The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

This is the group thread for The Reappearance of Rachel Price!

Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, imprisonment.

This thread is open for discussion beginning May 1st! Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed (mark as a spoiler) in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days of the month can be used to catch up if needed! Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads.

The Group Read Discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 05/01
May 01: Chapters 1-3 or 26 pages
May 02: Chapters 4-6 or 26 pages
May 03: Chapters 7-9 or 26 pages
May 04: Chapters 10-12 or 26 pages
May 05: Chapters 13-15 or 26 pages

Week of 05/06
May 06: Chapters 16-18 or 26 pages
May 07: Chapters 19-21 or 26 pages
May 08: Chapters 22-24 or 26 pages
May 09: Chapters 25-27 or 26 pages
May 10: Chapters 28-30 or 26 pages
May 11: Chapters 31-33 or 26 pages
May 12: Chapters 34-35 or 26 pages

Week of 05/13
May 13: Chapters 36-38 or 26 pages
May 14: Chapters 39-41 or 26 pages
May 15: Chapters 42-44 or 26 pages
May 16: Chapters 45-47 or 26 pages
May 17: Chapters 48-50 or 26 pages


You can read the group book at any time during the month and at your own pace. This is the pace the group will be using, but if you read ahead or will be giving spoilers, please mark them (click the "some html is ok button"). If you have any questions a mod or another member can help you.

I am starting this one today and am excited! I have enjoyed the other Holly Jackson books I've read so hoping this keeps the trend going!

Hi
I started reading yesterday and I am on chapter 5. This is a new author to me. So far enjoying the writing and the story.
Chapter 4 really had me wondering about the real story of Rachel and what really happened.
(view spoiler)[The family unit and the interview and watching the family home videos was interesting and I wonder if Jeff or PawPaw know what really happened.
What happened so that Rachel was so distracted before she disappeared? Was it baby brain? Was she under stress for some reason? (hide spoiler)]

up through chapter 9
(view spoiler)[I knew she would reappear given it is in the title and blurb but I was wondering when and how it would happen. I so far do not get great vibes from documentary crew. I know that Holly Jackson books tend to have some crazy twists so right now I am suspicious of literally everyone and can't wait to see what happens. I like that Bel has stood up for herself in regards to her name and can only imagine how she feels almost seeming like a footnote to the Rachel Price story instead of having her own story as her own person. The thievery is interesting. (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 12
(view spoiler)[I think Bel is appropriately suspect of Rachel. I am also still suspect of the documentary crew. I seriously think they are more involved and in collusion with Rachel for some reason. I also think something is off with Sherry as far as the timeline of the pregnancy with Carter and how she keeps speaking for her daughter. I also still think it's weird that Rachel was still in the same clothes as when she left. Idk - everything is just suspicious and weird. lol (hide spoiler)]

Bri...finished Chap 12...I agree with you....im on mobile but will post spoiler comments when I get home tonight...

will say I am intrigued....

(view spoiler)[i agree something is up with the documentary crew. Not sure what.
Rachel just seems so normal if being held capitive i a basement with limited light for 16 years.
I also wondered about the love shown to Jeff and Sherry. Seemed strange considering no hugs with Bel or Charlie.
Something is definitely not seeming right. (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 15:
(view spoiler)[The exchange in chapter 14 about Bel taking up knitting and Ash responding that Bel was stabby basically and shouldn't have needles - appreciated that moment.
@Rosina - Rachel is acting so normal as if nothing happened - just picking up her life like 16 years hadn't passed - it's crazy! (hide spoiler)]

up to Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[ The shopping trip made me think that Rachel is using Charlie. I thought it was very strange that she was comfortable going shopping and then buying an expensive phone.
Bel's bracelet now that is interesting turn of events, if Bels memory is correct, which I have no reason to doubt. (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 18:
(view spoiler)[Either things are falling apart too easily or there are just a lot of coincidences. I have so many theories but it almost feels like they’re all red herrings. I’m excited to see what happens next! (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 24:
(view spoiler)[Okay so more potential reasons or motives or people involved. I wonder what's going on with Mr. Tripp. I think he's being blackmailed TBH. Everyone is just seriously suspicious and everything is a red flag for me! lol I also wonder why there has been so little mentioned since the beginning about Bel's propensity to steal things. I feel like there are going to be clues in there for some reason - she stole something from Mr. Tripp's house so that could come back into play. (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 27:
(view spoiler)[Now her dad is missing?! What the heck is going on here?! (hide spoiler)]

through chapter 30:
(view spoiler)[So.... here are all the suspicious people (in my opinion): Uncle Jeff, Rachel Price, Mr. Tripp, Sherry, Ramsey.

I know the trigger warnings at the start of this thread indicate murder so I'm just waiting to see who dies - I hope it's not her dad! (hide spoiler)]

I scrolled past everyone's comments because I don't want to know a single thing!! But I am hopping in to get started now that my library hold came in. I loved the Good Girl's Guide series but thought Five Survive was a FLOP so I'm a little apprehensive about this new one. The synopsis sounds a bit like return to form in GGG style but who knows! I'm excited to get going and then come back and see what everyone thinks.

I'm starting this today since I just finished the AGGGTM series...I'll post again once I get further into it!

up through end of chapter 38
(view spoiler)[Apparently I fell behind and didn't even catch it but that just meant I had more to read which will not complain about as I didn't want to put it down! I stand by my previous update - everyone is supsicious. (hide spoiler)]

I am up to Chapter 27
(view spoiler)[ There is certainly some interesting theories being thrown out. Aunt Sherry thinking that Mr Tripp and Rachel were too cozy before the disappearance. Thats a possibility.
Bel goes to Mr Tripp house to see if he knows more about the disappearance and reappearance of Rachel. I am not sure about that, perhaps he was just in love with Rachel and then she disappeared and he has been in mourning since.
(hide spoiler)]

I just started today and up to Ch 12.

(view spoiler)[I'm sorry but I just find Bel's attitude towards Rachel weird. I do know people deal with trauma differently but it's just weird she doesn't see Rachel as her mum.

Everyone is suspect and then Rachel appears as they're doing the docu, so something is definitely off. I do find Charlie's reaction to finding Rachel in their house extremely suspicious. Honestly, you're doing this documentary and if he really misses her like he said he has, it is a super weird reaction to have. Honestly most people would have broken down with relief.

Also for Rachel to walk back home after 16 years?? There's no way, especially if you've been in captivity in a basement. She would have asked the people asking if she needs help for them to call the police. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Ch 32

(view spoiler)[what how does Rachel just start to insert herself into Bel's and Charlie's lives like that, as though she wasn't abducted as she said she was. That's really weird like the first thing to say is do you like coffee, I want to learn how you take your coffee, I want to know about college.

Sherry's and Jeff's reaction is exactly what I would expect.

It's super weird that Rachel wants to go outside when the "kidnapper" still hasn't been apprehended.

and now Charlie has gone missing? (hide spoiler)]

Spoilers till the end! So I finished it.

(view spoiler)[ I knew from the way Rachel was treating Carter that she was her daughter I just didn't figure out how. I actually thought Bel and Carter were switched around hahha

I didn't realise that everything was happening so close to home. Bel was right to be suspicious. but damn can't believe all the gaslighting that happened to Bel, especially as a child, that was horrible. also poor Ash, I'm actually surprised Ramsay isn't going to use any of that footage, I doubt that would happen if this was real life. (hide spoiler)]

Dia wrote: "Spoilers till the end! So I finished it. ."

@Dia: (view spoiler)[Things were definitely off with how Rachel treated Carter but I can't say that I put it together that Rachel was her mom. I am also SO surprised that Ramsey had the footage on the cloud and just gave it to Bel as opposed to pursuing completing his documentary. It felt so unrealistic! (hide spoiler)]

@Brianna (view spoiler)[ it was the way she was paying a lot of attention to Carter, I just knew but didn't know how. Yes! Ramsey wouldn't have passed on the chance to make the best documentary with all the details, there's just no way especially when his last one flopped. Maybe if it was Ash who had the footage on the cloud then yes I can see it. (hide spoiler)]

FINISHED

(view spoiler)[I picked up on little things that didn't track, like Bel's dad constantly "reminding" her of things. I wasn't sure where that would lead, I thought maybe Bel had some accident or disease that caused her memory problems. But nope! Just good old fashioned gaslighting. I also predicted Rachel had had a baby while she was kidnapped, because why would she have a newborn sized sock when Bel was already 2? Little kids grow quick, no reason to have a sock that is easily half the size needed for a 2 year old. I didn't know it would turn out to be Carter though. (hide spoiler)]

Overall I was pretty satisfied with this. I think there were enough true clues mixed in with the red herrings to make the ending make sense while not being completely obvious. Some stuff with characterization wasn't my favorite, especially a completely shoehorned romance between Bel and Ash. Ash was not developed as a character at all; the only thing we know about him is he wears crazy clothes. It would have been better for him to just be a friend to Bel.

Finally started this one last night. I was slightly startled to see on the first page that it was set in Gorham, NH which is about an hour from where I grew up. I used to drive through on Route 2 frequently to and from college. There is not much there other than the frequently mentioned moose and leaf peepers in the autumn. It is still bigger than Berlin though which definitely doesn't have a mall. Most people would just drive to the outlets in North Conway. So yes, I will be that annoying person double checking the setting but hopefully the story will distract me away from the details soon enough.

I was trying to imagine Holly Jackson hanging out in Gorham and couldn't. I did find in the notes that she never actually visited. She should.

Chapters 1-5: (view spoiler)[ Not sure why this is such a famous case. Many many woman disappear with nothing and mostly due to abuse and not wanting an abuser to find them... Easier to do without a toddler sadly but perhaps the mom knew that Mr Tripp drove that route everyday at that time and would find the car and baby. It is my only guess at this point despite the family seeming nice enough. The secret conversation with Jeff seemed to imply some shady secrets. Also why is Bel having sketchy memory like her mom did? (hide spoiler)]

Jen K wrote: "Finally started this one last night. I was slightly startled to see on the first page that it was set in Gorham, NH which is about an hour from where I grew up. I used to drive through on Route 2 f..."

@Jen K: I am always so fascinated when a book is set where I live or near where I live. I also tend to double check the locations because I would hope it's accurate. lol I wonder if the UK version is set in a UK town versus a US town.

Finally back to reading this one at 65% and things are starting to move a bit faster with some red herrings thrown in.....hope to finish by the weekend....
I am enjoying this read....was easy to pick back up

Brianna wrote: "Jen K wrote: "Finally started this one last night. I was slightly startled to see on the first page that it was set in Gorham, NH which is about an hour from where I grew up. I used to drive throug..."

Right? I would love to know the matching town in UK.

I binged much of the rest of it. I kind of did manage to guess most of it but my imagination was not quite as evil. Lots of fun suspicions and theories along the way. I think I would be much more critical reading it a second time knowing the end but it was a fun and engaging ride not knowing.

This is really picking up now....Should be done later tonite....I am really enjoying it has been a fast read.....lots of red herrings...

I finished and really enjoyed the story. Lots of stuff started to make sense once explained.
(view spoiler)[ When Bel and Ash went to the clothing store I then really suspected that Rachel had been out and the reappearance was staged as I thought the initial meeting with Bel was off....I thought Rachel had a child while kidnapped but hadnt thought it was Charlies and that Carter was Bels sister, that was a good twist...I honestly thought Jeff was more involved.... (hide spoiler)]

I too when reading a book in a location I know, I become hyper aware......interesting that the author had never been to the area.....did she nail it?....she did say she looked at Google maps so she would have an idea of topography and size...

Okay, so, I just finished it and...what. I felt like I needed to make a murder board with the red string draping across it to figure everything out but, like Rosina said, once everything was explained, it all made sense.

(view spoiler)[ Not going to lie, I knew Charlie had to be involved somehow. I was not expecting, however, Pat to be the one who kidnapped her or killed his wife. And then the whole plot point of Carter being Bel's sister??? WILD. Like Bel, I was also skeptical of everything that came out of Rachel's mouth. I genuinely questioned if she even was Rachel for a while. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I really enjoyed it, even though it did take me forever to get through. Holly Jackson, I love you.

I just joined the group and picked the book up today. One of the libraries I work at just got this book in and it sounded really good. Once I saw that's what this group was reading I decided I had to check it out and join in. I'm avoiding reading any posts on here until I'm done with the book (I don't care about spoilers but I don't want other people's opinions influencing my own judgement of the book).

This coming holiday weekend is the first one in ages where I don't have to work, don't have any social obligations, and my partner is out of town. My only plans are to go for walks in the woods when it's cool out and read/day drink during the heat of the day. If my ADHD doesn't get the better of me I should finish by Monday and be able to meaningfully contribute to the discussion.

chap 28/50% in

i'm happily surprised by this one! bel is so different from pip and the writing is even more fast paced than agggtm. i'm flipping the pages nonstop.

in general, i really enjoy holly jackson's way of writing teenagers. it might piss off some people but u can't deny she wrote bel right.

(view spoiler)[i def think rachel and mr. tripp are doing something together, might even have something with charlie's disappearing, but not the obvious stuff. at first i thought the documentary crew had something along with rachel's reappearance but i don't think so no more. IF they are, maybe just ramsey? (hide spoiler)]

I couldn't put this book down, literally finished it in one day. I agree with Tina that Bel was written very well. The two fake outs in the beginning were well done and all the little details that Jackson put in there fit together perfectly. Just the right mixture of lies, omissions, and half truths to keep me guessing.
While I could tell there was something strange about Rachel's story I never got the feeling that she was dangerous or had abandoned Bel. She seemed to genuinely care about both girls and getting to know them. (view spoiler)[Her anger towards her mom about leaving Bel with the man she believed killed Rachel was genuine. There was something off about Charlie's reaction to seeing Rachel in the kitchen. At first I thought it was just shock but when he refused to even be in the same room as her I started getting suspicious. (hide spoiler)]