[1] The series follows residents of Arcadia, North Carolina, in particular the Hargrave family, whose lives are upended when their loved ones return from the dead, unaged since their deaths.

As the novel progresses Harold slowly softens to Jacob's presence, even going so far as to willingly accompany the boy when the military imprisons all of the Returned at an Arcadian schoolhouse.

Fred leads other locals in a series of protests that eventually grow violent and result in a riot at the schoolhouse where the Returned are tear gassed.

Kirkus Reviews stated, "Poet and debut author Mott has written a breathtaking novel that navigates emotional minefields with realism and grace.

"[2] Entertainment Weekly wrote, "Toward the end, the plot veers into standard thriller territory, with hints of Nicholas Sparks-level mawkishness.

But Mott turns phrases with poetic grace (The crowd parted like heavy batter), and it's in the quieter moments that The Returned pulses with life.