The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Horror

Series: Book 3 of The Indian Lake trilogy

Publisher: Saga Press (March 26, 2024)

Length: 416 pages

Author Information: Website

The Angel of Indian Lake caps off the Indian Lake trilogy, picking up four years after the harrowing events of Don’t Fear the Reaper. The saga of our heroine Jade Daniels continues, and it’s recommended to read the books in order and be aware that the following review may contain spoilers for the previous books if you aren’t caught up yet.

As the story opens, readers are transported back to Proofrock, Idaho where Jade has also returned following a time of incarceration for past crimes committed. Bearing the physical and emotional scars of her sacrifices and trauma, she is determined to build a new life for herself with the help of her friend Letha Mondragon, whose clout has gotten Jade a job as a high school history teacher.

But with Halloween just around the corner, Proofrock is about to face another massacre. Jade is ready to move on, but unfortunately the town isn’t finished with her yet. The idyllic lake, once a source of beauty but now remembered as the site of so much devastation and bloodshed, now churns with the whispers of the Lake Witch curse. It’s a hair-raising reminder that Jade’s nightmare isn’t over. Armed with her encyclopedic knowledge of slasher flicks, she must rediscover her inner self and become someone who is more than just a final girl—a guardian angel who dares to believe redemption is possible.

The Angel of Indian Lake brings Jade’s saga to a close with a stunning final act which delivers a relentless onslaught of suspense and gore. Like the previous books, this one reads like a loving homage to classic horror movies, and through this framework author Stephen Graham Jones weaves his signature writing style. Fans familiar with his work can expect the practical effects that bring the chills and thrills to life, alongside heart-stopping sequences that keep you on your toes. The picturesque qualities of Proofrock take on a more sinister edge in this context, where terror waits around every corner.

But one of the highlights of the trilogy is undoubtedly Jade Daniels herself. She’s a complex and captivating protagonist. A survivor, not a victim. Despite her rejection of the hero label, she is in fact a kind of final girl, albeit an unconventional one that shatters the mold set by the typical slashers—which is kind of the point. I once again loved the meta-ness of the story, but also liked how the narrative never loses sight of the idea that Jade is a product of her experiences. For all that though, she refuses to be defined by the horrors in her past, and that fighting spirit is both tense and inspiring.

Of the three books in the series, The Angel of Indian Lake is also the bloodiest—probably. But it isn’t just brutal action and shocking twists. Beneath the surface is a more introspective layer that delves thoughtfully into the burdens of cultural heritage and legacy as well as its lasting effects. Jones holds no punches when it comes to violent and uncomfortable imagery, but It’s the emotional depth, a glaring contrast to the blood and gore, that truly elevates this concluding volume by offering a glimmer of hope.

The Angel of Indian Lake is certainly well worth the read for the satisfying ending, but fans of well-written horror in general should also take note, especially if you are a horror film buff. Stephen Graham Jones successfully incorporates classic genre tropes while simultaneously turning them on their head in this fantastic and unique trilogy, and I’m excited to see what he’ll serve up next.

More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of My Heart is a Chainsaw (Book 1)
Review of Don’t Fear the Reaper (Book 2)