What do you think?
Rate this book
Hope Walker Mystery #2
A Hopeless Heist
A funny cozy mystery series full of bold women, a quirky and lovable town, and one seriously hopeless romance.Walter Pimsey was distinguished, gruff, sophisticated, and a bit of a bully. He was all of those things. And by Saturday morning, he was also quite dead.After a twelve-year absence, investigative reporter Hope Walker has been back home in Hopeless, Idaho, for two weeks. Her scorecard? Lost a job. Gained a job. Got hit by a car. Made up with an old friend. Reunited with an old enemy. Made herself a new enemy.And met one seriously handsome Sheriff.Oh, and one more thing.She solved two murders. Now Hope Walker has a new set of problems. And another dead body.This investigation takes her to the Thorndale Mansion - home of one horrible woman, her rather miserable family, and their peculiar servants. But finding the murderer and getting to the truth will be difficult. It seems the grand old house holds plenty of suspects.The question which one of them is capable of murder?Buy the second book in the Hope Walker Mysteries, A Hopeless Heist, 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
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2018
1391 people are currently reading
327 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 11, 2018
A cozy mystery, humour, a quirky town & lovable characters - except in one early portion of this book when the characters go so wrapped up in snarkiness that I almost stopped reading they became so unlikable. Then I remembered how much I liked book one so I plowed on and soon found the great characters and smart writing again.
Figuring out who and how then recovering a painting is the situation Hope finds herself investigating. Finishing a project has never been her strong suit so winning a bet with Granny is a second challenge for Hope.
I am looking forward to Hopeless Discovery in January 2019.
Figuring out who and how then recovering a painting is the situation Hope finds herself investigating. Finishing a project has never been her strong suit so winning a bet with Granny is a second challenge for Hope.
I am looking forward to Hopeless Discovery in January 2019.
December 26, 2024
This series is hilarious, mostly because of Katie and her thoughts on child rearing, but Hope has her moments as well. This is quickly moving to the top of my favorites list – the mysteries are interesting, the investigations are a hoot, though Hope should probably stop accusing everyone in town of murder, the other characters are people I want to be friends with, and the writing keep you coming back for more. Looking forward to the next.
January 27, 2023
4.5. Another good read.
March 18, 2023
Hope works my nerves, lol. She never thinks things through but this was good.
July 29, 2024
Hope is at it again. The characters are quirky and it is a good cozy mystery with enough twists to keep you engaged.
January 22, 2021
Enjoyed the humor and the characters.
December 18, 2020
The first book was a good start to the series. The second book however just becomes annoying. The best friend Katie is a very passive aggressive and it gets old very quickly. There was a several page description of a kid blowing boogers onto a painting which was seemed to be put in the book just to be gross because it certainly was not a written in a funny way. Half way through the book I just stopped caring about what happens next in the story and with the characters.
January 12, 2024
Second book in the series. Hope is now living in the town of Hopeless, and working as a reporter for the small town newspaper. The characters were still fun to read about, but in many aspects the story was a repeat of the first.
May 12, 2024
A Hopeless Heist -
This read like a really lame chic flick. I gave it two stars only because I finished it and me finishing it was very questionable right up to the very end. It was a complete waste of my time.
This read like a really lame chic flick. I gave it two stars only because I finished it and me finishing it was very questionable right up to the very end. It was a complete waste of my time.
June 8, 2024
As this book opens, Hope finds a note that has been slipped under the door of the Library it simply says I didn't mean to do it. Apparently, someone wants her to solve a mystery, but Hope has plans for this day. 'Kidnapping' her best friend Kate for a hike. Kate has been told they are going hunting garage sales, but somehow, she figures out the ploy. Leading to an amusing beginning to this tale as Katie truly doesn't want anything to do with exercise.
They make a stop at Stank hardware where Hope buys a filtration bottle for their hike. There they meet Juan who asks Hope to look into his niece April, who works for Stank. She's changed and he's worried she's in trouble. She's not sure what she'll be able to do but she agrees after getting some idea of who to talk to about her.
From a perch on their hike, Kate sees Gemima, Mayor Wilma Jenkins and a stranger by the cabin that Hope was once going to buy. A very interesting trio. Joining them they are introduced to Mr. Toomey a probate lawyer since Patrick Crofton didn't have a will. In six-months all of his property will be available to be purchased with the exception of those sold to clear debts. Guess who wants it...
I love Hope's Granny she really is something else and so is her boss, Earl Denton owner and editor of the Hopeless News. He's going on vacation leaving Hope to attend and report on the paper's biggest donor's annual party. Mrs. Thorndale uses this party to show off her wealth, influence and her Knutsen painting. Of course, Hope is not dressed for such an elite occasion but that doesn't stop her.
She runs into Valerie Thorndale, and they strike up a sort of friendship before meeting up with Isabella Thorndale. The woman is truly a piece of work. However, finding her butler in a puddle of blood in front of the painting, puts a bit of a pall on the occasion.
Alex and Hope working together is a recipe for disaster but also it works.
There is such chemistry here, but neither one of them seems to know what to do about it. I love Kate her husband Chris and the antics of her children. Nick the barista, Granny, Bess and friends, and the roundabout way this murder is solved.
Since I borrowed this the bundle of the first three books, I am already reading the next one.
They make a stop at Stank hardware where Hope buys a filtration bottle for their hike. There they meet Juan who asks Hope to look into his niece April, who works for Stank. She's changed and he's worried she's in trouble. She's not sure what she'll be able to do but she agrees after getting some idea of who to talk to about her.
From a perch on their hike, Kate sees Gemima, Mayor Wilma Jenkins and a stranger by the cabin that Hope was once going to buy. A very interesting trio. Joining them they are introduced to Mr. Toomey a probate lawyer since Patrick Crofton didn't have a will. In six-months all of his property will be available to be purchased with the exception of those sold to clear debts. Guess who wants it...
I love Hope's Granny she really is something else and so is her boss, Earl Denton owner and editor of the Hopeless News. He's going on vacation leaving Hope to attend and report on the paper's biggest donor's annual party. Mrs. Thorndale uses this party to show off her wealth, influence and her Knutsen painting. Of course, Hope is not dressed for such an elite occasion but that doesn't stop her.
She runs into Valerie Thorndale, and they strike up a sort of friendship before meeting up with Isabella Thorndale. The woman is truly a piece of work. However, finding her butler in a puddle of blood in front of the painting, puts a bit of a pall on the occasion.
Alex and Hope working together is a recipe for disaster but also it works.
There is such chemistry here, but neither one of them seems to know what to do about it. I love Kate her husband Chris and the antics of her children. Nick the barista, Granny, Bess and friends, and the roundabout way this murder is solved.
Since I borrowed this the bundle of the first three books, I am already reading the next one.
March 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The best friend friendship is just so amusing and it's worth getting the book just because of the chuckles caused by Hope and Katie. I would say everybody needs a friendship like theirs but as they get each other in trouble so much I think I will just stick to listening about there's. The rest of the characters are just as quirky and entertaining and the story is very character driven. The mystery was good, although something's seemed obvious and had me wondering why an investigative reporter didn't get there sooner but the journey of coming to the same conclusion had me hooked and wanting to start the next book.
Hope having returned home to find a new life might not be in her dream job but she has a job to do and she is going to do it, even if it is just to prove to her granny that she does finish somethings. Her boss is away on holiday and she has to cover the event of the year at the Thorndale Mansion . What starts out a boring assignment gets more interesting when the butler is found dead and a valuable painting is a fake. The new sheriff doesn't want her help and makes a bet that he can solve it without her interference. Can Hope prove him wrong?
I like the narrator. Male, female, the young or old all get there own voice with this narrator and it was an enjoyable listen.
Hope having returned home to find a new life might not be in her dream job but she has a job to do and she is going to do it, even if it is just to prove to her granny that she does finish somethings. Her boss is away on holiday and she has to cover the event of the year at the Thorndale Mansion . What starts out a boring assignment gets more interesting when the butler is found dead and a valuable painting is a fake. The new sheriff doesn't want her help and makes a bet that he can solve it without her interference. Can Hope prove him wrong?
I like the narrator. Male, female, the young or old all get there own voice with this narrator and it was an enjoyable listen.
February 10, 2025
"A Hopeless Heist" is book #2 in the "Hope Walker Mystery" series by Daniel Carson.
Hope is on the scene when yet another dead body is discovered as well as the revelation that a valuable painting is a forgery. The cast of suspects includes the family members, their staff and a couple of others.
As an investigative reporter, Hope can't help but start searching for clues. Granted, she does get in the sheriff's way more often than not but with any luck one of them will solve the case!
Hope, her Granny and her best friend Katie are smart, determined, have long memories and are snarky as all get out! Their dialogue as well as how they act/respond to others made me laugh a lot! Katie's three young ones are out of control but that only adds to the hilarity and no doubt makes some real life moms relate or at least think their own kids aren't that bad!
As for the murder and the stolen painting? Just when you think you've got it figured out, Mr. Carson turned the tables and threw down some new info that changes the game. And he does it more than once!
A thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that will leave you laughing and wanting to read more of this series!
Hope is on the scene when yet another dead body is discovered as well as the revelation that a valuable painting is a forgery. The cast of suspects includes the family members, their staff and a couple of others.
As an investigative reporter, Hope can't help but start searching for clues. Granted, she does get in the sheriff's way more often than not but with any luck one of them will solve the case!
Hope, her Granny and her best friend Katie are smart, determined, have long memories and are snarky as all get out! Their dialogue as well as how they act/respond to others made me laugh a lot! Katie's three young ones are out of control but that only adds to the hilarity and no doubt makes some real life moms relate or at least think their own kids aren't that bad!
As for the murder and the stolen painting? Just when you think you've got it figured out, Mr. Carson turned the tables and threw down some new info that changes the game. And he does it more than once!
A thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that will leave you laughing and wanting to read more of this series!
September 23, 2018
House painting or creating a masterpiece?
Another great read. She has been sent to cover the birthday party of the local "queen". What they don't expect is to find a dead body in a locked room and a forgery instead of a priceless painting. Who killed the butler? As she starts investigating she finds out more and more of the ruling families secrets. Can she track down the actual killer before she winds up dead? Someone has already pushed her off a balcony. Granny too has been putting pressure on her with her talk of never finishing a project. Will she be up to the task granny set her. Whilst her two nemesis are up to their old tricks. Can she foil their plans? Okay I have read something very similar but the addition of the children's antics raised it up a notch. Great fun!
Another great read. She has been sent to cover the birthday party of the local "queen". What they don't expect is to find a dead body in a locked room and a forgery instead of a priceless painting. Who killed the butler? As she starts investigating she finds out more and more of the ruling families secrets. Can she track down the actual killer before she winds up dead? Someone has already pushed her off a balcony. Granny too has been putting pressure on her with her talk of never finishing a project. Will she be up to the task granny set her. Whilst her two nemesis are up to their old tricks. Can she foil their plans? Okay I have read something very similar but the addition of the children's antics raised it up a notch. Great fun!
August 29, 2019
Sometimes, like when you're up in the middle of the night and you will be attacked if you turn on the television, (although my husband does complain about the glow of the Kindle, but tough, he watches war movies at 2:00 am and wakes me up screaming) you need a really fun read to take your mind off your troubles and why you can't sleep.
The Hopeless series fits the bill. Funny, engaging, fast paced, it's everything and everybody you want for a really fun, diverting read.
That said, the plots are well plotted, you think you've figured it out, but then you haven't, and the characters are people you'd want to meet.
I've already downloaded book three, but alas, I think that's it. So far, But Daniel Carson has big plans for more, I wish him luck. Probably doesn't need it, he has talent!
The Hopeless series fits the bill. Funny, engaging, fast paced, it's everything and everybody you want for a really fun, diverting read.
That said, the plots are well plotted, you think you've figured it out, but then you haven't, and the characters are people you'd want to meet.
I've already downloaded book three, but alas, I think that's it. So far, But Daniel Carson has big plans for more, I wish him luck. Probably doesn't need it, he has talent!
October 28, 2023
For some reason, I find myself drawn into this series. There's nothing special about a bog-standard whodunit, but I still find them interesting, entertaining, and engaging. The characters are decent, and the plots are respectable, keeping you guessing. The banter between Hope and Katie is amusing in places, but the dialogue and Katie's parental style with her children are priceless. The obvious conflict simmering just below the surface between Hope and Mayor Wilma is intriguing. In this episode, we get a double whammy – a murder and art theft thrown in for good measure. Overall, it's an easygoing, entertaining, and enjoyable read.
October 25, 2021
Hope accused the wrong person of the murder... again... in front of a room full of people... again. Then after she made an arse out of herself, she found herself alone with the real killer...again. Despite all of that, she did help solve the crime, so she was given permission by the Sheriff to investigate crimes as long as she stays out of his way.
Sheriff Alex looks hot again and Mayor Jenkins needs to watch her back because she just po'd Hope.
Let's see what happens with Hope's dream house and with Hot Alex in the next book "A Hopeless Discovery (A Hope Walker Mystery Book 3)"
Sheriff Alex looks hot again and Mayor Jenkins needs to watch her back because she just po'd Hope.
Let's see what happens with Hope's dream house and with Hot Alex in the next book "A Hopeless Discovery (A Hope Walker Mystery Book 3)"
September 24, 2022
A HOPELESS MURDER
Surely, everyone enjoys a good mystery… discovering clues, a sense of adventure, twists and turns in the narrative… This is the 2nd Hope Walker mystery book that I’ve read this week, and like the first one, it’s really good. I guessed this one wrong… in fact I was way wrong in guessing the killer. (Usually, it ends up being the least likely suspect.) Anyway, it’s an intriguing storyline and one of my favorite characters is Gramma. She’s a tough old gal who persistently gets her way…
Great Cozy Mystery and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Surely, everyone enjoys a good mystery… discovering clues, a sense of adventure, twists and turns in the narrative… This is the 2nd Hope Walker mystery book that I’ve read this week, and like the first one, it’s really good. I guessed this one wrong… in fact I was way wrong in guessing the killer. (Usually, it ends up being the least likely suspect.) Anyway, it’s an intriguing storyline and one of my favorite characters is Gramma. She’s a tough old gal who persistently gets her way…
Great Cozy Mystery and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
April 18, 2023
This was another funny story in the Hope Walker series. Hope is still dealing with her boyfriends death twelve years prior, but moving on with the help of her family and best friend.
Daniel Carson writes believable, and relatable characters. He puts those characters in some very funny situations. None of them are perfect hero's or heroines, but they handle situations in their own ways to get the mystery answered.
If you're looking for a mystery that makes you laugh out loud. Then this series is a good choice. I'm quickly moving on to the third book in this series.
Daniel Carson writes believable, and relatable characters. He puts those characters in some very funny situations. None of them are perfect hero's or heroines, but they handle situations in their own ways to get the mystery answered.
If you're looking for a mystery that makes you laugh out loud. Then this series is a good choice. I'm quickly moving on to the third book in this series.
November 15, 2020
3.5 Stars. Read the first 6 books back to back. Hope Walker is an investigative reporter with an explosive story about a criminal organization. Her story is squashed and she's fired as she returns to her Idaho home town. She's soon involved in solving murders and ongoing mysteries while trying to rebuild her life from some tragic events. Very fun characters, light romance and ongoing plot developments as the series goes on. Nice escapist reading.
March 9, 2024
Hope is a reporter for the Hopeless paper and was assigned to cover the yearly function at the Thorndales. At the unveiling no one could find Pimsley with the key and once the door was broken they found a murdered Pimsley. The painting was stolen and the forged painting was left in its place. Fast moving and ever changing investigation takes many turns. Good mystery with a little romance thrown in
May 24, 2024
NO YOU HAVEN'T
You have NOT read something like this series before. You know how some books promise you humor and you seldom find ANY? Those days are over. Really! Hope and especially her best friend, Katie, are HILARIOUS. Plus each book in the series has a great mystery to solve. You'll need to work at it, because the mysteries are cleverly written. This series should be a TV show or a movie. ENJOY!
You have NOT read something like this series before. You know how some books promise you humor and you seldom find ANY? Those days are over. Really! Hope and especially her best friend, Katie, are HILARIOUS. Plus each book in the series has a great mystery to solve. You'll need to work at it, because the mysteries are cleverly written. This series should be a TV show or a movie. ENJOY!
January 2, 2025
Loving this series!
This is such a fun series, and this addition to it was no exception. With a cast of characters that I would be proud to call my friends, the fun never stops. I love to try and figure out the "who done it" before the big reveal but have only done it once so far. (Good job mixing things up, Daniel Carson!) If you are looking for something to read, I highly recommend this series. Fun, entertaining, and just over all enjoyable.
This is such a fun series, and this addition to it was no exception. With a cast of characters that I would be proud to call my friends, the fun never stops. I love to try and figure out the "who done it" before the big reveal but have only done it once so far. (Good job mixing things up, Daniel Carson!) If you are looking for something to read, I highly recommend this series. Fun, entertaining, and just over all enjoyable.
November 8, 2018
Another great book
I really think this series and each book has the perfect mix of humor, mystery, real life and suspense. I would love to add romance to that but so far, it hasn’t happened. I’m hopeful though! If you liked the first, you’ll love this one and the world of Hopeless, Idaho!
I really think this series and each book has the perfect mix of humor, mystery, real life and suspense. I would love to add romance to that but so far, it hasn’t happened. I’m hopeful though! If you liked the first, you’ll love this one and the world of Hopeless, Idaho!
April 24, 2020
A fun quick read with a nice little twist
I enjoy this book, Katie is still my favorite and her kids are a riot. They are definitely what make this series worth the read. Hope is growing on me, though I wish she wouldn't guess so wildly, poorly, and publically. Looking forward to the next installment.
I enjoy this book, Katie is still my favorite and her kids are a riot. They are definitely what make this series worth the read. Hope is growing on me, though I wish she wouldn't guess so wildly, poorly, and publically. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 19, 2023
Second in a series. She is settled into her new job in Hopeless, but still gets caught up in murders. She has an attraction to the new sheriff, who reluctantly works with her to solve cases.
This story still delves into the story around the purchase of land to build a resort.
Always a fun story.
This story still delves into the story around the purchase of land to build a resort.
Always a fun story.
December 31, 2023
I finished the second Hope Walker mystery and loved it. Hope is a quirky character along with all the others in her town of Hopeless. This was an enjoyable read and well written by author Daniel Carson. I like the interactions between Hope and her Granny, best friend Katie, Sheriff Alex and the others in the book.
February 22, 2024
If you read book one...
Carson still writes a good plot, great characters and witty dialogue, but he doesn't understand stand investigative journalism. I do love his characters, the plot is inventive and good, but investigative journalist have their ducks in a row before they solve the crime. And they don't make accusations that aren't backed by facts.
Carson still writes a good plot, great characters and witty dialogue, but he doesn't understand stand investigative journalism. I do love his characters, the plot is inventive and good, but investigative journalist have their ducks in a row before they solve the crime. And they don't make accusations that aren't backed by facts.
April 13, 2024
This, the second in the Hope Walker mystery series, is perhaps a little too neat and tidy but pleasant none the less. If possible, read the audio books narrated by Tavia Gilbert. Her readings elevate these books from average to above average and downright enjoyable. Her narration makes these the perfect books to fall asleep to (and that's praise, not criticism).
September 24, 2024
A good second book
So some of it was a little predictable but I didn't guess who the killer was so that is always a win for a good book.
I would however like Gemma and Wilma to get their comeuppance as I really don't like them (don't think I've ever wanted to jump through a screen at a character before lol)
So some of it was a little predictable but I didn't guess who the killer was so that is always a win for a good book.
I would however like Gemma and Wilma to get their comeuppance as I really don't like them (don't think I've ever wanted to jump through a screen at a character before lol)
November 4, 2024
I liked the ending better on this book. I also noticed the first book got a rewrite AFTER I sent in my review on it, but I did give it four stars, so no revised review. The characters are fun, the plot is easily followed, and this time, the butler died, instead of being the killer. All puns aside, it is a good story and I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews