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A Red Hooper Mystery #1
Burning Hope
From Wendy Roberts, author of Grounds to Kill and the Bodies of Evidence series, comes a new paranormal mystery featuring an amateur sleuth kindling a deep secret…
Red Hooper’s never been what you’d call lucky, but searching for coffee and finding a dead body instead takes things to a whole other level. Even worse, she and her camper van, Bubbles, just rolled into town, and being the new girl makes her suspect number one.
Red never lingers in one place for long—she’s got secrets better left undiscovered—and this time she’s definitely overstayed her welcome. Caught in the crosshairs of a police investigation and creeping to the top of the real murderer’s to-do list, Red will have to plant some roots if she’s going to survive.
Easier said than done. It seems like everyone in town has made up their mind about Red…except the mysterious Noah Adams. The gruff townie might be the key to proving her innocence—if he doesn’t bring even more trouble her way. Together they unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, but Red will be forced to embrace her psychic gifts if she’s going to clear her name before the real murderer snuffs her out.
A Red Hooper Mystery
Book 1: Burning Hope
Red Hooper’s never been what you’d call lucky, but searching for coffee and finding a dead body instead takes things to a whole other level. Even worse, she and her camper van, Bubbles, just rolled into town, and being the new girl makes her suspect number one.
Red never lingers in one place for long—she’s got secrets better left undiscovered—and this time she’s definitely overstayed her welcome. Caught in the crosshairs of a police investigation and creeping to the top of the real murderer’s to-do list, Red will have to plant some roots if she’s going to survive.
Easier said than done. It seems like everyone in town has made up their mind about Red…except the mysterious Noah Adams. The gruff townie might be the key to proving her innocence—if he doesn’t bring even more trouble her way. Together they unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, but Red will be forced to embrace her psychic gifts if she’s going to clear her name before the real murderer snuffs her out.
A Red Hooper Mystery
Book 1: Burning Hope
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
22 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Roberts
30 books328 followersWendy Roberts is an armchair sleuth, fan of all things mysterious but a huge chicken at heart. Her mind is often in the secretive, cloak and dagger world of intrigue while her physical presence is usually at home or on the road in her camper van. Wendy resides in Vancouver, Canada where she happily writes about murder and is always at work on her next novel.
You can find Wendy on the web on the following sites:
Website: www.wendyroberts.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorwendy
Instagram: @wendyroberts_author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WendyRobertsAuthor
TikTok: @wendyroberts_author
You can find Wendy on the web on the following sites:
Website: www.wendyroberts.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorwendy
Instagram: @wendyroberts_author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WendyRobertsAuthor
TikTok: @wendyroberts_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 21, 2022
Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts has Scarlet “Red” Hooper finding the body of Murray in the storeroom on Pincher’s Dollarama. As the newcomer to town, Red becomes Marshal Joel Cobb’s prime suspect. Red is confined to the area until the investigation is complete. The only way to clear her name and be able to leave Hope Harbor is to investigate on her own. Red has a special ability, but she does not how to use it properly. Red’s estranged sister shows up with surprising news and an offer of help. Red is going to need assistance if she is to get out from under Marshal Cobb’s scrutiny. Burning Hope is the debut novel in A Red Hooper Mysteries. It is a paranormal cozy mystery since our protagonist has a special ability. In the beginning of Burning Hope, it did not feel like the first book. I felt like I was plopped into the middle of a series. Things are explained later in the story. The murder occurs in the first chapter leaving the rest of the book for the investigation and learning more about Red. I did not find Red to be a likeable woman. She is not the normal warm main character you find in this type of mystery (cozy mystery with a hint of paranormal). Red is standoffish and keeps people at a distance. I definitely did not like Red’s sister. We meet townspeople along the way with special attention on Noah. Noah is a nice man who owns the local hardware store. Romance is more prevalent than the mystery at times in the story. There were no sparks or chemistry between Red and Noah. The words are there but not the emotions. The mystery was straightforward. There are only a handful of suspects, and the solution was different. I never felt there was a real investigation. The mystery never felt a priority. I also question Red’s special ability. I just did not feel that everything came together into one cohesive story. There is too much repetition especially about Bubbles and Red’s grandmother. The one thing I did like was Muffin, the little kitten that needs a home. Burning Hope does contain foul language, intimate situations, and drug addiction. While Burning Hope is not my cup of tea, others find it appealing (that is the beauty of books). I suggest you obtain a sample to judge for yourself. Burning Hope is an unusual paranormal tale with a coffee catastrophe, a gone groper, distrusting townspeople, a frustrating marshal, a cuddly kitten, surprising secrets, a handsome hardware store owner plus a nomad with her bubble mobile.
March 5, 2022
Scarlett "Red" Hopper doesn't expect to stumble into a dead body when she arrives at her working place early to get a cup of coffee. Alas, that's what happened. Unfortunately, being 'new' at Hope Harbor and a nomad, she also becomes person of interest. Red might have secrets of her own, but she is not a murderer! Red needs to clear her name; before she becomes a victim herself.
Wendy Roberts - author of Bodies of Evidence series - returns with a new paranormal mystery. As first book, I thought Burning Hope was good enough. Red hasn't grown into her paranormal ability too much in this book, she just starts to learn to deal with it. So I guess it will develop further along the series.
I wasn't completely sold on the side romance, though. It felt rather quick. I also though the whole was a bit too much. However, I will try to keep my eyes on the next books in this series.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Wendy Roberts - author of Bodies of Evidence series - returns with a new paranormal mystery. As first book, I thought Burning Hope was good enough. Red hasn't grown into her paranormal ability too much in this book, she just starts to learn to deal with it. So I guess it will develop further along the series.
I wasn't completely sold on the side romance, though. It felt rather quick. I also though the whole was a bit too much. However, I will try to keep my eyes on the next books in this series.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
May 29, 2022
This one just didn't work for me, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. Red was odd, the outsider, easy for the town to blame, but hiding something. I was so so on things until her sister showed up, who I didn't care about at all. In the end this one just wasn't for me.
January 20, 2022
I was so excited to receive this book that I immediately started it, and devoured this book in just over a day. I don't know what it was, but I just didn't care for Red. I enjoyed the storyline, I ALWAYS love a little psychic thrown in to my stories, and I adored Noah. I just didn't vibe with Red. That said, I'm still hoping this is the beginning of a series!
Thank you netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone
Thank you netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone
February 14, 2022
I am a huge fan of Wendy Roberts other series and was absolutely tickled to see that she had a new series. This one did not disappoint. I could not put this book down, and read it in 2 days.! I wish I could give it 10 stars instead of 5. The only negative I have is that we have to wait for the next one! I absolutely love how the author integrates Red's psychic abilities in the story.. I am eager to see how her abilities grow.
Red is an onion, with many layers and years of trauma and disappointment. She has been on her own for the last couple years, and struggles with trusting or relying on anyone. She travels around Washington in her van, "Bubbles," aptly named for the neon bubble decals on the outside. She works odd jobs to make some money, but never stays anywhere for very long. She stops in Hope Harbor, and meets Penny, the owner of the local dollarama store, where she works for a couple weeks, trying to save up some money to get a new battery and fridge for Bubbles. She stops by the store on her day off to make some coffee and finds the body of Murray, one of her coworkers, and one of the most unliked men in town. As an out of towner, she becomes the most likely suspect and a piriah in town.
I enjoyed meeting the characters of Hope Harbor, and did not see the ending coming! That you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Red is an onion, with many layers and years of trauma and disappointment. She has been on her own for the last couple years, and struggles with trusting or relying on anyone. She travels around Washington in her van, "Bubbles," aptly named for the neon bubble decals on the outside. She works odd jobs to make some money, but never stays anywhere for very long. She stops in Hope Harbor, and meets Penny, the owner of the local dollarama store, where she works for a couple weeks, trying to save up some money to get a new battery and fridge for Bubbles. She stops by the store on her day off to make some coffee and finds the body of Murray, one of her coworkers, and one of the most unliked men in town. As an out of towner, she becomes the most likely suspect and a piriah in town.
I enjoyed meeting the characters of Hope Harbor, and did not see the ending coming! That you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 23, 2022
Burning Hope penned by the author Wendy Roberts is the first installment in A Red Hooper Mystery Book series. Scarlet Joan Hooper has recently moved to Hope Harbor. She has been on the road living in her camper van since her nan died.
Scarlet aka Red works at the Pincher’s Dollarama store. On her day-off, she visited the store quite early and found the body of a co-worker Murray there. Scarlet informed about the murder to the police. Since Scarlet is a newbie in the town, she was the suspect. Read this story to know will Scarlet be able to find the actual killer.
Story is intriguing. Writing style of Wendy is amazing. The cover photo of the book is well designed. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Those who enjoy reading murder mystery should get their hands on this book.
Scarlet aka Red works at the Pincher’s Dollarama store. On her day-off, she visited the store quite early and found the body of a co-worker Murray there. Scarlet informed about the murder to the police. Since Scarlet is a newbie in the town, she was the suspect. Read this story to know will Scarlet be able to find the actual killer.
Story is intriguing. Writing style of Wendy is amazing. The cover photo of the book is well designed. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Those who enjoy reading murder mystery should get their hands on this book.
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March 1, 2022Mystery, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Ghost, Women Sleuths Mystery & Detective Fiction
Miniseries
A Red Hooper Mystery (Book #1)
Miniseries
A Red Hooper Mystery (Book #1)
April 13, 2022
Reluctant psychic on the trail of a murderer
Scarlet "Red" Hooper is in Hope Harbor, Washington, traveling in her van called Bubbles that she inherited from her nan. She's working at the local dollar store, trying to get some extra cash for some repairs to the van, when she comes across a murdered man early one morning.
As a newcomer to the small town she's automatically a suspect. And she knows the local police are going to have questions when they find out she's been involved in cases before - using her psychic talents.
I enjoyed this psychic mystery. Lighthearted at times, showing small town life at its best but mostly at its worst with some romance thrown in, this was a fun read. It's the first in a new series and I'll be watching for the next book.
I received this book from Carina Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Scarlet "Red" Hooper is in Hope Harbor, Washington, traveling in her van called Bubbles that she inherited from her nan. She's working at the local dollar store, trying to get some extra cash for some repairs to the van, when she comes across a murdered man early one morning.
As a newcomer to the small town she's automatically a suspect. And she knows the local police are going to have questions when they find out she's been involved in cases before - using her psychic talents.
I enjoyed this psychic mystery. Lighthearted at times, showing small town life at its best but mostly at its worst with some romance thrown in, this was a fun read. It's the first in a new series and I'll be watching for the next book.
I received this book from Carina Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
May 10, 2025
Very enjoyable. No complaints.
June 4, 2024
It was okay, still had high hopes for this one but not my type at all
March 26, 2022
Red Hooper is the new woman in town for just as long as it takes her to earn enough money to get a new battery and fridge for her van. Unfortunately, as her current luck would have it, she stumbles upon the body of a work colleague in the stockroom of the dollar store where she works. The townspeople and the ever-annoyed town marshal seem to believe she’s the murderer, after all it couldn’t be one of them, could it? As the story unfolds, Red’s older sister, Brandy, who claims to now be sober and clean, reenters her life and helps Red to understand a “talent” the women in the family have passed along to new generations—psychic abilities. Can Red harness her ability before she becomes a convenient victim for the town’s witch-hunt.
I’m not usually a fan of cozy mysteries because they can sometimes be a little on the eye-rolling side if the author is not careful. By adding a paranormal aspect that raises interest, Wendy Roberts has written an engrossing story with plenty of twists and a mystery that keeps the reader guessing.
I quite liked Red. She’s a different kind of character, an introvert who doesn’t want to interact with a lot of people. She prefers the company of the woods. She’s reserved but friendly enough and far too trusting. Perhaps because of her brain surgery, which set her back on many fronts, she comes across as younger than her age.
Some ideas were introduced in the story that were never quite fully imagined but the mystery itself and culprit made sense.
For animal lovers, there’s a bundle-of-fluff kitten, Muffin, who Red adopts and steals the story with her antics.
For romance lovers, there’s a budding romance between Red and hardware store owner, Noah, but he appears in one of her visions as someone she cannot altogether trust. So we’re never quite sure if we should be rooting for them or not.
All in all, Burning Hope is a satisfying cozy paranormal mystery and I look forward to reading more about Red in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not usually a fan of cozy mysteries because they can sometimes be a little on the eye-rolling side if the author is not careful. By adding a paranormal aspect that raises interest, Wendy Roberts has written an engrossing story with plenty of twists and a mystery that keeps the reader guessing.
I quite liked Red. She’s a different kind of character, an introvert who doesn’t want to interact with a lot of people. She prefers the company of the woods. She’s reserved but friendly enough and far too trusting. Perhaps because of her brain surgery, which set her back on many fronts, she comes across as younger than her age.
Some ideas were introduced in the story that were never quite fully imagined but the mystery itself and culprit made sense.
For animal lovers, there’s a bundle-of-fluff kitten, Muffin, who Red adopts and steals the story with her antics.
For romance lovers, there’s a budding romance between Red and hardware store owner, Noah, but he appears in one of her visions as someone she cannot altogether trust. So we’re never quite sure if we should be rooting for them or not.
All in all, Burning Hope is a satisfying cozy paranormal mystery and I look forward to reading more about Red in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2022
Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts is a highly recommended paranormal murder mystery and the first book in a new series.
Red (Scarlett) Hooper has been in Hope Harbor, Washington, for a few months working at Pincher's Dollarama store to earn money to buy a new battery and fridge for her camper van Bubbles (named for the bubble decals that cover it). When Red stops in early one morning for coffee at the store and finds finds the body of Murray in the storage room she immediately calls 911, but as the only new person in this small town of over five hundred people, she is obviously the main suspect. It doesn't help when the police find evidence that seems to imply her guilt and uncover her connection to two other murder investigations. Red has the psychic gift of seeing visions through fire (and she also adopts a kitten) in this mystery.
This is a well-written, quick-paced novel that will hold your attention throughout. Obviously Red knows she is a suspect and she must do some investigating on her own if she wants to find the real killer. She also meets Noah is the process and the two become an item. There are several quirky, small town characters introduced along the way and Red's estranged sister shows up to give her some advice about her psychic powers.
Red is an interesting character who is apparently just learning how to really use her psychic abilities, although she has known they existed before this. (I'm not entirely taken with the psychic premise.) This is the first novel with Red as the main character, so while there is certainly backstory and good character development, Roberts has left plenty of room for more. This is a decent start to a new series. 3.5 rounded up
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
Red (Scarlett) Hooper has been in Hope Harbor, Washington, for a few months working at Pincher's Dollarama store to earn money to buy a new battery and fridge for her camper van Bubbles (named for the bubble decals that cover it). When Red stops in early one morning for coffee at the store and finds finds the body of Murray in the storage room she immediately calls 911, but as the only new person in this small town of over five hundred people, she is obviously the main suspect. It doesn't help when the police find evidence that seems to imply her guilt and uncover her connection to two other murder investigations. Red has the psychic gift of seeing visions through fire (and she also adopts a kitten) in this mystery.
This is a well-written, quick-paced novel that will hold your attention throughout. Obviously Red knows she is a suspect and she must do some investigating on her own if she wants to find the real killer. She also meets Noah is the process and the two become an item. There are several quirky, small town characters introduced along the way and Red's estranged sister shows up to give her some advice about her psychic powers.
Red is an interesting character who is apparently just learning how to really use her psychic abilities, although she has known they existed before this. (I'm not entirely taken with the psychic premise.) This is the first novel with Red as the main character, so while there is certainly backstory and good character development, Roberts has left plenty of room for more. This is a decent start to a new series. 3.5 rounded up
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
March 8, 2022
TW: Heroin addiction (not main character) and overdose resulting in death
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BURNING HOPE is a paranormal mystery that follows Red Hooper. Red is the new girl in town, living in the camper van that she inherited from her late grandmother. When she happens across a body, she’s immediately labeled as suspect number one as the only stranger in this small town. As the real murderer targets her and the towns people threatens her, she finds a friend in Noah Adams. Red has to embrace her psychic abilities to solve the case before the real murderer gets to her.
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When reading romantic suspense I want to find myself at the edge of my seat over the action and swooning over the romance, but I did neither with this story. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did. It was a decent read. I just think it could have been elevated. Noah and Red’s relationship didn’t do anything for me. It felt flat. I didn’t see any passion or chemistry between them. The investigation wasn’t as gripping as I had hoped, but I was still interested in sticking around for the reveal. I still have questions about Red’s abilities. I’m sure that will be explored further in the next book and although the ending was intriguing, I’m not sure if I’m interested in continuing on this series. This was a nice read, but it didn’t make much of a lasting impression.
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3/5 stars, BURNING HOPE by Wendy Roberts is available now! Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for sending me an eARC to review.
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BURNING HOPE is a paranormal mystery that follows Red Hooper. Red is the new girl in town, living in the camper van that she inherited from her late grandmother. When she happens across a body, she’s immediately labeled as suspect number one as the only stranger in this small town. As the real murderer targets her and the towns people threatens her, she finds a friend in Noah Adams. Red has to embrace her psychic abilities to solve the case before the real murderer gets to her.
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When reading romantic suspense I want to find myself at the edge of my seat over the action and swooning over the romance, but I did neither with this story. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did. It was a decent read. I just think it could have been elevated. Noah and Red’s relationship didn’t do anything for me. It felt flat. I didn’t see any passion or chemistry between them. The investigation wasn’t as gripping as I had hoped, but I was still interested in sticking around for the reveal. I still have questions about Red’s abilities. I’m sure that will be explored further in the next book and although the ending was intriguing, I’m not sure if I’m interested in continuing on this series. This was a nice read, but it didn’t make much of a lasting impression.
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3/5 stars, BURNING HOPE by Wendy Roberts is available now! Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for sending me an eARC to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts
There are very few books that have the power to hook the reader's attention from the first page itself. Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts is one such novel. It is the first book in a Red Hooper Mystery. Red Hooper is in the main role in the story. How would you feel when all you wanted is coffee but you find a dead body instead. The worst that happened with Red is that she is new to town so she was under everyone's suspicion. Everyone in Hope Harbor trusts its residents. All eyes were pointed to Red. Red's boss in the story is Penny. She trusts her and asks Red not to pay attention to bad-mouthing about her. Someone even wrote Murderer on Red's camper van in which she is living. Scarlet's van was of her grandmother. But after her death, Scarlet is living in it. A townie Noah Adams was glad that Murray died. Red accused him saying he could be a murderer. But will Noah help Red in finding the actual murderer? Will this mystery be solved? The backdrop is interesting. Wendy's writing has the power to capture the reader's full attention. Storyline is super. Characters are written well by the author. I liked the way the story ended. Wendy has done a great job in this book and I like to recommend this novel to everyone. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
There are very few books that have the power to hook the reader's attention from the first page itself. Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts is one such novel. It is the first book in a Red Hooper Mystery. Red Hooper is in the main role in the story. How would you feel when all you wanted is coffee but you find a dead body instead. The worst that happened with Red is that she is new to town so she was under everyone's suspicion. Everyone in Hope Harbor trusts its residents. All eyes were pointed to Red. Red's boss in the story is Penny. She trusts her and asks Red not to pay attention to bad-mouthing about her. Someone even wrote Murderer on Red's camper van in which she is living. Scarlet's van was of her grandmother. But after her death, Scarlet is living in it. A townie Noah Adams was glad that Murray died. Red accused him saying he could be a murderer. But will Noah help Red in finding the actual murderer? Will this mystery be solved? The backdrop is interesting. Wendy's writing has the power to capture the reader's full attention. Storyline is super. Characters are written well by the author. I liked the way the story ended. Wendy has done a great job in this book and I like to recommend this novel to everyone. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
March 20, 2022
Burning Hope by Wendy Roberts
A Red Hooper Mystery #1
Paranormal cozy mystery with a side of romance ~ Great introduction to the series
What I liked:
* Scarlet “Red” Hooper: fire scryer, descendent of female paranormal psychic seers, vagabond, lives and travels in a camper van decorated with bubbles, new girl in town when she stumbles across a body
* Noah Adams: widow, hardware store owner, small town entrepreneur, potential love interest for Red
* The small-town vibe
* The paranormal aspects
* Brandy: Red’s sister, mirror scryer, business owner, ex-addict
* Not knowing for sure who the killer was till near the end
* The potential growth as the series progresses
* Wondering what will happen next
What I didn’t like:
* The small-town gossips and hate mongers
Comment:
I wasn’t able to get a handle on Red. Determine her motivations, and understand what drew her and Noah to one another. I hope that in the future books of the series we will learn more about Red’s past and will be able to watch her character develop.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
A Red Hooper Mystery #1
Paranormal cozy mystery with a side of romance ~ Great introduction to the series
What I liked:
* Scarlet “Red” Hooper: fire scryer, descendent of female paranormal psychic seers, vagabond, lives and travels in a camper van decorated with bubbles, new girl in town when she stumbles across a body
* Noah Adams: widow, hardware store owner, small town entrepreneur, potential love interest for Red
* The small-town vibe
* The paranormal aspects
* Brandy: Red’s sister, mirror scryer, business owner, ex-addict
* Not knowing for sure who the killer was till near the end
* The potential growth as the series progresses
* Wondering what will happen next
What I didn’t like:
* The small-town gossips and hate mongers
Comment:
I wasn’t able to get a handle on Red. Determine her motivations, and understand what drew her and Noah to one another. I hope that in the future books of the series we will learn more about Red’s past and will be able to watch her character develop.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
January 23, 2022
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: Burning Hope
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Wendy Roberts
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
I love to read murder mysteries. Recently I got my hands on Wendy Robert's Burning Hope. Main character of the story is Scarlet Hooper. Everyone calls her Red. Red lives in a camper van Bubbles. Just one month before, she moved to a small town called Hope Harbor. When she saw a Help Wanted sign at Penny's store, she went there for a job.
One day Red went to the story during predawn. Unfortunately, she found the body of her co-worker Murray there. Someone had just murdered him and escaped. When the investigation began, cops asked many questions from Red. On running the background check on her, police found that Red's name is associated with murder in Seattle and Aberdeen also.
This will make things more complicated for Red. Also, she was asked not to leave Hope Harbor until the case is solved. Narration is smooth and I was able to follow the story easily. This is the first book that I have read penned by Wendy and I must say she has great storytelling skills. I am looking forward to reading more of Wendy's work.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Wendy Roberts
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
I love to read murder mysteries. Recently I got my hands on Wendy Robert's Burning Hope. Main character of the story is Scarlet Hooper. Everyone calls her Red. Red lives in a camper van Bubbles. Just one month before, she moved to a small town called Hope Harbor. When she saw a Help Wanted sign at Penny's store, she went there for a job.
One day Red went to the story during predawn. Unfortunately, she found the body of her co-worker Murray there. Someone had just murdered him and escaped. When the investigation began, cops asked many questions from Red. On running the background check on her, police found that Red's name is associated with murder in Seattle and Aberdeen also.
This will make things more complicated for Red. Also, she was asked not to leave Hope Harbor until the case is solved. Narration is smooth and I was able to follow the story easily. This is the first book that I have read penned by Wendy and I must say she has great storytelling skills. I am looking forward to reading more of Wendy's work.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
March 18, 2022
I so enjoy books by Wendy Roberts as her characters, especially the female ones are unique and “quirky”. Scarlet “Red” Hooper is beginning to feel that murders are following her as she travels around the country in Bubbles, her travel trailer. She stops at work for coffee and finds one of the employees on the floor, dead. Calling the police, she knows she will be their prime suspect as she found the body and is new to this town. Knowing that information she has provided about past murders will eventually become known, she must try to find the killer. The Marshal seems to have it in for her and her only friend appears to be the man who she had thought might be the murderer, Noah Adams, owner of the town hardware store. Her family history is suspect as her relatives were psychics, including her ability to “see’ visions in fire and her sister who “sees” things in a mirror. When the danger escalates, who can she trust…Noah, the people she works for or just herself? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
April 18, 2022
I must be losing my touch since I didn’t have this book figured out and was caught off guard when the full involvement of the people of Hope Harbor came into focus. Wendy Roberts introduces her newest character, Scarlett “Red” Hooper, to her readers. Red has been lost since the death of her grandmother, but when her sister pops up with unwanted news, she must now face what has been hidden from her.
Though Wendy Roberts’ main characters tend to be on the immature side, I still find myself drawn to their fragility and unease. They all have the same basic qualities in common and tend to be drawn to the first man showing them any attention. Yet that doesn’t stop me from following their plight and wondering if one day they will pull themselves together.
The ending implies there will be more to the series, but one never knows since Grounds to Kill only had a single book.
Though Wendy Roberts’ main characters tend to be on the immature side, I still find myself drawn to their fragility and unease. They all have the same basic qualities in common and tend to be drawn to the first man showing them any attention. Yet that doesn’t stop me from following their plight and wondering if one day they will pull themselves together.
The ending implies there will be more to the series, but one never knows since Grounds to Kill only had a single book.
March 22, 2022
3.5* upped to 4
I think there's a lot of potential and I liked the mystery, the paranormal side, and the setting.
Red is a complex character: damaged, with a lot of baggage, and always detached even if there're some glimpse of the person behind the mask.
The romance felt a bit stilted but I enjoyed it.
The mystery is full of twists and kept me guessing.
I hope this is the start of a series as I would like to learn more about Red and read about what will happeng.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I think there's a lot of potential and I liked the mystery, the paranormal side, and the setting.
Red is a complex character: damaged, with a lot of baggage, and always detached even if there're some glimpse of the person behind the mask.
The romance felt a bit stilted but I enjoyed it.
The mystery is full of twists and kept me guessing.
I hope this is the start of a series as I would like to learn more about Red and read about what will happeng.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 23, 2022
I loved it! This author writes great mysteries with a psychic edge. Red is a tough gal to be able to live alone in a camper van in random fields and forests but I have to admit it sounds fun. The small town she stops in has people that might have a few oddities but they are loyal to each other which makes it hard for Red to be believed. The end was very unexpected. I hope she's able to improve her gift soon! ARC netgalley.com
February 14, 2022
A big thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press/Carina Adore (Harlequin) for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe that this is the first in a new series. This was an unexpected surprise. I found this book interesting, and not at all what I was expecting. Red Hooper (Scarlet) is a little bit different, and has secrets, an d doesn't stay in one place for long. She lives in an RV. She has a cat. I am hooked. 3.5 stars Enjoy!!
April 22, 2022
It has been too long since I have read a book by Wendy Roberts! I love her stubborn women protagonists. I want to call them quirky, but that is too cutesy. They are just plain weird and I love them all. This is sort of a cozy, small town mystery with a nice twist at the end. Can you guess who killed the man that everyone hated?
January 17, 2022
I was not sure that I would enjoy this book in the beginning but I was wrong. Red lives in an old camper trailer named bubbles. She has a paranormal gift of seeing visions in fire. I did not like the scenes about her sister. I will read the next book in this series to see where it is going
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December 22, 2025I enjoyed the story overall, but it included one of the most unnecessary deaths I’ve ever read—truly devastating for no good reason 😭. That said, the character who was murdered was such a complete creep that part of me felt they had it coming.
March 18, 2022
Really loved this first book in the series and looking forward to the next one.📖
April 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and ended perfectly. A tad bit predictable, but still kept you guessing.
March 10, 2026
Great book
Never met a book by Wendy Roberts that I didn't like. All of her series are very enjoyable, and I hope she'll produce more of them.
Never met a book by Wendy Roberts that I didn't like. All of her series are very enjoyable, and I hope she'll produce more of them.
April 12, 2022
does not disappoint
Wendy Roberts is back with a new series and it does not disappoint. “Burning Hope” is the first book in the new Red Hooper Mysteries. And let me tell you it was great. This book kept me guessing and biting my nails till the very twisted end.
Scarlett, also known as Red lives in her camper van named. Bubbles. She is a wanderer, living wherever she boondocks. She has been boon-docking in a small town for a short spell when she discovers her coworker dead.
Red quickly becomes suspect #1. Being a loner and newcomer doesn’t paint her in a pretty picture. Now stuck in town until her innocence is proven, she begins to question who to trust. On top of all this a blast from her past rolls in and deep secrets are revealed. Will Red be found innocent or will she be the next victim?
Overall this book was an excellent mystery. It had a unique plot and twisted route to the who done it part. The characters were unique and quite eccentric. The author did an excellent job laying the groundwork for the series to continue. I look forward to more adventures from Red.
Wendy Roberts is back with a new series and it does not disappoint. “Burning Hope” is the first book in the new Red Hooper Mysteries. And let me tell you it was great. This book kept me guessing and biting my nails till the very twisted end.
Scarlett, also known as Red lives in her camper van named. Bubbles. She is a wanderer, living wherever she boondocks. She has been boon-docking in a small town for a short spell when she discovers her coworker dead.
Red quickly becomes suspect #1. Being a loner and newcomer doesn’t paint her in a pretty picture. Now stuck in town until her innocence is proven, she begins to question who to trust. On top of all this a blast from her past rolls in and deep secrets are revealed. Will Red be found innocent or will she be the next victim?
Overall this book was an excellent mystery. It had a unique plot and twisted route to the who done it part. The characters were unique and quite eccentric. The author did an excellent job laying the groundwork for the series to continue. I look forward to more adventures from Red.
April 1, 2022
I am a huge Wendy Roberts fan I’ve read every single book she’s written at least I think i have lol. That being said this book was sooo good. It sets up the series perfectly there were some twist I never saw coming for sure. Perfect ending to set us up for the next book. Not a cliffhanger thank goodness but it will make you want to read the next book right away but alas we have to wait till she writes it!
March 22, 2022
I could not put this book down! I read it in about 3 hours. I absolutely love how this author weaves a story. Her characters are quirky, fun and unique. I am looking forward to seeing what’s next for Red.
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