Sixty-four-year-old Radison Jefferies is more familiar with failure than he would like to be. The former best-selling author has written three poorly received books in a row and blown through millions of dollars. Just as financial failure becomes an unsettling reality, he inherits his father's Texas farm. It appears that unloading it to a buyer is the answer to eliminating his debts. But as Radison heads from California toward Warner, Texas, he has no idea that selling the farm will become the least of his worries.

After deciding to search for a farm conglomerate to buy the land, Radison soon discovers that not all of the town's residents welcome his return, even for a short stay. Ned Kuster is a bully of the first order who is less than thrilled that Radison has shown up to, what he mistakenly believes, claim his wife, Margaret—who also happens to be Radison's first love. While his personal safety hangs in the balance, Radison inadvertently unearths long-held secrets as fate ultimately rises up to meet him.

Red River shares the tale of a washed-up author's journey to Texas to sell his father's farm where he is forced to confront his past transgressions.