8 Terrifying Native American and Indigenous Horror Books to Welcome Spooky Season (Exclusive)

**Indigenous Horror Anthology ‘Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II’ Released with Editors’ Top Picks**

As the sweltering summer months give way to autumn, a chilling array of horror novels beckons readers in anticipation of the spooky season. Among them is the newly released anthology, *Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II*, a curated collection that showcases the talents of distinguished Indigenous authors. This collection not only aims to entertain but also to honour the Indigenous experience, blending elements of horror with narratives of survival and resilience.

Edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., the anthology features a diverse array of stories penned by Native American and Indigenous writers, including contributions from Jessica Doe, Stephen Graham Jones, and Alicia Elliott, among others. The anthology is illustrated by acclaimed Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Brent Learned, which adds a visual depth to the written word. Described as a “celebration of Indigenous survival,” the collection promises tales filled with tense psychological thrillers and gruesome monster encounters designed to quench the thirst of horror enthusiasts.

To commemorate the anthology’s launch, the editors have shared a selection of their favourite horror novels written by Indigenous authors. The recommendations highlight an array of styles and themes that reflect both the diversity and richness of Indigenous storytelling.

One standout recommendation is *Mongrels* by Stephen Graham Jones, which reimagines traditional werewolf lore by placing a working-class spin on the mythos. Hawk commends Jones for his unique perspective, praising the seamless integration of Indigenous contexts into familiar horror tropes.

Another notable title is *It Looks Like You in the Dark* by Mathilda Zeller. This gripping tale follows a young Inuk woman on a desperate quest to locate her sister in a remote Alaskan village, where a predatory mining company brings to life age-old terrors. Van Alst Jr. expresses admiration for Zeller’s ability to weave Alaskan Native folklore into a narrative that evokes both fear and reflection on contemporary issues of industrialisation and its consequences.

For those intrigued by the intersection of horror and science fiction, Daniel H. Wilson’s *Hole in the Sky* is a must-read. Hawk regards it as one of the finest novels he’s encountered, encapsulating a perfect blend of thrilling narrative and unexpected twists as ominous forces emerge from an unexplained phenomenon.

In *The Buffalo Hunter Hunter*, also by Graham Jones, readers are transported to 1912 Montana, where an immortal vampire seeks solace in confession. Van Alst Jr. admires the way the narrative flips colonisation on its head, transforming the vampire legend into a commentary on the repercussions of historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.

Waubgeshig Rice’s *Moon of the Crusted Snow* presents a post-apocalyptic narrative steeped in chilling atmospherics. As the story unfolds, a community grapples with survival amidst environmental collapse, leaving readers both spellbound and introspective.

Additionally, K.A. Cobell’s *Looking for Smoke* confronts the urgent reality of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis through a gripping whodunit. The narrative compels readers to engage deeply with a community’s pain, setting the stage for a suspenseful resolution that challenges perceptions of justice.

Martin Cruz Smith’s *Nightwing* remains etched in Hawk’s memory as a landmark text that has shaped his literary journey. Set against a Southwestern backdrop, this story is a blend of horror and social commentary that paved the way for greater representation in the horror genre.

Finally, Carson Faust’s *If the Dead Belong Here* navigates the complexities of ancestral grief through a haunting narrative that dissolves the boundaries between the living and the deceased. Van Alst Jr. notes its exploration of psychological themes as a notable aspect of Faust’s debut.

*Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II* is now available in bookstores, enriching the landscape of horror literature with Indigenous voices and stories. As the fall approaches and the nights grow longer, this anthology—and the recommended readings by its editors—promises both chills and meaningful reflection on the experiences that shape these narratives.