Best Mystical Horror Books with Native American Themes

Native American  / Indigenous Peoples' folklore often presents itself in books and movies for its mystical, supernatual elements. There is an idea that the ancient people, Cherokee, Apache, Sioux, and all the tribes that stretch back thousands of years on the land now called America.... that these have either blessed or cursed objects, places, or people. Sacred burial grounds or haunted homes, from Poltergeist in the movies to hundreds of books. Here are the 10 best horror or thriller books with a Native American foundation to their mysteries. Most are written by Native American authors.

1 - Only the Good Indians (2020) by Stephen Graham Jones who also penned the excellent revenge thriller, Buffalo Hunter Hunter.  In Only the Good Indians there is another revenge story, this time by the spirit of a dead elk againts four men. Instense and sometimes violent, this one has subtext and a lot to say. Whether you get the subtext or not, it's a good read. Stephen Graham Jones never disappoints.

2 - The Whisper Killer (2020) by Rod Little. The town of Wolf Hollow is at the foot of a sacred Sioux burial ground, and it gets what it needs. It needs a serial killer named Ben to save the townspeople from the six vicious men who will come back someday in a snowstorm and murder everyone. The tension here is palpable. Rod Little weaves a perfect tale of sacrifice and revenge.

It was just a coincidence that our top 2 picks were both written in 2020. During the pandemic lockdown, authors must have been greatly inspired.

3 - Pet Sematary (1983) by Stephen King. It was an ancient Micmac burial ground that brought the cat back from the dead... and then brought back more. This novel has the best line in anyhorror book: "Sometimes dead is better." It delves into the notion that powers we find in this world are not always meant to be used, and the dead need to be left to rest. We often cling to what we cannot have.

4 - Moon of the Crusted Snow (2018) by Waubgeshig Rice. A post-apocalyptic novel set in Canada's Anishinaabe community. When the worlds comes crashing to an end, visitors to a town insert more and more influence and take more control. Beautifully written narrative.

5 - The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor, a vampire tale not like most. The threats come more from society itself and less from the monster, who is ready to sacrifice himself for others. No spoilers here, but it's not a typical vampire novel.

6 - Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina who also wrote Sisters of the Lost Nation. This one involves strange transformations and spirits. Straight-up horror with some disturbing subplots.

7 - My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones. As the best Native American author on our list, we will give him two entries. This book is the first of the Indian Lake Trilogy, which also includes Don't Fear the Reaper and The Angel of Indian Lake.

8 - Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers. A collection of short horror stories involving one Cherokee family through many generations. 

9 - Midnight Storm, Moonless Sky: Indigenous Horror Stories by Alex Soop, a Blackfoot storyteller of some repute. While of these tales are more clever than scary, all of them are interesting. Many have the feel of urban legends. Give it a whirl on your reading sojourn.

10 - Anoke: A Collection of Indigenous Horror by Shane Hawk. Some clever, some shocking, all imbibed in ancient lore of the Indigenous Peoples.

In movies, we have Poltergeist and the Amityville Horror, to name a few.

Mystic and creepy, these are a few of the best books featuring Native American lore. Expanding your horizons, try a couple of these to get a glimpse of a new side of horror. It's good for the soul, despite all the tension and blood. See horror from a new perspective.