Spooktober Book Review: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

Rachel Harrison’s vampire novel So Thirsty is by far my most favorite horror(ish) read this #Spooktober! It is a thrilling exploration of female empowerment, friendship, and the darker sides of human nature, wrapped in a vampire tale that is both bloody and thought-provoking. The story centers around Sloane Parker, a woman dissatisfied with her life, including her failing marriage and stagnant sense of self. When a birthday getaway with her impulsive best friend Naomi takes a wild turn, the two women are transformed—literally and metaphorically—into vampires. This transformation forces them to confront their dissatisfaction with life, their friendship, and their buried desires.

What sets So Thirsty apart from typical vampire novels is Harrison’s use of vampirism as a metaphor for reclaiming agency. Sloane’s journey from a passive, people-pleasing woman to a powerful, self-advocating force is at the heart of the novel. Through the lens of vampirism, Harrison explores themes of guilt, female repression, and the societal pressures that dictate how women should behave and what they should desire. This transformation into vampires symbolizes the breaking of these shackles, showing how Sloane and Naomi grapple with their new identity and power, even as they navigate the complexities of their friendship.

Harrison also crafts a nuanced portrayal of friendship. Sloane and Naomi’s relationship is central to the novel, blending love, resentment, and loyalty in a raw, honest way. Their friendship is not idealized but instead showcases the messiness and contradictions that come with long-term relationships. The tension between them—one repressed, the other wild—keeps readers on edge as the novel takes shocking turns, particularly in its unpredictable, thrilling climax.

Rachel Harrison, known for previous works like Black Sheep, Cackle, and Such Sharp Teeth, often explores complex female characters and relationships through horror. Her stories blend supernatural elements with real-world issues, making them stand out in the genre. Harrison excels at using horror tropes, such as vampirism and werewolves, to probe deeper themes like trauma, empowerment, and societal expectations of women. If you’re looking for horror with heart and depth, So Thirsty is a must-read, perfect for fans of feminist horror and those who appreciate a fresh take on vampire lore.

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Now available in print and on Kindle!

Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.