Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a chilling and uniquely original horror novel that dives deep into the lives of Blackfeet men dealing with guilt, tradition, and supernatural revenge. It's not just bloody, nerve-wracking horror - it's also a moving story about identity, culture, and the lingering effects of past trauma. The writing is immersive, atmospheric, and filled with dark humor, making you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire, hearing a legend that’s going to keep you looking over your shoulder. Perfect for readers who love horror with heart and brains - especially those interested in Indigenous perspectives, slow-burn suspense, and stories where the supernatural collides with real-world issues.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers have found the writing style disjointed or difficult to follow, with shifts in perspective and tense that can be confusing at first. If you prefer straightforward narratives, this one might feel a bit jarring. The pacing is slow at times, and there are sections heavy on sports or everyday details that might feel tedious if you're expecting nonstop action. Also, the book doesn’t shy away from graphic violence (including to animals), which can be too much for the squeamish. If you don't enjoy horror, or prefer your scares with less ambiguity and more clear-cut answers, this may not be the right fit.
About:
'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, animal death, themes of trauma and loss, and the portrayal of substance abuse.
From The Publisher:
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From USA TODAY bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a "masterpiece" (Locus Magazine) of a novel about revenge, cultural identity, and the cost of breaking from tradition. Labeled "one of 2020's buzziest horror novels" (Entertainment Weekly), this is a remarkable horror story that "will give you nightmares-the good kind of course" (BuzzFeed).
From New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a novel that is equal parts psychological horror and cutting social commentary on identity politics and the American Indian experience. Fans of Jordan Peele and Tommy Orange will love this story as it follows the lives of four American Indian men and their families, all haunted by a disturbing, deadly event that took place in their youth. Years later, they find themselves tracked by an entity bent on revenge, totally helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.
Ratings (176)
Incredible (16) | |
Loved It (57) | |
Liked It (36) | |
It Was OK (32) | |
Did Not Like (31) | |
Hated It (4) |
Reader Stats (510):
Read It (172) | |
Currently Reading (7) | |
Want To Read (252) | |
Did Not Finish (25) | |
Not Interested (54) |
6 comment(s)
I wish all horror novels were like this.
Stephen Graham Jones has never let me down. Everything he writes just glows and sticks with you. This was a very haunting tale about guilt and our minds, how the two combined can be our undoing. Being native American this was a terrifying story,but will be to anyone, no matter your heritage. Highly recommend.
Second try reading it, 5 September 2021. I'm so glad I gave the ebook a try. I was right in my last review on this and im glad I didn't give up on this. Was Avery eerie and compelling horror story and I think I've enjoyed most of what I've read by Stephen Graham Jones so far
Written 13 September 2020
Have tried very hard for a few days to get into the book but with no success, sadly this probably not a book for me. But I tried to listen to it perhaps it would be different if I read it instead
Intense, brutal, heart wrenching and rich storytelling. I can't believe I've never read anything by this author before. Beautifully flawed characters and sympathetic antagonists. The only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because I'm a little too squeamish for the graphic, violent, and bloody nature of several scenes. That being said, I think most of it was absolutely, if not necessary, enriching to the story.
The story was really unique. But the writing style wasn't for me.
As someone who likes horror, but hates gratuitous gore, I really enjoyed this novel. The plot takes a while to build, but the creepiness and dread are there all along the way. I both worried about the protagonist and couldn't help sympathizing with the deer-headed woman, which was a delightful paradox.
If I were more of a basketball fan, I think this would have gotten an even higher rating from me. That element didn't click on a personal level, but I *love* the way Jones intertwines mythical horror and modern everyday life - brilliant!
What can you read after
The Only Good Indians?
About the Author:
Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians. He has been an NEA fellowship recipient, has won the Jesse Jones Award for Best Work of Fiction from the Texas Institute of Letters, the Independent Publishers Award for Multicultural Fiction, a Bram Stoker Award, four This is Horror Awards; and has been a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the World Fantasy Award. He is the Ivena Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado Boulder.
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