Book Review: SUCH SHARP TEETH by Rachel Harrison

SUCH SHARP TEETH by Rachel Harrison (Berkley, October 2022) Hardcover, 336 pages. ISBN #9789593545829 Goodreads 2022 Choice Award Nominee for Horror. 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . . .

A young woman in need of a transformation finds herself in touch with the animal inside in this gripping, incisive novel from the author of Cackle and The Return.

Rory Morris isn't thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it is temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby's father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she'd put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she's attacked.

Rory survives, miraculously, but life begins to look and feel different. She's unnaturally strong, with an aversion to silver--and suddenly the moon has her in its thrall. She's changing into someone else--something else, maybe even a monster. But does that mean she's putting those close to her in danger? Or is embracing the wildness inside of her the key to acceptance?

This darkly comedic love story is a brilliantly layered portrait of trauma, rage, and vulnerability.

My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     A writer who chooses to set a love story within the horror genre is creating a challenge for themselves. Won't most horror romances end in tragedy? How do you draft a happy ending without sacrificing the impact of the horrific elements of the story? Perhaps if you successfully blend romantic comedy with horror you might be able to pull it off. Rachel Harrison did it, and did it remarkably well.

     This was not the werewolf novel I was anticipating. Before I completed the first third of the book, the rom-com elements and family drama seemed to dominate with werewolf horror taking a back seat to the proceedings - -more of a prop to wrap the story around, like whatever conflict in a romantic comedy keeps the two protagonists from taking their relationship further. 

     It doesn't matter. The clever writing of Harrison, the characters and situations, and even the romance grabbed my attention and held it. While the werewolf transformation scenes don't occur often enough, they are descriptive, vividly detailed, and suspenseful. Plus, this is not funny, laughable romantic comedy. It's more dark comedy, enhanced by main character Rory's insightful narration.

     Pure horror aficionados who require chills and frights - - be forewarned. However, pick this up and give it a try and you might find yourself in appreciation of Harrison's craft. She won me over.