The Only Good Indians

If you're into mythology, character-driven horror, and basketball, this is your jam!

Jones's novel blends a supernatural revenge horror story with commentary on cultural identity, traditions, and racism. The four main characters are all members of Blackfeet tribe who deviate from what is expected of them culturally, to disastrous consequences. It all started with a hunting trip. Like most tribes, the Blackfeet are hunters, and like most hunters, they have norms about how to hunt honorably. When those norms are violated, the characters seem to be cursed and their lives slowly start to unravel.

It's a very interesting novel with great characters and commentary that bites without feeling preachy. And the villain in this story is unique, something that could only come from a tale written about this particular culture.

All of that was great. The problem is that the horror aspects don't work. It's not scary, has little tension until the end, and the antagonist, though interesting, is more goofy than intimidating.

Still worth a read if you want to experience a horror story from a Native American point of view.