Black Sheep

Madeline Cash's debut novel Lost Lambs (2026) is a satire centring on a dysfunctional American family. I had heard great things about it, and it sounded like the perfect novel to begin my holiday with. So I downloaded the audiobook, got comfy poolside and became immersed in the story of the Flynn family.

Outwardly the Flynns are a normal American family - Bud and his wife Caroline, raise their three daughters, Abigail (17 ), Louise (15), and Harper (12) in an unremarkable American town. But the Flynn's relationship is falling apart as Caroline has unilaterally declared they are in an open marriage so she can actively pursue their neighbour. But the 'arrangement' is not something Bud wants, and his anger about the situation is impacting his work and his parenting. The children have their own issues. Abigail is dating a former soldier known as 'War Crimes' Wes. Forgettable middle-child Louise has been chatting online with a person who may be leading her to commit terrorist acts. The youngest, Harper, has a penchant for outrageous lies and has been sent off to a reform camp after being suspended from school. Bud's anger and depression is causing him to fail at work, so his boss urges him to seek help. Bud joins the "Lost Lambs" support group at the local church run by Miss Winkle to work through his feelings.

Ever curious, Harper has been messing around in her father's computer and has discovered dodgy dealings by her dad's employer. I won't say more about the plot for fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say the story is delightfully bonkers and laugh out loud funny. Ultimately, it is a story about family and the shared love among those we call our own.

This is Madeline Cash's debut novel and she is a fantastic new voice. There were so many phrases and moments in this book which were brilliantly written. I would have liked to have spent more time with the sisters, as each one had a unique character and point of view. I really enjoyed the characters of Bud and Catherine, how mismatched they are in their desires and artistic temperaments. The Paul Alabaster character and his storyline was not necessary for me, but I can understand why she went in that direction. 

While reading, Lost Lambs reminded me of Kevin Wilson's hilarious Nothing to See Here, as they both share quirky humour and ridiculousness. I highly recommend the audiobook version, wonderfully performed by Christine Lakin.