Book links: Amazon, Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachel Harrison is the national bestselling author of Black Sheep, Such Sharp Teeth, Cackle, and The Return, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica, in Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, as an Audible Original, and in her debut collection, Bad Dolls. She lives in western New York with her husband and their cat/overlord.

Publisher: Berkley (September 19, 2023) Page count: 308 Formats: audiobook, ebook, hardback, paperback Genre: Horror

Black Sheep is an extremely readable, character-driven horror novel laced with dark humor. Frankly, it felt like a breath of fresh air—Harrison makes horror charming. It’s easy to lower your guard, and then, boom, a twist.

Vesper Right is a hot mess, with an awful job and a bad attitude. Six years ago, she left her religious community to look for freedom and her absent father but found neither. When she receives an unexpected wedding invitation, she decides to return home—not to reconcile, mind, but to exact a petty revenge (of sorts). To her shock, the community members welcome her back warmly—almost too warmly.

I loved Vesper despite her flaws. She’s petty, mean, and often ill-tempered, but these traits make her narration full of personality. She’s a complex woman with a troubled past and a strong character arc. I wanted her to break free from toxic family dynamics, but I also found humor in her own toxic behavior. So, yes, complex and frustrating, endearing most of the time.

As mentioned, Black Sheep is funny, and it has precisely the kind of dark, inappropriate humor that I love. The Way Harrison finds laugh-out-loud moments in dark situations is spot on. It’s easy to find yourself chuckling at times when you probably shouldn’t, and that’s the fun of it.

Since genre mash-ups aren’t for everyone, this eclectic mix of horror, dark comedy, and family drama might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some might find it jarring, others will appreciate the unique blend. You can guess which group I belong to.

Black Sheep is a quirky, darkly funny, and occasionally spooky read. It’s perfect for fans of horror with a side of humor and a dash of family drama. If you’re one of them, prepare for a bumpy, twist-filled ride that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Just don’t expect all the loose ends to be tied up neatly.