cynsworkshop 's review for:

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

4.75

---

 

Holly Jackson’s The Reappearance of Rachel Price delivers a masterclass in misdirection, with a gripping, twist-filled mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price marks my first foray into the world of Holly Jackson—and it won’t be my last. Though I already owned her popular A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series (yes, the gorgeous FairyLoot editions!), I hadn’t cracked one open until now. After tearing through this standalone thriller, I can confidently say Jackson lives up to the hype. This novel had me glued to the page, heart pounding, jaw dropping, and already eager to read more from her.

Introduction to the Plot

At the center of this story is Bel, a teenager caught in the shadows of a cold case—the mysterious disappearance of her mother, Rachel Price, sixteen years ago. Bel was only two when she was found in the back seat of her mother’s abandoned car, with no memory of what happened. With her grandfather’s dementia worsening and medical bills piling up, Bel’s family agrees to participate in a documentary about Rachel’s disappearance—until the unthinkable happens: Rachel comes back.

But is this woman really her mother?

Building Suspense and Misdirection

From the moment Rachel reappears, Bel is suspicious. She remembers almost nothing of her mother, and the woman claiming to be her returns in the exact same clothes she vanished in. The family’s once-stable dynamic begins to fray as secrets surface and tensions rise. Bel, unwilling to accept Rachel’s version of events, launches her own investigation.

This is where Holly Jackson shines. The plot twists are relentless, each one more shocking than the last. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, Jackson masterfully shifts the direction, keeping the reader in a constant state of uncertainty.

Complex Characters and Realism

Bel isn’t always easy to like—and that’s what makes her feel so real. Her anger, mistrust, and fear are deeply rooted in the trauma of being abandoned. There’s a romance subplot woven in, but it never overshadows the core mystery. Instead, it adds emotional depth, revealing Bel’s vulnerability beneath her guarded exterior.

Her instincts ultimately prove right—though not in the way she expected. The true danger doesn’t lie in her mother’s return, but much closer to home.

Final Thoughts

The Reappearance of Rachel Price had me hooked. The tension, the reveals, the emotional weight—it’s all so expertly done. I debated giving it five stars because Bel grated on me at times, but by the end, I couldn’t deny how well-crafted and clever the entire narrative was. Jackson doesn’t just tell a story; she guides the reader through an experience full of breadcrumbs, red herrings, and moments of genuine awe.

If you love psychological thrillers with layered characters and impeccable plotting, The Reappearance of Rachel Price belongs on your shelf. It’s an unputdownable mystery that lingers long after the final page.