Red

Author: Kate SeRine
Format: eARC
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Published: August 2, 2012

"My name is Tess Little. But everyone calls me Red."

Once upon a time, a spell went awry, stranding Make Believe characters in the ordinary world. Since then, Tess "Red" Little--a/k/a Little Red Riding Hood--has worked as an Enforcer for the Chicago branch of the Fairytale Management Authority. But, consider yourself warned--she's not just some waif with a basket of goodies. All grown up and with nothing to lose, a gun and combat boots is more her style. And Red's new assignment threatens to be short on happily ever afters. . .

Someone is murdering transplanted Tales in gruesome fashion. The list of fictional characters capable of such grisly acts is short and includes more than one of Red's old flames. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's another complication, in the form of sexy, enigmatic Nate Grimm, the FMA's lead detective and part-time Reaper. Used to following her own rules and living life on the edge, Red has managed to avoid taking on a partner until now. But Nate's dark side makes him perfect for a case like this. That is, if she can trust him. Because if there's one thing Red knows for sure, it's that believing in the wrong person can have big, bad consequences. . .

My Thoughts

Oh how I wish that the Here and Now world was our reality, with Tales from the Land of Make Believe migrating over.  What an amazing world that would be!  The best thing about this world that Kate has beautifully created is that not all of the Tales are happy being in the Here and Now.  In fact some of the “happily-ever-after” couples end up becoming “unhappily-ever-after.”

The main character Tess aka “Red” as in the Little Red Riding Hood.  She once dated Seth- the Big Bad Wolf, who breaks her heart.  Instead of wailing in self-pity, she gets tough, and some boots becoming an Enforcer (kinda like a bounty hunter).  She is really good at her job, one of the best.  Some Tales end up died and Nate “Grimm” asks for Red to be assigned to help him find the killer.

When you think of the Grimm Reaper, I bet you do not picture him like Nate.  I have a soft spot for Nate- he dresses in a wool suit with an overcoat and a fedora (it’s a type of hat used more in the early 20^th century).  Another great thing about this book, Tess is not instantly attracted to Nate.  It is slow to develop, she has known him for a while.

I took an instant liking to Tess; her no non-sense policy made me smile.  Boy, does she have a snarky attitude at times.  “Dear God, it was a morning person conspiracy.”  She does not want to find her happily-ever-after because she honestly believes she does not get one.  What is refreshing about this is that she accepts this as a reality.  It is what it is, she has moved on.  She likes her life, even without a man in it.  Nate is not an overbearing love interest either.  He rarely gets mad, which is the exact opposite of how I imagine a Grim Reaper.  Not once in the book was he mean to her, a deviation from the books that I have been reading late.

Now to the mystery- who is killing the Tales.  It is truly a mystery- with all signs pointing to Red’s ex- boyfriend.  But then since the three prime suspects were once her boyfriend, I am not giving away a lot.  This actually stayed a mystery for a long time in the book, I did figure one part out but the accomplice I was wrong on.  I will tell you one thing though- anytime an animal is around me I will never again tell a secret.

This novel was pure entertainment.  I actually started it twice.  The first time I got interrupted and that seriously grated on my nerves.  So I put it down until later in the day, when I knew all interruptions would be gone.   I really cannot wait until the second one in the series comes out.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Gran- Red’s granny, a sweet ole lady with a heart of gold
Eddie- Gran’s bodyguard- hey being Red’s granny can be dangerous
Eliza- Red’s best friend, a tale previously known as Elizabeth Bennett
Seth- Red’s previous boyfriend, last name is Wolf
Nicky- Another one of Red’s ole boyfriends, this one is actually pretty great for a gangsta