I feel like we are experiencing a resurgence in the literary horror genre. Every week seems to bring at least one new book that could easily tiptoe its way into the mainstream consciousness without compromising or sacrificing the core values established in the long, noble and, yes, gory tradition of what has gone before. This week’s must-read book in that genre is THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS; its unpredictability is the stuff of nightmares.

Stephen Graham Jones has written an entire shelf or two of books across a boatload of genres. Only recently has he made a foray into the horror and dark fantasy waters. That makes his latest effort all the more remarkable. Jones, a Blackfeet indigenous American, presents a powerful work that threads bits and pieces of American Indian culture into a tapestry that is dark, frightening and ultimately uplifting, even as he gently toys with his storytelling structure to constantly surprise the reader.

"...a powerful work that threads bits and pieces of American Indian culture into a tapestry that is dark, frightening and ultimately uplifting..."

THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS begins with a vignette that telegraphs almost from its opening paragraphs that it will not end well. Jones then starts to reveal the backstory to the tale. It involves four Blackfeet friends, full of alcohol and vinegar, whose elk-hunting foray into the wrong territory ends badly with a massacre and something more. It is only after a decade or so goes by that things begin to go gradually and horribly wrong. The first third of the book is particularly haunting, as bad choices lead to terrible results in spite of good intent generated by guilt but manifested far too late. Something is seeking its revenge upon these gentlemen. It is relentless, seemingly unstoppable, and very, very angry.

Jones could have gratuitously slipped nuggets of Native culture into his narrative, but instead --- in a manner that is far more effective --- uses elements of Indian life on and off the reservation to support and guide his story, so readers think they know what is coming. More often than not, they will be wrong, particularly about the ending, not to mention the beginning and middle. In some ways this is the ultimate revenge tale, and it is quite difficult to pick a favorite character. That would include the all-but-indefinable avenging spirit that takes a number of forms and is arguably justified in (most of) its actions.

Those who function on a steady paleo diet of dark fantasy are already familiar with Jones’ work. For those looking for a way to break in, begin with THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS, move on to the critically acclaimed MONGRELS, and proceed from there. That resurgence in the horror genre that I mentioned at the beginning of this piece is being fueled by Jones and others for good reason. As far as his other work is concerned, you have some catching up to do across a variety of genres --- and after reading this wonderfully frightening and compelling novel, you will be happy to do so.