The Case of the Linen Pressed Guest

The M.O.D. Files #2

by K.W. Callahan

The Lanigan Hotel is known the world over for its five-star service, its lush amenities, and its prestigious position atop the list of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Since its reconstruction following the Great Chicago Fire, it has hosted world leaders, top names in entertainment, and even royalty. But that doesn’t mean this lauded landmark is immune to murder.In the second installment in the M.O.D. Files series, Robert Haze is back as the jack-of-all-trades manager on duty of Chicago’s world renowned Lanigan Hotel. On a slow day just before Christmas, Robert stumbles across a guest in a place where he shouldn’t be. That’s not uncommon considering Robert’s job often puts him in contact with hundreds of guests each day in the 1800-plus room property…but most of the time, these guests aren’t dead.As Detective John Marino of the Chicago Police Department arrives to handle the case, Robert looks to assist him in whatever way possible to solve what will The Case of the Linen Pressed Guest.

Audible Audio

First published June 18, 2015

Reviews

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lanigan Hotel Manager on Duty Robert Haze responds to a guest’s complaint of a lost “blankey,” he opens the laundry chute, which has been allowed to back up during the holidays because of staffing shortages. He finds the missing blanket belonging to the irate guest’s child, but he also makes a more unpleasant discovery—a dead body. It’s never good publicity for a murder to take place at a hotel, but Haze and the Lanigan are not exactly strangers to homicide, since this is the second novel in the author’s “M.O.D. Series” of murder mysteries.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. The author expands the character of Haze, and also that of the Chicago police detective who returns to investigate this new case. Additionally, the author brings in a strong note of humor, which helps lighten what could be a grim outing. Although the murder and its investigation only take up about half the narrative, the crime is always in the background, and the author uses it to good effect in dropping red herrings and actual clues throughout the book. Even though the focus is not always on the murder, the author presents a compelling narrative about hotel operations, the people who work there and the guests they serve, fascinating in its own right. I sincerely hope the author continues this series, even if the Lanigan runs the risk of gaining the reputation of being a “murder hotel.” On the other hand, if it did, what a great place for a mystery convention, and what a great place to stage a murder. Hmmm…

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up for this book! Very ingenious plot with great characters - reminded me of British detectives. Loved the setting and would like to visit there myself.

[Stacei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting look at the inner workings of a luxury hotel

This was an excellent book. Robert Haze is once again in contact with the police, due to a dead body in the Hotel. Never could have figured out who did it. Was completely surprised.
Was really interesting with regards to what happens in a hotel the guest never sees. I really enjoyed my trip behind the curtain.