Medina's 'Savage Lake' sells over 100,000 copies in first month
The horror novel by Tunica-Biloxi author Nick Medina explores generational trauma and indigenous folklore, topping sales charts since its late October release.
By Alina Campbell ·
Nick Medina, a Chicago native and member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, released his fourth novel, “Savage Lake,” on Oct. 27. The book, published by Berkley, has sold more than 100,000 copies in its first month on the market. Medina positions the novel as a contribution to the cabin-in-the-woods horror subgenre, a trope he has followed for years.
The story centers on a mother and son who travel to the Northwoods of Wisconsin to sell their family cabin. They become trapped on the shore of Savage Lake, where a mix of murder mystery, slasher elements, and a Bigfoot-like figure known as Sabe emerges. Medina describes the narrative as a puzzle where the pieces gradually push the plot toward horror, despite the initial concept lacking supernatural elements.
Medina’s work often blends crime and horror with social issues and folklore. “Savage Lake” addresses racism, mental illness, and generational trauma. The author stated that the story began as an exploration of traits passed from parent to child beyond physical appearance, and how those inherited characteristics can cause lasting harm. He aims for readers to feel both terrified and enlightened by the real-world issues embedded in the fiction.
The author has spent considerable time researching for the manuscript. He studied invasive species, boat mechanics, allotment acts, and fishing techniques. He also deepened his knowledge of Sabe, an Indigenous version of Bigfoot, while developing the plot. Medina noted that he was previously familiar with the Sabe legend but required further reading to integrate it effectively into the story.
Medina cites specific films as inspirations for his writing style. He listed “Sleepy Hollow,” “Misery,” “Halloween,” “Frankenstein,” “Scream,” “Bring Her Back,” “Mungo Lake,” and “Heretic” as works that challenge him to find unexplored aspects of horror. He believes horror helps people cope by showing that there is always a way forward, even when facing haunting or hurting forces.
The novel is part of a growing body of work by Native American authors using the horror genre to discuss real-life challenges. Medina highlighted issues such as missing and murdered Indigenous women, the lack of adequate healthcare in Native communities, and the effects of generational trauma. He wants readers to recognize that these social issues are very real and have a devastating impact on many people in the United States every day.
Medina has planted Easter eggs in his previous books, including hints about upcoming plots. He confirmed that his next project will return to the fictional Takoda Reservation, which served as the setting for his first three novels: “Sisters of the Lost Nation,” “Indian Burial Ground,” and “The Whistler.” The new story will feature a Native witch. He also indicated he may return to the setting of Savage Lake for another tale.
The author views story development as a process where the final form is never quite clear until the pieces fall into place. For “Savage Lake,” the elements of family tragedy, folklore, and social commentary converged to create a narrative that is both a slasher film and a deep dive into inherited pain. Medina hopes readers will leave the book feeling fulfilled, scared, and surprised by the depth of the social commentary.
The release of “Savage Lake” marks a shift in Medina’s career from the Takoda Reservation to the Wisconsin Northwoods. The book’s commercial success has solidified his place in the horror genre. Readers can expect more stories from Medina as he continues to weave folklore and social issues into his fiction.
