To switch up my reading pace this week, I picked up Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, and I’m so glad I did. Curated by editors Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst, this collection brings together an impressive lineup of Native American and Indigenous authors who explore the eerie, the unsettling, and the downright terrifying – all while honoring rich cultural traditions and storytelling.

There’s a horror subgenre here for everyone: murderers and psychological twists for thriller fans, eerie entities for lovers of the paranormal, and deep supernatural lore rooted in Indigenous culture. Each story brings something unique to the table, but what ties them all together is the way these authors channel their heritage into haunting, beautifully crafted narratives. The representation is powerful, and the storytelling is phenomenal.

This past Memorial Day weekend, I brought this anthology along for a three-night camping trip with my husband and our teenage nephew, and it was the perfect fireside companion. Reading these stories in the dark woods, under the stars with only a crackling campfire and the sounds of nature around us? Absolutely next-level. If you’re planning a camping trip this summer, definitely pack this one, it’s made for the woods!

Also, I’m usually not one to judge a book by its cover, but I have to make an exception here. The cover art is stunning! Yes, it’s available on Kindle, but I needed the physical copy on my shelf. It’s that good. Rarely do I choose print when digital is an option, but for this one, I had to make the exception.

Another standout feature: after each story, there’s a short author bio. It’s such a nice touch – getting a peek into each writer’s background, passions, and past work made me want to immediately look up half the authors to read more. I love when anthologies do this; it makes the whole experience feel more connected and meaningful.

Whether you’re of Indigenous descent or just someone like me (always looking for compelling horror from every corner of the world), Never Whistle at Night is a must-read. The stories are just the right length (10–15 pages on average) and deliver pure dread in bite-sized form.

Final tip? Read it in the dark with a flashlight. Trust me. It also pairs well with s’mores.