The Only Good Indians either is, or should be on any horror lover’s list of the most anticipated books of the year. I’ve seen a lot of early praise for this one and was lucky enough to get a copy through Net Galley. The story focuses on four Native American men coming to terms with something that happened on a hunting trip years ago, and the inevitable repercussions that come calling.

First off, the book is exciting, and I don’t just mean I can’t believe Saga allowed me, of all people, to get an early copy. The pacing sets it apart and I can’t think of another story, horror or otherwise, to compare the prose to. It contains hints of stream-of-consciousness to it, but also a level of care that allows it to appear well thought out and carefully planned.

I appreciate the way the story is written and bow down to the immense talent that is Stephen Graham Jones. Mongrels holds a special place in my heart as a top-tier werewolf and coming-of-age novel. Mapping the Interior was one of the best novellas I read last year. Unfortunately, The Only Good Indians didn’t work for me. I found the characters and the timelines hard to keep track of at times, and although I enjoyed the way the story panned out, those elements definitely impacted my overall appreciation. Given the early feedback and my other experiences with this author, I firmly believe that this book didn’t hit me at the right time to resonate, or maybe it just wasn’t for me.

I would encourage potential readers to read reviews widely and give this book a go if the synopsis strikes their fancy. As I’ve mentioned, this is a very well-written story, and this may be a title I revisit at a later date. There are two consecutive chapters that deal with a high-stakes basketball game that at first glance don’t fit into the genre, but absolutely captivated me.

If you decide this book sounds up your alley, I sincerely wish you the immersive experience I hoped to have going in.