The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
✍️ Stephen Graham JonesA horror novel structured as interviews with a Blackfeet man about a pastor's diary.
This work centers on Good Stab, a Blackfeet individual who recounts his life through confessional visits. His narrative connects to a diary penned by a Lutheran pastor in 1912, which was found inside a wall. The diary details a slow massacre linked to the deaths of 217 Blackfeet people in the snow. Stephen Graham Jones, known for his mastery of horror, uses this material to craft an American Indian revenge story. The structure relies on the transcribed interviews rather than a linear plot, offering a grounded yet supernatural perspective on historical violence.
The narrative is set against the backdrop of early twentieth-century America, specifically drawing on 1912. It engages with Blackfeet history and Lutheran religious traditions, focusing on the aftermath of a significant loss of life in the snow.
📝 Description: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
💎 Our verdict on The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers interested in the intersection of faith, violence, and memory will find this work compelling. It offers a unique reading experience that feels both immediate and ancient by grounding supernatural elements in historical trauma. Those who enjoy atmospheric dread and stories rooted in specific cultural histories will appreciate the deliberate pacing. The structure allows for a direct perspective from Good Stab, creating a grounded yet eerie exploration of American Indian revenge without relying on modern exposition.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Bought this for my brother and ended up reading it first. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. Glad I finally picked this up.
Was skeptical at first. A few scenes I will not forget, whether I want to or not.
Wanted something for October and it delivered. A few scenes I will not forget, whether I want to or not. The ending is bleak and honest, not a twist for the sake of one. My only regret is not ordering it sooner.
Added this to the shelf next to the ones I reread. The dread is in the pacing, not in gore, which is exactly how I like it. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. Solid, if not essential.
Not my usual subgenre but wanted to branch out. Read it in two sittings; the second one ran past midnight. The audiobook crowd will want the paper copy for the margins.
First order from this shop. The ending is bleak and honest, not a twist for the sake of one.
Ordered it for Halloween and it came in time. The dread is in the pacing, not in gore, which is exactly how I like it. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. My only quibble is that the middle third sags a little. Good, with the caveats above.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
Seek fans of indigenous horror and historical trauma who crave immersive, dialogue-driven narratives steeped in cultural specificity and supernatural vengeance. If you prefer fast-paced action or lack interest in the psychological weight of colonial history, this slow-burn atmospheric tale will likely leave you cold.
📜 Historical context
📖 Read on the blog
✍️ More books by this author Stephen Graham Jones
All books by this author →🏛 Books from this publisher Thorndike Press Large Print
All books from this publisher →You might also like
See more →Have a question about this item?
Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.