Late Checkout: A Mess Hopkins Novel

by Alan Orloff

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.

Genres: Thriller

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Before Alan stepped off the corporate merry-go-round, he had an eclectic (some might say disjointed) career. As an engineer, he worked on nuclear submarines, supervised assembly workers in factories, facilitated technology transfer from the Star Wars program, and learned to stack washing machines three high in a warehouse with a forklift. He even started his own recycling and waste reduction newsletter business. Now he writes fiction.

His debut mystery, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, was a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. He writes the Last Laff Mystery Series: KILLER ROUTINE (#1) and DEADLY CAMPAIGN (#2), and has three e-book originals, THE TASTE (horror/thriller), FIRST TIME KILLER (thriller), and RIDE-ALONG (suspense).

He wrote the thrillers RUNNING FROM THE PAST and PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original).

His novel, I KNOW WHERE YOU SLEEP was a Shamus Award finalist for Best First P.I. Novel.

His YA thriller, I PLAY ONE ON TV (Down & Out Books), won the Agatha Award and Anthony Award for Best YA Novel.

His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, is an Anthony Award Finalist for Best Paperback Original.

His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including JEWISH NOIR, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: STORM WARNING, Mystery Weekly, NOIR AT THE SALAD BAR, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, five consecutive issues of the BEST NEW ENGLAND CRIME STORIES, THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD, MICKEY FINN, and MYSTERY MOST GEOGRAPHICAL.

His story, “Rule Number One” (SNOWBOUND, Level Best Books), was selected for the 2018 edition of THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology, edited by Louise Penny.

His story, "Dying in Dokesville," won a Derringer Award, and his story "Rent Due," won an ITW Thriller Award.

Alan recently moved to South Florida. He loves cake and arugula, but not together.

For more info, please visit his website: www.alanorloff.com

Alan is sorry he wrote this bio in the third person.

Reviews

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Orloff does it again with another suspense-filled story featuring everyone’s favorite innkeeper, Mess Hopkins!

After disappearing six years ago and being presumed dead, Mess’ cousin Finn turns up at the Fairfax Manor Inn with the unlikely story that two men are after him. Although Finn’s story is hard to believe, Mess, along with his best friend Vell and girlfriend Lia, works to figure out what exactly is going on and to protect Finn. After all, you do what you can for family.

Orloff does an outstanding job with character development and leaves readers invested in Mess and his mission at the inn. I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and look forward to reading more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow up to Sanctuary Motel, the first in the Mess Hopkins series. Both the series, and indeed the characters are, shall we just say, a wee bit quirky, so I'd do yourself a favour and read that book first...
So... as per the first book, Mess is still fighting to keep the Fairfax Inn as a bit of a sanctuary for anyone who needs it, any waif and stray, moneyed or skint and to heck if the place is haemorrhaging money... and to heck with Mess's uncle who is supposed to be overseeing the place in his parents' absence... He is dealing with such a summons from his uncle when a blast from the past lands at his door. His cousin Finn. Who he hasn't seen in 6 odd years when he supposedly ran away. It transpires that Finn has broken his cover as he needs Mess's help. Apparently he has seen something that has put him in danger. He can't tell a coherent story though, and what he does say doesn't add up. Irrespective of all this, he needs Mess's help, and they were very close once. But Mess can't do it alone and calls on his girlfriend Lia and best friend Vell to assist...
And so begins a cat and mouse game that led me all over the place as Mess and his crew try and make sense of what Finn is saying. Aside from the main story which is playing out in the present, we also return to the past, to witness Finn and Mess as they grow up, and the shenanigans that ensue along the way. Whilst this doesn't really add too much to progress the main story, it is lovely to sneak a glance at Mess's past, and does add credence to the times that Mess gives Finn the benefit of the doubt along the way in the present... And it isn't too intrusive... Oh and we also obviously have the prodigal son's return and his parents reactions to contend with!
As you can tell from the 5 glorious stars I blooming loved this book. It ticked every box for me: great characters; an interesting and intriguing story that held my attention all the way through; no superfluous waffle or padding so said story got on with itself very well indeed; an ending that delivered complete satisfaction. In fact the only bad thing about the book was finishing it and having to say goodbye to all the characters again! Hopefully book three will not be long coming.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Late Checkout, motel proprietor Mess Hopkins runs the Fairfax Manor Inn, a sanctuary for those in distress rather than a money-making venture. When his cousin Finn unexpectedly arrives, having been presumed dead for six years, Mess is drawn into a dangerous situation. Finn witnessed a violent incident, making him a target for those who want to eliminate the sole eyewitness. Teaming up with his girlfriend Lia Katsaros, a newspaper reporter, and his friend Vell Jackson, Mess must unravel the mystery and protect Finn from those who mean him harm.

While the premise of Late Checkout is intriguing, I found myself feeling a bit disconnected from the characters. Although it’s clear this is a sequel, it’s not necessary to have read the previous book to follow the plot. However, I wonder if familiarity with earlier events might have added depth to the characters, who often felt one-dimensional and flat. Mess's name, “Mess,” seemed oddly glossed over, leaving me puzzled about its significance.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find myself particularly fond of many characters. Finn struck me as whiny, and I wished for more insight into his backstory to elicit a bit more compassion. Mess's sanctimonious attitude was frustrating, and I found myself irritated by his girlfriend Lia, especially when she discussed "outing" people under the guise of public interest—it really made my blood boil. Vell was the standout for me; he seemed like a genuinely cool character, but once again, he wasn’t fully fleshed out.

The plot itself was serviceable but didn’t deliver any major surprises. I also had issues with the portrayal of MMA in the book. It presented MMA fighters as bloodthirsty monsters, which is a stark contrast to the reality of the sport. MMA is a competitive sport, not merely a violent spectacle.

In summary, while Late Checkout had potential and an engaging premise, it fell short for me in character development and plot execution.

Thank you to Level Best Books, Alan Orloff, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC.

[Ben Boulden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late Checkout, the second Mess Hopkins mystery by Alan Orloff, is a laidback thriller with a solid mystery and just enough action to keep the pages turning. Mess operates his retired parents’ roadside motel, the Fairfax Manor Inn, on Route 50 in Fairfax, Viginia. The Inn is outdated and unprofitable—Mess will give anyone in need a room for a night, a week, or more without charging them a cent. Which is exactly what Mess does when his cousin, Finn, shows up on his doorstep.

Six years earlier, Finn had disappeared after arguing with his parents—Mess’s uncle and aunt—about being gay. It had been so long since anyone had heard from Finn, the family believed he was dead. So Mess gives his cousin a room and tries not crowd him with questions about where he was (and what he was doing) during all those lost years. But when Finn finally starts talking, he tells an unbelievable story about two men trying to kill him. Mess, skeptical but trying to be supportive, goes along with Finn’s crazy tale. But he soon realizes that, while Finn is being less than candid with him, there is some truth to what his cousin is saying. Mess enlists the help of his girlfriend, the newspaper reporter Lia Katsaros—who is waist-deep in the biggest story of her life about the murder of a local land developer—and his best friend Vell.

Late Checkout is a comfortable, thoughtful, and well-crafted thriller, with a dash of whodunit. The primary characters, Mess, Lia, and Vell, are likeable and believable. A handful of side characters are charmingly odd, including Mess’s Uncle Phil and the Inn’s manager, Fareed. The story is complicated—there is murder, politics, an assortment of family tensions and weirdness, and more than one false lead. The narrative builds slowly, with Finn annoyingly holding back and sometimes lying outright about what he knows, but it is never dull or uninteresting. And the solution is surprising, with enough clues in the narrative to make this reader wonder why he didn’t figure it sooner.

--Dark City Underground

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Alan Orloff's "Late Checkout" plunges readers into a thrilling and darkly humorous mystery, featuring the uniquely charismatic protagonist, Mess Hopkins. As a former security consultant turned amateur sleuth, Hopkins finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes investigation that kicks off with a shocking discovery at a luxury hotel.

When a prominent guest turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Hopkins is reluctantly pulled into the chaos, navigating a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and danger. Orloff's deft hand at creating an engaging and unpredictable plot shines through, as Hopkins must untangle a web of deceit while confronting his own troubled past.

What sets "Late Checkout" apart is Orloff's brilliant character development and sharp wit. Hopkins is a refreshingly flawed and relatable hero whose blend of street-smarts and vulnerability makes him an instantly likable and compelling figure. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each with their own quirks and hidden agendas that add depth and intrigue to the story.

Orloff's prose is crisp and evocative, capturing the glitz and grime of the hotel's opulent yet shadowy world. This novel's pacing is impeccable, balancing moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes that explore Hopkins's personal struggles.

"Late Checkout" is a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and human insight, making it a standout entry in the mystery genre. Orloff's storytelling prowess ensures that readers are hooked from the first page to the last, eagerly following Hopkins's journey to uncover the truth.

Highly recommended for fans of mystery novels with a strong, character-driven narrative. Alan Orloff's "Late Checkout" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a cleverly crafted and thoroughly entertaining whodunit.

[Luke Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reader, and as a writer, I put a lot of stock into themes. For me, multiple plot lines need to come together, not just to build the plot, but to pull all of the thematic strings together.

Late Checkout by Alan Orloff is a crime mystery thriller that follows Mess Hopkins, the owner of a motel who helps those who are down and out. When his cousin, who has been missing for years, shows up out of the blue, it sets off an investigation involving local politicians and celebrities that seemingly has him at its center. The idea of Mess Hopkins is a good one. A charitable motel provider who becomes embroiled in the affairs of the people he tries to help has the potential to be a brilliant drawcard, but I feel like Late Checkout didn’t quite hit the mark here.

The plot moves along at a pace that is to be expected of a novel of this kind, but it seems to move from plot point to plot point without any regard to thematic cohesiveness. Mess’s personal conflicts don’t feel as though they are inline with the main conflicts of the plot and feel a lot more like they’re thrown in for the sake of it. While I found the plot to be intriguing, I didn’t feel like it did quite enough to keep me wanting to read the next chapter.

For its genre, the prose is exactly where it needs to be. Thrillers thrive on simple writing because this allows the action and intrigue to shine through. However, I felt as though the dialogue needed some work, with characters often talking for a bit too long, or saying things that didn’t need to be said. Over all, I think that Late Checkout is a decent read if you’re looking for a simple thriller to burn through quickly.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mess Hopkins owns a motel in Fairfax, VA, a suburb in the Washington, DC area 10 to 20 miles southeast of DC. Okay, he doesn’t exactly own it. His family does, but he gets to manage it and keep the profit, so close enough. It is what many would refer to as a “fleabag motel.” Definitely not very upscale. His goal isn’t to make oodles of money from it though. He hopes to make enough to scrape by, making enough profit for him to survive, while he helps out those in need. This means that many of the rooms at the motel are not generating revenue as Mess lets people live in some of them, Mess lives in one himself, and the reality is many of them are empty most night regardless. Phil, Mess’s uncle, thinks he should be spending more time trying to get more business and less time helping others. Then Phil’s long-lost-son Finn shows up. Mess and his cousin Finn were great friends until Finn ran away six years prior and no one has known where he was. Trying to help his cousin, who it turns out has gotten himself into a scary situation, and figuring out how to deal with that turns into quite a mystery. What Mess and Finn and some of Finn’s friends who he drafts to help go through in helping Finn, who keeps making decisions that make things even worse, keeps both Mess and the reader on their toes as they try to figure things out. This is the second book in the series featuring Mess Hopkins and I’ve really enjoyed the series thus far.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Gregory Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin (Mess) Hopkins manages (for his retired parents) what could charitably be termed a budget motel in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. Thanks to Mess’s soft heart, the motel barely ekes by, owing in large part to his proclivity to offer rooms at no-charge to itinerants, the homeless and other down-on-their luck individuals. One such luckless guest is Mess’s cousin Finn, who shows up unexpectedly after having gone missing six years earlier. As it turns out, Finn, who could be considered a poster child for bad outcomes following bad decisions, happened to be in the wrong place, and witnessed the murder of a prominent business executive. Unfortunately, his presence at the scene did not go unnoticed, and now the killers are aggressively trying to track him down to tie up what has become a loose end. From this point, the story begins to gather momentum, as various other characters become involved, including Mess’s Uncle Phil (Finn’s father), his girlfriend, newspaper reporter Lia, a police detective named Osterdale, a MME martial arts practitioner named Headstomper, and a bodyguard named Rickert, who was hired by Finn’s father, and who may or may not turn out to be on the side of the angels.

Late Checkout is a brisk read, with a plot that is both engaging and easy to follow (spoiler alert to fans of the Bourne series: This ain’t it). It is, nevertheless, well-crafted, with a more-than-satisfying ending that does throw off its share of sparks. Late Checkout is a very good book that I recommend highly.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ivanka Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful visit to Mess Hopkin’s world! There is so much to love about this character and his old-style motel. After reading the first book in the series, I was excited to delve into the second.

Late Checkout introduces us to Finn, another of Mess’ family members, one who has been missing, his whereabouts unknown for six years. Dysfunctional families, being estranged, and the fear of losing someone you love is a theme many readers will relate to. When his cousin shows up at the motel, Mess ends up dealing with not only his family’s drama, but a threat to their lives. The mystery of where Finn has been becomes overshadowed with his current dilemma—someone wants him dead.

Mess is a likeable character, more concerned about caring for those in need than he is about making money. His out-dated, but charming, motel sets the stage for plenty of action as people come and go, needing a temporary refuge. Although his uncle and his manager are concerned about his lack of business acumen, Mess makes up for this with his philanthropy.

A fast-paced, fun read with a touch of humor, Late Checkout will plunge you into Mess’ chaotic world from the first pages and keep you gripped to the end. Author Orloff’s flowing writing style and distinctive voice make this a great series to immerse yourself in.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Running a motel is not an easy task. Mess Hopkins expects to inherit one from his parents, but instead has been left with the management task. Problem is, Mess is a very compassionate man and is a sucker for a sob story. He is an emotive character, garners empathy, and is easy to become invested in. The motel is barely staying afloat and continues to limp along.

Finn is his cousin who has been missing for years. Mess and Finn were best friends as youngsters and they are happy to be back together. Finn has confided in Mess that he feels he has people after him.

Killers hunting for Finn and continual management issues keep this novel moving. Will mismanagement finally doom the motel? Will the killers catch up with Finn and eliminate the family problem? Will the rest of the family finally accept Finn for who he is and bring him back into the fold? Read this well-written novel and find out. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive into a new Mess Hopkins mystery, and this didn't disappoint in the slightest. Mess, Lia, and Vell are back, and this time things are hitting even closer to home. I love the varying character personalities, and how well they mesh and play off each other while still being unique. Then there's Mess's uncle, who isn't the actual villain, but sort of villain lite, who doesn't see the value in what Mess is doing. (I swear I'd like to get a few moments alone to try and knock some sense into him - or at least send someone to point out how un-Christian he's acting despite acting very holier-than-thou). Finn was an interesting new character, and the way he's presented makes him feel more intriguing than anything at first. The story moves along at a good pace, with enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end. There were heart-pounding moments where it felt like you could cut the tension with a knife. Orloff does an excellent job painting a vivid picture, making it feel like you were watching a movie unfold instead of reading a book. Although this is a sequel, you don't need to read book one, but there's a lot of foundation laid out for the characters, so you'll have a better understanding of them and their motives if you read book one first.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Robert Rotstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest entry in Alan Orloff’s compelling Mess Hopkins series, rundown motel proprietor qua philanthropist and sometimes amateur sleuth Benjamin “Mess” Hopkins finds himself in a puzzling and ultimately perilous dilemma—his troubled cousin Finn has returned from the dead and might have become entangled in the murder of a wealthy real estate developer. For reasons Finn won’t reveal, he refuses to go to the police. Meanwhile, Mess becomes personally compromised because his girlfriend, Lia Katsaros, a local news reporter, is investigating the real estate developer’s murder, and her interests and Mess’s interests in protecting his cousin don’t always align. As the danger mounts, Mess races against the clock to solve the murder and prove Finn’s innocent—if Finn is, indeed, an innocent man. Told with razor-sharp, often witty prose and a dash of noir, LATE CHECKOUT is a masterful mystery about persistence, loyalty, and family love. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the novel.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to see another Mess Hopkins book published. Mess is a great character. Always looking out for the little guy and helping those in need, often to his own detriment.

This installment has Mess trying to help his cousin Finn, who until recently had been missing for six years and presumed dead. Finn is hiding from dangerous men for seeing something he should not.

This is not just a really good thriller, its a powerful story of the importance of standing by and helping family (and friends who are chosen family). Mess is always a stand up guy. If you're a Robert Crais/Elvis Cole fan then you seriously need to check out this series. I hope Alan Orloff keeps rolling these out. It's become one of my new favorite crime series.

Thank to the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[LeRon Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good! I loved the characters. And it was a great storyline that was more suspenseful than anything. It keeps you turning the pages as quickly 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!!

[Becky Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series, though it easily stands alone. The first book is The Sanctuary Motel, and I really liked that one. This one is equally good. The characters are so well drawn. And the storyline or I should say lines are really good. I highly recommend not just this book (it's so enjoyable) but the author also. He's a good one.

[Stenedria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my review on the website Independent Book Review written under the name S.A. Evans: https://independentbookreview.com/202...

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mess, Vell, and Lisa are back in author novel. Mess's cousin Finn shows up to cause trouble and this3nds up wit your hero Mess in another adventure and case. Love this series. It was great. Love the characters and setting.