Book Review: Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genre: Horror

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: Berkley (September 12, 2023)

Length: 336 pages

Author Information: Website

The term “black sheep” is often used to describe a family member who is different or frowned upon because they may act or hold values outside the social norm. But when your family are the crazy and dysfunctional ones, then maybe it’s good to be the black sheep?

At least that’s what Vesper Wright tells herself. At seventeen, she left her small town and insular religious community to get away from the cultish environment and strike out on her own. For the last six years, she has been keeping a low profile and eking out a living as a waitress. While it can be demoralizing work and the pay isn’t great, things could get even rougher and it wouldn’t matter to Vesper. She had sworn that no matter what happened, she would never go back. And it was a promise she thought she could easily keep—since anyone who left was declared anathema and couldn’t return anyway—until one day, an unexpected letter arrives in the mail.

It turns out to be a wedding invitation, and not just to any wedding. Her cousin Rosie, who had been like a sister to Vesper when they were children, is getting married to Brody, Vesper’s old boyfriend and the only guy she’s ever loved. Apparently, someone had bent the rules by extending this olive branch to Vesper, and it’s this mystery, more so than the heartfelt entreaty at the bottom of the invitation for her to come home, that finally makes the decision for her. Having just lost her job, there’s no reason to stick around anyway, so after packing her bags and getting on a train, Vesper prepares to confront everyone at the family farm where the wedding is to take place.

As she expected, nothing about her old home seemed to have changed over the years, though what did surprise her was how happy everyone is to see her, considering the circumstances of her departure. Everyone, that is, except her mother, family matriarch and horror film star Constance, who is as icy as always. Rosie, however, is as kind and warm as ever, and one look into Brody’s eyes—well, Vesper can tell he’s still in love with her. Sitting down to dinner with the people she grew up with, Vesper is reminded of why she left this all behind in the first place, for even though this looks like a tableau of a perfectly normal family, she knows it is anything but.

Soon, readers will discover that for themselves as well, but I will not spoil that bombshell here. Suffice it to say, the twist altered my perception entirely, and swiftly sent this novel in a direction which I can only describe as My Best Friend’s Wedding meets The Omen. And that’s the only clue I’ll give!

Once more Rachel Harrison proves why she is the reigning queen of chick lit horror, penning another gore-soaked tale of terror which embraces female relationships and women-centric themes and struggles. This is the fifth book I have read by the author, and I am convinced she can write nothing but winners. I’ve become such a huge fan.

One reason is her uncanny ability to create a fusion of seemingly contrasting genres, often blending spinetingling chills with quirky humor. The stories never go the way you expect them to. But despite the dark turns they usually take, there’s almost always an underlying sense of optimism to them as well. Black Sheep takes a look at how one woman’s history of familial trauma can have a layered effect on her psyche. After all, if anyone has a good excuse for being a messed-up bitch, it’s Vesper. But through Harrison’s deft storytelling, we see that her protagonist’s journey is far from straightforward. Some days you might hate the world so much, all you want is to see it burn. But one can always break free from the shadows of the past, even when the devil himself is standing in the way.

So, if you’re one to put together Halloween reading lists for the spooky season, please do yourself a favor and add this book now! Whether you’re looking for bone-chilling horror or just a compulsive read for entertainment, Black Sheep will be your perfect companion.