Black Sheep

by Rachel Harrison

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Vesper hasn't had what most people would call a normal life. Or a normal family, for that matter. But that's all behind her now. She's (not so) happily working at a restaurant, doing what she can to make ends meet while living on her own.

Naturally, now is precisely when her family comes back into Vesper's life. Yet even she can't resist the wedding invitation on her door. Her best friend and her ex? Yeah, that's something she will have to show up for. And perhaps do something about it.

My Review:

So, Black Sheep is the second novel I've read by Rachel Harrison. I have to say, I really enjoy the way she crafts her characters. In Vesper's case, she's super snarky, abrasive, and overall just looking to keep the world at arm's length.

To be fair, she has a good reason for being this way. The truth of her backstory is slowly revealed throughout Black Sheep. Truthfully, I think the pacing might have been a bit slow for me regarding that revelation. We all knew something was up, and by the halfway point, we could all probably guess what that thing was. (I'm not sure that Harrison ever really tried to hide one of those secrets. It was basically the elephant in the room).

Even having a solid idea of what was going on and what might possibly happen next, I couldn't put this book down. Something was compelling about the writing that made me want to keep reading right until the end.

Black Sheep was a fun and dark read. It probably isn't a book for everyone. For example, anyone who has experienced religious trauma or lived with emotionally distant parents will likely not enjoy this read, so do keep that in mind.

Highlights:
Horror/Mystery
Snarky Lead

Trigger Warnings:
Cults/Religious Trauma
Emotionally Distant Family

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