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mellhay's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this modernization of fairytale characters with not so perfect lives as thought in their stories and a enticing bloody mystery to solve, and maybe even a blooming relationship along the way.
****FULL REVIEW****
Tess Little's, know as Red, recent mark to bring in Dave "Pied Piper" is a usual occurrence of minor parole violation turns surprising and doesn't make sense when he quickly takes his own life in front of her instead of going in. Something had him sacred and doesn't feel right. When Detective Nate Grimm shows Red is stunned by her response to him, then she's called back to the office at FMA - Fairytale Management Authority. Red learns there have been four severely brutal murders in the last thirty days and appears all by same person. They all seem to be four small time Tale characters, no one knows why these people were clawed to death. Red's boss, Al Addin, wants Red to bring the suspects in for questioning including Seth "Big Bad" Wolf whom Red thought was her happily ever after at one time and a few others whom she had relations with in the past. Al wants this over before the Ordinaries, humans, catch wind of the murders. Red believes down deep none of the suspects are guilty, especially the top of their list - Seth. Red's not wanting to deal with any old lovers, which is complicated by her growing attraction to the detective who requested her as his partner - Detective Nate Grimm.
I love the Prologue! We learn of the fairytale characters being in the Here and Now and a brief reasoning as to why they have crossed over. It's told from Tess Little, Red as everyone calls her. Red is grown up and one tough lady as an Enforcer for the Fairytale Management Authority. I really like Red off the bat. She seems like a no nonsense kind of woman, one who holds her own. Red has grown and made a life for herself, yet she's still hurt too, in her heart. And she's dated a few...damaged Tale men as well. Red is use to working alone and now she has a partner, this is hard for her to adjust to.
I really felt like many of the Tale characters and their Here and Now lives blended. Some I was surprised to see in their positions, but being in the "real" life scenario they are not who they were in their stories and lives are way different here.
I so enjoyed Nate Grimm, a Homicide detective with his special talent to know when one of the fairy tales die and instantly there. Oooo Nate! Oh do I LOVE Nate's story. What we learn about him through the story. *sigh* In the end I do think I loved him, well, I strongly liked him in the beginning. Not only is Nate an amazing sounding man, but I loved the way his story fit with Red, her life, and into the story. Wonderfully planned!
I kept reading as I wanted to know who committed the murders of these background characters and why. I love Red's determined hard self and the banter with her and Nate... love/hate/love, friend, more? And to meet all these troubled "bad boys" Red has dated. We follow Red learning all the clues along with her, and kept me guessing. I had my suspicions and there were surprises that fit PERFECTLY with the clues we got. A mystery story that will keep you flipping and guessing.
This is a modernization of fairytale characters with a bloody mystery to solve and it seems to touch Red's personal life.
If you haven't picked this up yet because you fear to much Romance, GO GET IT! There is an enticing murder story here. And wonderful molding of Fairytale characters in the ordinary world. There is falling in love present but not over the top here. There is a perfect combination with the growth of the relationship done gently through the story making it believable as you watch the characters work together through these grisly murders.
I am sold on this series! I will be picking up the next books that will be coming out to enjoy more of this world and to see what is in store for the characters.
****FULL REVIEW****
Tess Little's, know as Red, recent mark to bring in Dave "Pied Piper" is a usual occurrence of minor parole violation turns surprising and doesn't make sense when he quickly takes his own life in front of her instead of going in. Something had him sacred and doesn't feel right. When Detective Nate Grimm shows Red is stunned by her response to him, then she's called back to the office at FMA - Fairytale Management Authority. Red learns there have been four severely brutal murders in the last thirty days and appears all by same person. They all seem to be four small time Tale characters, no one knows why these people were clawed to death. Red's boss, Al Addin, wants Red to bring the suspects in for questioning including Seth "Big Bad" Wolf whom Red thought was her happily ever after at one time and a few others whom she had relations with in the past. Al wants this over before the Ordinaries, humans, catch wind of the murders. Red believes down deep none of the suspects are guilty, especially the top of their list - Seth. Red's not wanting to deal with any old lovers, which is complicated by her growing attraction to the detective who requested her as his partner - Detective Nate Grimm.
I love the Prologue! We learn of the fairytale characters being in the Here and Now and a brief reasoning as to why they have crossed over. It's told from Tess Little, Red as everyone calls her. Red is grown up and one tough lady as an Enforcer for the Fairytale Management Authority. I really like Red off the bat. She seems like a no nonsense kind of woman, one who holds her own. Red has grown and made a life for herself, yet she's still hurt too, in her heart. And she's dated a few...damaged Tale men as well. Red is use to working alone and now she has a partner, this is hard for her to adjust to.
I really felt like many of the Tale characters and their Here and Now lives blended. Some I was surprised to see in their positions, but being in the "real" life scenario they are not who they were in their stories and lives are way different here.
I so enjoyed Nate Grimm, a Homicide detective with his special talent to know when one of the fairy tales die and instantly there. Oooo Nate! Oh do I LOVE Nate's story. What we learn about him through the story. *sigh* In the end I do think I loved him, well, I strongly liked him in the beginning. Not only is Nate an amazing sounding man, but I loved the way his story fit with Red, her life, and into the story. Wonderfully planned!
I kept reading as I wanted to know who committed the murders of these background characters and why. I love Red's determined hard self and the banter with her and Nate... love/hate/love, friend, more? And to meet all these troubled "bad boys" Red has dated. We follow Red learning all the clues along with her, and kept me guessing. I had my suspicions and there were surprises that fit PERFECTLY with the clues we got. A mystery story that will keep you flipping and guessing.
This is a modernization of fairytale characters with a bloody mystery to solve and it seems to touch Red's personal life.
If you haven't picked this up yet because you fear to much Romance, GO GET IT! There is an enticing murder story here. And wonderful molding of Fairytale characters in the ordinary world. There is falling in love present but not over the top here. There is a perfect combination with the growth of the relationship done gently through the story making it believable as you watch the characters work together through these grisly murders.
I am sold on this series! I will be picking up the next books that will be coming out to enjoy more of this world and to see what is in store for the characters.
moireach's review against another edition
5.0
Great story idea, loved the characters and so many surprises as to what some of the famous characters are up to in the Here and Now! (And stoked that one of my favourite literary couples is featured!)
jetenold's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the premise of this book! reminded me of some of the stories by Mercedes Lackey (the fairy Godmother) and Jasper Fforde (the big over easy) which are both some of my favorite authors for adult fairy tales. But this book has a totally unique twist and is harder and edgier which i really like! Am going to pre-order the next one immediately!
1st read - 1-17-13
2nd read - 11-06-17
1st read - 1-17-13
2nd read - 11-06-17
angels_gp17's review against another edition
3.0
~ 3 Red Stars ~
Red is book one in the Transplanted Tales by Kate SeRine. We get suspense, intrigue and a unique portrayal of fairy tale characters.
Tess Little, aka Red. She is just ok! She was supposed to be bad ass, then she does something stupid like sleep with an ex-boyfriend who is a suspect in the investigation. The women seems to still be a scared little girl running.
Nate Grimm, aka Death or Reaper. He is attractive, but I kept thinking of the TV show Grimm when I read his name. So maybe the show was not around when the author wrote the book, but it kept distracting me.
We get a crazy cast of fairy tale characters that are interesting in Red, but they where lacking and needed more development, as for Red and Grimm, you can tell that they are meant to be together, but for some reason it takes the whole book for them to hook up. The plot is mystery/suspense which I enjoyed. That is probably what kept me going along with the author’s sense of humor. I really did enjoy the retelling of the fairy tale characters and how they are more then their story. It was interesting, but not outstanding.
Red was fun and enjoyable. It did not wow me, but I still enjoyed it. I am hoping for more character development in the series when I do read on.
Red is book one in the Transplanted Tales by Kate SeRine. We get suspense, intrigue and a unique portrayal of fairy tale characters.
Tess Little, aka Red. She is just ok! She was supposed to be bad ass, then she does something stupid like sleep with an ex-boyfriend who is a suspect in the investigation. The women seems to still be a scared little girl running.
Nate Grimm, aka Death or Reaper. He is attractive, but I kept thinking of the TV show Grimm when I read his name. So maybe the show was not around when the author wrote the book, but it kept distracting me.
We get a crazy cast of fairy tale characters that are interesting in Red, but they where lacking and needed more development, as for Red and Grimm, you can tell that they are meant to be together, but for some reason it takes the whole book for them to hook up. The plot is mystery/suspense which I enjoyed. That is probably what kept me going along with the author’s sense of humor. I really did enjoy the retelling of the fairy tale characters and how they are more then their story. It was interesting, but not outstanding.
Red was fun and enjoyable. It did not wow me, but I still enjoyed it. I am hoping for more character development in the series when I do read on.
klindtvedt's review against another edition
4.0
A Quirky, Sassy & Suspenseful Story that is Totally Unique...
I first encountered “Red” by Kate Serine last year within the “Chapters: Interactive Stories” game app and had enjoyed it thoroughly. Then a few weeks ago, when a reader of my blog emailed me and recommended the book series, I almost fell off my chair. Finding out “Red” is merely book one of a five book series was a surprise, an intriguing one at that. And having had wonderful experiences in the past with books I first encountered within the app, I decided to give it a look, and, my-oh-my, I was not disappointed!
The best way to describe the Transplanted Tales series is this: Image if you will what would happen if you took all of the characters of classic literature, all the fairytales, nursery rhymes, parables, and cautionary tales of childhood. Along with all of the classics of Shakespeare, Austin, Stoker, as well as, every story, poem, and play in-between, threw them into a blender with a sheet of acid tabs, and then chucked the lot of literary goo into one of Dr. Who’s time travel portals... Now imagine that once through the portal, said mixed up characters are recreated in flesh-and-blood form, dumped in Chicago, and trapped there for all eternity. If every literary character was made flesh what do you think would happen? Well in short, chaos would happen, in all its twisted, humorous, sassy, glory. And THAT is what this series is all about, warped, out of this world, mayhem. And “Red”, Serine’s take on Little Red Riding Hood is your first formal introduction to the mayhem at hand.
“Red” is the first installment within Serine’s fairytale landscape. It focuses on Tess “Red” Little an enforcer for the Fairytale Management Agency (FMA), and her partner and oldest friend, Nate “Death” Grimm, the FMA’s top investigative detective and resident reaper.
It follows Red and Nate as they feverishly work to solve a string of gruesome tale murders, and catch the killer, before it strikes again, all the while trying to avoid the growing closeness and heat between them. Heat that throws the combat boot wearing, feelings phobic enforcer for a loop, feelings made even more complicated by the facts of the case at hand. A case in which all the lead suspects are former lovers of Red’s, tales with sorted pasts of their own. Pasts that not only collide with Red’s present, but make her question everything she knows about who she is, what she believes, and whether or not she can trust her own damn judgement.
What follows is a quirky, hysterically funny, emotionally intense, suspense filled story that will honestly blow your mind with its uniqueness.
The story landscape Serine builds here is remarkable. Her character adaptations from Little Red Riding Hood to Miss Muffet, from Snow White to Little Boy Blue, to Death himself, vibrant and multifaceted, emotionally intelligent, and larger than life. This story is over-the-top and exhilarating. It will unexpectedly bind itself to you, make you crave it like a literary addict, and keep you coming back for more, page after wonderful page.
And while, it is dreadfully tame as far as paranormal romances go. Nor the dark and smoldering, alpha-filled story I typically devour. It is sexy and satisfying in its own right, and in its own way. The chemistry between Red and the brooding, mysterious Nate is palpable, their journey together, heartfelt and relatable.
It is a clever and wildly enjoyable twist on a fairytale romance that will indeed make you swoon as often as it makes your nerves jump, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I first encountered “Red” by Kate Serine last year within the “Chapters: Interactive Stories” game app and had enjoyed it thoroughly. Then a few weeks ago, when a reader of my blog emailed me and recommended the book series, I almost fell off my chair. Finding out “Red” is merely book one of a five book series was a surprise, an intriguing one at that. And having had wonderful experiences in the past with books I first encountered within the app, I decided to give it a look, and, my-oh-my, I was not disappointed!
The best way to describe the Transplanted Tales series is this: Image if you will what would happen if you took all of the characters of classic literature, all the fairytales, nursery rhymes, parables, and cautionary tales of childhood. Along with all of the classics of Shakespeare, Austin, Stoker, as well as, every story, poem, and play in-between, threw them into a blender with a sheet of acid tabs, and then chucked the lot of literary goo into one of Dr. Who’s time travel portals... Now imagine that once through the portal, said mixed up characters are recreated in flesh-and-blood form, dumped in Chicago, and trapped there for all eternity. If every literary character was made flesh what do you think would happen? Well in short, chaos would happen, in all its twisted, humorous, sassy, glory. And THAT is what this series is all about, warped, out of this world, mayhem. And “Red”, Serine’s take on Little Red Riding Hood is your first formal introduction to the mayhem at hand.
“Red” is the first installment within Serine’s fairytale landscape. It focuses on Tess “Red” Little an enforcer for the Fairytale Management Agency (FMA), and her partner and oldest friend, Nate “Death” Grimm, the FMA’s top investigative detective and resident reaper.
It follows Red and Nate as they feverishly work to solve a string of gruesome tale murders, and catch the killer, before it strikes again, all the while trying to avoid the growing closeness and heat between them. Heat that throws the combat boot wearing, feelings phobic enforcer for a loop, feelings made even more complicated by the facts of the case at hand. A case in which all the lead suspects are former lovers of Red’s, tales with sorted pasts of their own. Pasts that not only collide with Red’s present, but make her question everything she knows about who she is, what she believes, and whether or not she can trust her own damn judgement.
What follows is a quirky, hysterically funny, emotionally intense, suspense filled story that will honestly blow your mind with its uniqueness.
The story landscape Serine builds here is remarkable. Her character adaptations from Little Red Riding Hood to Miss Muffet, from Snow White to Little Boy Blue, to Death himself, vibrant and multifaceted, emotionally intelligent, and larger than life. This story is over-the-top and exhilarating. It will unexpectedly bind itself to you, make you crave it like a literary addict, and keep you coming back for more, page after wonderful page.
And while, it is dreadfully tame as far as paranormal romances go. Nor the dark and smoldering, alpha-filled story I typically devour. It is sexy and satisfying in its own right, and in its own way. The chemistry between Red and the brooding, mysterious Nate is palpable, their journey together, heartfelt and relatable.
It is a clever and wildly enjoyable twist on a fairytale romance that will indeed make you swoon as often as it makes your nerves jump, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
winterreader40's review against another edition
5.0
2nd reread and it's still 4.5 stars
What happens when Cinderella's fairy godmother and Aladdin's genie get into a fight... fairytales get sucked into the here and now.
A feisty heroine who relies on no one Tess Little aka little red riding hood, is an enforcer for the FMA (fairytale management authority) and she's forced to partner up with Nate Grimm, homicide detective and part time Reaper, who she's always thought was a hottie.
Nate has been pining for Red for hundreds of years, all while Red has had relationships with Achilles, Caliban(tempest), Vlad Dracula, Seth Wolf(Big bad wolf) and Nicky Blue(little boy blue) all very damaged men, but he's patiently been waiting his turn, which is now.
I love how these stories bring together all kinds of literary characters. In this one Red's bestie is Miss Elizabeth Bennett, the Pied piper is a pedophile who works in pest control and the Sandman is a drug dealer..... to name a few examples.
This story is well paced, with a serial murder mystery to solve.
What happens when Cinderella's fairy godmother and Aladdin's genie get into a fight... fairytales get sucked into the here and now.
A feisty heroine who relies on no one Tess Little aka little red riding hood, is an enforcer for the FMA (fairytale management authority) and she's forced to partner up with Nate Grimm, homicide detective and part time Reaper, who she's always thought was a hottie.
Nate has been pining for Red for hundreds of years, all while Red has had relationships with Achilles, Caliban(tempest), Vlad Dracula, Seth Wolf(Big bad wolf) and Nicky Blue(little boy blue) all very damaged men, but he's patiently been waiting his turn, which is now.
I love how these stories bring together all kinds of literary characters. In this one Red's bestie is Miss Elizabeth Bennett, the Pied piper is a pedophile who works in pest control and the Sandman is a drug dealer..... to name a few examples.
This story is well paced, with a serial murder mystery to solve.
tales_of_a_bookbug's review against another edition
4.0
Woah! I can't believe it's been so long since Red got published! I remember reading this one 7-8 years back and I was hooked from the first chapter! It didn't help that I was obsessed with fairytale retellings and the TV show Once Upon A Time as well during that time! :P
I vividly remember enjoying Red and the other books in the series, so I'm kinda glad I made the time to re-read this one for the 10 year anniversary!
The Transplanted Tales series follows a bunch of fairy tale characters who have been transported to the real world and in book one we've got Tess Little aka 'Red' (from Little Red Riding Hood) who works as an Enforcer for the Fairytale Management Agency! A bunch of murders brings in a new case which she has to investigate and the list of potential suspects might include her exes
I vividly remember enjoying Red and the other books in the series, so I'm kinda glad I made the time to re-read this one for the 10 year anniversary!
The Transplanted Tales series follows a bunch of fairy tale characters who have been transported to the real world and in book one we've got Tess Little aka 'Red' (from Little Red Riding Hood) who works as an Enforcer for the Fairytale Management Agency! A bunch of murders brings in a new case which she has to investigate and the list of potential suspects might include her exes
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Red, as in Little Red Riding hood, has been an enforcer of the law for years. Hunting down tales who get a little out of hand is just one of the ways Red spends her day. That is until Death comes knocking with a case that will either make or break red. Forced to take on a partner Red finds herself in the all too familiar situation of fight or flight. Now she will have to face her past and secrets that have been kept from her for decades; no longer able to run she will have to find the courage to face the big bad wolf.
Detective Grimm is all too comfortable with death, probably because it’s what he does for a living. He has spent generations bringing the dead home as one of many Grimm Reapers, and now after decades of watching from a far he finally gets the chance to do what he has been aching to do for decades. Having her in his arms is all he could dream of, and now when his dream is standing right in front of him, he must find a way to tell her the truth without losing her forever.
I believe it is the differences between these two characters that make them. Red with her stubbornness and short fuse mixed with Death and his unbelievable patience makes for (in my opinion) the perfect pair. She struggles most of the way, frustrated because she can’t seem to figure Grimm out, but also intrigued and dying to know more….no pun intended. Then you have Grimm, who has waited patiently for so long to tell her how he feels, to be close to her, and tell all the secrets he has been keeping from her.
I really enjoyed the love story behind this and felt as if I could relate one hundred percent; but the story line itself really takes the cake. I do believe had the author used regular characters it might not have been as interesting; but it’s the fact that you get storybook characters working real time jobs that makes for a very interesting murder investigation and an even more interesting love story.
Guest Reviewed by Dani for Cocktails and Books.
Detective Grimm is all too comfortable with death, probably because it’s what he does for a living. He has spent generations bringing the dead home as one of many Grimm Reapers, and now after decades of watching from a far he finally gets the chance to do what he has been aching to do for decades. Having her in his arms is all he could dream of, and now when his dream is standing right in front of him, he must find a way to tell her the truth without losing her forever.
I believe it is the differences between these two characters that make them. Red with her stubbornness and short fuse mixed with Death and his unbelievable patience makes for (in my opinion) the perfect pair. She struggles most of the way, frustrated because she can’t seem to figure Grimm out, but also intrigued and dying to know more….no pun intended. Then you have Grimm, who has waited patiently for so long to tell her how he feels, to be close to her, and tell all the secrets he has been keeping from her.
I really enjoyed the love story behind this and felt as if I could relate one hundred percent; but the story line itself really takes the cake. I do believe had the author used regular characters it might not have been as interesting; but it’s the fact that you get storybook characters working real time jobs that makes for a very interesting murder investigation and an even more interesting love story.
Guest Reviewed by Dani for Cocktails and Books.
katmorrisey's review against another edition
4.0
I cannot even begin to explain the glee I felt after reading this book. I've stayed away from UF for awhile now because it seemed that authors were shying away from the heroine having any sort of vulnerabilities and romance in her life. (Other than Patricia Briggs, that is.) So I am so glad to have found this author who created a kick butt heroine who can be vulnerable and want her own happily ever after with her guy. We need more books (and authors) like this, who can show strong women who have a soft side too.
And the Tales themselves, the world the author created: well let me just say there were times my jaw dropped at the "revelations" of our beloved characters and what they're doing in the "here and now". It cracked me up at times, while at other times made me re-think the fairy tales themselves and want to pummel something. (I'm thinking of the revelations about Cinderella "Cindy" Charming and her husband "James" Charming. Oh, I don't like him much!)
I can't wait to delve further into this world with the second book. For more on my review, check out my blog, here: http://crackedandbrokenglass.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-red-transplanted-tales-1-by.html
And the Tales themselves, the world the author created: well let me just say there were times my jaw dropped at the "revelations" of our beloved characters and what they're doing in the "here and now". It cracked me up at times, while at other times made me re-think the fairy tales themselves and want to pummel something. (I'm thinking of the revelations about Cinderella "Cindy" Charming and her husband "James" Charming. Oh, I don't like him much!)
I can't wait to delve further into this world with the second book. For more on my review, check out my blog, here: http://crackedandbrokenglass.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-red-transplanted-tales-1-by.html
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Fun-filled stars
Oh, what an absolutely fabulous read! This was a simply brilliant mix of tongue in cheek humour, serious crime-solving, kick-ass characters, unique worldbuilding, all combined with a cleverly written mystery and a positively enthralling romance. I suggest every Urban Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance fan grab this book ASAP as it will bring you something really fun and totally different to your favourite genre.
I kept bringing to mind the movie WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? while I was reading this for a couple of reasons: Firstly, it was the idea of make believe characters living alongside us in the real world; 'Toons' in Roger Rabbit's case, and 'Tales,' as they were called here. All your favourite fairy tale, literary and nursery rhyme characters are over here, in our world, trying to fit in with society. Secondly, it was the presence of a certain detective with a penchant for 1940's clothing; trench coat, fedora and all. More about him later:)
So, as you might have guessed from the title, this is Red (of the riding hood-wearing variety), aka Tess Little's story. A story you might think you are familiar with. But here's the thing. After being accidentally kicked out of the Land of Make Believe and sent to the Here and Now, these former fictional characters no longer have to follow their predetermined fates. They can go down a different path if they so choose. Some find this concept harder to accept than others, however. Villains find it really hard no to be villainous, insipid fairytale princesses find it really hard not to be air-headed bimbos...you get the idea. But, if you weren't happy with your lot in your original story, this is your chance to change it and be totally different. So don't assume you know how Red's story will go, because you will be very surprised. I certainly was. I couldn't predict anything, not even the outcome of the mystery, which was great.
The story, as I've said, is mystery based. A murder mystery to be precise. And Red, as an Enforcer for the Fairy Tale police, is called in to assist lead detective Nate Grimm (of the trench and fedora) since it appears the identity of the killer may well be someone Red is intimately familiar with. The Big Bad of all Big Bads himself, Seth Wolf.
Although I loved the mystery element and all the action, my favourite part of Red has to be the romance. It was slow to get going— very slow, actually, with even a couple of detours along the way which I wasn't totally thrilled with—but it was so worth the wait! It was simmering and intense and I was absolutely along for the ride. The 1940's look has never been something that struck me as particularly sexy before, but Nate Grimm changed my mind! Whoo boy, did he ever... He was a really interesting character, too, with a fascinating backstory that we learn as Red gets to know him more.
As for Red herself, she's pretty badass. She makes a few mistakes and can be a little brash, but underneath all that, she's still that little girl, lost in the woods. I think you'll like her character if you can keep an open mind about some of the choices she makes.
The rest of the cast, as you can well imagine by now, was positively filled with familiar faces. And the really clever part was how they were used, where they were placed. I'll tell you just a couple because I don't want to spoil it, but for example: Old King Cole, who you may know, is a merry old soul, runs a pub for Tales. Nicky "Little boy" Blue, is a gangster. The Pied Piper runs a pest control business. Don't you just love it? I sure did.
So, all in all, a great and surprising read. Not as silly as you might think from the premise, with a fab romance and really good twists and turns. Go check it out!
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
Oh, what an absolutely fabulous read! This was a simply brilliant mix of tongue in cheek humour, serious crime-solving, kick-ass characters, unique worldbuilding, all combined with a cleverly written mystery and a positively enthralling romance. I suggest every Urban Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance fan grab this book ASAP as it will bring you something really fun and totally different to your favourite genre.
I kept bringing to mind the movie WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? while I was reading this for a couple of reasons: Firstly, it was the idea of make believe characters living alongside us in the real world; 'Toons' in Roger Rabbit's case, and 'Tales,' as they were called here. All your favourite fairy tale, literary and nursery rhyme characters are over here, in our world, trying to fit in with society. Secondly, it was the presence of a certain detective with a penchant for 1940's clothing; trench coat, fedora and all. More about him later:)
So, as you might have guessed from the title, this is Red (of the riding hood-wearing variety), aka Tess Little's story. A story you might think you are familiar with. But here's the thing. After being accidentally kicked out of the Land of Make Believe and sent to the Here and Now, these former fictional characters no longer have to follow their predetermined fates. They can go down a different path if they so choose. Some find this concept harder to accept than others, however. Villains find it really hard no to be villainous, insipid fairytale princesses find it really hard not to be air-headed bimbos...you get the idea. But, if you weren't happy with your lot in your original story, this is your chance to change it and be totally different. So don't assume you know how Red's story will go, because you will be very surprised. I certainly was. I couldn't predict anything, not even the outcome of the mystery, which was great.
The story, as I've said, is mystery based. A murder mystery to be precise. And Red, as an Enforcer for the Fairy Tale police, is called in to assist lead detective Nate Grimm (of the trench and fedora) since it appears the identity of the killer may well be someone Red is intimately familiar with. The Big Bad of all Big Bads himself, Seth Wolf.
Although I loved the mystery element and all the action, my favourite part of Red has to be the romance. It was slow to get going— very slow, actually, with even a couple of detours along the way which I wasn't totally thrilled with—but it was so worth the wait! It was simmering and intense and I was absolutely along for the ride. The 1940's look has never been something that struck me as particularly sexy before, but Nate Grimm changed my mind! Whoo boy, did he ever... He was a really interesting character, too, with a fascinating backstory that we learn as Red gets to know him more.
As for Red herself, she's pretty badass. She makes a few mistakes and can be a little brash, but underneath all that, she's still that little girl, lost in the woods. I think you'll like her character if you can keep an open mind about some of the choices she makes.
The rest of the cast, as you can well imagine by now, was positively filled with familiar faces. And the really clever part was how they were used, where they were placed. I'll tell you just a couple because I don't want to spoil it, but for example: Old King Cole, who you may know, is a merry old soul, runs a pub for Tales. Nicky "Little boy" Blue, is a gangster. The Pied Piper runs a pest control business. Don't you just love it? I sure did.
So, all in all, a great and surprising read. Not as silly as you might think from the premise, with a fab romance and really good twists and turns. Go check it out!
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2