Horror Book Review: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

 

This week’s Horror Book Pick is SO THIRSTY By Rachel Harrison. Published in September 2024, the book has obtained a best seller’s rank in the Occult Fiction and Occult Horror category. 

The book has received positive reviews for its premise, characterizations, and themes of friendship and vampirism. 

The story is about Sloane who is dreading her upcoming birthday because she’s getting older. Her husband, Joel, appears to be weary just like her and it is implied that he cheated on her. 

A few days before her birthday, Joel surprises her with a vacation stay in a cottage at the Waterfront in Auburn. The surprise is that he has it booked for Sloane and her friend Naomi. Sloane is surprised that her husband doesn’t want to take her and has been planning this getaway with Naomi. 

Sloane heads off to the cottage at the Waterfront after Joel gives her a present. At the Waterfront, she feels reminded of her aging when the porter, Matthew, barely notices her. 

Once at her cottage, Sloane is all ready to begin her birthday weekend. And as usual, Naomi arrives late. 

SO THIRSTY is an entertaining read and we are introduced to Sloane through her thoughts. Sloane is funny, has the same insecurities most women do, and is able to articulate exactly why she stays with Joel despite his lack of concern for her or his infidelity. 

The author manages to give an accurate representation of why most women stay in relationships that they believe offers them a mundane life. There’s nothing as dramatic as arguments, or accusations. Sloane and Joel are shown to be drifting apart but still staying together, acquiescing to the life they have created for themselves. 

The reading sample ends and there is yet to be an inclination towards where the story is headed and how a birthday weekend is going to descend into chaos and vampirism. 

To Read or Not to Read?

The author is not only capable of immersive writing but is also able to serve a fresh perspective on women and how they view life as they grow older. 

It was interesting to read the contrast of the woman Sloane once was compared to the woman she is now. There is a part in the book when Sloane thinks about the young woman she once was, when she felt special and loved. She was the kind of woman who thought she would lead an exemplary and spectacular life only to grow up and realize that her belief to stand out was just wishful thinking. 

Eventually, most people end up compromising their dreams or giving up on the person they thought they could be and settle for something that is safe and edging towards mediocre. 

But it is safe, and as the author shows through Sloane, a life where she at least knows how each day is going to be. 

Rachel Harrison writes well but it is her keen observation skills that shine through in her character’s thoughts. 

Sloane’s character is written well and relatable. There might not be much going on in the first few chapters, but it sets the tone of the book well and introduces the character and her motivations well. 

It is definitely a book worth checking out. 

Get it here