The Angel of Indian Lake

The Indian Lake Trilogy #3

by Stephen Graham Jones

The most lauded trilogy in the history of horror novels concludes 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 breathtaking 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.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery, Indigenous, Adult

465 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

Stephen Graham Jones is the NYT bestselling author thirty-five or so books. He really likes werewolves and slashers. Favorite novels change daily, but Valis and Love Medicine and Lonesome Dove and It and The Things They Carried are all usually up there somewhere. Stephen lives in Boulder, Colorado. It's a big change from the West Texas he grew up in.

Reviews

[megs_bookrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Angel of Indian Lake is the final book in the Indian Lake Trilogy. It's also my most anticipated release of 2024.

I finished this a week ago and have been sitting with my thoughts ever since. I find myself thinking of the story at random times during the day, and trying to decide how I would explain my overall experience with this trilogy.



I really haven't come up with anything that I think serves it justice. At this point, I've come to terms with the fact that this is just one of those 5-star reads that I may never end up writing a full, thoughtful, and analytical review for.

It simply is what it is. I love this series with my whole heart. It's special to me, because in a way, I feel like this series validates my passion for the crazily nuanced genre of Horror.

Stephen Graham Jones is such a talented storyteller. His nostalgic, yet edgy-style, brings a distinct voice to his stories, while also bringing heart and emotion. We swoon.



While I recognize this trilogy won't be for everyone, for the people it is for, for the people it resonates with, it's truly a gift. My heart hurts that it's over. Is this really the last time I'm going to spend with these characters I love?

I know I can read it again and again, as I do with my favorite King books, but still, I'm going to miss them nevertheless. SGJ is clearly a life-long Horror lover, a student of the genre, and someone that can tell one hell of a story.

I'd love to hang out with him around a campfire...



I highly recommend this series to Horror Readers. Particularly to Horror Readers who have been turning to the genre their whole life for comfort and to face fears. Perhaps you'll see a little of yourself in here too.

Also, coincidentally, I did happen to rewatch Scream III while reading this and loved coming upon Randy's rules for Slasher Trilogies, which definitely could be applied here. It was great to hear those again from him whilst reading this.

So perfect. We love making beautiful Horror connections!!



Thank you so much to the publisher, Saga Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I already can't wait to read this one again!

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE by Stephen Graham Jones

Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Mongrels, The Indian Lake Books 1&2, Mapping the Interior, The Only Good Indians, The Babysitter Lives

Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166801...

Release Date: March 26th, 2024

General Genre: Horror/Slasher, Trilogy, Suspense

Sub-Genre/Themes: Final Girls, small-town horror, third book in a trilogy, curses, Halloween, High School teachers, indigenous women, murder psychic trauma, secrets

Writing Style: Fast-paced, cinematic, violent

What You Need to Know: This is the third book in a trilogy. They must be read in order, they’re not standalone novels.

My Reading Experience: Jade Daniels finds solace and comfort in horror movies–particularly Slashers, and starts the trilogy as a seventeen-year-old girl of Blackfoot descent living with her abusive, emotionally unavailable father in rural Proofrock, Idaho. Nothing ever really happens and Jade is left to invent cinematic quality drama through her Slasher-Movie worldview–much to the annoyance and frustration of everyone around her. But then, real murders targeting wealthy people in a new sub-development at Indian Lake, turning Jade’s world into a real-life gorefest in My Heart is a Chainsaw.
In Don’t Fear the Reaper, Jade returns to Proofrock around Christmastime after spending a few years in prison. Also headed to Proofrock around the same time is an escaped serial killer known as, Dark Mill South. A real bloodbath ensues as the body count rises.
This time, Jade is already experienced with this sort of situation, and recurring characters from book 1 band together to face down the devil.
Now here we are in the final book and shit goes down! You thought books 1 and 2 were fast-paced? Book 3 is an action film on double-time FF>>
And the body count!
And the tears!
And the laughter! I was genuinely fighting back tears on one page but then cracking up on the next. And just like that feeling you get in the movie theater when you want to throw your fist up in the air and shout HELL YEAH at the screen, this book is packed with epic action sequences, elaborate kill scenes, and gut-wrenching, emotional discoveries.


Final Recommendation: I think fans of this trilogy will be well pleased with how SGJ decides to end this story, our journey with Jade Daniels. Even though each book has its own special place in my heart, I think the third one might be the most emotionally memorable. A lot happens and not all of it is good or happy.

Comps: No comps really

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

dear santa,

i want this arc SO BAD! i will make you dozens of delicious cookies and feed each and every one of your reindeer molasses-glazed carrots.

please and thank you,

ktb...

santa didn't come through, so those cookies are MINE

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE by Stephen Graham Jones

Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Mongrels, The Indian Lake Books 1&2, Mapping the Interior, The Only Good Indians, The Babysitter Lives

Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166801...

Release Date: March 26th, 2024

General Genre: Horror/Slasher, Trilogy, Suspense

Sub-Genre/Themes: Final Girls, small-town horror, third book in a trilogy, curses, Halloween, High School teachers, indigenous women, murder psychic trauma, secrets

Writing Style: Fast-paced, cinematic, violent

What You Need to Know: This is the third book in a trilogy. They must be read in order, they’re not standalone novels.

My Reading Experience: Jade Daniels finds solace and comfort in horror movies–particularly Slashers, and starts the trilogy as a seventeen-year-old girl of Blackfoot descent living with her abusive, emotionally unavailable father in rural Proofrock, Idaho. Nothing ever really happens and Jade is left to invent cinematic quality drama through her Slasher-Movie worldview–much to the annoyance and frustration of everyone around her. But then, real murders targeting wealthy people in a new sub-development at Indian Lake, turning Jade’s world into a real-life gorefest in My Heart is a Chainsaw.
In Don’t Fear the Reaper, Jade returns to Proofrock around Christmastime after spending a few years in prison. Also headed to Proofrock around the same time is an escaped serial killer known as, Dark Mill South. A real bloodbath ensues as the body count rises.
This time, Jade is already experienced with this sort of situation, and recurring characters from book 1 band together to face down the devil.
Now here we are in the final book and shit goes down! You thought books 1 and 2 were fast-paced? Book 3 is an action film on double-time FF>>
And the body count!
And the tears!
And the laughter! I was genuinely fighting back tears on one page but then cracking up on the next. And just like that feeling you get in the movie theater when you want to throw your fist up in the air and shout HELL YEAH at the screen, this book is packed with epic action sequences, elaborate kill scenes, and gut-wrenching, emotional discoveries.


Final Recommendation: I think fans of this trilogy will be well pleased with how SGJ decides to end this story, our journey with Jade Daniels. Even though each book has its own special place in my heart, I think the third one might be the most emotionally memorable. A lot happens and not all of it is good or happy.

Comps: No comps really

[Marchpane · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was exhausting and borderline incomprehensible.

[Will Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her husband died in the water in 2015, and her son was suffocated with a dry-cleaning bag in 2019.
And now she’s got a chainsaw.

---------------------------------------

…this is maybe the one thing I believe in in the whole world: that when it’s your time, you don’t run from it—you stand against it, you keep your eyes open, and you rip and claw your whole way down, hope you can at least be a worthy trophy.

Don’t even try to read this unless you have been through Volumes #1 and #2 of the series. There is a lot going on in volume #3. Strap in.


Stephen Graham Jones - image from Library Journal

Seventeen in what is now called The Independence Day Massacre, having served undeserved time after the most recent mass slaughter, centered on Dead Mill South, now twenty-four, Jade Daniels is back in town. Did her time. Paid her debt to society and has a job as the history teacher in the local school. Her wealthy bff Letha Mondragon’s sponsorship may have something to do with that. She carries scars both physical and emotional from her tribulations in the first two novels of the trilogy. And plenty from before even that.

…you know the first one is third person of course, but it’s really tight on Jade. I think when people remember My Heart is a Chainsaw, they always say Jade is a narrator, and that’s always weird to me because she’s like our narrative focus, but she’s not actually the one speaking except for in her “Slasher 101” essays. Then when I figured out I was going to do a sequel and then a trilogy, I realized I’ve got to modulate the delivery throughout these three books.
So what I landed on for doing that was in the second one, it’s going to shatter and splinter into a multivocal thing with a lot of people speaking in Reaper, and a lot of people’s angles. To me, that was kind of set up for missing Jade. Like “This is fun, but I wish we had Jade.” So then in the third one, if I were able to, instead of only letting her speak during the [essays], if the main part of the narrative became her voice, then I was hoping that could feel like a return a little bit. Or it could just be as simple as I knew I was having to say goodbye to Jade and I wanted to hang out with her more. And how better to hang out with her than first person? - from the Paste interview

She is our Virgil through the rings of Proofrock hell.We get the take of the ultimate final girl, (although she does not see herself that way) as she tries to figure out what is going on, as the bodycount rises. As part of that we hear her talk with her much-admired, and quite dead, history teacher, Mister Holmes. We are given access to the weekly sessions with her state-mandated shrink, Sharona, in which they both wear ghostface masks and sit on a swing set, as one does. In addition, we are treated to reports from a seemingly omniscient security agency tracking Jade’s every word and action.

A dad makes the mistake of hanging out in the local school’s hug-n-go lane, as it turns out to be more of a hug-n-get-decapitated lane. More heads will roll. Kids using VCR tech to produce a piece charmingly titled The Savage History of Proofrock, Idaho are lured to a discovery their friend had made, some long-lost victims. Another student makes use of drone tech to support a documentary, turning up some very interesting shots. Fiction soon gives way to fact. And, oh, there are footprints extending from a grave, which is very suggestive. (although odd only in that the risen dead emerged from a grave and not a lake) Speaking of graves, they play a significant role throughout the tale, as Jade visits her favorite late residents with some frequency. There is another graveyard commemorating a particular sub-set of the lost. And an unwanted commercial repurposing of land considered hallowed.


Devery Jacobs - image from Vanity Fair. SGJ could see her playing you-know-who.

There are enough bloodbaths in this town that someone could make a killing by opening a place called ProofBaaden, offering free towels, and wet places in which people could conduct unpleasant business.

There are forest fires, herds of panic-stricken animals, a mad recluse set on avenging the loss of his wife, and evil dead who will enlist a host to their ranks. There are many ends, loose and otherwise, that need to be tied up in this 465 page novel. There are murder mysteries to be solved and cold cases to be made warm, including the biggest mystery of them all, What the hell is all this killing about?

There are many substantive elements that poke their heads up from among the carnage. SGJ pays homage to the slasher genre. Jade is not the only character who sees life through the slasher-mask perspective of an afficionado. Appreciators of the form will find plenty to cheer for here.

The third installment of a trilogy always has to up the stakes and kill people we thought couldn’t die. I knew this going in, knew I’d have to do all that. In Chainsaw, Jade was fighting for herself. In Reaper, she was fighting for her friends, for this family she’d cobbled together. In Angel, she’s having to fight for her community—for Proofrock. And of course I had to adhere to Randy’s rules for the third in a trilogy, too. They were very helpful. This is my first time doing this, I mean. I needed a lot of help. - from the Nerd Daily interview

Class comes in for a look, as those who enjoy the advantages of those means are also responsible for much of the destruction that takes place in Proofrock. There is also a very feminist tilt here, as the final girl has always been a hero, but the baddies take on the feminine form as well. There is also an ongoing struggle of ill-treated women fighting back against their abusers. And there is a final twist that will resonate, culturally.

For many, there is pleasure to be had in recognizing the references, the many, many references to slasher films. There might actually be references to every slasher film. While I have seen a fair number of these, I am by no means a maven. This made it a bit of a challenge appreciating the shout-outs in the book without having to constantly google the titles, not to mention the stand-alone character citations.

The pleasure of this book is traveling along with Jade as she tries not only to survive but to get to the bottom of the entire unholy business, while saving her community. No dead ends here. Final girls rule, whether or not they survive.

…justice doesn’t extract itself, you’ve got to pull it bloody and pulsing from the chest of whoever wronged you.

Review posted - 08/30/24

Publication date – 3/06/24


Next up from SGJ is The Buffalo Hunters, due out March 2025

I received an ARE of The Angel of Indian Lake from S&S/Saga/Press in return for a fair review. Thanks, folks, and thanks to NetGalley for facilitating.




This review will soon be cross-posted on my site, Coot’s Reviews. Stop by and say Hi!


=============================EXTRA STUFF

Links to Jones’s personal, Twitter and FB pages

Interviews
-----Paste - Stephen Graham Jones on The Angel of Indian Lake, Slasher Tropes, and Saying Goodbye to Jade Daniels by Matthew Jackson
-----Cemetery Dance- The Cemetery Dance Interview: Stephen Graham Jones by Cabriel Hart
-----Nerd Daily - Q&A: Stephen Graham Jones, Author of ‘The Angel of Indian Lake’ by Elise Dumpleton
-----Library Journal - LJ Talks to Horror Writer Stephen Graham Jones, Author of ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’ by Becky Spratford – From 2022, but fascinating, by Becky Spratford
-----Off Book - Off Book: Stephen Graham Jones - video - 14:58 - at 6:45

There’s probably 12-14 beats of the slasher. You got to have the opening blood sacrifice. You got t have the red herrings, you’ve got to have the third rail body dumps. You’ve got to its like you’re going around a carousel and reaching out and hitting 12 or 14 bells as you go around. You got t hit all those bells for sure. But what I think makes a really good slasher movie is if you’re doing a revenge slasher of a mystery slasher, I guess they get called both, delaying knowledge of who the slasher is. That’s the most pleasurable, such that everything crashes to a head at the reveal when the person pulls their mask off and gives their big speech about I did this because you did this to me, or whatever it is.

My reviews of (sadly, only four) previous books by Jones
-----2023 - Don’t Fear the Reaper -The Indian Lake Trilogy #2 -
-----2021 - My Heart is a Chainsaw -The Indian Lake Trilogy #1 - on Coot’s Reviews
-----2020 - The Only Good Indians
-----2016 - Mongrels

Item of Interest from the author
-----CrimeReads - Excerpt

Item of Interest
-----ScreenRant - Randy’s Rules

The rules in Scream are a basic set to survive any horror film: you can never have sex, you can never drink or do drugs, and never (ever, under any circumstances) say “I’ll be right back”. Ironically, Randy explains these rules during a party, with half the attendees already drunk. Still, they hold some truth: Sidney has sex with Billy, and although she’s later attacked, it’s Billy the one who ultimately dies. Tatum (Rose McGowan) goes to the basement to get more beers and is killed there, and Stu says “I’ll be right back” right after Randy explains the rules, and is later killed (albeit in self-defense) by Sidney. In Scream 2, the rules for a horror sequel are: the body count is always bigger, the death scenes are more elaborate (“more blood, more gore”), and the third rule is not explained in the final cut, although it was revealed in the teaser trailer to be “never, ever, under any circumstances assume the killer is dead”.

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Angel of Indian Lake is the gripping, well written, well thought out, and pulse pounding conclusion to 'The Indian Lake Trilogy'. Those who have read and enjoyed the previous books My Heart Is a Chainsaw and Don't Fear the Reaper will be blown away by this bloody good book. If you have not read the previous two books in the series, I would suggest you do so before reading this book.

The Angel of Indian Lake, along with the previous books, reads like a love letter to horror movies. I lost count of all the references to characters and movies that are mentioned in this book. Jade Daniels has come back to Proofrock, Idaho, four years after the events in the previous book, and curse of the Lake Witch is waiting.

The action begins right away and ventures into the OTT category. Jade has grown and matured since we last saw her. Now back in Proofrock, she is still trying to protect those she cares for. But when it's Halloween, all bets are off, and the town's curse will come calling. As with the other books, there will be blood, gore, and danger around every corner. Thankfully Jade is a fan of horror movies and will rely once again on her knowledge learned from watching scary movies, as the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan.

Gripping, shocking, and dark, Stephen Graham Jones has ended his trilogy beautifully. I found the ending to be very fitting. Be sure to read his author's note at the end of the book. It's a must read as well.

Gripping, shocking, scary, and dark.

Thank you to S&S/Saga Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[inciminci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does that Klingon say in that space movie I only fastforwarded through in high school to see the original of Michael Myers's mask?

😆😆😆 I love JD so much!
Having finished this worthy finale, I will start re-reading right next because it wasn't enough JD. Or - I'm just not ready yet to let go of her.

[Becky Spratford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star review in the January 2024 issue of Library Journal

Three Words That Describe This Book: heartbreakingly beautiful, thought provoking, perfect ending

The action of this book takes place on 10/30-11/1 2023 and I finished it on 11/1 2023 not knowing that. What a perfect tribute to a perfect trilogy. (Note: there is an epilogue the takes place 11/2)

All from Jade's POV

Destined to become an epic Horror classic ala The Stand, read for generations to come. I also dare you not to cry at the end. Can't do it.

Draft Review: It’s October, 2023. Four years have passed since the Dark Mills South Massacre and eight years since the Lake Massacre both which sent Jade to prison. Now, thanks to her best friend Lethe, she is back as the high school history teacher just as Proofrock is about to face another massacre, its most devastating and deadly night yet. This Halloween, will be Proofrock’s final stand against the secrets that have been hidden under the pristine waters of the lake at the center of this cursed town for generations. Readers will get wrapped up in the action, as the bodies pile up, but it will be Jade who leads them through as she comes to terms with traumas both personal and historical, relies on her knowledge of slashers, and learns to trust herself and her renewed connection to her Native heritage. It is the perfect conclusion to this story of ghosts and monsters, both real and supernatural and of secrets that must finally be brought to the surface. A story masterfully told, allowing every detail to matter, but most of all one that provides a final girl to cherish, the angel at its center, the one who believes it is all worth saving.

Verdict: Jones has given the world a gift, an epic tale for the ages, one that is both a violent, high octane slasher and a frank, thought provoking indictment of America, past and present. For any reader but especially those who love when Horror stays true to its genre roots while always striving to let readers see themselves and their reality in its terror such as written by Due, Moreno-Garcia, and Tremblay.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Video Review https://youtu.be/dFyDuswyDnc

This was a solid conclusion to the Indian Lake trilogy. I liked the first book, was less enthusiastic about the second and ultimately had a good time with this final book.

I think that the protagonist of Jade is one of the biggest strengths of this series. She is a great example of a male author writing a fully actualized female character. It was wonderful to see her growth throughout these novels. As well, I appreciated the inclusion of her experience as Native American heritage.

The horror slasher movie references were also really fun. The author did a good job of weaving them into the story without the references feeling like cheap attempts at nostalgia.

As for the slasher novel, I liked those parts, but as someone who doesn't read books for the actions, I actually found those to be the least interesting parts.

I would recommend this series to fans of slasher horror looking for a smart story

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.]

Jade Daniels is back, baby! But 4 years have passed since the last installment and she's grown a lot. She's in therapy, she has a steady job, and she's settling into life back in Proofrock with her best friend, Letha. But Proofrock isn't quite done with Jade just yet...

Another mysterious slew of deaths is haunting the town. And Jade is doing everything in her power NOT to get involved. These can't be the slasher-esque killings she's experienced twice before, right? But if it is, what is she willing to do to protect the ones she loves and end the cycles of violence she's endured her whole life? How far is she willing to go when that means maybe losing the parts of yourself you've worked so hard to fix?

After a brief detour into more characters' POVs in Book 2, Book 3 in the Indian Lake Trilogy is fully Jade Daniels' story. And it feels SO good to be back in her mind. The growth she's had from Book 1 to now is astounding, and that growth feels natural because Stephen Graham Jones has done such a good job developing her voice. At her core she's still the same old Jade with the same old knowledge of slasher films and genre conventions; but she's also more mature, wiser, more experienced, more wounded, and striving to make a peaceful life with what little she has left. I felt like this portrayal of someone who has gone through so much trauma was done so well.

Because Jade is Jade, she doesn't turn into the villain and seek revenge, but she can't quite see herself, still, as the hero, the final girl. She just wants the film to end and for everyone to get on with their lives.

This plot too! It is so full circle. Trust me, you might want to re-read books 1 and 2 before reading this final installment. Because boy are there a LOT of important connections being brought together in this book from what we've learned and experienced before.

I will say, as someone who didn't do that before picking this up, I struggled at times and did a lot of Reddit/Wikipedia-ing to remind myself who's who. Jade treats her backstory like she treats the slashers she constantly references: it's up to you to remember and recall the details because she isn't holding your hand. That could be frustrating for some readers, but I found it refreshing that SGJ throws you right in—and if anything it makes me want to re-read the entire series, like immediately.

The emotional core of this book is strong; probably the strongest of the 3 books. I was stressed at the end because I felt so emotionally invested in what was happening. And the body count in this book: is it the highest of them all? I'm not sure but it sure felt like it...

I think SGJ nailed this ending. I loved it so much, I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I know the series as a whole has its flaws and definitely isn't for everyone, but I love how unique these stories are, how interesting and strange the writing style is (if you struggle with it at times, you aren't alone—maybe try the audiobooks!) and how special it is to spend 3 books with a character in horror. SGJ is a modern day master of the genre!

[Stacy (Gotham City Librarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgive me if this review is a little confusing. I finished the book a couple of days ago but I’m currently in bed with a fever. 2024 is not a great year so far!

First off, I want to say that I’m a huge fan of Stephen Graham Jones. He’s one of the best authors working today. Two of his books are favorites of mine in the horror genre in general and I highly recommend them: “The Only Good Indians” and “Mongrels.” I’ll read anything he releases.

That said, I had originally decided that I wasn’t going to read this one because I didn’t love the second installment, but then I was able to get an ARC. I have the same problem with this book that I had with part two in the trilogy: this is one of the most confusing books I’ve ever read. But judging by all the other reviews so far, I think I’m the only person that feels this way.

The biggest issue is that there are so many characters to keep track of and WAY too many monsters were invited to this party. There were parts of the story that I flat out didn’t understand at all, so I just had to go with it. (In a “wait, why is this happening?” kind of way.) Of course a lot of the names had played roles previously in the story, but I didn’t remember everything so I admit that part of that was on me. But Jade kept bringing up townspeople like I was supposed to know what she was talking about and at one point my head was spinning. (If you’re going to read these books I recommend reading them in quick succession to maybe avoid this confusion.)

The conversations and dialogue are another problem. They make sense to the characters, but they often didn’t make sense to me. A lot of the time, Jade spoke in fragments and half-formed thoughts and I couldn’t follow it. The only things I COULD understand were the endless movie references, but there were so many so frequently that even those were disorienting.

I will say that I found Jade to be more likable this time around. She has finally matured a bit, though even with her slasher obsession she still makes some questionable mistakes. And I did have to roll my eyes a few times. Still, this was an improvement as far as character development and growth.

There are several chapters that work, and these chapters REALLY work. They combine prime horror action with Jade’s inner slasher knowledge narration perfectly, and there’s also character building mixed in organically. I wish the entire book read more like these specific chapters, which all happened near or after the 50% mark when the story really picked up and found its primary focus. I liked those chapters the same way I liked the sections that I really connected with in the first book, which were Jade’s essays analyzing horror movies.

The character I probably love the most in this series is one that has already suffered quite a bit. I’m aware of the rules of the genre, but this particular person is put through so much more in this book that it felt like overkill. I did think the story’s overall ending was lovely and poignant, though. Jones accomplished something many horror writers can’t seem to do: he stuck the landing.

It really pains me that I didn’t love these three books as much as everyone else did. I’m still a huge SGJ fan in general, though, and I appreciated all the work and the personal touches that he put into this trilogy. As a Scream fan I also liked the countless references to that franchise, specifically. I’m clearly the outlier here as far as finding the story confusing, and if you love the slasher genre you will definitely appreciate it.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

TW: Self-harm, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, animal harm, child death, brief mention of SA

[Jessica Woodbury]

I was bummed to not enjoy this as much as the previous two in the trilogy. The whole thing feels very weighed down, the second act is so long and plodding that I was hugely relieved when the third act finally got things moving again, it took me weeks to get through it.

I think I would have liked it more (though still found the middle much too long and slow) if I'd read the first two books recently. But I've read them as I got them so it's been about a year in between. And in those two books we got so many characters (even if most of them were slaughtered) and so much lore that I could barely remember most of it. I really really really could have used a quick heavy on the spoilers summary of the first two books, my internet searches were not super helpful, someone should really get on that. This third book tries to contain all those remaining characters and all that built up mythology and it just weighs real heavy. It's a lot to get through and a lot to hold, which may be why Jade spends so much of the book thinking and thinking and thinking for pages and pages and pages.

I often find with series that the pressure to get the books out can have a real negative impact as you go along. I'm not sure that's what happened here, but I can't help thinking it had something to do with it. It needed a much stronger edit.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody knows that the third installment in a horror trilogy always sucks. Stephen Graham Jones is probably well aware of this fact. His protagonist of his third book in the Indian Lake Trilogy, “The Angel of Indian Lake”, is more than aware of the fact.

Jade Daniels is not only an expert on horror films—-specifically the slasher—-she also has the unfortunate and dubious distinction of living in a slasher.

Proofrock, Idaho is unofficially Slasherville, U.S.A. For a small town in the middle of a state known for potatoes, it has been the epicenter of an inexplicably large number of tragedies involving weird mass murders and mysterious deaths.

Jade—-having survived the horrific events of “My Heart is a Chainsaw”, in which she was wrongly accused and sent to prison, and “Don’t Fear the Reaper”, in which she was released from prison only to return home on the same day that a crazy serial killer escapes federal prison—-is still living in Proofrock as a high school history teacher. As unlikely as this sounds, she actually kind of likes the job, and she’s as close to happy as a person who has been through what she’s been through can be.

When shit starts hitting the fan, she knows exactly what she’s in for: the dreaded third installment.

Because she knows that the third part of a slasher trilogy is always the craziest: the body count is higher, the killer (or killers) can be lurking anywhere, the supernatural-meter is always cranked up to eleven, and nobody is safe. And that includes her best friend, final girl Letha Mondragon, Letha’s high school sweetheart Banner (who is now Sheriff), and their four-year-old girl Aida.

Jade knows that people are counting on her, which sucks, because Jade knows that she is just a lame history teacher (always the first to go), the town’s only token Native American (usually a close second or third to go) and totally not “final girl” material.

Or is she?

I love this damned series, and “The Angel of Indian Lake” totally doesn’t suck. In fact, it’s the total opposite of “sucks”.

How’s that for a glowing endorsement?

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

I suppose it was too much to hope that book one was the outlier in this series. But after really finding the love for this world and it's characters in the sequel, I had pretty much expected to come out the end of this in a much better place than, well, this. But book three somehow amps up the disjointed pacey confusion I felt with the narrative in book one as well as leans hard on the unbelievability and OTTness of some of book two (it had been pretty minor and only warranted some side-eye but was absolutely not minor here in the finale).

It's really disappointing to feel like everything that was so hard earned in book two regressed so hard in this one. What didn't help matters was also how repetitive and disconnected this felt, too. I feel like 60% of the time I didn't have a clue what was happening, really struggled to picture the action, and overall just completely felt this had less of a plot and was more just the result of chucking everything and the kitchen sink in the blender without a care for what the end result would be. Not to mention, people were dying left and right and yes, the meta-commentary of everything being even more of a blood bath disaster rager was there but like.. it just stopped having an impact. There was just too much going on everywhere and it was hard to track most of the time.

And speaking of everybody dying, I'm big mad about a certain death. I nearly quit right there. I know, I know, it's horror, but also a slasher (sorta? this one maybe didn't stick to the framework) and therefore no one is safe but fuck that. I object. Because of this I'll probably always think of DON'T FEAR THE REAPER as a weird standalone.

Also, I've said it before, and I'll say it again : stop with the references to a certain wizarding world. Do as you will in your own life but, for the sake of your readers, stop it.

Anyway, this has been a wild ride with some unexpected lows and, subsequently, unexpected highs. It's certainly a love letter to the slasher and horror genre and I respect so much of that. I just wish the experience had been a little more even keeled. But if you liked everything up until this point, especially book one, I think you'll (hopefully) be satisfied with the end.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

---

This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a fantastic series! I love Jade Daniels as a character and enjoyed how almost all of this book was from her perspective. It's a final showdown facing the Lake Witch, back in small town Proofrock, Idaho. And in this book, Jade has a job as a high school history teacher, which is quite the full circle moment. She has this great arc of growth and healing by facing her past, but in a brutal slasher with twists you don't expect. It also deals with mental health and responses to childhood trauma.

I will say I'm left with some lingering questions, but I kind of think that's the point. And for fans of horror films, each book in the series references a bunch of different films (this time even extending to Cocaine Bear). I don't feel like I'm doing this book justice, but it's so good and if you like horror and haven't yet picked up this trilogy you really should. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES. YES. YES. I AM SO STOKED FOR THIS. Jade, you are everything a gal could want in a final girl. I hope the finale to your story is as epic as you deserve.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a slasher-obsessed teen to a responsible and protective aunt, I loved following the evolution and growth of Jade Daniels. Just like the other two books in the series, The Angel of Indian Lake begins with an intense opening scene that grabs the readers attention and doesn’t let go until the end. Full of atmospheric, edge of your seat, and terrifying moments, The Angel of Indian Lake is the perfect conclusion to this beloved trilogy.

Without giving anything away, I will say that Steven Graham Jones did a fantastic job bidding farewell to Proofrock Idaho. I loved the author's note at the end and I highly recommend reading it as well.

The Angel of Indian Lake by Steven Graham Jones was published on March 26 so it's available now. Many thanks to Saga Press Books for the gifted copy!

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that this book is a metaphor, but I couldn’t get past the plot itself. I feel like I suffered through three books because of a false promise that my life would be altered for the effort. It was nice to see Jade grow up, but really, a last resort kind of book for me - to be read if there’s nothing left to read, and even then, only a maybe.

[Jessie (Zombie_likes_cake) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trust me, I don't want to write this review. I'll try to be as coherent as my disappointment allows me to be but I've also been trying to sort my thoughts into something that fits a review for almost a week now, with underwhelming results. This is the reverse scenario from "My Heart is a Chainsaw" where I was so enamored I didn't quite know what to or how to say it. I am a huge SGJ fan, "Chainsaw" is in my top 5 books of all time and while I was hesitant about it initially I think "Don't Fear the Reaper" is a banger of a sequel. But "The Angel of Indian Lake"? What happened? It is me or you or both of us?

I saw a review that said book No. 3 combines the introspected narration of book 1 with the fast pace of book 2. I believe that is kind of true and maybe what broke this book for me. But there is also confusion, plot points and developments I didn't like, choices were made. With that this review will be filled with spoilers, I can't talk about the things I didn't like without talking about the things I didn't like. You've been warned. I might even have to go bullet point style.

Spoilers starting now:

+Jade is and will always be my Final Girl and any page spent with her is still a page well spent.
Despite all I am about to say.
-This moves at a breakneck pace, again events unfold within 2 days. That worked in "Reaper" but here it was chaotic and random. Jade basically stumbles from dead body to dead body to massacre without much rhyme or reason. I'm honestly still not sure what certain deaths had to do with the story or who committed them.
- So much happens and it just gets wild. Not the good wild. Like we're throwing knives at a body to see if we can hit an organ:
Dead students, a father's head rolls inexplicably, a dead drug dealer (really: who and why and why are we spending time with him?). There is the wild fire which I thought would play a major role in the finale but it literally fades to smoke. Wouldn't it have been cool to have a showdown among flames? Though it made everyone run around with chainsaws (loved that at first, because this trilogy deserved these saws) and then accidentally kill each other (which in book full of villains seemed superfluous and honestly weird). Jade's Dad comes back Zombie style for reasons that I know were explained but I couldn't follow. Then Cinnamon is back for a minute. And killer bears, wtf? That took me out. At least they explain the cover choice, but really? Then the finale with Rexall which I will come back to. There didn't seem much logic to the events and while present to most of them Jade has zero impact, she mostly just watches instead of doing something which became really frustrating.
- Are we really supposed to believe Jade didn't recognize Cinnamon in her therapy sessions???
~ I thought it made sense for Jade's father to reappear, we all know the third part of a trilogy is where the past comes back to life to haunt you but it played out terribly. The fact that Jade can't defeat him here almost undoes her victory from book 1. I think this storyline deserved a better ending.
- I really thought the principal was built up to be a major player but he simply vanishes.
+ Jade's thoughts. Yes, they were a bit rambly but if possible I think this had the best Horror reference incorporation.
- But some of her choices, Jade sure made some choices. Okay, so she keeps on saying keeping Adie save is number one priority but sneaks out of babysitting duty. To sleep in a boat. She doesn't even check in next morning even though she promised to guard her. And towards the end when she sees Rexall running away with her she thinks he is rescuing her and cheers him on? The Jade I know and love should be smarter than that.
~ It's so many characters and town lore now, personally I found it impossible to keep up at this point. I usually appreciate that SGJ doesn't take you by the hand yet the truth is I was lost repeatedly. But I also adored certain moments like Banner and Jade, the cameo of Jace, final girl Jocelyn and the return of Letha. It wasn't all bad but it was always a lot.
~Nice that it was set on Halloween (after a summer and winter Slasher) but with Proofrock not celebrating Halloween it misses some of that potential.
- The stupid investigation reports that are here instead of Slasher 101. Not for me.
+ I loved the opening and closing chapters. Those were all I hoped this book could be in terms of atmosphere.
+ This has some killer quotes. Like: "And then a chainsaw rips awake, tearing the night in two." For the plot, I am not eager to reread this but for the writing I'd sure come back.
~ I didn't like how Letha's fate is hanging in the wings by the end. She has lost so much and is facing prison time. Yes, Jade thinks her money will help her (which isn't untrue) but I also don't think it's a satisfying point to leave us on. Or are we getting a Letha sequel? In that case I'm okay with it. But only in that case.
- After book 2 I thought Jade had accepted the idea that maybe she could also be a final girl but here we are going over the same discussions with her again? A lot of reviews say she has changed and grown so much but this read more like rinse and repeat from book 1 to me.
- Banner.


I am certain my rating hurts me more than you. This is my 9th Jones publication, this is not how I wanted this to go. Maybe upon a reread some things will be clearer and I won't resist other aspects as much as I do now. The bigger, more and wilder approach here, an approach very fitting for a third part in a Slasher series, I couldn't take in with love. But I also cannot hate this. What SGJ has given me in the first 2 books still throws shadows into this final novel, long reaching shadows, that even when I am complaining and sighing and not liking the plot, I still never wanted it to end. This book and me might have to be in an uphill battle but let's see what a reread will bring. And yes, there will be a trilogy reread. Of course there will be. And even if I can never grow to love this book, I still want to say:

"From the bottom of my chainsaw heart, thanks!"

2.5*

[Ruxandra Grrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have too many feelings now. But Jade Daniels will always be my Final Girl 😭😭 I'm not crying, you're crying!

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Saga Press, on NetGalley and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

Jade Daniels has become one of the biggest icons in the horror genre since her debut in MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW in 2021.

NOTE: This is the third book in The Indian Lake trilogy. It contains spoilers for the first two books, so please be sure to read them in order so that you enjoy the optimal reading experience for this series.

A girl who saw the signs that her little town of Proofrock would birth its own slasher in MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW.

A girl who returned years later to face down a brutal serial killer that has made Proofrock his new killing ground in DON'T FEAR THE REAPER.

Now, in THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE, she returns for the final time to put paid the curse that has plagued Proofrock all these years. Or die trying.

It's been 4 years since DON'T FEAR THE REAPER and Stephen Graham Jones does not ease readers back into the fray in THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE. No friends, he comes out swinging in the prologue with a plethora ofviolence and gore that will shock a white streak in your hair big enough to make Freddy Krueger proud and Nancy jealous. I loved it.

Let me start by saying that I think the best way to consume this book would be through audio. (At the time I'm writing this review, the audio is not available, so once it is and I can listen to it, I'll update to verify this recommendation.) My reasoning for this is because of the narrative style the author chose. Jade Daniels, our main character, narrates this book for us. I love Jade, but she's changes gears a lot and chases rabbits, so I spent a fair amount of time wishing a certain History teacher was there to reign her in. The first, very lengthy chapter was almost pure dialogue too, so that's why I'm leaning towards the audiobook being the best choice to consume this installment.

While things kicked straight off into high gear in the prologue, things slowed way down for a bit while Jade brings us up to speed on what's happened the last 4 years, she attempts to process what is happening now and theorizing on what she thinks may be afoot. We get lost in her musings, then pop out for a bit of action, then back inside her head again. Around the 80% mark, things start humming and readers are plunged at breakneck speed all the way through to the end.

I really wanted to be able to say that the trilogy ended on a banger, it topped the first two books, but it didn't. It didn't even come close, in my opinion. It was a good book - as a slasher, it had a couple twists and surprises, but nothing that blew my skirt up.

Yet the ending was absolute perfection.

I cried the entire last chapter. I dried that up, went on to read the acknowledgments and cried some more. It was worth reading this book just for the ending.

Thank you, Jade. You'll always be my Final Girl.

You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel

A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!

Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.

[Amy Imogene Reads]

There are some authors that I will follow over the ledge, sight unseen, with full trust in the process and story. Stephen Graham Jones is one of those authors. I can't state how excited I am to have an early copy!!

My review of My Heart is a Chainsaw.

My review of Don't Fear the Reaper.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. The 17+ hour audio book has taken me weeks to get through but that's not an indication of my enjoyment. I've mentioned in the past that I sometimes have trouble following the plots of this books and that did occasionally happen here but less so than with his past books. The moves at a break neck pace and was an incredible conclusion. I will truly miss reading about Jade.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

JADE DANIELS!!!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING. I’M CRYING SM.

RTC.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s OK. He writes like a dream, but I wish this series had stopped with the first book (which was awesome).

[Sjgomzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply, perfect. 😊 Stephen Graham Jones nails the ending here, and man, am I really going to miss Jade Daniels. 🔪⛏️🖤🖤🖤

[Michael J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the subject of epic trilogies is mentioned, while there are many other fantasy works of similar scope, J.R.R. Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS always comes to mind. But, I can't think of very many noteworthy trilogies in the horror genre except for THE STRAIN by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Granted, that's an excellent choice.

However, my pick for best epic trilogy in the horror genre is now THE INDIAN LAKE TRILOGY. So memorable, with unforgettable characters. I know this is a work that I will return to in the coming years for multiple readings. I also know that each time I finish it I'll come away with additional insights and appreciation.

I also have a feeling that real-world writer Stephen Graham Jones is going to have a hard time walking away from fictional-character Jade Daniels. There's so much power in her character. Jade has changed and matured by this point, and due to Jone's writing skills if you have read all three novels thus far you know her as well as he does. The first-person narrative is so skilled that as I read Jade's point-of-view I felt as if these events were happening to me and I was sharing her thoughts.

Just like in the real world, we never seem to focus on one single thing. While we may be in peril or engaging in activity our mind is remembering and considering many unrelated subjects. Jade's narrative isn't exactly stream-of-consciousness. It's quite next level.

She is so fully realized and brought to life that there must be more story to tell in this final girl. Her character, Jone's writing, our involvement in the world of Proofrock, Idaho have all grown and matured over the course of three novels. There's also much more (family, small town life, Native American culture and repression) to ponder over in addition to some truly horrific scenes. This is more than just a well-told scary story.

I'm glad that Jones left an opening for more in the last chapter of THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE. He also kept it vague enough to hint that Jade and young charge Adie may become more spiritual in any future storyline. I can't say more without spoilers.

I heartily recommend you read these novels. If you don't start at the beginning with MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW followed by DON'T FEAR THE REAPER then you are doing yourself a disservice. Past events play a huge role in THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE but they are not detailed in lengthy flashback scenes but show up in quick snapshots in Jade's memory. Plus, the Easter eggs and references/tributes to classic horror and slasher films, characters, directors and lines of dialogue will surely be missed at this point if you haven't warmed up by reading the previous works, especially that first novel.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shit, hate to say this, but I simply burned out on the series. I'm a big Stephen Graham Jones fan, and loved Jade as a character, though maybe I'm only a slasher fan up to a certain point.