Introduction: A Bold New Horror Novel from a Modern Master
Stephen Graham Jones, the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Only Good Indians and My Heart Is a Chainsaw, returns with The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, a genre-defying novel that merges historical fiction, vampire horror, and a searing critique of America’s colonial past. Early reviews suggest this may be one of Jones’ most ambitious and accessible works yet, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary horror. For fans of Gothic Westerns, supernatural revenge tales, and thought-provoking literary horror, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-read books.
Plot Deep Dive: A Triptych of Terror
1. Etsy Boorn (2012) – The Modern Scholar’s Discovery
The novel opens with Etsy Boorn, a 42-year-old academic struggling to secure tenure at a university. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she’s called to examine a recently uncovered journal—one that belonged to her great-great-grandfather, Arthur Boorn. As she transcribes the century-old text, she uncovers a horrifying family secret intertwined with America’s violent history.
2. Arthur Boorn (1912) – The Preacher’s Dark Confessional
Arthur, a Lutheran minister in the fading days of the Old West, begins receiving visits from a mysterious Blackfeet man named Good Stab (also called Full Blood or Takes No Scalps). Though Lutherans don’t practice confession, Good Stab insists on sharing his story—one that begins with tragedy and ends in supernatural horror.
3. Good Stab’s Curse – The Birth of a Vampire
Good Stab’s tale is the heart of the novel. After surviving a massacre orchestrated by white settlers, he encounters the Catman—a feral, vampiric entity imprisoned in a cage. When soldiers attack, the Catman is unleashed, slaughtering everyone in sight. In the chaos, Good Stab is infected with the creature’s curse, transforming him into something neither fully human nor entirely monster. As the three narratives converge, the novel explores themes of vengeance, guilt, and the inescapable weight of history.
Why This Book Is a Must-Read
1. A Fresh Twist on Vampire Mythology
Jones reinvents vampire lore with the Catman, a creature more bestial than aristocratic. Unlike traditional vampires, these beings are tied to the land and the bloodshed that birthed them. Their curse is both a punishment and a weapon—one that Good Stab wields against those who destroyed his people.
2. A Haunting Examination of Colonial Violence
The novel doesn’t just use history as a backdrop—it forces readers to confront the genocide of Native Americans and the deliberate extermination of the buffalo, which were hunted to near-extinction as a tool of oppression. Jones, a Blackfeet author, writes with raw authenticity, making the horror feel tragically real.
3. Stephen Graham Jones’ Signature Storytelling
Fans of Jones’ work will recognize his lyrical yet visceral prose, his knack for unreliable narrators, and his ability to blend dark humor with profound sorrow. His writing demands attention, rewarding readers with rich character depth and unforgettable imagery.
4. A More Accessible Entry Point for New Readers
While some of Jones’ previous works (My Heart Is a Chainsaw, Don’t Fear the Reaper) play with slasher tropes and meta-commentary, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter has a more straightforward structure, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers.
Who Will Love This Book?
- Fans of literary horror (like The Only Good Indians or The Reformatory)
- Readers who enjoy historical horror (such as The Hunger by Alma Katsu)
- Those who appreciate vampire stories with a fresh twist (like The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman)
- Anyone interested in Native American narratives in horror
Final Verdict: A Bloody, Brilliant Must-Read
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is more than just a vampire novel—it’s a haunting meditation on revenge, survival, and the ghosts of history. With its gripping narrative, unforgettable characters, and chilling supernatural elements, this is a book that will linger in your mind long after the final page.
Will You Be Reading The Buffalo Hunter Hunter?
Are you excited for Stephen Graham Jones’ latest? Have you read his previous works? Let us know in the comments!