Hotel Melikov

Citizen Orlov #2

by Jonathan Payne

Return to an unnamed mountainous country in central Europe on the cusp of civil war. Enter once again Citizen Orlov, a former fishmonger who is now the Minister of Security for a government teetering on collapse. When tensions between the government and revolutionaries erupt, Orlov, hoping to escape the conflict and return to his normal life, is instead recruited by both sides to spy on the other.

With war raging around them, the new king and his ministers are whisked away for safety to the highest point in the kingdom, the convent at the peak of Mount Zhotrykaw. But all is not what it seems at the convent, including the nuns, and Orlov discovers a sinister plot that forces him to choose whose side he is on.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Jonathan Payne is a British-American writer based in New York City. His first novel, CITIZEN ORLOV, was named a Book of the Month by Apple Books. It won the 2024 IBPA Silver Medal for Mystery/Thriller and the 2024 IPPY Bronze Medal for Suspense/Thriller. The sequel, HOTEL MELIKOV, was published in November 2025.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining, unique and well written book. I didn't read the first but this book gave me all I needed to to understand what was happening. I thought the humor, politics, and satire were fantastic .I honestly was pulled in right from the start. The pacing was steady, and I was never bored. This was quite the wild adventure and I was looking forward to picking it back up each time. I'll have to try and get to the first book at some point. I love a book that can make me laugh, and it was exactly what I needed. Such a worthwhile, fun read! I highly recommend checking it out.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jason Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Payne's second Citizen Orlov novel ups the geopolitical, espionage stakes while still delivering the laughs and a more human--and profound--experience. The potential comps from this unnamed, post-World War I central European country to our own (if you're American) are subtle, but there. And though Book II is absurdly hilarious in that decidedly British way, it's also unexpectedly emotional. Orlov is just a man who wants his countrymen to get along, to be left alone to sell fish each day in the Grand Plaza, to see his mother and his friends. But his life is, as they say, overtaken by events. Here is a man struggling to live. Thing is, the world won't let him.

One of my favorite new series.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the 'Everyman'/fishmonger becomes a double spy in a habit, more fun and excitement is sure to be had!
Citizen Orlov is one of those characters that finds themselves in over their head with almost every situation he's faced with. His innocence and big heart lead the way through one dilemma after another and you can't help but to fall in love with him. The story is filled with humor, action, intrigue and satire and flows from one short chapter to another so easily that the pages practically turn themselves. While not necessary to enjoy this one, I do recommend reading the first book in the series, Citizen Orlov, for the whole backstory and for the shits and giggles if nothing else. I highly recommend this entertaining series and look forward to what our hero gets mixed up with next.

Thanks to the author, CamCat Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Marcy McCreary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of Payne's latest novel, Hotel Melikov, where we pick up on the adventures of Citizen Orlov, a fishmonger who accidentally finds himself embroiled in political shenanigans.

Hotel Melikov is a brilliant mix of political satire, absurdity, and dry humor, making this story an absolute standout in the spy thriller genre. This gem of a novel will have you rooting for a reluctant spy and his cadre of comrades as they outwit a corrupt and oppressive government.

[Don Scardino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to another comic adventure and thrill ride in this delightful sequel to Jonathan Payne’s wildly entertaining debut, CITIZEN ORLOV. Our hapless fishmonger is once again thrown into a series of twist and turns that land him in a cliff hanger in every chapter. I was gasping in suspense on one page and laughing out loud on the next. Consistently surprising and a delight from breathless start to triumphant finish. Having read and loved the first book, CITIZEN ORLOV, I had high hopes for this sequel and HOTEL MELIKOV exceeded all my expectations. I absolutely loved it.

[Jonathan Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountains! Intrigue! Civil war! Nuns!

Don't miss this thrilling sequel to CITIZEN ORLOV.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My week just got better. I was afforded the opportunity to read an ARC (advanced reader copy) of the second book in this original and joyous series.

The writing is engaging and centres on “Citizen Orlov” a humble fishmonger who serendipitously, without thought, merit or design becomes a catalyst in transitioning his country from an authoritarian monarchy into a democratic republic. He should really be a milliner for all the hats he wears in his various roles. Including a government mole, a spy twice over, we’d have to say a double agent. A terrorist, minister of security, a nun, but not a shepherd (painful admission) and a convicted criminal.

That I can make sense of this undulating plot shows the skill of author Jonathan Payne. For all its complexity this is a simple tale of an ordinary guy whose heart and loyalty exceeds his understanding and intelligence. He was, initially in book one, duped by a corrupt agency of the ruling government but in this one, his integrity strives for restorative justice.

A second novel is said to be the hardest one. The writer should not be too anxious ahead of publication as he has continued and built on all that was so brilliant and original in his first book. I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have seldom warmed to a character as quickly as I have done with citizen Orlov. I love his awkward moments; how he keeps getting things wrong, faces ridicule and setbacks with resilience and great determination to see things through, keep his promises and help and hope in equal measure. He is no action hero but he gets things done.

There is no need to read book one to enjoy this next one; but ahead of publication I would urge you to seek it out and read it first, if you can. Certainly after reading this second instalment you will be unable to avoid the earlier work and like me hope that citizen Orlov has many more hats to wear.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a follow up to CITIZEN ORLOV which came out in 2023. You don’t have to have read that book in order to enjoy this one. You can always read CITIZEN ORLOV as HOTEL MELIKOV suggests in its first chapter by “locating it in a public library or acquiring it from a purveyor of books at a reasonable price.”

The read is told in third person which I enjoyed. In this book, Citizen Orlov has taken over as the country’s Minister of Security, but there is an overthrow of the government on the Prince’s Coronation Day.

Citizen Orlov becomes a double agent as he stands between the worlds of the common folks and the government due to the fact that he was a fishmonger before hastily taking the new government position. This book has a lot of action which makes it entertaining to read.

There are some beautiful illustrations between each of the five parts of the book that aid in the storytelling.

[AdiTurbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of Citizen Orlov's escapades does not fall from the first one. It is suspenseful, clever and engaging. Orlov is a Chauncy Gardner kind of character, whose actions left me wondering - doesn't he have an opinion of his own on what's going on? How does he feel about what's happening in his country? How does he judge other people's actions and decisions around him? We never get to learn his feelings or opinions, and he doesn't seem to have a preference apart from a few moral decisions he takes to protect other people. It may be intentional, but "doing the right thing" isn't a work plan for the future. I would love a little more depth of emotion, moral and political philosophy in the next book, which I am eagerly looking forward to.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book was just as fun and twisty as the first. Citizen Orlov is always thrown into situations he's not ready for, but that doesn't stop him from trying his best!

This book has a lot going on. A political party war, a missing King, and "nuns". Orlov is caught in the middle of the two sides and he does what he can to fight for what he feels is right.... that his country needs a democracy.

There were a couple of scenes that had me wincing not this was just an utterly fast paced book that was a fun time. The ending has me laughing and I can't wait for more (if more is coming in this series!) 🤞

[Cass Chloupek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this books. It was fast paced and very creative. There was no point where I felt the plot dragging. It was a thoroughly entertaining read from beginning to end. Though I hadn't read the first book, enough was given about it in this book so as to make me feel informed. While simultaneously not spoiling everything, so if I ever did go back and read it there would still be enough left to uncover. A really exhilarating read, I'd be excited to see where these characters go should the series continue.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Citizen Orlov and I was happy to jump back into Orlov's world. He has advanced his position to Minister of Security, and while still a simple fishmonger, he is now addressed as Minister Orlov . He stays true to himself though and bumbles along as a double agent seeking peace for his country. I adore the humor in this series, the short chapters, the political/spy elements, and the clever writing style. This book is entertaining from start to finish and I'm hoping there will be more books in the future.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The first crossed my path via a Bookbub/Kobo promotion, and it was the surprise book of that year, for me. This second book is quite possibly better. I can’t help wondering whether anyone else who has read this imagines it - just as it is - as a Wes Anderson movie, but that was certainly my experience. And that’s a good thing.

I’m not saying anything about the book’s plot or content, other reviewers have said enough. It should just be read.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I enjoy immensely about reading is quirky and unique characters, those that come to life and leave a mark after you stop reading.
Orlov’s character truly left a mark, and reading about him once again was such a unique adventure.
With Payne’s dry humor, I think Orlov is now one of my favorite spies.
Believe me when I say you’ll be entertained from start to finish.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously awaiting further news of the (mis)adventures of my favorite fish monger. Hotel Melikov does not disappoint. Even the necessary plot reminders for those who may not have read the first novel were well placed and unobtrusive. This satire took us along for the ride and I was continually surprised by the various twists and turns along the way. This book was a joy to read.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved catching up with Orlov, and this book reinforced my belief that it would be impossible not to root for this incredible character! He found himself in more precarious positions, and the writing is so clever and witty that I cracked up continually while also feeling bad for him as he was caught in the middle throughout the book. Such a fun and adventurous read!

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly love Orlov’s vibe. Here he is trying to get back to his regular life while constantly and accidentally getting sucked into the chaos. I thought the humor was great mixed with the action scenes. Orlov did a good job thinking on his feet to keep himself alive. I really liked the point where his priorities shifted a little in order to help others affected. It was fast paced and the conflict was interesting. Towards the end I guessed the fate of Orlov but I am excited to see what he decides to do with it.

Thank you @jon7payne @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Marl · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5 stars rounded down]

Orlov is just as fun in his sequel as his debut. These are charming little books that are well paced and funny throughout. We’re thrown immediately after the first book, starting with the coronation of the new king, as Orlov begins to plan how he can resign from his unwanted position as a government minister and go back to being a fishmonger. Revolution breaks out, though, and those plans get put on hold as, alongside the other ministers of government, Orlov is whisked away to the Convent of Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow high near the peak of the mountain for safety to hide among the nuns there. Nobody is answering his questions and things about the nuns don’t seem quite right.

Hotel Melikov is just plain funny. Funny descriptions and scenarios, especially in the first half. It was never boring and entertaining throughout. Near the start of the book is one of my favorite exchanges:

“‘We can’t win the war without bullets,’ he spits.
‘No, indeed, general,’ says Galin.
‘Can’t we make the factory work faster? What is that place called?’
‘Machak’s Munitions,’ says Galin.
‘Yes, Machak’s,’ says Varga. ‘I trust they are working overtime.’
‘Machak’s is closed,’ says the other general.
‘On account of the war,’ says Gatlin.
‘Someone has contacted Machak and told him to open again, I’m sure,’ says Varga, sounding unsure.
‘Citizen Machak has fled the country,’ says the other general.
‘On account of the war,’ says Gatlin.”

I just really enjoy how the dialogue flows and how scenarios are laid out. It’s very impressive how much of the visual humor comes across through the author’s descriptions (such as the many times the nuns start waving pistols around).

Hotel Melikov comes off as so much more streamlined than the first novel. Though I enjoyed the rapid fire twists and changes of scenery of the first novel, the story is able to shine much better with a more settled two-three locations (though Orlov still moves around between these settings many times). Scenarios and humor is able to be built up more as is Orlov’s thought process and opinions about things.

With this, though, some events come off as a bit too fast-paced. It’s not as bad as the first novel, for the same reasons I just mentioned in comparison, but I wished we spent a bit more time in certain places or with certain characters. Orlov interacting with the actual nuns in the prison was great, but we move so quickly on from them and just don’t get a chance to sit with it. Most scenes are paced well and it doesn’t plague the entire novel, but just a handful of parts could have been better. I do enjoy the length of both of these novels, though, and understand the desire to keep them concise for ease of the reader.

Orlov is wonderful. His desire to just go back to being a middle-aged fishmonger being ruined by his constant pull between the two sides, this time as a double agent, is done well. Despite his wanting to abstain from any politics or big choices, he is proven again and again to be heartfelt and caring. I enjoy his rationalization of his big choices, even if realistically I’d disagree with them. He just has such a strong character that stands out as the heart of both of these novels.

My biggest disappointment with this novel is the lack of Agent Zelle. She’s in plenty of scenes spread throughout the novel and is again the main antagonist against Orlov, but I didn’t feel like she got to be a character in this one. Comparing her in Hotel Melikov to her in Citizen Orlov, she talks a lot less (really only in general threats to Orlov/others) and feels like a cardboard cutout of the first. Her introduction is very good and allows for her to actually talk and exist, but all her scenes after that felt incomplete. I love how she acts as a constant overbearing force against Orlov (as she also did in the first novel) but I would have liked to see her have a scene or two either talking to Orlov or maybe Orlov overhearing her conversation with someone else. Just anything to make her feel like more of a character than just a random unexplored antagonist. She feels so incomplete in this one and is coasting completely off her good development and characterization from the first novel.

All together, this is such a delightful and fun comedy-thriller novel that takes all of the good from the first novel and expands it so well. A slick and genuinely funny sequel to an already good book. I hope that we continue to get more Orlov books following this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[James Stejskal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself in a good place reading Jonathan Payne's newest novel. Here's what I think about it:

"From the man who gifted us the tale of the fishmonger spy, "Citizen Orlov," Jonathan Payne returns with its worthy sequel, "Hotel Melikov."

Orlov is still struggling to escape his meteoric rise from being a simple citizen fishmonger to suddenly becoming the Minister of Security in the wake of the assassination of an unnamed country’s King. Despite having had a hand in the crime, Orlov finds himself inexplicably thrust into the limelight.

We are confronted with a bumbling hero — Orlov — whose luck brings him through each crisis as he attempts to resign from his ministerial position only to be presented with a new dilemma. But perhaps Orlov is not such a fool as he seems to be because he always manages to realize when he is in over his head — just a bit late.

Like a ping-pong ball, Orlov is forced to support one side against the other, only to find himself forced into helping a different one and there are at least four sides to this story.

With a parodic wit and tight, suspenseful plotting, Payne drops his hapless hero (hero?) into a series of cliffhangers from which he must escape to save not only himself but his comrades and a group of nuns who may or may not be heavily armed.

Throughout the story, I am happily reminded of some of my favorite spy authors and satirists. There’s a bit of Greene, a little bit of Ludlum, and a lot of Hašek’s Good Soldier Švejk. Payne has established himself as writer to keep our eye on!

When the ending did come, I found myself wanting the inevitable third book because the last chapter tells me there will be one. I hope my reading is correct."

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
❤️ love satirical stories
💨 enjoy fast paced reads
😂 like to laugh
🤭 are a fun of dry humor

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Return to an unnamed mountainous country in central Europe on the cusp of civil war. Enter once again Citizen Orlov, a former fishmonger who is now the Minister of Security for a government teetering on collapse. When tensions between the government and revolutionaries erupt, Orlov, hoping to escape the conflict and return to his normal life, is instead recruited by both sides to spy on the other. 

With war raging around them, the new king and his ministers are whisked away for safety to the highest point in the kingdom, the convent at the peak of Mount Zhotrykaw. But all is not what it seems at the convent, including the nuns, and Orlov discovers a sinister plot that forces him to choose whose side he is on.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I didn’t read book one, but I have to say, the author does a great job of getting us up to speed enough to understand what we missed in book one and have all the necessary information to enjoy this as a standalone. The dry humor was so good, it reminded me of British humor like the Monty Python movies. Fast paced and humorous, I found myself flying through this plot, laughing alongside our MC Citizen Orlov. Each scene was both funnier and more absurd than the last, making this one enjoyable read!

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC! This review reflects my own opinions.

-

Dry humor, absurd situations, political satire, and an obtuse main character who’s just trying to get by.

I read this book without realizing it’s the second in a series, but it was noted that it wasn’t required to read the first, and it really wasn’t. I commend the way it’s written to allow for it to act as a standalone novel—references to the previous book’s events felt so natural even without having any context, and they just added to the mystery of it all.

Citizen (Minister?) Orlov is just an average guy who’s trying to do what’s best while also maintaining peace in his life. His character is endearing and the dry tone of the novel characterizes him and his thought processes so well. It can get a bit heavy on the narrative of his thoughts, but it’s truly what makes the story.

Concise writing and a snappy plot, Hotel Melikov is fast paced and full of twists on the typical spy stories. It moves maybe a bit too rapidly at times, but never so much that things felt rushed—rather, a bit whirlwind-like.

Had a great time reading it. It’s perhaps not a book for everyone, but if you enjoy dry humor and satirical political commentary, it’s quite a quick and fun read.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back with Citizen Orlov, or should I say, Minister Orlov, as he was promoted to Minister of Security of his unnamed country when we last left him.

Once again, Orlov, our mild-mannered fishmonger-turned-hero, finds himself in the thick of things as his country is on the precipice of downfall. So likable or just blindly big-hearted is Orlov that he ends up being recruited as a spy by the government he works for, and the very revolutionaries hoping to bring it down.

This book, like its predecessor, is filled with political satire and dry, but witty and sharp humor. Orlov is an everyday man who gets pulled into the government’s circus. While Orlov may be a loveable but unlikely hero who fumbles and stumbles his way into his positions, the narrative subtly points out who the real clowns at the table are.

I loved the mountain top convent, the nuns, the slapstick banter, and the ending had me laughing and literally saying, “This could only happen to Citizen Orlov!”


Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jon7payne for the gifted book.

[Dominika Dec Peevey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hotel Melikov is the second in, hopefully, an ongoing series in the life and time of Citizen Orlov. The book reads like a Wes Anderson film, which I very much enjoyed. There is comedic relief after dark moments and serious events added to add drama and danger. As I was reading the book, there was the sense of "What are you doing! Think man!!!" because Citizen Orlov is a bit slower to picking up the clues than the reader is. It didn't detract from the story or frustrate me enough to put the book away, I liked thinking I was smarter than the main character.

I think this novel sits in a cozy caper/thriller genre, where it's not too dark and not too light of a plot, but the good guys win in the end. I will be going back to read the first one since there are a lot of references to it but if you haven't read the first Citizen Orlov book, you won't really be lost in this one, it felt like the narrator was just adding in some previous exposition as you went along so you always felt like you were a part of the conversation.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hotel Melikov is the AMAZING follow up to Citizen Orlov.
I absolutely loved our fishmonger, and he is back with a hilarious new comic adventure.

Nuns, mountains, secrets and twists, and HILARITY! Citizen Orlov is an absolutely normal guy with a huge heart and loyalty that knows no bounds.

I laughed so hard, he tries so hard and never quits.

The end of each chapter leaves you gasping until you read the next chapter and start laughing.

I cannot say enough good things about this story! Definitely read Citizen Orlov for the backstory.

I absolutely LOVED this book, and I hope to see my favorite humble fishmonger in future books!!!!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale. Citizen Orlov is a fishmonger, but currently he is Minister for Security in the kingdom and today is the day of the new King’s coronation. However, everything goes wrong and the convoy containing the King, his generals and his ministers is attacked. Orlov finally extricates himself from the vehicle he was in, climbing past the body of his dead colleague and heads home. His reception from his neighbours is not what he expected.
Finally joining the remainder of his colleagues they are spirited away to the mountains, here he risks life and limb, playing both sides without really knowing what he is doing. A tale of heroics and just managing to get through set in a fictional country, very enjoyable.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the sequel to "Citizen Orlov" and the continuing story of this ordinary and earnest fishmonger, who has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and tries to do the right thing anyway. Jonathan Payne does a great job of depicting Citizen Orlov bumbling into urgent political situations (encountering the monarchy! the government! the resistance! zealots!) without making him an annoying simpleton. The world building of this fictional Central European country continues to be compelling, I hope this series continues so I can get to know this place even better. Great job, Mr. Payne! Thanks for a great read, the first book I finished in 2026!


***Spoiler below***


Thanks for the patriotic feels!

[Ridgerunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me of “Our man in Havana” with an innocent caught up in political machinations, and “Gulliver’s Travels” also.
It is very funny but also has some biting satire regarding government and political parties. One would expect a fishmonger to have a fairly boring life but comrade Orlov gets swept up by events during political unrest.
This madcap adventure was a perfect shortish length too. A great read and not having read the first in the series I will have to look out for the next one which is bound to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOTEL MELIKOV was a very good thriller with some humor mixed in for good measure! It is the second book in the Citizen Orlov series. However, it can easily be read as a standalone. Which is how I read it. I enjoyed it enough to add the first book in the series to my TBR list!

Many thanks to Jonathan Payne for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a weird and wonderful book. Normally, run-on sentences are exhausting, but the author uses it in an almost stream-of-consciousness way, so that you’re directly accessing the narrator’s brain.

And what a brain.

Drole and cutting and observant and such a good foil for the near naïveté of the main character.

I loved the geo-political plot.
I loved the ping-pong banter.
I loved the sly, real-world comparisons.

I can’t truthfully say “I couldn’t put it down” because LIFE, but I can say I DIDN’T WANT TO, and looked forward to sneaking a few pages in whenever I could.

Also: Long live the m-dash.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satire filled with humor and action all as the hapless Citizen Orlov tries to do the right thing while the government is faced with revolutionaries and civil war is imminent. A fun adventure but may not be for people who can get annoyed at satires, even though this is well done.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.