Brennan LaFaro says he loves writing these stories set in Buzzard's Edge and I believe him. Each book in this series settles in your mind, draws you into its hypnotic blend of western and horror, and gets you emotionally invested in the characters. As much as he likes writing them, I love reading them.

If you haven't read the three previous books in the series, not to worry. They can all be read as standalones. But you'll get so much more from them taken as they should be read.

At the horrific and blood spattered heart are Rory and Alice, one of the best pairings of characters you'll find in a book series. Their father/daughter type relationship is full of heart, action, and even sadness as they fight the monsters (both supernatural and human) together.

In this book, a gaggle of supernatural creatures of myth seem to be unleashed on Buzzard's Edge leaving a body trail along the way. With the help of the sheriff, the trio has to find the source and figure it out quick before the town becomes monster food.

With a mayoral election coming, a snake of a business owner trying to bully his way to that position, and a new love interest of sorts for Rory, things will get out of control for him and Alice. But it's a ride you'll be happy to take. Filled with those western vibes and goosebump inducing creatures, this is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.

This was the sweetest Weird Western horror book I've ever read...and I say this knowing that bad things happen to a lot of people in this story (not to mention one really bad and sad thing happening very early on!). How else to describe this warm feeling though, overwhelming me when I reached the ending? This should not be taken to imply a happy ending - the story is far more complex and twisty than that, no black and white morals here, nor any easy answers available about any character! This is a Western, after all, and don't mind the cryptids, the ghosts, or the painful experiences of clairvoyance. Stick to the gunshots, the saloons, and even the first hints of romance!

"Song Dogs" (the title is explained fully inside) picks up right where we last saw Rory and his mute adopted daughter Alice - in Buzzard's Edge, Rory's hometown. This time, however, we're right in the middle of things, we're dropped right into the action: a saloon that burned down, the beginnings of an investigation about what happened, a super-smart sheriff, a corrupted mayor, and of course Rory - who has all the luck to stumble upon a flesh-hungry cryptid! Building on this awesome first scene, everything that follows just gets weirder and weirder! Typical LaFaro, that is.

Similar to previous stories and novellas, this is another very rich and densely plotted entry in the Buzzard's Edge Saga. It's not a standalone; nor a direct sequel (one can catch up by reading the other books afterwards). It's full of easter eggs, sure, but the writing makes it easy to follow everything without any real trouble. The action scenes are spectacular, the characterization stellar, the story always interesting and compelling. Once again, I finished a LaFaro book in one sitting, guiltily enjoying myself too much to stop and do my chores lol

"Song Dogs" is definitely the whole package, and it has so many sweet moments (Rory really wants to be a stand-up father, and this raises several issues when your 9 year old is a gunslinger!), plus another 'lagnape' like the collection did -a brief story added in the end of the book, a warm hug of sorts, a heartfelt goodbye, see you next book kind of thing- it's really the 2025 Western Horror must-read! Highly recommended!

I love all of the Buzzard’s Edge novels to date and Song Dogs is no different. Filled with the type of action and adventure you can expect we have another wonderful trip into the wild west. Tied with this there is a plethora of supernatural creatures and beings thrown into the mix for good measure. As someone who loves both those things I am actually obsessed with these novels. But don’t fear if you haven’t read the other novels in the series. Each can be read standalone and enjoyed without the other, but you will enjoy them all the more if you read the series.

For me the stand out is that despite the supernatural setting we have characters that are believable for the setting and time period. It’s just an added bonus of the horror and supernatural elements. If you love westerns and horror this is for you.
As always thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Brennan LaFaro’s new book, Song Dogs, is the fourth installment in the Buzzard’s Edge saga (and hopefully not the last). I had never really read much western horror, but ever since I picked up Noose I have been hooked on this series. I absolutely love the relationship that Rory and Alice have developed since he found her as an orphan hidden away in his old house. They are back for another adventure involving a corrupt mayor and a slew of mystical beasts. The story and writing are extremely well-done and I’d highly recommend the entire series if you’re looking to try out some western horror!

Song Dogs by Brennan LaFaro is another intense page-turner in the amazing Buzzard’s Edge Saga! Within these pages, readers will find more terrifying monsters, more nerve-racking shootouts, and some major character growth!

CONTENT WARNINGS: Blood, gore, gun violence, murder, violence toward animals, violence by animals, animal death, disfigurement, and more.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on Song Dogs (Buzzard’s Edge Saga #4) by Brennan LaFaro –
Rory and Alice are forced to step in and investigate a terrible fire in Buzzards Edge. But of course, once literally sifting through the ashes, they realize that there’s more at play here. Per usual, one thing leads to another, and then they’re back in the thick of things with gun smoke lingering in the air.

To save the discovery of all the fun here for readers, I’ll just add two notes:

Oh my gosh, I love these two so much! Every step of the way, I was nervous to see what would come next. This time, the terrors just kept getting more and more wild!
Ah, what was in the basement at the Scarlet Revolver was so cool!
My Favorite Passages from Song Dogs –
The horse’s eyes were still filled with stars, only reflections this time.

Deep breath. Deep. Deep, deep fucking breath.
Except I couldn’t find one. My lungs felt shallower than a puddle.

Once inside, she looked around. My gaze followed hers and I fretted over every speck of dust and found items on the floor I’d swear hadn’t been there minutes earlier.

“Remember, Rory, that there is nothing in the world you can do to make everyone like you. Some simply have hate far too deeply ingrained within their heart. believe that good recognizes good.” He stopped speaking for a moment, simply moved forward in silence and with thoughtful glint in his eye. “Perhaps the opposite is true, as well…”

My Final Thoughts on Song Dogs –
Just like the maze of nails and darkness in the Scarlet revolver, Brennan leads us through the dark and treacherous path!

Song Dogs releases from Brigids Gate Press on December 2nd, 2025. Preorder your copy today!