I was a little nervous reading this. I'd just finished a book that like this one, started off with an intriguing premise. Unfortunately, it then laid an egg immediately afterward. Thank goodness, I did not have a repeat experience. For one thing, there's a little detail that's revealed about 17% into the book that made me say, "Oh, nice." That baby reveal turns out to be just a taste of a load-bearing plot point that made me kick my legs in delight. (Did I really do that? I dunno, prob'ly--sounds like me.) Anyway, I've been kind of whelmed with this author's books in the past, but again, I did not have a repeat experience. I really liked this one.

4.5

Like all Rachel Harrison novels, Black Sheep balances heart, humor and horror in the best way. There were many reasons why I was primed to love this story, and there were some great and unexpected elements that really made it a fun reading experience. I couldn't put this book down.

I don't want to say too much about the story because it's definitely a story you need to go into blind. A part of me is a little worried people are going to accidentally give stuff away in reviews or marketing, because the experience of reading and reacting to the story with no prior knowledge was worth it.

I have loved all of Rachel Harrison's previous books and was so excited to get an early copy of Black Sheep! I tried to save her latest for closer to Halloween, but the premise was too intriguing to wait. My advice is not to read reviews before diving in--just go into this one blind, knowing that it is the perfect blend of horror and social commentary. The main character of Black Sheep is Vesper, a twenty-something waitress who was raised in a cult; after escaping from her home just before turning 18, Vesper returns for her best friend's wedding. Things get really weird, and you won't be able to look away until the end of this wild ride. Thanks to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for the librarian preview!

Rachel Harrison delivers a devilishly good time with Black Sheep. I wouldn’t expect anything less from her - Harrison’s writing always takes the macabre, the gruesome, the stuff of nightmares, and manages to turn it into a disgustingly delightful romp that I couldn’t put down. I’ll read everything she writes.

I know I'm probably going to be in the minority here, but I thought this plot was utterly predictable. With that said, though, I don't think that necessarily took away from the plot, which was more about family dysfunction than about family specifics. I enjoyed the examination of extreme belief, and found the characters to be well-developed for the most part.

This ARC was selected for this reviewer's media outlet. This reviewer is in contact with the publicists attached to this release. Please contact this reviewer directly if you have any questions.

She did it again!!!! I am obsessed with the absolute vibes that Rachel is able to produce in each and every book and how different they all are. This one is no acceptation. I had so much fun reading it and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

Always love Rachel Harrison's work, and BLACK SHEEP is yet another perfect example of her to inject feminism into modern horror. Compulsively readable, compelling, and just the perfect amount of gross to satisfy.

Rachel Harrison is becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are always unique and every one she writes is so much fun! I didn't expect that from a horror novel but once you read a novel from this author you'll understand that horror can be lovable too!

A great reveal, which won’t remain unspoiled when the book reviews come out. Loved reading this cold, going in knowing nothing. You might too! Try it!

#BlackSheep #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc copy of this novel. A must read! Love Rachel Harrison! Her books just keep getting better and better!

Black Sheep focuses on estranged Daughter, Vesper. She has run away from a cult and struggling day to day. But, the invitation to her cousin and ex boyfriend's wedding brings her back. Honestly, this book is perfect for fans of the most recent Sabrina the Teenage Witch. It's not so much scary, but a little gruesome and heavy on the social commentary of what is normal. It's a quick and enjoyable read.

Yes, yes, yes! Black Sheep is so good. So many good twists, super creepy and incredible characters. Recommended for those who enjoy other Rachel Harrison books and horror/mystery genres.

This went in a totally different direction than I expected. Rachel Harrison has done it again with another edgy, creepy read. Vesper grew up in a very religious family who she was happy to escape from. Out of the blue she is invited home to a family wedding and when she goes she begins to realize her whole life is not what it seemed. I definitely do not want to give out spoilers but this was a devilishly good read 😉
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

Having escaped a stifling religious community at age 18, Vesper finds herself stuck waitressing in hell: a family-friendly chain restaurant with sticky food, huge cocktails, and entitled customers. Ironically, everyone she meets reacts badly to her ‘princess’ attitude, unaware of her lineage as the lookalike daughter of Scream Queen Constance Wright. She has no plans to return to her mother’s isolated New Jersey home until a grisly workplace incident results in her being fired. After six years with no contact, she reluctantly returns for her cousin’s wedding, but not without an agenda.

Suffice it to say, all is not as it appears in Vesper’s hometown. To reveal more of the plot would deprive readers of the story’s first great twist. Many more follow in this cathartic and gut-wrenching tale of family reunion and relationship closure.

Black Sheep is another top-tier entry for Rachel Harrison’s body of work, though it doesn’t touch the righteous fury of Such Sharp Teeth. Highly recommended for RH fans, elder goths, people with bad attitudes, and fans of classic slasher films. The rich imagery hints at a cathartic visual adaptation that could write itself.

I really enjoyed this creepy story. For me it was a quick read that was very atmospheric but not so creepy that I won’t be able to sleep. I love all of Rachel Harrison’s books and Black Sheep definitely didn’t disappoint!

This was my first novel by Rachel Harrison and it definitely won't be my last, I loved the characters and the places in this book were so real I could see them. Hilarious and a little creepy.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!

3 stars

I haven’t much cared for Harrison’s previous work. However, this one changed my mind a bit! It was fast paced, had a good plot, and good characters. I rated it average.

I loved this book!! Rachel Harrison is such a talented author and Black Sheep has climbed its way to my favorite book of the year so far. I finished this story so fast, I’m sad it’s over. Vesper is a wonderful character and the entire plot is compelling and constantly keeps your attention. Can’t recommend it enough!!

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.