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Buzzard's Edge Saga #4
Song Dogs
Revenge has come for Rory Daggett.
When a series of unexplained fires leads to a shift in the hierarchy of Buzzard's Edge, Rory finds himself in a battle against his most dangerous enemy yet.
With his mute adopted daughter, Alice, and Sheriff Thaddeus Locke by his side, Rory must investigate the sudden flow of strange, horrific creatures into the town, all while dodging murder, mayhem, and sinister forces-both in the shadows and in plain sight.
Prepare yourself for an epic of blood, bullets, and bared teeth in the most thrilling chapter yet of the Buzzard's Edge Saga.
When a series of unexplained fires leads to a shift in the hierarchy of Buzzard's Edge, Rory finds himself in a battle against his most dangerous enemy yet.
With his mute adopted daughter, Alice, and Sheriff Thaddeus Locke by his side, Rory must investigate the sudden flow of strange, horrific creatures into the town, all while dodging murder, mayhem, and sinister forces-both in the shadows and in plain sight.
Prepare yourself for an epic of blood, bullets, and bared teeth in the most thrilling chapter yet of the Buzzard's Edge Saga.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Brennan LaFaro
25 books155 followers Brennan LaFaro is a music teacher by day, horror writer by night, living in southeastern Massachusetts with his wife, two sons, and his hounds. He is the author of the Slattery Falls trilogy, as well as Last Stay, and the horror western, Buzzard's Edge Saga. You can read his short fiction in various anthologies and find him on Twitter at @brennanlafaro or at www.brennanlafaro.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 22, 2025
This was the sweetest Weird Western horror book I've ever read...and I say this knowing that bad things happen to a lot of people in this story (not to mention one really bad and sad thing happening very early on!). How else to describe this warm feeling though, overwhelming me when I reached the ending? This should not be taken to imply a happy ending - the story is far more complex and twisty than that, no black and white morals here, nor any easy answers available about any character! This is a Western, after all, and don't mind the cryptids, the ghosts, or the painful experiences of clairvoyance. Stick to the gunshots, the saloons, and even the first hints of romance!
"Song Dogs" (the title is explained fully inside) picks up right where we last saw Rory and his mute adopted daughter Alice - in Buzzard's Edge, Rory's hometown. This time, however, we're right in the middle of things, we're dropped right into the action: a saloon that burned down, the beginnings of an investigation about what happened, a super-smart sheriff, a corrupted mayor, and of course Rory - who has all the luck to stumble upon a flesh-hungry cryptid! Building on this awesome first scene, everything that follows just gets weirder and weirder! Typical LaFaro, that is.
Similar to previous stories and novellas, this is another very rich and densely plotted entry in the Buzzard's Edge Saga. It's not a standalone; nor a direct sequel (one can catch up by reading the other books afterwards). It's full of easter eggs, sure, but the writing makes it easy to follow everything without any real trouble. The action scenes are spectacular, the characterization stellar, the story always interesting and compelling. Once again, I finished a LaFaro book in one sitting, guiltily enjoying myself too much to stop and do my chores lol
"Song Dogs" is definitely the whole package, and it has so many sweet moments (Rory really wants to be a stand-up father, and this raises several issues when your 9 year old is a gunslinger!), plus another 'lagnape' like the collection did -a brief story added in the end of the book, a warm hug of sorts, a heartfelt goodbye, see you next book kind of thing- it's really the 2025 Western Horror must-read! Highly recommended!
"Song Dogs" (the title is explained fully inside) picks up right where we last saw Rory and his mute adopted daughter Alice - in Buzzard's Edge, Rory's hometown. This time, however, we're right in the middle of things, we're dropped right into the action: a saloon that burned down, the beginnings of an investigation about what happened, a super-smart sheriff, a corrupted mayor, and of course Rory - who has all the luck to stumble upon a flesh-hungry cryptid! Building on this awesome first scene, everything that follows just gets weirder and weirder! Typical LaFaro, that is.
Similar to previous stories and novellas, this is another very rich and densely plotted entry in the Buzzard's Edge Saga. It's not a standalone; nor a direct sequel (one can catch up by reading the other books afterwards). It's full of easter eggs, sure, but the writing makes it easy to follow everything without any real trouble. The action scenes are spectacular, the characterization stellar, the story always interesting and compelling. Once again, I finished a LaFaro book in one sitting, guiltily enjoying myself too much to stop and do my chores lol
"Song Dogs" is definitely the whole package, and it has so many sweet moments (Rory really wants to be a stand-up father, and this raises several issues when your 9 year old is a gunslinger!), plus another 'lagnape' like the collection did -a brief story added in the end of the book, a warm hug of sorts, a heartfelt goodbye, see you next book kind of thing- it's really the 2025 Western Horror must-read! Highly recommended!
October 13, 2025
I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: as long as LaFaro keeps writing about Rory Daggett and Alice’s adventures around Buzzard’s Edge (and beyond?), I’ll keep reading.
This review might wander a bit, but I promise it will make sense by the end.
When I was a kid, I loved the Old West. Every summer, my family went to New Hampshire, and I’d beg to visit a theme park called Six Gun City. It’s gone now, but back then it was a full Western town with storefronts, saloons, and dusty streets.
My favorite part was joining the posse. A few college kids dressed as lawmen would round up a bunch of us kids--armed with our fake six-shooters--and set us loose to chase down a bandit. One year, while I was with my dad buying new toy guns, I spotted the “bandit” riding down a back path. I tore out of the shop and gave chase, nearly getting trampled for my trouble. The “Sheriff” caught up, made sure I was in one piece, and said, “Don’t be a hero, kid.” It’s still one of my favorite memories.
LaFaro’s "Buzzard's Edge Saga" stirs up that same feeling. The same sense of wonder and adventure that sent eight-year-old me sprinting down a dirt alley in pursuit of a pretend outlaw. And that, I think, is the highest praise I can give.
This review might wander a bit, but I promise it will make sense by the end.
When I was a kid, I loved the Old West. Every summer, my family went to New Hampshire, and I’d beg to visit a theme park called Six Gun City. It’s gone now, but back then it was a full Western town with storefronts, saloons, and dusty streets.
My favorite part was joining the posse. A few college kids dressed as lawmen would round up a bunch of us kids--armed with our fake six-shooters--and set us loose to chase down a bandit. One year, while I was with my dad buying new toy guns, I spotted the “bandit” riding down a back path. I tore out of the shop and gave chase, nearly getting trampled for my trouble. The “Sheriff” caught up, made sure I was in one piece, and said, “Don’t be a hero, kid.” It’s still one of my favorite memories.
LaFaro’s "Buzzard's Edge Saga" stirs up that same feeling. The same sense of wonder and adventure that sent eight-year-old me sprinting down a dirt alley in pursuit of a pretend outlaw. And that, I think, is the highest praise I can give.
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October 14, 2025*Huge thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a digital ARC of this one!*
Here we go! Book four!
‘Song Dogs’ arrives as the fourth book in LaFaro’s ‘Buzzard’s Edge Saga,’ though technically it’s the third long read – book three is made up of short stories. I’ve read the first two books, though haven’t gotten around to book three yet – purely because I’ve been limiting how many short story collections I’ve been reading.
Books one and two introduced us to Rory and Alice (and judging from the synopsis of book three, I’ll assume they appear within some of the stories), but book three introduces us to a Rory and Alice we’ve not yet seen much of. They’re now ‘settled,’ and folks in the area know who they are. But being settled hasn’t made them complacent and with how things are in Buzzard’s Edge, it doesn’t take long until something nefarious arrives.
What I liked: With Rory and Alice now living there, they’ve gained a small degree of notoriety, almost bordering on celebrity, having made a name for themselves with the events in the previous two books. Alice stays more to the side, mute and gun ready.
Things really ramp up when creatures begin to appear and wreck havoc, first with a chimera-like animal. It becomes Rory and Alice’s job to figure out the what and why. The investigation into the what and the why allows us readers to see how close-knit these two are and how they work off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Together, they are the whole pie. Individually, they’re not as steady as they could be.
LaFaro has done a wonderful job of developing these characters over the course of their adventures together and throughout this one, they’re easily the stars of the show, firmly the two that the readers cheer for.
As the craziness picks up, we know we can count on these two to band together, overcome the insanity and ultimately come out on top. Which we see with an action-packed final quarter.
What I didn’t like: I’m not 100% sure of the word I’m looking for here, so I’m going to go with this – wholesome. This book – and series – has fallen into a ‘wholesome’ groove and in this case, I think the issue will be if that avenue makes it predictable. While the book and series have been fantastic, there’s only been one kind of ‘tug-at-the-heart’ death/character ending that threatened to upend the flow of the narrative and at this point, I think in order for the series to remain fresh going forward, there’s going to have to be some wickedness that ruins the readers day to keep things marching on.
That’s just my opinion, granted, but after seeing how things have gone in these three books, I now worry for a predictable future which might turn folks away.
What I liked: So, you can also ignore that previous section because I also want to use ‘wholesome’ for one of the strengths of this book and the series. It’s been great seeing Rory and Alice come together, grow together and work together to take down whatever gets thrown at them.
The ‘Buzzard’s Edge’ series has been a great exercise in blending the fantastical with western horror and LaFaro is clearly having a blast writing these books.
If you’re looking for a world filled with characters and craziness, look no further, ‘Song Dogs’ is another great entry into a series that’s really entertained me. These are always a lot of fun!
Here we go! Book four!
‘Song Dogs’ arrives as the fourth book in LaFaro’s ‘Buzzard’s Edge Saga,’ though technically it’s the third long read – book three is made up of short stories. I’ve read the first two books, though haven’t gotten around to book three yet – purely because I’ve been limiting how many short story collections I’ve been reading.
Books one and two introduced us to Rory and Alice (and judging from the synopsis of book three, I’ll assume they appear within some of the stories), but book three introduces us to a Rory and Alice we’ve not yet seen much of. They’re now ‘settled,’ and folks in the area know who they are. But being settled hasn’t made them complacent and with how things are in Buzzard’s Edge, it doesn’t take long until something nefarious arrives.
What I liked: With Rory and Alice now living there, they’ve gained a small degree of notoriety, almost bordering on celebrity, having made a name for themselves with the events in the previous two books. Alice stays more to the side, mute and gun ready.
Things really ramp up when creatures begin to appear and wreck havoc, first with a chimera-like animal. It becomes Rory and Alice’s job to figure out the what and why. The investigation into the what and the why allows us readers to see how close-knit these two are and how they work off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Together, they are the whole pie. Individually, they’re not as steady as they could be.
LaFaro has done a wonderful job of developing these characters over the course of their adventures together and throughout this one, they’re easily the stars of the show, firmly the two that the readers cheer for.
As the craziness picks up, we know we can count on these two to band together, overcome the insanity and ultimately come out on top. Which we see with an action-packed final quarter.
What I didn’t like: I’m not 100% sure of the word I’m looking for here, so I’m going to go with this – wholesome. This book – and series – has fallen into a ‘wholesome’ groove and in this case, I think the issue will be if that avenue makes it predictable. While the book and series have been fantastic, there’s only been one kind of ‘tug-at-the-heart’ death/character ending that threatened to upend the flow of the narrative and at this point, I think in order for the series to remain fresh going forward, there’s going to have to be some wickedness that ruins the readers day to keep things marching on.
That’s just my opinion, granted, but after seeing how things have gone in these three books, I now worry for a predictable future which might turn folks away.
What I liked: So, you can also ignore that previous section because I also want to use ‘wholesome’ for one of the strengths of this book and the series. It’s been great seeing Rory and Alice come together, grow together and work together to take down whatever gets thrown at them.
The ‘Buzzard’s Edge’ series has been a great exercise in blending the fantastical with western horror and LaFaro is clearly having a blast writing these books.
If you’re looking for a world filled with characters and craziness, look no further, ‘Song Dogs’ is another great entry into a series that’s really entertained me. These are always a lot of fun!
July 10, 2025
Brennan LaFaro says he loves writing these stories set in Buzzard's Edge and I believe him. Each book in this series settles in your mind, draws you into its hypnotic blend of western and horror, and gets you emotionally invested in the characters. As much as he likes writing them, I love reading them.
If you haven't read the three previous books in the series, not to worry. They can all be read as standalones. But you'll get so much more from them taken as they should be read.
At the horrific and blood spattered heart are Rory and Alice, one of the best pairings of characters you'll find in a book series. Their father/daughter type relationship is full of heart, action, and even sadness as they fight the monsters (both supernatural and human) together.
In this book, a gaggle of supernatural creatures of myth seem to be unleashed on Buzzard's Edge leaving a body trail along the way. With the help of the sheriff, the trio has to find the source and figure it out quick before the town becomes monster food.
With a mayoral election coming, a snake of a business owner trying to bully his way to that position, and a new love interest of sorts for Rory, things will get out of control for him and Alice. But it's a ride you'll be happy to take. Filled with those western vibes and goosebump inducing creatures, this is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
If you haven't read the three previous books in the series, not to worry. They can all be read as standalones. But you'll get so much more from them taken as they should be read.
At the horrific and blood spattered heart are Rory and Alice, one of the best pairings of characters you'll find in a book series. Their father/daughter type relationship is full of heart, action, and even sadness as they fight the monsters (both supernatural and human) together.
In this book, a gaggle of supernatural creatures of myth seem to be unleashed on Buzzard's Edge leaving a body trail along the way. With the help of the sheriff, the trio has to find the source and figure it out quick before the town becomes monster food.
With a mayoral election coming, a snake of a business owner trying to bully his way to that position, and a new love interest of sorts for Rory, things will get out of control for him and Alice. But it's a ride you'll be happy to take. Filled with those western vibes and goosebump inducing creatures, this is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
October 9, 2025
A howling good time!
I make no secret of the fact that I consider Brennan LaFaro to be the standard anyone starting out in Western Horror is trying to live up to. And in SONG DOGS, he proves it yet again.
From raising Alice to a foray into politics, SONG DOGS comes with all the twists and turns readers have come to expect in Buzzard’s Edge. Some of the themes from WHERE THE DAYBREAK ENDS are brought back for further exploration, especially Thaddeus Locke and his gifts for education and violence. A love interest for Rory only adds to the story, and several Cryptid (both familiar and obscure) also make an appearance.
The one place I found myself unsatisfied was the ending. It felt like there were some loose ends that weren’t wrapped up, or perhaps tabled until a future work. While I appreciate the idea that more dispatches from Buzzard’s Edge are coming, I don’t like having to wait for them!
Overall, another fine work from LaFaro, and one that will keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.
I make no secret of the fact that I consider Brennan LaFaro to be the standard anyone starting out in Western Horror is trying to live up to. And in SONG DOGS, he proves it yet again.
From raising Alice to a foray into politics, SONG DOGS comes with all the twists and turns readers have come to expect in Buzzard’s Edge. Some of the themes from WHERE THE DAYBREAK ENDS are brought back for further exploration, especially Thaddeus Locke and his gifts for education and violence. A love interest for Rory only adds to the story, and several Cryptid (both familiar and obscure) also make an appearance.
The one place I found myself unsatisfied was the ending. It felt like there were some loose ends that weren’t wrapped up, or perhaps tabled until a future work. While I appreciate the idea that more dispatches from Buzzard’s Edge are coming, I don’t like having to wait for them!
Overall, another fine work from LaFaro, and one that will keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.
December 1, 2025
The Master of the Horror Western has done it again! Song Dogs, the 4th book set in Buzzard's Edge (The third book being a collection of stories), is a wonderful continuation of this story of Rory and Alice, and their efforts to protect the good people of Buzzard's Edge.
In Snow Dogs, Lafaro turns up the juice and throws some serious monsters at our heroes, while seeting the stage for more fun tales from the Edge.
I really have come to love these characters, as we've gotten to watch Rory and Alice grow over the course of this series.
Having dipped my toes in the Horror Western waters myself, I can honestly say that no one does it like Brennan Lafaro, and I hope he continues to regale us with his western tales for many years to come.
In Snow Dogs, Lafaro turns up the juice and throws some serious monsters at our heroes, while seeting the stage for more fun tales from the Edge.
I really have come to love these characters, as we've gotten to watch Rory and Alice grow over the course of this series.
Having dipped my toes in the Horror Western waters myself, I can honestly say that no one does it like Brennan Lafaro, and I hope he continues to regale us with his western tales for many years to come.
August 13, 2025
This is my first reading of Brennan and I'm ready to go back again. Buzzard's Edge seems to be the place to be. It's the fourth saga set here, but I didn't have to know the others. Now I do want to go and read them. While horror/western is a new genre to me, I was fully swept in. Rory is a great protagonist and all the creepiness that he has to deal with in the town along with the gunslinging make him a fun person to follow along with. Where else can you get shootings, monsters, bar fights, and a nine year old gunslinger. Loved every minute of it.
August 18, 2025
I just finished another amazing story and was honored to receive this ARC from my favorite Brennan LaFaro!
Load your six shooters and buckle up for another wild ride into the town of Buzzard’s Edge. Follow Rory and Alice as they continue to protect the people of this small town. New evil lurks in the shadows and new creatures terrorize its townspeople. Find out what secrets the new Mayor has locked away?
This is a great book and it is wonderful to see the growth of Rory and Alice. Brennan has done it again. I highly recommend this and all the stories here in Buzzard’s Edge.
Load your six shooters and buckle up for another wild ride into the town of Buzzard’s Edge. Follow Rory and Alice as they continue to protect the people of this small town. New evil lurks in the shadows and new creatures terrorize its townspeople. Find out what secrets the new Mayor has locked away?
This is a great book and it is wonderful to see the growth of Rory and Alice. Brennan has done it again. I highly recommend this and all the stories here in Buzzard’s Edge.
December 3, 2025
The 4th installment of the Buzzards Edge saga has Rory and Alice neck deep in an investigation. Dangerous horrific creatures have invaded Buzzards Edge and its their job to find out where they came from.
Really Brennan!!! Had me crying in the first few chapters. I absolutely loved seeing the relationship between Rory and Alice continue to grow and seeing Alice start to trust a little more brought a few tears to the eyes. So if you're looking for a western horror that is well written and filled with laughter, action, tears, and all kinds of crazy beasts then give this one a read.
Really Brennan!!! Had me crying in the first few chapters. I absolutely loved seeing the relationship between Rory and Alice continue to grow and seeing Alice start to trust a little more brought a few tears to the eyes. So if you're looking for a western horror that is well written and filled with laughter, action, tears, and all kinds of crazy beasts then give this one a read.
September 17, 2025
Song Dogs by Brennan LaFaro is another intense page-turner in the amazing Buzzard’s Edge Saga! Within these pages, readers will find more terrifying monsters, more nerve-racking shootouts, and some major character growth!
Just like the maze of nails and darkness in the Scarlet revolver, Brennan leads us through the dark and treacherous path!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/song-...
Just like the maze of nails and darkness in the Scarlet revolver, Brennan leads us through the dark and treacherous path!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/song-...
December 9, 2025
Not my usual genre but so so glad I gave it a go!
Absolutely loved it from start to finish. Loved the characters, there’s a special place in my heart for Rory.
My only complaint is that I haven’t read the other books! I need to go explore now!
Thank you to netgalley and Brennan Lafaro for the arc!
Absolutely loved it from start to finish. Loved the characters, there’s a special place in my heart for Rory.
My only complaint is that I haven’t read the other books! I need to go explore now!
Thank you to netgalley and Brennan Lafaro for the arc!
December 3, 2025
Brennan LaFaro’s new book, Song Dogs, is the fourth installment in the Buzzard’s Edge saga (and hopefully not the last). I had never really read much western horror, but ever since I picked up Noose I have been hooked on this series. I absolutely love the relationship that Rory and Alice have developed since he found her as an orphan hidden away in his old house. They are back for another adventure involving a corrupt mayor and a slew of mystical beasts. The story and writing are extremely well-done and I’d highly recommend the entire series if you’re looking to try out some western horror!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews