The Night Wanderer

A Native Gothic Novel

By: Drew Hayden Taylor

Narrated by: Drew Hayden Taylor

A mesmerizing blend of Gothic thriller and modern coming-of-age novel, The Night Wanderer is unlike any other vampire story.

Nothing ever happens on the Otter Lake reservation. But when 16-year-old Tiffany discovers her father is renting out her room, she’s deeply upset. Sure, their guest is polite and keeps to himself, but he’s also a little creepy.

Little do Tiffany, her father, or even her astute Granny Ruth suspect the truth. The mysterious Pierre L’Errant is actually a vampire, returning to his tribal home after centuries spent in Europe. But Tiffany has other things on her mind: her new boyfriend is acting weird, disputes with her father are escalating, and her estranged mother is starting a new life with somebody else.

Fed up and heartsick, Tiffany threatens drastic measures and flees into the bush. There, in the midnight woods, a chilling encounter with L’Errant changes everything … for both of them.

©2007 Drew Hayden Taylor (P)2023 Annick Press

Critic reviews

“Offers food for thought as well as frights. Taylor sensitively works several important themes (redemption, coming of age, ties that bind) into his treatment of discussion-worthy issues (prejudice, bullying, suicide). His representation of life on a small reserve is authoritative, his Anishinabe vocabulary is authentic, and his refreshingly smart humour runs liberally through the book. Hats off to Annick Press for approaching a writer of Taylor’s stature to write a novel for young teens. The Night Wanderer is a quality offering.”—Quill & Quire, starred review

“Teens who devour vampire fiction will enjoy this unusual slant on the oft-told legend.”—VOYA

“Thoughtful and descriptive writing will keep the reader engaged from cover to end.”—New Tribe

Great narration and lovely story

I really enjoyed this! It was an easy listen. Even as a 35 year old woman, I could relate to the experiences of the teenage mc as she navigated her family and identity. It felt very authentic, and Taylor makes the reader truly root for her. The plot of this novel is written in an engaging and accessible way, while effectively blending realism with a little bit of a supernatural twist, to give insight into Anishinaabe culture. Loved the narrator as well- he has a very soothing voice.