Omgggggg. Every time I read a new book by Stephen Graham Jones, that book becomes my favorite of his and it’s happened again where The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is my new favorite. This book blew me away. I loved everything about it and wish I could be reading it for the first time all over again. I don’t want to give anything away, but READ THIS BOOK. If I could give it a million stars, I would!

SGJ and vampires - say less. The story starts out slow as it's told primarily in an epistolary style, but the delivery and story make it 110% worth it. As always, I love the epilogues SGJ does with every novel and I wish more authors would do this - explain their thoughts and processes behind writing their stories. I listened to this one on audio in the couple days after release, and it's so well done. Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the advanced E-book.

A challenging book at times, but a phenomenal read from one of my favorite authors. As much as I love Jones other works, this is the one I am going to start recommending to folks. While the journal entries, different POVs, and language is difficult at times to maneuver, it paints a beautiful work of literature once it all comes together.

I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley,

”What I am is the Indian who can’t die.
I’m the worst dream America ever had.”

Holy shit, man. This is one of those books where you kind of just stare at the ceiling or the wall when you finish, or you want to go walking out into the night to try to wrap your head around it. It’s good, it’s intense, it’s gruesome, it’s bloody, it’s violent, it’s tragic, it’s heartbreaking, and above all, it’s HUMAN.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones is arresting, from title to cover, and if you’re not hooked by either, the plot will snare you in its claws. Good Stab is a Pikuni man cursed by a happenstance of fate into being a vampire, and over the years he decides to hurt those who hurt and slaughtered his people, who were innocent and butchered like they meant nothing at all. The book covers this in three layers: Etsy Beaucarne in the present (well, 2012) has a journal from her great-great-grandfather (or tresayle) pastor Arthur Beaucarne, and Arthur Beaucarne is detailing his own current time (1912) as well as Good Stab’s “confession” of past deeds in the decades prior to 1912. He is sceptical of what Good Stab claims to be and to have done, but slowly grows frantic as Good Stab circles closer to the reason that has drawn him to Miles City to speak with Arthur.

I love the mirror of Arthur Beaucarne unable to stop eating the treats given to him by his flock, not unlike how Good Stab can’t stop feasting on his prey until he’s drunk all their blood or until they’re dead and the blood is no longer good to him. Also it is so clever that Good Stab dubs Arthur to be Three-Persons in that it’s a reference to religion but also his life: his past, then his stint as a pastor, then the fallout after his fateful meeting with Good Stab.

The way that each narrator speaks is interesting, too. Etsy and Good Stab are fairly straight forward in relating the incidents that have happened to them, whereas Arthur is exceedingly wordy, winding long terms into unwieldy sentences like shields to hide behind, a way to put distance between himself and the past deeds he committed.

I don’t really want to give the plot away, but the book is just phenomenal. Really tackles the atrocities committed in the very recent past, and looks at the sins of the father and what one person can do to make up for or to alleviate the pain accumulating over decades. This is a haunting story, but in the best way possible.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“what i am is the indian who can’t die. i’m the worst dream america ever had.”

a terrifying insight into the native american genocide, european colonization, and the marias massacre. this was my first SGJ novel and what a novel to start with. he has such a powerful voice, namely in how he’s able to weave history in with horror so seamlessly. granted, colonization and genocide is horrifying in and of itself. even without the vampires, this story is haunting.

this book is bloody. not for the faint of heart. humans and animals alike face violence unimaginable. but is it so hard to imagine when this is all real? sure the cat man isn’t real but the history is. i think that’s what makes the book so powerful is knowing the violence is only slightly exaggerated. vampires may be fantasy but what happened to the piegan blackfeet people is all real. horror has always reflected history and politics and i think this will become one of the most important horror novels of the 21st century

Stephen Graham Jones is known for his sharp storytelling and his ability to blend horror with cultural commentary, and Buffalo Hunter Hunter is no exception. In this novel, Jones introduces a fresh, new take on vampires, turning the genre on its head with a unique narrative structure and an exploration of identity, family, and survival. Written in an epistolary format—through the use of diary entries—the book offers an intimate, and at times unsettling, journey into the world of vampirism that’s anything but ordinary. This novel is a slow burn compared to Jones’ previous novels, but once we’re introduced to Good Stab, the story flows in a way that we can’t help but wish to know more of.

The epistolary format is one of the book’s most engaging features. Jones uses this structure to create a sense of immediacy and emotional depth, drawing readers into the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings. The story is told through the journal entries of the main character, whose struggle with their own identity and their relationship with the world around them unfolds gradually, revealing layers of complexity with every new entry. It’s a brilliant technique that allows the reader to feel as if they’re uncovering secrets alongside the protagonist, rather than being told a story from a distance.

But what truly sets Buffalo Hunter Hunter apart is its fresh take on vampires. Gone are the brooding, glamorous immortals we’re used to in modern vampire tales. Instead, Jones introduces vampires who are connected to a larger cultural narrative, one that’s rooted in historical trauma, displacement, and the resilience of indigenous communities. The vampires in this novel aren’t just bloodsuckers; they’re symbolic of the larger struggles that people face, and Jones deftly uses the supernatural to explore themes of survival and transformation.

At the heart of the novel is the tension between the Lutheran priest’s curiousity and the vampire Good Stab. Good Stab’s inner conflict is explored with great sensitivity, allowing the reader to feel the weight of their transformation not just physically, but emotionally. It’s a story about grappling with identity and legacy, and the challenges of reconciling personal history with the person you’re becoming.

Jones also delivers plenty of action, suspense, and moments of dark humor throughout the novel, ensuring that it’s not just a thought-provoking piece, but an entertaining one as well. The narrative, while contemplative, doesn’t shy away from the sharp edges of horror, offering thrills alongside its deep philosophical questions.

In conclusion, Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a compelling, innovative take on the vampire genre, presented in a format that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. Stephen Graham Jones masterfully blends supernatural horror with cultural commentary, and the epistolary format adds an extra layer of intimacy to this unique, thrilling story. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on vampires with a deep, emotional core, this novel is a must-read.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Saga Press for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

DNF around 20%
Was disappointed to find the writing more dry than his other works. It felt like reading a textbook. I will give this another shot in the future and will refrain from posting reviews until I give the full story a shot.

I just couldn't get into this book. I went 30% into the book until I stopped. It just got excessive. It was my first time experiencing his writing style and theme. This book was just not for me.

I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I was exceedingly entertained by this satisfyingly horrific and especially rage filled historical fiction! This was my second Stephen Graham Jones book and I have to say he gives his characters such a special voice and unique vibe each time.
In this story, we meet Arthur Beaucarne, a preacher of dubious integrity in Miles City, Montana. Arthur is most shocked to encounter a Blackfeet native in his church one Sunday and even more surprised when he learns that his new “friend", Good Stab, is there to make a "confession."
It is here that Good Stab slowly reveals his transformation from mere mortal to the "Fullblood" immortal who seeks revenge on the buffalo hunters who have been steadily wiping out the blackhorn population.
A century later, Arthur's description of Good Stab's tale is uncovered by Etsy Beaucarne, forty-something academic attempting to secure her place in life and, coincidentally, Arthur's great-great granddaughter. Will Etsy know what to do when this unimaginable scenario falls in her lap?!
I loved the slow burning progress of this story as it built up to the final horrifying moments bit by bit. This might just be one of my favorite books of the year!

I really liked this one! I think Stephen Graham Jones book's are either a hit or a miss. His writing style can be hard to follow at times but once you get into the flow of it you're fine.

Stephen Graham Jones is a writer whose books are often hard to review. First, he has a distinct writing style that isn't for everyone. I love his writing. For me, it's immersive and I feel he's personally taking me on a journey. That journey is dark and scary but also thoughtful and meaningful. And thus we come to this brilliant novel based on a historical event with the addition of unique vampire mythology. There are no sparkles or longing love stories here. It's brutal and soul searing and when you finish the book, you will most likely sit still and think about it for awhile. That's why I consider Stephen Graham Jones such a brilliant writer. Read this book!

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) is a moving historical fiction/vampire story that forces us to face our own generational trauma and responsibility. Nearly vibrating with outrage and featuring strikingly distinct prose, this may be the best work I've read out of SGJ, and I've read a lot.

“What I am is the Indian who can’t die. I'm the worst dream America ever had."

Everything about this novel was phenomenal. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a historical horror novel set in the American west. This is a violent revenge story with one of the best, most unique interpretations of vampire mythology and lore I have ever seen or known to be done.

We follow a vampire known as Good Stab, who shares his story through a series of confessional visits with a Lutheran priest in 1912. That priest kept a journal throughout all of this which was then discovered a century later by his great great grand daughter. The bulk of this story is written in an epistolary format and I love the way this book is structured with our 3 POV characters. I also love the tone with which these three characters speak. Each characters voice is so distinct and unique.

I also really loved the use of diction for Good Stabs character. It felt like I was sitting around a camp fire being told the spookiest ghost story I have ever heard in my entire life. But this is not just a vampire story. This book is richly layered in its historical aspects highlighting some of the worst violences in American history. It tackles colonization and erasure and the rage the indigenous people feel for the taking of their land and what’s been done to them.

Jones shows us in brutal detail how blood thirsty and terrifying vampires really are. He reminds us that they are monsters. And the gruesomeness of this book is something that a lot of people will struggle with, but it serves a purpose in presenting the main message of this story. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is an absolutely brilliant and powerful novel that I think everyone should read.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC! Truthfully, this was a difficult read for me. The pacing felt slow, and the lingo/verbiage throughout the text was too challenging for me. This is likely a personal preference of mine. However I did appreciate the overall storyline. I appreciate the opportunity to read this work, as it was my first read from this author.
I think historical fiction fans will very much appreciate this book, however for me it was a chore to finish.

I finished this one a couple days ago and have been struggling a bit on writing this review. This book is really good. Really really good. It is also a difficult read, both in content and style and will not be for everyone. The journal of a Lutheran minister written in 1912 makes its way to his great great granddaughter, a struggling professor, a hundred years later. In it, the minister describes the strange confessions of a man from the Blackfeet nation named Good Stab who claims, in not so many words, to be a vampire. SGJ’s take on the vampire was so different than any I have read before exploring colonialism, vengeance, and identity and dispelling the usual vampire lore. It was a slow read in a good way, I wanted to really soak up the prose and not miss a thing. The pastor and Good Stab’s voices were distinct and well written, and the narration structure was a clever way to set the setting and tone of the time period. Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is a tough book to review; it was a tough book to read.

The title is very straightforward and on the surface that's what it is about. But it's so much more than that. It's what makes somebody good or evil? It's what are we as humans capable of? It's assimilation. It's genocide. It's American history.

The event that this book revolves around is real. SGJ took a real moment from American History when a real tribe was taken out by napikwan - white people. It's a hard read, yes because the subject matter is horrifying, but also because he does not hold your hand or make it easy to digest at any point. Everything that happened is stated at the story keeps moving. It's not sugar coated and you have to sit with it.

Personally, this book took me a good bit longer to read than a novel normally does. I'd have to stop and sit with the information, I had to take breaks before I could continue on. But not only that, the language used takes a minute to get used to. Good Stab, one of the main characters, speaks in his native language often. It is not explained for you, but once you get into the routine you can sort out what he means. Even if you don't know *exactly* what something may be, you can figure out the gist enough for it to make sense. Good Stab, in his own words, sums up the novel. "What I am is the Indian who can't die. I'm the worst dream America ever had." While Good Stab may be the vampire, may be the character the novel is named after, frankly he's not the horror of the novel.

Only reason I'm not giving this a 5 star rating is because it felt like it took a bit for it to get going for me. It was slow moving in the beginning. But man, once it gets going it does not stop.

This isn't a pleasant read. It isn't an easy read. But it's absolutely a worth while read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my review

Stephen Graham Jones is at the top of his game with *The Buffalo Hunter Hunter*. This novel blends horror and historical fiction in a powerful, emotionally draining way that pulls you deep into the dark history of the American West. The story, told through interviews with Good Stab, a Blackfeet vampire seeking revenge, intertwines the real horrors of the Marias Massacre and the near-extinction of buffalo with supernatural elements that feel uniquely Jones. His approach to vampire lore is fresh and unsettling, adding layers to the already devastating tale of loss, violence, and survival. It’s a difficult, yet captivating read that demands attention, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, it shines a much-needed light on a dark chapter in history. Jones delivers a masterwork filled with horror, heart, and an unflinching look at the consequences of colonization and oppression.

This is Stephen Graham Jones' bleakest, goriest book yet.

The bones of his spine had been broken so thoroughly that skin was the only thing holding his head on.


We primarily follow a priest's journal entries, who starts listening to the story of an indigenous man. The priest is frustrating and ignorant while still internal monologuing a holier than thou (haha) attitude.

We get introduced to the journal entries by a great great grand daughter who is not doing fine, and is trying to make a book out of these journal pages.

We also follow Good Stab, who gets turned into a vampire, and has to reconcile with how to survive.

I enjoyed the mutliple timelines, the frustrating narrators, and the character development. Stephen Graham Jones is absolutely one of my all time favorite horror authors and I will be recommending the Buffalo Hunter Hunter all the time!

Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a fresh take on the vampire novel and a bold piece of historical fiction. Transporting the reader back in time, this novel pulls no punches in displaying a bloody, ugly history— one difficult to reconcile, one ripe for revenge. In these elements, Buffalo Hunter Hunter shines bright, managing to overcome elements of tone, prose, and voice that do get in the way.

My biggest critique of the novel is the prose. Hard to understand at times, rambling in others, the language simply bogs down the book more often than it should.

Another small critique is the voice, specifically when reading the modern day perspective. I found the voice here to be awfully similar to the main protagonist of the Indian Lake Trilogy, which broke the book's immersion for me in these sections (or maybe I've just read too much SGJ).

Finally, there were several big moments, specifically conflicts with the book's antagonist, that felt like they belonged in a comic book, rather than this horror novel.

This one's difficult to rate. Its strengths are strong. Its weaknesses wear you down. But, all in all, this feels like a bolder, fresher direction, than some of his more recent books, and despite the hiccups along the way, I did enjoy the experience.

What do you get when you mix Stephen Graham Jones and vampires together?!

My most anticipated read of 2025!

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a historical fiction horror story told be the great SGJ. An old diary is found revealing the confessional of a vampire belonging to the Blackfeet nation. In 1912 a Lutheran Pastor transcribed the confession of the life and revenge of a Blackfeet by the name of Good Stab. Now it’s our turn to read his story.

Let’s be honest I haven’t met a SGJ book that I didn’t like. BHH is no different. I loved the way you can always count on SGJ to not only write a dark and twisted tale, but to also put his own unique take on something classic. Vampires are one of my favorite immortal beings to read about and I really enjoyed the details in which SGJ wrote Good Stabs stories. Although my stomach occasionally was turning while reading of Good Stabs feeding experiences I found myself unable to “look away”. I don’t usually like a slow burn story, but BHH was a thoughtfully written story that kept my attention from start to finish. I really enjoyed the different POVs and timelines throughout. For me this gives a story more depth. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is definitely a must read for fans of horror, vampires, gory details, revenge stories and historical fiction. The only thing I wish was added to the story would be a glossary of all the Blackfeet terms used. Some of the terms could be found when searched online, others you could guess as to what they were, but I think it would have been a cool addition to the book details! This highly anticipated book did not disappoint!

Thanks again Saga Press and SGJ for letting me be a part of the journey to read another story from one of today’s masters of horror!