Indian Burial Ground

By: Nick Medina

Narrated by: Gary Farmer, Erin Tripp

A man lunges in front of a car. An elderly woman silently drowns herself. A corpse sits up in its coffin and speaks. On this reservation, not all is what it seems, in this new spine-chilling mythological horror from the author of Sisters of the Lost Nation.

All Noemi Broussard wanted was a fresh start. With a new boyfriend who actually treats her right and a plan to move from the reservation she grew up on—just like her beloved Uncle Louie before her—things are finally looking up for Noemi. Until the news of her boyfriend’s apparent suicide brings her world crumbling down.

But the facts about Roddy’s death just don’t add up, and Noemi isn’t the only one who suspects that something menacing might be lurking within their tribal lands.

After over a decade away, Uncle Louie has returned to the reservation, bringing with him a past full of secrets, horror, and what might be the key to determining Roddy’s true cause of death. Together, Noemi and Louie set out to find answers...but as they get closer to the truth, Noemi begins to wonder whether it might be best for some secrets to remain buried.

Critic reviews

"Read this Native American mythological horror with the lights on, or you may never sleep again."
—People

"Nick Medina...deepens our appreciation for the real stories and peoples behind the cliches. With Indian Burial Ground, the Native Americans are front and center."
—Parade

"Nick Medina blends myth and reality, supernatural danger and ordinary human menace into a story that will pull your heartstrings even as it shreds your nerves. Like the alligators lurking in its pages, Indian Burial Ground will swallow you whole."
—Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines

"You may arrive at Indian Burial Ground because of author Nick Medina's incredible debut, Sisters of the Lost Nation, or his exceptional story in the bestselling Never Whistle at Night anthology, or perhaps he's a new-to-you author, and now you have the pleasure of reading both of these, but the important thing is you have arrived at an exceptional new novel that lingers long after the last page is turned. From two compelling points of view decades apart, Medina has crafted a story of generational trauma and mythical fears, with deep roots in Native history and modern life, that's part supernatural horror, part mystery, but perhaps most importantly, a story of hope in the darkness."
—Vanessa Lillie, USA Today bestselling author of Blood Sisters

"Indian Burial Ground is wonderfully creepy and relentlessly dark. Part adventure narrative, part supernatural horror story, and part eerie mystery, this novel slithers under your skin and makes you wish you knew less with every step it brings you closer to the truth. Nick Medina is waiting in the dark to whisper in your ear about dead things, about the tamahka, about blood and Native mythology. You should let him."
—Gabino Iglesias, author of The Devil Takes You Home

"An intense family drama set on the (fictional) Rez where the threat of the mysterious Takoda Vampire makes for a gripping—and creepy!—read. Nick Medina is an Indigenous writer to watch."
—Erika T. Wurth, author of White Horse

"Nick Medina’s Indian Burial Ground is an expertly-paced novel, chock-full of Native lore and spine-chilling suspense. When the horror hits, it hits hard."
—Jimmy Juliano, author of Dead Eleven

Wasn't for me

It was okay but it definitely wasn't horror, and it was slow. I kept waiting for something to happen and then it was over lol. I was expecting more pet cemetery I guess. It left alot unexplained I won't read this again unfortunately, but it wasn't horrible just don't do into it thinking it's horror.

Best book I’ve read this year

I’m not sure I can adequately describe what I loved about this book, but I will try.

First, the HORROR. I realized while reading this that I hadn’t read horror in a hot minute. I physically responded - changing my sitting position the moment the horror climaxed. At the end of one particular chapter, I yelled audibly at the book. Yelling with love, not anger. Haha

Secondly, the CHARACTERS. Nick Medina always does a brilliant job with creating characters that feel so real. It’s so easy to picture them, feel with them, and journey with them. Louie has easily become one of my all time favorite characters. I wanted desperately to hop into the story, and make sure he was taken care of!

Thirdly (and lastly), much like Sisters of the Lost Nation, this book paints a vivid picture of the realities facing Native American communities. I think what impressed me so much was how it was done in the most flawless storytelling fashion. You meet the characters, you love them, you journey with them, face hardships with them, and only afterwards do you remember there was a lesson there.

I read this book twice, back to back, because I didn’t want to leave it yet. How a horror novel felt cozy is beyond my understanding, but it definitely did. I’ll be thinking about it for awhile.

Full of Universal Truths

A beautiful book that, in some ways, is a story about becoming, growing up and loss. There is alcoholism and suicide.
A lot of sadness. I just lost my husband 9 months ago, so I may be seeing through different lenses.
I loved this book.
It seemed real. It seemed like life.

Indian Folklore

Good performance and understanding of issues experienced by Native Americans. Educational and entertaining book. Would read another one of his works.

Great Story; uneven narration

Great story, and although I enjoyed the voices of both narrators, the male narrator’s difficulties with delivery made listening difficult. Will definitely read more by this author.