Title: The Only Good IndiansAuthor: Stephen Graham Jones
First Published: May 19, 2020
Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press
Pages: 320
Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Psychological Thriller, Thriller
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Rating:
Synopsis:
Seamlessly blending classic horror and a dramatic narrative with sharp social commentary, The Only Good Indians follows four American Indian men after a disturbing event from their youth puts them in a desperate struggle for their lives. Tracked by an entity bent on revenge, these childhood friends are helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.
Buy the Book: AmazonReview
There are very few horror books that genuinely spook me and make me anxious about the fate of the main characters. Even though I knew that something bad was coming, the creeping sense of dread makes this book an absolute page-turner. Stephen Graham Jones reclaims and breathes new life into the tired Indian burial ground trope, using it to explore the very real issues and social pitfalls of being a young Native American in America.
Each of the characters is flawed but had a certain charm that made me care for them immediately, they were so human and made human mistakes, but genuinely try to make good lives for themselves despite the missteps of their youth. They understand the disadvantages they face as Native American men that grew up on a reservation, dealing with a long history of prejudice and poverty. The glimpse of a figure conjures horrors from their past mistakes, and the ensuing dread makes this book a masterpiece.
What a wild ride this book was, I’m so glad I decided to pick it up. I completely understand the hype and it instantly shot Jones up to the top of my authors to watch list. Though at times gruesome, the intense psychological horror is more insidious and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Quote
“The land claims what you leave behind.”
Content Warnings
View Spoiler »About the Author
About Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones is the author of more than fifteen novels and six collections. He really likes werewolves and slashers. Favorite novels change daily, but Valis and Love Medicine and Lonesome Dove and It and The Things They Carried are all usually up there somewhere. Stephen lives in Boulder, Colorado. It’s a big change from the West Texas he grew up in. He’s married with a couple of kids, and probably one too many trucks.
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