Mapping The Interior by Stephen Graham Jones | Novella Review

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The New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians, Stephen Graham Jones, brings readers a spine-tingling journey through a young boy's haunted home. Winner of the 2017 Bram Stoker Award for Long Fiction!

"A triumph. So emotionally raw, disturbing, creepy, and brilliant."
—Paul Tremblay, New York Times bestselling author of Horror Movie

Walking through his own house at night, a young boy thinks he sees another person stepping through a doorway. The figure reminds him of his long-dead father, who drowned mysteriously before his family left the reservation. When he follows, it he discovers his house is bigger and deeper than he ever knew.

The house is the kind of wrong place where you can lose yourself and find things you'd rather not have. Over the course of a few nights, the boy tries to map out his house in an effort that puts his younger brother in the worst danger, and puts him in the position to save them . . . at a terrible cost.

"Brilliant." —The New York Times

Also by Stephen Graham Jones:
Night of the Mannequins

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

I am such a fraidy cat, I mean, I get nervous picking up horror stories these days. I don’t know what happened to make me so chicken in my late 30s. Alas. Stephen Graham Jones is an author who has been hyped by so many of my favorite influencers and the book internets. So, picking up Mapping The Interior seemed like a good idea – it is short, so at least the scary stuff won’t take up too much of my life AND I will have finally picked up the work of what seems like an amazing Indigenous author. Well, the hype is real. Unfortunately, after closing Mapping The Interior, the creepiness of the story has stuck with me – just shows how strong the writing is.

Mapping The Interior is about an Indian boy called Junie or Junior. He lives with his mother and brother Dino in a modular home that is NOT on the reservation. One night, he swears he sees a fancydancer walk through their home. He is convinced it is his deceased father, as he had all the potential in the world to be a fancydancer but died too soon. Junior looks all over the home but can find no evidence of his father, that is, until he finds one lone bead. Then, he becomes obsessed with seeing his dad again, believing that his dad can help them. But, Dino starts having more and more seizures and just stops progressing intellectually. So, perhaps his dad’s visits are sinister in nature. Still, Junior believes his home contains hidden depths.

For a small book, Mapping The Interior packs a punch. I found myself doing that whole body shudder thing in particular when we get what is really happening as well as during some gory scenes. This book is sad and has a few heartbreaking parts. I was really rooting for Junior and his family, but well, they have some not so great luck. I do think if you read this you should check trigger warnings. After getting a taste of Jones’ writing, I will be sure to pick up more from Jones. I just have to gather my courage first as wow, can he raise the hair and goosebumps on your arms.

@aprilbooksandwine

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Latest posts by April (Books&Wine) (see all)

• Mapping The Interior by Stephen Graham Jones | Novella Review - May 4, 2025
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