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Possum Gap #5
Misery Loves Calamity
"Misery Loves Calamity is a gripping and atmospheric read that immerses readers in a vividly realized setting. Karen Ann Hopkins expertly captures the clash between law and lawlessness, weaving in themes of family, loyalty, and identity." Book Sirens Review
"This is one of my absolutely favorite series. I adore the characters, and I must say I'm team Russo. Never a dull moment in this small town. Stories are always action packed and full of heart. Can't wait to see where the next one takes us. Definitely an automatic read for me." Book Sirens Review
A hillbilly clan, a motorcycle gang, a mafia family, a Mexican cartel, and a serial killer. Sheriff Sadie Mills is in for a wild ride in this page-turning installment of the best-selling and highly acclaimed Possum Gap series.
Preoccupied with her new business venture of renovating the historical mansion, Helena House, raising a strong-willed teenage daughter, and sorting through having feelings for two very different men, Sadie is unaware of the deadly threats gathering on the outside.
Navigating the dangerous waters of negotiating a truce with the next leader of the Dover clan becomes the least of Sadie’s troubles, when all hell breaks loose in Possum Gap. If the hill country is threatened, who will stand with the sheriff? The joining of unlikely allies sounds insane to Sadie, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Prepare to be fully immersed in Sadie’s vivid and haunting world, where Appalachia and its harsh realities are stunningly brought to life. Misery Loves Calamity is packed with constant twists, turns, and suspense. A dark and edgy place to visit, you’ll never forget your time spent engrossed in Possum Gap.
"Hopkins employs subtle nuances to realistically portray a parent's challenges in raising a young adult, resonating well with drama enthusiasts. The narrative progresses at a measured pace, yet this does not lessen the reader's immersion, as Hopkins cleverly hides clues amid numerous red herrings. I thoroughly enjoyed Misery Loves Calamity and eagerly anticipate the next installment." Readers’ Favorite Review
"This is one of my absolutely favorite series. I adore the characters, and I must say I'm team Russo. Never a dull moment in this small town. Stories are always action packed and full of heart. Can't wait to see where the next one takes us. Definitely an automatic read for me." Book Sirens Review
A hillbilly clan, a motorcycle gang, a mafia family, a Mexican cartel, and a serial killer. Sheriff Sadie Mills is in for a wild ride in this page-turning installment of the best-selling and highly acclaimed Possum Gap series.
Preoccupied with her new business venture of renovating the historical mansion, Helena House, raising a strong-willed teenage daughter, and sorting through having feelings for two very different men, Sadie is unaware of the deadly threats gathering on the outside.
Navigating the dangerous waters of negotiating a truce with the next leader of the Dover clan becomes the least of Sadie’s troubles, when all hell breaks loose in Possum Gap. If the hill country is threatened, who will stand with the sheriff? The joining of unlikely allies sounds insane to Sadie, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Prepare to be fully immersed in Sadie’s vivid and haunting world, where Appalachia and its harsh realities are stunningly brought to life. Misery Loves Calamity is packed with constant twists, turns, and suspense. A dark and edgy place to visit, you’ll never forget your time spent engrossed in Possum Gap.
"Hopkins employs subtle nuances to realistically portray a parent's challenges in raising a young adult, resonating well with drama enthusiasts. The narrative progresses at a measured pace, yet this does not lessen the reader's immersion, as Hopkins cleverly hides clues amid numerous red herrings. I thoroughly enjoyed Misery Loves Calamity and eagerly anticipate the next installment." Readers’ Favorite Review
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
359 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,410 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 3, 2025
Misery Loves Calamity is the #5 book in the Possum Gap series by Karen Ann Hopkins. I had never read this author until the 1st book in this series, and with each book I can pulled in more and more. I loved how this book we learned more concerning Russo's past, and I really enjoyed the triangle between Sadie, John and Russo can't wait to find out which one she will eventually end up with. I definitely would recommend this book to others.
I received and ARC from BookSiren, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received and ARC from BookSiren, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 10, 2025
Hillbillies, mafia, and dead bodies, really, what more could a girl ask for? Oh, don’t forget the magnetic, taboo men hovering the edges.
Yes, that’s right, like a breath of fresh air from city streets Possum Gap is a place to be wary of and love all in the same breath.
Granted, I haven’t read the previous 4 books, may go back and read them, I didn’t find it necessary to this story however, I will definitely be looking forward to more in this series.
The murders were grisly, the characters were feisty, the whodunnit unpredictable, mostly. Few places raised suspicion.
The only thing I’m afraid of with this series is the pull between both men is going to carry too long and become redundant, considering it’s book 5 and this is as far as we’ve got. Looking forward to how it works out.
Read it!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Yes, that’s right, like a breath of fresh air from city streets Possum Gap is a place to be wary of and love all in the same breath.
Granted, I haven’t read the previous 4 books, may go back and read them, I didn’t find it necessary to this story however, I will definitely be looking forward to more in this series.
The murders were grisly, the characters were feisty, the whodunnit unpredictable, mostly. Few places raised suspicion.
The only thing I’m afraid of with this series is the pull between both men is going to carry too long and become redundant, considering it’s book 5 and this is as far as we’ve got. Looking forward to how it works out.
Read it!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
January 24, 2025I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I have so enjoyed reading this series! Whilst it isn't necessary to have read previous books because the author writes a fairly full recap of events that have gone before into each book, so that the reader knows enough to understand the motivations of all involved - I have found each book captivating. Sheriff Sadie Mills is a woman driven by fierce !loyalties - to the town she serves, her good friends and most of all, her 16 year old daughter, Chloe. Trying to keep the peace with the lawless hill clan and taking her share of responsibility in the renovating of a several hundred year old ex plantation house she's stretched to the limit. Add in two very gruesome murders and Ms Hopkins has created a strong woman, spread very thin but managing to pull it all together with the help of some very interesting characters. The small town of Possum Gap is very believable, as a once thriving Appalachian town left with little employment after the closure of the two main employers. This author brings the story to life so that I found it quite impossible to put the book down. Add into the mix two very complicated, attractive men vying for Sadie's affections and I can hardly wait for the next book to see how she copes with dealing with the mess her town coroner is in. This author has pulled me into this world she has created and I recommend her writing for many different elements she skilfully pulls together
March 16, 2025
Having read all of the Sadie Mills Mysteries I always feel like I am visiting well-known friends, friends who would come to my aid if I were truly in trouble and they could figure out a way to leave their world and thrive in mine. I must admit, the hill country has Sadie in quite a predicament. The Dovers have embroiled themselves in quite the battle with an outlaw motorcycle gang and all the gunfire that entails. Now there is a possible Satanist killing men in the hollow and Sheriff Sadie has to put a stop to it. Add to that the fact that the boy Chloe is "sweet on" has turned out to be a Dover and you see what Sadie has found herself up against. But that's not the only fly in the ointment. Russo's mother chooses this moment to come to visit and check on the money she has invested in Helena House. Now Sadie finds herself in the middle of a possible war between a motorcycle gang, the hill country Dovers, and the Italians from New York that are Russo's family. What could go wrong? It's not giving away spoilers to say Plenty! I highly recommend this series of books. Ms. Hopkins adds just enough spice and indecision for the situation between the Sheriff, John Dover, and Russo, her coroner who "has feelings for her" to make it feel like The Days of Our Lives in Possum Gap. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion,
April 23, 2025
Misery Loves Calamity is the 5th in the Possum Gap mystery series. There is enough detail brought into book 5 from the previous books to be able to read as a stand-alone novel. Although, I'd recommend reading the series.
Possum Gap is a small town in Kentucky full of drug abuse, poverty, and crime. Sheriff Sadie Mills regularly has to deal with the Dover Clan, a tight-knit group who lives outside the law. Recently, their matriarch was killed in a clan war, leaving her daughter now in charge and new rules needing to be negotiated with the sheriff.
In this book, Sadie is heading onto Dover land to have a discussion with the new matriarch, when she finds herself in the middle of a gun battle between the Dover Clan and a motorcycle gang who has come onto their property. But, Sadie has bigger problems when parts of bodies start showing up. Is there a serial killer on the loose? How are the Dover's and motorcycle gang involved?
These books are quick reads, the Misery Loves Calamity was 249 pages, and they are very fast-paced and action-packed.
The direction this story took surprised me. It was quite dark. And while I had a sense of who the perpetrator was, I didn't end up being exactly right. This story was quite unputdownable by the end.
If you are looking for a nice, quick, action-packed mystery, definitely give this one a try.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Possum Gap is a small town in Kentucky full of drug abuse, poverty, and crime. Sheriff Sadie Mills regularly has to deal with the Dover Clan, a tight-knit group who lives outside the law. Recently, their matriarch was killed in a clan war, leaving her daughter now in charge and new rules needing to be negotiated with the sheriff.
In this book, Sadie is heading onto Dover land to have a discussion with the new matriarch, when she finds herself in the middle of a gun battle between the Dover Clan and a motorcycle gang who has come onto their property. But, Sadie has bigger problems when parts of bodies start showing up. Is there a serial killer on the loose? How are the Dover's and motorcycle gang involved?
These books are quick reads, the Misery Loves Calamity was 249 pages, and they are very fast-paced and action-packed.
The direction this story took surprised me. It was quite dark. And while I had a sense of who the perpetrator was, I didn't end up being exactly right. This story was quite unputdownable by the end.
If you are looking for a nice, quick, action-packed mystery, definitely give this one a try.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
I really enjoy this authors work, and this series is my favourite. Sheriff Sadie Mills has her hands full with her feisty teenage daughter, her relationships with John and Russo, and trying to solve a macabre murder.
I read this so quickly I could hardly catch my breath. This felt a slightly darker read than usual but was still so entertaining .Unputdownable. There were red herrings galore and I had no idea who the killer would be. I liked the addition of more interaction with Russos’ family, and also we’re getting to know the Dover clan more too. There’s never a dull moment with Sadie and her exploits. Here’s looking forward to the next time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read this so quickly I could hardly catch my breath. This felt a slightly darker read than usual but was still so entertaining .Unputdownable. There were red herrings galore and I had no idea who the killer would be. I liked the addition of more interaction with Russos’ family, and also we’re getting to know the Dover clan more too. There’s never a dull moment with Sadie and her exploits. Here’s looking forward to the next time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
The Calamity series gets better with each installment and it's a pleasure to reconnect with the various characters and tribes, from Amish with cell phones to a NYC Mafia family experiencing Appalachia.
Sheriff Sadie juggles her job, single parenting, establishing a resort hotel, and keeping the peace with a backwoods family matriarch, although her prejudice about the latter is difficult to understand but it drives a lot of the plots.
This is a quick read. It helps to read the previous books but not necessary.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sheriff Sadie juggles her job, single parenting, establishing a resort hotel, and keeping the peace with a backwoods family matriarch, although her prejudice about the latter is difficult to understand but it drives a lot of the plots.
This is a quick read. It helps to read the previous books but not necessary.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
This is a good mystery. The characters are interesting and the setting is different from most mysteries in that it is in the hills of Kentucky. I felt the protagonist was a little immature in her inability to determine her feelings toward the two men for whom she has feelings. She must be in her late thirties, but seems to have the emotions of a much younger woman where the men are concerned. The men also seem to be over fixated on her.
I don't know if I will read another in the series but I might, hence the four star rating.
I don't know if I will read another in the series but I might, hence the four star rating.
February 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this book with its twists and turns. Every time you think you know who did it the plot changes and someone else is the suspect. Plus this is 3 mysteries in one with the Appalachians the mafioso and a serial killer. Plus a hormone driven teenager trying to find her way. Can’t wait for the next book to be released. Sadie, Russo and John are quite the triangle. Looking forward to who Sadie chooses. And the next mystery in Possum Gap.
April 8, 2025
First off, I want to say I love Possum Gap Series.
The reason for the 4 star review, yes, I know these are stand alone books, is I felt like there was some copy and paste from the previous books. I actually caught myself checking to see if I was reading the wrong book.
With that said, the actual story itself was great! I love the predicament that Sadie has for herself with two love interest. The town is never short of excitement.
All of these books are great reads!
The reason for the 4 star review, yes, I know these are stand alone books, is I felt like there was some copy and paste from the previous books. I actually caught myself checking to see if I was reading the wrong book.
With that said, the actual story itself was great! I love the predicament that Sadie has for herself with two love interest. The town is never short of excitement.
All of these books are great reads!
July 6, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! Sheriff Sadie Mills has more than enough to handle in this terrifying tale of a satanic cult worshiper on a killing spree while a ruthless crime family shows up in Possum Gap and tries to throw its weight around, the action is off the charts and the clues are well camouflaged. Go with Sadie as she searches the backwoods near the dangerous and unpredictable Dover Clan's land to solve this mystery. Really Great Story! Couldn't Put It Down!!!!!
January 15, 2025
This is one of my absolutely favorite series. I adore the characters, and I must say I'm team Russo. Never a dull moment in this small town. Stories are always action packed and full of heart. Can't wait to see where the next one takes us. Definitely an automatic read for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 29, 2025
So far, I've loved both book series with Serenity and Sadie. One of the things that I've appreciated about Serenity has been her ability to get to know her Amish community and see the value in many of their unconventional ways. It was nice to see Sadie start to let go of some of her lifetime beliefs about hill people and allow differences among them without being so stereotypical!
March 31, 2025
I really enjoy this series, I came in about half way through so it is probably not needed to read the full series in order but it would add to it.
The town setting is different from other police procedurals and it works well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and being distracted for an afternoon.
The town setting is different from other police procedurals and it works well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and being distracted for an afternoon.
July 5, 2025
Misery Loves Calamity by Karen Ann Hopkins. (A Possum Gap Novel Book # 5.
This book reads as a stand-alone book, is fast paced and for those of us who have read the previous books in this series, the overall story arc continues to add more information. I like the setting, the characters and the storytelling. I am engaged with this series and will purchase the next book when it is published. A great read. 4 stars.
This book reads as a stand-alone book, is fast paced and for those of us who have read the previous books in this series, the overall story arc continues to add more information. I like the setting, the characters and the storytelling. I am engaged with this series and will purchase the next book when it is published. A great read. 4 stars.
January 23, 2025
What will happen next?
Such a busy book,filled with people I have come to recognize and like very much. A lot going on in a everyone's lives and deeper feelings emerging. Roll on the next adventure.
Such a busy book,filled with people I have come to recognize and like very much. A lot going on in a everyone's lives and deeper feelings emerging. Roll on the next adventure.
January 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this mystery set in the back hills in the south. I felt the book represented the community and surrounding area well and added to my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed this mystery set in the back hills in the south. I felt the book represented the community and surrounding area well and added to my enjoyment of the book.
January 29, 2025
I love this series, it just keeps getting better. I can’t believe it just got released last week and I have read it already. Now the wait for the next book. Tanya and Summit? Chloe and Crow? Sadie and John or Russo? The Dovers…the Italians. Helena House. There is so much going on in each story.
July 10, 2025
This is the first book I have read in this series, but it will not be the last I read. I really want to go back & read 1-4, then 5 again & anymore there are. This book is full of angst, anger, thrills & more. An exciting & interesting read - so believable as well.
July 25, 2025
Always an Adventure
Sadie knows how to find trouble. Keeping peace with the Dover clan, biker groups, and her coroner's mob family isn't easy. But as Sheriff for the area she has to keep on her toes.
Sadie knows how to find trouble. Keeping peace with the Dover clan, biker groups, and her coroner's mob family isn't easy. But as Sheriff for the area she has to keep on her toes.
August 15, 2025
Predictable
Will they won't they? Sadie, Russo or John. Or perhaps both. Think this is just a hook to keep me reading. The Drovers up in the hills the Italians keep cropping up to add a little spice/herbs.
Will they won't they? Sadie, Russo or John. Or perhaps both. Think this is just a hook to keep me reading. The Drovers up in the hills the Italians keep cropping up to add a little spice/herbs.
January 24, 2025
Hillbilly Heaven
Love it. Love triangle abounds but so do bikers, drug dealers and crime families. This book will leave you waiting for the next one.
Love it. Love triangle abounds but so do bikers, drug dealers and crime families. This book will leave you waiting for the next one.
January 28, 2025
Possum gap
Another great read, I can't wait for John and Sadie to get together, what an adventure the next installment can't come soon enough x
Another great read, I can't wait for John and Sadie to get together, what an adventure the next installment can't come soon enough x
February 9, 2025
Excellent
Another excellent book in the series. I just can't get enough of this series. I look forward to Reading many more books.
Another excellent book in the series. I just can't get enough of this series. I look forward to Reading many more books.
March 31, 2025
Misery Loves Calamity
This is an amazing story. The action is almost non-stop. Sadie has her hands full of murder, two guys wanting date her. I highly recommend this book.
This is an amazing story. The action is almost non-stop. Sadie has her hands full of murder, two guys wanting date her. I highly recommend this book.
July 2, 2025
Another really good book, will probably reread.
July 13, 2025
Hopkins is one of my favorite authors and this story didn't disappoint me. It kept me intrigued and it is a hard book to put down.
July 21, 2025
Great series!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 5 books in this series and look forward to the next bunch!
Great characters and plots!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 5 books in this series and look forward to the next bunch!
Great characters and plots!
July 29, 2025
Possum Gap is still hopping!
What a great book! Unable to put it down once I picked it up, and the excitement never stopped. Looking forward to the next one!
What a great book! Unable to put it down once I picked it up, and the excitement never stopped. Looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews