Who Would Like This Book:
If you love slow-burning horror with deep dives into female friendships, The Return offers a deliciously creepy, atmospheric experience. The unsettling vibe seeps through every page, making you question what's real right along with the characters. Fans of supernatural thrillers, stories set in eerie hotels, and anyone into the "came back wrong" trope or complex relationship dynamics are in for a treat. The book’s blend of subtle dread, body horror, and dark humor makes it a standout for horror lovers and those who appreciate character-driven narratives.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pacing painfully slow, especially in the first half, and felt that the book takes too long to get to the meat of the horror. The characters can be unlikable or difficult to connect with, which might put off those who prefer relatable protagonists. If you’re looking for lots of action, clear-cut answers, or straightforward scares, you might be disappointed - even more so if you dislike ambiguity or want a tightly plotted, high-octane thriller. A few also thought the ending was rushed or not fully explained.
About:
"The Return" by Rachel Harrison follows the story of four friends who reunite after their missing friend, Julie, returns two years later with no memory of her disappearance. As the friends gather at a remote inn, strange events unfold, leading them to realize that the returned Julie is not the same person they once knew. The plot is described as a mix of horror, suspense, and psychological exploration of relationships, with vivid descriptions, eerie atmosphere, and a dark setting that keeps the readers on edge. The narrative gradually builds tension, leading to a climactic turn of events that leaves the characters and readers questioning the true nature of Julie's return.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers and content warnings for The Return include profanity, drinking, violence, death, and murder.
From The Publisher:
A group of friends reunite after one of them has returned from a mysterious two-year disappearance in this edgy and haunting debut.
Julie is missing, and no one believes she will ever return-except Elise. Elise knows Julie better than anyone, and feels it in her bones that her best friend is out there and that one day Julie will come back. She's right. Two years to the day that Julie went missing, she reappears with no memory of where she's been or what happened to her.
Along with Molly and Mae, their two close friends from college, the women decide to reunite at a remote inn. But the second Elise sees Julie, she knows something is wrong-she's emaciated, with sallow skin and odd appetites. And as the weekend unfurls, it becomes impossible to deny that the Julie who vanished two years ago is not the same Julie who came back. But then who-or what-is she?
Ratings (33)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (11) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (69):
Read It (34) | |
Want To Read (33) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
Honestly, as the introduction to this author, it was alright. I loved the hotel descriptions, it was a unique setting that made me want to be there myself to see what it looked like. The addition of a otherworldly creature was a risky move in my opinion. It was done well, however, it wasn't too shocking of a reveal.
What can you read after
The Return?
About the Author:
Rachel Harrison was born and raised in the weird state of New Jersey. She received her bachelor's in writing for film and television from Emerson College. After graduating, she worked on TV game shows, in publishing, and for a big…
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