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Checking Out
Keene Tempest was born to be a cop. After years spent preparing for a career in law enforcement, he’s finally working his dream job with the LAPD, and his criminal justice degree is almost within reach. The last thing he wants to do is return to his sleepy Wyoming hometown to run the family hotel after the death of his mother. But at the insistence of his older siblings that he honor his late mother’s wishes, what choice does he have?
When Keene arrives at the Tempest Hotel, it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems. He’s shocked to learn that his mother’s death was anything but natural—foul play was almost certainly involved. As Keene becomes embroiled in the investigation—and in his budding relationship with lovely local law enforcement Officer Chaille Donovan—the body count rises: another murder victim is discovered, and there is no doubt that this bizarre string of crimes is somehow tied to the hotel—and to him. Against a chilling backdrop of family feuds, shootings, and armed robbery, Keene must draw upon his years of training to unearth a killer. And in a town this small, no one is above suspicion . . .
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
18 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Clair M. Poulson
55 books296 followersClair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 24, 2024
I like crime mysteries. Could his mother been murdered? And his brother? Keene had this questions in mind as a police officer. This had so many people that it could have been, so many twists and turns. I couldn't guess at all who it might be, til the very end. It was quite a surprise! Family problems and miss communications, wondering if they really loved each other as a family. Added twist of a new love too! I also like that it in country areas that I am aware of, mostly the Western States of America.
September 7, 2013
What an AMAZING mystery!
Tangled with so many suspects you really don't know who did it until the very end where clues are dropped making you suspect, but not really knowing, until the masks are down and the killer is pointing a gun at the hero.
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
I couldn't put it down!
Keene Tempest just wants to be a cop, but with his mother's passing he takes up the management of the family hotel.
When one of the local police officers stops to introduce herself, she tells Keene that his mother's death might not be as it seems.
Keene's police-trained mind goes into play and he starts asking the townsfolk questions.
After someone else is then murdered in the hotel, Keene sets out on a journey to find the killer.
But to do that he will also have to solve an old-case armed robbery, and discover the persons behind the multiple shootings that are now happening.
Along the way his family feuding will be mended and a relationship will start with the beautiful local officer named Chaille Donovan.
Chilling!
Thrilling!
and Captivating!
You will LOVE this story!
Tangled with so many suspects you really don't know who did it until the very end where clues are dropped making you suspect, but not really knowing, until the masks are down and the killer is pointing a gun at the hero.
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
I couldn't put it down!
Keene Tempest just wants to be a cop, but with his mother's passing he takes up the management of the family hotel.
When one of the local police officers stops to introduce herself, she tells Keene that his mother's death might not be as it seems.
Keene's police-trained mind goes into play and he starts asking the townsfolk questions.
After someone else is then murdered in the hotel, Keene sets out on a journey to find the killer.
But to do that he will also have to solve an old-case armed robbery, and discover the persons behind the multiple shootings that are now happening.
Along the way his family feuding will be mended and a relationship will start with the beautiful local officer named Chaille Donovan.
Chilling!
Thrilling!
and Captivating!
You will LOVE this story!
September 12, 2013
I knew who the bad guy was WAY before the characters did. Other than that, it was a fun little read. A good "fluff" book-easy read, fun, know the good guys are going to win, but helps you escape from reality for a couple of hours!
November 27, 2014
Okay, so maybe I read Poulson's best book first. I ended up liking this one more than the last one I read, but still didn't feel it was as well-written as the first one I read. And I didn't like it enough to keep it, so I will be posting two Poulson books on Paperback Swap soon.
May 16, 2017
I listened to this book using Bookshelf Plus. I enjoyed the narrator and the story was great. It delved into the family dynamics of Keene Tempest who is a former cop. He is guilted into running his mothers motel in a small town after her death. He soon realizes there may have been foul play involved in her death. The author throws in a little romance with the local law enforcement and it made for a perfect book.
November 4, 2018
The story was OK but not crisply written and too much was made of the love story, let that come out in the epilogue. And it's too bad that all the bad guys were not caught and punished - though I know real life rarely ends with a neat bow on every criminal - I like stories that end that way. And one question - why didn't the bad guys attack the hotel and the employees that to get Keene to accept defeat?
July 12, 2019
I found this one at the library and was intrigued enough from reading the back to bring it home and take it for a spin. I was thrilled when they traveled through Twin Falls, Idaho, as that is close by, but then it felt like they traveled all over Arizona and Idaho and California and I started to get confused over who was where and who found which clues out. Everything gets sorted out by the end, which is good, but I admit to still being slightly lost somewhere in the middle.
September 12, 2020
This was classic Poulson. Main character falls for the girl (both are Latter-day Saints), tragedy befalls the character and/or family, they work to solve the crime (all the while getting closer to the love interest), suspects are laid out, some are murdered, removing them as suspects, twists turns and all wrapped up in a neat little package at the very end. And the guy marries the girl.
I know, I know...but these are my favorite audio books for our cross-country drives!
I know, I know...but these are my favorite audio books for our cross-country drives!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
In enjoyed this read though I figured out early on who the killer was. I suppose if I was in the actual situation it might be harder to see. Something that has bugged me about a few of this author's books is that some of police officers have very loose lips about their investigations. I liked how the author tied his ends together.
April 23, 2019
This authors books are perfect to listen to in fast mode while I’m doing my “mom thing”. He does a pretty good job at keeping the tempo going (although that could be because I’m listing at 2x ;-) )
And his storylines are usually pretty good, if not a little redundant sometimes. At least this one didn’t have a crazy ex wife like the last two I read.
And his storylines are usually pretty good, if not a little redundant sometimes. At least this one didn’t have a crazy ex wife like the last two I read.
April 27, 2024
Keene Tempest's dream job with the LAPD takes a surprising turn when he's called back to his Wyoming hometown to run the family hotel. But what starts as a reluctant obligation soon turns into a gripping investigation into his mother's suspicious death. With twists, turns, and a budding romance, this small-town mystery will keep you guessing until the very end!
August 17, 2018
Clean book. Great suspense. I have read other books by this author so I knew that the main bad person would be found out at the end. Not in the middle. But I did have my suspicions of who it might be
September 19, 2018
This was very good. There were many suspects though I did figure it out early, it was still enjoyable finding out if I was right. I like the characters and their development. I love reading this authors books. They are well written and clean. I have enjoyed everyone I have read.
October 23, 2019
I listened through Deseret Bookshelf.
I enjoy listening to his books as I multitask. This was a nice story with lots of twists and turns. The love story was a little sappy but that is ok, I enjoy the clean stories that are told.
I enjoy listening to his books as I multitask. This was a nice story with lots of twists and turns. The love story was a little sappy but that is ok, I enjoy the clean stories that are told.
August 11, 2017
Talk about a dysfunctional family.
This book kept me guessing all the way.
This book kept me guessing all the way.
October 16, 2017
The author always writes very good suspense mysteries. Never any bad language or bedroom scenes! Very delightful, suspense filled book. He always keeps you guessing til the end.
September 4, 2018
Conversations seemed a little unnatural and relationships weird.
March 29, 2019
Enjoyed this very much. Good, clean book. Good mystery.
June 10, 2019
Good stuff.
July 3, 2019
3.5***
Nice light summer mystery read by a new to me author. Interesting mystery, good characters, not super strict on procedures, entertaining writing.
Nice light summer mystery read by a new to me author. Interesting mystery, good characters, not super strict on procedures, entertaining writing.
August 25, 2021
This book was fast paced
January 17, 2023
Good clean story, engaging
February 4, 2023
Read this one on my kindle again. It's another one about money, mystery, murderer and love. This takes a twist as to how done it. kept me on my toes again.
August 29, 2023
I enjoy the mysteries written by this author. He always has a few twists that keep you guessing 'who done it' and there is always danger for those trying to solve the crime.
February 18, 2025
It was fine. A fun filler read.
March 8, 2017
Book 12
This book is a murder mystery. The book starts out with Keene Tempest and Tom Brolin in a car being shot at. They are policeman. Keene's mom dies, so he goes to Hardy to her funeral. While he is there, his siblings hand him the hotel his mom ran. At first, the police think that the mom naturally died. Later, the cops think that she was murdered. Then there is a lot of suspects, evidence, chasing, etc.
There were lots of important causes and effects in this book, but I will only name two. One cause is the mom's death. The effect was that Keene had to take over the hotel. Another effect was that he couldn't stay in L.A. to be a police officer. Another cause was his brother's murder. One effect was the police suspecting the mom's murder as well. One more effect was that it led to a very deep investigation of suspects and evidence.
This book rocks! I love the mystery in it. I loved that there was constantly new evidence for you to discover for yourself. I also liked the excitement. In the middle, I disliked that it got slightly boring, but then it picked right back up again. I also really liked the characters. If you like mysteries, then I would definitely recommend it to you.
This book is a murder mystery. The book starts out with Keene Tempest and Tom Brolin in a car being shot at. They are policeman. Keene's mom dies, so he goes to Hardy to her funeral. While he is there, his siblings hand him the hotel his mom ran. At first, the police think that the mom naturally died. Later, the cops think that she was murdered. Then there is a lot of suspects, evidence, chasing, etc.
There were lots of important causes and effects in this book, but I will only name two. One cause is the mom's death. The effect was that Keene had to take over the hotel. Another effect was that he couldn't stay in L.A. to be a police officer. Another cause was his brother's murder. One effect was the police suspecting the mom's murder as well. One more effect was that it led to a very deep investigation of suspects and evidence.
This book rocks! I love the mystery in it. I loved that there was constantly new evidence for you to discover for yourself. I also liked the excitement. In the middle, I disliked that it got slightly boring, but then it picked right back up again. I also really liked the characters. If you like mysteries, then I would definitely recommend it to you.
March 26, 2014
Keene Tempest was, regrettably, temporarily leaving his dreams behind to accept his position assigned him by his family at the unexpected death of his mother. He was the youngest, smallest, and had been the most devoted to his mother. It wasn't because he was always bullied by his older siblings that he was putting all things he was working for aside in Los Angeles to run the family hotel in Hardy, Montana, but because of love for his mother and his honor. He was going to take leave of his education and reserve position as a police officer to make sure the hotel is managed and secure efficiently, then he would hire someone to continue running the hotel. He, then, would return to Los Angeles to finish his degree and return to being a police detective. He had worked hard for this and he was not going to let this setback keep him from obtaining his dreams.
What he anticipated would be a dull, quiet country town, quickly became a rapidly increasing crime-ridden place...crimes directly affecting him and his family!
The author opens with an action packed prologue and never allows the adventures and suspense to slow down. From scene to scene, there are added complications. Even near the last page, the reader questions, "Who did it?".
The Title is slightly too vague to credit it as being a good "fit" for the story. It is definitely a play on words but a "play" many readers would not understand. However, the cover page is well done in emphasizing the title. The penmanship of the writer is excellent. Poulson's writing skills captivates his reader's continual attention. Through local scenes to interstate synergy, the various situations "flow" smoothly together absent of any confusion.
My review of this book offers a strong Four and a Half Stars rating.
What he anticipated would be a dull, quiet country town, quickly became a rapidly increasing crime-ridden place...crimes directly affecting him and his family!
The author opens with an action packed prologue and never allows the adventures and suspense to slow down. From scene to scene, there are added complications. Even near the last page, the reader questions, "Who did it?".
The Title is slightly too vague to credit it as being a good "fit" for the story. It is definitely a play on words but a "play" many readers would not understand. However, the cover page is well done in emphasizing the title. The penmanship of the writer is excellent. Poulson's writing skills captivates his reader's continual attention. Through local scenes to interstate synergy, the various situations "flow" smoothly together absent of any confusion.
My review of this book offers a strong Four and a Half Stars rating.
October 10, 2017
this book was really good. It was really interesting because it is about a cop that runs a hotel. But he has to come home to ru nthe hotel because his mom dies of a heart attack. Keene doesn't want to come back to his home town and run the family hotel because all his brothers and sisters will tease him. His family except his mom is really rude to him. What will happen when Keene's mom ends up dead!! Was she murdered? What happened to keen's family?
so I read this book called checking out and In the book checking out there are two characters that work as cops. the two characters always follow what they think is right. in other words they follow there gut. so the theme of the book is always to follow what the think is right. Challie is a cop and she thinks that keens mother is murdered and she is right. Challie also thinks that she should be with Keene when he is in twin falls and she was right also. so just always remember that it is important to follow your gut and do what you think is right.
this book is good but there are also some dislikes and likes. Some of the things that I liked about this book is that it had romance in it. Also, that it made me always want to read it so it never got boring or lame. One of the things that I didn't like about it is the ending. which I cant tell you about because of spoilers. But overall it was a good book.
so I read this book called checking out and In the book checking out there are two characters that work as cops. the two characters always follow what they think is right. in other words they follow there gut. so the theme of the book is always to follow what the think is right. Challie is a cop and she thinks that keens mother is murdered and she is right. Challie also thinks that she should be with Keene when he is in twin falls and she was right also. so just always remember that it is important to follow your gut and do what you think is right.
this book is good but there are also some dislikes and likes. Some of the things that I liked about this book is that it had romance in it. Also, that it made me always want to read it so it never got boring or lame. One of the things that I didn't like about it is the ending. which I cant tell you about because of spoilers. But overall it was a good book.
November 10, 2013
This is the first book I have read of Clair M. Poulson's. He has written quite a few but I haven't had a chance to read one before.
This book deals with a police detective, Keene Tempest. He has just lost his mother and is "forced" to take over the family hotel. His mother wished for him to run it, and his siblings agreed with her decision. He does it to respect and honor his mother.
The job held more than he could have ever imagined. His brother is murdered in the hotel, and he discovers that his mother may have also been a murder victim. The detective in him has to discover the truth and solve the case, regardless of his own safety.
He gets to work with a beautiful female cop, Chaille Donovan. Their attraction to each other is instantaneous. They also make a great team working together.
The book takes some interesting twists and turns. At one point I thought I had it all figured out, but soon realized that the plot was more complex than it seemed.
There were a few references to religion in the book, but it played a minor role. This book is a murder investigation with a little romance.
This book deals with a police detective, Keene Tempest. He has just lost his mother and is "forced" to take over the family hotel. His mother wished for him to run it, and his siblings agreed with her decision. He does it to respect and honor his mother.
The job held more than he could have ever imagined. His brother is murdered in the hotel, and he discovers that his mother may have also been a murder victim. The detective in him has to discover the truth and solve the case, regardless of his own safety.
He gets to work with a beautiful female cop, Chaille Donovan. Their attraction to each other is instantaneous. They also make a great team working together.
The book takes some interesting twists and turns. At one point I thought I had it all figured out, but soon realized that the plot was more complex than it seemed.
There were a few references to religion in the book, but it played a minor role. This book is a murder investigation with a little romance.
February 17, 2014
Keene Tempest was born to be a cop. After years spent preparing for a career in law enforcement, hes finally working his dream job with the LAPD, and his criminal justice degree is almost within reach. The last thing he wants to do is return to his sleepy Wyoming hometown to run the family hotel after the death of his mother. But at the insistence of his older siblings that he honor his late mothers wishes, what choice does he have? When Keene arrives at the Tempest Hotel, it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems. He s shocked to learn that his mother s death was anything but natural foul play was almost certainly involved. As he becomes embroiled in the investigation and in his budding relationship with lovely local law enforcement Officer Chaille Donovan the body count rises: another murder victim is discovered, and there is no doubt that this bizarre string of crimes is somehow tied to the hotel and to him. Against a chilling backdrop of family feuds, shootings, and armed robbery, Keene must draw upon his years of training to unearth a killer. And in a town this small, no one is above suspicion.
A good cliffhanger.
A good cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews