Bad Cree

In this debut novel, a young Cree woman's dreams lead her on a perilous journey of self-discovery, confronting the toll of violence on her family, community, and land. Mackenzie returns to her rural hometown in Alberta and finds her family still steeped in grief. She must confront the truth about what happened that night at the lake and what it has to do with Sabrina's death.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Scribe Publications

In this captivating debut, a young Cree woman embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery, confronting the profound impact of a legacy of violence on her family, community, and the land they cherish. When Mackenzie wakes up with a severed crow's head in her hands, she is plunged into a state of panic. Just moments before, she had been desperately fending off a flock of birds in a snow-covered forest. As she lies in bed, she notices that when she blinks, the head vanishes. Night after night, Mackenzie's dreams transport her back to a haunting memory from before her sister Sabrina's untimely death: a weekend spent at the family's lakefront campsite, shrouded in a fog of guilt. However, as the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Mackenzie realizes that she cannot confront this darkness alone. Determined to unravel the truth, she travels north to her rural hometown in Alberta, hoping to find solace and answers.

Upon her return, Mackenzie is welcomed back by her family, who are still grappling with the profound grief that had driven her away. Their fragile reunion only serves to intensify her dreams, making them increasingly dangerous. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Mackenzie begins to suspect that there is more to her family's history than she ever imagined. What really transpired that night at the lake, and how does it connect to Sabrina's death? The weight of this knowledge threatens to tear her family apart, but Mackenzie cannot shake the feeling that something sinister is lurking within her own soul.

In a desperate attempt to protect her loved ones, Mackenzie must confront the darkest forces that have been haunting her for years. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that have been hidden for generations. The truth is more terrifying than she could have ever imagined, and it will force her to confront the darkest parts of herself.

Through her journey of self-discovery, Mackenzie learns to embrace her Indigenous heritage and the power of her ancestors. She realizes that the legacy of violence does not have to define her or her family, and that there is hope for healing and reconciliation. Mackenzie's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of community. It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, we have the power to rise above our circumstances and create a better future for ourselves and those we love.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 134 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914484612