Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
I hadn’t read anything by SGJ before, but after this I definitely will. This book is so beautifully and sorrowfully written, taking its time and yet somehow still maintaining tension. It took me a few chapters to get into, and the beginning of the story is certainly overwhelming if you don’t have any historical background knowledge. I expected a sharp, acrid book, but it goes so much deeper than that. Meaningful character development? Beautifully described landscapes? Body horror? Meticulously researched historical details? Incredibly satisfying revenge? Badass fight scenes? Genuinely this book has everything. I will end this by saying that it is an emotionally exhausting story, and it made me feel a kind of sad that I’ve only ever felt when I accidentally kill deer that are too young, but it is an incredible story.

I’m a pretty squeamish person, so I can’t say that I necessarily ENJOYED reading The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. It was like watching That One Scene in the movie Bone Tomahawk over and over and over. But the rest of the story, the non-gross parts? Compelling as hell. Stephen Graham Jones has written an incredible tale of sorrow and guilt and loss and anger, doused the whole thing in gore, and tied it all together with characters that you somehow loathe and like at the same time. It’s definitely a story that will stick with me for a very long time.

First of all, thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free e-copy of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones for review. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter comes after the incredible run of The Only Good Indians and The Indian Lake Trilogy and fully cements Stephen Graham Jones as one of horror's greatest living authors. Taking the themes explored over the course of those novels, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter expands on them through a historical lens. A Blackfeet vampire, named Good Stab, on a path of not only vengeance but redemption, interrogates a Lutheran pastor through a series of confessions. These moments told through Good Stab's eyes are slow-moving and dense with time period-specific vocabulary but ultimately make the present-day payoff rewarding. If you are already a fan of SGT The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a must. However, I would still recommend it for fans of horror and historical fiction.

Let me state that I’ve never read one of Stephen Graham Jones books before. The story unfolds piece by piece in the three different narratives. It could be considered a slow read at times, but overall, it was an absolutely compelling read and I did not want to put it down. It shall be a tenuous journey to shorten this tale into a synopsis with no spoilers, but I will state that this is worth the read!
It all begins with a journal from 1912 that is found in the wall of a church at a jobsite. Etsy Beaucarne, an associate professor of Communications and Journalism at the University of Wyoming shares the last name of the author of said journal, ie Arthur Beaucarne. She hopes to turn the journal of Arthur Beaucarne into a book that solidifies her tenure at the university she works for.
Arthur Beaucarne is Etsy’s great-great grandfather that was an elderly Lutheran pastor in Miles City, Montana in 1912. As a town and state that have not been established very long, Miles City seems to be going to hell in a handbasket when a man is found at the edge of the city with his skin removed, face painted, and body drained of blood. The excitement does not stop there, and more intriguing occurrences keep happening in the life of Arthur. Such as a Native American man with many names attending his Sunday services and stating he wants to confess his sins to the pastor.
Good Stab is a Blackfeet Native American that has lost both his wives and children by the time he turns 37 winters old. He is called on to assist with a mission to erase the evil chaos, death, and destruction that the white people want to blame on Natives. While hiding the grisly remnants of bodies and the wagons, Good Stab, Tall Dog, Peasy, and Hunts-to-the-Side find an iron cage with a person that cannot die from arrows or bullets. This is where I must leave you, so as to not spoil this fantastic book!

It took me much longer than it should have to finally pick up one of Stephen Graham Jones' books. I've always wanted to read them, but I'm a coward and can't really read horror novels without getting too frightened to function. However, when I was offered an ARC of this book, I decided to push past my fear and give it a shot. After all, it has two of my favorite things: vampires and history. And now that I've finished the novel, having read it in one day, I can confidently say that it was worth it.

This isn't an easy book to read. As other commentators have pointed out, I would highly recommend reading the "Piegan Blackfeet" and "Marias Massacre" Wikipedia articles before reading this novel. I would also recommend general reading on this period in American history, such as looking into the "American Indian Wars." I won't go so far as to say that this background information is necessary to understand the novel, because I think Jones does a nice job explaining it (even if some details are still confusing to me after reading), but it'll really help enchance the reading experience.

This is a very dark novel and it was difficult to read. The reason I rated it four stars was due to my personal enjoyment - I was often uncomfortable and struggled with numerous passages of the novel (trigger warnings for graphic gore/violence, animal death, genocide, etc.).

However, that makes it all the more valuable to me. I did have a background understanding of this period of history before reading, but now I feel like I've learned more after reading this novel. To me, this novel is Good Historical Fiction. Jones has expertly crafted a fictional narrative that <i>could be real</i> (minus the vampires, of course).

incredibly well done and strong horror novel with some very unique touches that i would definitely recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

First I would like to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for an early copy of this masterful book.

~ A chilling historical horror novel set in the American west in 1912 following a Lutheran priest who transcribes the life of a vampire who haunts the fields of the Blackfeet reservation looking for justice. ~

Although not typically the type of book I would reach for, I am very grateful to have experienced this unique, slow burn. The author did a fantastic job intertwining real life history into his fictional tale and it was so well written that even though it was pretty slow to start, I became so captivated and immersed, that I didn’t want to put it down. This is definitely a vampire story like no other and it will be on my mind for a long time to come.

However, I will admit that this tale is far from uplifting and you should definitely read the trigger warnings before going in as the amount of death (human & animal) and gore is quite profound. Also, knowing that this was written surrounding real events from history and real people (minus the vampire parts)- it makes some of the material that much more difficult to read.

Overall, If you’re looking for an impressive and impactful read and can stomach the heaviness of the storyline- look no further. Be prepared for the slower start but don’t worry, it’s worth it!

Stephen Graham Jones' "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" is a masterful blend of horror and historical fiction that brings the American West to life in a way that's both chilling and captivating. The characters are so well-crafted, they feel like real people, and the incorporation of Native American lore adds a rich, authentic layer to the narrative. At times, the book is downright terrifying, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Jones' ability to weave history with horror is unparalleled, creating a story that's as thought-provoking as it is spine-tingling. The novel delves into themes of identity, trauma, and survival, making every page pulse with kinetic urgency.

Since finishing "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter", I've read another of Jones' works, and it was just as fantastic—fast-paced, exciting, and absolutely edge-of-your-seat gripping. Stephen Graham Jones is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read and landing on my list of favorite books ever was the story thread that opens and closes the book. In my opinion, this could have been cut.

But overall, this is a must-read. If you're a fan of horror that doesn't shy away from depth and cultural richness, run—don't walk—to get this one.

Alright folks, I took the plunge into the wild, historical depths of Stephen Graham Jones' 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter', and let me tell you, it was a blood-soaked rollercoaster!

First off, historical fiction isn't usually my go-to, but how could I resist a vampire tale with a twist? Arthur, our pastor, and Good Stab, the Blackfeet vampire, took me on a slow, eerie journey through 1912 that had me highly interested, despite my usual resistance to time-travel in books. Yes, it was a bit of a slow burn for me, and I did have to nudge myself along the dusty historical roads a few times, but the payoff was worth it.

The gory bits? Absolutely loved them! Jones has this knack for making you squirm with delight and horror at the same time. Plus, the way he blends real Native American history with supernatural horror is nothing short of genius. Good Stab is a character that'll haunt you long after you've turned the last page.

So, if you're into a mix of rich historical detail and blood-curdling vampire lore, this is your next read. Just be ready for a bit of a slow start, but trust me, once the fangs come out, you won't want to put it down!

Can't wait to see what Jones conjures up next. This was my first read of his, but definitely not my last.

a five star read. This man is a genius and anything he writes is a work of art and I can't wait to read whatever comes next because this book was 5 fucking stars.

Stephen Graham Jones does it again. I love every single book I've read from this person and this one is no different. Thank you so much netgalley for this ARC.

I am not so sure where I stand with The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Overall, it was a solid 3.75 star read for me. I thought the characters were really intriguing and very distinct, I enjoyed Jones’ fresh take on vampires and I thought the dual POVs were done so well. Each character’s voice was so distinct, which is what made the dual perspectives so fun to jump back and forth between.

This book is LONG and SLOW and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I was surprised by my desire to stick it out and finish it because I usually DNF’d just on pacing alone. Im not sure I’m better off for sticking it out though, as much as I enjoyed the depth of Arthur and Good Stab’s stories there were a multitude of issues I had with the story outside of the pacing.

The first and biggest issue for me is Etsy’s character and the flimsy wrappings of her story that contained the deeper narrative. Honestly could have done without the entire Etsy storyline. It felt so jarring to jump back into her perspective after such a sweeping saga that it practically killed the vibe for me. Her character wasn’t funny (even though she was desperately trying to be) or clever. The book would easily be 4.5 stars if her part wasn’t in it. I struggled with understanding the necessity of her story. It felt like Jones couldn’t let go of this characters and needed to just drag out their existence a little bit more. I could have done without it.

The rest of my gripes are small and probably insignificant. Trying to understand what the hell a “dirty-face” was or what they meant when referring to items or other food sources was confusing and took me out of the story often. Jones would follow up with a definition or clarity later in the chapter, but it was so far past the new phrase or word that you’d then spend multiple pages wondering what the hell this thing meant. Again a small gripe, and I get that these are historically accurate words and names for things like cows and prairie dogs, it was just a bit tough to navigate.

All in all, I probably won’t read this again but I would recommend it for a horror lover who wants a fresh take on vampire and the Wild West. There are some significant potential content triggers in here so please read content warnings if you need.

5 Stars: A Chilling, Blood-Soaked Diary You’ll Never Forget

This story is an absolute nightmare in the best way possible. It all kicks off with a diary—because nothing good ever comes from finding old stuff hidden in walls. This one? Oh, it’s packed with secrets, horrors, and just enough mystery to make you forget to eat, sleep, or respond to texts.

The diary format is pure genius. It pulls you in so deeply, you feel like you’re the one scratching down each word by candlelight, hoping nothing in the dark is breathing too close. It’s eerie, it’s intimate, and it’s the perfect way to unravel a story that refuses to let you relax for even a second.

Set in the early 1900s with an atmosphere so heavy you’ll want to crack a window, this tale masterfully balances tension, historical weight, and some seriously haunting vibes. Every page feels like turning over a rock, knowing full well there’s something slimy—and probably dangerous—underneath.

But here’s the kicker: the horror doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore for the sake of it. It’s smart, deliberate, and absolutely unsettling in a way that’ll have you side-eyeing your own walls, just in case. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you, like a creepy shadow that doesn’t always match your movements.

This story? A masterpiece. The diary? A cursed treasure. You? Fully unprepared for what’s coming. Read it, but maybe leave your walls alone.

I have read a good chunk of Stephen Graham Jones’ books and they are always so interesting. This one included. Although the entire time reading this, I kept telling myself “this is so weird” but I kept reading. Overall it is a great book weaving Native American culture and history together along with horror for a fantastic read.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stephen Graham Jones tells a very good story and this one is no different. The pacing is a little slow and the writing style takes some getting used to but the story is great. Give this story a chance and you won’t regret it.

Stephen Graham Jones' newest novel comes out in March, and it may be his best (so far) -- a huge, shaggy epic that reimagines the vampire and the Marias massacre of a Piikani Blackfeet camp, each story "point[ing its] guns" at the other. It is shot through with dark humor, and thrilling and horrific, and deeply sad -- and hits as hard as anything Jones as done, which is saying something.

I have been teaching this class about monsters, and I could easily just reboot the whole thing with fiction by Jones. _Mongrels_ has been on a good half-dozen of my syllabi, and always hits, energizing conversations about how we use stories (and how they use us). I am now anxiously thinking about how to shape space for this novel.

2024 has been a heckuva year for fiction, and I'm thankful to NetGalley for an advance copy, giving me a sneak preview of the peaks to come in '25.

Big thanks to Saga Press for the review copy.

My goodness. Let me say this up front, this starts out slow and moves slow, but hang in there. This book is a masterpiece of storytelling. I love this style of writing so this was perfect for me. Even if you don’t like epistolary, stick with this book. You will not regret it.

This feels like a modern masterpiece of horror, though fans of the genre may be thrown off by the slower pacing typical of historical fiction. However, I think this book will be a hit and bring in the literary fiction crowd, too.;

5 stars

This may be the most impactful book I've read this year. Brillaint, heavy, and important.

After two slasher novels released in 2024, both of which were 5 star reads for me, SGJ turns to historical fiction through the lens of a vampire story like no other. Told in three timelines and in a confessional style, we hear from indigenous person and vampire Good Stab as he "confesses" to a Luteran pastor with secrets of his own. The story takes place in the American West from the late 1800's into 2013.

We learn about Good Stab and his people, how they lived, how they died, and how they were impacted by the attempted eradication of themselves and the American buffalo by white settlers. The story of how Good Stab became and lived as a vampire is the thread through which the rest of the story is told.

As a longtime fan of vampire stories, I don't come across a unique take on this lore very often, but SGJ came up with a truly horrifying picture of the blood-drinking immortals. I absolutely love his take on this aspect as it shows that living forever is not the romantic, flowery existence that other vampire stories convey. I will never think of immortality the same way again.

The characters in this story, both human and "other", were so compelling. I was drawn in and repelled in equal measure. Good Stab and Weasel Plume have my heart, along with Kills In Water.

Early on, I found the prose reminded me of Cormac McCarthy but SGJ's singular voice sang through and I was carried along on his horrific journey. I highly recommend this to fans of SGJ, Cormac McCarthy, and original vampire fiction.

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[exhales] Whew. This latest entry from Stephen Graham Jones is a searing indictment of America’s settler colonialism. And perhaps there’s no better way to explore America’s history of wanton violence than through a book that throws the genres of vampire horror, the western, and American Indian epistolary (similar to a work like “Black Elk Speaks”) into a blender.

The book is challenging to read with a plot that is somewhat slow to get into at first. To me, the Nachzerer’s Dark Gospel sections seem repetitious early on, but I suppose that is perhaps the point. The redundant violence that Good Stab commits against nameless and faceless napikwanis perhaps serves as social and historical commentary in how the standard American history textbook is typically filled with the stories of “settler heroes” of the West committing acts of violence against nameless and faceless indigenous peoples under the guise of “nation-building.” Jones, perhaps in a work reminiscent of blaxploitation, thus creates the story of a vampire seeking revenge, not just against American trappers who are mass murdering buffalo as “war” policy, but also a personal revenge for the personal and spiritual isolation that Good Stab’s vampirism has created. I also loved the “you are what you drink” twist that forms the center of this vampire lore.

For me, the book really hits a high note in a climactic confrontation about 2/3rds of the way through between Good Stab and Arthur Beaucarne regarding owing up to past transgressions. The dialogue of this scene is searing, cinematic, devastating, and utterly engrossing.

If there’s one part of the book that I felt could have been better integrated, it perhaps would have liked for Etsy Beaucarne’s own modern-day letters to be more developed, and sprinkled and integrated throughout rather than serving just as a framing device. It perhaps could have helped with some of the exposition challenges that I personally faced in trying to follow the plot, but also it was her modern day story that allowed for the narrative tension to build that is needed for an epistolary work.

But overall, if you enjoy the works of Stephen Graham Jones, you can add another hit to his lengthy list. The area where he truly shines as a writer is in providing each of his character’s with authentic voices. The epistolary genre is a tough genre to create propulsive momentum within a plot, and there are some struggles here. But the book creates compelling and unique characters, and it really comes together for a fantastic ending.