Francesca was a character I had empathy for from the beginning, due to the situation she finds herself in – a widow, bringing up two children on her own. It allowed me to sympathise with Francesca, particularly her life growing up as a teenager and young adult under the shadow of this strong devotion. She also gives the reader a good sense of what life is like living with parents and other close relatives who are absolutely devoted to a religion. McKenzie portrays the closeness of family in The Black Sheep. One of the main events in the novel that ties the whole purpose of the narrative, as well as central mystery together, is based around the after effects of an abortion. I recommend that you think twice about selecting this book to read. A word of warning though, if you have difficulty with the delicate matter of abortion, this novel may incite a reaction. All of these heavy topics combine, to create an intricately woven mystery novel. The main subject matter focus in The Black Sheep is religious fanaticism, entrenched family secrets and abortion. Eventually, these are all linked to Francesca’s family and I think McKenzie does a good job of building these aspects of the story for the reader. There is a detailed back story involving each of the lead characters, as well as supporting players. I found myself glued to this novel for the first half and then my attention seemed to lag in the middle, then pick up again towards the close. This works to heighten the tension in the novel. The Black Sheep is told in a shifting perspective style of narrative, where the narrative is split between lead Francesca, her sister Lucy and outsider Harry. Sophie McKenzie is an author that knows the key ingredients needed to create a good domestic thriller. I could see some of the holes and areas other readers picked up on, but on the whole, I believe The Black Sheep is a solid read.
It seems a shame, as there are many elements in this novel that I enjoyed. Now, she finally has proof in the form of Harry’s admission that someone close to both Caspian and Francesca wanted him dead.Īfter reading The Black Sheep, I was dismayed to see a number of negative reviews attached to this novel.
The police ruling that Caspian was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, has never really sat well with Francesca. Francesca desperately wants to know more about Caspian’s death. At the same service, Francesca is also approached by Harry, a stranger who claims to have vital information pertaining to Caspian’s death. It is an offer Francesca immediately refuses. Simon takes insensitivity to the next level when he attempts to ask Francesca out on a date – at her deceased husband’s memorial. The first is Simon, who was a colleague of Caspian’s. At this service, Francesca is approached by two men. Just shy a year after the unexpected and unsolved death of her husband Caspian, Francesca and her family join together in their grief, still fresh, in a memorial service for Caspian.
This is another tense psychological mystery, based around a tight-knit and highly devoted catholic family. Sophie McKenzie returns with a brand new novel, The Black Sheep. In 2014, I recall enjoying Sophie McKenzie’s domestic psychological thriller offering, Trust in Me. Just shy a year after the unexpected and unsolved death of her husband Caspian, Francesca and her family join together in their grief, still fresh, in a memorial service for Caspian * * #3.5 stars In 2014, I recall enjoying Sophie McKenzie’s domestic psychological thriller offering, Trust in Me.
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