Red River County, Texas, is one of America’s most remote and conservative regions. It is also a ‘hotbed’ for Paranormal and Supernatural activity and forces. This short fictional story examines a family with deep roots in a White Supremacist group and the ghosts that haunt the dark woods of Red River County. The ‘sawmill’ mentioned in this story has been abandoned for many decades, stained by the blood of the many victims of the KKK.
READER WARNING:
STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT, GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF A LYNCHING AND INCEST. THIS SHORT STORY IS NOT FOR CHILDREN.
‘Red River County’ by Waide Riddle is a short story that captures the reader’s attention from the first sentence. The weight of its themes, including violence, racism, homophobia, and horror unfolds with incredible intensity across a short 30 pages. The journey begins with the oldest brother kicking open the back-screen door, setting the stage for a gripping horrific, and emotional narrative.
The story revolves around the relationship between two brothers, as the 15-year-old raised to be a racist and on a path to destruction leads his impressionable 10-year-old brother down a dark, destructive path. This chilling portrayal of indoctrination and moral decay is unsettling yet brilliantly crafted. The unmistakable tension escalates through the narrative’s seven chapters, each filled with depth and an ever-present sense of dread.
Waide’s writing evokes a myriad of emotions, leaving readers both disturbed and captivated by his storytelling talent. The horrifying escalation ultimately forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths within society. As Waide shares his author’s notes at the end of the story, he provides insight into the creative process behind this haunting tale and the personal experiences that influenced it. ‘Red River County’ challenges you to reflect on the themes of violence and prejudice, making it a thought-provoking read long after the final page. This story was so disturbing that I feel guilty for how much I liked it.
About the Author
*1985 PLAYGIRL MAGAZINE model*
Waide Riddle is a Bradbury, Hemingway, and Andromeda Award-Winning author, poet, filmmaker, and proud SAG-AFTRA member. He is a Literary Global Books Award Winner and Finalist for his literary works “Meet Me At Third And Fairfax!” and “The Little Boy In The Little Red Dress.” His short paperback, “They Crawl On Walls,” is a 2023 Kirkus Book Reviews Pick.
Born in Kingsville, Texas, and raised in Spring Branch, Houston. He now resides in Los Angeles. His poems and short stories are archived at UCLA Library of Special Collections, Simon Wiesenthal Center/Museum of Tolerance, Poets House/NYC, USC ONE Institute, and the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
As a filmmaker, Mr. Riddle’s short film “Two Men Kissing” premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and the North Carolina International LGBT Film Festival.
To find out more about Waide Riddle
https://www.instagram.com/waideriddle/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725779/
