Really lovely, lush stuff. A unique, arresting haunting story. Jones never disappoints. I would happily read more from/of this character.

Jones returns with another creepy tale about some of the spooky stuff going down on the reservation. A young boy witnesses someone walk through a doorway in his home, and he has the strange feeling that it’s his father that seeing. The only problem with that is that his father is dead. The boy begins a nightmare journey through his home, which suddenly seems much larger and contains rooms he never knew were there. This book is a nightmare come to life, read it with the lights on!

Twelve-year-old Junior just saw his dead father walk from the living room to the utility room. He doesn’t know what to make of that. What he does know is he needs to figure out how to help him return to the living world…because he’s his dad, right?

An absolutely spine-tingling novella from the inimitable Stephen Graham Jones, Mapping the Interior will leave you creeped out, confused, and just a little angry – exactly how I like my horror novels!

I read this ~110 page novella in one sitting and of course it was after midnight when I finished and OF COURSE I was alone…in the dark…with Stephen’s thoughts. You really don’t want to do that. Be alone with Stephen’s thoughts.

This novella is also a poignant glimpse into the everyday lives of our Indigenous neighbors; their hardships, their struggles, but also their joy. Stephen has taught me more about Indigenous culture than anything I could learn from a textbook (obviously) or the History channel.

Stephen blends an intimate portrait of a family having survived trauma, with supernatural terror and creeping dread. I highly recommend you pre-order it! Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the early review copy.

"When you come back from the dead, you’re a spirit, you’re nothing, just some leftover intention, some unassociated memory."

12 year old Junior starts to try and sleepwalk on purpose after seeing his dead father. He starts to assume that his father has come back to help the family, especially his little brother Dino who has seizures. Once Junior realizes that might not be the case he does everything to protect his family and figures out maybe his father is better off dead.

I feel like this is a book that I will think about often and at random times. It's so captivating and intense. The subject is very diverse focusing on Natives and their culture how stories impact the way people deal with loosing loved ones. It has spiritual/paranormal undertones without being full blown horror. A very powerful piece of work and I can't wait to read more from SGJ.

Stephen Graham Jones just keeps hitting it out of the park like it's his hobby. Devastating exploration of grief and trauma and how it all coalesces into horror. Phenomenal read!!

📐🏠📏Mapping The Interior📏🏠📐

This was heartbreaking horror...

"I was twelve the first time I saw my dead father cross from the kitchen doorway to the hall that led back to the utility room."

*CHILLS*

This is a short yet powerful novella by SGJ that I devour in one sitting. It delivered so much feeling, both emotionally damaging as well as the horrific kind all in under 120 pages.

We follow a single Mom of two, her sons Junior, 12 years old (this was especially gut-wrenching since that's my own child nickname) and Dino, about 8 years old, whom has been suffering from seizures as well as some developmental delays. They have moved out of the rez, and it seems that the neighborhood they're on is not as nice or safe as it seems to be, between a nightmare of a neighbor and being haunted/hunted by their Dead Father, Junior tries his best at being a good brother and son.

This book was so tense, creepy, and heartbreaking. The way they longed yet fear the Father apparition, the way that it was carefully portrayed to showcase the feelings of Junior, and it was done all in a novella. I can see SGJ is a household name and won so many awards. He has won me over again. Loved Night of the Mannequins novella, and now I look forward to reading all of his available work.

I would love to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this e-book ARC.

I love SGJ! He brings such a unique perspective to horror. This story is short, but it has depth. It has good creepy vibes. It flips the typical creepy kid story and brings a wonderful cultural element.

As always, Stephen Graham Jones is brilliant with words. Even a short story like this one is written so well, I wouldn’t have minded it being a full story. The perspective is from a 12 year old boy, which makes the writing even more interesting and imaginative. You aren’t sure whether what’s going on is real, paranormal, or the imagination of a child, and maybe that’s part of the reason why it’s so scary too. Loved this!

I have JUST started dabbling in SJG’s work and this was a perfect novella to binge in one sitting. I read this on a plane and landed filled with a sense of unreality.

Calling this book a fever dream doesn’t do it justice, as it has raw and real edges to it. I loved the character development and backstory in this one and can definitely see why people love this author so much.

While Mapping The Interior was originally published in 2017, I’m glad that this refresh put it on my radar. I’m looking forward to checking out The Only Good Indians next!

Check this one out if you love haunted houses, horror, and complicated family dynamics!

**Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the eARC of this haunting title!**

A great read. This was my introduction to Stephen Graham Jones and ignited a love affair with his work. The imagery and the emotion created a gripping read. A definite addition to the home library.

Thank you for the opportunity.

I have read this previously, but loved it at the time, and am so excited for the new cover and for it to hopefully reach new audiences! I am a sucker for a father/child story, and this one is creepy on top of that. SGJ really can't be beat.

Stephen Graham Jones has such a unique writing style that I wasn’t surprised that I loved this book. It was so atmospheric and haunting.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: April 29, 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

I love a good hauntingly eerie and emotion read by SGJ. This book gave me paranormal/supernatural vibes and I loved all of it, a horror novella if you will. We follow our main character who is a very young boy, not a child but also not a teenager just yet and sees his father for the first time since….he died. We follow him as he tries to learn why he’s there and what for, he begins to question the truth about why and how his father died. There are so many surprises, turns and twists in this book, we weave through this book like a maze to the very end. This book gave me all the feelings. Nothing is ever as it seems. This needs to be on everybody’s TBR. 5/5 easy stars for me here. I will devour everything Stephen Graham Jones writes.

Huge thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire

_Mapping the Interior_ by Stephen Graham Jones is a character-driven, fast-paced, and immersive horror novella. When twelve-year-old Junior sees his dad, who drowned years ago, late at night in their home, he thinks he has come back to be the father Junior and his brother need. But the more Junior sees him, the more he learns about his dead father and his motives. This enthralling novella will appeal to fans of supernatural horror.

Another amazing Stephen Graham Jones book. This one is a roller coaster of emotion, with an ending that hits unbelievably hard.

When he's not stunning me into silent shock with his visceral and graphic imagery, he's making me cry at the true sincerity of his characters and their stories. Stephen Graham Jones, you've got me again.

A boy awakes in the night to find his dad going through a doorway but, there’s a problem… his father is dead and has been. This book was a gut punch. It was fear, sadness, and heart stopping. And when you mix in the Native American horror, it just gets creepy. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a horror book that has it all.

I had enjoyed the Only Good Indian a lot and was excited to read this new novel, it had that charm and use of the genre to tell the story. It had that concept that I was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed that it was so well written. Stephen Graham Jones always does a strong job in writing these types of books and am excited for more.

Although this book is super short it really tugs at your heartstrings.. A haunting tale of grief and filling shoes of someone you didn't expect to or know how to.

A lot of the symbolism I definitely fully didn't understand but I am amazed at the amount of symbolism the book could have while still staying true to living inside a 12 year old narrator. A beautiful, haunting little book.

Intentionally ambiguous and deeply disquiet this was everything I expected from a SGJ novel, the young narrators voice was authentic and the character felt fully developed, delves into native American culture with sensitivity and demystifies myths surrounding it

Thanks so much to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of Mapping the Interior in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A beautiful and sad story that everyone needs to read. It brings up so many emotions in the best way. I was haunted and moved and I loved it.

“Standing there, I promised myself that if I ever had kids, I was going to be different. It’s a promise every Indian kid makes at some point. You mean it when you say it, though. You mean it so hard.“ Man, that ending really got me. This is less of a haunted house story and more of a generational ghost story. It’s sad, surreal, and creepy, and it wasn’t lost on me that this little novella feels a lot longer than it really is.

4.5 Stars

"Mapping the Interior" by Stephen Graham Jones is a compelling fusion of a ghost story and a poignant exploration of heritage and identity. Through the eyes of a young boy confronting the spectral image of his father, the novella delves into the depths of grief, the struggle of self-discovery, and the inevitability of inheriting familial legacies. Jones's storytelling is both evocative and unsettling, weaving the supernatural with the stark realities of indigenous life. The narrative is a labyrinth where each turn reflects the complexities of the past and the intricacies of coming of age. A thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind, urging one to consider the vast interiors of their own life and lineage.

Mapping the Interior is a short book I read in one sitting. It centers around a Native teen, Junior, who lives with his mother and epileptic brother. Junior is a known sleepwalker and one night, claims to have seen his dead father standing in the doorway and becomes convinced he has come back. As the days progress, he seems to be shown a house that is much larger than he originally thought.
There are a lot of elements going on, and it's rare that I think I would have liked to see more writing and story from an author, but Mapping the Interior was lovely as it was, but could have easily been 100 pages more and I would have happily read them. The writing style was beautiful and the focus seemed to be on the progression of the stories, with small hints as to who our characters are, rather than a in depth portrayal. The characters are distinct, but their primary goal is to make up this family unit who's patriarch has died. The book did not read classic horror to me, there were spooky atmospheres, but it was very much a ghost story with family at the center.
I'd not read anything by Stephen Graham Jones before, but this book surely piqued my interest. I especially like the way he writes modern Native stories in a way that is casual, captivating, as well as all consuming. There may have been cultural elements I missed, but this was a fantastic read the more I think about it.

MAPPING THE INTERIOR is raw and haunting in its exploration of familial trauma and the scars it leaves behind, as well as vicious cycles and the desire to escape them through the narrative of a haunted house where the ghost takes the form of all the lingering memories that refuse to leave.

Mapping The Interior is different from any other SGJ book I have read. This novella reads like a classic novel - it’s so beautiful and sad, shining a spotlight on grief, trauma, and Native American life experiences in such a unique way, I read this in one sitting. Don’t dismiss this as just another ghost story…it is so much more than that.

Thank you for the opportunity to read!

I read this when it was originally released and it was such a treat to reread. I’m a SGJ fan for life and this is one of my favorite novellas he’s written. If you’re new to this author, I recommend starting here because it’s a great, digestible introduction to his writing style. Is it weird to say that SGJ writes adolescent protagonists very well? Because he is far removed from his childhood years and really freaking kills it on this front, unlike a few popular horror writers (I’m looking at you, King).

Mapping the Interior is an incredibly powerful, emotional read that will have you feeling like you got punched in the stomach by the end. Simply a beautiful story that’s rich in atmosphere and explores themes of grief, loss, identity, and heritage. You cannot go wrong picking up this gem.

It's Stephen Graham Jones. I have yet to read a book from him that I didn't like and this creepily fantastic novella is no exception.

It starts out like a standard enough ghost story. A sleepwalking boy sees his father walking down a hallway one night. But his father's been dead for years. At first, he believes his father has come back to "heal" his younger brother who suffers from a learning disability and is the target of bullies at school.

But, wow, it turns into something much more terrifying and, by the end, you'll want to sleep with covers over your head!

Much like an arguably more famous horror author named Stephen, this one has consistently written characters that resonate with the reader. He writes them so well that you're completely engaged with the narrative and wishing desperately that they can overcome the terrors unleashed upon them.

I loved it and highly recommend it.

stephen graham jones is an all time favorite author and this is no exception. this was beautiful, devastating, emotional, dark, and so so moving. short but packs an insane punch. i really, really loved this one.

RTC on instagram!

12-year-old Junior and his mother have left the reservation following the death of his father. But when Junior begins seeing his father’s ghost late at night, he becomes determined to bring him back to life and into their home.

Join Junior as he navigates the haunting corridors of grief and memory, exploring his heritage and its deep connection to the afterlife. Through his journey, he discovers the power of tradition, the weight of loss, and the fragile boundary between the living and the dead.

Stephen Graham Jones crafts a chilling emotional tale that lingers long after the final page. Mapping the Interior is a masterful short story that is both haunting and heartfelt—a perfect read for fans of The Only Good Indians or anyone looking for a thought-provoking ghost story.

Sure to win awards, this is a must-read for 2025!
#Tor #TorPublishing #MappingTheInterior #StephenGrahamJones #TheOnlyGoodIndians

This is a favorite novella of mine and a top read of 2023. I am thrilled to see its new lease on life at Tor.

A wonderful, heartbreaking horror novella that combines my two favorite subgenres: Coming-of-age horror and grief horror.

Junior lost his father when he was 4 years old. Now, at 12, Junior is trying his best to care for his little brother Dino and help out his mom. But one night, he glimpses the shadow of his father in full dance regalia.

Junior’s efforts in conjuring his dad and discovering his motivations for returning are terrifying and violent.

Breathless and disturbing, Junior’s despair and bravery grabbed hold and did not let go.

I loved it as much as I loved The Only Good Indians, which was a top read for me, and a favorite of SGJ’s work.

And that ending just slaughtered me. Shocking, desperate, pitch perfect.

This is the kind of story I love. The first person POV, just telling the story, filling in the details so perfectly you can hear the dogs beyond the fence next door. You can see the bullies, sense the bond between brothers, and the wistful memories of a lost childhood... you can feel a boy's wish that his father's dreams could have come true, but also the realization of who and what that father was.

This is a story about family, and ghosts. It's a story about love and loss, hope and action figures. It's a story with heart. I can't recommend this story enough.

Engaging, entertaining, and nicely dark. A recommended purchases for collections where horror is popular.

I'm a Stephen Graham Jones fan, but had never read this earlier work. Mapping the Interior is a novella about a 12-year-old boy coming to terms with the loss of his father. I wasn't sure how a horror novel could touch on grief in such a moving way, but as I read, I was often reminded of Pet Sematary by Stephen King.

For such a short novel, the characters and emotions are all deeply felt. This is compelling, memorable piece that will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for a digital ARC of this novella. All opinions are my own.

5 stars

I’m not sure that Jones can write a bad story. This feels slightly softer, but still packs a punch. Another incredible story, with a perfect mix of grief and horror.

Thank you for granting me access to this ARC, NetGalley!

This is a complex story that would be excellent for literature students to deconstruct. I can feel the grief and strife of a young boy heading into his teenage years and trying to find his adulthood. The protection he feels for his little brother is palpable, as is the ache he feels for his father. Junior’s search for control over his sleepwalking, his brother’s seizures, and his life as a boy growing up without his father is poignantly expressed here. SGJ masterfully dances on the line between the hard, cold world of reality and whatever’s on the other side.

This is an exceptional title for those who think SGJ is just slasher horror and haven’t yet come to understand the depth of his characters and scenarios. Fantastic read; I’m thrilled it’s being reprinted so more people can access his beautiful writing.

This novella was perfectly weird. And the stream of consciousness made it extra moody. Perhaps how disjointed it is will be too much for some people. But if you love “weird lit” this is for you.

The vibes:
dirt dust dogs dingy days
grime
memory & emotion
the sheriff’s deputy
rusty truck
old tether ball pole
are you seeing what I’m seeing
magical realism
losing his father young

It’s not a horror in the sense of being scared. It’s a moody unsettling novel from the point of view of a 15 year old. And that’s what made it so good.

I’m really getting hooked on novellas this past year. I can’t believe I avoided them for long.

wow! what a powerful gut punch! I was not expecting this little novella to hit me so deep. SGJ is climbing the ranks to be one of my very favourite authors!

thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review

Stephen Graham Jones delivers another chilling, thought-provoking tale with Mapping the Interior, a novella that seamlessly blends supernatural horror with deep emotional resonance. Told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Junior, the story follows his desperate attempts to reconnect with his father—who, despite having drowned eight years ago, has mysteriously returned. But bringing back the dead is never without consequences.

Jones masterfully crafts an atmosphere of creeping dread, balancing psychological terror with an intimate exploration of grief, family trauma, and Indigenous identity. The novella’s short length only intensifies its impact, making for a fast but unforgettable read that lingers long after you turn the last page.

Poignant, terrifying, and deeply unsettling, Mapping the Interior is a must-read for horror lovers—just don’t read it alone at night.

More hauntings from SGJ please. Pacing and prose are exceptional and this works perfect as a read in one sitting novella that will give you plenty to talk and think about.

Mapping The Interior, Stephen Graham Jones, pub: April 2025

This is a shorter story and I devoured it in one sitting! The main character is a young man that has just lost his father. He lives in a small home with his mother and younger brother, who has mental health and/or developmental challenges. The young man believes his recently deceased father, is haunting their home, and maybe doing far worse.

Pros: Just great storytelling! No one writes kids as well as Stephen King and Graham Jones. Besides the ending, my favorite part is when the kid gets ran under the house, being chased by the neighbor mean dogs. We feel his fear and his plea that someone would come save him…and someone does.

Cons: Too short! Lol, this wraps up nicely but, there is nothing holding him back from revisiting these folks a couple years into the future.

This is a story where the ending will shock you so I cant say much! But, I thought it was great, surprising, worth the read. Lovers of The Only Good Indians, and  I Was A Teenage Slasher will enjoy this!

Thank you Netgalley for the arc of Mapping the Interior. This was a really short read, about 100ish pages. It was written very well and I read it in one sitting. This young boy keeps seeing an image in his home that he thinks is of his dead father.

One of Graham’s greatest stories to date. Mapping the Interior is a gorgeous and heart-stinging story of ghosts, siblings, and superstitions. It’s hard to believe that an author can take readers on such an emotional journey in 100 short pages. Brilliant.