Hood of Copper: A Red Riding Hood Tale

by Scarlett Luna Strange

Deep in the woods of Forest Haven, in the western most parts of Wylionis, resides a forest witch whose life is painfully mundane. Until now…

Crimson's life is perfect. Or at least, she tells herself it is. Her grandmother may be a little reclusive and wary, but living in the forest and spending her days between the village and surrounding meadows is exactly how Crimson should want to live. Catching the eye of a handsome newcomer and a taciturn tradesman is even better, and Crimson finally feels like things in her lonely life could change for the better.

But when a monster appears in the woods, no one is safe, least of all Crimson and Granny. Determined to solve the mystery of what the monster is and how to get rid of it, Crimson sets out to protect her home and family. What she doesn't know is that no one is who they seem, and monsters hide in plain sight, often right beside the ones they hunt.

Hood of Copper is a cozy, spooky tale inspired by Red Riding Hood filled with lore, magic, forest witches, and a magical realm. It is the first in the Tales From Haunted Lane series and is the perfect read for any haunting Autumn day.

Genres: Retellings

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

Reviews

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well written, edgy and full of twists.

I didn't even think the twists could actually come in the manner they did. Now that I have read a few of the author's books, I love how she keeps us engrossed and then suddenly you are surprised by the end.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Scarlett Luna Strange's writing. This is my fourth story by her (this month) and they have all been AMAZING.

This was such a creative take on Red Riding Hood. I loved the setting and the world-building in this series.

I do wish there had been a little more at the end (even though there is a resolution), but maybe there will be another story with these characters? Like there was for Lunae?

There was actually a little twist in this that i did not guess, such is rare for me. Most of the time I figure out books easily. I am always happy when an author can surprise me.

This story was sweet, swoony, and suspenseful. It had wonderful autumn feels (Although it might have taken place in summer haha).

I highly recommend this story to fairytale lovers. I read it in one day. ❤️

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

What a cute, short story!

Scarlett Luna Strange’s version of Little Red Riding Hood is a bit different than the one I’m used to. We have Crimson who lives in the woods with her Granny. The village people call her a forest witch, even though Crimson is no witch. I really enjoyed reading this. The tale is different, there is danger from an unexpected source, we have twists and turns galore and there is a wolf.

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hood of Copper! It was a riveting story inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. This book was set in the same realm as Elves and Expresso in the Haunted Brew Anthology. Hood of Copper can be read as a standalone. The plot was engaging with so many good twists! Seriously, I did not see some of them coming. Crimson was a feisty heroine. I loved her banter with Remi. It was cute and a had some snark. The romance was kisses only. I cannot wait to read Crimson’s next story after that cliffhanger!

I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.

[DJWman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hood of Copper is a dark and cozy twist on the Red Riding Hood tale, and I was hooked from the very beginning. The story of Crimson, living with her reclusive Granny on the edge of the woods, starts out quietly but quickly becomes filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected revelations. What seems like a simple life soon unravels into a web of secrets, monsters, and betrayals—no one is who they appear to be, and the twists just keep coming.

Scarlett Luna Strange has a gift for world-building. The lore, history, and unique feel of Wylionis drew me in and kept me immersed in the atmosphere of the story. The setting feels alive with its forests, villages, and whispered tales, and it’s clear this world has so much more to offer in future books.

What I loved most were the surprises. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, something shifted, and I was left rethinking everything. The danger, the hidden monsters, and the reinterpretation of a classic tale all worked together to create a suspenseful and engaging read.

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review. I absolutely loved Hood of Copper. It’s an edgy, atmospheric retelling full of twists, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when things got interesting the book finished. A short story with no ending, so very frustrating. How does one give 4 stars to a book like that you ask? Well it was a great start to a story, the story will continue and even though I believe it should be the same book it isn't how the author sees it. I will read the next book. If this is how the author writes all her books I may wait until the series is finished so I can read in one hit, I can't do another cliff hanger like this.

[Fredrika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cute, interesting little story alot! I really love the original take of this fairytale retelling. I am very greatful to the author for letting me receive an ARC of this gem of a story. There where unexpected twist, but still some recognizable referenses to the classic "red riding hood" tale. This book is a perfect read for autumn vibes (or to read anytime actually).

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It’s a tangled re telling of little red riding hood. It’s got so many twists and turns and revelations. Literally you don’t see any of them coming. I loved how this book just pulled you into the twisted tale and left you desperate for more.i really can’t wait for the next book.. Thank you so much

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean dark, turning to light fantasy romance has mystery, treachery, and true love. I really enjoyed the character growth that happened throughout the story and the way this book makes future stories a very real possibility!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an arc and it did not disappoint. It successfully combines the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Well done Scarlett. Looking forward to the book 2!

[Carrie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cozy retelling! I had a hard time putting this one down. Great characters and wonderful descriptions throughout the story. Full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I can hardly wait to read what happens to Crimson and Remi next.....

[Bryanna Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC review✨Ugh I loved Hood of Copper!! 😭 Crimson is such a great FMC fighting to make her own path and make her voice heard…and Remi 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 my favorite kind of MMC.

[Beware the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very sweet story, but it didn't grab me until near the end and then the book was over. I think the second one will be better and I'm ready for it.

[Sam Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. I can't wait to read more!