Title: The Angel of Indian Lake
Author: Stephen Graham Jones
Source: DRC via NetGalley (Saga Press, S&S/Saga Press) in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

Other books in this series: My Heart is a Chainsaw (#1), Don’t Fear the Reaper (#2)

Why did I choose to read this book?

The honest answer to this question is that I didn’t really have a choice. After we saw Jade do what she did at the end of Don’t Fear the Reaper, I had to hound NetGalley DAILY until I was able to request the finale. Stephen Graham Jones is a modern day Stephen King (but better) and if you’re sleeping on him you’re losing out.

What is this book about?

This book is about how we banish our demons. Each of the books in this trilogy are meant to be instructive as to the elements of slasher horror specifically, and sometimes horror in general, and in the conclusion to this amazing trilogy we are shown what is necessary to insure that a monster doesn’t rise again to seek their revenge. It’s about accepting consequences, honoring experience, and following the rules of the genre.

What is notable about this story?

This trilogy is all about teaching you how a slasher plays out and this story is about the “body dump” that comes just before the end. Goddamn there are like, twenty bodies down at 50% through and that’s just the beginning. How is everyone in this town not dead? Not to mention how are all the people in this town not staying dead?? Drown Town and Ezekiel’s choir join the fray in this story too, so the ghosts are also dropping bodies in their haunting.

I was not a horror fan before I read this trilogy, but I think I am now because I understand the formula. I know what to expect. Jones is putting out a call with this book saying that horror is for everyone if you’re willing to give it a chance and learn something new. I wasn’t paying attention in My Heart is a Chainsaw, I learned my lesson in Don’t Fear the Reaper, and I had a weapon in hand throughout The Angel of Indian Lake. By book 3, I was on board, studied up, and ready to support the final girls (and maybe be one myself).

Was anything not so great?

Can a bitch get a map??? Please??? I’m begging you. The number of times I’m following Jade around/across the lake to locations and I have no idea where they all are in relation to each other bamboozled me. This is based off my DRC copy though, if you get a map in the final version, mazel tov. Enjoy it.

What’s the verdict?

5 stars on Goodreads – if you’re not already reading these books what the heck are you even doing? Stephen Graham Jones is a genius! Even if you don’t usually read horror, you will love these books! The purchase link is right up at the start of this review go click it already!!!

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