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Hope Walker Mystery #4
A Hopeless Game
A funny cozy mystery series full of bold women, a quirky and lovable town, and one seriously hopeless romance.
The Hopeless Tigers just won the biggest football game in school history!
But as often happens in the quirky yet snakebitten town of Hopeless, Idaho... there's a bit of a problem.
A dead body has shown up. That's right. Another one.
As usual, Investigative reporter Hope Walker is on the scene.
But this time, the mystery is particularly thorny.
Hope has to sort through various motives and suspects in her most confusing mystery yet.
Plus, she has to figure out where she stands with the handsome sheriff in town.
Especially now that a new suitor has thrown his hat into the ring.
Will this be the crime to finally stump Hope?
And will Hope ever figure out what she really wants out of life?
Order the fourth book in the Hope Walker Mysteries, A Hopeless Game, 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 Mysteries
- Book One - A Hopeless Murder - May 2018
- Book Two - A Hopeless Heist - September 2018
- Book Three - A Hopeless Discovery - June 2019
- Book Four - A Hopeless Game - Coming October 2019
- Book Five - A Hopeless Christmas - Coming December 2019
The Hopeless Tigers just won the biggest football game in school history!
But as often happens in the quirky yet snakebitten town of Hopeless, Idaho... there's a bit of a problem.
A dead body has shown up. That's right. Another one.
As usual, Investigative reporter Hope Walker is on the scene.
But this time, the mystery is particularly thorny.
Hope has to sort through various motives and suspects in her most confusing mystery yet.
Plus, she has to figure out where she stands with the handsome sheriff in town.
Especially now that a new suitor has thrown his hat into the ring.
Will this be the crime to finally stump Hope?
And will Hope ever figure out what she really wants out of life?
Order the fourth book in the Hope Walker Mysteries, A Hopeless Game, 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 Mysteries
- Book One - A Hopeless Murder - May 2018
- Book Two - A Hopeless Heist - September 2018
- Book Three - A Hopeless Discovery - June 2019
- Book Four - A Hopeless Game - Coming October 2019
- Book Five - A Hopeless Christmas - Coming December 2019
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2019
1058 people are currently reading
181 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 61 reviews
June 19, 2022
Other than Hope accusing everyone under the sun of the crime, it was another good addition to the series. These books should be read in order, due to multiple underlying/plot lines. Hopeless is murder capital 😁😁 and Hope Walker is her to solve them all.
September 29, 2019
Wow!
This is an amazing series that keeps getting better and better! With characters you feel like you know, humor that makes you laugh out loud and a plot that keeps you guessing and engaged, this series just can't be beat! I highly recommend this series
This is an amazing series that keeps getting better and better! With characters you feel like you know, humor that makes you laugh out loud and a plot that keeps you guessing and engaged, this series just can't be beat! I highly recommend this series
November 30, 2019
Great plot and laugh out loud funny
I read the first four books back to back and loved each one. I love Hope, Katie, Granny,Alex and all of the other colorful characters in Hopeless. They kept me laughing. The plot was great and I was caught off guard when the culprit was revealed. The whole thing was really quite ingenious. I highly recommend diving into this gem of a book and getting to know the little town of Hopeless and it’s heroine Hope. If you are able, start with book one and read all four. You won’t regret it.
I read the first four books back to back and loved each one. I love Hope, Katie, Granny,Alex and all of the other colorful characters in Hopeless. They kept me laughing. The plot was great and I was caught off guard when the culprit was revealed. The whole thing was really quite ingenious. I highly recommend diving into this gem of a book and getting to know the little town of Hopeless and it’s heroine Hope. If you are able, start with book one and read all four. You won’t regret it.
October 16, 2019
I love this series. It's delightful reading: funny, clever, quirky, and endearing. The only difficulty I have is waiting for the next book to be released!
June 20, 2025
Mostly good but I do get annoyed with her accusing people before she is sure who did it.
May 25, 2024
This series is seriously addictive. The mystery is mysterious, the humor is humorous, the characters are real characters, and the romantic bits are ... something else again.
June 11, 2024
As this book opens, we see Hope as she arrives at her apartment from a rather comical five-mile run. Tired she rummages through a box of old clean clothes left by Granny, while not the best fit, they would work for sleep. When the heat kicks on she removed the sweats which normally wouldn't be a problem, but there was a fire next door and smoke was coming in. The next thing she knows she's carried out by a fireman, her lucky charms underwear on display for all those gather on Main Street to see. The fireman also approves of her underwear and thinks they should go on a date that night. His name is Fireman Bob and he doesn't seem to be the sharpest of the bunch and doesn't really give her a chance to say yes or no.
The flower shop was ruined and fortunately Mr. Henry Tanaka, the owner who lived above it is fine but devastated. Even worse the Fire Chief says it's arson. During the cleanup Granny decides that the win or lose celebration for the football team that night, it would also be a fund-raiser for Mr. Tanaka.
Hope's 'date' with Fireman Bob is of course to the football game. Where they joined the whole town to cheer the team to victory. Everyone crediting Coach Mossback for the incredible season that has their team going to the State Finals.
Hope manages to interview the other coaches, but Coach Mossback refuses until after the final game next weekend. Coach Duncan says he'll try to get her five minutes before practice the next day.
Unfortunately, it appears Coach Mossback is late. He's never late and Coach Duncan and Hope go to check on him. Guess what they found.
From this point there are several interesting turns, beginning with the interesting dynamic of Mossback's marriage and continuing with Mossback's training methods.
I really love all the twists and quirkiness in these books. The friendship with Katie and wow those kids. Granny is a hoot and Bess holds everything together. Fireman Bob is interesting, funny, and full of himself, but no match for Alex as far as Hope is concerned. We see the Buck's Diner murder club as they work to help Hope solve this strange murder.
I am already reading the next book in this series.
The flower shop was ruined and fortunately Mr. Henry Tanaka, the owner who lived above it is fine but devastated. Even worse the Fire Chief says it's arson. During the cleanup Granny decides that the win or lose celebration for the football team that night, it would also be a fund-raiser for Mr. Tanaka.
Hope's 'date' with Fireman Bob is of course to the football game. Where they joined the whole town to cheer the team to victory. Everyone crediting Coach Mossback for the incredible season that has their team going to the State Finals.
Hope manages to interview the other coaches, but Coach Mossback refuses until after the final game next weekend. Coach Duncan says he'll try to get her five minutes before practice the next day.
Unfortunately, it appears Coach Mossback is late. He's never late and Coach Duncan and Hope go to check on him. Guess what they found.
From this point there are several interesting turns, beginning with the interesting dynamic of Mossback's marriage and continuing with Mossback's training methods.
I really love all the twists and quirkiness in these books. The friendship with Katie and wow those kids. Granny is a hoot and Bess holds everything together. Fireman Bob is interesting, funny, and full of himself, but no match for Alex as far as Hope is concerned. We see the Buck's Diner murder club as they work to help Hope solve this strange murder.
I am already reading the next book in this series.
April 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book. This is such a fun series and it is sure to have you chuckling at some point or other. Whether it's the banter between the characters, the crazy characters themselves or the
whacky situations they get into that you like, this story won't disappoint because it has it all. The character's are like the favourite eccentric uncle that you just can't help but like and the whole town is full of them. They aren't afraid to speak there mind or get involved in .... Well everything. You can't help but feel for the characters and to be honest the more we learnt about the murder victim the more I hoped the killer wasn't caught, of course that is of course if it did prove to be a murder. The mystery was good and well worked to keep you guessing but also give you the clues you need to solve the murder. With a Off to start the next book.
The town of Hopeless hasn't had much to shout about but for the first time ever the high school has a real chance of winning the championship. Until the coach kills himself and another one is attacked. It's Hope's job as an investigative reporter to find out the story behind the death. The victim might have been the greatest coach in the world but he wasn't the best man. Could somebody have killed him? And if so why? A current or former student? A disgruntled teacher or even a coach from a rival team fed up of losing? The list seems endless and with the final kick of the game fast approaching Hope will have to work quickly.
I liked the narrator. She is not only entertaining but puts on a good show.
whacky situations they get into that you like, this story won't disappoint because it has it all. The character's are like the favourite eccentric uncle that you just can't help but like and the whole town is full of them. They aren't afraid to speak there mind or get involved in .... Well everything. You can't help but feel for the characters and to be honest the more we learnt about the murder victim the more I hoped the killer wasn't caught, of course that is of course if it did prove to be a murder. The mystery was good and well worked to keep you guessing but also give you the clues you need to solve the murder. With a Off to start the next book.
The town of Hopeless hasn't had much to shout about but for the first time ever the high school has a real chance of winning the championship. Until the coach kills himself and another one is attacked. It's Hope's job as an investigative reporter to find out the story behind the death. The victim might have been the greatest coach in the world but he wasn't the best man. Could somebody have killed him? And if so why? A current or former student? A disgruntled teacher or even a coach from a rival team fed up of losing? The list seems endless and with the final kick of the game fast approaching Hope will have to work quickly.
I liked the narrator. She is not only entertaining but puts on a good show.
July 2, 2020
A good cozy mystery series is really just a soap, where the action distracts from the slow moving character plots. The hook of the Hopeless series, set in the small town of Hopeless and starring Hope Walker is just that little repetition of Hope. Beyond that it is a successful investigative journalist, burnt by a slightly more powerful gangster scurrying off home for safety to her old home town. There are reasons why she left, but her support group there make up quickly. Throw in a dishy sheriff and a Misdsummer amount of murders and the formula in theory writes itself. Except I have read enough bad cozy mysteries to know nothing writes itself.
I burnt through the first three of these back to back last year, Carson has a strong sense of humour and even when gags or situations don't quite land, the tone drags you along. As ever with a cozy mystery you have to introduce your murder and the crime around it without bringing the tone down, and then parade your suspects in a plausible way (the ultimate culprit does come a little out of the blue, but the scenario is set up well enough for it to be fair). There is another out there which will get hoovered up in the next couple of days, and I am happy to do it, excellent example of the form.
I burnt through the first three of these back to back last year, Carson has a strong sense of humour and even when gags or situations don't quite land, the tone drags you along. As ever with a cozy mystery you have to introduce your murder and the crime around it without bringing the tone down, and then parade your suspects in a plausible way (the ultimate culprit does come a little out of the blue, but the scenario is set up well enough for it to be fair). There is another out there which will get hoovered up in the next couple of days, and I am happy to do it, excellent example of the form.
October 26, 2021
This book dealt with murder (of course), but also bullying and the after affect of what bullies cause to happen. I become so enraged when people are mean to others and bully them. I know it’s awful what happened to the victim in this read, but I can also understand why they felt pushed to the edge. I’m not saying killing someone is the answer, but in fiction it sure is.
There still aren’t any solutions and the killer of Percy hasn’t been uncovered, but maybe the next book will reveal that. Hey, goats deserve justice, too!
The ending of this book though! I’m so glad the next book is already available for reading, because I want to know if Hope chooses to hit NY or stay in a not-so-hopeless town. Next book is book 5, A Hopeless Christmas. I love small towns and Christmas. I also love me some romance, so I hope book 5 FINALLY puts Hope and Alex together. C’mon!
There still aren’t any solutions and the killer of Percy hasn’t been uncovered, but maybe the next book will reveal that. Hey, goats deserve justice, too!
The ending of this book though! I’m so glad the next book is already available for reading, because I want to know if Hope chooses to hit NY or stay in a not-so-hopeless town. Next book is book 5, A Hopeless Christmas. I love small towns and Christmas. I also love me some romance, so I hope book 5 FINALLY puts Hope and Alex together. C’mon!
April 14, 2025
Good book, but it broke my heart
I really like the characters in the Hope Walker books. They are warm-hearted, smart, and laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed binge reading these engaging stories until I read A Hopeless Game book 4. The ending broke my heart.
I saw it coming and almost didn't finish the book. But I always complete the books I start, even if it's a turkey. This book was not a turkey it's actually funny and exciting. Fireman Bob and Granny are hilarious. I read less harsher intense murder mysteries now that I've discovered cozy mysteries. They catch the killer but make me smile and laugh along the way. But this one just made me sad at the end. I hope someday I will revist Hope Walker to see if she gets her dream job her dream man, and takes down that crime boss. Just not now..
I really like the characters in the Hope Walker books. They are warm-hearted, smart, and laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed binge reading these engaging stories until I read A Hopeless Game book 4. The ending broke my heart.
I saw it coming and almost didn't finish the book. But I always complete the books I start, even if it's a turkey. This book was not a turkey it's actually funny and exciting. Fireman Bob and Granny are hilarious. I read less harsher intense murder mysteries now that I've discovered cozy mysteries. They catch the killer but make me smile and laugh along the way. But this one just made me sad at the end. I hope someday I will revist Hope Walker to see if she gets her dream job her dream man, and takes down that crime boss. Just not now..
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It's a wacky humorous cozy mystery. The characters are eccentric but extremely likable. We meet Fireman Bob in this one, for instance. I don't remember dating being anything like this. However, we know Hope will never stay with anyone because of the death of her boyfriend back in high school. The main story is football, you bet. The coach with the history of making winning teams out of also ran players apparently commits suicide. She and the sheriff (who sounds like he looks good enough to ear) solve the mystery. But will she accept the new job? Recommended.
December 31, 2024
Another great addition to the series. I tend to fall in love with series and want to binge it, which is great for my listening/reading pleasure but terrible for reviews; how do I not end up repeating myself? But this book, this series, has everything I want: fun, quirky characters, a smart, sassy, and snarky main character, a promising love interest, and now Fireman Bob, who might just be my favorite non-love interest ever! Highly recommend this series but start from the beginning so you don’t miss any of the fun.
January 7, 2025
Best one so far!
I'm not going to l lie, I got teary eyed at the end of this one. When a town is this close and one of their own has a big decision to make and they make it even harder for her? Yeah, an emotional scene for sure. Hope and all of the quirky characters (especially Fireman Bob!), make this one of my top stories to read. I'm binging this series right now and have quite a few left before I reach the last one and I want to thank the author for not only writing such a fun story but for also making it available in Kindle Unlimited. I definitely recommend the series!
I'm not going to l lie, I got teary eyed at the end of this one. When a town is this close and one of their own has a big decision to make and they make it even harder for her? Yeah, an emotional scene for sure. Hope and all of the quirky characters (especially Fireman Bob!), make this one of my top stories to read. I'm binging this series right now and have quite a few left before I reach the last one and I want to thank the author for not only writing such a fun story but for also making it available in Kindle Unlimited. I definitely recommend the 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 16, 2024
Hope is rescued from a fire by Fireman Bob as the flower shop burns down. After Fridays ballgame the Hopeless wins the football game and is the state final the next weekend. On Sunday Coach Mossback does not show up for the coaches meeting and Hope discovers him hanging an apparent suicide. Sheriff Alex believes it is suicide but Hope believes it is murder. Fast paced ever changing story with a little romance thrown in great reading
heri
heri
January 7, 2025
I have been listening to this series for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying it. The characters are likable and the stories are interesting with a twist at a the end. The characters develop and their backstory is revealed more with each book. I would consider these books a light read, which is what I prefer in audio books these days. That said, the writing is well done and so far does not seem formulaic.
April 24, 2020
Good story with good characters
I am really getting attached to good ol’ Hope. Katie is still my favorite—and her kids. Their role is crucial to the success of this series. Alex is growing on me too—but I really did like the addition of Fireman Bob in this installment, who grows Hope’s character a little more. Looking forward to the next one!
I am really getting attached to good ol’ Hope. Katie is still my favorite—and her kids. Their role is crucial to the success of this series. Alex is growing on me too—but I really did like the addition of Fireman Bob in this installment, who grows Hope’s character a little more. Looking forward to the next one!
August 25, 2020
Better than Pie!
You have to read this book because it is the epitome of high school. For me college(went to all girls high school) football. I still remember a hazing that ended badly and my roommate and I took care of the hazing victim. She was ok but it took a day and night to right the wrong. I left the sorority the next day and never looked back.
You have to read this book because it is the epitome of high school. For me college(went to all girls high school) football. I still remember a hazing that ended badly and my roommate and I took care of the hazing victim. She was ok but it took a day and night to right the wrong. I left the sorority the next day and never looked back.
February 25, 2020
Daniel Carson is a great writer!
The first four books of this series are funny, challenging, full of detail and full of great characters. These books are great reads for all ages. I hope Daniel continues to write a whole lot more books.
The first four books of this series are funny, challenging, full of detail and full of great characters. These books are great reads for all ages. I hope Daniel continues to write a whole lot more books.
March 3, 2020
Can't get much better beach or airport reading. Light, humorous and great characters to get to know. Strong suggestion is to start at the beginning of the series so you get to know the characters and histories among them.
December 11, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series. There have been more than a few laugh out loud moments, but fireman Bob 😂. I’m pretty sure this was my favorite so far. This whole series is a great mix of fun and quirky and mystery.
May 12, 2021
On a roll
Another good installment of Hope in Hopeless Idaho with a cliffhanger ending - an unresolved issues with the lurking Mafioso - the overly ambitious Mayor - and there’s still that shell company in Hope’s name. On to the next adventure
Another good installment of Hope in Hopeless Idaho with a cliffhanger ending - an unresolved issues with the lurking Mafioso - the overly ambitious Mayor - and there’s still that shell company in Hope’s name. On to the next adventure
May 16, 2021
A Hopeless game/ d. Carson
The series is phenomenon good in my opinion. It gives thoughts about decision making in your life should you go or should you stay. Sometimes what's in front of you is better than what's on the other side.
The series is phenomenon good in my opinion. It gives thoughts about decision making in your life should you go or should you stay. Sometimes what's in front of you is better than what's on the other side.
January 3, 2024
Another terrific book in the Hope Walker series. I enjoy her interactions with the other characters, especially Katie, Granny and Alex. She is funny and sassy and a great heroine that keeps me guessing as to who is the killer. Kudos to the author.
August 14, 2025
Very good read
This is the 4th Hope Walker mystery that I've read and the first one that I've rated. This one was very good! The others were good, but I think this one made the most sense and had the best plot thus far.
This is the 4th Hope Walker mystery that I've read and the first one that I've rated. This one was very good! The others were good, but I think this one made the most sense and had the best plot thus far.
December 2, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend this series. The cozy mystery story is entertaining, and the characters are great. It contains everything, bits of romance, twists, action, humor, and some poignant moments. Very well written, and the narrator is fantastic!
December 2, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend this series. The cozy mystery story is entertaining, and the characters are great. It contains everything, bits of romance, twists, action, humor, and some poignant moments. Very well written, and the narrator is fantastic!
February 7, 2020
This is an excellent series humor and mystery just great
February 24, 2020
Loved it!
Another great book. Suspense, mystery, humor and a little romance. Keeps me guessing throughout. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Another great book. Suspense, mystery, humor and a little romance. Keeps me guessing throughout. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews