What do you think?
Rate this book
Red River: A Rural Nightmare
A GRIPPING SURREALIST NIGHTMARE, PERFECT FOR FANS OF HARUKI MURAKAMI AND DAVID LYNCH.
Life moves slowly but steadily in the sleepy Australian town of Red River, nestled in the rolling hills of country Victoria. But when 22-year-old netball coach Lisa Murray goes missing, everything is turned upside down. Unexplained mysteries start cropping up around Red River, while increasingly violent nightmare visions plague some residents. The small country town may try to bury its horrors and maintain their squeaky-clean reputation. Still, a force lurks beyond their periphery, watching and waiting for its chance to strike.
Life moves slowly but steadily in the sleepy Australian town of Red River, nestled in the rolling hills of country Victoria. But when 22-year-old netball coach Lisa Murray goes missing, everything is turned upside down. Unexplained mysteries start cropping up around Red River, while increasingly violent nightmare visions plague some residents. The small country town may try to bury its horrors and maintain their squeaky-clean reputation. Still, a force lurks beyond their periphery, watching and waiting for its chance to strike.
617 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Macdonald
12 books32 followersA G Macdonald writes his novels because he couldn't imagine a world where he didn't. His dark books explore corners of the world where others may not tread, with surreal imagery and cryptic literary puzzles just waiting for readers to piece together.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 28, 2023
Red River seems to be a quiet Australian town until an unfortunate event hits the place hard.
I really liked the storyline and the characters. While reading this novel, I could easily empathize with all of them, especially with the protagonist, Lisa. The situations and problems she face, the ways she reacts and the strength she demonstrates, make this story both interesting and life-like. Once the reader dives into this story, it is hard to put down!
Another point I enjoyed about it is the surprise factor since it didn’t end out the way I imagined! It was interesting because my little amateur detective brain thought I had it all figured out but I was completely wrong!!!
I hope there will be a sequel.
I really liked the storyline and the characters. While reading this novel, I could easily empathize with all of them, especially with the protagonist, Lisa. The situations and problems she face, the ways she reacts and the strength she demonstrates, make this story both interesting and life-like. Once the reader dives into this story, it is hard to put down!
Another point I enjoyed about it is the surprise factor since it didn’t end out the way I imagined! It was interesting because my little amateur detective brain thought I had it all figured out but I was completely wrong!!!
I hope there will be a sequel.
January 26, 2023
Red River: A rural nightmare is the first book in the Red River Trilogy, a trilogy that was written by A. G. Macdonald.
Set in the Australian town of Red River, a quiet, slow town, everything seems normal, until it isn’t. When 22-year-old netball coach Lisa Murray goes missing everything turns upside down. A series of unexplained mysteries start cropping up around the town which leads to pandemonium.
This small town has many more horrors that have been buried deep within its history, but they’re seeming to pop back up again,
A very exciting and thrilling read with twists that make you sit on the edge of your seat during a reading. Awesome book!
Set in the Australian town of Red River, a quiet, slow town, everything seems normal, until it isn’t. When 22-year-old netball coach Lisa Murray goes missing everything turns upside down. A series of unexplained mysteries start cropping up around the town which leads to pandemonium.
This small town has many more horrors that have been buried deep within its history, but they’re seeming to pop back up again,
A very exciting and thrilling read with twists that make you sit on the edge of your seat during a reading. Awesome book!
January 27, 2023
An enticing, twisted story
I started reading “Rural Nightmare” which is the first book in the series called The Red River penned by A.G. Macdonald.
This story is set in a small, tranquil town until the disappearance of Lisa Murray, a netball coach, which puts the inhabitants on the alert about this event and other mysteries that start happening.
It´s a well-written, tightly-plotted novel that will arouse curiosity from the very beginning, as it happened to me. There are many unexpected turns and twists that I couldn't put it down. Even though it has rather twisted ideas, I liked it very much. Apart from that, I liked the way the setting is presented with photographic detail because it made me feel inside that town. In short, it´s an enticing, recommended novel.
I started reading “Rural Nightmare” which is the first book in the series called The Red River penned by A.G. Macdonald.
This story is set in a small, tranquil town until the disappearance of Lisa Murray, a netball coach, which puts the inhabitants on the alert about this event and other mysteries that start happening.
It´s a well-written, tightly-plotted novel that will arouse curiosity from the very beginning, as it happened to me. There are many unexpected turns and twists that I couldn't put it down. Even though it has rather twisted ideas, I liked it very much. Apart from that, I liked the way the setting is presented with photographic detail because it made me feel inside that town. In short, it´s an enticing, recommended novel.
January 27, 2023
Red River: A Rural Nightmare by A.G. Macdonald is a heart throbbing horror mystery set to entertain and amaze equally. Red River is a lush town nestled in the rolling hills of county Victoria, calm and peaceful its serenity is about to be shaken. Lisa, a netball coach goes missing, and everything turns upside down. Not only do some residents are plagued by nightmares, also unexplained mysteries make appearances. What lies ahead is a truly horrifying unravelling. I am a big fan of the horror genre and this story truly gave me the chills, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are well developed and the description of the occurrences is immaculate. The author has penned a unique experience for the readers. I highly recommend it to everyone.
January 28, 2023
Red River: A Rural Nightmare is the first installment of a horror fiction trilogy by A.G. MacDonald. The setting of the story is the small, secluded town of Red River, Australia. After a netball coach named Lisa disappears, residents begin noticing an array of bizarre occurrences that quickly morph into unsettling nightmares and visions plaguing the town. This was a gripping horror to read, especially with the author’s vivid and apt description of creatures, and the ways that it toys on the side of psychological horror. I always like a “past that won’t stay buried” plot, and I also felt a moment of, “you don’t really know I guess, this could be anywhere”.
January 24, 2023
Red River: A Rural Nightmare is a fiction thriller written by A.G. Macdonald, the first one in the trilogy. It's the kind of book meant for people interested in paranormal activity, who enjoy a nice intense reading mixing reality with inexplicable events.
In the pacific town of Red River, everything gets turned upside down when Lisa Murray gets missing. After that, strange dreams start terrorizing the villagers, and no one seems to understand why.
This is the kind of book I'm interested most in. The mysterious writing of Macdonald kept me interested until the end. It's an extensive novel, perfect to read after dark for readers eighteen years or more, I don't recommend it for kids due to the darkness in some parts, or for people who are currently suffering from nightmares.
In the pacific town of Red River, everything gets turned upside down when Lisa Murray gets missing. After that, strange dreams start terrorizing the villagers, and no one seems to understand why.
This is the kind of book I'm interested most in. The mysterious writing of Macdonald kept me interested until the end. It's an extensive novel, perfect to read after dark for readers eighteen years or more, I don't recommend it for kids due to the darkness in some parts, or for people who are currently suffering from nightmares.
February 19, 2023
An exciting Mystery series
If you are fan of mystery series, Red River: A Rural Nightmare by A.G Macdonald is an exciting story that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The book follows the story of 22-years old netball coach Lisa Murray, who suddenly goes missing in the Quiet countryside Victoria in Australia. Then, the quiet town slowly starts experiencing certain mystery events around the Red River area.
Some of the residents begin to experience violent nightmares and visions. The town tries as much as possible to hide these events and maintain their past reputation, but deep within the heart of the country, it was pertinent that something dark and sinister lurks in wait.
First of all, one of the interesting facts about this book is the twists and turns that make you want to keep flipping the pages. I love Macdonald’s style of introducing his characters and his writing style. Besides, the excellent plot makes this book interesting to read. A Rural Nightmare is the book one in the Red River Trilogy Series and an interesting opening to this mystery adventure.
I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the other two books in this trilogy. I strongly recommend Red River to lovers of mystery series.
If you are fan of mystery series, Red River: A Rural Nightmare by A.G Macdonald is an exciting story that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The book follows the story of 22-years old netball coach Lisa Murray, who suddenly goes missing in the Quiet countryside Victoria in Australia. Then, the quiet town slowly starts experiencing certain mystery events around the Red River area.
Some of the residents begin to experience violent nightmares and visions. The town tries as much as possible to hide these events and maintain their past reputation, but deep within the heart of the country, it was pertinent that something dark and sinister lurks in wait.
First of all, one of the interesting facts about this book is the twists and turns that make you want to keep flipping the pages. I love Macdonald’s style of introducing his characters and his writing style. Besides, the excellent plot makes this book interesting to read. A Rural Nightmare is the book one in the Red River Trilogy Series and an interesting opening to this mystery adventure.
I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the other two books in this trilogy. I strongly recommend Red River to lovers of mystery series.
February 9, 2023
“Red River: A Rural Nightmare” is the first book in The Red River Trilogy by author A. G. Macdonald. This is a book that should be read with time if you want to get the best out of it, but apart from that, it is not a light and short read.
The story is completely gripping; undoubtedly, it is a page turner. Once I started reading I was completely hooked and couldn’t put the book down.
The plot and the characters were well created and developed; there are plenty of descriptions that make you feel immersed in the story.
I would really recommend reading it and I am eager to read the following in the trilogy.
The story is completely gripping; undoubtedly, it is a page turner. Once I started reading I was completely hooked and couldn’t put the book down.
The plot and the characters were well created and developed; there are plenty of descriptions that make you feel immersed in the story.
I would really recommend reading it and I am eager to read the following in the trilogy.
January 28, 2023
Red River: A Rural Nightmare is the first book in the trilogy. It is an intriguing thriller novel that is going to grip you for the first time. The author of Red River: A Rural Nightmare is a specialist in this type of book. It all starts when Lisa Murray disappears, and a strange thing starts to happen in the town. I have to say that it is one of these kinds of books where mystery and suspense surround you so much that you cannot stop reading. The author has a good way of describing the scenes, especially the nightmares, you will surely enjoy this book.
March 26, 2023
Holy moly! I couldn’t put this book down. The beginning already grabs you by the shoulders but Macdonald does a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing. This is the first book in the series based around a small Australian town that has its typical dark secrets of drugs, greed, gentrification, etc. However, there is darkness setting into the town. We open up in the first chapter with Oliva finding her favorite and oldest sheep slaughtered on her farm with a strange, horned man in the fog. Olivia thinks her hallucinations are returning; making her question what she really saw on her fields. The thing is, these nightmare images are not just seen by Olivia. Other residents are seeing them too and violence is spreading across the small town. We get a piece of the main story puzzle in each chapter from different perspectives of the town’s residents. Why did the local netball coach go missing? What is causing the nightmarish figures and violence within the town? Why is this small town trying to hide some major skeletons in its closet? If you love horror, mystery, thrillers with paranormal thrown in, you will enjoy Red River: A Rural Nightmare. I truly loved this book and cannot wait to continue reading the series!
March 18, 2023
"Red River: A Rural Nightmare" by A. G. Macdonald is a chilling and suspenseful thriller that delves into the dark secrets of small-town life. The story follows the disappearance of Emily, a young girl from a tight-knit family living in rural America. As the family tries to uncover what happened to her, they begin to unravel a sinister web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy them. Macdonald's writing style is descriptive and atmospheric, evoking the sense of dread and unease that permeates the town. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles with grief and trauma are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The book's themes of family, loss and the hidden darkness that lies beneath the surface of small-town life are explored in a thought-provoking and engaging way. Overall, "Red River: A Rural Nightmare" is a compelling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
March 20, 2023
This book sucked me in right from the beginning, and made me want to keep reading. Australian farmer Olivia makes a gruesome discovery one morning (she finds one of her sheep dead, followed by a vision of a silhouette of a horned man in the distance), but isn't sure at times if it's real or if she's having visions as a result of missing her psych meds. Also, there's a weird creature terrorizing other local residents, as well as some messages in a mysterious code / unknown symbol. The storyline is good but the writing is in this modern basic and simple style that I see a lot now that makes me cringe -- lots of smirking and arms crossed over chests. I recommend this long 617-page book for the story, if this type of writing (as well as lots of cursing and a couple of sex scenes) doesn't bother you. I also appreciated the cool and weird photos and drawings in this book, and the QR codes that take you to the book's YouTube channel were also neat.
March 23, 2023
Red River is a mystery novel that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Lisa, a young basketball coach in the sleepy Australian town of Red River. The author, Macdonald, has created an intriguing and well-constructed tale that keeps the reader on their toes from start to finish.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and
the author knows how to keep the reader's interest at all times. The characters are well-developed and realistic, allowing the reader to empathize with and comprehend their motivations.
Macdonald's writing style is superb, with flowing and elegant prose that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. The author is gifted at creating atmosphere and describing places and situations in great detail, making Red River feel alive and tangible. I strongly recommend this book, which will not disappoint even the most demanding readers.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and
the author knows how to keep the reader's interest at all times. The characters are well-developed and realistic, allowing the reader to empathize with and comprehend their motivations.
Macdonald's writing style is superb, with flowing and elegant prose that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. The author is gifted at creating atmosphere and describing places and situations in great detail, making Red River feel alive and tangible. I strongly recommend this book, which will not disappoint even the most demanding readers.
January 27, 2023
“Red River: A Rural Nightmare” by A. G. Macdonald is a truly terrifying novel set in a sleepy little town in rural Australia. The contrast of the peaceful and apparently uneventful country life contrasts with the intense horror of the supernatural and very mysterious events and nightmares that occur. It might just be that this “innocent” and quiet little town is trying to keep some serious skeletons hidden away…
The author does an excellent job of building up the tension and suspense in this book. The writing conveys the sense of terror that the residents experience in a visceral way.
I recommend this read for fans of horror and scary thrillers with paranormal elements. I do not recommend it for younger readers (e.g. teens).
The author does an excellent job of building up the tension and suspense in this book. The writing conveys the sense of terror that the residents experience in a visceral way.
I recommend this read for fans of horror and scary thrillers with paranormal elements. I do not recommend it for younger readers (e.g. teens).
January 26, 2023
Although the writing of this book is not bad, I did not realize how close it is to horror, which is a genre I do not like at all. As a result, I could unfortunately not really enjoy this thriller about a netball teacher who goes missing in a quiet, rural town in Australia. Personally, I think this book should come with a trigger warning, as it is likely to be too scary and frightening for some people. It features a mix of crime and paranormal incidents in a nightmarish manner. If you like scary, though, then this book might well be just up your street. However, I do not recommend it for people who are sensitive to horror-type stories, prone to nightmares, etc-
March 20, 2023
Set in an Australian town called Red River, the storyline unfolds naturally; and the occult and mysterious events which occur in this town are what keep the narrative alive and moving at a steady pace.
This book by Macdonald is a great start to a series. The author does a great job at world and character-building. There are many types of species, characters and histories coexisting in this deep fiction for the fans of the genre. The struggles faced throughout the story are relatable and it draws the reader
more into the story. Macdonald definitely presents an amazing world for the reader, and you can tell there was a lot of thought put into the crafting of this novel.
This book by Macdonald is a great start to a series. The author does a great job at world and character-building. There are many types of species, characters and histories coexisting in this deep fiction for the fans of the genre. The struggles faced throughout the story are relatable and it draws the reader
more into the story. Macdonald definitely presents an amazing world for the reader, and you can tell there was a lot of thought put into the crafting of this novel.
March 24, 2023
This book wraps a perfect story of action and suspense. It skilfully relates the current situation of a town in a very quiet area, a fantastic option for people who are looking for tranquillity and a good quality of life.
Suddenly, a chilling and transcendent event ends the well-being of the place and begins to alert people. It is a novel that I would choose to read very calmly and without hassle, since it seemed to me an excellent option to enjoy it to the fullest.
The characters and scenes convey the essence of the story very well, the way of writing is agile and favors concentration and good reading. I recommend it for those who enjoy complex and original stories.
Suddenly, a chilling and transcendent event ends the well-being of the place and begins to alert people. It is a novel that I would choose to read very calmly and without hassle, since it seemed to me an excellent option to enjoy it to the fullest.
The characters and scenes convey the essence of the story very well, the way of writing is agile and favors concentration and good reading. I recommend it for those who enjoy complex and original stories.
July 7, 2024
I found this volume (part 1 of a trilogy) a very easy and most interesting read. If you like horror or murder mysteries this is the book for you. There are so many unexpected twists and turns, just when you think you know how things are going to end, something comes out of left field and starts you guessing again. The story line keeps you fully engaged until the end of the book and looking forward to part 2.
Could not recommend this book more highly.
Could not recommend this book more highly.
June 27, 2024
I DON'T GET IT!
I read the whole book and the story was interesting. The ending is confusing and nothing was settled. I can't stand a cliff hanger and thats what this felt like. It could of been so good, but instead it was a huge disappointment.
I read the whole book and the story was interesting. The ending is confusing and nothing was settled. I can't stand a cliff hanger and thats what this felt like. It could of been so good, but instead it was a huge disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews