Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men

by Todd Curtis Narron, Blaire Narron (Photographer), Walker Narron (Photographer)

“Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men” by Todd Curtis Narron is a compilation of ten stories that are gripping, haunting, sometimes disturbing, sometimes amusing—the whole gamut of emotions. This book ties in so well the theme of the vanishing family farm and rural way of life. Todd grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County; he has a way of telling stories that make the reader feel in the midst of the action. This is the first book authored by Todd. One by one Riley would easily dig at the shallow graves until the faces of the dead appeared in the light of the lantern, none of which were Wesley. The old man saw more than his share of death as he uncovered and covered the faces which were bloated and contorted with the pain they must have been feeling in the last throws of life. – The Ghost of Old RileyHe said that his mama laid the baby down on the floor real careful like and went over to where the fireplace was which had a small fire going, and started to stoke the fire, putting big chunks of coal and wood into it until he could feel the heat drying his eyes through the opening in the lock. He said the fire lighted the room up so that he could see smudges of dirt on the walls and that meat grease and oil that had clung to the bricks from all the years of cooking were beginning to melt and each time a drop would fall into the fire there would be a hissing sound as if snakes were in the room. – The Chimney

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2015

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Curtis Narron, please keep writing. You have a wonderful storytelling style, and I have a feeling you have more stories to tell and observations to share. I, too, am in my forties and exploring what talents I may have that will allow me to create something that others can enjoy. I have begun taking writing more seriously this year. Best of luck to you, and thanks for this book.

[Melanie Clemmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star rating. I heard about this book while listening to the “Spooked” podcast. The writing style is a little difficult to get used to as it’s written in a more “oral tradition” style; however, the same lilt makes it a quick read. Interesting insight into country life and how some folks create their own justice.

[Gina Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned of this book after listening to the Spooked podcast. It’s a very fast read and it definitely gives insight to what southern life could be like. It’s written in a very colloquial fashion and takes some getting used to. I think the stories are great and while I commend the author for putting them to page, it feels like they would best be told around a campfire. I do think that the endings and twists and turns would be conveyed with a different gravity. That being said, I applaud anyone who is courageous enough to create a book like Todd did, particularly someone who took on a new role in doing so, as he did. Turn more of these into podcasts too!

[Lauri Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern ghost stories

These stories are worded so vividly that you can see everything you are reading! This was very enjoyable. I hope to read more of his work!

[Morgen Weeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star rating. Heard about this book from the podcast Spooked. It’s short and you can easily bang out in an afternoon. Narron is a good storyteller and it was fun to hear some local legends from my home state. My primary critiques are that the formatting of the book is a little odd and I wish it was longer. Fun book to sit outside with on a nice day (or better yet, during a solid NC thunderstorm).

[Carolyn Strength · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving' Todd Martin's boks.

I just finished reading the second Country Stories book. Loved the second as much as the first. I hope I can find more books written by the author. Growing up in the South has left me with so many memories. My family, friends and neighbors from that time still live in my heart and and in my memories. Keep the fire alive. We must tell our stories to our children.

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps Made Here

This book has wonderful stories you could hear at a family reunion, if your family were very interesting and unusual. Stories boys would tell to one up each other but come to find out, were real. I recommend this book for the well written stories and the goose bumps it will leave every time you think back on these tales of childhood!

[MR D C HOLME · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling

I wanted to read this book after hearing the writer’s stories on the Spooked podcast. I couldn’t wait to hear some more of Todd’s stories. I absolutely love his storytelling and I loved this book!!

[Grant Bess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, i like that it’s local, and appreciate the folklore aspect of it but felt forced in the dialect “on account of X10 felt like someone trying to make it sound like an old southern pappy telling every story.
Double spaced, big font, could have been a blog post

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

As many others have said, I heard about this on the Spooked podcast. Having lived in North Carolina for the last 20 years, I got a huge kick out of it.

[West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. It's a quick read but packs terror and heart in every page.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better hearing him om Spooked

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing writing style, oral storytelling at its best! would recommend to a friend and give 5 million stars if i could ❤️

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky tales to be told around the fire

Todd Curtis Narron spins some spooky stories and draws one in to tales that should be told sitting around a campfire.A fine collection of family legends and local lore. Would love to see more from Todd.Ghost stories are enthralling but there is something special about tales from the South. .