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Red Screen
In this unsettling short story, a cop interrogates a deranged plumber who just murdered his wife, only to discover something far more insidious.
17 pages, ebook
First published September 9, 2021
9 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Stephen King
2,418 books887k followersStephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 2, 2021
Stephen King wrote a 17-page short story that could be accessed exclusively through a charity-driven website (Humble Bundle) for the cost of a minimum $5 donation benefiting the ACLU.
The story itself is a lean, mean, 2021 machine. A detective starts his day listening to his nitpicking wife, only to go interrogate a plumber who murdered his wife who - you guessed it - had started nitpicking him over the past year. The plumber has a theory about why she changed, which he got from the dregs of the internet. References to things like Kamala Harris, COVID deaths and "blood-drinking democrats" root the story in the current zeitgeist and fall in line with Uncle Stevie's proclivity to get political.
I love my introduction to Humble Bundle more than the short story itself, but I feel like that was still worth the price of admission. Red Screen was available for download for a very limited time - only through September 16, 2021.
Find the story here: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
The story itself is a lean, mean, 2021 machine. A detective starts his day listening to his nitpicking wife, only to go interrogate a plumber who murdered his wife who - you guessed it - had started nitpicking him over the past year. The plumber has a theory about why she changed, which he got from the dregs of the internet. References to things like Kamala Harris, COVID deaths and "blood-drinking democrats" root the story in the current zeitgeist and fall in line with Uncle Stevie's proclivity to get political.
I love my introduction to Humble Bundle more than the short story itself, but I feel like that was still worth the price of admission. Red Screen was available for download for a very limited time - only through September 16, 2021.
Find the story here: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
September 9, 2021
Surprise new Stephen King short story! A breezy, creepy vignette that requires no more than 15 minutes to read. Costs $5 from Humble Bundle but proceeds go to charity.
Set in modern day, its themes explore how easily conspiracies can hatch and gnaw at the brain, while at the same time suggesting a possible reality of unknown horrors. We are in the Stephen King universe, after all. It is a "subtle" horror story, and subtleness is in fact King's major observation about modern day anxieties.
The unresolved conclusion leaves us pondering thanks to a set-up that is beautifully designed to create uncertainty and unease. Our logical brain knows there's nothing going on, and yet we can't help but wonder. There's certainly enough clues to argue both sides, making it an excellent short story for discussion.
If you support the ACLU (and you should), then this is an easy way to contribute five bucks and enjoy a bite-sized snack of Stephen King greatness while you're at it.
Set in modern day, its themes explore how easily conspiracies can hatch and gnaw at the brain, while at the same time suggesting a possible reality of unknown horrors. We are in the Stephen King universe, after all. It is a "subtle" horror story, and subtleness is in fact King's major observation about modern day anxieties.
The unresolved conclusion leaves us pondering thanks to a set-up that is beautifully designed to create uncertainty and unease. Our logical brain knows there's nothing going on, and yet we can't help but wonder. There's certainly enough clues to argue both sides, making it an excellent short story for discussion.
If you support the ACLU (and you should), then this is an easy way to contribute five bucks and enjoy a bite-sized snack of Stephen King greatness while you're at it.
September 13, 2021
This brand-new Stephen King short story is a Humble Bundle exclusive (https://de.humblebundle.com/books/hum...) and not exactly one of his better ones.
It's so short (took me less than 15 minutes to read) that giving anything away beyond what's mentioned in the blurb doesn't really make sense to me, so I will just direct you there.
I certainly overpayed for this. But I don't really mind, as it is for a good cause. All proceeds go to the American Civil Liberties Union.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...
https://www.aclu.org/
The story itself is probably only interesting for completionists. Or maybe it just didn't work for me. Either way, there are worse things you can do with your money.
2.5 stars. I'm rounding up because both the story and the way it is sold are addressing current issues.
It's so short (took me less than 15 minutes to read) that giving anything away beyond what's mentioned in the blurb doesn't really make sense to me, so I will just direct you there.
I certainly overpayed for this. But I don't really mind, as it is for a good cause. All proceeds go to the American Civil Liberties Union.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...
https://www.aclu.org/
The story itself is probably only interesting for completionists. Or maybe it just didn't work for me. Either way, there are worse things you can do with your money.
2.5 stars. I'm rounding up because both the story and the way it is sold are addressing current issues.
September 13, 2021
Red Screen is a very short story from Stephen King. When a man is arrested for murder his confession is not quite what the police were expecting. A very short, but very satisfying, tale from the King of horror.
The story is available as an ebook from Humble for a small donation for one week only from 9th September. For more informaion visit www.stephenking.com/news.
The story is available as an ebook from Humble for a small donation for one week only from 9th September. For more informaion visit www.stephenking.com/news.
September 25, 2021
Thanks to Regina for posting about this opportunity to purchase this short story through a charity-driven website called Humble Bundle where all the proceeds support the ACLU.
Only a talented writer like Stephen King can write something so eerie and thought-provoking in just 17 pages. Honestly, there's nothing game changing or deeply profound here - but c'mon, it's only 17 pages. However, he did manage to squeeze in Kamala Harris, COVID, blood-drinking Democrats, rough sex hookups, conspiracy theories, the dark web, spaceships, aliens, and a plumber. So there's that 🤷♂️
You know what's great? Donating to charity. And if I can donate to charity AND get a nice little entertaining short story from a legend... well, that's an easy win/win.
Only a talented writer like Stephen King can write something so eerie and thought-provoking in just 17 pages. Honestly, there's nothing game changing or deeply profound here - but c'mon, it's only 17 pages. However, he did manage to squeeze in Kamala Harris, COVID, blood-drinking Democrats, rough sex hookups, conspiracy theories, the dark web, spaceships, aliens, and a plumber. So there's that 🤷♂️
You know what's great? Donating to charity. And if I can donate to charity AND get a nice little entertaining short story from a legend... well, that's an easy win/win.
June 24, 2025
I'm not impressed Mr. King, not at all…
September 16, 2021
Regardless what I think of it below, I appreciate Humble Bundle for offering this ebook as a fundraiser for the ACLU. And thanks to Goodreads friend Regina for the review that made me aware of it.
I get the impression this is supposed to be satirical, but it reads so straightforward that it comes off as misogynistic, an obvious and ham-fisted male fantasy to explain what's really up with women, menopause, and all that nagging about housework they do. It comes off as cover for men's shirking of the mental load in relationships and possibly a justification for domestic violence.
Again, I think it is satirical, but if the guys being satirized can fist-pump, whoop, and yell "Git 'er" at the finale twist, then I do believe it fails as such.
I get the impression this is supposed to be satirical, but it reads so straightforward that it comes off as misogynistic, an obvious and ham-fisted male fantasy to explain what's really up with women, menopause, and all that nagging about housework they do. It comes off as cover for men's shirking of the mental load in relationships and possibly a justification for domestic violence.
Again, I think it is satirical, but if the guys being satirized can fist-pump, whoop, and yell "Git 'er" at the finale twist, then I do believe it fails as such.
September 13, 2021
“Red Screen” is a new 17-page short story by Stephen King available for one week only on https://www.humblebundle.com/ for a minimum donation of $5 to support the ACLU. Yes, it’s a charity donation to get a PDF or electronic reader version. It’s your choice, but I will take it and say thank you!
This is a compact and tightly written short story that is predictable, yet interesting, at the same time. Most readers will see the end coming, but that will not take away from the conspiracy driven theme that is perfectly timed with today’s COVID pandemic environment. King’s execution is what it makes it work.
For me, King’s short stories can be hit and miss, with a few excellent ones from time to time. For me, this wasn’t great, nor bad, but pretty good and enjoyable.
Merged review:
“Red Screen” is a new 17-page short story by Stephen King available for one week only on https://www.humblebundle.com/ for a minimum donation of $5 to support the ACLU. Yes, it’s a charity donation to get a PDF or electronic reader version. It’s your choice, but I will take it and say thank you!
This is a compact and tightly written short story that is predictable, yet interesting, at the same time. Most readers will see the end coming, but that will not take away from the conspiracy driven theme that is perfectly timed with today’s COVID pandemic environment. King’s execution is what it makes it work.
For me, King’s short stories can be hit and miss, with a few excellent ones from time to time. For me, this wasn’t great, nor bad, but pretty good and enjoyable.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
This is a compact and tightly written short story that is predictable, yet interesting, at the same time. Most readers will see the end coming, but that will not take away from the conspiracy driven theme that is perfectly timed with today’s COVID pandemic environment. King’s execution is what it makes it work.
For me, King’s short stories can be hit and miss, with a few excellent ones from time to time. For me, this wasn’t great, nor bad, but pretty good and enjoyable.
Merged review:
“Red Screen” is a new 17-page short story by Stephen King available for one week only on https://www.humblebundle.com/ for a minimum donation of $5 to support the ACLU. Yes, it’s a charity donation to get a PDF or electronic reader version. It’s your choice, but I will take it and say thank you!
This is a compact and tightly written short story that is predictable, yet interesting, at the same time. Most readers will see the end coming, but that will not take away from the conspiracy driven theme that is perfectly timed with today’s COVID pandemic environment. King’s execution is what it makes it work.
For me, King’s short stories can be hit and miss, with a few excellent ones from time to time. For me, this wasn’t great, nor bad, but pretty good and enjoyable.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
September 11, 2021
A very short story but it gives a lot to think about. In fact, I can't quite figure out what side Mr. King falls on here. And maybe that's the point. Well at least my donation to buy it goes to the ACLU - a non-profit I support whole-heartedly.
September 12, 2021
Short and sweet, can't say much without retelling the whole story but my thought after reading it is, Damage control.
September 10, 2021
That was a quick punch in the gut!
King is a master storyteller, so why am I so surprised when he can build a character and set a mood in 17 pages that would take a less skilled writer 200? I don't know, but I always am.
King is a master storyteller, so why am I so surprised when he can build a character and set a mood in 17 pages that would take a less skilled writer 200? I don't know, but I always am.
September 12, 2021
No está nada mal. King describe un relato terrorífico de apenas 17 páginas.
It's not bad at all. King describes a terrifying tale of just 17 pages.
It's not bad at all. King describes a terrifying tale of just 17 pages.
September 14, 2021
This was pretty lame, although I’m sure the Stephen King army will slobber all over it. I wish people would stop judging their reading on the author’s past reputation. If this story had some nobody’s name attached to it, no one would read it, and no one would like it. I realize that this was for charity, but that still doesn't make it good.
September 14, 2021
This VERY short story can be found here, at this site. 100% of all proceeds go to charity.
Man, I wish this novel had been much bigger!
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
Man, I wish this novel had been much bigger!
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
September 12, 2021
“Sit down,” Lennie says quietly. “You’ll want to hear this.”Detective Wilson is already having a bad day when he begins his interview with murder suspect, Lennie. Lennie doesn’t deny being the killer but his explanation sounds like something out of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
“It’s the perfect disguise. We’re the perfect disguise.”This short story was so predictable but I still enjoyed it. The cover image definitely should have been red.
It’s a Humble Bundle exclusive, with all of the proceeds supporting American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), so you’re reading for a good cause.
I haven’t seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers since I was a kid. It might be time to revisit it, if only to count the amount of times people make this face.
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Content warnings include .
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
December 28, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ Engaging.
September 11, 2021
Red Screen by #StephenKing for a donation. 💯 goes to help the ACLU.
Last I was notified the availability is short term.
Speechify to convert for audio & it's bedtime so YIKES “Tell me a bedtime story, Uncle Stevie”
🍿🆘😳
17 pages leave us wondering what really happened.
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯 good cause win/win
Last I was notified the availability is short term.
Speechify to convert for audio & it's bedtime so YIKES “Tell me a bedtime story, Uncle Stevie”
🍿🆘😳
17 pages leave us wondering what really happened.
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯 good cause win/win
September 12, 2021
Way too short but very enjoyable and all the proceeds go to the ACLU (working overtime these days!), I would love to see this story turn into a full-fledged creepy King novel.
September 18, 2021
Fabulous ending. Obviously tight due to it being a short story, but I wanted more! Needed more.
Those 17 pages will have to suffice. Happy to pay the NZ$7 donation to ACLU in order to read it - a novel form of fundraising.
Those 17 pages will have to suffice. Happy to pay the NZ$7 donation to ACLU in order to read it - a novel form of fundraising.
September 10, 2021
A very short story indeed, released by Stephen King for charity, but even with just a little more than 15 pages, the story is fun and chilling. And a really nice reading.
September 9, 2021
I enjoyed that tiny 17 page ride. Worth the $5 donation to the ACLU.
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
Want to read
September 16, 2021I donated and received this exclusive short from Stephen King.
The spot to buy it: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
The spot to buy it: https://www.humblebundle.com/books/hu...
May 15, 2023
Interesting short story. A quick five-buck read that was for charity. Happy to spend a bit to help. The read was okay, but not one of Mr. King's best, that's for sure. But not terrible.
May 27, 2024
Originally released on a “pay what you want” basis on Humble Bundle, with proceeds going to the ACLU, collected in
You Like It Darker
.
A homicide detective begins his day listening to his nitpicking wife, and then goes on to interrogate a plumber who murdered his wife who had started nitpicking him over the past year. The plumber called the cops on himself, and his explanation for why he did what he did is batshit insane... or is it?
I don't doubt that King set out to write a well-meaning, satirical tale about how easily conspiracy theories can take hold of one's mind, but the ending kind of ruins that take-away and makes it both misogynistic and pointless. Still, in just two weeks, with a mere seventeen pages, he raised almost 150k for charity.
A homicide detective begins his day listening to his nitpicking wife, and then goes on to interrogate a plumber who murdered his wife who had started nitpicking him over the past year. The plumber called the cops on himself, and his explanation for why he did what he did is batshit insane... or is it?
I don't doubt that King set out to write a well-meaning, satirical tale about how easily conspiracy theories can take hold of one's mind, but the ending kind of ruins that take-away and makes it both misogynistic and pointless. Still, in just two weeks, with a mere seventeen pages, he raised almost 150k for charity.
June 21, 2025
This was quite a short book...
It follows Detective Frank Wilson, whose wife has become increasingly critical and distant. His day takes a dark turn when he interrogates a plumber who has confessed to murdering his wife, claiming she was no longer herself and was... in fact... an alien "sleeper agent" from the dark web.
The story has 'not-a-sad' ending
It follows Detective Frank Wilson, whose wife has become increasingly critical and distant. His day takes a dark turn when he interrogates a plumber who has confessed to murdering his wife, claiming she was no longer herself and was... in fact... an alien "sleeper agent" from the dark web.
The story has 'not-a-sad' ending
October 15, 2021
wow can't wait to roast this in a gothic lit and gender studies essay.
September 12, 2021
This Humble Bundle exclusive short story is a nice little 17 page poke in the ribs that is in and out before you finish your coffee.
It leaves enough feelers poking around at the edges to get your brain revving up while nestling in a few heartfelt and very personal moments to make it stick.
There wasn't anything great here, but it is a nice little bite to hold you over until the next King installment and having already raised $100k for the ACLU in a few days has already been incredibly successful.
It leaves enough feelers poking around at the edges to get your brain revving up while nestling in a few heartfelt and very personal moments to make it stick.
There wasn't anything great here, but it is a nice little bite to hold you over until the next King installment and having already raised $100k for the ACLU in a few days has already been incredibly successful.
September 25, 2021
Usual thought provoking King
September 13, 2021
A very short story. Too short for the price. But a nice unsettling story from King. Leaves you wondering what's next. As to plot I can only say that a detective gets ready for work one morning to realize his wife has been nitpicking him quite a lot lately.
September 10, 2021
Wilson is a detective & Leonard Crocker is a plumber who murdered his wife. A short quick read with political hues and nagging wives. A short, very short story. It just wasn't long enough I needed more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews