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Stains of Scarlet
He’s in it for the story…
She just wants revenge.
Sylvia Baskerville’s life was a blend of dark secrets and sweet distractions. But now, talk of murder fills Edwardian London’s headlines, and false rumours about her family begin to spread. Undaunted by what is deemed unsavoury, Sylvia is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the guilty don’t get away free. Time is dwindling. She cannot risk putting trust in anyone, especially not the boy who shamelessly finds his way under her skin.
Felix Jones has a taste for the macabre. It doesn’t take much for him to be drawn into the town’s latest mystery. But something in the details doesn’t feel right, and he’s determined to dig up the truth. Adding in the allure of a woman with storm-cloud eyes and a penchant for threatening his life, Felix becomes insatiable for more than just solving a crime.
There is more on the table than what meets the eye. Felix and Sylvia’s methods may not align, but the scars of the past certainly do. And once the heart gets involved in their precarious game, even the best of intentions might come to a bitter end.
She just wants revenge.
Sylvia Baskerville’s life was a blend of dark secrets and sweet distractions. But now, talk of murder fills Edwardian London’s headlines, and false rumours about her family begin to spread. Undaunted by what is deemed unsavoury, Sylvia is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the guilty don’t get away free. Time is dwindling. She cannot risk putting trust in anyone, especially not the boy who shamelessly finds his way under her skin.
Felix Jones has a taste for the macabre. It doesn’t take much for him to be drawn into the town’s latest mystery. But something in the details doesn’t feel right, and he’s determined to dig up the truth. Adding in the allure of a woman with storm-cloud eyes and a penchant for threatening his life, Felix becomes insatiable for more than just solving a crime.
There is more on the table than what meets the eye. Felix and Sylvia’s methods may not align, but the scars of the past certainly do. And once the heart gets involved in their precarious game, even the best of intentions might come to a bitter end.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
44 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 6, 2025
I’ve got conflicting feelings on this book, because I think the plot was interesting and the romance story was REALLY good, but I had a really hard time with the author’s writing style, so it was hard to stay engaged. I found myself re reading sentences multiple times through the book, but the rating went up because she wrote the romance well, and made Felix and Sylvia very real characters who were easy to root for and love!
So overall, 4 stars👍🏻
🔥NO SPICE
🤬NO LANGUAGE
So overall, 4 stars👍🏻
🔥NO SPICE
🤬NO LANGUAGE
June 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
age rating: 14+
spice: none
language: none
calling all fans of stalking jack the ripper, enola holmes, and baked goodies!! 🍰🔎
this book was incredible, and i need you to drop everything and read it.
i found the writing to be quite wordy and descriptive, but it absolutely worked for me. it almost reminded me of rebecca ross’s storytelling. all of the confectionary details were so lushly described- fair warning, if you don’t have a pastry in your hand while reading this, you’re very much going to be wishing you did.
both main characters were well developed and fleshed out. their emotions and vulnerabilities felt so real. their romance though?? UGH, it was just perfection. 🥹 felix was utterly ✨smitten✨ with sylvia, so if you’re a fan of the ‘he falls first’ trope, you’re going to eat this up. not to mention his first reaction to sylvia holding a dagger to his face was to grin and begin flirting right off the bat. never mind that his life was in potential peril. 🤭
the mystery and foreshadowing in this book kept me on my toes, and every twist had me SHOOK. what a ride!
🎵: dear reader - taylor swift
sweet nothing - taylor swift
the prophecy - taylor swift
(sylvia is SO midnights coded) 🌙 🌌
age rating: 14+
spice: none
language: none
calling all fans of stalking jack the ripper, enola holmes, and baked goodies!! 🍰🔎
this book was incredible, and i need you to drop everything and read it.
i found the writing to be quite wordy and descriptive, but it absolutely worked for me. it almost reminded me of rebecca ross’s storytelling. all of the confectionary details were so lushly described- fair warning, if you don’t have a pastry in your hand while reading this, you’re very much going to be wishing you did.
both main characters were well developed and fleshed out. their emotions and vulnerabilities felt so real. their romance though?? UGH, it was just perfection. 🥹 felix was utterly ✨smitten✨ with sylvia, so if you’re a fan of the ‘he falls first’ trope, you’re going to eat this up. not to mention his first reaction to sylvia holding a dagger to his face was to grin and begin flirting right off the bat. never mind that his life was in potential peril. 🤭
the mystery and foreshadowing in this book kept me on my toes, and every twist had me SHOOK. what a ride!
🎵: dear reader - taylor swift
sweet nothing - taylor swift
the prophecy - taylor swift
(sylvia is SO midnights coded) 🌙 🌌
February 12, 2026
High stakes Edwardian romantic mystery set in London?
SIGN. ME. UP!
I went into this book completely blind and am THRILLED with the result. I can't say enough good things about this book. I just can't. There's too much. The mystery, the characters, the setting, the desserts. This is one of those books you can not only see but feel, touch, and--yes-- even taste. I was there with Sylvia, taste testing Cordelia's experiment desserts--at least it felt that way!
The prose was outstanding. Lyrical but not overdone. The dialogue was snappy and clever. The romance was sweet, swoony, yet slow. I didn't want to put this book down. Ever.
Seriously, I could not get enough of these two. Felix the golden retriever hero who yearned like no other. And aloof black cat Sylvia who stood no chance against those dimples.
As much as I LOVED the slow burn romance, the mystery of the story was what really gripped me. There were twists and turns that had my head spinning.
The balance between the mystery and romance was masterfully done. This is one of those books that perfectly has you at the edge of your seat, giggling, all while biting your fingernails. You'll feel all the things. And you'll love every single second.
This book was free of language and spice. The story was about as clean as a redrum mystery can be but some violence and injuries were described tactfully.
A 100/10 recommendation for anyone who loves mystery and romance. It was downright perfect.
RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15+
💋
SIGN. ME. UP!
I went into this book completely blind and am THRILLED with the result. I can't say enough good things about this book. I just can't. There's too much. The mystery, the characters, the setting, the desserts. This is one of those books you can not only see but feel, touch, and--yes-- even taste. I was there with Sylvia, taste testing Cordelia's experiment desserts--at least it felt that way!
The prose was outstanding. Lyrical but not overdone. The dialogue was snappy and clever. The romance was sweet, swoony, yet slow. I didn't want to put this book down. Ever.
Seriously, I could not get enough of these two. Felix the golden retriever hero who yearned like no other. And aloof black cat Sylvia who stood no chance against those dimples.
As much as I LOVED the slow burn romance, the mystery of the story was what really gripped me. There were twists and turns that had my head spinning.
The balance between the mystery and romance was masterfully done. This is one of those books that perfectly has you at the edge of your seat, giggling, all while biting your fingernails. You'll feel all the things. And you'll love every single second.
This book was free of language and spice. The story was about as clean as a redrum mystery can be but some violence and injuries were described tactfully.
A 100/10 recommendation for anyone who loves mystery and romance. It was downright perfect.
RATINGS:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15+
💋
September 26, 2025
⭐️6
If you haven’t read this yet THEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
I don’t even know where to begin…I AM FULLY ON OBSESSED with this book!!!🥹 it’s now my favorite book EVER!!!😭
The story was so captivating, I didn’t want to but it down! And it’s safe to say that I sacrificed a few hours of sleep for this🤭🫣
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning🥹 I absolutely love both of them and they will always hold a special place in my heart🩷
I loved Sylvia, her boldness and bravery. She was such a strong character and I loved how she found comfort and a safe place with Felix 🥹
And don’t even get me started on this man🤭 because Felix Jones is now on the top of my favorite MMCs🤭🤭🤭 this man had me giggling at midnight and shedding a few tears🥰 I seriously don’t even know how to describe how much I love both of these characters🥹 I loved how the author balanced both perspectives and gave us all the yearning🥹
The writing was so so beautiful and even poetic!
Seriously, I wish I could frame every single page of this book and put it on my walls!!!🥹
The cozy mystery of this book was also so so good! There were so many plot twists I did not see coming and had me staring at the wall. It was very clever and very well planned out🥰
This book is now my most favorite book of all time!
I am so excited to get into more of Shawna’s books😆 she now is one of my most favorite authors ever!
🗡️tropes:
- Edwardian England time
- black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC
- dagger to the throat scene
- he takes care of her
- all the YEARNING
- he’s obsessed with her
- cozy mystery with whimsical details
- he reads to her
- reversed grumpy x sunshine
- messy artist MMC
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
TW: grief, death, consumption of food and drinks that alter the mind, ptsd, depression, adhd, assau/t, violence, blood (mild, not gory)
If you haven’t read this yet THEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
I don’t even know where to begin…I AM FULLY ON OBSESSED with this book!!!🥹 it’s now my favorite book EVER!!!😭
The story was so captivating, I didn’t want to but it down! And it’s safe to say that I sacrificed a few hours of sleep for this🤭🫣
I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning🥹 I absolutely love both of them and they will always hold a special place in my heart🩷
I loved Sylvia, her boldness and bravery. She was such a strong character and I loved how she found comfort and a safe place with Felix 🥹
And don’t even get me started on this man🤭 because Felix Jones is now on the top of my favorite MMCs🤭🤭🤭 this man had me giggling at midnight and shedding a few tears🥰 I seriously don’t even know how to describe how much I love both of these characters🥹 I loved how the author balanced both perspectives and gave us all the yearning🥹
The writing was so so beautiful and even poetic!
Seriously, I wish I could frame every single page of this book and put it on my walls!!!🥹
The cozy mystery of this book was also so so good! There were so many plot twists I did not see coming and had me staring at the wall. It was very clever and very well planned out🥰
This book is now my most favorite book of all time!
I am so excited to get into more of Shawna’s books😆 she now is one of my most favorite authors ever!
🗡️tropes:
- Edwardian England time
- black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC
- dagger to the throat scene
- he takes care of her
- all the YEARNING
- he’s obsessed with her
- cozy mystery with whimsical details
- he reads to her
- reversed grumpy x sunshine
- messy artist MMC
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
TW: grief, death, consumption of food and drinks that alter the mind, ptsd, depression, adhd, assau/t, violence, blood (mild, not gory)
November 3, 2025
"So he let her walk, let her think she could run from she had seen and lock it away behind her.
Because he was behind her.
And he'd keep it safely locked within himself." 🗡
This writing style and setting was wonderful!
I loved how it was set in London.
The chapter art was also really pretty.
I don't know why I thought going into this that Felix was going to be the cinnamon roll type. I have no idea where I got that impression, but that's okay, I just had to adjust my expectations.
I also loved how this book hid things from the reader as well! You don't see that very often, and it kinda gives off slight unreliable narrator vibes. About halfway through, we realize that both Slyvia and Felix were hiding things from the audience, which was really neat. The reveals hit harder when you don't know every waking thought of our characters.
Sylvia is a badass. This is exactly how you write strong female characters. Media has had such a difficult time writing the "strong badass female lead" type for years. This was so refreshing. Sylvia struggled and was able to show weakness. That's part of where the media gets it wrong. They think these characters can't make mistakes, or struggle, or fall down sometimes. But Sylvia had the perfect balance.
There was way more focus on the romance than I expected as well. The romance wasn't my favorite, but I didn't hate it. There were a couple of moments I really liked, but it seemed pretty insta love at times. It was slow burn in the sense that they didn't kiss for almost the entire book.
This book is just further proof that there are so many unique underrated books out there that have yet to be published and recognized.
Because he was behind her.
And he'd keep it safely locked within himself." 🗡
This writing style and setting was wonderful!
I loved how it was set in London.
The chapter art was also really pretty.
I don't know why I thought going into this that Felix was going to be the cinnamon roll type. I have no idea where I got that impression, but that's okay, I just had to adjust my expectations.
I also loved how this book hid things from the reader as well! You don't see that very often, and it kinda gives off slight unreliable narrator vibes. About halfway through, we realize that both Slyvia and Felix were hiding things from the audience, which was really neat. The reveals hit harder when you don't know every waking thought of our characters.
Sylvia is a badass. This is exactly how you write strong female characters. Media has had such a difficult time writing the "strong badass female lead" type for years. This was so refreshing. Sylvia struggled and was able to show weakness. That's part of where the media gets it wrong. They think these characters can't make mistakes, or struggle, or fall down sometimes. But Sylvia had the perfect balance.
There was way more focus on the romance than I expected as well. The romance wasn't my favorite, but I didn't hate it. There were a couple of moments I really liked, but it seemed pretty insta love at times. It was slow burn in the sense that they didn't kiss for almost the entire book.
This book is just further proof that there are so many unique underrated books out there that have yet to be published and recognized.
July 17, 2025
DNF at 74% due to unbearable writing.
I genuinely tried. Going into this book, I thought I'd have an Edwardian romantic (even gothic!) mystery; essentially my favourite genre.
What I got was a completely unresearched amalgamation of internet tropes (she holds a dagger to his throat and he falls in love, hello princess mononoke 🙄 the list goes on).
The only indication that this occurs in a historical setting is the word 'Edwardian' in the synopsis. The story occurs almost entirely in a white box - little to no description or inclusion of appearances, clothing, setting, historical mannerisms and language, etc. The only element of this story written in any depth whatsoever was the food.
A personal favourite which stood out among many similar instances:
"He bit into the fruit and tossed it again. As it landed heavy in his hand, he was reminded of a certain jar he’d been treating the same way. With the next toss, he threw the apple into a nearby bin and sauntered deeper into the room."
What bin? Why would an upper class Edwardian home have wastebaskets in every room? Is there a rotting apple core in some decorative basket? Why? Why not hand it to a servant if his family is well to do? Instances like these wrenched me out of the story ⁸so often it became a painful ordeal.
I genuinely tried. Going into this book, I thought I'd have an Edwardian romantic (even gothic!) mystery; essentially my favourite genre.
What I got was a completely unresearched amalgamation of internet tropes (she holds a dagger to his throat and he falls in love, hello princess mononoke 🙄 the list goes on).
The only indication that this occurs in a historical setting is the word 'Edwardian' in the synopsis. The story occurs almost entirely in a white box - little to no description or inclusion of appearances, clothing, setting, historical mannerisms and language, etc. The only element of this story written in any depth whatsoever was the food.
A personal favourite which stood out among many similar instances:
"He bit into the fruit and tossed it again. As it landed heavy in his hand, he was reminded of a certain jar he’d been treating the same way. With the next toss, he threw the apple into a nearby bin and sauntered deeper into the room."
What bin? Why would an upper class Edwardian home have wastebaskets in every room? Is there a rotting apple core in some decorative basket? Why? Why not hand it to a servant if his family is well to do? Instances like these wrenched me out of the story ⁸so often it became a painful ordeal.
May 8, 2025
I have so much I could say about this book and only so many words to say it with.
But my main word is: WOW!!!
Stains of Scarlet is written with heart. You can practically feel the vulnerability screaming from the pages. Felix and Sylvia have so much depth---have so much expression. It's like getting to know an old friend on an entirely new level.
The mystery, the romance, and the decadent dessert descriptions flew from the pages. I can't even mention how many times I gasped, squealed, or found myself with a sharp craving for sweets while reading. (DO NOT read if you're on a diet---I promise, it won't end well!)
And while the storyline was enrapturing on its own, I've found the staple of any Shawna Woodland book to be the healing. My goodness, Stains of Scarlet contained a lot! (I thought Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake had me crying... Well, in Stains of Scarlet, I was bawling!!)
With every turning page, Sylvia's vulnerabilities were my vulnerabilities. Her heart was my heart. And the breaking and mending along the way was, I swear, more healing than therapy. Because She. Was. Me.
Her fractured memories and silenced dreams. The concrete wall and glistening talons staunchly guarding her heart. ...And the beautiful flowers that grew between the cracks and crevices. All thanks to a murder mystery and an adorable boy with ADHD. (*Cough cough* Felix, I love you! Please, fall for me instead. *Cough cough*)
Now, I'm absolutely awful at ending reviews, so I'll just leave this here.
And if you pick it up...well, so be it, I guess.
It's 100% worth the healing. <3
But my main word is: WOW!!!
Stains of Scarlet is written with heart. You can practically feel the vulnerability screaming from the pages. Felix and Sylvia have so much depth---have so much expression. It's like getting to know an old friend on an entirely new level.
The mystery, the romance, and the decadent dessert descriptions flew from the pages. I can't even mention how many times I gasped, squealed, or found myself with a sharp craving for sweets while reading. (DO NOT read if you're on a diet---I promise, it won't end well!)
And while the storyline was enrapturing on its own, I've found the staple of any Shawna Woodland book to be the healing. My goodness, Stains of Scarlet contained a lot! (I thought Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake had me crying... Well, in Stains of Scarlet, I was bawling!!)
With every turning page, Sylvia's vulnerabilities were my vulnerabilities. Her heart was my heart. And the breaking and mending along the way was, I swear, more healing than therapy. Because She. Was. Me.
Her fractured memories and silenced dreams. The concrete wall and glistening talons staunchly guarding her heart. ...And the beautiful flowers that grew between the cracks and crevices. All thanks to a murder mystery and an adorable boy with ADHD. (*Cough cough* Felix, I love you! Please, fall for me instead. *Cough cough*)
Now, I'm absolutely awful at ending reviews, so I'll just leave this here.
And if you pick it up...well, so be it, I guess.
It's 100% worth the healing. <3
June 12, 2025
What a fun, intriguing, somewhat twisted romp through the streets of Edwardian London! Sherlock-esque in tone, this book makes you want to curl up in an overstuffed leather chair under a buttery soft blanket, a strong cup of coffee by your side, as you disappear into its lyrically dark mystery. A fast paced story filled with stabby characters who have an acute taste for the macabre and plenty of twisty turns and unexpected moments to keep one thoroughly captivated.
Stylistically rich, lushly descriptive, and deliciously wordy, this author’s writing just really worked for me. This was my first book by her, and I’m so glad I read it! Absolutely lovely.
SYLVIA. Such a complex character with her own monsters to face. Whip-smart and adept at
handling a blade, she constantly strove for perfection yet yearned to be seen and known as more. She had a remarkable capacity to love fiercely those around her, and we see as she continues to learn how to do so throughout the story.
FELIX. JONES. I cannot describe the ways I adore this man. He’s like a golden retriever but also like a lovable cat? With his ink stained fingers and deep mind, he sees things most others miss. Is it any wonder he saw Sylvia from the first? He wasn’t afraid of her darkness; rather, he embraced it. He was the perfect mix of scatterbrained, sincere, intelligent, flirty, and charming.
And when they’re TOGETHER? What. A. Pair. They’re a force to be reckoned with and balance each other perfectly!
A few things I loved♥️
-The masque. “I came for you.” *faints*
-Watson the cat
-His chocolate caramel pistachio tart eyes
-His dimple
-Them in the greenhouse
-Every kiss😭
-THE EPILOGUE🫠
Stylistically rich, lushly descriptive, and deliciously wordy, this author’s writing just really worked for me. This was my first book by her, and I’m so glad I read it! Absolutely lovely.
SYLVIA. Such a complex character with her own monsters to face. Whip-smart and adept at
handling a blade, she constantly strove for perfection yet yearned to be seen and known as more. She had a remarkable capacity to love fiercely those around her, and we see as she continues to learn how to do so throughout the story.
FELIX. JONES. I cannot describe the ways I adore this man. He’s like a golden retriever but also like a lovable cat? With his ink stained fingers and deep mind, he sees things most others miss. Is it any wonder he saw Sylvia from the first? He wasn’t afraid of her darkness; rather, he embraced it. He was the perfect mix of scatterbrained, sincere, intelligent, flirty, and charming.
And when they’re TOGETHER? What. A. Pair. They’re a force to be reckoned with and balance each other perfectly!
A few things I loved♥️
-The masque. “I came for you.” *faints*
-Watson the cat
-His chocolate caramel pistachio tart eyes
-His dimple
-Them in the greenhouse
-Every kiss😭
-THE EPILOGUE🫠
February 10, 2026
Loved it. Will be rereading at some point. Felix is 😍. Like seriously with the leaning and curly hair, I can't.
Okay, but also the writing is so magical and musical and whimsical and other -cal words.
How did SW write something about solving a murder and stabby scenes seem so cozy? It was probably all the desserts.
This is a somewhat random and nonsensical (another -cal word!) review, but these are my raw and unfiltered thoughts after just finishing it, so maybe something more cultivated and cohesive will be written later after my heart rate slows down from how amazing this was.
Chef kiss 😘
Okay, but also the writing is so magical and musical and whimsical and other -cal words.
How did SW write something about solving a murder and stabby scenes seem so cozy? It was probably all the desserts.
This is a somewhat random and nonsensical (another -cal word!) review, but these are my raw and unfiltered thoughts after just finishing it, so maybe something more cultivated and cohesive will be written later after my heart rate slows down from how amazing this was.
Chef kiss 😘
July 26, 2025
“Loving you is elementary. Upon it, everything in my life has fallen into place.”
I loved Felix and Sylvia and their romance was PERFECT. I’ll eat up the “he falls first” trope every time
A few moments did give me pause in regard to the meaning of a few sentences (though I feel like this improved as I read more) as well as some historical details. That said, I really did enjoy this and I think it’s perfect for a romantic, fast-paced mystery!!
An honourable quotes mention:
- “I’m scared.” / “then do it scared.”
4✨
I loved Felix and Sylvia and their romance was PERFECT. I’ll eat up the “he falls first” trope every time
A few moments did give me pause in regard to the meaning of a few sentences (though I feel like this improved as I read more) as well as some historical details. That said, I really did enjoy this and I think it’s perfect for a romantic, fast-paced mystery!!
An honourable quotes mention:
- “I’m scared.” / “then do it scared.”
4✨
June 27, 2025
So perfect
Ahhh I’m upset that half way through the book I realize that this was Felix’s and Sylvia’s. Molly’s favorite (only) cousin! So silly of me. Anyway I really enjoyed this story. I love how Shawna doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and this one was pretty HEAVY. But there is also a cute and sweet romance. Felix is was so good to Sylvia and they balanced each other really well. Also I love how strong Sylvia was despite of what she had been through.
Ahhh I’m upset that half way through the book I realize that this was Felix’s and Sylvia’s. Molly’s favorite (only) cousin! So silly of me. Anyway I really enjoyed this story. I love how Shawna doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and this one was pretty HEAVY. But there is also a cute and sweet romance. Felix is was so good to Sylvia and they balanced each other really well. Also I love how strong Sylvia was despite of what she had been through.
May 10, 2025
I loved this book! Shawna is such a brilliant writer. Her descriptions and imagery are so beautiful and poignant. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Felix and Sylvia. The mystery and intrigue in this book had me on edge in the best way. I also loved getting little peeks at characters from her previous books. I highly recommend you add all of Shawna's books to your TBR!
August 25, 2025
The writing of this book was rich and wonderful. The mystery…one of the best I have read in a long time. It was to the point that I was reading a bit too quickly to see if I was right (I was!!!) that I feel like I want to go back and reread to appreciate the style and details of the story soon. Excellent read.
January 30, 2026
- he's obsessed
- she's stabby
- amazing food
- mystery
- banter
- no spice, kisses only
there’s a such thing as beautifully written, but there were so many times i caught myself saying, “wow, this is exquisite.” not to mention the mystery, the fun banter, the...well, everything. Felix and Sylvia feel like they should never go together and that’s the only place they belong at the same time. also, the epilogue may perhaps be one of my all time favorites – would not change a single word of those final pages. MUST READ!!! *add to tbr*
- beautiful writing style
- quirky and edgy characters
- lots of fun food, so foodies rejoice
- Sherlock style mystery
- so much banter 😍
- adorable character art
- she's stabby
- amazing food
- mystery
- banter
- no spice, kisses only
there’s a such thing as beautifully written, but there were so many times i caught myself saying, “wow, this is exquisite.” not to mention the mystery, the fun banter, the...well, everything. Felix and Sylvia feel like they should never go together and that’s the only place they belong at the same time. also, the epilogue may perhaps be one of my all time favorites – would not change a single word of those final pages. MUST READ!!! *add to tbr*
- beautiful writing style
- quirky and edgy characters
- lots of fun food, so foodies rejoice
- Sherlock style mystery
- so much banter 😍
- adorable character art
June 7, 2025
OH MY GOSH! I’d been waiting for like a year for this book. I knew it was going to be great, but it was simply phenomenal. Loved it, loved the characters, loved everything about it. Sylvia and Felix have my heart. And the epilogue 🤭🤭🤭🤭 beautiful. Yet another masterpiece by Mrs. Woodland🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
December 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It is one of my favorites now. I mean, it is so underrated, i think this book should be more popular. And I would recommend this book specially for those who read and liked OUABH series!!!
January 24, 2026
If you like mystery, read this book. If you like deeply romantic romance, read this book. If you like a unique, immersive writing style, read this book. If you like banter, read this book.
Basically . . . Read. This. Book.
Basically . . . Read. This. Book.
July 14, 2025
This was a cute mystery, I dont know if this was supposed to be cute but it felt like that to me
July 24, 2025
When I started this book, I knew it would be a 5 star. I wish I could read this book for the first time again. I can now retire from reading because this was THE book!
December 1, 2025
This was such a cute and cozy mystery read!! Shawna’s writing is just delicious and I loved all the baking references mixed in this.
January 9, 2026
Loved it!
The no spice element attracted me. The story made me stay.
The no spice element attracted me. The story made me stay.
February 17, 2026
Rate: 4,8 stars
December 24, 2025
This book has the most beautiful writing i’ve ever read
November 14, 2025
Another amazing book by Shawna Woodland!
If you’re looking for a sweet and angsty mystery then look no further!
Stains of Scarlet is a prequel to the An Awfully Big Adventure duology, but can be read as a stand alone.
I fell in love with Shawna Woodlands writing with her duology, and HDTWA is one of my favorite books ever; so I was super excited to get another book in the same world about some of my favorite side characters.
SoS is a cozy, angsty, 1920s murder mystery, and romance.
I loved getting to know these characters and their stories. And the times we got crossovers into the duology was amazing! This book as I said, can be read as a standalone, but if you’ve read the duology you’ll get just a little bit more insight into some things that you won’t know about unless you read SoS!
Overall a very enjoyable read with lovable, complicated characters, and an engaging plot. Definitely give this one a read!
If you’re looking for a sweet and angsty mystery then look no further!
Stains of Scarlet is a prequel to the An Awfully Big Adventure duology, but can be read as a stand alone.
I fell in love with Shawna Woodlands writing with her duology, and HDTWA is one of my favorite books ever; so I was super excited to get another book in the same world about some of my favorite side characters.
SoS is a cozy, angsty, 1920s murder mystery, and romance.
I loved getting to know these characters and their stories. And the times we got crossovers into the duology was amazing! This book as I said, can be read as a standalone, but if you’ve read the duology you’ll get just a little bit more insight into some things that you won’t know about unless you read SoS!
Overall a very enjoyable read with lovable, complicated characters, and an engaging plot. Definitely give this one a read!
September 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I've read all three books published by Shawna and I'd recommend them all. They're so good! I loved how there was a mix of genres in this one and the story timeline overlapped with her other two books! I also really enjoyed Shawna's writing again and how she described things. I thought the baked goods and bakery aspect was very sweet (pun intended). I appreciated the depth of the two main characters and loved getting to know them as well. Also just the way the mmc is so down bad for the girl. I will say it took me just a little bit to get really into the book and the couple confessed feeling a little sooner than I would have thought. I honestly would have been ok with a little more slow burn, but I was still so glad they got together! One other thing is that I really appreciated the no spice or cursing.
Spice:🌶️ just kissing
I've read all three books published by Shawna and I'd recommend them all. They're so good! I loved how there was a mix of genres in this one and the story timeline overlapped with her other two books! I also really enjoyed Shawna's writing again and how she described things. I thought the baked goods and bakery aspect was very sweet (pun intended). I appreciated the depth of the two main characters and loved getting to know them as well. Also just the way the mmc is so down bad for the girl. I will say it took me just a little bit to get really into the book and the couple confessed feeling a little sooner than I would have thought. I honestly would have been ok with a little more slow burn, but I was still so glad they got together! One other thing is that I really appreciated the no spice or cursing.
Spice:🌶️ just kissing
December 10, 2025
I know I finished this in April but I JUST HAVE TO RAVE A BIT
SHAWNA IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHORS, HER PROSE, HER CHARACTERS, HER EVERYTHING??
Sylvia and Felix were PERFECTION, this book literally changed my life😭
Sylvia was THE soul character and I couldn’t, just couldn’t get through certain scenes without sobbing😭
Guys if y’all want a murder mystery set in Victorian London, with a good dose of banter, a shameless MMC, & an absorbent amount of decadent sweets, this one is for you🤭🖤
SHAWNA IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHORS, HER PROSE, HER CHARACTERS, HER EVERYTHING??
Sylvia and Felix were PERFECTION, this book literally changed my life😭
Sylvia was THE soul character and I couldn’t, just couldn’t get through certain scenes without sobbing😭
Guys if y’all want a murder mystery set in Victorian London, with a good dose of banter, a shameless MMC, & an absorbent amount of decadent sweets, this one is for you🤭🖤
November 18, 2025
3⭐️
LOVED the bts from an awfully big adventure but wasn’t super invested in the rest of the plot
LOVED the bts from an awfully big adventure but wasn’t super invested in the rest of the plot
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