Title: THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE
Author: Holly Jackson
ISBN: 9780593374207
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 448
Source: Alicia’s Copy
Lights. Camera. Lies.
18-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 dragged up from the past when the Price family agree 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 . . .
From world-renowned author Holly Jackson comes a mind-blowing masterpiece about one girl’s search for the truth, and the terror in finding out who your family really is.
Official Summary
13 March 2025
Yes, this book was reviewed by Alicia on the 6th of September 2024 – Read Review – She attended the book tour for this one and has been telling me I should read this ever since. I must admit, I have always considered Holly Jackson’s books to be aimed at a young adult audience, which left me picking up this book with a bit of a heavy heart.
I must admit, I was wrong! This book is a good read.
Holly Jackson has delivered a gripping, twist-filled thriller that keeps you second-guessing until the very last page. The Reappearance of Rachel Price is an expertly crafted psychological mystery that plays with memory, media, and the tangled complexities of family secrets.
The story follows 18-year-old Bel, who has spent her life haunted by the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. Sixteen years later, Rachel Price shockingly reappears—but her story doesn’t quite add up. As a true crime documentary crew films every moment of this “miraculous” return, Bel is forced to unravel the truth. Is her mother a victim, a liar, or something far more dangerous?
From the very first page, Jackson pulls you into Bel’s world—a place where reality is blurred by unreliable memories, media scrutiny, and the eerie feeling that something isn’t right. Bel is a compelling protagonist: sharp, sceptical, and deeply affected by the weight of her mother’s absence. Her emotional turmoil feels real, and her desperate need for answers makes the mystery all the more intense.
What I loved most about this book is how Jackson layers suspense. Every chapter peels back another disturbing detail, forcing you to question everything alongside Bel. The inclusion of the true-crime documentary angle adds a modern, unsettling edge, highlighting how the media manipulates narratives and fuels public obsession with missing persons cases.
The pacing is relentless, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Jackson throws in another chilling twist. The final revelations left me reeling in the best way possible—dark, shocking, and incredibly satisfying.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say some elements felt slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect, but honestly, that’s part of what makes this such a binge-worthy read. I love the mix of psychological tension and dark family drama.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you glued to the pages and questioning every character’s motive, The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a must-read.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Holly Jackson was born in 1992. She grew up in Buckinghamshire and started writing stories from a young age, completing her first (poor) attempt at a book aged fifteen.
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ is a YA Mystery Thriller and her debut novel. She lives in London and aside from reading and writing, she enjoys binge-playing video games and pointing out grammatical errors in street signs.
Thank you to Alicia for recommending this book. While there are some rather slow parts in this one, it is a very entertaining read that will keep you intrigued right to the end. Thank you for visiting the blog, your support is much appreciated. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
