What can I say about Stephen Graham Jones that I haven’t already said? I’m a huge fan and so happy I still have an extensive back catalogue of books and stories to catch up on. As of this review I have read 7 Novels, 8 Novellas/Short Stories, and I have written reviews for 4 of the novels. I had pre-ordered this from a publisher in the United Kingdom for a special edition but due to events outside of the publisher’s control, I will not be getting the hardcover special edition for a bit. Thankfully, I was approved by Saga Press and NetGalley for an eARC which allowed me to get into this right before the book was released.
Buffalo Hunter Hunter (BHH) is different than any of the stories I have read by Stephen Graham Jones so far. This is written like historical fiction. Starting in modern day as a renovation crew uncover a journal hidden in the walls of a parsonage. Translated and shared with Arthur Beaucarne’s great-great-granddaughter Etsy who is hoping this journal will lead to her tenure at the University she teaches at. The story is told from two viewpoints, one being Beaucarne, a Lutheran preacher nick-named Three-Persons, and the Native American vampire, Good Stab, who gave Beaucarne the nickname.
Stepping into the world of 1912, Good Stab recounts his life since the “Cat Man” changed him to the monster he has become. Good Stab talks of how he got his name, and his crusade to enact Blackfeet justice on the hunters who do not respect the spirit of the wild. We are included in the progression of Good Stab as he learns and copes with his new way of life. BHH does a great job paying homage to vampire mythology, but at the same time puts Stephen Graham Jones’s own spin on it. I enjoyed that Good Stab’s body burns blood like a car does gasoline and he has to replenish to continue. Just like gasoline, the higher quality of blood the longer he can go between feedings. What I found a fun change to the vampire mythology is depending on what Good Stab drinks, human/animal, it will cause changes in him that may present physically. If you are confused as to what i mean, you will just have to give it a read.
Talking technical, I really love Stephen Graham Jones’s writing style. Everything ties together so well by the end of the book and once you know the truth, or the twist, it is fun to remember previous scenes that gave little hints that seemed so minute at the time. The characters are very well developed and feel real. The book makes readers feel like you are living the lives of each character in tandem with them and not just an outside observer. One thing I loved was the little bits of levity thrown in. I got such a kick out of Beaucarne being gifted treats by his parsonage and he rationalizes why he ate a weeks worth of treats in one night. “Because warming my belly also warms theirs, yes.” The ones being referred to are the town folk recently found dead.
My thoughts on this, and I will be honest. Initially I was going to give this 4 glasses. I’m not a fan of historical fiction and I had to do some research to understand some of the vocabulary in this which is kind of a bummer. However, I finished this a few days ago and have been working on this review a bit at a time. the more time that passes the more I am thinking about this book. I find I am enjoying the book more and more having time to really process this emotions, depth, and viciousness of the book. Another 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 book and one I will highly recommend. This is definitely one that needs to be pondered and enjoyed.
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