Stephen

Graham Jones

New York Times Bestselling Author

Award Winning Novelist

Travels from: Boulder, CO

“For me and vampires, there is Stoker, there is Rice, and now there is Jones. It’s harrowing, agonizing, nuanced, and downright philosophical. Very likely Jones’s masterpiece.” — Daniel Kraus, New York Times bestselling author of Whalefall

Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of nearly thirty novels and collections, and there’s some novellas and comic books in there as well. Stephen’s been an NEA recipient, has won the Texas Institute of Letters Award for Fiction, the LA Times Ray Bradbury Prize, the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award, the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel, the Independent Publishers Award for Multicultural Fiction, WLA’s Distinguished Achievement Award, ALA’s RUSA Award and Alex Award, the 2023 American Indian Festival of Words Writers Award, the Locus Award, four Bram Stoker Awards, three Shirley Jackson Awards, six This is Horror Awards, and he’s been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award, and the Eisner Award. He’s also made Bloody Disgusting’s Top Ten Horror Novels, and is the guy who wrote Mongrels, The Only Good Indians, My Heart is a Chainsaw, Earthdivers, and I Was a Teenage Slasher. His most recent books are True Believers and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Off the Reservation and Ears.

Stephen's Featured Titles

Ears

S&S/Saga Press |

March 9, 2027

Horror Literature & Fiction

A haunted house tale by the new master of horror, Stephen Graham Jones, in which a mysterious girl in lavender footie pajamas will do anything to keep her house from being sold.

Disgraced former teacher Mr. Morning Gun survives on the margins, earning cash by checking on vacant homes waiting to be sold. His work is simple: keep the pipes flowing, keep the houses move-in ready.

Then he arrives at the Messner House.

When a confrontation turns deadly, Morning Gun is saved by the ghost of a missing child—a girl in lavender footie pajamas who has never truly left her family’s home. What begins as a rescue soon becomes something far stranger. The girl is fiercely protective of the house, and anyone who threatens to occupy it meets a violent end.

As Morning Gun becomes the sole living person welcome within its walls, he finds himself drawn deeper into the house’s history, its desires.

A haunting story of belonging, isolation, and the dangerous pull of home, Ears is Stephen Graham Jones at his most intimate and unnerving.

BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Grief & Loss, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

Off the Reservation

S&S/Saga Press |

October 13, 2026

Horror & Suspense Thriller

A ragtag group of activists plan a mission to repatriate the bones of a Blackfeet boy who was sent to the infamous Carlisle Indian Industrial School in author Stephen Graham Jones’s return to the Blackfeet reservation of his award-winning New York Times bestsellers The Only Good Indians and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter.

Nate Yellow Tail is one of the survivors of the deadly revenge murders of Stephen Graham Jones’s breakout bestseller The Only Good Indians. Five years after the massacre on the Blackfeet reservation, Nate finds himself in the hospital after a terrible accident that should’ve killed him and that nearly killed his best friend Sebby, who is hanging onto life in a room a few doors down.

Nate’s life is out of balance, so when he is given the chance to reset his life, and maybe save Sebby in the process, Nate steps up, again. This time it’s into a camper van that is almost as run down as his broken body, filled with three older Blackfeet, to find the bones of the lone Blackfeet boy who died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where many Indigenous children were abused, and repatriate this boy home. The problem is, when they get the bones, something terrible has escaped with them.

Jones has crafted another American Indian novel for our times, shining light on the dark corners of this country’s history while also showing the desperate choices people make when they’re put up against a wall.

BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

S&S/Saga Press |

March 18, 2025

Horror

A chilling historical horror novel set in the American west in 1912 following a Lutheran priest who transcribes the life of a vampire who haunts the fields of the Blackfeet reservation looking for justice.

A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits. This is an American Indian revenge story written by one of the new masters of horror, Stephen Graham Jones.

BIPOC Representation, Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

I Was A Teenage Slasher

S&S/Saga Press |

July 16, 2024

Horror & Thriller

A USA TODAY Bestseller

From New York Times bestselling horror writer Stephen Graham Jones comes a classic slasher story with a twist—perfect for fans of Adam Cesareand Grady Hendrix.

1989, Lamesa, Texas. A small west Texas town driven by oil and cotton—and a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business. So it goes for Tolly Driver, a good kid with more potential than application, seventeen, and about to be cursed to kill for revenge. Here Stephen Graham Jones explores the Texas he grew up in, and shared sense of unfairness of being on the outside through the slasher horror Jones loves, but from the perspective of the killer, Tolly, writing his own autobiography. Find yourself rooting for a killer in this summer teen movie of a novel gone full blood-curdling tragic.

Bestseller, Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

The Angel of Indian Lake (3) (The Indian Lake Trilogy)

S&S/Saga Press |

March 26, 2024

Horror & Suspense Thriller

A National Bestseller

The final installment in the most lauded trilogy in the history of horror novels picks up four years after Don’t Fear the Reaper as Jade returns to Proofrock, Idaho, to build a life after the years of sacrifice—only to find the Lake Witch is waiting for her in New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones’s finale.

It’s been four years in prison since Jade Daniels last saw her hometown of Proofrock, Idaho, the day she took the fall, protecting her friend Letha and her family from incrimination. Since then, her reputation, and the town, have changed dramatically. There’s a lot of unfinished business in Proofrock, from serial killer cultists to the rich trying to buy Western authenticity. But there’s one aspect of Proofrock no one wants to confront…until Jade comes back to town. The curse of the Lake Witch is waiting, and now is the time for the final stand.

New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones has crafted an epic horror trilogy of generational trauma from the Indigenous to the townies rooted in the mountains of Idaho. It is a story of the American west written in blood.

Bestseller, Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

Don’t Fear the Reaper (2) (The Indian Lake Trilogy)

S&S/Saga Press |

February 7, 2023

Horror & Suspense Thriller

A Locus Award Finalist

December 12th, 2019, Jade returns to the rural lake town of Proofrock the same day as convicted Indigenous serial killer Dark Mill South escapes into town to complete his revenge killings, in this riveting sequel to My Heart Is a Chainsaw from New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones.

Four years after her tumultuous senior year, Jade Daniels is released from prison right before Christmas when her conviction is overturned. But life beyond bars takes a dangerous turn as soon as she returns to Proofrock. Convicted Serial Killer, Dark Mill South, seeking revenge for thirty-eight Dakota men hanged in 1862, escapes from his prison transfer due to a blizzard, just outside of Proofrock, Idaho.

Dark Mill South’s Reunion Tour began on December 12th, 2019, a Thursday.

Thirty-six hours and twenty bodies later, on Friday the 13th, it would be over.

Don’t Fear the Reaper is the page-turning sequel to My Heart Is a Chainsaw from New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones.

Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

My Heart Is a Chainsaw (1) (The Indian Lake Trilogy)

Gallery / Saga Press |

August 31, 2021

Horror & Suspense Thriller

Winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel
Named a Best Book of 2021 by NPR

In her quickly gentrifying rural lake town Jade sees recent events only her encyclopedic knowledge of horror films could have prepared her for in this latest novel from the Jordan Peele of horror literature, New York Timesbestselling author Stephen Graham Jones.

“Some girls just don’t know how to die…”

Shirley Jackson meets Friday the 13th in My Heart Is a Chainsaw, written by the author of The Only Good Indians Stephen Graham Jones, called “a literary master” by National Book Award winner Tananarive Due and “one of our most talented living writers” by Tommy Orange.

Alma Katsu calls My Heart Is a Chainsaw “a homage to slasher films that also manages to defy and transcend genre.” On the surface is a story of murder in small-town America. But beneath is its beating heart: a biting critique of American colonialism, Indigenous displacement, and gentrification, and a heartbreaking portrait of a broken young girl who uses horror movies to cope with the horror of her own life.

Jade Daniels is an angry, half-Indian outcast with an abusive father, an absent mother, and an entire town that wants nothing to do with her. She lives in her own world, a world in which protection comes from an unusual source: horror movies…especially the ones where a masked killer seeks revenge on a world that wronged them. And Jade narrates the quirky history of Proofrock as if it is one of those movies. But when blood actually starts to spill into the waters of Indian Lake, she pulls us into her dizzying, encyclopedic mind of blood and masked murderers, and predicts exactly how the plot will unfold.

Yet, even as Jade drags us into her dark fever dream, a surprising and intimate portrait emerges…a portrait of the scared and traumatized little girl beneath the Jason Voorhees mask: angry, yes, but also a girl who easily cries, fiercely loves, and desperately wants a home. A girl whose feelings are too big for her body. My Heart Is a Chainsaw is her story, her homage to horror and revenge and triumph.

BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

The Only Good Indians: A Novel

S&S/Saga Press |

January 26, 2021

Horror & Suspense Thriller

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From USA TODAY bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a “masterpiece” (Locus Magazine) of a novel about revenge, cultural identity, and the cost of breaking from tradition. Labeled “one of 2020’s buzziest horror novels” (Entertainment Weekly), this is a remarkable horror story that “will give you nightmares—the good kind of course” (BuzzFeed).

From New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a novel that is equal parts psychological horror and cutting social commentary on identity politics and the American Indian experience. Fans of Jordan Peele and Tommy Orange will love this story as it follows the lives of four American Indian men and their families, all haunted by a disturbing, deadly event that took place in their youth. Years later, they find themselves tracked by an entity bent on revenge, totally helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.

Bestseller, BIPOC Representation, Fiction, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

Mongrels: A Novel

William Morrow |

May 10, 2016

Dark Fantasy

Nominated for both the Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker Awards, and a Best of 2016 selection of Tor.com and Book Riot, acclaimed horror writer Stephen Graham Jones’ (The Only Good Indians and My Heart is a Chainsaw) Mongrels goes beyond your typical werewolf story to show a young boy, mired in poverty and always on the run, coming-of-age in a world that fears him and hates his family…but may just be more monstrous than he could ever be.

He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle, or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks.

For ten years, he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and narrow escapes—always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will finally know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they’ve been running from for so long are catching up fast now. Everything is about to change.

A compelling and fascinating journey, Mongrels alternates between past and present to create an unforgettable portrait of a boy trying to understand his family and his place in a complex and unforgiving world. A smart and innovative story— funny, bloody, raw, and real—told in a rhythmic voice full of heart, Mongrels is a deeply moving, sometimes grisly, novel that illuminates the challenges and tender joys of a life beyond the ordinary in a bold and imaginative new way.

Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Grief & Loss, Horror & Gothic, Mystery & Thriller, Native American & Indigenous Heritage

Coming Soon!

“Stephen is an extremely approachable, entertaining and down to earth speaker. Our event with him was inspiring and a ton of fun! Would love to host him again for a student-focused event.” — U of Colorado Boulder, 2026

“Stephen is an incredibly engaging speaker! Our audience was captivated from the moment he began speaking, and listened intently as he showcased his exceptional depth and generosity as a storyteller. His anecdotes were engaging and authentic, with just the right amount of humor, and yet offered a profoundly insightful glimpse of his writing process, endless curiosity, and dedication to his craft. As people left the library, there was a palpable sense of inspiration and appreciation for the experience Stephen provided. Thank you for providing such a phenomenal experience for our communities!” — King County Library System, 2025

“Stephen Graham Jones has a comfortable, intelligent presence that kept the crowd engaged and interested. Horror and speculative fiction readers delighted in hearing Stephen’s stories from his publishing journey. His fans were especially thrilled when Stephen shared an original story, never before read in public. After the talk, Stephen was warm and gracious, eager to speak with each person, sign books and take pictures. It was a memorable way to welcome Spooky Season at the library!” — Columbus Metropolitan Library, 2024

“The event was so great. SGJ was so fun and engaging, and his speaking style has the same undercurrent of humor that makes his writing so unique. Despite being at what feels like a peak of his career, SGJ is super down-to-earth and so easy to talk to. He took everything we threw at him without blinking, and his enthusiasm gave our audience a real show.” — Spartanburg Library, 2022

“We had a sit-down interview for our YouTube series we call “Off Book.” Stephen’s answers were wonderful and we look forward to sharing.” — Richland Library, 2022

“Stephen Graham Jones’s viciously clever, over-the-top, genre-skewing new novel turns a gruesome murderer into ‘your friendly neighborhood slasher’…spectacularly engaging narrative voice, which is imbued with a street-smart lyricism that makes even the loftiest observations glitter like knife blades.” — New York Times Book Review

“A playful, self-aware and remarkably gory horror novel.” — The New York Times

“Readers will watch something original emerge before their eyes, realizing why everyone needs to be as obsessed with the Slasher as Jones is himself. Suggest to every reader who loves a perfectly rendered time and place or just wants a chilling, captivating, and thought provoking story where every detail matters and every page is worth their time.” — Booklist, starred review

“The story has a clear love for the splashy slasher films that inspired it, and Jones does a great job of landing the plot’s gorier excesses as the bodies pile up…{F]ans of meta horror will find a lot to love as Jones remixes well-worn tropes with glee.” — Publishers Weekly

“Thrilling, literate, scary, immersive. Bonus: The most terrifying one-on-one basketball contest ever. Makes that kid and the devil fighting for a golden fiddle look tame.” — Stephen King, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“The Only Good Indians is scary good. Stephen Graham Jones is one of our most talented and prolific living writers. The book is full of humor and bone chilling images. It’s got love and revenge, blood and basketball. More than I could have asked for in a novel. It also both reveals and subverts ideas about contemporary Native life and identity. Novels can do some much to render actual and possible lives lived. Stephen Graham Jones truly knows how to do this, and how to move us through a story at breakneck (literally) speed. I’ll never see an elk or hunting, or what a horror novel can do the same way again.” — Tommy Orange, Pulitzer Prize finalist of There There

Stephen’s Bio & Photos

Honors, Awards & Recognition

LA Times Book Prize Finalist for Fiction, 2026
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2025
New York Times Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Winner of the Texas Institute of Letters Award Winner for Fiction
Winner of the LA Times Ray Bradbury Prize
Winner of the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award
NEA Recipient
Independent Publishers Award for Multicultural Fiction
Winner of the WLA’s Distinguished Achievement Award
Winner of ALA’s RUSA Award and Alex Award
Winner of the 2023 American Indian Festival of Words Writers Award
Locus Award Winner
Winner of four Bram Stoker Awards
Winner of three Shirley Jackson Awards
Winner of six This is Horror Awards
Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel
Finalist for the World Fantasy Award
Finalist for the Eisner Award
Bloody Disgusting’s Top Ten Horror Novels List