The Ransom of Red Chief

The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry is a hilarious and ironic short story that flips the classic kidnapping plot on its head. First published in 1907, this timeless tale follows two small-time crooks who plan to kidnap the son of a wealthy man and hold him for ransom… only to discover that the boy is far more trouble than they bargained for.

As chaos unfolds, the would-be kidnappers find themselves at the mercy of their wildly imaginative and hyperactive captive, “Red Chief,” who sees their criminal scheme as the perfect opportunity to live out his frontier fantasies. Full of O. Henry’s trademark wit, irony, and clever dialogue, this story delivers laugh-out-loud moments while skewering human folly and assumptions.

Brought to life with vibrant narration and comic timing, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of classic American short stories, lighthearted crime fiction, and literary humor.

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Release date

Audiobook: May 2, 2025