Book Review: The Reappearance of Rachel Price 

By Holly Jackson 

4 Stars 

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson might just be the perfect nighttime read. The novel follows Annabel Price, who has lived in the shadow of her mother's mysterious disappearance for the last sixteen years. Now, a documentary is being made about her mother, and Annabel is forced to sit through interviews and reenactments relating to a mother she never knew. Annabel is trying her best to just get through the filming when her mother, Rachel Price, suddenly reappears in front of their front door, all bloody and bruised. Rachel explains where she was and how she escaped, but discrepancy after discrepancy in Rachel's story makes Annabel not believe her stranger of a mother. So, in an effort to find out the details of her mother's real disappearance, she uncovers family secrets that should have stayed buried.  

Firstly, Jackson does an incredible job of making all the characters feel believable. I felt instantly connected to Annabel, her motivations and feelings make sense. The tender family moments that act as a cherry on top for this book are handled well. Even Rachel is a very well-fleshed-out character. Annabel's struggles with accepting Rachel as her mother are my favourite part of the book. I did not expect such emotional moments to come out of a thriller.  

As always, Jackson has curated a captivating mystery. You will never know who to believe and will not be able to put the book down. The author's way of pacing the book and leaving just enough threads untied until the proper moment is exactly what keeps me coming back to this book.  

I will admit that the ending was not as nice as expected. But, I can easily overlook the ridiculousness of the ending because of how good the book is. 

Reviewed by Avni 

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