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The Grey Areas of Life
Backroads Blood Brothers follows a seeing the killers of his best friend, who joins up with a survivor of the killers to seek vengeance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, the setup for the story came from a short story I wrote. I wanted to play with style and format and I had this idea for the twins. I sent the story to friends who all demanded to know more about the story. I had a long think about it. How could I expand it and should I even try? It struck me that Mark, their victim in the story, had a whole life before he met them. Who would miss him? What would they do about it? Once I had that, I was off to the races. I really dug into my love of those crazy sexy thrillers of the nineties and put my own queer spin onto that genre feel.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction? What makes great fiction?
To me it’s all about the grey areas of life. Those places where black and white, right and wrong, are left behind. I love unreliable narrators, narrators who may not be the best people, but they have a life and a story to tell. I think that’s where the most fascinating stories lie, especially when you get into genre fiction. I like heroes who have done bad things. I like villains who can be genuinely honorable under the right circumstances. I like conflicts that are muddled, when the lines get blurred. That’s where the best fiction lies. That’s where the best stories lie.
I felt that Backroads Blood Brothers delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
Absolutely! It’s a tone that plays out in a lot of my stories. It’s my jam, but it’s also such a fun place to play in. When the setting is dark, the people live in that grey area I was talking about above. Maybe I just have a lot of unexpressed anger, maybe I just like a little blood on the page. But the darkness…that’s just where I thrive as a writer.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Is any writer working on just one book?! I kid. I actually have several works in progress at the moment. I’ve just finished a collection of stories that I can’t wait to put in front of an editor to see what they make of them. I’m also working on my own gay twist on Sweeney Todd. I have a hospital horror story in the works. And a few other things percolating. There are so many stories to tell. I’m just trying to get my fair share out there.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Backroads Blood Brothers
W. Dale Jordan’s Backroads Blood Brothers is a haunting tale that blends elements of noir, horror, and psychological thrill. It’s the story of twin brothers, Caleb and Connor, who share an unsettlingly close bond that transcends normal sibling relationships. The plot explores their twisted exploits in small Texas towns, where seduction and violence intertwine. As their dark predations escalate, the story brings in Lane, a man determined to find justice for his murdered best friend, and Ryan, a motel clerk, entangled in the twins’ web. The result is a layered, tension-filled thriller that is equal parts disturbing and compelling.
Jordan’s writing is razor-sharp, immersing the reader in the humid and oppressive atmosphere of small-town Texas. His vivid descriptions breathe life into both the mundane and the macabre. Early in the book, the twins’ calculated charm is revealed with unsettling clarity. The scene where they meet Mark at the bar is a great example of tension-building, as the reader senses the danger beneath their seductive veneer. The dialogue is crisp, yet their eerie synchronicity creates an almost supernatural undertone, heightening the unease. Jordan excels at making these encounters simultaneously alluring and horrifying.
While the twins’ chapters are immersive, I felt that Lane’s storyline sometimes loses momentum. His determination to uncover the truth is compelling, but his repetitive introspection slowed the story for me rather than driving it forward. That said, his interactions with Ryan bring a sense of vulnerability and hope to the otherwise grim tale. Ryan’s character adds a layer of humanity, his internal conflict over the twins capturing the emotional turmoil that permeates the novel.
The book delves unapologetically into violence, manipulation, and taboo desires, which could alienate readers seeking lighter fare. Yet, Jordan’s exploration of moral ambiguity is where the story shines. The twins’ relationship, as unsettling as it is, provokes thought about identity, autonomy, and the human need for connection. It’s a testament to Jordan’s skill that these themes stayed with me even after I put the book down.
Backroads Blood Brothers is a gripping read. Its mix of raw emotion, vivid imagery, and unflinching storytelling makes it a standout for fans of dark, character-driven thrillers. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy morally complex tales that venture into the shadowy corners of the human psyche. Just be prepared to lose some sleep after diving into this one.
Pages: 143 | ASIN : B0DFZG3XHT
LITERARY TITAN 