I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Return by Rachel Harrison Published by Penguin on March 24th 2020
Genres: Fiction, Horror, Occult & Supernatural
Pages: 304
Source: the publisher
Goodreads
Julie went missing after a hike in the woods. After months pass, many believe she is gone for good. Elise, however, knows deep down that Julie has somehow survived. Then, two years to the day she disappeared, Julie returns, seemingly with no knowledge of what transpired over the last few years.
Elise and Julie plan to join their closest college friends, Molly and Mae, on a girls reunion trip to a remote inn. When they see Julie, now emaciated and a shell of the woman she used to be, they know something is wrong. As their weekend continues, more and more is revealed about how Julie has changed. What happened to Julie in those woods and who, or what, returned in her place?
This is just what I was craving; a completely unique and chilling read.
The setting was phenomenal; a remote inn, with extravagantly- themed rooms. Having stayed at a hotel like this before, I can vouch to feelings of unease when our senses are surrounded by a setting so unique.
The dynamic between the four women was completely transfixing. Elise was closest to Julie and the first to see that something was very wrong with her; the others chalked it up to her experience and the recovery. Eventually, as more was revealed, however, they were the quickest to distance themselves from her, yet pushing Elise to find out more about what happened those two years she was gone.
As Julie sheds the facade of the young beautiful woman she used to be, her true identity is absolutely terrifying. Bit by bit, an aspect of her beauty is lost. Certainly not something anyone squeamish should endure! While the origination of her…altered self wasn’t fully detailed, it was just enough to add to overall feelings of dread and terror.
This is a title that will make you want to read with the lights on, and remind you to never, never hike alone.
