Book Review: The Devil Knows Her Name, by C.N. Vair
Coming August 25, 2026
In The Devil Knows Her Name, debut author C. N. Vair takes readers on a journey into the life of Tess, a wildlife rehabilitator, who has a special connection with the animals she rescues and cares for, and with nature and its power.
Old family secrets and sacrifices have kept her and her wildlife rehabilitation center safe. Until now. A fawn is rescued, a bitey little thing, who chewed her way out of her mother’s womb, and the town becomes set on finding and eliminating the fawn born with a full set of teeth.
They also want Tess’s refuge to be destroyed to make way for a church that is far more like a cult. She won’t let that happen and goes to every effort to protect the fawn too.
I don’t usually read horror, and I don’t delve into stories where the devil is concerned. However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and I am glad I did.
C. N. Vair’s writing is exquisite. It is full of gorgeous (and gruesome, as is expected in folk-horror tales) imagery. Her love of nature and animals shines through in her descriptions and her devotion to protecting them. The writing is stunning and evocative; a page-turner. I found myself surprised throughout in the twists and turns of the story, and smiling in places of well-written, perfectly-placed, dark humor.
It isn’t all about a cute little bitey deer though. There are dark forces at work and shocking secrets revealed.
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While it may not be for everyone, those who take the leap and read C. N. Vair’s prose will likely be delighted by the fresh and compelling ways in which the story is told, in the gorgeous imagery and descriptions of the natural world, in the character development of the protagonist and her relationship with the fawn. I certainly was.
Overall, this was such an engaging read that I would recommend it to fans of the horror genre, and to others looking to read writing that is fresh, crisp and evocative.
Thank you to Berkley, an imprint of Random House, LLC, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are, of course, my own.
Available now for pre-order: The Devil Knows Her Name by C. N. Vair
Thanks, Gesene. I had never read horror until this book. I enjoyed Carly's unique, fresh voice, and snarky humor. I'm looking forward to reading anything she writes.
Spectacular review, Jacque. It draws me toward the book even though I am not a fan of horror. Your review reminded me of what I thought about Stephen King’s writing. I stayed away from all of his books until I read his book On Writing and discovered what a wonderful writer he is. I am sure I will discover that with the book by C.N. Vair! Thank you.