Behind the Red

There's a place where people go to have a good time and watch shows. A cabaret that features a drag troupe and a troupe of burlesque dancers is a place of solace for the queer community. Here, straight and gay drag queens and kings mix together, as well as all manner of genders, gender expressions, and other identities. The name? Behind the Red, which is a reference to the red curtain of the stage, as well as the curtain that people must pull back to reveal their real selves to the world. It's a unique place, and the owner takes nothing off people who try to ruin his experience. 

Kerry finds a home with the people there, new to coming out and crossdressing. This duology features a range of characters (be aware, there are quite a few!). These characters are all important to the story, though their importance may not be at first obvious. If you've read book one, stay tuned for book two, where you'll see many of the characters get their time in the spotlight!

Kerry Graham surprises his father by coming out as a gay cross-dresser and non-binary. Then again, when he performs in drag at a local cabaret named The Red, where his cousin works as a tailor. Despite being treated as an outcast, he now feels liberated and accepted in a world where he can truly be himself. He’s among people that understand him, and he can finally relax. At least, that’s what he believes. Then, a dress arrives, seemingly an apology for a bit of bigotry from a shop clerk. No one thinks a dress will cause any harm, so he wears it under the stage lights. Things go awry, though, and Kerry wonders what could possibly be happening. A bounty hunter named Martin swoops in, convinced that he can be of aid in the situation. Along with Martin, there’s an intrepid FBI agent named Zak on the trail of a pair of sadistic serial killers who target and manipulate young, attractive, feminine men like Kerry.

Kerry doesn’t believe it at first. Could these people be targeting him? Then, things happen, and his phone and email fill with messages of horrible images of what these people plan to do to him. He’s frightened but staunch about living his life. He is adamant that he won’t let them win, no matter what they do to him. Still, as the manipulation and gaslighting continue from afar, he starts to doubt everything he’s ever known. He loses his purchase on reality but finds that Martin and Zak ground him. He refuses to give in to their sadistic games, but in the end, he wonders if his willpower is enough to keep these people away from him.

Crimson Hunt: Behind the Red Part One

Frantic to find Kerry, Martin, and the others start searching. The Red crew, the juniors, the FBI, and the bounty hunters all come together to try and find their missing friend. Zak remains in the hospital, his breathing still a problem, and Martin faces the thought of losing not one but two people who are deeply important to him. Other factions are moving in the distance, and as Zak wakes up, he finds that his own past is coming back to haunt him in the worst ways. A father who wants something Zak is unwilling to give, and people willing to help him stand between him and any happiness he may find with Martin and Kerry by his side.

Meanwhile, Kerry suffers at the hands of the Album Killers. However, he hopes that Martin and the others will find him before it is too late. Imogene and Roy take glee in their torment of their victim but are frustrated that he won’t quite give in like they want. In the end, what can Kerry do to survive the encounter? And if he survives, how does he heal?

Scarlet Hunt: Behind the Red Part Two