A review by broccolimom
Darling Beasts: A Novel by Michelle Gable

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.*

I have had the pleasure of knowing Michelle online for nearly 20 years and have enjoyed all of her previous books.  Obviously, some more than others, but all of her previously published works were historical fiction.

Darling Beasts makes a departure from type and tells a wacky family story with a paranormal twist.

This family drama tells the story of the Gunn family - targeting the three adult children that are heirs to a media fortune who are faced with the downfall of the company when their uncle is caught in a scandal and their father decides to save the family. name by running for office.  The siblings have shared and individual trauma which is touching and somehow funny.  One of them has a bizarre condition that causes the spontaneous appearance of wild animals.

I cannot explain why this works but it does.

I enjoyed the curious characters and the utter absurdity of the condition.  I felt like the story ended abruptly but maybe that is because I wanted it to be a series.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.