Trail of the Zombies is a supernatural detective story set against the haunting backdrop of 1920s America. The novel follows a trio from the Nightfall Detective Agency as they unravel a sinister conspiracy tied to eugenics, Indian boarding schools, and a nefarious project called the Utopia Institute. Zombies, mind control, and historical evils merge into a narrative that is both pulpy and painfully relevant. At its core, the book is a thriller with a conscience, blending paranormal intrigue with real-world atrocities.

The writing in Trail of the Zombies is striking in its directness and conviction. Gordon confronts the grim realities of the era head-on, refusing to soften or obscure their brutality. Chapter five, in particular, stands out as we are introduced to the eugenicist architects behind the Utopia Institute. Their dialogue, steeped in cold-blooded ideology and unapologetic prejudice, is profoundly disturbing and all the more powerful because of it. Gordon draws unsettling parallels between fictional characters and historical figures such as Harry Laughlin and Madison Grant, blurring the line between fiction and fact. The result is a narrative that reads like speculative history, yet feels alarmingly authentic.

The novel’s use of zombies is particularly compelling in its departure from conventional tropes. Initially, I approached this element with some hesitation, given how frequently the genre relies on familiar, often superficial portrayals. However, Gordon subverts expectations by grounding his depiction of zombies in Haitian Vodou tradition, reframing them not as mindless predators but as victims, individuals chemically manipulated and robbed of their will. This interpretation transforms the horror into something far more poignant. The attack on Professor Wallace in chapter one, for instance, is not simply a moment of terror; it is a sobering reflection of exploitation and control. The fear evoked is not of the undead themselves, but of the systems and individuals who create and command them.

What I also loved was the supernatural detective team at the heart of the story. Tori is a vampire with attitude and compassion. Frank is a golem with a heart. Mueller brings a touch of old-world wisdom. Their banter adds humor, but more importantly, their compassion balances the grim subject matter. When Tori rescues Malia from the Institute’s goons at the synagogue, it’s a fist-pumping moment of justice. The way Gordon blends mythology with gritty noir detective work just works.

Trail of the Zombies is an unexpected yet impactful work, gritty genre fiction used as a vehicle for urgent historical and moral inquiry. Beneath its pulp-inspired exterior lies a pointed critique of systemic injustice, particularly in relation to eugenics, racism, and the abuse inflicted on marginalized communities. Readers with an interest in social history, speculative fiction, or political horror will find its themes both provocative and emotionally resonant. Some passages, particularly those involving the mistreatment of children, are difficult to endure, but they serve a necessary purpose. This is a forceful and unflinching novel one that challenges as much as it entertains.

Pages: 158 | ASIN :B0DFM8W9FJ