family is a mess...I bet it's nothing compared to this.
This book gave me anxiety and seriously made me doubt my investigative skills. One thing about Holly Jackson? She can write. I will forever read anything she puts out.

Loved the ending <3

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Unraveling Family Secrets: A Riveting Review of "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" by Holly Jackson

Holly Jackson's "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its compelling premise, intricate plot twists, and dynamic characters, this novel is a true page-turner that leaves a lasting impression.

At the heart of the story is eighteen-year-old Bel, whose life has been overshadowed by the mysterious disappearance of her mother, Rachel Price. As the sole witness to Rachel's vanishing act sixteen years ago, Bel grapples with the burden of unanswered questions and lingering doubts. When Rachel suddenly reappears, claiming an unbelievable story about her disappearance, Bel is thrust into a whirlwind of uncertainty and danger.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its masterful storytelling and expertly crafted suspense. From the opening pages to the shocking conclusion, Holly Jackson keeps readers guessing with cleverly placed clues, red herrings, and unexpected twists that will leave them breathless. The tension builds steadily throughout the narrative, creating a sense of unease and anticipation that is palpable.

Moreover, Jackson's character development is nothing short of remarkable. Bel is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, grappling with the complexities of her family's dark secrets and the unsettling truths she uncovers along the way. As she delves deeper into Rachel's reappearance, Bel's journey becomes a riveting exploration of identity, betrayal, and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love.

The novel's exploration of family dynamics and the impact of secrets and lies is both thought-provoking and chilling. Through Bel's eyes, readers are drawn into a web of deceit and manipulation, where nothing is as it seems and trust is a precious commodity. As Bel races against time to uncover the truth, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the suspense is palpable until the very end.

In conclusion, "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels. With its engrossing storyline, richly drawn characters, and spine-tingling suspense, Holly Jackson delivers a mind-blowing masterpiece that will keep readers guessing until the final page. Prepare to be captivated, enthralled, and utterly spellbound by this gripping tale of deception, redemption, and the search for truth.

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This was an absolutely fabulous book. As someone who has read all of Holly Jackson’s books I can confidently say no one does YA Thrillers as good as her. The reappearance of Rachel Price follows the Price family who are the center of a documentary that discusses the disappearance of Rachel Price who vanished sixteen years ago. Halfway through the filming of the true crime documentary, Rachel suddenly appears and her daughter Bel, who was only two when Rachel disappeared, keeps finding inconsistencies in Rachel’s story. This book is a thriller about family, secrets, and the lies we tell each other. Definitely recommend

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4.25 ⭐️ After binge reading the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series I was super excited to read the next book by Holly Jackson. The Reappearance of Rachel Price did not disappoint! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Annabel (Bel) Price’s mother disappeared sixteen years ago without a trace leaving a 2 year old Bel as the only witness to her disappearance. Now 18 and a senior in high school, Bel and her family become the subjects of a film crew making a true crime documentary about her mother’s still unsolved disappearance. Bel begrudgingly goes through the motions of making the documentary, despite not having any memory of her mother, knowing the family needs money to pay for her grandfather’s medical bills.

Bel finds her quiet life turned upside down when her mother, Rachel Price, reappears seemingly out of nowhere with an (as far as Bel is concerned) unbelievable story. Bel is determined to prove that Rachel is lying and enlists film assistant Asher to document her search for the truth. What Bel ultimately uncovers is a 16 year old secret she could never have imagined- a secret that will force her to make life and death decisions which will affect the rest of her life.

Holly Jackson delivers a novel full of twists and turns and a climax I never saw coming. Truths will be revealed, new secrets made and a family will be forced to face the consequences of their past. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next Holly Jackson.

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First of all, love Holly Jackson and anything she writes. This book was no different! I actually did not expect any of the twists and they just kept coming! So many potential suspects… who is good? Who is bad? Who’s lying? Who’s telling the truth? This one will keep you guessing for sure.

Thank you to Holly Jackson, Net Galley, and Random House Children’s for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Review: I think I may have liked this book more than AGGGTM! When I reached the climax of the book, I didn’t want to put it down, it shocked me that much! I did not see that coming at all! I was sure that Bel was onto something with her suspicions. But man was I wrong! And it made the book that much better! Thank you @netgalley and @delacortepress for my advanced copy! I recommend picking this book up when it comes out on April 2nd!!

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**4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This book was everything I loved about Holly Jackson. An interesting plot, a main character to root for, twists and turns, and even a little dash of romance.

The suspense in this one builds so beautifully that I could NOT put the book down. I had to finish it in one sitting and even stayed up past my bedtime. The book makes you feel uneasy, the tension building, until about halfway through where the first "big thing" happens. From there it doesn't let up until the very end.

Bel is such a good main character. She's prickly and not exactly likable, but she has good reason not to be, and her motivations are always very clear. She was easy to root for throughout the book, even as she pushed people away and used her words as weapons. I loved seeing her relationships with other characters like her dad, Carter, even Ramsey. And her relationship with Ash was so good that I wanted even more!

The plot gets faster and faster throughout the book and I definitely didn't see the twist coming. I only knocked off half a star because there's one thing solved at the very end that felt really stupid. But since the rest of the book was so good, I can forgive that little flub at the end!

I don't want to spoil anything, but just take it from me: this book is a hell of a ride and has solidified Holly Jackson as one of my favorite authors!

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Goooosssshhh the way Holly Jackson has a way of giving me heart palpitations while reading!

This book was so darn good! It keeps you guessing the whole time!!
Bel gave me the same excitement as Pip did when I was reading AGGGTM.

I mean the ending 🤯 I need everyone to read this April 2 so I can have someone to talk to!!

Imagine your mom disappearing 16 years ago and all of a sudden she comes back??!! What happened? Read it to find out!

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This was a pretty good young adult thriller. I loved the concept and mystery of this book was very intriguing. This book kept me guessing and had so many good twists.

Read this if you like:

📖 True Crime Documentaries
📖 YA Mysteries
📖 Twisty Thrillers

Overall this was a great read that mystery lovers are sure to enjoy.

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Wow! That's the first thing I have to say about this book! I am so glad I got approved for this ARC! I've read the "Good Girl's Guide to Murder" Series by Holly Jackson and loved it, so I was anxious and excited to pick up this book!

"The Reappearance of Rachel Price" absolutely did not disappoint!

The premise is this: Sixteen years after her mother (Rachel Price) disappeared, a film crew interviews Bel and her family to see the impact it had on them. And to ultimately answer the question, "what happened to Rachel Price?". There was much mystery surrounding the day Rachel went missing, including a few hours before when both Rachel and Bel disappeared at the mall only to reappear later.

Bel wrestles with all the questions and resurfacing feelings about her mom. Then, as the title suggests, Rachel Price shows up again. After 16 years of being missing, in the middle of the documentary crew filming, she comes home. This was not a completely happy reunion though. As Bel begins to discover, there are many inadequacies in Rachel's story. So that leaves the question, what did happen to Rachel those 16 years? Is she telling the truth? Or is there more to the tale?

The beginning of the book was a medium pace and a really good set up for the rest of the story. Once I was about 30% through, I devoured the end of the book. Each chapter had me on the edge of my seat and I never could guess what would be happening next.

A fantastic YA mystery/thriller book through and through. I highly recommend this book to all readers!

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I was hooked from the beginning! A thrilling and addictive read that you can’t put down. I absolutely loved the true crime documentary aspect. It added a unique element that the typical “unsolved mystery” plots often lack and really took this up a notch.

Rachel Price disappears without a trace. Leaving behind a husband and her two year old daughter. Everyone suspects that she is dead but when she unexpectedly reappears 16 years later there are a lot of questions and her story doesn’t add up. Her daughter, Bel, becomes the most suspicious and will stop at nothing to discover the truth.

The suspense is real and takes so many crazy twists that you’ll constantly be trying to piece it all together. I was totally creeped out by a few of the characters and started questioning nearly everyone.

The family dynamics in this one are beyond messed up…making it an even more entertaining read. The Price family is going to make your head spin but Bel will steal your heart…such a fun and perfect character!

Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5⭐️

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The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson is a standalone mystery book that follows Bel. Her mother disappeared sixteen years ago in a very mysterious way and it has been the topic of true crime fans since. A documentary crew comes to town to do a deep dive into the disappearance by interviewing Bel and her father, as well as their extended family when the craziest thing happens. Bel’s mom comes back.

I thought this was a fun book and I think for the target audience (young adult), this will be a huge success. There are a lot of similar vibes in this one when compared to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Once the plot really picks up, the book is hard to put down because you just want to know what happens.

I did have a few issues with it. To me, Bel wasn’t the easiest character to root for which isn’t the best when you are following her through the book. She acts very much like a teenager so I’m sure teen readers will love her. I think the end reveals felt a little lackluster in their delivery. This also has a trope that I hate that kind of spans the whole book. I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s something that just drives me crazy in a mystery.

All in all, this was a fun read. I would recommend this to a young adult audience, which would be the target audience. Or if anyone is looking to get into mystery/thriller books, this is a good one to start with! This is a solid 3.5 star for me and I definitely plan on picking up a physical copy for my daughter because I think she would be obsessed.

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