Synopsis

Motel proprietor Mess Hopkins is more interested in helping others than turning a profit, so he opens the doors of the Fairfax Manor Inn to those seeking refuge from a bad situation. But when his cousin Finn shows up in trouble, his world is rocked, because Mess had thought Finn was dead, having run away six years earlier.

Unfortunately, Finn was in the wrong place at the wrong time and saw the wrong thing—an incident with deadly consequences.

It’s up to Mess, his girlfriend/newspaper reporter Lia Katsaros, and buddy Vell Jackson to solve the crime before some bad men achieve their goal—killing the only eyewitness.

Mess’s frightened cousin Finn.

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Review

Mess Hopkins may not be fit to run a motel, but he seems to make it work despite what his manager and uncle think. From the outside, you might wonder why he does this if he doesn’t make any money (or barely any), but my altruistic side loves that he will temporarily take in people who need help to get back on their feet, escape a bad situation, or do something else.

This novel brings back many favorite characters, including Lia and Vell, Mess’s girlfriend and best friend. We also meet his wayward cousin, Finn. Finn is rather annoying because he avoids facing reality despite the danger he is in after watching someone die. That doesn’t stop Mess from stepping in to help his cousin stay alive.

This book had a slightly different feel from the first. It was more about family, keeping them safe, and reuniting Finn with his parents. We still see Mess’s generous side in letting Norma stay at his hotel while she works it out with her daughter. That was a rather sweet but somewhat frustrating storyline since both women are very stubborn!

There are some intriguing twists at the end that I did not expect. I never suspected who was behind everything.

I really enjoy this newer series for what Mess brings to the table, the usual issues with his Uncle and Cesar (manager), but at the same time, I can see the love for his two nieces and even his girlfriend, Lia. We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

Alan Orloff has published eleven novels and more than fifty short stories. His work has won an Anthony, an Agatha, a Derringer, and two ITW Thriller Awards. He’s also been a finalist for the Shamus Award and has had a story selected for THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology. His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, will be released in October from Level Best Books. He’s past president of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. He loves cake and arugula, but not together. Never together.

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