While The Return is Rachel Harrison's debut, it was not the first book I read that she'd authored. That distinction belongs to So Thirsty. I have now read three of her books (including Play Nice) and am in the midst of reading her upcoming release Kiss Slay Replay so let's talk about what worked in her debut, what didn't, and her evolution as a writer.

WHAT WORKED (for me anyway):

• Tone

  • It was eerie, it was full of dread, and I ate it up. Think like the same sort of odd dread from Twin Peaks? Or the vibes of Haunting of Hill House (show, not book).

• Setting

  • A rural bed and breakfast with creepy ass vibes? SIGN ME UP.

• Horror elements

  • Gross depictions of standard horror imagery, the came back wrong trope, and man I swear I could physically smell some of those scenes.

• General plot

  • Came back wrong will always work for me as well as grief horror.

WHAT DIDN'T (again, for me!):

• Pacing

  • Most debuts struggle with pacing, so I can't really fault her here. It felt like it could have been tightened up in a few places, but wasn't a main detractor.

• Characters

  • Her characters are GOD AWFUL people. Lord I would hate to be friends with ANY OF THEM. Communication is key to any friendship, folks, and this friendship had, like, none.

  • Elise as an FMC was extremely relatable though! I too worry about being the odd one out on a near-constant basis lol

BUY, BORROW, OR PASS?

BUY. I think this is worth having on your shelves if you're a horror fan like me. Not to mention Rachel Harrison's way of writing makes you blow straight through the pages. Her momentum is great! This was a strong debut, and if I'd read it first, I certainly would have added her to my list of authors to watch. As it is, So Thirsty solidified that spot almost instantaneously. Loved it!

I think her evolution as a writer clearly shows; she found her niche with horror that has a humorous touch. Her debut doesn't have this, but you'll find her later novels do and it really works!

Have you read anything by Rachel Harrison? What was your favorite, if you did? If you didn't, please consider clicking the book widgets and ordering from us!

Till next time!