Black Sheep

By: Rachel Harrison

Narrated by: Jeremy Carlisle Parker

A New York Times Best Horror Book of the Year

A cynical twentysomething must confront her unconventional family’s dark secrets in this fiery, irreverent horror novel from the author of Such Sharp Teeth and Cackle.

Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly...something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep.

Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen.

When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world.

©2023 Rachel Harrison (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Jeremy Carlisle Parker narrates this dark, twisty novel about mysterious Vesper Wright, who, six years ago, escaped her strict religious community and her mother's iron fist.... Listeners will feel the icy disapproval in Vesper's mother's diatribes and the silky force of Vesper herself. Parker reveals secrets and twists in an even, rational tone that heightens the story's shock factor. Her narration feels like a warm breath on your neck in a dark room where you thought you were alone." (AudioFile)

“Anyone who read Such Sharp Teeth knows that Harrison can absolutely nail thorny family dynamics and blend them with visceral horror, but with Black Sheep, there’s something new going on, proving yet again that Harrison is one of the most versatile authors in the genre." —Paste Magazine

“Vesper's story ruminates on themes that include nature vs. nurture, the legacy of family trauma, and the repercussions of organized religion in its various forms...this subject matter elevates a horror novel to a study in philosophy, even as the bloodletting ramps up.” —Shelf Awareness

“Harrison finds new ways to press on the bruise of growing up as an outsider, delivering small-town religious horror with wit as sharp as a ritual dagger piercing through a bleeding core of familial trauma.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Baa baa boring.

Honestly, I loved the kick off at the beginning. Interesting slice of life with a great concept. Unfortunately, middle part of the book because boring and predictable. It’s just another author playing the same sad song on repeat as every other author. The end? Predictable and lackluster. Honestly, just imagine what a book called “Black Sheep” would be about in todays author climate. Boom, that’s this book. Don’t bother reading.

Another Great One

I absolutely love all of Rachel Harrison’s works, have read all and reread some. This was her style with a great story. I wish there was more to this story, I would read a sequel tomorrow! Loved it, can’t wait for more from her.

Didn’t hate it

This isn’t the type of book I’d ever bother enjoying let alone reviewing but I gotta say, I didn’t hate it. I’d read another Rachel Harrison book and that’s saying a lot. It wasn’t total garbage like most horror novels that aren’t actually scary.

this book was amazing

I enjoyed every second. I normally take a week+ to listen to an audio book. it took me 2 days.... I liked this novel more than cackle. I'm buying up more rachel harrison after this. what a pleasure to listen to!!!

Started slow but loved it when it picked up

I was disappointed at first cause it started slower than her other books but then it twisted in a way I wasn’t anticipating and I ended up loving it! Highly recommend.

Best yet

I’ve read a number of Rachel’s books and they have all been good but this is my favorite one yet!

plotholes

it's hard for me to talk about this book without spoilers. it kept my attention and I've had issues finding books that aren't boring. the first 25% of this book is a bit slow but it does pick up and have decent action. however this author goes out of her way to not mention 'the other side' of this story to use non spoiler words. this seems to be on purpose possibly (who knows) due to the authors beliefs. unfortunately it makes the story seem not while and it feels intentional and now how a character would behave.

Good commentary on abuse but also predictable

This book is a bit of a slow burn but the author does a good job writing the bleak and mundane. The characters seem well thought out and are easy to imagine (even if the main character is a bit of a Mary Sue). The story took a turn I wasn't expecting but by the time the plot expands for a second time, I had already guessed what was going to happen. The epilogue tied everything together nicely which was also a plus. Overall this was a fun enough story with good narration

Can’t miss for horror fans

I love everything Rachel Harrison has written, it’s so fresh and spooky and relatable. This was no exception, I devoured it in a day, a truly original tale and the narration is on point.

Always good!

Love all Rachel Harrison’s books,!! Now I’ve read every one, need more! This one was excellent but I loved Such Sharp Teeth, then Cackle, then Return all so much then this one