2.5 I really enjoyed Good Girls Guide. I feel like the writing, or more accurately, the plotting, has gone downhill since then. This mystery has an overly long exposition-about 70 pages- and then steadily descends into a less and less plausible ending. You know, it’s like when an author spins things around one to many times, and you end up in the middle of a soap opera? This is that story, except there’s about three to many twists. I wouldn’t have been surprised if the aliens had landed by the end. Depending on what they did, the plot may have improved. Also, I wanted to like these characters and I just couldn’t. I liked Carter the most but even she is paper thin. Eh, I also don’t need my students reading more where the adult characters lie, steal, kill and get away with it. Not her best.

3.5 stars, rounded up

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson was an engaging thriller with an intriguing premise. The story revolves around Bel, an 18-year-old whose life has been overshadowed by the mysterious disappearance of her mother, Rachel Price, sixteen years prior. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Rachel shockingly reappears during the filming of a true crime documentary about her case.

While the book keeps the pages turning, it requires a substantial suspension of disbelief, and I felt like some of the red herrings were TOO obvious, and some of the twists were predictable. There was also an excessive amount of swearing, which I am usually A-okay with as long as it fits, but many of these felt like they were added for no real reason, and it added nothing to the story or the characters.

Bel, as the central character, wasn't the most likable or sympathetic, and it was a bit hard for me to connect with her. Her portrayal, along with that of some of the other characters, lacked the depth needed to make them truly relatable or likable. This lack of connection to the characters meant that even as the mystery unfolded, there was a detachment from their fates. I found myself curious about the outcome, yet not entirely invested in what happened to them.

Holly Jackson really found her niche with the YA mystery/thriller category.

Right as Bel's family starts a documentary about her mom's disappearance 16 years ago, her mom (Rachel) reappears and throws everything Bel thought she knew right out the window. As new relationships are forged, everyone seems suspicious, lies unravel, and the foundational truths that Bel's ground up on slowly start to crumble.

Does Bel side with her dad who's always been around to support her? With her mom who's back and trying her best to make up for lost time? With the film crew who probably has their own motives, but at least are one step removed from the inner-chaos of the situation?

This was a page turner for sure. A few obvious red herrings that didn't quite work, but many great elements that will definitely engage the YA audience!

Overall: 4 stars (I really liked it!)

I'll tell my students about: language, alcohol, mental health, physical abuse, violence/graphic imagery/abuse

**Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Bel's mother Rachel has been missing for sixteen years. She was taken from her car when Bel was barely two years old and Bel is the only witness... she was in the backseat at the time. Now a film crew is creating a documentary about Bel's missing mother when Rachel suddenly comes back. Everyone should be happy to have her back, but Rachel's reappearance is bringing lots of old family secrets to light. What was Rachel all that time, and will Bel ever learn the truth?

This book has everything mystery fans love: lots of twists and turns, a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning, a headstrong heroine, and lots of suspicious characters.

Holly Jackson is the queen of YA true crime-themed murder mysteries and her newest title is just as entertaining as her others. This one will be another hit.

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an advanced copy!

Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price suspiciously disappeared at a local mall, leaving her baby daughter, Bel, in her abandoned car. Now, sixteen year later, there has still been no sign of Rachel, who is believed to be dead. Since the disappearance of Rachel Price is now so well-known and unsolved, a film crew from decides they want to make a documentary about the case, but Bel doesn't like talking about the mother who left her and she didn't even know. But to everyone's surprise, Rachel shows up. She has a story of where she's been all these years--kidnapped in a man's basement. But Bel feels like Rachel isn't telling the whole truth. As Bel starts to investigate her mother's reappearance, so finds out some truths that could tear her family apart.

This is another great mystery by Holly Jackson! I am a fan of her Good Girl's Guide to Murder series, but didn't love Five Survive, so I was a little skeptical going into this one. But I liked the characters a lot, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wasn't able to predict all the twists and turns, and it made for a very exciting read. The one thing I didn't like was all the swearing, but the story itself was very good. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thrilling mystery!

A solid 4.75/5

This is the second book of 2024 that I have given this high rating. Both books have been YA mysteries. Is this going to be the year of amazing YA Reads?!?

I have really enjoyed every Holly Jackson book I have read so far but this one might be my absolute favorite. Whenever I thought I had the book figured out or what the big plot twist would be, another twist would blindside me and leave me reeling. Also, I love a book that ties the ending into a neat bow at the end, and this one *almost* did that.

This is a must-read. I highly recommend preordering now. Out in April.

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

16 years ago, Rachel Price went missing, leaving 2-year-old Bel behind. Ever since, Bel has tried leaving her mother in the past and moving on with her life, until her family agrees to participate in a documentary. And then, her mother reappears. But Bel, doesn't believe he rmother's story and is determined to solve the case.

Like many others, I was a fan of AGGGTM, but I absolutely hated As Good As Dead, so I was hoping for a redemption to keep me interested in Holly Jackson. Unfortunately, this wasn't it for me. I'm so torn on how to rate this; the storyline was good enough, but all of the characters were so unlikeable, I couldn't get past that. I tried to be really understanding, Bel and her entire family has been through a lot, but there was no character growth or redemption ark. The ending was both too rushed and too long, at the same time. I know that doesn't make much sense, but it felt like a ton was thrown at us in just a few chapters, but info dumped in a way that it felt like a drag. Most of the twists were fairly predictable, but I will admit, one caught me a little off guard. Finally, I didn't love the ending. It didn't make me as upset as As Good As Dead did, but that's probably because I didn't like or care about any of the characters.

However, I imagine this book will be loved by most mystery thriller teens, as well as fans of the author. It just wasn't for me.

Holly Jackson does not disappoint in her new stand alone novel: The Reappearance of Rachel Price.

Rachel Price disappeared without a trace 16 years ago leaving her then two year old daughter, Anabel, alone in her car. A true crime documentary is being made about the case when, in a shocking turn of events, Rachel Price reappears as suddenly as she disappeared. What follows is a riveting story concentrating on Anabel navigating the reappearance of her mother and all that that entails. Anabel struggles with her mother's reappearance and her father's reaction to it. There are unexpected plot twists and action-packed scenes that keep the reader engaged and turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Childrens for providing me with an e-arc of The Reappearance of Rachel Price. In truly Holly Jackson style, a twist and turn throughout. Never quite knowing the solution but thinking you do. I literally stayed up until 3am finishing this book because I could not put it down. Bel was abandoned by her mother when she was a baby, left in the backseat of the car with the heat on and the doors closed. Her teacher Mr. Tripp is who found her. Now 16 years later, a documentary is being made about the case. Enter Ash the assistant who is clumsy and a total goof. He just wants to do right by his brother in law. Then you have Carter born just months after Rachel's (Bel's mom) disappearance, Bel's cousin that Bel is fiercely protective of going as far as calling her "my baby" when she was born. Bel doesn't know what to feel about her moms disappearance she was only a baby and doesn't remember anything. Then you guessed it Rachel suddenly reappears and sends Bel's life into an absolute roller coaster, trying to figure out what happened to Rachel, why did she suddenly reappear and what truly happened 16 years ago. I truly enjoyed this book. Some parts I felt were not necessary, however, I understand they why behind the choices and how it ultimately led the characters to where they end up. I do believe the characters could have ended up in the same spot with a different plot as well. I think that's what makes Holly Jackson's books so interesting is that you have one ending in her story, but as the reader you can think of several different ways the story could have ended.

Sixteen years ago Rachel Price disappeared. Bel, her daughter, was the only witness to the disappearance, but she was only a small child at the time and has no memory of the event. Now 18, Bel and her family have agreed to let a true crime documentary team make a film about the disappearance. And Rachel turns up. Where has she been for sixteen years? Is her story true? Bel is determined to find out what really happened to Rachel.

Twisty story by a popular YA author which begs credulity at times but will likely prove popular among the set.

And I shall continue saying Holly Jackson is my all time fav author and their books are absolute bangers, including this one. I seriously love the writing style, the mystery and this book is as good as her best.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Holly Jackson's "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is a riveting mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Jackson's skillful weaving of clues throughout the narrative engages the reader's detective instincts, prompting them to make predictions about the outcome. The plot is brilliantly unpredictable, with twists that add layers of complexity to the storyline.




SPOILER ALERT:











However, a recurring concern arises in Jackson's works, particularly with the potential theme of vigilante justice. While it adds intensity to the narrative, there's a need for caution to avoid it becoming a repetitive element in her books. The message that sends is somewhat concerning, the idea of "you did bad things, so I can do bad things to you and it's justified."

I love most of Holly Jackson’s books, and this one did not disappoint in most aspects. I’m afraid nothing can match The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, but this one is intriguing and held my attention. The main character Bel struggles still (understandably) with the disappearance of her mother Rachel 16 years earlier, when she was only 2 years old and left in the backseat of her mother’s running vehicle. The Price family is filming a documentary about her disappearance when, out of the blue, her mother reappears with the story of being held captive in a basement all this time. Bel is happy to see her but increasingly suspicious of her mother’s story. The book takes many twists and turns that held my attention. As is often the case for me, there were points that were so hard to believe, but that wouldn’t deter me from reading this and other books by Jackson. It’s worth your time. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I want to thank Netgalley, Random House Children's and Holly Jackson for my ARC in exchange for my honest review of The Reappearance of Rachel Price. I raced through this book. I desperately wanted to skip to the end to figure out the mystery so I would not miss the clues BUT I resisted the urge and just kept reading. Just like Gone Girl, I first side with one character, then the next character as clues are revealed. With this said, once I finished, I felt Ms. Jackson did not set up enough of a reason for reason at the middle of the mystery. Frankly, I just wanted more with scenes with Ash. I already preordered a copy and will place it in my classroom library once it is published.

Magic. This book is just unputdownable magic. Jackson’s latest is a tour de force that further cements her as the reigning queen of YA mystery. Featuring perfectly imperfect characters you can’t help but fall for and a puzzling plot that will keep you guessing through the very end, this is a story that reels you in and refuses to let go. I loved each and every last bit of it.

(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.)

“The Reappearance of Rachel Price” by Holly Jackson is a story filled with numerous twists and turns. At some times, the choices made by the characters stretch the limits of believability in that people could make the decisions that were made. While the book does well to avoid plot holes and maintain clarity, more work could have been built in for character development, especially in the relationship between Bel and her father. Overall, I would recommend it as it was a genuinely entertaining book, it did seem to arrive at various plot points without fully earning it through believable character actions and interactions.

Some of those twists got me sooo good! This was a longer one, but I just had to devour it in one day. Bel was such a fun, no-nonsense character and I loved all of the family drama that unfolded. I was honestly as entertained by their bickering as I was by the mystery. The many tricks and traps Bel thought of were also lots of fun to watch play out, too. I've only read AGGGTM by this author in the past, but I think fans of that would definitely also like this one. As well as fans of true crime, unsolved cases, and complicated families.

What happened to Rachel Price?
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Bel has lived her whole life hearing about her mother’s disappearance when she was a baby. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished into thin air, leaving a 22-month-old Bel behind in the back seat of their car late at night on the side of the road. Now her and her dad are allowing a documentary crew to film their thoughts on what could have happened...and then Rachel returns. She has an unbelievable story about where she’s been the last sixteen years. Too unbelievable for Bel to buy so she makes it her mission to find out what really happened to her long-lost mother.
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This is @hojay92 best YA thriller to date and that’s me saying this—the biggest fan of the AGGGTM series & Five Survive. Jackson just seems to get better and better. This was so crafty and clever—almost like I was reading an adult thriller. Huge props! This book releases April 2!

CW: death, murder, blood, alcohol, dementia, held in captivity, kidnapping, gaslighting, death of a parent, illegal adoption

This was my first Holly Jackson read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were many twists, turns, and genuine surprises. The only thing I would have liked more of was insight into the character of the villain. Recommended for teens and/or adults who enjoy suspenseful, plot-driven books. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Okay, so first, a little of my history with Holly Jackson. I *loved* A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, liked Good Girl, Bad Blood, and really hated As Good as Dead. Five Survive was okay, but a totally different kind of thing. I was hoping that this would give me a similar experience to the first book in the Good Girl's trilogy, and it did to a certain extent. The story here is that Annabel (Bel) Price and her family are participating in a documentary about Bel's mother's disappearance 16 years prior. Bel was found in the backseat of a car alone as a 2 year old, and all her life people have been fascinated with the mysterious disappearance of her mother, with people constantly trying to get her to "remember" what happened on that day. While the documentary is being filmed, Bel's mother, Rachel Price, shows up again in their small New Hampshire town, claiming to have been held captive in a basement for the last 16 years by someone she didn't know. Bel, who has gotten used to things just being her and her dad (after he eventually was found not guilty of Rachel's murder), is really suspicious of Rachel's return and works with Ash, the young production assistant on the documentary to try to figure out what really happened. I liked a lot of things here - the cold case aspect, the fact that Bel is a total grump who unapologetically hates almost everyone, and the mystery itself. What didn't totally land for me was the resolution - it happened too quickly, and the reasoning for the original crime was kind of glossed over when it could have been explained more. Content warnings for emotional abuse, kidnapping, disordered eating, and just a touch of murder.