Queer stories about rising from darkness, striving for the light.

Behind the Red started as one story, and as I had feedback from readers, I realized it was too much for one book. It wouldn't fit in one volume, and I think it's much better spread out. The story is rather complex, with many characters who might not quite shine in book one. These characters, while they appear to be side characters, will have a lot of influence in book two, where much more is going on than it first appears. The simple conclusion isn't as simple as it seems. As always, there's intrigue at Behind the Red, and Kerry and his partners are at the center of it all! If Crimson Hunt drew you in, I hope you'll stay for Scarlet Release, because Kerry, Martin, and Zak have much more to do in the second part!

Behind the Red

Elegant gold decorative divider line with circular accents and leaf-shaped ends on a black background.

There's a place where people go to have fun 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 no prisoners who try to ruin the 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 obvious at first. 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!

Book cover for Crimson Hunt: Behind the Red by Beverly L Anderson and J Foster featuring red curtains and a dark silhouette.

Kerry Graham surprises his father by coming out as a gay cross-dresser and non-binary. Then, 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 who 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 determined to keep 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 grasp 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.