Hello again dear reader or listener, with a big thanks to the Berkley Publishing Group for approving my request for an eArc of this novel, I am finally getting to review an author I’ve had my eye on for a while. My thoughts remain honest as always.
Black Sheep is Rachel Harrison’s latest Contemporary Horror with a dash of dark humor, and if you know me, dear reader, you’ll know I freaking love dark humor. Add to the mix, our protagonist Vesper being an ex-member/survivor of a religious cult, and I simply couldn’t resist.

Cults aside, I’m pretty sure Harrison wrote this book for every person in their twenties out there; perfectly encapsulating our shared experience of identity and existential crises mixed in with the utterly conflicting yet inseparable feelings of almost desperately loving our family members while at the same time needing the space to figure out who we are separate from them, or, in some cases, despite them. Eventually trying to understand if this new person we are fits with how we were seen until then by others as well. We are struggling y’all. Vesper is described as cynical and snarky, and, while I spent the vast majority of this book going “what a mood”, I would argue that is the result, not only of her context, which I will get into in a moment, but also of that once again universal feeling we all go through in our twenties when we are finally becoming emotionally mature enough to understand the people we grew up with are not the flawless and perfectly put together figures we thought. I’m not saying it begins at that age, but it is around this decade that we can both see the flaws and understand them, and eventually decide how much of it we are willing to accept as immutable and workable, how much we are willing to try and change, and whether it is even worth trying. While still wanting to belong to what used to be or feeling some nostalgia for it. This is obviously more nuanced for every individual but the general vibe and feeling is there regardless of background or circumstances be they positive or negative.

Harrison manages to bring this gloriously confusing and chaotic mix of inner turmoil to the page with and added frank and no punches pulled commentary on organized religion and cults which I found on point at each turn.

Waxing philosophical aside then, I’d characterize this book as more vibes and inner thought driven than plot. We the reader are well and fully immersed and hooked by Vesper’s inner dialogue. Sometimes it even takes over the scene happening in that given moment, and while that does on occasion make the running action on page feel a mite disjointed, it is also a very good lens into what stream of consciousness feels like when your mind is on overdrive compared to the speed with which things are happening around you in that moment. Very much a duck on a pond example, calm on the surface, pedaling like mad underneath. Vesper’s initial attitude and ongoing swing between, cynicism, pragmaticism and trying to be nicer if not apathetic despite it all, creates a truly stark and blunt picture of the inner darkness that we are all prone to sometimes whenever we are feeling wronged. It validates any time we have an inner mean streak, that we’d be perfectly excused in having given the circumstances, but we keep it locked in and try to act the better person, even if said mean feelings are warranted. Her development throughout the novel and how it all concludes felt organic and satisfying in a way that made perfect sense to her character after everything she goes through in the story. With the exception of one earlier scene, I felt like the epilogue was my favorite part of the whole novel actually, pushing across the sense of nostalgia, ache, and the overall unsettling yet intrigued and morbid fascination you feel when you watch/read true crime stories some years after the fact.

As for the scene I mentioned, while I cannot go into details because spoilers, Harrison expertly wove that whole chapter, building the creeping tension, anxiety, betrayal, and eventual horror, as Vesper goes through the motions in what feels like a fever dream due to what is happening and how it came to it. In fact, while I spent most of this book amused by the snark or intrigued by how things would develop next, I never actually felt any surprise or shock at any of the twists, as I felt I knew what to expect at every turn. I’m not saying this is a predictable or boring book, nor a tame psychological horror. Quite the contrary, it’s not for the faint of heart when it comes to body horror and other kinds of trauma. However, being a fan of the genre for a long time, I have built quite a tolerance for it all so I am aware that what I now find expected and not particularly goosebump inducing, others may even physically react to. Harrison also did an incredible job at was showcasing what it means to be and feel utterly helpless and yet allowing spite to push you forward. As I said utterly satisfying.

As for some things that didn’t work too well for me, firstly I found that while Harrison opens up the way for an interesting side plot between Vesper and her mother Constance (and oooh the discourse that can be done there is again superb) she doesn’t fully deliver it, almost as if she forgot about it or preferred to save her word count for the main plot resolution. Which I’m also feeling conflicted about, because on the one hand as I said, I wasn’t surprised by what was happening and it works out. But at the same time, it felt over the top near the end, as if she were trying to hit all the known tropes and going full out on the chaotic and hysterical nature of everything. It makes sense, given the previously mentioned fever dream quality of those last chapters but I personally would’ve liked something more nuanced and dark to fit the initial vibe of the whole book, rather than the madness that felt almost cult horror campy in the chapters leading up to the epilogue. Another way to explain without spoilers would be to say the vibe of this book went from Rosemary’s Baby to Cabin in the Woods.

Black Sheep comes out today, September 19th and, regardless of its tonal change toward the end, it is the perfect read for anyone in their twenties hah, but also for anyone who wants that good dose of cultish vibes with a side of body horror and a good serving of existential crisis intertwined with some paranormal shenanigans of the organized religion type to go along with their autumn or Halloween reads.

Until next time,
Eleni A. E.

Rachel Harrison can do no wrong in my opinion. Cackle and Such Sharp Teeth are in the pile of favorites and I was so excited to read Black Teeth. I didn’t even bother to read the synopsis, I just knew I would love it.

When I say I inhaled this book, I truly mean it. I didn’t stop to eat, to sleep, to do anything other than finish this book. I went in blind, and I highly suggest you do the same. The first twist in the book, I did not see coming but I loved it and the second one was just as satisfying. The last bit had me literally holding my breath, and that doesn’t happen often.

Vesper is the black sheep of her highly religious family and left her religion (and ultimately family and community) in search of a “normal” life. She ends up alone, in a dead end job. She’s in search of her father that she hasn’t seen in 14 years, as he was not a member of her religion and thus shunned from the community. When an unexpected invite to a family wedding leaves her in shock and seeking revenge, Vesper finds herself heading home. Without giving anything away, what follows is gloriously chaotic.

Rachel Harrison has a way of writing characters who I can’t help but love. They’re imperfect, kind of damaged, witty. I adore that her stories are full of dark humor and satire and am always excited for the latest book. Black Sheep is one of my favorite reads this year, and just in time for spooky season. A big thank you to Berkley Publishing for my ARC. Black Sheep is available today. 🖤

This was an unconventional horror take on a family’s deepest dark secrets based on the daughter, Vesper. After escaping her family for so many years, she is drawn back home by a simple wedding invitation of her best friend marrying her ex-boyfriend and her first love. She returns home to reunite with her family and uncovers some truths about herself and her family that had been hidden from her. This included some dark humor mixed with a bit of horror and while it was entertaining, it fell a little flat for me. There were parts I was really invested in and then parts that seemed to drag a bit for me. I loved the concept and the cultish trope. If you are on the fence about horror, I think this would be a good read as it’s not really a “scary” read and as I said it is entertaining and should not leave you with nightmares.

Rachel Harrison does it again. Black Sheep is a wickedly fun story about a woman named Vesper Wright, who vows never to go home again. But, when an unexpected wedding invitation comes in the mail, she decides that she will go back one more time. When Vesper gets there, nothing is as she expected.

I don’t want to give too much away, as this novel would best be read without knowing too much! However, I will say that Vesper’s family are a cast of interesting and unique characters, the story is dark and atmospheric, Vesper has a sense of humour that I love, and the exploration of religion and belief is fascinating. A well written, addictive and terrifying novel. I highly recommend.

Read if you like:
✨ Cozy Horror
✨ Exploration of religion and belief
✨ Family Dynamics
✨Humour
✨ Atmosphere

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for my ARC on exchange for an honest review.

Another PERFECT spooky season read from the Queen of horror. I love Rachel Harrison's books and this latest about Vesper, a young woman born into a Satanic cult who returns home for her ex boyfriend's wedding only to discover she's the actual daughter of Satan and her father has big plans for her upcoming birthday. Creepy and culty and all things unputdownable. This was great on audio and I couldn't read it fast enough! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really liked the idea of this book but it got way too corny for me. I wish the story had gone dark and not silly. The protagonist was also so unlikable that I didn't care what happened to her. 2.5 stars. I will talk about this on the podcast but not feature a review on the website.

You know when you grab a book based on the author and don’t even read the synopsis? Then you start the book and think one thing is going on until a mind blowing reveal happens, and you’re like, “OOOOHHHH!” Well that was me with Black Sheep. I recommend going into this book as blind as possible because it makes that moment all the more impactful which is why I’m not even including the synopsis.

Harrison has a way of writing horror novels that draws the reader in right from the start and keeps them on their toes throughout. This book had some dark topics, but wasn’t too gory which is how I like my horror books. I really liked the main character, Vesper, and was so intrigued by her family’s history. As mentioned above, there was a big twist at the beginning than some other surprises thrown in throughout the book. The ending was crazy in a good way, and I loved the epilogue. There was so much suspense and a sense of foreboding throughout the book that I didn’t want to put it down.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars

For me, a compelling main character is the most critical factor in a book. It’s what tips the book into the five-star category, regardless of genre. I found a compelling character in Vesper. She’s fierce, darkly cynical, funny, and engaging, and she made this story excellent. This story abounds in dark humor.

Going into this book, I knew one of the key themes would be religious trauma, which utterly fascinates and baffles me. Harrison skillfully defies expectations and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is expertly crafted, building tension and anticipation to a shocking climax of action and raw emotion. And the ending? Simply fantastic.

Discovering my first Harrison book was a game-changer. Now, I'm eager to delve into her backlist. Brace yourselves! Black Sheep has all the makings of a cult classic.

Read this if you like: cults, religion, religious trauma, mothers & daughters, estrangement, secrets & lies, dark humor, horror.

Vesper left home to escape her very religious upbringing. She is struggling through her twenties and dealing with her anger and hurt from her toxic parents, one an absent father and the other an unloving mother who happens to be a famous scream Queen. She decides to return when she gets an invite to her best friends wedding to Vespers ex-boyfriend. What secrets are uncovered shake her and force her to address her family and her faith.

This book was so crazy and so good:) Perfect for spooky season. I really liked Vespers character and was so surprised by the twist in the beginning. It was a little campy, smartly witty, and entertaining.

Thanks to @netgalley @berkleypub for an arc for review.

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison presents a horror comedy about a woman who returns home for her cousin's wedding to her ex-boyfriend. Cue all the awkwardness, family drama, and dark secrets.

First off, this book is snarky as hell and really does a fantastic job at nailing dysfunctional family dynamics. However, to get into my major gripe with this story, I'll have to get onto major spoilers, so consider yourself warned.

The story was hilarious and had me up until its first plot twist where, at a celebratory dinner, we learn that Vesper's family are a bunch satanic cultists.

Now, this premise could inherently work, but its execution here within the story fails miserably. Even if you want to look at Satan purely from a character perspective his actions don’t make sense within the novel—like how does the guy who rebelled against authority end up with authoritative cult??? Why is Satan unironically going with the whole sacrificial lamb motif when that’s God’s shtick? Why is he becoming more like his father? There’s so many parallels that could have been done there but weren't explored.

I get that the author was trying to tie lambs in with the whole “black sheep” theme, but the religious aspect feels haphazardly thrown in. There’s an apparent lack of understanding and awareness here to make this a clever, satirical play on fundamentalism, which I feel is a major missed opportunity. I mean, the whole rebellion motif of both Satan and Vesper rebelling against their parents and having daddy issues was right there, ripe for the taking!

Overall, I was frustrated that this book didn't live up to its full potential. While, yes, the story is a fun read and manages to capture what it means to be the black sheep of the family, it still thematically drops the ball on other core parts of the plot.

If you enjoy cult books then this one is for you. It was fast paced and the plot was unique. I was invested in Vesper’s character so much so that I didn’t want to stop reading. I went into this one completely blind and I would recommend to do the same. It was entertaining, odd, and with moments of dark humor. If you’re a fan of cult books, horror and stories about toxic family relationships check this one out; it’s the perfect spooky season read.

Ok, this was so much fun! One of my top favorite reads of the month and I’m super surprised that it’s a horror title! Fast paced, juicy, thrilling, and fun— I never saw the twist coming and when it did I gasped! Unlike anything I’ve ever read—just in time for spooky season!

Obsessed. So happy I went in blind to this. The twists and surprises were amazing. I feel like this was a unique horror and I was completely enthralled by it

This was one of my favorite books so far this year!! I have never read anything by Rachel Harrison before, but catch me checking out her entire backlog of books.

Black Sheep is the story of Vesper, an eccentric girl who escapes her family’s cult. Out in the real world, she is working a job that she hates and thinks she has left her past behind her for good.

Dun dun DUN…. Until she receives an invitation to the wedding of her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend. Yupp. I, being relatively sane, wouldn’t have gotten near that wedding with a 6 foot pole. Vesper, however, decides it’s a great idea to head back to the family farm in search of closure.

Upon arriving at the farm, Vesper stumbles into much more than an awkward wedding. She finds herself wrapped up in something much more sinister. I found myself saying “Oh. Oh noooo.” every few pages for the last 30% of the book. Wild ride.

I recommend going into this one as blind as possible because the twist near the beginning made me go ~ooof.~ Check this one out if you like reading about cults, religious trauma, horror, scream queens, and family drama.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley Publishing, and the author for the ARC of this insane title!!**

I went into this book knowing next to nothing about it, and I could not be more glad that I took that route. There were so many delicious surprises, and moments starting quite early on that made me gasp out loud. This book was furious, terrifying, and very satisfying to read. I loved Such Sharp Teeth, but now I am solidly team Rachel Harrison.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review!

This has been my second Rachel Harrison book, right after Such Sharp Teeth, and I think I have found a new favorite horror author. Harrison has such a way of getting right under the skin of her characters to display all their pain, fear, and insecurity while also having them sufficiently face down the true horror of their situations. Vesper, our lead, is someone who carries an immense weight of religious trauma, which only becomes more complicated and messy due to the specifics of her upbringing and family life. It's a situation so many can relate to, though, of course, not nearly to the same degree. The themes of reluctantly inheriting legacies, of fearing the traits and aspects we carry due to a few blood ties are especially resonant. The terror of this book comes from domestic and infernal sources, giving it a layer of relatability on top of some truly horrific moments.

I absolutely flew through this book, marveling at how naturally the narrative flowed. Everything starts at a slower, steadier pace, then gets absolutely bonkers towards the second half. I will say that this is a title where readers should be aware of trigger warnings such as religious trauma, cult activity, and abusive/neglectful parents. Other than that, this is definitely a book that you want to know as little as possible going in.

I always look forward to a new Rachel Harrison book, and BLACK SHEEP was a fun way to really kick off my spooky season reading. I loved following Vesper, a prodigal child of shorts who left her fundamentalist family group/cult when she came of age, and finds herself drawn back out of spite when she finds out her ex boyfriend is marrying her cousin. It sounds like the start of a perhaps spookier version of YOUNG ADULT (as we know that Rachel Harrison loves to do spooky subversions), but what we get is an engaging and at times pathos ridden examination of family, destiny, identity, and breaking away from a toxic family dynamic, even when the parts that seem least harmful may be doing the most damage. I'm going to be a little vague in how I delve into other aspects of this book, but I will say that this isn't just a dysfunctional family saga. Worry not, there are plenty of horror bits here to chew on, and Harrison still manages to tread the delicate but defined line of appealing to those who may not like too much gore or violence or dread, but do like a bit of a spooky tale to read in the Fall. I found it charming and a fun subversion of what one may expect from the set up at hand.

BLACK SHEEP is another winner from Rachel Harrison! She's a must read horror author for me, and once again I just delighted in reading a scary story from her creative mind.

I had personal reasons to not like this book though I understand other will love it for the same reason(s). I will say though that the author had thought of some twists that you won’t (I truly mean) see coming and that is a respectable accomplishment within the horror genre.

I found this a little slow for the first half or so, but then it really got cooking in the second half and I enjoyed the way the storylines paid off.

Mini synopsis: Vesper has just been fired when she comes home to a wedding invitation to her cousins wedding to her ex boyfriend. She vowed to never return to her childhood home but the wedding changes thing. Now she’s forced to face her upbringing & see if she can make it out again.

Who knew a book could have an absolutely, jaw dropping, didn’t see that coming twist 10% in?! I sure didn’t & I wasn’t expecting it here!! Now I know 10% in shouldn’t be a spoiler BUT since it’s not in the synopsis, I won’t mention it 🤐 this book is so camp! Goodreads has this labeled as “horror” and I think if you go into it expecting that you’ll be disappointed. It feels more campy family drama with a splash of “horror” (horror in the Sabrina the teenaged witch or Charmed way) at the very end! Vesper as a main character was interesting to follow & made me laugh out loud with her internal monologue bc she was so unserious about everyone & everything. The ending?! Okay i was truly not expecting that but i LOVE that she went there! I think the explosive ending followed by the “now” sort of epilogue left just enough questions open! The best parts of this are spoilery so I’m finding it hard to write a coherent review but just know it’s weird & funny & fast paced with a dash of paranormal. It makes me so interested in reading more from this author!