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Hope Herring #6
Kaboom
This is book 6 in the Hope Herring cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author J.A. Whiting and Nell McCarthy.
Hope Herring is running the Butter Up Bakery while the owner is on vacation in Hawaii. The Fourth of July is fast approaching and one night, as Hope and her daughter are walking home after closing the bakery, something unexpected happens when they pass a fireworks store. Her friend Detective Derrick Robinson has his hands full trying to solve the crime, but this time, Hope doesn’t want to get involved with the investigation. She’s too busy planning for the next academic year at the middle school where she teaches, searching for clues to her resident ghost’s hundred-year old murder, and continuing to look into the suspicious accident that took her husband’s life.
Despite her reluctance to figure out what happened at the fireworks store that night, will Hope uncover the criminal’s identity before he or she makes another deadly move ?
Hope Herring is running the Butter Up Bakery while the owner is on vacation in Hawaii. The Fourth of July is fast approaching and one night, as Hope and her daughter are walking home after closing the bakery, something unexpected happens when they pass a fireworks store. Her friend Detective Derrick Robinson has his hands full trying to solve the crime, but this time, Hope doesn’t want to get involved with the investigation. She’s too busy planning for the next academic year at the middle school where she teaches, searching for clues to her resident ghost’s hundred-year old murder, and continuing to look into the suspicious accident that took her husband’s life.
Despite her reluctance to figure out what happened at the fireworks store that night, will Hope uncover the criminal’s identity before he or she makes another deadly move ?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2021
About the author
J.A. Whiting
183 books327 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author and Amazon All Star, J A Whiting is the author of over 100 cozy mysteries. She lives with her family in Massachusetts. Whiting loves spending time with family, reading, traveling, cycling, following New England sports teams, exercising, and being outdoors.
For exclusive content and new book announcements please visit www.jawhiting.com and sign up for my mailing list.
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For exclusive content and new book announcements please visit www.jawhiting.com and sign up for my mailing list.
Also please "like" my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jawhitingauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 1, 2023
Talk about going out with a bang. Literally, in this book’s case.
It’s a few days before July 4th and Hope is out for summer vacation from her teaching position. But she isn’t one to simply relax and do nothing; instead, she’s heading the bakery full-time that she typically works at part-time while the owner is out of state on her own vacation.
She and her daughter, Cori just finished closing up the bakery for the day and as they are walking away there’s an explosion that throws both ladies backwards several feet and then black. Hope wakes up in the hospital and discovers she’s got a broken arm and gashes from where glass has gone into her skin. What happened?
She is told that someone was in the building that had exploded and also that he is dead. Although she doesn’t want to be involved in the investigation, deep down she knows she will be poking around some so she can discover the truth.
And Max, a 100-year-old ghost of the person that built and lived in the house Hope bought may have figured out who murdered him. Since Hope has been helping try to find Max’s killer, she feels his theory is plausible. Now she has to put those pieces together to research some very old archives to try and find if his theory holds water.
I wonder a few things: will we ever find out who killed Max before this series is done? Will Hope ever know who killed her husband and why? And something that is always on my mind is the question of whether or not Hope will ever tell Cori about Max and how she regularly converses with his spirit?
Next is book 7 “Yesterday’s Stories”
It’s a few days before July 4th and Hope is out for summer vacation from her teaching position. But she isn’t one to simply relax and do nothing; instead, she’s heading the bakery full-time that she typically works at part-time while the owner is out of state on her own vacation.
She and her daughter, Cori just finished closing up the bakery for the day and as they are walking away there’s an explosion that throws both ladies backwards several feet and then black. Hope wakes up in the hospital and discovers she’s got a broken arm and gashes from where glass has gone into her skin. What happened?
She is told that someone was in the building that had exploded and also that he is dead. Although she doesn’t want to be involved in the investigation, deep down she knows she will be poking around some so she can discover the truth.
And Max, a 100-year-old ghost of the person that built and lived in the house Hope bought may have figured out who murdered him. Since Hope has been helping try to find Max’s killer, she feels his theory is plausible. Now she has to put those pieces together to research some very old archives to try and find if his theory holds water.
I wonder a few things: will we ever find out who killed Max before this series is done? Will Hope ever know who killed her husband and why? And something that is always on my mind is the question of whether or not Hope will ever tell Cori about Max and how she regularly converses with his spirit?
Next is book 7 “Yesterday’s Stories”
December 11, 2022
Not quite there.
First I want say I am enjoying this series. The stories are a fun light read and over all good stories with characters you get involved with. I certainly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good mystery without all the blood, gore and sexual content so many writers feel they have to use.
I do want to say, for a leading character who is suppose to be intelligent, intuitive and bright I find her attitude and thought processes where her deceased husband is concerned to be out of place and a little off-putting. Her response to his incripting passwords and the seriousness/danger of his work and the story within a story and his not being a novelist and why he is trying to be one etc. are just not in line with her character. She is just not that dense. So your story within a story as regards her dead husband just does not really mesh. She would be more on top of and knowing as regards what he found and why/how he saved his information. She would not be so dense in her thinking or research.
First I want say I am enjoying this series. The stories are a fun light read and over all good stories with characters you get involved with. I certainly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good mystery without all the blood, gore and sexual content so many writers feel they have to use.
I do want to say, for a leading character who is suppose to be intelligent, intuitive and bright I find her attitude and thought processes where her deceased husband is concerned to be out of place and a little off-putting. Her response to his incripting passwords and the seriousness/danger of his work and the story within a story and his not being a novelist and why he is trying to be one etc. are just not in line with her character. She is just not that dense. So your story within a story as regards her dead husband just does not really mesh. She would be more on top of and knowing as regards what he found and why/how he saved his information. She would not be so dense in her thinking or research.
November 12, 2021
Good story but insular characters
Enjoyable story but too jingoistic. I thought the plot was well worked and the pacing of the story line was good. My reason for dropping one star was the overly jingoistic attitude of the heroine in her attitude to the independence celebration. Not all of your readers are white, middle class Americans. It unfavorably reminded me of the ethos in many American films which portray Americans as the saviour of the planet. Most of the rest of the World do not share this view. When I read a novel I want to be able to ice tofu with the main character. I almost out away this novel without reading the full thing became was so annoyed by Hope's attitude in the early chapters. I am glad I persevered because I did enjoy the overall read but I still harbor a residual resentment.
Enjoyable story but too jingoistic. I thought the plot was well worked and the pacing of the story line was good. My reason for dropping one star was the overly jingoistic attitude of the heroine in her attitude to the independence celebration. Not all of your readers are white, middle class Americans. It unfavorably reminded me of the ethos in many American films which portray Americans as the saviour of the planet. Most of the rest of the World do not share this view. When I read a novel I want to be able to ice tofu with the main character. I almost out away this novel without reading the full thing became was so annoyed by Hope's attitude in the early chapters. I am glad I persevered because I did enjoy the overall read but I still harbor a residual resentment.
February 1, 2023
Fun Filled
Kaboom, the 6th book in the Hope Herring Mystery series was delightfully entertaining. Hope, her daughter Cori, and Maximillian Johnson, their resident ghost are actively seeking the person or persons responsible for Max's murder nearly a century earlier. Hope is aware Max is a ghost, but Cori only thinks the research she helps Hope with is for a historical novel Hope claims to be considering writing. While teaching school, working part time at the Butter Up Bakery, researching Max's murder, researching her husband's untimely and suspicious death, Hope seems to have an uncanny aptitude for stumbling on dead people and helping detective Derrick Robinson solve their murders. Watching the thought process Hope moves through in each mystery before popping up with killer's identity is very absorbing and keeps me turning pages long after bedtime.
Kaboom, the 6th book in the Hope Herring Mystery series was delightfully entertaining. Hope, her daughter Cori, and Maximillian Johnson, their resident ghost are actively seeking the person or persons responsible for Max's murder nearly a century earlier. Hope is aware Max is a ghost, but Cori only thinks the research she helps Hope with is for a historical novel Hope claims to be considering writing. While teaching school, working part time at the Butter Up Bakery, researching Max's murder, researching her husband's untimely and suspicious death, Hope seems to have an uncanny aptitude for stumbling on dead people and helping detective Derrick Robinson solve their murders. Watching the thought process Hope moves through in each mystery before popping up with killer's identity is very absorbing and keeps me turning pages long after bedtime.
November 17, 2022
Fourth of July
Boone comes in everyday for his coffee and pastry. He has a new second wife. Cori has gone to Myrtle Beach with Lottie and her family for the Fourth of July. Ethel is in Hawaii on vacation. Cori and Hope are walking home past Boone's fireworks store when it explodes Hope is knocked out, she and Cori both end up in hospital. Cori is only slightly hurt but Hope has a broken arm and a bad cut on her other arm. They both have to stay in the hospital for several days. Cori goes to beach and Hope returns to opening and working at the bakery. She doesn't want to get involved in finding out who killed Boone and his shop. Everyone related to Boone comes in to find out what she saw and knows. Max thinks he may have found out who killed him. Good story
Boone comes in everyday for his coffee and pastry. He has a new second wife. Cori has gone to Myrtle Beach with Lottie and her family for the Fourth of July. Ethel is in Hawaii on vacation. Cori and Hope are walking home past Boone's fireworks store when it explodes Hope is knocked out, she and Cori both end up in hospital. Cori is only slightly hurt but Hope has a broken arm and a bad cut on her other arm. They both have to stay in the hospital for several days. Cori goes to beach and Hope returns to opening and working at the bakery. She doesn't want to get involved in finding out who killed Boone and his shop. Everyone related to Boone comes in to find out what she saw and knows. Max thinks he may have found out who killed him. Good story
October 7, 2024
It's the 4th of July and Hope's bakery boss is on vacation for a wedding in Hawaii, so she's filling in. When the owner of the biggest fireworks store in the city explodes, Hope and her daughter are nearby and injured. After release from the hospital, Hope decides to investigate the death of the owner.
I'm enjoying this series. I like the characters and the writing is smooth and easy. The dialogue is realistic. I'm making my way through the wholes series, or at least the books I can find in the series.
I'm enjoying this series. I like the characters and the writing is smooth and easy. The dialogue is realistic. I'm making my way through the wholes series, or at least the books I can find in the series.
October 15, 2026
This was a really lovely book, I like reading about Cori and Hope. Their relationship is really sweet, and I was really worried when they got hurt!
The mystery about who killed Boone was fun, I hadn’t really guessed it was the insurance guy with the young wife who organised it until Hope saw her going to his office.
Max’s mystery was not very prominent which is okay, I also would miss him if he goes. And while I am curious about Doug’s story, I am a little worried considering when this series was written and whether this is some sort of novelisation of silly conspiracies, but we’ll see.
The mystery about who killed Boone was fun, I hadn’t really guessed it was the insurance guy with the young wife who organised it until Hope saw her going to his office.
Max’s mystery was not very prominent which is okay, I also would miss him if he goes. And while I am curious about Doug’s story, I am a little worried considering when this series was written and whether this is some sort of novelisation of silly conspiracies, but we’ll see.
April 19, 2021
I always enjoy Hope and Cori and their ‘teachable’ moments. Max is also wonderful character and I look forward to learning how his murder is solved. Hope has her hands full with murders, explosions, and so many alibis. I feel like the ‘aha’ moment could’ve been clarified a bit more. Something ‘clicked’ for Hope eventually but she didn’t really explain herself. Maybe I’m just too use to the Poirots of the world lol. I got it, but that and Max’s solution seemed a bit sudden and neat.
May 3, 2021
Kaboom! I love it!
Love the characters!! They really come to life! The only problem is having to wait for the next book! I’ve gotten involved with these characters and hate to use my imagination to continue the story until I have another book!! Thank you so much for the pleasure your books bring me!
Love the characters!! They really come to life! The only problem is having to wait for the next book! I’ve gotten involved with these characters and hate to use my imagination to continue the story until I have another book!! Thank you so much for the pleasure your books bring me!
June 12, 2021
Kaboom, a Hope Herring Mystery
I’m waiting for the next book. Max Johnson the former owner of Hope’s house but is now her ghost that wants her help to find his murderer. In this book Max thinks he finally knows who killed him. Hope is a little sad that this means Max might leave. Lots going on, don’t miss it.
I’m waiting for the next book. Max Johnson the former owner of Hope’s house but is now her ghost that wants her help to find his murderer. In this book Max thinks he finally knows who killed him. Hope is a little sad that this means Max might leave. Lots going on, don’t miss it.
July 5, 2021
Brilliantly written, fun and interesting
A baker, a ghost and a murder, who would guess that is the perfect combination for a wonderful story!! This series is so much fun always full of twists and turns, great timing, plot and interesting characters. You will always be left wanting more.
A baker, a ghost and a murder, who would guess that is the perfect combination for a wonderful story!! This series is so much fun always full of twists and turns, great timing, plot and interesting characters. You will always be left wanting more.
August 8, 2021
Enjoyable
First time reading. Wasn't certain I would be interested but I did read all the way through. Was really surprised that the writing was done very well and story line believable. It had a smooth reading approach . Hope seems like a calming person almost someone you'd like to know. Enjoyable fast reading.
First time reading. Wasn't certain I would be interested but I did read all the way through. Was really surprised that the writing was done very well and story line believable. It had a smooth reading approach . Hope seems like a calming person almost someone you'd like to know. Enjoyable fast reading.
April 18, 2021
Another home run!
I love these Hope Herring mysteries. A small town, a beautiful old house, with it’s very own ghost! I enjoy every murder mystery that Hope and Cori get into, and I can’t wait for the next book!
I love these Hope Herring mysteries. A small town, a beautiful old house, with it’s very own ghost! I enjoy every murder mystery that Hope and Cori get into, and I can’t wait for the next book!
April 19, 2021
Excellent
This one great. I like that she was able to find out a little to what her husband was writing about and investigating. I like how the story of max murder and the murder I this story were the same.
This one great. I like that she was able to find out a little to what her husband was writing about and investigating. I like how the story of max murder and the murder I this story were the same.
April 20, 2021
So, so slow. Hardly any action
I think I need to let this series go. It is so slow and so, so boring. With each book, I think something will happen and then, after a mediocre murder mystery - nothing. The “heroine” is just not that interesting, and preachy as heck.
I think I need to let this series go. It is so slow and so, so boring. With each book, I think something will happen and then, after a mediocre murder mystery - nothing. The “heroine” is just not that interesting, and preachy as heck.
April 21, 2021
Fireworks
Hope and Cori are injured when the fireworks store blows up. Inside the store was the owner, who was found to have been shot before the explosion. Hope is determined to stay out of the investigation but everyone keeps bringing it to her.
Hope and Cori are injured when the fireworks store blows up. Inside the store was the owner, who was found to have been shot before the explosion. Hope is determined to stay out of the investigation but everyone keeps bringing it to her.
April 28, 2021
Very enjoyable
These Hope Herring stories are a pleasure to read, the characters develop in each new instalment. The location is charming and the mysteries are absorbing looking forward to the next one already
These Hope Herring stories are a pleasure to read, the characters develop in each new instalment. The location is charming and the mysteries are absorbing looking forward to the next one already
May 16, 2021
Max
Max in trying to figure out his murderer he more or less solve he murder case Hope was trying to figure out. I just wish Hope could find her a love interest. Good clean book no profanity no sex just good mystery. Jo
Max in trying to figure out his murderer he more or less solve he murder case Hope was trying to figure out. I just wish Hope could find her a love interest. Good clean book no profanity no sex just good mystery. Jo
July 14, 2021
Great
I’ve enjoyed all six stories. I’m going to miss these characters.Hopefully there will be additional stories. They were easy reads.I did not want them to end.Please write more. Nell Mc Carthy is a keeper. Thank you both for great entertainment.
I’ve enjoyed all six stories. I’m going to miss these characters.Hopefully there will be additional stories. They were easy reads.I did not want them to end.Please write more. Nell Mc Carthy is a keeper. Thank you both for great entertainment.
August 5, 2021
A great story
Kaboom is an exciting read, as are the other books in this series. The characters are realistic and the setting is also. I enjoyed this latest in the Hope Herring mysteries!!
Kaboom is an exciting read, as are the other books in this series. The characters are realistic and the setting is also. I enjoyed this latest in the Hope Herring mysteries!!
April 19, 2021
Another Interesting Cozy
This was an interesting cozy filled with suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters intriguing.
I recommend this book.
This was an interesting cozy filled with suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters intriguing.
I recommend this book.
April 22, 2021
Great book
This is a great book in the Hope Herring series by J A Whiting and Nell McCarthy. I can't wait for the next book.
This is a great book in the Hope Herring series by J A Whiting and Nell McCarthy. I can't wait for the next book.
April 24, 2021
Excellent as always
Murder She Wrote, Ellery Queen, heart to Heart all examples of this type of .mystery. Great characters, excellent story telling
Murder She Wrote, Ellery Queen, heart to Heart all examples of this type of .mystery. Great characters, excellent story telling
April 29, 2021
Kaboom
Good story. It wasn’t easy to figure out what happened. I’m hopin Cory and Max get to meet in the next book.
Good story. It wasn’t easy to figure out what happened. I’m hopin Cory and Max get to meet in the next book.
April 30, 2021
Great series!
If you like who done it’s, this is the author for you. Each story has mystery, likable characters and charm.
If you like who done it’s, this is the author for you. Each story has mystery, likable characters and charm.
May 6, 2021
Hope Herring
The continuing saga of Max, Hope and Cori with an interesting twist that makes it difficult to put this book down.
The continuing saga of Max, Hope and Cori with an interesting twist that makes it difficult to put this book down.
May 10, 2021
Very good book!
May 19, 2021
Hard to put this book down.
This series is growing on me more and more. The mystery was very interesting and I'll be interested in finding out how things evolve in the next book.
This series is growing on me more and more. The mystery was very interesting and I'll be interested in finding out how things evolve in the next book.
July 11, 2021
Great clean murder series
Hope is a great character. She’s a good believable person who is a teacher, mother and a crime solver. I love the stories and they unwind.
Hope is a great character. She’s a good believable person who is a teacher, mother and a crime solver. I love the stories and they unwind.
Read
July 27, 2021Enjoyed the entire series of 6, I am sure there will be more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews