Tolstoy wrote: All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. The Gunn family is not miserable, but they aren't happy either, and at least one member is unhappy in a very unusual way. The Gunn family once owned a major media empire. But a family member decided to get both greedy and creative with company funds, leaving the company in ruins and their personal finances uncertain. Marston Gunn calls his adult children to their soon-to-be-sold childhood home to make announcement. He has decided to run for the U.S. Senate, and he wants them to help. The kids are less than enthused. Talia, the oldest, is a corporate lawyer still trying to make a professional name for herself. Ozzie, the youngest, is an influencer who calls himself DegenerateOz. Despite his nom de Web, he is a rather nice guy who puzzles and frustrates the people around him. Gabby, the middle child, runs an experimental theater company in a barn in upstate New York. She also suffers from Portum Bestiae Syndrome (PBS for short). When she gets stressed out, a random animal will appear. This is rather bad for her finances, as rehoming exotic beasts is expensive Then their step-mother lowers the boom - come to California to help your father, or your trust fund allowance will be cut off.

So off to California they go. They will stay on a family property, one that is full of memories for them. Their mother died there. Was it natural causes, or was it suicide? The adult children aren't sure, since their father was less than open about the circumstances of her death. In fact, that is a theme running through the book - secrets and resentments festering instead of being acknowledged and dealt with.

But this is not a heavy, depressing book. Yes, they deal with serious issues, but there is also the absurdity of the whole senatorial race, Gabby's awkward relationship with a fellow PBS sufferer, and a hot-air balloon publicity stunt that goes awry.

A pleasant read for people who don't mind a little fantasy with their family drama.

The novel shines in its exploration of sibling dynamics and the absurdities of wealth and media influence. Gable's prose is sharp, and her characters are well-drawn, making their emotional journeys compelling. The magical elements, particularly the spontaneous appearances of exotic animals, add a whimsical touch that sets the book apart. Overall, Darling Beasts is an inventive and entertaining read that, despite some narrative hiccups, offers a unique take on family and fame.

It’s sort of giving schitts creek meets shameless meets the kardashians. Felt a bit all over the place and the writing wasn’t the greatest but still an enjoyable read.

This book was SO not at all what I was expecting! It was so much better. I had to stay up late a few nights to keep reading because I couldn’t put it down. Wonderfully done.