The Return by Rachel Harrison

Berkeley, 2020

ISBN-13 : 978-0593098677

Available: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition, audiobook ( Bookshop.org  |  Amazon.com ) 

Rachel Harrison is now on the radar as one of the most interesting new voices in horror/suspense. The Return was one of 2020’s few surprise stories. Others published quality debuts, yet Harrison’s rose to the top for this reviewer. It’s not flashy, bloody, or full of unique devices. It’s simply a great story told very well– and that’s good enough for most horror fans.

Julie disappeared from her front porch two years ago and only two people believe she’s still alive: her close friend Elise and her husband Tristan.

Two years later, Julie abruptly reappears in the same spot, with no recollection of what happened.

Elise and Julie and two additional close friends celebrate Julie’s return some time later, with an escape to a themed getaway. Once there, the quartet of friends attempt to reclaim their tight bonds from before the disappearance. Something is very off about the place, which Harrison handles well, alluding to without ever becoming heavy handed in the description. Julie seems “off” as well. Something has changed within her, something that happened while she was gone.

Harrison’s storytelling carries the show in The Return. The dialogue, wit, and character interaction flow with ease, and the suspense and darkness deepen. Harrison displays the skills of a veteran with writing that is neither showy nor cliche.

Full of twists and well-developed characters, The Return is one of the Stoker nominees most recommended.

Reviewed by David Simms

Editor’s note: The Return is a nominee on the final ballot for this year’s Bram Stoker Awards in the category of Superior Achievement in a First Novel.