The Cursed Herd
By Cal Redstone
In the desolate canyons of New Mexico, a cattle drive turns into a nightmare when Tsosie, a pragmatic Navajo cowboy, and his crew awaken an ancient curse. As their herd falls prey to a sinister force-cattle dying with glowing red eyes-the men are haunted by the Yee Naaldlooshii, skinwalkers of Navajo legend, whose shapeshifting forms and chilling whispers sow terror and mistrust.
Tsosie, torn between skepticism and the spiritual traditions of his people, uncovers the curse's origin: a betrayed Navajo warrior's blood oath, etched into the canyon's petroglyphs. To survive, he must lead his fractured crew-Navajo and Anglo cowboys alike-through a gauntlet of nightmares, confronting their fears and the cultural divides that threaten to tear them apart. A sacred ritual offers hope, but the price of breaking the curse may be higher than they can pay.
Blending the gritty realism of a Western with the haunting mystique of Navajo folklore, The Cursed Herd is a tale of resilience, unity, and the battle between the seen and unseen worlds. Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and cultural storytelling, this debut novel by Cal Redstone will keep you on edge as the whispers of the canyon draw you deeper into its dark heart.