Black Sheep

By: Rachel Harrison

Narrated by: Jeremy Carlisle Parker

A New York Times Best Horror Book of the Year

A cynical twentysomething must confront her unconventional family’s dark secrets in this fiery, irreverent horror novel from the author of Such Sharp Teeth and Cackle.

Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly...something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep.

Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen.

When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world.

Baa baa boring.

Honestly, I loved the kick off at the beginning. Interesting slice of life with a great concept. Unfortunately, middle part of the book because boring and predictable. It’s just another author playing the same sad song on repeat as every other author. The end? Predictable and lackluster. Honestly, just imagine what a book called “Black Sheep” would be about in todays author climate. Boom, that’s this book. Don’t bother reading.

Another Great One

I absolutely love all of Rachel Harrison’s works, have read all and reread some. This was her style with a great story. I wish there was more to this story, I would read a sequel tomorrow! Loved it, can’t wait for more from her.

Didn’t hate it

This isn’t the type of book I’d ever bother enjoying let alone reviewing but I gotta say, I didn’t hate it. I’d read another Rachel Harrison book and that’s saying a lot. It wasn’t total garbage like most horror novels that aren’t actually scary.

What the hell?

A lot more religious than what I am used to but I enjoyed the ride. The main character was a little hard to relate to but you find out why. I enjoyed it.

Good commentary on abuse but also predictable

This book is a bit of a slow burn but the author does a good job writing the bleak and mundane. The characters seem well thought out and are easy to imagine (even if the main character is a bit of a Mary Sue). The story took a turn I wasn't expecting but by the time the plot expands for a second time, I had already guessed what was going to happen. The epilogue tied everything together nicely which was also a plus. Overall this was a fun enough story with good narration