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Hope Walker Mystery #1
A Hopeless Murder
A funny cozy mystery series full of bold women, a quirky and lovable town, and one seriously hopeless romance.It's been one helluva morning... And Hope hasn't even found the body. At least not yet.After a twelve year absence, investigative reporter Hope Walker is back home in Hopeless, Idaho.And it's not going well. It seems the town and its citizens haven't changed much.Still weird. Still nosy. And a few of them? Downright hateful.And now Hope has a serious problem.Because one of the hateful is dead. And she's the prime suspect.Buy the first book in the Hope Walker Mysteries, A Hopeless Murder, today!Five Star Praise For The Hope Walker Mysteries "-"I really think this series and each book has the perfect mix of humor, mystery, real life, and suspense."-"I love this series. Carson has me guessing the whole time!"-"This book is every bit as good as the first! I can't get enough of Hope and the rest of the gang. An engaging plot, and laugh out loud humor make it difficult to put this book down."-"I absolutely enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. It had everything I look forward to in a mystery and once started I couldn't put it down."The Hope Walker MysteriesSEASON ONE- Book A Hopeless Murder- Book A Hopeless Heist - Book A Hopeless Discovery- Book A Hopeless Game- Book A Hopeless ChristmasSEASON TWO- Book A Hopeless Journey- Book A Hopeless Valentine- Book A Hopeless Queen- Book A Hopeless Sheriff- Book A Hopeless StormSEASON THREE- Book A Hopeless Spring
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2018
3148 people are currently reading
1967 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Carson
39 books160 followersDaniel Carson lives in Nebraska with his wife and their perfect adoring children who have never ever misbehaved. Not once. Honest.
His days are a mixture of... teaching, cooking, driving, cleaning, more cooking, lots more driving, cleaning and more driving. So much driving. When the children finally go to bed, Daniel writes stories.
The Hope Walker Mysteries is a cozy mystery series with action, humor, and just a bit of romance. A Hopeless Murder is the first book in the series.
The Baking School Mysteries is a culinary cozy mystery series where the food is a delicious, the people are nosy but lovable, and murder is always on the menu. Fudge Frosting Murder is the first book in the series.
His days are a mixture of... teaching, cooking, driving, cleaning, more cooking, lots more driving, cleaning and more driving. So much driving. When the children finally go to bed, Daniel writes stories.
The Hope Walker Mysteries is a cozy mystery series with action, humor, and just a bit of romance. A Hopeless Murder is the first book in the series.
The Baking School Mysteries is a culinary cozy mystery series where the food is a delicious, the people are nosy but lovable, and murder is always on the menu. Fudge Frosting Murder is the first book in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
August 31, 2021
Investigative reporter Hope Walker returns to her hometown only to find she's a prime suspect in a local murder.
An engaging central character, a plot that kept me guessing to the end, and laugh out loud hilarity.
Overall, a lovely mix of mystery, small town reality and humor.
An engaging central character, a plot that kept me guessing to the end, and laugh out loud hilarity.
Overall, a lovely mix of mystery, small town reality and humor.
April 9, 2020
Fun!
I actually paid no attention to the author when I started this book and was surprised, at the end, that it was written by a man. The protagonist was fun and sassy but not annoying (important). The mystery part was well done. All the characters were interesting . I lived the lively and snappy dialogue, too. Give this series a try.
I actually paid no attention to the author when I started this book and was surprised, at the end, that it was written by a man. The protagonist was fun and sassy but not annoying (important). The mystery part was well done. All the characters were interesting . I lived the lively and snappy dialogue, too. Give this series a try.
July 29, 2024
Good start to a new cozy mystery series. Hope is back in her hometown for the strangest funeral event. Will she stay, how will she interact with the cop who comes to assist with the murder. Will her best friend, Katie forgive her? Can she finally finish Granny’s project? A few stories within stories throughout this book.
March 29, 2021
A really fun book
This is my first "cozy mystery" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Growing up in a small town isn't always easy but it is always home! I am looking forward to my next opportunity to curl up with a cozy mystery.
This is my first "cozy mystery" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Growing up in a small town isn't always easy but it is always home! I am looking forward to my next opportunity to curl up with a cozy mystery.
November 29, 2018
I loved this book! I great start to what is destined to be a amazing series! I couldn't put this book down. Daniel Carson is a talented author with a wonderful sense of humor. I can't wait for more in this series!
November 23, 2020
I can see why people would like this book, but I really didn’t enjoy it. It felt like the author was trying too hard and had produced a ‘comic book’ populated with caricatures. It didn’t help that I found the main character ‘Hope’ incredibly annoying.
May 23, 2021
This book is a cut above the average cozy mystery. It even makes fun of the stereotypes. Very excited about this series.
July 25, 2019
Hope Walker is an investigative reporter that’s just been fired from the Portland News Gazette. Considered a liability, she’s been blackballed from the journalism world. What’s a girl to do? She returns to her hometown of Hopeless (exactly how she feels.)
“Like a Christmas sweater, my hometown was equal parts weird, charming, comfortable, and likely to give you a rash.” (12)
Hope came all the way home for her granny’s funeral and the woman didn’t turn out to be dead. WTF!? Turns out, Granny has pretend funerals in preparation for the big day. Oookay.
In front of her arch nemesis, proud granny, and the whole stinkin’ town, she automatically blurts that she got fired. Boy did she need a whiskey. The next day, she stumbles on the dead body of the sheriff she’s hated for years. One day back in town and she was the town drunk and the Grim Reaper. Of course, Hope is a suspect, but, in reality, the whole town had a reason to hate him. Hope puts on her reporter’s hat to solve the case.
I enjoyed the witty, frank commentary. Loved the funny, old grandma.
A good, little mystery! Very crafty!
“Like a Christmas sweater, my hometown was equal parts weird, charming, comfortable, and likely to give you a rash.” (12)
Hope came all the way home for her granny’s funeral and the woman didn’t turn out to be dead. WTF!? Turns out, Granny has pretend funerals in preparation for the big day. Oookay.
In front of her arch nemesis, proud granny, and the whole stinkin’ town, she automatically blurts that she got fired. Boy did she need a whiskey. The next day, she stumbles on the dead body of the sheriff she’s hated for years. One day back in town and she was the town drunk and the Grim Reaper. Of course, Hope is a suspect, but, in reality, the whole town had a reason to hate him. Hope puts on her reporter’s hat to solve the case.
I enjoyed the witty, frank commentary. Loved the funny, old grandma.
A good, little mystery! Very crafty!
December 19, 2024
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend and then completely forgot I had it. I checked out the audio through the library and I loved it! This is the right blend of mystery, small town dynamics, and humor; everything I want in a cozy mystery series but sometimes is overdone. The characters are quirky and fun; Hope is snarky and smart. I love the supporting characters, particularly Katie, her best friend, and for now, her grandmother, though I think she may veer towards the side of cheesy in a few more books. The mystery was fascinating and had so many possible suspects that I enjoyed following along as Hope investigated each and every one with the doggedness of an excellent reporter, though there was a TSTL moment that I could have lived without. Highly recommend this book and am jumping right into the next one soon.
January 25, 2023
1st read in a new series. I like it! I find it so interesting when male authors take on females as the main characters. Some can find the “voice” of a female character, others not always. This author has done it. Not only with the main character, but particularly with her best friend. Funny, honest and interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more!
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
October 2, 2018
Great start to a new series.
Hope Walker returns to her hometown of Hopeless Idaho to attend her Granny's funeral and ends up solving two murders, getting a job, and finding her best friend.
Looking forward to more Hopeless adventures.
Hope Walker returns to her hometown of Hopeless Idaho to attend her Granny's funeral and ends up solving two murders, getting a job, and finding her best friend.
Looking forward to more Hopeless adventures.
February 25, 2024
Move over, Stephany Plum. When I'm in the mood for a funny, yet intriguing cozy mystery, I think I've just found my new favorite series.If the rest of the books live up to this opener, I should be kept busy for quite some time.
December 7, 2018
Unfortunately, Goodreads limits the number of stars. This is a great read. Characters are very realistic and we'll developed. Can't wait to read the next book and for the rest to come out!
January 14, 2022
4.7 and what a great and fun book. Excellent and quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, a nice little mystery to solve, a budding romance??? And a town full of kooky characters.
March 26, 2022
Cute little mystery, kept you guessing. Nice plot and story line. Can’t wait to read more of this series.
June 13, 2024
Nice quick read
June 18, 2024
I adored this book! It made me laugh out load in the waiting room of my doctor’s office multiple times. The witty banter and relatable and fun characters were exactly what I needed.
January 1, 2025
This book sucked me into the entire series. I read them one after another and can't wait for more. They make you laugh
May 27, 2021
Started this last evening. Could not put it down. This book was just what I needed while recovering from surgery. Light hearted, quick read, and funny! I can’t wait to read more!
June 28, 2021
Good story
I don't normally read cozy mysteries, but I took a chance with this one, and was not disappointed. I thought I knew who the killer was, but was pleasantly surprised. Will continue the series.
I don't normally read cozy mysteries, but I took a chance with this one, and was not disappointed. I thought I knew who the killer was, but was pleasantly surprised. Will continue the series.
September 20, 2020
Endearing
A slam dunk! I loved everything about this book - characters, setting, story line, and most importantly, the quality of the writing. Never got bogged down, but gave me enough of the characters' thought process to keep me turning pages. I will start the next book now. As an aside, cool wives usually have cool husbands.
A slam dunk! I loved everything about this book - characters, setting, story line, and most importantly, the quality of the writing. Never got bogged down, but gave me enough of the characters' thought process to keep me turning pages. I will start the next book now. As an aside, cool wives usually have cool husbands.
April 27, 2022
I have to say, I am so glad I picked up this book. I am enjoying reading about this small town called Hopeless. I haven’t been able to put them down. I’m looking forward to Hope’s next adventure and the one after that lol.
November 3, 2024
Not good enough. I enjoy the beginning. I thought it was going to be a good one. For being a súper investigador she was terrible. The detective without enough participation and skills. Too disappointed about the absence of romantic click.
July 9, 2019
Great start to cozy series
Characters are well developed. Some super funny lines and events. Particularly with Katie and Granny. Interesting mystery with lots of suspects. A lead character who is likeable and actually has investigative skills. I would recommend. The story flowed well, with fun characters and humor.
Characters are well developed. Some super funny lines and events. Particularly with Katie and Granny. Interesting mystery with lots of suspects. A lead character who is likeable and actually has investigative skills. I would recommend. The story flowed well, with fun characters and humor.
May 5, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Quirky characters, snappy dialog, enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and a hint of romance without the mush. This is a sharply written story with a good, even pace. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a humorous cozy mystery.
August 28, 2019
What do you say about a book whose heroine you dislike from the very beginning of the book and that works itself up to a full abhorrence? How does one relate to a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking, female prototype of a man? She comes across as a full-grown, gorilla-type of a human (I can't bring myself to refer to her as a woman, as I know many men (straight) that have a more feminine side than she does). How any man could be attracted to her is beyond believability.
The story wasn't bad, but however good it could have been was spoiled by her character. Needless to say, I will not be reading anymore in this series.
The story wasn't bad, but however good it could have been was spoiled by her character. Needless to say, I will not be reading anymore in this series.
August 31, 2019
Maybe it was the perfect early fall morning outside or favorite song from college unexpectedly playing, but there I was reading the closing pages of this charming mystery and choking up a little with emotion. I had truly come to enjoy and like the full throttled characters, each of them for their wisdom, joy, humor, intelligence or kindness. I must admit to a few moments when the heroin is just too confrontational without patience or wisdom, but these are rare and if this book doesn't take you to a better place, then few amiable mysteries will. This isn't a book, it's company. And delightful company at that. Read on!
November 4, 2019
I really liked this book! Hope is a great heroine. So often you find when a book's blurb describes the heroine as strong, she's usually totally unlikeable and unrelatable. Or, the heroine is strong, until she meets the love interest. Then she's a total doormat. But that's not my girl Hope. She's strong, smart, and snarky. Yeah, she's attracted to Alex, but she doesn't let him walk all over her. The mystery is great. I liked the twists and red herrings. The supporting characters are good too. I can't wait to read more about Bess. Granny and Katie are hilarious, but Bess is my favorite. I'm not sure how this book ended up on my Kindle, but I'm glad it did.
August 28, 2019
I loved this! One of the best cozy mysteries I've read recently (and I read a lot)! While reading the book I could already envision this as a TV series. I'm hooked on the series, the town, the characters, but I think what I liked most was the witty writing. After finishing the book I was happy as peach pie to see in the author's bio that this could be a 20-book series (or maybe 30, if we're lucky).
January 22, 2020
Well-written story with relatable and likeable characters.
A Hopeless Murder was fun to read. It is well written and edited. A cozy mystery is still a mystery, and this story is a good mystery with a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Hope Walker is struggling with her life as she returns to her home town, facing murder and the memory of a terrible accident. The heroine is strong-willed, persistent, and brings hope to Hopeless, ID.
A Hopeless Murder was fun to read. It is well written and edited. A cozy mystery is still a mystery, and this story is a good mystery with a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Hope Walker is struggling with her life as she returns to her home town, facing murder and the memory of a terrible accident. The heroine is strong-willed, persistent, and brings hope to Hopeless, ID.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews