76 pages 2 hours read

Stephen Graham Jones

The Only Good Indians

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones follows four Blackfoot friends whose past sin of killing a pregnant elk on protected land returns to haunt them in the form of its vengeful spirit, Elk Head Woman. As the spirit seeks retribution, the men struggle to survive while balancing their cultural traditions and modern life. The story is interwoven with themes of guilt, heritage, and the supernatural. The book includes graphic depictions of violence towards people and animals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen Graham Jones' The Only Good Indians masterfully blends horror with social commentary, praised for its unique voice and cultural depth. Critics laud its compelling narrative and emotional weight. However, some readers found the pacing uneven. Overall, the novel offers a profound and chilling experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Only Good Indians?

A reader who would enjoy The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones is likely a fan of horror with deep cultural insights. They appreciate chilling narratives akin to those in The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, but with a contemporary, Indigenous perspective that echoes the social commentary found in Beloved by Toni Morrison.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Fantasy

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Revenge

Natural World: Environment

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt