Stephen Graham Jones’ The Only Good Indians is a unique blend of horror, cultural commentary, and supernatural revenge. While I appreciated the themes and messages woven throughout the story, the book ultimately wasn’t for me. 

The story explores the lingering effects of trauma, cultural displacement, and the systemic discrimination faced by Native Americans. From the beginning, Jones highlights these struggles in a way that is thought-provoking and unflinching. The author successfully brings the reader into the world of his characters, exposing the pains and injustices they endure. However, the execution of the story didn’t quite work for me. 

I struggled with the writing style, finding it confusing and difficult to follow, especially in the early chapters. The narrative felt disjointed at times, which made it hard for me to immerse myself fully. It wasn’t until the end that the pieces finally came together, and while the twist at the conclusion added an interesting layer to the story, it wasn’t enough to redeem my overall experience. 

In terms of horror, I didn’t find the book particularly scary, though it certainly leaned into the weird and surreal. Jones creates an unsettling atmosphere, but it lacked the tension and fear I expect from a horror novel. 

That said, I can see why many readers might love this book. It’s thought-provoking and deeply rooted in cultural significance. For me, however, it felt like a missed connection—an intriguing concept that didn’t quite hit the mark. If you enjoy strange, unsettling tales with a message, this might be a good fit for you. But if you’re looking for a straightforward or terrifying horror story, you might find this one a bit lacking.