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.

A vampire who kills for justice?? The description heavily reminded me of Hellsing and I LOVED that manga.

Wow. That was amazing. Main elements I got from this book
✅ Suspense
✅ Horror
✅ Plot twists
✅ Smooth execution

First, the suspense had me on my toes. I felt nervous at times because I had no idea what would happen next (when your watch tells you there’s a new trend in heart rate haha), which brings me to my next point: horror. Some scenes were definitely horrifying to read, grotesque even. I thought it was really interesting that the vampires would become what they drank from. It aided the plot and definitely provided Jones further opportunities to make the story more scary and unexpected.

I would say the story is well executed. I enjoyed the format and it felt like watching a movie. I was reminded of the movie, Don’t Breathe. Oh, and definitely look up the content warnings because there are PLENTY that might be triggering (i.e. cannibalism, animal abuse, skinning to name a few). The reveal made me realize the events mirror history, so I think this book is also meant to be a call for reflection. Overall, a provocative and horrifying book that I just couldn’t put down!

Thank you to Netgalley, Jones, and Saga for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

An outstanding author! Loved the writing style. The voices of Good Stab and the Pastor were very distinct. The story was unique and creative. The horror ripped my heart out. The depth of the history and the setting were woven so well into the terror of the vampire's tale. Highly recommend!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC.

This is unlike any I’ve ever read before. Absolutely fucking heartbreaking because all of this DID happen (well obviously not the you know what but duh) and it just makes it a harrowing experience. As a new to this author, I’m absolutely reading everything else I can.

Truly fantastic.

A historical fiction horror with vampires? Heck yes. A few words that describe this book... riveting, compelling utterly unforgettable. Jones is a master of his craft. Set in 1912 in rugged South Dakota. Good Stab makes a confession to Lutheran pastor, and the story steamrolls ahead. Thank you to Saga Press for the ARC.

5 stars

After each new Stephen Graham Jones novel I tell myself "that is his best yet," and each time he puts out a new book he outdoes himself. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is no different. A bloody, chilling tale that is a testament to the unparalleled ability of Jones to merge history, horror, and humanity.

A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits.

Stephen Graham Jones continues to tell outstanding horror stories, but molds them using different fantastic techniques such as the tremendous 2024 novel I Was a Teenage Slasher. With The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Jones uses an epistolary format that breathes authenticity into his storytelling allowing for a more intimate reading experience. This narrative choice not only enriches the storytelling but also sets itself apart from other horror novels alongside it on the shelves. Proving once more that Jones is a master of the horror genre.

While I have been telling myself for years that I am not a fan of vampire stories, but my favorite others are proving me wrong. Stephen's ability to craft his on twisty and unique vampire tale allowed me to find a love for a vampiric tale where I have been most avoiding them in the past. He intertwines these vampiric elements with Native American history in what can only be described as one of his most imaginative works yet. However, Jones' ability to blend Native American culture–the struggles with identity and atrocities faced in real life history–with fictional horror should not surprise fans of Jones.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a bloody, yet elegantly beautiful vampire horror which unfolds like pieces of a puzzle falling perfectly into place. The novel is more than just another read, but an immersive experience that few could accomplish writing. Jones had crafted a visceral yet profoundly moving piece of fictional horror that left a lasting impression that will stay with me long after putting the book down.

With each new release from Stephen Graham Jones comes a renewed excitement for fresh new horrors, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter was just said book. Jones has hooked this fan and while I may say "good luck topping this one," I have to believe he likely will continue to blow me out of the water with each new book.

"The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" is a sprawling, epic, slow-moving story within a story. It tells the tale of a Blackfeet named Good Stab and his transformation into a horrific vampire, and the unending onslaught of cyclical violence. Who is allowed forgiveness? Who is allowed revenge? These big questions are pondered on the page. Those who have read Jones's Jade Daniels stories might expect something pithy and fast-paced, but "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" takes its time. I recommend this one to fans of Dan Simmons's "The Terror", as it has a similar "horror within historical fiction" vibe and attention to period detail.

I had a hard time getting into this book mostly due to how it was written. It is a slow-burn and took a while to get going. It's told from the POVs and each has its on voice. This made the book feel disjointed quite a bit. There's one POV of someone speaking a modern language, one in an older English which reminded me if reading a classic, and the third with a native American accent. This made it so hard for me to shut my brain off and just enjoy the story because I had to study three different dialects. Once I got the hang of this, I was already frustrated and I had a hard time connecting to the story.

It does get better. It's quite interesting and very gory. The plot is well thought out. It's interesting to learn that some of the events in this story is based on real life occurrence. I do still recommend this but be prepared to put in some work. This isn't something where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Thank you Netgalley and Saga Press for an early release of this book.

I'm starting to think I am the only one in the world not the biggest fan of Jones.
The story is fine, and has a few interesting parts. But I've read several of his stories and again nothing really catches me and keeps me involved.
Could be the style.
This is like all the other Jones books.

Holy fuck.

Thank you, Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. Just. Goddamn is all I have to say. This is my first Stephen Graham Jones, for all that I've heard of him for years, and knew him to be excellent.
You know the phrase "you are what you eat"? VERY MUCH SO IN THIS CASE. Incredible. Heartbreaking. The haunting of colonialism, and the horrors of it.

If this was any other author, I might not have picked up a vampire historical fiction book told in epistolary form. With Stephen Graham Jones you have to trust the process. Want people to learn about an often misunderstood and glossed over portion of history? Introduce a vampire and write the history around it.

As with other books I've read from this author, the book is about so much more than the monster. Be prepared for an emotionally riviting ride from 1830s to 2012. I recommend a dictionary as the vocabulary in this novel is super fun to uncover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for a digital ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.

I'm not sure how to begin this review to be completely honest. This was the type of book that has the purpose of making you entirely too uncomfortable to read in one sitting. It's not a long story; it's a heavy one. I can't say I enjoyed the story. I'm not sure you're really meant to enjoy it. It did evoke a multitude of emotions from me and by the end of it, I felt wrung out and used up.

This is a vampire tale set in 1912. While it has horror and paranormal elements to it, I really don't think that this is a horror meant to frighten. At its core, it's a revenge tale. At no point should you sympathize or empathize with any of the characters within it. They are all flawed and honestly, not great people. That's kind of the point. And the scariest part of this book is the reality that it's set in. These are real events (barring the vampire revenge) and these atrocities were committed in real life. I wanted to cheer for Good Stab while still remembering that he wasn't all that great either. I know what side I chose in the end.

My only issue with this book, and it's minor and easily solved, is that it's written like someone transcribe an oral history story. That's exactly what it was. But it made me not want to read it but to listen to it. I, personally, think this book would be a fantastic audiobook if done right. Because it reads like a story being told to you, I want to listen to as such.

Trigger warnings were not included within the ARC and I feel like I should just put out into the world that this book does contain (obviously) death but specifically animal death (as well as humans.) It is graphic, and vivid, and I was immersed into the plot fully. So be aware and protect your mental health.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with an ARC of this book to review.

i’d been nervous to pick this up because jones’s previous recent works just haven’t been as hard-hitting for me as some of this older fiction. however, i feel he’s truly outdone himself with this one.

i love historical fiction about this era. buffalo hunting was and remains one of the worst examples of the evils of colonialism. i’ve seen a few reviews lambasting that this isn’t a pleasant read— it was not a pleasant time. why should indigenous authors spare settlers audiences of the brutal realities of history just bc they are writing fiction? also complaining about animal death. again: this is what colonialism does. it destroys EVERYTHING, including fauna. why should that be lessened bc you feel uncomfortable reading about it? imagine how it must have felt EXPERIENCING it, having that forever as part of your history.

anyway, this was very good. if you’re looking for a horror novel with a lot of bite to it, a historical flair, and vampires, this is one to watch.

I usually am not a horror type of person, much less a consumer of any vampire-centric media specifically. But the brief summary and my prior familiarity with the author drew me in, and I am so glad I gave this book a try. What made this book such a page-turner for me isn't that it's a vampire story with an indigenous twist. Rather, it's because this is ultimately an indigenous story above all else, and one that masterfully blends together historical fiction and horror into a marvelously unique and addicting reading experience - and it's a combination that I frankly hope that Stephen Graham Jones finds a way to return to in the near future.

I don't even really know where to begin. This is an outstanding horror novel, but it's not a pleasant read. It's enthralling, but it's not exactly enjoyable. The historical bits are interesting, but they're also awful. I read the last 40% in one sitting because I was so invested in the story, but I was disgusted by pretty much all of it. So did I love it or did I hate it? Well, a little bit of both, I think.

First off, the trigger warnings: Well, there's death and death and more death. Human death. Animal death. Like, so much death. And it's all traumatic and gory and terrible. Most of the animal deaths are wild animals and not pets, if that makes a difference to anyone.

The text is a little confusing at times. There are Pikuni words and their anglicized counterparts used constantly, and they're often not explained immediately (or at all, in some cases). Heck, I still don't know the identity of half of the animals that Good Stab kept mentioning. I also highly recommend reading the Wikipedia articles on the Piegan Blackfeet and the Marias Massacre before starting this novel – I read them after the fact, and wish I would have sought them out earlier. The summaries really helped with some terminology and also with understanding the details of and the “whys” behind the horrible events of this book.

And that's part of what makes this novel so difficult to read, I think: these events actually happened. I mean, not the vampire bits, of course, but the rest of it. The Pikuni are real people and the Marias Massacre really did happen. The buffalo were hunted almost to extinction and the Pikuni did starve because of it. Native Americans were forced onto reservations by the United States government. When you look at it from a historical point of view, Good Stab's actions start to make a lot more sense. Stephen Graham Jones really did an amazing job of weaving actual history into his fictional tale.

The supernatural aspects of this story are pretty well laid out in the blurb: a Pikuni vampire seeks revenge for the decimation of the buffalo and his people. Jones's writing is atmospheric and creepy, and I appreciated his fresh take on vampire lore. Good Stab is a morally gray character, but it's not hard to feel sympathy for him and his plight.

Overall, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter isn't a fun read or even necessarily an enjoyable one, and the subject matter is dark and difficult to stomach at times. However, it's also enthralling and well-written, and it sheds some much-needed light on a truly awful chapter in American history. If you enjoy horror and historical fiction and can handle the violence and death that permeates this novel, definitely consider giving it a read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is March 18, 2025.

This was an absolutely magnificent read. It was unsettling, enthralling, and atmospheric. The plot was excellent and complex with multiple timelines that came together beautifully at the end. The writing was immaculate. His character development and character arcs were superb. This was very different from his normal slashers, but I loved it. It was the perfect blend of historical fiction and horror set in the American Wild West that showcases the atrocities committed against the Native Americans.

I sat with this one for a while before I wrote this review. Not because I wasn’t sure if I liked the book. There’s no question that you should read this book, especially if you like horror, and undoubtedly if you like vampire stories.

I wasn’t sure I’d like this book. I don’t habitually read horror, or vampire stories. Not because they frighten me but because I generally find them to be derivative, predictable, and gratuitous. This book is the furthest thing from derivative. Or predictable. Or gratuitous. I’m far from expert on the genre, but I’ve never heard of any vampire myth remotely like this one. It is at times violent and bloody and gory, but not unnecessarily so. It is, at least as far as I am aware, an entirely original take on vampire fiction.

In The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Stephen Graham Jones skillfully weaves together historical events from the conquest of the American West and the subjugation of the Blackfeet people with a new take on vampiric lore. The blending of fact and fiction and Blackfoot mythology makes for an unlikely anti-hero that the reader will find repulsive, pitiable, resolute, and at times even strangely admirable.

I have read this author before, so I requested the ARC from NetGalley on a whim. I was intrigued by the premise behind this book, particularly knowing that the author is Siksikaitsitapi. I didn’t know that his main character was Amskapi Piikáni, but I presumed that the Blackfeet people would be featured prominently in it. I was not prepared for what that would mean. I was not prepared to have a horror novel leave me sad and angry and gutted over my people’s history and applauding a fictional vampire. I was not prepared for it to be too good.

But it was worth it.