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Hope Walker Mystery #5
A Hopeless Christmas
A funny cozy mystery series full of bold women, a quirky and lovable town, and one seriously hopeless romance.It's Christmas in Hopeless and the Christmas Cookie Tournament has made its way to town. But Hope Walker, the local investigative reporter, learns there's something much bigger at stake than a top cookie prize.This cookie competition has turned serious. Deadly serious!Join Hope, Katie, Granny, and Alex as they sift through recipes and motives to find the killer. And along the way, find out if Hope is going to finally get her dream job. Or learn if sometimes, dreams really do change.Order the fifth book in the Hope Walker Mysteries, A Hopeless Christmas, 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 Storm
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2019
998 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Carson
39 books161 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 76 reviews
January 3, 2025
This is my favorite in the series so far; for what it’s worth, it’s been a pretty great series overall. This one wrapped up a lot of loose ends that have been lingering in the background in such a satisfying way! It also adds in a baking competition, which I am always a big fan of, and, it has all the lovable, quirky, wonderful characters that I have grown to love. A little bit Fireman Bob at the end and this couldn’t get any better.
December 31, 2019
Love this series!
I have loved this series from the beginning but somehow each subsequent book is even better than the one before! If I could, I'd find Hopeless, Idaho, on a map and plan a visit. My first thought as I finished Book 5 was, Daniel, write faster! And then I read in his note that he's writing as fast as he can in between dealing with Life. So I get it, Daniel, but just know that we're ready and waiting for the next one as soon as you can get it out there. I highly recommend the series!
I have loved this series from the beginning but somehow each subsequent book is even better than the one before! If I could, I'd find Hopeless, Idaho, on a map and plan a visit. My first thought as I finished Book 5 was, Daniel, write faster! And then I read in his note that he's writing as fast as he can in between dealing with Life. So I get it, Daniel, but just know that we're ready and waiting for the next one as soon as you can get it out there. I highly recommend the series!
February 4, 2023
Another great read! Humor and intricate plotting. Only one comment….a character that was named April in previous books is now referred to as Angela….a bit of a continuity issue..but I love the books and it’s not critical to the plot or the storyline. Just a blip!
This is a very fun series!!
This is a very fun series!!
June 23, 2024
As this book opens, Hope is returning from her screentest in NY. As she heads to baggage claim, she is distracted by a disturbing noise. She see a maintenance worker on the floor and with the help of a fellow passenger assist until help arrives.
In the aftermath they have a drink, exchange false names and chat. Following which they head their own ways but he does write his number on her hand leaving the door open for future contact.
Before she arrives home she's notified she aced the screentest and now has until Christmas to make her decision. Her newly resumed ties with Granny, Katie and her feelings for Alex just add to her confusion. For now all she wants is sleep.
She wakes to the Library serving breakfast, followed by Granny's cryptic explanation of a tournament. Katie arrives expecting Hope to join her at exploring said tournament. It takes a while before things are made clear to her.
A Christmas Cookie Tournament with a major prize and celebrity chefs. Katie and Hope begin their tastings with Doris Metcalf of Weekend with Doris' offering, moving on to Hammerin' Hank Lopez, The Pirate Cook, then Nikki Davis, The Smoking Hot Chef where Alex joins them.
As she finishes up she introduces the last of the celebrity chefs, Cameron Thomas author of Simply Sensual Foods. That particular chef surprises Hope, as she discovers he is Benjamin the man with whom she helped the man at the airport.
Of course, this book wouldn't be complete without a murder and it appears the victim is Hank Lopez, the pirate cook.
The investigation that follows is complicated by Allen Jennings the creator and producer of the show and the demands of Mayor Wilma Jenkins. Not to mention a cat fight between Doris and Nikki.
Conversations with Granny, interactions with Nick the barista, and the antics of Katie's children bring comedy to the dialog and plot.
Another animal is shot...Hope ends up being the last person to see someone alive...and so much more as this book draws us further into suspense and intrigue.
I love these books they hold me captive and keep me amused.
In the aftermath they have a drink, exchange false names and chat. Following which they head their own ways but he does write his number on her hand leaving the door open for future contact.
Before she arrives home she's notified she aced the screentest and now has until Christmas to make her decision. Her newly resumed ties with Granny, Katie and her feelings for Alex just add to her confusion. For now all she wants is sleep.
She wakes to the Library serving breakfast, followed by Granny's cryptic explanation of a tournament. Katie arrives expecting Hope to join her at exploring said tournament. It takes a while before things are made clear to her.
A Christmas Cookie Tournament with a major prize and celebrity chefs. Katie and Hope begin their tastings with Doris Metcalf of Weekend with Doris' offering, moving on to Hammerin' Hank Lopez, The Pirate Cook, then Nikki Davis, The Smoking Hot Chef where Alex joins them.
As she finishes up she introduces the last of the celebrity chefs, Cameron Thomas author of Simply Sensual Foods. That particular chef surprises Hope, as she discovers he is Benjamin the man with whom she helped the man at the airport.
Of course, this book wouldn't be complete without a murder and it appears the victim is Hank Lopez, the pirate cook.
The investigation that follows is complicated by Allen Jennings the creator and producer of the show and the demands of Mayor Wilma Jenkins. Not to mention a cat fight between Doris and Nikki.
Conversations with Granny, interactions with Nick the barista, and the antics of Katie's children bring comedy to the dialog and plot.
Another animal is shot...Hope ends up being the last person to see someone alive...and so much more as this book draws us further into suspense and intrigue.
I love these books they hold me captive and keep me amused.
December 21, 2019
And it's a knock out!
A wonderful read. Yes there is plenty of mayhem, murder and madness but it is also filled with Christmas cheer. The characters are going through some changes in this one. Some life changing and some more low key but the togetherness of the close circle of friends is apparent within every word.
The flight back from her screen test ends with her and a hot English man saving the life of an airport employee. Now back home she's thrust into a cookie extravaganza. However the death of one of the celebrity chefs casts a pall on the proceedings. Whilst her hot English man turns out to be another celebrity chef. When he too dies they start looking for a cold blooded killer. Add in affairs, a mimicking parrot, the return of the hit woman and the secrets the parrot holds. With the deaths cleared up it looks like Christmas is on track, until she has a close and personal encounter with the hit woman. Will she survive, after all the life of her BFF and her children hangs on the outcome? Will she be offered the TV show and if so what will her answer be?
A wonderful read. Yes there is plenty of mayhem, murder and madness but it is also filled with Christmas cheer. The characters are going through some changes in this one. Some life changing and some more low key but the togetherness of the close circle of friends is apparent within every word.
The flight back from her screen test ends with her and a hot English man saving the life of an airport employee. Now back home she's thrust into a cookie extravaganza. However the death of one of the celebrity chefs casts a pall on the proceedings. Whilst her hot English man turns out to be another celebrity chef. When he too dies they start looking for a cold blooded killer. Add in affairs, a mimicking parrot, the return of the hit woman and the secrets the parrot holds. With the deaths cleared up it looks like Christmas is on track, until she has a close and personal encounter with the hit woman. Will she survive, after all the life of her BFF and her children hangs on the outcome? Will she be offered the TV show and if so what will her answer be?
October 27, 2021
According to Carson, this book was the Season 1 Finale. Very rightly named, I’d say!
Best book yet! I’m so happy the Mayor/Medola Mystery has finally been solved! I’ve been waiting for their takedown since Book 1!
And I’m also happy that Hope finally decided where she’d call “Home”.
Hope finally got her kiss after a 12 year “broken lips” stretch. Unfortunately it wasn’t a particular Sheriff to deliver it. However, it appears as though she has an upcoming date after her wounds have healed more.
Merry Christmas to all of Hopeless and good luck to the Hopeless crew in the next book 6 “A Hopeless Journey” that, according to Daniel Carson’s note, is the season 2 starter story. Should be a good one! See you in the next review of that!
Best book yet! I’m so happy the Mayor/Medola Mystery has finally been solved! I’ve been waiting for their takedown since Book 1!
And I’m also happy that Hope finally decided where she’d call “Home”.
Hope finally got her kiss after a 12 year “broken lips” stretch. Unfortunately it wasn’t a particular Sheriff to deliver it. However, it appears as though she has an upcoming date after her wounds have healed more.
Merry Christmas to all of Hopeless and good luck to the Hopeless crew in the next book 6 “A Hopeless Journey” that, according to Daniel Carson’s note, is the season 2 starter story. Should be a good one! See you in the next review of that!
July 5, 2020
Last of the "first season" of the Hope Walk mysteries, and it wraps up quite a lot whilst being really rather ludicrous. Being set around an annual Cookie Competition (this is a cozy mystery), with celebrity chefs involved it has a couple of plot swerves that don't feel quite as well thought as in some of the previous (one "clue" relies on the fact that a British person would never say Scouts Honour - which I am dubious about). Nevertheless it puts a peg in the ongoing mob storyline, dances the romance around and is funny and fun as ever so there it did exactly what I wanted it to do....
March 20, 2024
Hope is returning to Hopeless after her interview for the national show when there is a traffic jam. She finds out there is tv cookie cookoff show filming in town and Katie drags her around to visit and sample cookies when one of the celebrity cooks is found dead and presumed poisoned. Sheriff Alex enlists Hope's help in trying to solve the case. Meanwhile another animal is shot on Moose mountain scaring the residents more so Hope is trying to track down Ms Jones. Mix another murder in and you have an exciting read.
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.
July 24, 2021
A TV offer in New York? A last attempt to catch a crime boss? And a chance to leave Hopeless?
Sounded like Hope had a lot to think about. While trying to decide her future, she also gets rooked into a Christmas Cookie tournament. What could be worse than binging on cookies? How about one of the bakers winding up dead—poisoned by a cookie?
This is another good Hope Walker mystery! I especially like her ballsy, candid, and wry humor.
Sounded like Hope had a lot to think about. While trying to decide her future, she also gets rooked into a Christmas Cookie tournament. What could be worse than binging on cookies? How about one of the bakers winding up dead—poisoned by a cookie?
This is another good Hope Walker mystery! I especially like her ballsy, candid, and wry humor.
June 24, 2025
Really enjoying this series. This one has a really satisfying ending. And I had no idea who killed the two chefs. Hope's best friend, Katie, has two children, Dominic and Lucy. I suspect that Dominic is going to be a juvenile delinquent when he gets older, if he makes it to his teens. All of Mr. Carson's stories in this series have well developed characters (in both senses.) Now I'm looking forward to the next one. Recommended.
Read
December 28, 2019Another exciting book!
This book was so exciting I could not put it down!! The story line and plot just sucked me right in. I am so attached to the characters and community of Hopeless! I cannot wait for the next book to be released! I am marking my calendar for April. Merry Christmas Daniel Carson and thank you so much for this series! You are truly gifted!!!!!
This book was so exciting I could not put it down!! The story line and plot just sucked me right in. I am so attached to the characters and community of Hopeless! I cannot wait for the next book to be released! I am marking my calendar for April. Merry Christmas Daniel Carson and thank you so much for this series! You are truly gifted!!!!!
February 11, 2020
Wow!
Loved it. I've read all the Hope Walker mysteries and this one tied up the first season with a big Christmas bow. Of course it still left me wanting more, much more, like all great series do. I can't wait to find out what Hope does next and what the heck is going to happen with her love life.
Loved it. I've read all the Hope Walker mysteries and this one tied up the first season with a big Christmas bow. Of course it still left me wanting more, much more, like all great series do. I can't wait to find out what Hope does next and what the heck is going to happen with her love life.
February 3, 2021
What a fantastic read!
The characters are charismatic, interesting and laugh out loud funny. The writing is well organized drawing you further and further into the book/plot with ease. I am loving this series and it's down to earth characters! Daniel does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series.
The characters are charismatic, interesting and laugh out loud funny. The writing is well organized drawing you further and further into the book/plot with ease. I am loving this series and it's down to earth characters! Daniel does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series.
February 27, 2024
Best Of The Series...To Date
No formula in this book. Carson threw out most of went before...well no that all wrong, because he has woven this story beginning at page one of book one. Great charscters, great plot, and wonderful quirky dialogue. Delightful story. Now on to book six!
No formula in this book. Carson threw out most of went before...well no that all wrong, because he has woven this story beginning at page one of book one. Great charscters, great plot, and wonderful quirky dialogue. Delightful story. Now on to book six!
September 30, 2024
The best book in this series
I really like all the characters in this book series. They are well written and true to life. I don't know why I've had a stop and go reading of them. But book 4 and now book five have really taken off with the storyline. I definitely recommend this book. It was well worth the build up.
I really like all the characters in this book series. They are well written and true to life. I don't know why I've had a stop and go reading of them. But book 4 and now book five have really taken off with the storyline. I definitely recommend this book. It was well worth the build up.
October 10, 2024
Love the characters!
I have read 5 books in this series and cannot put them down. The characters have personality and each serve a real purpose to the story lines. The situations the main character finds herself in are enough to keep reading so you can see what happens. A few times I have laughed out loud do to the character behavior or when sharing their thoughts.
I have read 5 books in this series and cannot put them down. The characters have personality and each serve a real purpose to the story lines. The situations the main character finds herself in are enough to keep reading so you can see what happens. A few times I have laughed out loud do to the character behavior or when sharing their thoughts.
December 5, 2025
My favorite of the series so far. I listen to the audiobook. This series gets better with each book, but this one in particular had a couple of jaw-dropping surprises that I didn’t see coming. The characters are entertaining, and if you like audiobooks, I recommend listening to it. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing it all to life. Great book!
December 5, 2025
My favorite of the series so far. I listen to the audiobook. This series gets better with each book, but this one in particular had a couple of jaw-dropping surprises that I didn’t see coming. The characters are entertaining, and if you like audiobooks, I recommend listening to it. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing it all to life. Great book!
December 27, 2019
A Winner
Sat down this week and with a goofy grin on my face read the entire series again. Who wouldn't love to live in Hopeless? Keep writing, Daniel. I'll be looking forward to season two.
Sat down this week and with a goofy grin on my face read the entire series again. Who wouldn't love to live in Hopeless? Keep writing, Daniel. I'll be looking forward to season two.
January 3, 2020
This series just gets better
Truly enjoyable to spend time in Hopeless. Unlike many series that can lose my interest, this one makes me look forward to the next. Wonderfully fun characters and story telling, can't wait for the next.
Truly enjoyable to spend time in Hopeless. Unlike many series that can lose my interest, this one makes me look forward to the next. Wonderfully fun characters and story telling, can't wait for the next.
February 25, 2020
Anxiously awaiting Book 6!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the unique characters of Hopeless. I’m looking forward to the next installment of Hope’s adventures.
I must say that I will never look at condiments the same way!😁
I have thoroughly enjoyed the unique characters of Hopeless. I’m looking forward to the next installment of Hope’s adventures.
I must say that I will never look at condiments the same way!😁
February 27, 2020
Twists and turns throughout
Hope and Alex and Katie and all the rest have tons of adventure in this Hopeless Christmas. Great story and great ending. Can't wait for number 6. Great job Daniel
Hope and Alex and Katie and all the rest have tons of adventure in this Hopeless Christmas. Great story and great ending. Can't wait for number 6. Great job Daniel
March 25, 2020
Loved every story about Hopeless
You cannot miss this opportunity to read all the stories about Hope Walker and the fascinating town of Hopeless. All the characters are memorable and the humor never dies...just people!
You cannot miss this opportunity to read all the stories about Hope Walker and the fascinating town of Hopeless. All the characters are memorable and the humor never dies...just people!
April 21, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this last book in the series because it wrapped up everything so well. I enjoyed the characters and the wonderful plot in this story. However, I hope there is more romance between the Sheriff and Hope in the next books.
I enjoyed this last book in the series because it wrapped up everything so well. I enjoyed the characters and the wonderful plot in this story. However, I hope there is more romance between the Sheriff and Hope in the next books.
April 25, 2020
Good plot, great twist
Loved the way this played out. Hope is still a little too much of a wild cannon for me, but I appreciate that her heart is in the right place. Looking forward to the next installment.
Loved the way this played out. Hope is still a little too much of a wild cannon for me, but I appreciate that her heart is in the right place. Looking forward to the next installment.
June 20, 2020
Wonderful characters
I recently found this series. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Their humor, their spunk. And their humanity. I am looking forward to the next season and co tinting the journey hopefully for years to come.
I recently found this series. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Their humor, their spunk. And their humanity. I am looking forward to the next season and co tinting the journey hopefully for years to come.
July 11, 2020
Great End to Season 1
Mr. Carson is a pretty good story writer and I really enjoyed this series. The characters are enchanting and lovable. Look forward to season 2. Maybe next season Katie will see a gyno about that never ending problem.
Mr. Carson is a pretty good story writer and I really enjoyed this series. The characters are enchanting and lovable. Look forward to season 2. Maybe next season Katie will see a gyno about that never ending problem.
August 26, 2020
Couldn't be better
Honestly, it would be better but only if the characters make it happen. The author makes it happen, you say? No, according to Daniel Carson the characters take the journey. I am hoping the journey leads to romance in a big way.
Honestly, it would be better but only if the characters make it happen. The author makes it happen, you say? No, according to Daniel Carson the characters take the journey. I am hoping the journey leads to romance in a big way.
November 13, 2020
A Hopeless Christmas(A Hope Walker Mystery Book 5)
This is the fifth book in this series and it is a very good story and hope solves two more murders and makes a decision about her life
This is the fifth book in this series and it is a very good story and hope solves two more murders and makes a decision about her life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews