Native Noir

The Akashic Noir Series lends its sinister cartography to the very first anthology ever published of fully Native American–authored crime fiction

“Hold the eggnog: What you need is a draft of ‘edgy fatalism and sexy recklessness,’ of flashy crime, gallows humor, and ‘desperate deals with a variety of devils,’ served up every year since 2004 by the editors of Akashic Books’ brilliant noir anthologies. From Brooklyn to Boston, from Phoenix to pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans, each volume in the series reveals a city’s distinctive inner darkness.”—O, The Oprah Magazine

BRAND-NEW STORIES BY: Gabino Iglesias, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Stacie Denetsosie, Ramona Emerson, Erika T. Wurth, Shane Hawk, Stephen Graham Jones, Vanessa Lillie, Savannah Johnston, Margaret Verble, Brandon Hobson, Wayne Arthurson, Marcie R. Rendon, katherena vermette, and Mona Susan Power

FROM THE INTRODUCTION by David Heska Wanbli Weiden:“These are exciting times for Native American crime fiction. By my rough count, there have been more Native-authored crime novels published in the last six years than in the previous three decades combined. Many of these books have won or been nominated for major literary awards, achieved best-seller status, and brought attention to important Indigenous issues. Furthermore, I’ll suggest that Native writers are putting their own spin on crime fiction, pioneering a uniquely Indigenous style that prioritizes an emphasis on social and political issues, the use of paranormal and spiritual elements in the texts, and a willingness to employ innovative plot structures. You’ll find all of that in this volume, which is the successor to Indian Country Noir, published by Akashic Books in 2010 . . .

“Nearly everyone I asked agreed to contribute a story, which was both amazing and humbling. And what a group of writers are gathered in this anthology! It’s a superstar lineup . . . the very first anthology of fully Native-authored crime fiction. Each of these tales takes a different approach to the genre, reflecting the diversity within the Native literary world today. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I have. Wopila!”