The Playground

by Russell C. Connor

When Miguel and his family stop at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, his annoying little brother Raul begs to use the playground equipment behind the store. And, after their father gets into an altercation with the racist proprietor, he gets his wish. But the playground hides a dark secret, one that will soon pit the two brothers against the gas station owner in a schoolyard-style game of cat and mouse, where the wrong move can be deadly. Can Miguel keep his brother safe...or does he even want to?

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2021

About the author

Russell C. Connor has been writing horror since the age of five, and is the author of two short story collections, four eNovellas, and ten novels. His books have won two Independent Publisher Awards and a Readers’ Favorite Award. He has been a member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop since 2006, and served as president for two years. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his rabid dogs, demented film collection, mistress of the dark, and demonspawn daughter.

His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking

The playground is a little piece of art. It's amazing how with a couple of words you drag the reader down into your world and make it impossible to put the book down. Another great reading. Thank you so much!

[Erica Dugas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun quick read

This short story plays out like something from an episode of tales from the crypt or creep show. It’s a fun quick read.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the book, but would have liked to have more of a complete ending to find out what happened to the boys.

[Jeff D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing like his other works...run of the mill short story - basically the movie Tremors on a playground.

[Briana brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little quick read.

Ummm what happens next!!!! 😳🫣 if you’re looking for a quick read this was pretty good! Need some answers though lol.

[Amy Masseo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing short story set in a usually innocent place

I loved the use of the playground!! The characters all surprised me. Great scary short! Always unique stories from Mr. Conner.