Member Reviews

Late Checkout features Mess, who is running a rather shabby motel that makes virtually no money. Especially since he gives rooms away to those in need.
His cousin - whom he long thought dead - shows up are the motel and brings with him a whole lot of trouble that entangles Mess and the motel.

This thriller is full of twists and turns and is sheer suspense. I couldn't put the book down. The characters are well written and the plot is believable.

I heartily recommend this book

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Was looking forward to reading this since it takes place near my town in Virginia.
Overall the story was interesting and kept my attention. The characters are pretty well written.
The ending wasn’t surprising, I had a few inklings as to what was happening.
Overall a good read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

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LATE CHECKOUT by Alan S. Orloff

It was good to reconnect Mess, who just wants to help people but manages to live up to his nickname. The motel can’t turn a profit if he keeps giving rooms away, but then, it might not anyway, in its shabby state and in a poor economy. Meanwhile, he keeps offering sanctuary to wayward souls, including the most wayward of all, his own cousin Finn, who has been missing for six years with no contact, running from the bullying disapproval of his dad, dear old Uncle Phil. Family strife pales in comparison to Finn’s other woes, an affair that has to be secret, marginal employment possibilities, and, oh yeah, two bad guys after him because he may have witnessed a murder . . . another fine mess, Mess.
None of that counts as spoilers, as they are presented at the very beginning. There are, however, many surprises in store that I will not spoil and which I did NOT see coming. I love the loyalty of Mess and his cadre of friends, and I enjoy the humor in quips and observations, and I was quite caught up in the mysteries of “who done it.” A well-executed (puns intended) and adventurous tale, recommended without reservations.

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Fairfax Manor Inn owner Mess Hopkins has helped people seeking refuge but he doesn't expect his cousin Finn to suddenly show up. Having left home 6 years earlier, his family thought Finn was dead. Instead, Finn has tried to clean up his life but he is in big trouble. With the help of Mess' newspaper reporter girlfriend Lia & his friend Vell, Mess will do his best to protect Finn from some bad guys who want to kill him. The recent murder of a shady local real estate developer and the ongoings of a WWE star's home are related.

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This book was good! It definitely kept me turning the page and had such a good story line. Would love to read more books by this author

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Late Checkout is a gripping mystery novel that follows the life of Mess Hopkins, a motel proprietor whose primary goal is to help others. His life takes a dramatic turn when his cousin Finn unexpectedly reappears after being presumed dead for six years. This shocking reunion sets off a chain of events filled with danger and suspense.

The story begins with Finn arriving at the Fairfax Manor Inn, bringing with him a harrowing secret that puts his life in jeopardy. He has witnessed something dangerous, and now he is the only witness to a crime that could have deadly consequences. Mess, along with his girlfriend Lia Katsaros—a determined newspaper reporter—and their friend Vell Jackson, must work together to uncover the truth behind what Finn saw before it’s too late.
Late Checkout is an engaging read for fans of mysteries and character-driven narratives alike. With its blend of suspenseful twists and emotional depth, I promises it keep sreaders on edge while also tugging at their heartstrings.

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This book is more than just a thrilling mystery; it tells the story of family bonds, the consequences of past choices, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. The writing is sharp and engaging. The plot twist definitely got me at the end was not expecting that!! The book is a great read and it kept me guessing until the very end. Overall, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of character-driven narratives!! Thank you for the Chance to read and review!!💜

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This was really good! I loved the characters - Mess, Lia, Finn, Vell. And it was a great storyline that was more suspense than anything. It keeps you turning the pages as quick as you can so you can see what's going to happen next. I recommend picking this up if you need something that's a little thriller-y, but leaning more towards suspense...and if you love dysfunctional family dynamics. This one proved my theory that God gives us our families, because he knows we darn well wouldn't choose them!!

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Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc! This one is more of a slow burn for me. I find it to be a little unnecessarily wordy in some parts. Nevertheless, an intriguing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

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In *Late Checkout*, we dive into the intriguing world of Mess Hopkins, a motel proprietor whose kindness often outweighs his business acumen. The Fairfax Manor Inn becomes a sanctuary for those in need, but everything changes when Mess’s cousin, Finn, unexpectedly reappears after years of presumed death. This gripping tale of loyalty, danger, and redemption weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The plot kicks off with a bang as Finn arrives, bringing with him a harrowing secret that threatens both his life and the safety of those around him. The author skillfully crafts a sense of urgency as Mess, alongside his girlfriend Lia—a determined newspaper reporter—and their friend Vell, rush to uncover the truth behind the crime Finn witnessed. The stakes are high, and the suspense escalates with each chapter, making it difficult to put the book down.

Character development is a highlight of the story. Mess’s selflessness and dedication to helping others shine through, providing a stark contrast to the dark forces they face. Lia’s tenacity as a journalist adds depth and resourcefulness to the investigation, while Vell brings a touch of humor and camaraderie, balancing the tension with moments of levity. The dynamics among these three characters create a relatable and engaging team that readers root for.

The setting of the Fairfax Manor Inn is vividly described, almost becoming a character in its own right. The cozy yet eerie atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for a mystery filled with twists and turns. The author does a fantastic job of immersing readers in this world, making them feel the tension and urgency as the characters race against time to protect Finn and solve the mystery.

*Late Checkout* is more than just a thrilling mystery; it’s a poignant exploration of family bonds, the consequences of past choices, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. The writing is sharp and engaging, with a well-paced plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Overall, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of character-driven narratives. With its blend of suspense, heart, and relatable characters, *Late Checkout* is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating Mess’s next adventure. If you're looking for a gripping tale that combines intrigue with emotional depth, look no further than this captivating novel.

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Great time to pick up this book for your early holiday reading pile. It’s got all the right ingredients for the perfect holiday escape - mystery, thrills, twists, complex characters who will delight and enrage you, and an ending which is not quite expected. I found Finn an interesting character, in particular, especially when he first showed up and it was not clear what the motivations were and what had happened. Very interesting book.

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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! Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, a great who done it and a few twists and turns. The story was interesting, it wasn’t one of my all time favorite but still worth reading! I would recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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This was a decent book! It had the mystery and suspense that keeps the reader wondering what exactly happened. It was a bit messy with a lot going on at times, but other than that I enjoyed it! It felt like the ending was kind of rushed/ missing some info so for that I was upset.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and especially the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book!!

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