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The Red Cape Society #3
Peppermint and Pentacles
Up on the housetop werewolves howl
Out jumps good old Agent Louvel
Down through the chimney chasing monsters quick
Feeling far less jolly than Old Saint Nick
Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to chasing werewolves across London. But when she's reassigned to a special case just days before Christmas, she learns that she'll need more than a silver bullet to keep everyone on the nice list.
Peppermint and Pentacles is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak's bestselling steampunk universe. This Christmas-themed tale can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as book 3 in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood Series.
Out jumps good old Agent Louvel
Down through the chimney chasing monsters quick
Feeling far less jolly than Old Saint Nick
Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to chasing werewolves across London. But when she's reassigned to a special case just days before Christmas, she learns that she'll need more than a silver bullet to keep everyone on the nice list.
Peppermint and Pentacles is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak's bestselling steampunk universe. This Christmas-themed tale can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as book 3 in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood Series.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
249 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,704 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 21, 2025
A Holiday Red Riding Hood mystery. Just before Christmas 2 kids go missing and Clemeny (Clem) Louvel is on the hunt for another monster. Mysterious footprints in the snow. This blended holiday folklore and supernatural mystery with humor. I was surprised and pleased to find out who the new villain is this Christmas :D
There is some 'will they/won't they' romance going on with Agent Hunter but it does not overwhelm the story or pace of the plot which for a novella moves briskly. It ends on a cute cliffhanger, nothing major.
Next book in Red Cape Society Bitches and Brawlers
There is some 'will they/won't they' romance going on with Agent Hunter but it does not overwhelm the story or pace of the plot which for a novella moves briskly. It ends on a cute cliffhanger, nothing major.
Next book in Red Cape Society Bitches and Brawlers
June 26, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Melanie Karsak so when I heard that she's written some fairy tales with a steampunk flair, I had to give it a try. WOW! Such a great story and breathes new life into this ancient fairy tale. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
July 16, 2018
Christmas time might not be the most beautiful time of year. Especially if some unknown creature is kidnapping children all over the town..
All of Little Red's colleagues were assigned new cases under the sharp lead of Edwin Hunter. But she got a special one - a list of four children that have gone missing. Investigating the case, Clem reveals that more than the listed four are missing, many are not even reported to the official police force.. and with all the supernatural elements involved, it is her duty to catch the kidnapper and save the children. However, she must speed up, because the Christmas Eve is her deadline, and finally revealing the intentions of the supernatural kidnapper makes her and her partner-boss fear for her life in case of failure..
I absolutely adore this series. Steampunk and fantasy combined with unique fairytale retelling and fierce heroine stuck in trouble and difficult, almost impossible situations - that always works for me. Clemeny is smart, with her no-shit attitude and straightforward personality, great hunter and amazing person. Seeing then turn her into gentler version in Edwin's presence and under his influence feels like a miracle - and the same holds for the fearless, deadly demon hunter, who is afraid of the opinions of Clem's closest. Fast, adventurous, full of tension and emotions, this novella is a very entertaining and fairly addictive read.
All of Little Red's colleagues were assigned new cases under the sharp lead of Edwin Hunter. But she got a special one - a list of four children that have gone missing. Investigating the case, Clem reveals that more than the listed four are missing, many are not even reported to the official police force.. and with all the supernatural elements involved, it is her duty to catch the kidnapper and save the children. However, she must speed up, because the Christmas Eve is her deadline, and finally revealing the intentions of the supernatural kidnapper makes her and her partner-boss fear for her life in case of failure..
I absolutely adore this series. Steampunk and fantasy combined with unique fairytale retelling and fierce heroine stuck in trouble and difficult, almost impossible situations - that always works for me. Clemeny is smart, with her no-shit attitude and straightforward personality, great hunter and amazing person. Seeing then turn her into gentler version in Edwin's presence and under his influence feels like a miracle - and the same holds for the fearless, deadly demon hunter, who is afraid of the opinions of Clem's closest. Fast, adventurous, full of tension and emotions, this novella is a very entertaining and fairly addictive read.
April 19, 2023
3.8 ⭐️
These books are so short and addicting. I enjoyed this one. The Christmas themed mystery was so intriguing and cool, but the overall Christmas vibe was weird cause it's only April, so I didn't connect with it as much. I still hope we get clemeny and richard. There's nothing wrong with agent hunter...but he's just not richard. I miss quinn too! I hope he makes an appearance soon.
These books are so short and addicting. I enjoyed this one. The Christmas themed mystery was so intriguing and cool, but the overall Christmas vibe was weird cause it's only April, so I didn't connect with it as much. I still hope we get clemeny and richard. There's nothing wrong with agent hunter...but he's just not richard. I miss quinn too! I hope he makes an appearance soon.
June 11, 2018
I know that it is only June but this was such a fun Christmas story it got me in the holiday spirit a little early. This is book three in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood Series and can be read as a standalone. I would highly encourage any reader to read books one and two first, but that is just because they are so great and the reader would get a better understanding for both the characters and the continuing plot.
In this story we meet Clemency and Agent Hunter again. Together they are tasked with tracking down missing children. Right before Christmas children are going missing and it is not Clem’s typical werewolves. When the Queen asks for help there is nothing to do but get her answers and that is exactly what Clem and Hunter do. Not only to they save the children, have they also saved Christmas!
A wonderful story, which will work for fairy tale lovers and Steampunk lovers alike; this author has a wonderful way of creating new and different stories with the same brilliance that the traditional fairy tale had. They are classics for a reason and this author knows how to make her version just as endearing.
In this story we meet Clemency and Agent Hunter again. Together they are tasked with tracking down missing children. Right before Christmas children are going missing and it is not Clem’s typical werewolves. When the Queen asks for help there is nothing to do but get her answers and that is exactly what Clem and Hunter do. Not only to they save the children, have they also saved Christmas!
A wonderful story, which will work for fairy tale lovers and Steampunk lovers alike; this author has a wonderful way of creating new and different stories with the same brilliance that the traditional fairy tale had. They are classics for a reason and this author knows how to make her version just as endearing.
November 4, 2018
Another amazing addition to this Little Red Riding Hood steampunk retelling! I couldn’t put it down
August 9, 2018
3 stars
This installment was much improved as far as grammar and vocabulary, but still a little lacking. The romance was sweet and light.
This installment was much improved as far as grammar and vocabulary, but still a little lacking. The romance was sweet and light.
December 11, 2023
Steampunk, Gaslamp, Victorian-era, Urban Fantasy goodness!!
This time it's Christmas and children are going missing! Clemeny is assigned to work the case and for the first time in the series we see her work on something that has nothing to do with werewolves! In fact, there are no werewolves featured! This would have made me sad if it weren't for Clemeny's new boss (from book two) Edwin Hunter getting much more page time and pairing up with Clemeny to solve the case! He's interesting and I really enjoyed the blossoming relationship between them!
The story was an excellent tale for this time of year (aka December). It's a Krampus story with lots of Victorian Christmas touches and flourishes! Queen Victoria gets a lot more page time and I love this world's version of her!
Clemeny is really coming into her own and we're getting drip fed more about where she comes from... I'm pretty sure I know what but finding out the how is going to be fun!
All in all, it's a shorter read than the first two but it still delivers a fast-paced and super engrossing story!
This time it's Christmas and children are going missing! Clemeny is assigned to work the case and for the first time in the series we see her work on something that has nothing to do with werewolves! In fact, there are no werewolves featured! This would have made me sad if it weren't for Clemeny's new boss (from book two) Edwin Hunter getting much more page time and pairing up with Clemeny to solve the case! He's interesting and I really enjoyed the blossoming relationship between them!
The story was an excellent tale for this time of year (aka December). It's a Krampus story with lots of Victorian Christmas touches and flourishes! Queen Victoria gets a lot more page time and I love this world's version of her!
Clemeny is really coming into her own and we're getting drip fed more about where she comes from... I'm pretty sure I know what but finding out the how is going to be fun!
All in all, it's a shorter read than the first two but it still delivers a fast-paced and super engrossing story!
December 7, 2019
I read this as part of the Mistletoe & Mischief collection of seasonal/holiday stories. I’m delighted to have discovered that I actually have more of Karsak’s work downloaded to my phone, including book 1 of Steampunk Red Riding Hood.
July 28, 2020
Yay! Finally more romance!
December 8, 2023
4.5/5
Quick, fun Christmas read. I really enjoyed the return of Clem and her group of found family.
Quick, fun Christmas read. I really enjoyed the return of Clem and her group of found family.
March 19, 2024
This is my favorite story thus far from this series, but I’m partial to steampunk AND Krampus.
A fun, cute, little read that you can’t put down.
Gruss vom Krampus!
A fun, cute, little read that you can’t put down.
Gruss vom Krampus!
February 15, 2025
Very interesting
Good writing and a fast pace. Lots of twists and turns to the plot. I enjoyed reading this And will read more if these tales.
Good writing and a fast pace. Lots of twists and turns to the plot. I enjoyed reading this And will read more if these tales.
May 23, 2025
Enjoyed this more than the 2nd but not as much as the first. Wish it was longer 😂
March 20, 2024
Ahh Little Red 🩷
March 26, 2019
The 12 Days of Christmas takes an evil turn with Clemeny and Agent Hunter are forced to face down Krampus. Krampus was summoned to London by all of the children that misbehave. The one that is the worst is none other than Princess Helena. Clemeny must team together with the steamy Edwin Hunter to bring down this monster before the princess is taken.
This was a really cute Christmas story. I am so glad that I finally found something with the 12 Days of Christmas as a theme! I loved the adventure and mystery of this installment. The characters are great also. There were times that it made me laugh out loud.
This was a really cute Christmas story. I am so glad that I finally found something with the 12 Days of Christmas as a theme! I loved the adventure and mystery of this installment. The characters are great also. There were times that it made me laugh out loud.
June 12, 2018
Each of Melanie Karsark's Steampunk Fairy Tales, including her Red Riding Hood series. Wolves and Daggers, Alphas and Airships, plus this third release Peppermint and Pentacles, work as stand alone books, but for greater enjoyment and depth of history on the background of characters are best read in order released. This particular tale of Clemeny Louvel and the Red Cape society, in the collaborative work Mischief and Mistletoe, was my first taste of the characters. I was hooked immediately and began searching for more right away. No one could have been more thrilled when Ms. Karsak started to release the series. Rereading this tale was a pleasure!
When children are being abducted from their bedrooms before Christmas, Little Red is pulled from her normal task of policing London's rooftops for rogue werewolves, and asked by the Queen to find the culprit. What she discovers sends her for Agent Hunter's personal help on the case! Can Clemeny keep her silent fantasy's about Hunter under control working so closely?
This is a refreshing, thrilling Christmas tale like no other you have read. Indulge your taste for adventure, excitement, other worldy places and creatures, and even a bit of romance. Melanie Karsak is a writer like no other today blending high quality steampunk and fairy tales into a genre all her own!
When children are being abducted from their bedrooms before Christmas, Little Red is pulled from her normal task of policing London's rooftops for rogue werewolves, and asked by the Queen to find the culprit. What she discovers sends her for Agent Hunter's personal help on the case! Can Clemeny keep her silent fantasy's about Hunter under control working so closely?
This is a refreshing, thrilling Christmas tale like no other you have read. Indulge your taste for adventure, excitement, other worldy places and creatures, and even a bit of romance. Melanie Karsak is a writer like no other today blending high quality steampunk and fairy tales into a genre all her own!
July 4, 2018
I highly recommend this series, each book definitely builds on the last one and hints at deeper layers and secrets to be revealed in the future. Each has a self contained story, so no real cliffhangers, but still leaves the reader excited for more: the hallmark of a brilliant series.
A break from werewolf drama, this story is going on my Christmas bookshelf, right next to the Christmas story collection that I got as a child and reread every Christmas season. Well, not literally, ebooks don’t sit well next to paper books... I love how Karsak includes romance hints, but doesn’t centralize the plot around it. Our tough heroine is still coming to terms with her disfigurement, which I find refreshing - some authors accelerate the timeline of accepting an injury like this, but Karsak even shows that Little Red has come to terms with some aspects of the injury, but not others. There’s so much more that I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil it for someone else.
A break from werewolf drama, this story is going on my Christmas bookshelf, right next to the Christmas story collection that I got as a child and reread every Christmas season. Well, not literally, ebooks don’t sit well next to paper books... I love how Karsak includes romance hints, but doesn’t centralize the plot around it. Our tough heroine is still coming to terms with her disfigurement, which I find refreshing - some authors accelerate the timeline of accepting an injury like this, but Karsak even shows that Little Red has come to terms with some aspects of the injury, but not others. There’s so much more that I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil it for someone else.
June 12, 2018
What a way to forget about the summer humidity and heat—if only for a little while!
This Christmas-themed tale is perfect for both readers of fairy tales as well as steampunk. While Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to tracking down werewolves, the mystery of disappearing children and the creature responsible are something else entirely.
While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend books 1 and 2, Wolves and Daggers and Alphas and Airships, so that you get to know Clemeny and her role in the Red Cape Society before following along as she traipse through the snow after a grotesque creature who smells of peppermint.
Peppermint and Pentacles is as fabulous as the first two books in this series, and I am looking forward to Book 4 in Karsak’s Red Riding Hood series.
This Christmas-themed tale is perfect for both readers of fairy tales as well as steampunk. While Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to tracking down werewolves, the mystery of disappearing children and the creature responsible are something else entirely.
While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend books 1 and 2, Wolves and Daggers and Alphas and Airships, so that you get to know Clemeny and her role in the Red Cape Society before following along as she traipse through the snow after a grotesque creature who smells of peppermint.
Peppermint and Pentacles is as fabulous as the first two books in this series, and I am looking forward to Book 4 in Karsak’s Red Riding Hood series.
June 14, 2018
BIG BAD WOLF ISN'T THE ONLY THREAT!!!
Karsak really keeps us on our toes. The fun just keeps getting deeper by the line. She weaves a world around you until everything else ceases to exist except for whats right in front of your eyes. Twists and turns abound with nerve racking, nailbiting, thrilling, action packed, rollercoaster ride that keeps your focus on this page turning tale full of suspense. The characters and scenes were intriguing, complex and realistic. I loved how their personalities showed through with unexpected surprises and danger that lurks in the shadows. With such vividly detailed and descriptive scenes that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Karsak did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Karsak, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Karsak really keeps us on our toes. The fun just keeps getting deeper by the line. She weaves a world around you until everything else ceases to exist except for whats right in front of your eyes. Twists and turns abound with nerve racking, nailbiting, thrilling, action packed, rollercoaster ride that keeps your focus on this page turning tale full of suspense. The characters and scenes were intriguing, complex and realistic. I loved how their personalities showed through with unexpected surprises and danger that lurks in the shadows. With such vividly detailed and descriptive scenes that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Karsak did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Karsak, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
August 14, 2018
This Christmas-themed instalment in the steampunk Little Red Riding Hood series was a very fun read. Starring the kickass Little Red, this time working alongside her new (and very hunky!) boss Agent Hunter, as they fight an unknown foe to save the missing children and, ultimately, Christmas. I also really enjoyed the appearances of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and am very in love with Red's Grand-Mère (despite all the "oranges and lemons", which made me want to scream at times!!). I'm loving this series, and looking forward to reading the rest of the books. I would definitely recommend it to all adult fairytale lovers, or those who love their supernatural and paranormal stories with a dash of steampunk, a twist of romance, and a "happy ever after" ending.
June 16, 2018
This is another great book in the Little Red series. Agent Clement Louvel is usually chasing werewolves but in this case, children are disappearing and she's not quite sure what or who she's after. She has a few clues and thinks she might be after a demon this time. Clemeny goes to Agent Hunter to discuss the case. They prepare for hunting a demon but they're in trouble when they find out it's not a demon after all. This book has great characters and quite a few thrills. Will they catch the kidnapper before the deadline of midnight on Christmas Eve? I loved this book and can't wait for the next one to come out. The whole series is a great steampunk take off on Little Red Riding Hood.
October 11, 2018
Wonderful reading. Adventure, just the whisper of romance, and comedy. This is a great twist on the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. “Red” is a girl who works for a secret government agency that hunts down dangerous werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and other fantastic creatures of myth. The government agency uses the red capes as a sort of uniform. Characters are well developed. Red is funny and smart and brave with an unknown background that makes for an interesting mystery. I’ve read all the books in the series except the one that just came out (Howls and Hallows). I highly recommend them all.
June 12, 2018
Christmas behavior
Clemeny was all set to start her wolf hunting. Her Majesty had other ideas. children were disappearing and the Queen wanted Clemeny's talent to find out how. the numbers jump when she gets to the street children and soon she calls upon someone who can assist her search and warm her cold fingers
Clemeny was all set to start her wolf hunting. Her Majesty had other ideas. children were disappearing and the Queen wanted Clemeny's talent to find out how. the numbers jump when she gets to the street children and soon she calls upon someone who can assist her search and warm her cold fingers
March 25, 2019
Set in Xmas time, Clemeny this time must deal with what happen to be a demon similar to the big red man, and its target seems to be a little royalty.
i really liked like this volume cause it feels different from the other 2 books and the xmas spirit plays a lot (i looove xmas spirit) and she isnt really sure at first but finally manage everything.
i really liked like this volume cause it feels different from the other 2 books and the xmas spirit plays a lot (i looove xmas spirit) and she isnt really sure at first but finally manage everything.
February 27, 2019
Steampunk rules
I am a fan of the Victorian era and to read a story from that era with all kinds of interesting gadgets, well, it is every fan girl's fantasy come true and than to have such an amazing storyteller keeping me enthralled with her world, all I can say is, bring on the next book
I am a fan of the Victorian era and to read a story from that era with all kinds of interesting gadgets, well, it is every fan girl's fantasy come true and than to have such an amazing storyteller keeping me enthralled with her world, all I can say is, bring on the next book
June 10, 2018
Yay to Agent Hunter and Clem!! This time Clem is hunting something other than Werewolves. It's Christmas time and something is taking children. Clem is asked from Her Majesty to investigate. She needs Agent Hunter's help. Another great book in the Red Riding Hood series. I can't wait for book 4.
November 5, 2018
A fun Christmas novel
I really enjoyed this steampunk Christmas! The characters develop well, and you find yourself smiling over the delightfully natural awkwardness of Clemeny as she interacts with Edwin.
I really enjoyed this steampunk Christmas! The characters develop well, and you find yourself smiling over the delightfully natural awkwardness of Clemeny as she interacts with Edwin.
February 13, 2019
#SpoilerWarrior
While I enjoyed this book, it reminded me too much of the holiday specials that our favorite tv shows used to play. Kind of silly and off plot, but still an enjoyable read.
While I enjoyed this book, it reminded me too much of the holiday specials that our favorite tv shows used to play. Kind of silly and off plot, but still an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews