Black Sheep

by Judy Nunn

Black sheep - there's one in every family . . .

Orphaned at sixteen, James Wakefield was determined to be a gun shearer like his father. Now he’s killed twice, changed his name, and is on the run from the law.

He had his reasons for both murders, and he felt no joy in taking life … Or did he?

Ben McKinnon, meanwhile, is heir to the vast Glenfinnan sheep property near Goulburn, New South Wales. He too has a secret that, if ever revealed, would shatter the privileged lives of his father, Alastair, and his sisters, Jenna and Adele.

When fate brings James and Ben together, a powerful friendship is forged, both men gladly becoming the keeper of the other’s secret.

Then Ben insists his new friend come to work at Glenfinnan Station. Has James finally found the family he’s always longed for? Or has the McKinnon dynasty just unwittingly adopted a black sheep?

From the Shearing Wars of Queensland to the exclusive gentlemen's clubs of Sydney, Melbourne and London; from the woolsheds of Goulburn, to the trenches of the Western Front, Judy Nunn once again brings Australian history vividly to life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Book Club

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Judy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.

Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.

Reviews

[Thomas Greenbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to begin my reading year with two Judy Nunn books. The first was Khaki Town (review already posted) and Black Sheep was the second.

What a difference! I was a bit critical of Khaki Town but this one, I really enjoyed.
Over a timeframe from 1881 to 1920, it chronicles the lives of three generations of an Australian sheep-growing family and the ‘black sheep’ (plural) within it. It has twists, it has drama, it has pathos, and lots more. The chief protagonist, James Wakefield/Brereton-McKinnon leads us on a wild ride through family intrigue and secrecy, business underhandedness, and murder, culminating in an ending I did not see coming.

This one, I definitely recommend.

[Cathy Hine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it was a family saga, it was at times tedious to read. Storyline? Men behaving badly and getting away with it, in fact thriving with it. Women were a side issue, and while there were attempts to have them as strong forceful women, at least a couple of them, they were not developed and were not essential usually. It was a disappointing read overall,

[Jean Nicholson · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is correct historically there is a lot of graphic Violence which I didn't like. Not one of her best books.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Sheep by Judy Nunn is a great Australian read set mostly in the sheep country of Goulburn, New South Wales.

It has a colourful array of characters and personalities which make up the story mixed with some violence, petty crime and murder.

It's never boring and you can't wait to hear what happens next.

Some of the scenes are set in Sydney's bar areas.

It's the Sheep 🐑 story which I loved the most and hearing about the colonial homestead at Glenfinnan Station where the merino wool was produced.

Black Sheep 🐑 🐑 🐏 was pretty much unputdownable once you got into it ~ you couldn't put it down!

I easily read it over just a few days and would highly recommend.

It is a 'gutsy' raw natural and very Australian read and very well put together in a way which only Judy Nunn can do.

It read like a movie 🎬 or television 📺 series.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Actor turned author Judy Nunn is well known for both and her iconic novels always deliver the goods.
Wonderfully written and sublime storytelling gives readers a glimpse into the past and shines a light on the black sheep of a wealthy influential family.
Beginning in the 1800s and finishing in 1920s, the affluent McKinnon clan welcome the mysterious James Brereton, with fascinating and dangerous consequences.
Orphan James Wakefield is on the run from the law.
Having killed twice and stolen items, he changes his name wanting to alter his ways.
Rich and handsome Ben McKinnon is heir to the Glenfinnan sheep property and holds a secret that if gets out will change everything.
When chance brings the two men together, a mighty friendship is born.
Ben invites James to work on the family estate as they hold each other’s secret, destiny steps in and brings to the table a life that you will do anything to protect the family name.
A sweeping historical saga that will captivate the soul.
A hooking plot, a mix of characters, a luminous setting and that clever twisted ending.
I loved, loved, loved this book and I wish I had of read it sooner but I’m glad I finally have.

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. My 8th read of Judy's and I think 2nd favourite to Tiger Men! Set in a different era, but I got 'A Place to Call Home' vibes and visualised the series through earlier parts of the book


• • • Bit of a spoiler alert. • • •

It's funny I was expecting a terrible villain after reading Judy's note on the inside of the book, and I assume the villain was James. But I really liked him and empathised with (most of) what he had to do. I felt sad at the end and didn't feel justice had been served like I would when a normal villain meets their maker. Very talented writing. I enjoyed this book so much.

Thanks so much Judy. I loved reading this! ♡

[Bridget Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book to appease my mother and that’s all I’ll say on the matter.

[Brianna Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 easy read. It was a great reflection on how men behaved in Australia during the early times. Death without consequences. Made me reflect on our Aboriginal Australians, how their genocide also had no consequences until Myall creek.

While it was an interesting reflection upon the time, I found there was little feelings for any of the characters and therefore lacked; losing my interest

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storyline. Great twist at the end! Couldn't put this one down!

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️s


All I can say is WOW!


Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Penguin Random House Australia audio
Read by Bruce Venables
Duration: 17 hrs 17 min. 1.25x Speed

[Cristo · Rating 2 out of 5]

...And suddenly the book abruptly ended..
This book rambled on for 500 pages and then, bang, it was over with a strange ending. I don't understand why some said it was a twist, to me it was just more bad, selfish behaviour.
On the positive side, there was a lot of history covered but aside from that I found myself skimming the book at times.
This was a long, family saga, but although it included many interesting aspects of Australia's past it was a bland read. Unlikeable characters who got away with selfish and far reaching behaviour.
I kept hoping for it to become more engaging for me as many others had clearly enjoyed it based on the reviews, but sadly that didn't happen. Very disappointing book.

[Lisa Glanville · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read a lot of books each year - this one is my 106th for 2023 - and I can confidently say that rarely have I read such complete twaddle.
Stupid plot, shallowly drawn characters... I would have thrown it aside but I'd already put it on my 'currently reading' on Goodreads and I want to reach my goal of 110 by the end of the year, so I gritted my teeth and ploughed through.
I feel sad for every other author whose writing actually DESERVED the massive publicity that this novel received. There are far more competent writers who should have had multiple copies of their books at every cash register in Target and Big W etc. It's a shame that this godawful book will earn its author money.

[Bec K · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like historical Australian sagas and have read a few good Judy Nunn books, but this was just terrible.

The main characters were just horrible and the constantly changing POV was very distracting. The overuse of sex and sexuality didn't really add to the story and that, with repeating over and over and over and over how wonderful and charismatic and attractive and just perfect the men of the Brereton (aka Wakefield) McKinnon" family were, really only helped to push it out to an impressive 17hr audiobook.

I'm not sure why I persevered but that's on me I guess. Maybe I was really hoping to see their demise and even then I was only partly gratified 8(

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this might be the last Judy Nunn book I read. They’ve been getting more and more long winded and drawn out.
In this one I learned that if someone threatens to expose the lie you are living you just kill them or have them killed. All without suffering any consequences or guilt it appears.
Pretty happy this book was a gift and not one I paid for.

[Lena Pav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[Bec McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Nunn never disappoints

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read lots twists and turns one of her best so far

[Sarah Brade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Yahya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read.
Long story of three generations. When I read such story it just reminds me of Bryce Courtney and Wilbur Smith. I’m always for the hunt for this generation Bryce author. Until now no one.

[Michelle Lamberth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1st Judy Nunn novel I have read. It was a great read, incorporating Australian history along with a little suspense I enjoyed the characters , it was an easy holiday read.

[Janet Rayner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was alright. Interesting understanding the history of events and how without protestors of the past, we wouldn't have fair wages and women's rights etc. But mostly it's a book about men behaving badly and getting away with it.

[Stef O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I lived in Goulburn for several years so felt I “recognised “ some of the places. My great uncle fought and died in France in 1917,so the war years held a lot of interest for me. Well researched, well told

[Desney King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of Judy Nunn's novels, which made Black Sheep all the more disappointing.
A lineage of male characters bordering on psychopathic was chilling, other characters sketched in, and the plot sadly predictable.
Added to that is a rush to the finish with a glaringly loose end glossed over; it makes me wonder whether there was a too-tight publishing deadline or perhaps a commercially desirable page count.
I look forward to a return to Judy Nunn's quality work in her next offering.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate books based on how they made me feel, and while this book was thrilling at times, it took me a month to finish it as the author did not engage me enough to want to finish it sooner. The plot is tedious at times, while other parts felt rushed. I also don't think the synopsis is true to the books contents, it's more of an Australian historical drama told through the lens of three generations of men, all of whom are sociopaths

[Blathnaid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Violence and sex. Ending wasn't believable. Some excessive unnecessary information.

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my type of book

[Ally Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Black Sheep” by Judy Nunn is an enthralling historical family saga that spans over the years of 1881 to 1920, vividly portraying life in rural Australia while diving deep into themes of loyalty, secrecy, and betrayal. Set primarily in the sheep-farming country of Goulburn, New South Wales, the novel follows the intertwined lives of James Wakefield, an orphan-turned-outlaw, and Ben McKinnon, heir to the prestigious Glenfinnan sheep station. Their fateful friendship becomes the crux of a tale rich with drama, intrigue, and historical detail.

James Wakefield, later revealed as James Brereton-McKinnon, is the quintessential “black sheep.” With a past marked by violence and murder, James finds himself entangled in the McKinnon family’s affairs, bringing both opportunity and danger. Meanwhile, Ben harbours his own secret that could shatter the family’s reputation. As the two men form a bond, their secrets intertwine in ways that ultimately threaten the stability of the McKinnon dynasty.

Nunn’s meticulous research brings the world of Australian sheep farming to life, from the bustling woolsheds to the colonial homesteads of Glenfinnan Station. The historical backdrop, which includes the shearing wars of Queensland, Sydney’s bar scenes, and the trenches of World War I, provides a rich and immersive setting. The author seamlessly blends factual history with fiction, touching on issues like the merino wool industry, social hierarchies, and the stigmatization of homosexuality.

Black Sheep is a story of murder, deception, forbidden love, and power struggles. The depiction of a lineage of men bordering on psychopathy adds a chilling edge, but the lack of consequences for their actions can feel unsettling. The novel’ starts strong with the reader being gripped into the dynamic relationship between Ben and James, however, the middle drags before a rushed, abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

Black Sheep is an easy read that offers an engaging glimpse into Australia’s past, blending drama with historical authenticity. Readers who enjoy family sagas steeped in history and moral complexity will enjoy this novel.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read Black Sheep by Judy Nunn after a friend gave it a glowing 5-star review on Goodreads. This was my first time reading this author, and I was thoroughly impressed. The book delivers a masterful blend of well-researched Australian history, suspense, intrigue, and murder, all set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (1881–1920).

The story follows three generations of an Australian sheep-growing family, with a particular focus on their so-called "black sheep.” These characters add layers of drama, betrayal, and secrecy, making the narrative all the more compelling. The protagonist, James Wakefield/Brereton-McKinnon, takes readers on a gripping and unpredictable ride through family scandals, business fraud, and murder. The finale completely blindsided me.

Packed with themes of ambition, lust, power, and violence, Black Sheep is more than just historical fiction; it’s a vivid exploration of human flaws and desires. Judy Nunn weaves these elements seamlessly, creating a richly detailed and thrilling read. Highly recommended if you enjoy stories filled with history, drama, and dark family secrets!

[Shereen Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1890’s there is history, sex, violence, ambition, lust and power. Meticulously researched this is a historical saga that takes you right back in time. The female characters are strong and likeable, and the men are flawed but it’s a good read that left me wanting more.

The chief protagonist, James Wakefield/Brereton-McKinnon leads us on a wild ride through family intrigue and secrecy, business undertaking, with murder, in the ending I did not see coming.
It's a Sheep farming story which I loved the most and hearing about the colonial homestead at Glenfinnan Station where the merino wool was produced. It’s about Family values, but in the end it all come undone.
A great read thanks to Judy Nunn…

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Part one was great and really pulled me in. Then it just got worse, tedious to read and so shallow. Not one character had depth or was likeable. I thought James would be focussed on more judging from part one but his story just trailed off and was forced to read about his son Josh who was just such an annoying 2d character. Every time there was a tiny bit of suspense that something could go wrong for the main characters, it just all seemed to work out in their favour too easily. So boring. I was constantly left feeling like there’s no actual interesting plot. Too much rambling about unnecessary facts and not enough actual story or drama.