Synopsis from Goodreads.com
“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 Review
This was my first book by Kate SeRine, so was a little unsure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The take on the fairytale and Literary characters in our own Ordinary world was hilarious. I loved how the characters kept some of their fairytale personas, but at the same time tried to blend in with the Here and Now. I found the fact that Snow White was a Madame with her own brothel/stripclub just brilliant and Cinderella and Prince Charming didn't quite have the Happy Ever After we expect!
Tess Little, aka Little Red Riding Hood, is an Enforcer for the Tales, ensuring they all stay on the right side of the law and do not reveal their existence to the Ordinaries. When several seemingly unconnected murders of Tales characters occur, Red has to find out who it is before it goes public! To help her along the way is Nate Grimm, a Reaper, turned investigator, with whom Red feels an undeniable crush. She knows she can't get involved with him, but she can't help lusting over him.
Red did seem to have a colourful past and several of the victims or suspects, she had been involved with in one way or another, but I wasn't expecting the mastermind to be who it was. I did think it was the last man in the hospital (without giving too much away).
I really enjoyed this author's writing style and the pace moved quickly but not too fast.
I loved the ending and it was left with a cliffhanger, enough of one to whet your appetite but not enough to leave the story hanging too much and to leave you too frustrated. I've added the next book in this series onto my wishlist and am looking forward to reading it soon!
I want to thank the author and publishers for providing me with a copy via NetGalley to review, but this review is all my own opinion :)
